Simba Tours
Travel Stories & Tips
20 years of Tanzania knowledge — straight from our guides.
Serengeti National Park — the complete guide
The Serengeti is Africa's most iconic safari park. Jonas shares everything: the best zones, the Great Migration, when to go, how long to stay — and why this park changes your life.
Ngorongoro or Serengeti — which park do you choose?
Two iconic parks, both incredible — but very different. Collin compares them honestly so you make the right choice.
22 September 2025
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On safari with children — everything you need to know
From what age is a safari suitable? What do you do when the game drive lasts too long? Allard shares his experiences as a father and travel advisor.
30 August 2025
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The best camera for a safari — honest advice
From entry-level to professional — Jonas and Collin give honest advice on which camera works best for wildlife photography.
18 July 2025
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10 essential Zanzibar tips from local experts
The best beaches, hidden restaurants, how to navigate the local market and which excursions are truly worth it.
5 June 2025
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What do you pack for a safari? The ultimate checklist
Khaki versus blue, hard versus soft suitcase, choosing binoculars — everything you need to bring and what you can leave at home.
12 May 2025
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How much does a Tanzania safari cost? — honest overview
From budget to luxury: what determines the price of a Tanzania safari? Allard explains it transparently — including what you really need and what is optional.
18 February 2026
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Your first safari — 15 tips from an experienced guide
Jonas shares 15 essential tips for your first Tanzania safari. From the best seat in the vehicle to why your phone belongs in your pocket.
1 May 2026
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Wildlife beyond the Big Five — Tanzania's hidden splendour
Cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, flamingos and more. Collin shows what Tanzania has to offer beyond the classic Big Five.
5 April 2026
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Tanzania vaccinations & health — what you really need to know
Which vaccines, malaria medication and travel pharmacy do you need for Tanzania? Allard gives practical and honest advice after 15 years of experience.
10 March 2026
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Best time to visit Tanzania — honest advice per month
There is no bad time for Tanzania. But there are better moments for your specific wishes. Jonas explains it, month by month.
20 January 2026
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Private safari vs group tour — what suits you?
Collin worked 15 years in both worlds. Here is his honest comparison — including the moments when a group tour actually is the right choice.
20 April 2026
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Stone Town Zanzibar — the complete guide from a local
The Forodhani night market, Freddie Mercury's birthplace, the best coffee and how to walk the alleyways. Jonas shares what he rarely tells tourists.
25 March 2026
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Ngorongoro Crater — the complete travel guide
Jonas tells all about the crater after 20 years of experience: when to go, how to spot the rhino and why January is his favourite.
15 March 2026
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Tarangire National Park — the hidden gem of Tanzania
More elephants than the Serengeti, iconic baobabs and almost no tourists. Collin explains why Tarangire is his secret favourite.
20 February 2026
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Food & Drink in Tanzania — what must you try?
From Ugali to Zanzibar pizza: Collin honestly tells what you eat and drink in Tanzania — including tips for vegetarians and what to skip.
1 May 2026
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Tanzania Safari Packing List — what do you bring?
After hundreds of safaris Jonas knows exactly what you need — and what to leave at home. The honest packing list from a professional.
10 April 2026
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Zanzibar: when is the best time?
There is no bad time for Zanzibar — but there are certainly better periods. Allard gives honest advice per month.
28 April 2026
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Tanzania safari accommodation — which suits you?
Tented camp, lodge or budget camping? Allard explains which accommodation suits you — with honest pros and cons per category.
6 May 2026
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Ruaha National Park — Tanzania's best kept secret
Ruaha is Tanzania's largest park but receives only 5% of its visitors. Collin explains why this could be your best decision if you seek a true wilderness experience.
4 May 2026
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Lake Manyara — Tanzania's most underrated park
Tree-climbing lions, flamingos as far as the eye can see and dense forest full of elephants. Jonas explains why Lake Manyara should never be missing from your itinerary.
28 January 2026
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Climbing Kilimanjaro — everything you need to know
Climb the highest mountain in Africa without technical climbing experience? Possible. Jonas explains which route, how many days and how to prepare for 5,895m.
10 January 2026
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Walking safari Tanzania — experiencing Africa on foot
A game drive is great, but a walking safari is unforgettable. Jonas explains what to expect, which parks are best, and why it forever changes your view of safari.
15 April 2026
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Spotting the Big Five in Tanzania — the honest guide
Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo. Jonas shares 20 years of field experience: where to spot each animal best, at what time of day — and why the Big Five are actually more than a checklist.
10 March 2026
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Tanzania honeymoon — tips for the perfect romantic adventure
Tanzania may well be the most beautiful honeymoon destination in the world. Allard guides dozens of couples each year and shares his most honest tips: the combination that works, the lodges that make the difference and the pitfalls to avoid.
5 April 2026
Read →Snorkelling and diving in Zanzibar — the complete guide
Zanzibar has one of the richest underwater worlds of the Indian Ocean. Jonas explains where the best snorkelling and diving spots are — from Mnemba Atoll to whale sharks at Mafia Island.
8 February 2026
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Serengeti balloon safari — is it worth it?
A balloon over the Serengeti: it is expensive, it starts in the dark and it only lasts an hour. But it is also the most spectacular thing you will ever see from the air. Jonas gives his honest verdict.
22 March 2026
Read →Maasai culture in Tanzania — what is real, what is tourism?
Visiting a Maasai boma sounds like an authentic experience. But not every visit is that. Allard explains how to recognise the difference — and how to organise it well for a genuine connection.
25 April 2026
Read →Nyerere National Park — Tanzania's forgotten wilderness frontier
Nyerere (formerly Selous) is the largest wildlife reserve in Africa — bigger than Switzerland. Collin explains why this park is different from everything you encounter in northern Tanzania.
2 May 2026
Read →Arusha Tanzania — what you need to know before your safari starts
Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania and the starting point for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. Allard explains why you should spend more than one night there.
1 February 2026
Read →Spotting cheetah in Tanzania — the complete guide
A cheetah chasing a wildebeest calf across the Serengeti plains — the most breathtaking three seconds in nature. Jonas explains how, when and where you have the best chance.
28 March 2026
Read →Safari in the rainy season — honest advice from a guide
The rainy season has a bad reputation — but not always deservedly so. Collin explains when a rainy season safari is actually the smartest choice, what the real risks are and how to prepare.
15 January 2026
Read →Ndutu during calving season — the hidden pearl of the Serengeti
In January and February the greatest wildlife spectacle in Africa takes place not at the famous river crossings — but in the quiet Ndutu in the south of the Serengeti.
5 January 2026
Read →Solo travel to Tanzania — honest advice for the solo traveller
Tanzania as a solo traveller: is it safe, is it lonely, how much more does it cost? Allard answers all questions honestly and completely.
18 April 2026
Read →The Tanzania Northern Circuit — how to plan the best safari route?
Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara. Collin explains in which order to visit them, how long to spend in each park and what not to miss.
25 February 2026
Read →Tanzania travel insurance — what do you really need?
A medical evacuation from the Serengeti costs between €15,000 and €40,000. Without proper insurance you pay that bill yourself. Allard explains the minimum coverage.
1 May 2026
Read →Photographing Tanzania — Jonas' complete guide to unforgettable safari photos
After 20 years of game drives Jonas knows exactly what produces the best photos. The light, the patience and knowing when to put the camera down.
20 April 2026
Read →Kenya vs Tanzania safari — an honest comparison
Both countries share the Great Migration. But Kenya and Tanzania are fundamentally different as safari destinations. Collin honestly explains when to choose which country.
12 April 2026
Read →What to expect on a Tanzania safari — the honest guide
No glossy brochures — Collin tells you what a day on safari really looks like. From 5:30 wake-up to the evening stars. What you see, what you don't, and how to prepare.
6 May 2026
Read →Tanzania safari lodges — which type of accommodation suits you?
From a simple tented camp at €100 per night to an ultra-luxury lodge at €2,000+. Allard explains what to expect — and what makes the extras truly worthwhile.
28 April 2026
Read →Zanzibar activities — more than just beach and sun
Zanzibar is a world destination in itself. Jonas — who grew up here — shares his favourite activities: from the spice markets of Stone Town to night diving at Mnemba Atoll.
22 April 2026
Read →Swahili for safari — 40 words that transform your Tanzania trip
You don't need to be a language genius. But when you say "asante sana" with a smile, it changes the way Tanzania responds to you. Jonas shares the 40 words that truly matter.
3 May 2026
Read →Serengeti zones — which zone suits your travel date?
The Serengeti is 14,763 km² large. Jonas explains which zone is best when — and why the choice of zone makes the difference between a good and unforgettable safari.
15 April 2026
Read →Tanzania safari for seniors — why age is no barrier
Our oldest guest was 84. He was the one who cried hardest at the farewell. Allard explains how a Tanzania safari works for seniors — and what to approach differently.
10 April 2026
Read →Spotting leopards in Tanzania — an honest guide from a guide
The leopard is the hardest Big Five animal to spot. Jonas has seen hundreds — and the drives where they stayed invisible. Here's what actually works.
18 April 2026
Read →Tanzania budget safari — smarter travel without skimping on experience
A Tanzania safari doesn't have to cost €5,000+. Allard knows all the tricks — and the pitfalls. Here's where you can save without regret.
5 April 2026
Read →Malaria in Tanzania — what you really need to know before your safari
Malaria is real in Tanzania, but very manageable. Allard discusses the options, side effects, and misconceptions.
28 March 2026
Read →Flights to Tanzania — routes, airlines and when to book
From Amsterdam to the Serengeti: which route, which airline is best, and when do you book for the lowest price? Allard gives his honest analysis.
20 March 2026
Read →Lion behaviour on safari — what you really see and what it means
Lions sleep 20 hours a day — but what do they do in the other 4? Jonas has observed lions for 15 years and explains every gesture.
14 March 2026
Read →Zanzibar Spice Tour — what you see, smell and taste on the spice island
Zanzibar was called "the Spice Island" — for good reason. Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper. Jonas took the best tour and tells you honestly which one is worth it.
7 March 2026
Read →Getting around Zanzibar — daladala, bajaj, taxi and the ferry to the island
On Zanzibar you travel by daladala (minibus), bajaj (three-wheeler) or taxi. Jonas explains what everything costs and when to take which transport.
28 February 2026
Read →Tanzania souvenirs — what is really worth it (and what isn't)
Kitenge fabric, Tingatinga art, Maasai jewellery — Tanzania has beautiful craftsmanship. Collin explains what is genuinely handmade, where you pay a fair price, and what to avoid.
21 February 2026
Read →Camping in the Serengeti — the honest guide to tents and stars
Waking up to the sounds of the Serengeti around you. It's possible — but you need to know what you're choosing. Jonas compares public campsites, special campsites and tented camps.
14 February 2026
Read →Internet and SIM card in Tanzania — what actually works?
In the Serengeti there is deliberately no signal — and that's exactly right. Allard explains which SIM card you need, where to buy it and when to simply put your phone away.
7 February 2026
Read →Hippos in Tanzania — the most dangerous animal you underestimate
The hippo kills more people in Africa than lions, crocodiles and leopards combined. Jonas explains why this animal is so dangerous — and where you can see them safely.
31 January 2026
Read →Sunrise in the Serengeti — why you need to be up early
At 5:55 Jonas wakes up. Not from an alarm — but because he knows what's coming. The golden quarter hour between 6:15 and 6:30 is the most beautiful moment of the day.
24 January 2026
Read →Elephants in Tanzania — the biggest animal on the biggest stage
Tarangire has the highest elephant density in Africa. Jonas — who has been driving here for over 20 years — explains why this animal never bores him.
17 January 2026
Read →Bird watching in Tanzania — why this country is worth it even without the Big Five
Tanzania has more than 1,000 bird species. Collin — who accompanies his father Jonas on safari but has meanwhile found his own speciality — shares his favourites.
10 January 2026
Read →Money and payments in Tanzania — how to arrange it smartly
How much cash should you bring? Does your debit card work? And how much tip is normal for your guide? Allard explains it step by step.
3 January 2026
Read →Wildebeest in Tanzania — the ugly animal that rules everything
Guests always ask: "Why do you find wildebeest so interesting? They don't look like much?" Jonas has one answer: come with me. Then you'll understand.
27 December 2025
Read →Giraffes in Tanzania — the silent wonder of the savannah
A giraffe drinks by spreading its forelegs — a moment of total vulnerability. Collin explains why this is the most dangerous moment in the life of the tallest animal on earth.
20 December 2025
Read →Night safari Tanzania — the world most tourists never see
As soon as it gets dark, the lions start hunting. The aardvark emerges from its burrow. The serval creeps through the grass. Collin explains what happens after the day safari ends.
13 December 2025
Read →Zebras in Tanzania — the animal nobody forgets but everyone underestimates
Guests mention zebras as a bonus — they want the lion or the leopard. But Jonas always stops for a zebra group. Because when you look carefully, you finally understand how intelligent this animal is.
6 December 2025
Read →Nile crocodiles in Tanzania — living dinosaurs in the water
The Nile crocodile is 200 million years old and barely changed. Every summer they wait at the Grumeti and Mara rivers for the migration. Jonas describes what really happens then.
29 November 2025
Read →Tanzania by month — the honest calendar for your safari
Every month has something special. Allard — who has experienced every season in Tanzania — honestly explains month by month what to expect.
22 November 2025
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