Sababu Safaris

It was Day 8 of a very successful Birding/Migration safari in August of 2017. We set off from Central Serengeti early in the morning since it’s the best time for bird watching, and we were headed to the Northern Serengeti.

It was quite a productive day considering the number of bird species we saw, along with cheetahs, lions, elephants, giraffes and many other different species of wildlife. At around 2:00 PM we decided to make our way to our camp by the Mara River, which was about three hours away.

There were two ways to get to our destination from here – one being a lot busier than the other. After a short discussion with the guests about which route we wanted to take, we democratically chose the less busy road so we could enjoy an evening birding session. We knew that the remaining days on safari were going to be focused on the Great Migration and any potential Mara River crossings.

We took the road of our choice down the lush and green valley, filled with big herds of wildebeest grazing and moving northbound towards the Mara River. Happy and excited we were stopping every now and then to take some photos and to scan the horizon with our binoculars for a predator trying to make a kill.

We happily kept going like this before we ended up stuck in a small seasonal creek that looked like someone had driven through a while ago. I locked the hub and put our land cruiser into four-wheel drive to try to get us unstuck but after a few tries back and forth I knew it was futile. After calling for help on the radio for quite some time I realized that we weren’t in anybody’s line of sight (because we had chosen the road less travelled).

I decided to let the guests stay in the vehicle, and after a short briefing about safety I took a machete, a bottle of water and binoculars, and started walking towards the main road which was about 30 minutes away. A big portion of the walk had very good visibility. Because the grass was short I could see safari vehicles moving up and down the main road, and two of them were parked by the side of the road looking the other way. I froze and slowly raised my binoculars to find out what they were looking at so I could properly assess the situation I found myself in. It was very difficult to tell what they were focused on due to my position down the slope of the valley, so I moved a little further up towards a small piece of woodland. After scanning for any hidden danger with my binoculars, nothing looked life-threatening so I moved in and took cover by the bush near the road.

All of a sudden, I finally spotted what they were looking at: there was a bull elephant on the other side of the road that had picked up my movement! He started coming towards where I was hiding very cautiously. He kept a good distance from the bush I was hiding behind but his eyes were fixated on me. I froze behind the bush hoping there would be no change of wind knowing an elephant’s strong sense of smell and their speed. All I wished at that moment was to turn into Usain Bolt.

The guides and guests in those two safari vehicles were so focused on the elephant, they could not see me in my hideout. But I could see them and the elephant, now only about 10 meters away from me. Thankfully the elephant was starting to relax and pulled a branch off an acacia tree and started munching. I dropped my machete (so I wouldn’t look like a mad man) and took the courage of running towards the closest vehicle. I approached it on the driver side so I could have the car between me and the animal. I introduced myself to the driver – we had actually known each other for years – but he panicked and took off! I bolted toward the other vehicle calling the guide (who I immediately recognized) by his name! “Felix, help me!” He looked at me and screamed “Robert hang onto the side of the vehicle! The elephant is coming!” It took a second, I opened the door and I was inside the vehicle with his two guests, which were all scared and couldn’t believe their eyes. We quickly drove off for safety following the other vehicle that had abandoned me…I told them my story, they towed us out of the mud and we ended up at the camp with a story to tell!

We have had guests who were denied boarding their plane to Tanzania because their passport expired one (!) day before the required 6-month validity. We contacted people at the embassy, at the airline headquarters, and responsible officers at the tourism ministry in Tanzania to convince both the airline and immigration officers to make an exception. The guests were able to enter Tanzania and enjoy their safari!

Sababu Safaris was founded by Denise Brown and Robert Tarimo. It is an owner-run boutique safari company committed to creating unique journeys in Tanzania that change hearts and minds, and leave a long-lasting impact on both guests and local communities alike. We unite conservation, communities and sustainable travel by creating unique and impactful experiences that give you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the rich Tanzanian culture few truly get to know - and to make a difference at the same time. Our goal is to give visitors the opportunity to travel with purpose, hence the name Sababu - the Swahili word for “purpose”.

One of our favorite lodges is Original Maasai Lodge in West Kilimanjaro. It is truly special because it offers an authentic cultural immersion into Maasai life while surrounded by breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Entirely run by Maasai people, the lodge provides a unique opportunity to engage with their traditions, from storytelling and spear throwing to guided nature walks and traditional dancing. With eco-conscious architecture and a deep connection to the land and its people, a stay here is both enriching and impactful—supporting local communities while offering a meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experience.#

Another one of our favorites is Lake Natron Camp - a one-of-a-kind destination set against the dramatic backdrop of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred volcano of the Maasai. Nestled on the edge of the otherworldly Lake Natron, the camp offers front-row access to flamingo breeding grounds and surreal landscapes. What makes it truly special is its blend of raw, untouched nature with thoughtful comfort—allowing guests to experience this remote and mystical part of Tanzania up close, while supporting conservation and community initiatives in the region.

The Ngorongoro Crater and the Ndutu plains are one our favorite parts to show our guests.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in Africa—an ancient volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife and dramatic scenery. Often called the “Garden of Eden,” it offers one of the highest densities of game in Africa, including the Big Five, all within a relatively small and easily navigable area. What makes it truly special is the combination of its breathtaking geological features, the rich diversity of habitats within the crater walls, and the chance to witness wildlife interactions in a setting that feels almost like a natural amphitheater.

Ndutu is a magical part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem, known for its stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife viewing—especially during the calving season of the Great Migration. From December to March, the plains come alive as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife encounters. What makes Ndutu truly special is its blend of open plains, woodland, and seasonal lakes, combined with the rare ability to go off-road for a more intimate and flexible safari experience. It’s a place where nature feels close, raw, and ever-changing.