Our Story
How two worlds came together in the most personal safari experience in East Africa
From a family trip to a company
Simba Tours started the way the best things do — by accident. Allard and Laurene booked a family trip to Tanzania and were introduced to Jonas, a local guide with 20 years of experience and a passion for sharing his country that you simply can't fake.
After the trip, they knew: this is how Tanzania should be experienced. No group buses, no fixed routes, no unnecessary middlemen adding costs without adding value.
Together with Jonas and his son Collin, they founded Simba Tours: a direct collaboration between Dutch travel advisors and Tanzanian guides with deep roots in the country.
Our values
Authentic
We show Tanzania as it really is — not as tourists expect it. From local markets and Maasai villages to untouched savanna.
Honest
Direct collaboration with local experts without middlemen. Fair prices, fair wages for everyone in the chain.
Reliable
Local expertise combined with Dutch transparency. STO Garant certified — your money is always safe.
The team behind Simba Tours
Jonas
Head Guide — 20+ years experience
Jonas was born in northern Tanzania and holds a formal tourism diploma. With more than 20 years of field experience, he has guided thousands of travellers through Tanzania's most stunning parks. He also mentors younger guides, and his expertise spans from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti.
Collin
Operations Manager — Wildlife Tourism
Collin holds a bachelor's in Wildlife Tourism and is passionate about sustainable tourism and conservation. As Jonas's son, he grew up with safaris in his blood. He ensures meticulous trip planning and is the first point of contact if anything goes wrong — which rarely happens.
Allard
Travel Advisor
Allard has a hotel management background and a deep passion for travel. He gives honest, personalised travel advice that truly matches your wishes. He considers Tanzania a place everyone must see at least once in their lifetime.
Laurene
Marketing & Communications
Laurene manages communications and the Simba Tours website. She believes travel is more than activities — it's the people you meet that make a trip truly worthwhile. Tanzania has stolen her heart.
"I love showing people my country. Tanzania is not just the Serengeti — it's the people, the culture, the food. I want everyone to feel that."
— Jonas
"Tanzania gets more beautiful the better you look. My job is to teach you to look — at animals, at people, at the land itself."
— Collin