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We are a small Tanzanian-Canadian family tour operator, based in Arusha region, in Tanzania. We make dreams come true… Like actually! Tell us your desires and we shall create the best itinerary for you. Let us be your reference for all your adventures in Tanzania!
There’s a word you’ll hear a lot in East Africa, “Karibu.” Karibu in Swahili means welcome, but it’s so much more than that. It symbolizes African hospitality as a way of life, not just a formality. Africa is our home, we love it here, and for that reason we are proud and happy to invite you to experience its beauty.
We started Rustic Safari in order to provide more people with the opportunity to visit East Africa and see all it has to offer. We’re dedicated to designing unique, off-the-beaten-path safaris so you can get the most out of your adventure. So Karibu, welcome home.
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Whether you are individuals or tourism professionals, your satisfaction is at the heart of our concerns. We put all our know-how into developing and carrying out your tailor-made trip.
Before, during and after your trip, we are here to inspire you, accompany you and listen to you. At all times, you benefit from personal support from our entire team.
Our ultimate goal is to make your stay unique, authentic and in your image by favoring human contact, the discovery of the very essence of flora and fauna as well as local populations.
We pay particular attention to the choices of our partners. We ensure the involvement and integration of local communities and financially support a primary school in the Arusha region.
Sylvester was an excellent guide! He knew all the best spots and we saw it all! Also had some good jokes and interesting insights into the history and biology of everywhere we went. The food was good they were eager to offer a beer or more food. Exceeded all expectations!
Nigel – Vancouver, Canada.
EXCELLENT Based on 72 reviews Posted on theglobalsistahVerified A Magical African Safari Experience! A safari in Tanzania had always been a dream, but nothing could have prepared me for the magic of experiencing it with Rustic Safari. From the very first conversation to the final moments of the journey, every step was seamless, thoughtful, and beautifully executed. As a solo traveler, feeling safe, supported, and cared for was essential—and Rustic Safari exceeded every expectation. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and constant presence created a deep sense of security that allowed me to relax and immerse myself in the experience fully.They transformed my vision—trip length, lodging, and personal goals—into an unforgettable adventure. The lodging selections were incredibly unique and stunning, each one offering its own sense of place, beauty, and connection to the surrounding landscape. From intimate camps to breathtaking settings, every stay felt carefully chosen and truly special.The range of experiences Rustic Safari curated allowed me to witness an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. I was fortunate to see the Big Five, along with an incredible array of birds and primates, and to experience Tanzania’s ecosystems in all their richness and variety. My guide’s deep knowledge, warmth, and passion for the land and its wildlife brought each day to life in ways I will never forget.Pure magic. This journey has forever deepened my connection to Tanzania, and I already know I will return. Thank you, Rustic Safari, for creating an experience that was not only unforgettable but deeply meaningful and beautifully crafted from start to finish.Posted on Leland LVerified Consistently Outstanding—Another Incredible Safari with Rustic Safari This was not my first safari with Rustic Safari, and once again, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. I first traveled with them years ago to Serengeti National Park, and I was so impressed by their professionalism, warmth, and deep local knowledge that I didn’t hesitate to book with them again; this time for a full-day trip to Arusha National Park.The trip was thoughtfully organized by Sylvester, the founder of Rustic Safari. His attention to detail and commitment to making sure everything ran smoothly really stood out. On the ground, our guide Lorry was outstanding! He was knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly skilled at spotting wildlife. Thanks to him, we had amazing sightings: black and white colobus monkeys quietly munching leaves, giraffes stretching toward the treetops, a whole troop of elephants moving quietly through the bush, quick-footed dik-diks, warthogs bustling along the path, and several herds of cape buffalo.Rustic Safari is a family-run, Tanzanian-owned company, and that makes a big difference. Their safaris feel personal, authentic, and deeply respectful of both the environment and local culture. They don’t just show you the wildlife, they help you connect with the landscape and people in a meaningful way.If you’re looking for a safari that blends heart, professionalism, and local expertise, I wholeheartedly recommend Rustic Safari. I’ve trusted them with some of my most memorable adventures in Tanzania, and I’ll continue to do so.Asante sana to Sylvester, Lorry, and the whole Rustic Safari team. Tutaonana tena!Posted on MarcelVerified Local safari company with great choice of accommodation and top staff We got Rustic recommended through a Tanzanian. The trip planning was done in advance via email and it was very individualized to our wishes, as we had planned the trip on some days as a threesome and some days as a foursome. The contact was very friendly. We were then picked up at the airport and from there we had an impressive trip that left nothing to be desired. The driver and guide Christian was very accommodating and took wonderful care of our concerns and wishes. In addition, he was a very good and safe driver. The booked accommodations we knew before only through the homepage, but they more than exceeded our expectations! High praise for the great selection! All accommodations can be highly recommended. We would book at our next safari immediately again with Rustic. In particular, we like the fact that it is a small, locally run company and that it allowed us to build a personal relationship very quickly.Posted on epikur-leVerified Simply the best We had such a great safari in the Ndutu area, organized by Rustic Safari. A sensational guide who really knew everything about the animal world and migration. He had a fantastic feel for situations, for example we witnessed the birth of a wildebeest baby live. Everything was perfectly organized, friendly and very service-oriented. A clear recommendation!Posted on Daydream57033943098Verified A Safari full of WOW Before my departure I did not know what I was getting into, I knew I was going to see animals in the Savannah without more.What was my surprise when I got out of the plane, the care by the Rustic Safari team "Laurence" very friendly.Afterwards, we met Sylvester, our guide with a thousand smiles and the adventure began. In a short time we had a nice relationship with him, the lodges and routes chosen were perfect, we enjoyed the staff and cleanliness of the place.A fantastic trip and human experience with Rustic Safari. Thank you for the personalized experienceMario RoyPosted on Natalie TVerified A company that stands out for its authenticity, humanity, listening, efficiency WOW I joined a couple of friends for the safari. They had already chosen Rustic safari so I didn’t ask questions or read too much about this company or the proposed itinerary. I trusted and kept the surprise. What an incredible journey it was! Beyond the perfect itinerary, it was especially the human aspect that marked me especially the concern of Sylvester, our guide and co-owner of Rustic Safari, to ensure that each of us lived our dream in total pleasure and absolute happiness. My friends arrived 1 day later than expected. Sylvester and his team reacted quickly to make the changes to the itinerary so that I could start the safari and not waste my time. They also made sure to organize everything for my friends (transfer etc) Sylvester also showed listening and adjusted remarkably to our situation. My friends lost their luggage including items to facilitate the movement of my friend who is a person with reduced mobility. Sylvester once again reacted perfectly by finding solutions and reassuring her. He's done everything with his team to find them. It has also adapted to our more relaxed pace allowing everyone to appreciate the beauty of Africa. Pole pole 😁 It brought a touch of lightness helping us realize that everything was “Acuna matata”. He was part of our madness. We laughed a lot, his Quebec accent helping! He answered all our questions patiently even though he had to repeat the same answers over the years of safari. He is passionate and has a real love for his country, his company and his team, safari, animals, his people etc. Rustic Safari is aptly named because authenticity is at the heart of this company. Do you want to meet Tanzania? His people? Her beauty? Live a dream safari without hassle? You are in good hands with Sylvester and his team. I am sincerely convinced that Rustic safari will be at your disposal to accompany you on this trip of a lifetime! This meeting touched my heart. Even after a few weeks back in Canada, I still carry that connection with me. Don’t wait any longer! We have a life to live and this one, believe me, will be more beautiful after living Africa with Rustic safari of course 😁Posted on Lina LVerified The trip of a lifetime I read all the recommendations on Rustic Safari, they are all right. What more to say if not to repeat!!!Little story: I am a person with reduced mobility, my luggage arrived 4 days after me so all my mobility aids were not there. Sylvestre made me forget this concern and even make this experience memorable. He adapted our trip perfectly for us. Plus with a very charming Quebec accent.What we experienced in Tanzania will be etched in my heart forever.As they say over there: Pole Pole...A friend told me: there is no chance, that dates...well, it was a date with Tanzania, with an extraordinary people and incredible animals, all thanks to Sylvester of Rustic Safari, a guide listening to his customers, now a friend...A thousand thanks/I read all the positive reviews about Rustic Safari, and they are all right. What more can I say otherwise repeat!!!A little story: I am a person with reduced mobility, and my luggage arrived 4 days after me, so all my mobility aids were not there. Sylvestre managed to make me forget about this issue and even made this experience memorable. He perfectly adapted our journey for us. In addition, with a very charming Quebecois accent. What we experienced in Tanzania will be engraved in my heart forever.As they say there: Pole Pole...A day, a friend told me: there are no coincidences, only appointments... well, it was an appointment with Tanzania, with extraordinary people and incredible animals. Thanks to Sylvestre from Rustic Safari, a guide who listens to his clients, now a friend... A thousand thanksPosted on LauraMVerified Exceptional! Hard to put into words - I loved this trip. I loved the culture of Tanzania and that we got to experience it with guided walks by locals. We also had the most amazing experience in Arusha National park, Serengeti and Tarangire. We had amazing guides that were so knowledgeable about the wildlife and put us in amazing viewing positions for an unbelievable experience. I have a longing to go back already - not common for me. Rustic safari has such a great team beginning with setting up our tour, answering all our travel questions to an unbelievable Safari experience and then more. Thank you!!! I hope to be back.Posted on DrDrewWEVerified 7 Stars for Rustic Safari! 6 Stars! No 7 Stars for Rustic Safari. Our 10 day excursion was beyond all expectations. The guides were knowledgeable, hospitable, engaged with us and all our questions, committed to insuring we had the best possible experience and phenomenal at bringing local guides for all the side tours that they arranged. Even the connections that gave us outside of Rustic Safari were top knotch. I didn't need to concern myself about how or when any element of the safari was going to come to fruition; day after day I was astounded with the carefree way a spectacular holiday came together. Thank you Sylvester, Joelle, Peter, Moody, Simon, Fulgance and the rest of our esteemed team for making this the most memorable holiday ever.