Tanzania & us

Who are we?

Originally going to Tanzania on a humanitarian trip to an orphanage in 2015, Zoe, the founder of The Smiling Zebra, never left. Initially employed at an NGO active in the development of women’s roles and the use of solar energy, Zoe found her way into tourism. Following an experience in a Dutch travel agency, she decided to create The Smiling Zebra in 2021.

With 5 years of experience in organizing trips to Tanzania and having lived there for more than 6 years, Zoe has acquired a deep knowledge of the country, its traditions and the most beautiful places to see. Thanks to her fluency in Swahili, she has been able to establish strong links with the local tourist actors and will be able to help and meet you once you are there. Zoe has visited all the parks in the north of Tanzania, as well as climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, and will be able to advise you according to your desires and expectations for your trip.

The rest of the team is composed of Tanzanians living in Arusha. The Smiling Zebra employs guides who speak several languages, in particular French and English. Selected by strict criteria, our guides are all from Tanzania and will each have their own story and that of their country to share with you. The jeeps in our fleet are designed specifically for safaris and to allow optimal observation of the animals in their natural environment.

Why go to Tanzania

Due to its geographical, economic and political location, Tanzania is one of the most popular countries in Africa. With some of the continent’s most beautiful national parks and safaris, the northeast is home to many wild animals, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards). Further west, near the border with Uganda and Lake Victoria, you can go discover the big monkeys in the hills of the rainforest.

If you also want to spend a relaxing vacation, the Zanzibar archipelago, composed of three main islands, is the perfect place to enjoy the beaches and swim in the Indian Ocean. Depending on the time of your stay, you can also observe dolphins, whales and whale sharks. In the evening, you will have the choice between the numerous bars and restaurants on the seafront to go for a drink or to taste fresh fish dishes.

Do you also want to take advantage of your vacation to do some sports and accomplish some challenges? Tanzania offers playgrounds for many sports, including golf, trekking and cycling. But the most popular sporting activity is climbing the Tanzanian peaks. Mount Meru (4565 m) and Kilimanjaro (5895 m) are popular places for trekking. Thanks to their multiple routes, hikers of all levels will find the trail corresponding to their physical level, offering the satisfaction to all of having achieved an exploit!

From an economic and political point of view, Tanzania is one of the most stable countries in Africa. Recent investments in the tourism sector, a sign of a willingness to open up and develop this sector, make this country an idyllic and welcoming destination, in addition to offering security and serenity.