Our Story

Achmed and Zainab Phillips, founders of Base Camp Tanzania

The Ideal Combination

Base Camp Tanzania was founded in 1997 by Achmed and Zainab Phillips in Arusha — the main crossroads for all safaris in Tanzania.

Achmed, a British co-founder, trained with a leading British overland company and spent nearly four years working across Africa before settling in Tanzania. Zainab comes from a Tanzanian family with over twenty years in tourism. Together, they created what they call "the ideal combination to ensure a professional, personal, and caring service."

That combination of British operational standards and deep Tanzanian expertise has guided every safari, every climb, and every guest experience for twenty-nine years.

Twenty-Nine Years of Adventure

1997

Achmed and Zainab Phillips establish Base Camp Tanzania in Arusha, offering small-group camping safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs with a personal, caring approach.

Early 2000s

Fleet expanded to custom-fitted Toyota Landcruisers with pop-up roofs, onboard refrigerators, and 220V inverters. Luxury lodge and tented safari options introduced.

2010s

Full route coverage on Kilimanjaro established — Machame, Lemosho, Marangu, Rongai, and Umbwe. Mt Meru and Ol'Doinyo Lengai expeditions added. Southern and western circuit safaris launched.

Today

A TATO-licensed, TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice operator covering all four Tanzanian safari circuits, five Kilimanjaro routes, and Zanzibar extensions. Still family-run. Still personal. Still putting the client first.

What We Stand For

Personal Service

A client is more than a friend to us. Every trip is tailored, every guide is invested, every detail matters. We don't do mass tourism.

Safety First

Licensed, insured, and experienced. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid. Every vehicle carries emergency equipment. Flying doctors coverage included.

Local Expertise

Based in Arusha, at the gateway to Tanzania's northern circuit. Our team lives here, knows the parks intimately, and has relationships with lodges and communities across the country.

Ecologically Friendly

We run ecologically friendly safaris that prioritise both client and environmental interests. Small groups, responsible practices, and respect for the land that sustains us.

Your Safari Vehicle

Every safari runs in custom-fitted Toyota Landcruisers — the most reliable vehicles in East Africa. Designed for small groups of up to 7 passengers, with features built for comfort and wildlife viewing.

Pop-up roof for 360° views

Onboard refrigerator

220V inverter (3-pin plug)

Seats max 7 passengers

Toyota Landcruiser fitted for safari with pop-up roof and viewing equipment

What an unforgettable experience! Our 9-day safari and 3-day hiking trek in Tanzania were organized to absolute perfection from start to finish. Everything ran smoothly and seamlessly. The lodges and camps were all excellent — beautiful, spotless, welcoming, and generous with delicious food. We felt cared for and comfortable every single day.

Hodel O

TripAdvisor Review