We connect travelers with local guides for exciting, ethical travel experiences!
Simba & Spice was started by a small group of Tanzanian and Zanzibari travel guides who worked in tourism for over a decade, witnessing tourism profits going to foreign operating companies while locals delivered all of the ground-level work. Disheartened by animals being crowded on safaris, indigenous people losing their land to make way for luxury hotels, and rural communities isolated from tourists, we thought: “we can do better!”
A Social Enterprise
Simba & Spice Ethical Travel Guides was officially registered in 2019 as a 100% locally owned social enterprise, with a mission to offer high quality travel experiences that respect local communities, cultures and wildlife. Together with our Canadian advisors and Tanzanian community partners, we show travelers the best of northern Tanzania and Zanzibar, while supporting locals along the way!
Meet Our Team
Roger Msangi
Founder & Mainland Operations Director
Born and raised in Tanzania’s Manyara region, Roger knows the country like his own yard. Prior to starting Simba & Spice, Roger studied wildlife in college, earned a diploma in Business Education and then worked for twelve years as a registered tour guide, leading trips from Tanzania’s most popular national parks to remote walking treks through the bush.
Martin Mtami
Zanzibar Field Director & Spice Farm Guide
Martin is an organic farmer, born and raised in the south west of Zanzibar. Raised on a community farm, Martin has always loved nature and takes pride in showing travelers the true way of local life on the island. With a College Diploma in Information and Communication Technology, Martin is now focused on community based tourism. Martin’s favorite part of hosting travelers is taking guests to his community spice farm and teaching them all about the spices native to Zanzibar.
Said Ramadhan
Zanzibar Homestay Coordinator
Said is a native Zanzibari who lives with his family in the quiet fishing village of Kizimkazi. Said has been welcoming travelers for 15 years, earning himself a reputation as kind, relaxed and adaptable. Said’s favorite thing to do with travelers is taking them on ‘dhows’ – traditional sailboats – for snorkeling and seaside picnics. Said is fluent in Spanish!
Feisal Ali
Zanzibar Guide
Feisal has worked in the Zanzibar tourism industry for 15 years, and recently returned from living in Norway. Feisal’s experience and energy is what makes Simba & Spice such a fun travel company. Feisal loves showing travelers the real local places in Zanzibar, and if you get him on the right day, he will cook up a meal of Swahili delicacies for you to enjoy!
Saada Ramadhan
Zanzibar Guide
Saada is from the quiet fishing village of Kizimikazi and is happy to show guests around the town and prepare the best Swahili food! She also facilitates homestay experiences and can help you see Zanzibar life from a female perspective.
Maneno Juma
Head Safari Chef
Maneno has worked with travelers for 13 years and is an expert in bush cooking! He has spent most of his career working on walking safaris, carrying meal supplies up and down the Ngorongoro Highlands. His official certification as a chef is from the Silla College of Cooking, but his real expertise has flourished on safaris.
“Captain Cholo”
Zanzibar Ocean Guide
Captain Cholo is Simba & Spice’s expert on everything related to the sea. Captain Cholo was born and raised in Kizimikazi and for over ten years he has enjoyed taking travelers on tours of the sea where they can buy the catch of the day direct from fishermen, and he will show you how to prepare and cook it in the traditional Swahili way.
Saidi Hamis
Mainland Travel Guide
Saidi loves the remote regions of Northern Tanzania, and is always excited to guide travellers on hiking adventures. His certificate in Tanzanian Tourism has allowed him to work as a knowledgable freelance guide since 2013. In addition to his native language, Saidi is fluent in English and Spanish.
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