Skip to content
Summit Planet Expeditions
1 (31)

Karibu Tanzania

Tanzania Safari & Kilimanjaro Climbs, Guided by the Owners

Safari with Godson. Climb Kilimanjaro with John.

A licensed tour operator in Arusha, owned and run by two Tanzanian guides. Book directly with them.

Karibu

A Tanzania safari and Kilimanjaro company based in Arusha

Two guides, one small company, trips planned around you.

Summit Planet Expeditions is a small Tanzania safari and Kilimanjaro climbing company in Arusha. Most northern safaris and many Kilimanjaro climbs start from this town. The company is owned by two guides. Godson Laizer leads our safaris and John Simon Maeda leads our climbs. When you write to us, you deal with the people who plan your trip.

On safari with Godson

Godson grew up on the slopes of Mount Meru, trained at Mweka Wildlife College and started out as a mountain porter in 1999. Our safaris run from two days in Tarangire and Lake Manyara to twelve days across the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar. You can choose camping, lodges or an all-inclusive luxury trip. Short on time? A Ngorongoro Crater day trip or a Tarangire day trip starts from Arusha. The herds move with the seasons, so read when to visit the Serengeti before you pick dates.

On Kilimanjaro with John

John started on Kilimanjaro as a porter, trained with NOLS in 1999 and has reached the summit more than 275 times. He has guided climbers aged 9 to 86. We run the Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Shira and Northern Circuit routes, in six to nine days. Extra days give your body time to adjust before the night climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. That is why the 8-day Lemosho and the 9-day Northern Circuit suit a first climb. The 4-day Mount Meru climb makes a good warm-up. Our guide on how to train for Kilimanjaro covers the months before.

Climb, then go on safari

Many guests do both: they climb first and then rest on safari, or finish on the beach in Zanzibar. The 10-day Machame climb and safari is built that way. Send us your dates and the kind of trip you have in mind. We will reply with an itinerary and a quote.

A mountain guide and a climber smiling, with the peak of Kilimanjaro behind them

Waanzilishi

Meet the guides who own the company

Portrait of Godson Laizer

Safari guide & co-founder

Godson Laizer

120+
Safaris guided
1999
In the field since
Mweka
Wildlife College trained

Born on the slopes of Mount Meru, Godson grew up surrounded by Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife. He studied guiding at Mweka Wildlife College and is a proud member of the Maasai community.

Plan a safari with Godson
Portrait of John Simon Maeda

Lead mountain guide & founder

John Simon Maeda

275+
Kilimanjaro summits
1999
NOLS trained
20+
Years guiding

Born on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, John began as a porter and trained at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in 1999. He has guided climbers aged 9 to 86 and is certified in Wilderness First Aid.

Climb Kilimanjaro with John

Safari Zetu

Tanzania Safari Packages from Arusha

Three to eight days in the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

Njia za Mlima

Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes & Mount Meru

Lemosho, Machame, Rongai and the Northern Circuit, plus the 4-day Mount Meru climb.

Vivutio

Northern Tanzania, Within Reach of Arusha

Arusha is the starting point for the northern safari circuit. Tarangire is known for its elephants and baobab trees. Lake Manyara lies below the wall of the Rift Valley. The Ngorongoro Crater holds a whole ecosystem inside an extinct volcano, and the Serengeti is where the Great Migration moves through the year. Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru rise on either side of town, and Zanzibar is a short flight away when you want a beach at the end.

Wageni Wetu Wanasema

Reviews from Our Guests

What guests wrote after a safari or a climb with our team.

5.0 / 5 on TripAdvisor

Average of the 10 reviews shown here

Interested in Climbing Kilimanjaro? Go with the best in the business.

“If you want to do something difficult like hiking Kilimanjaro, you should go with the best in the business. John arranged a stellar team to get us safely to the top and had unwavering confidence in our ability to achieve this. He arranged porters, tents, guides, food and everything necessary. And, he cares about the details (safe drinking water, cleanliness, comfortable sleeping arrangements and healthy, delicious food). His team was friendly, energetic and genuine. Based on what we saw from other tours, we feel fortunate that we had the best in the business.”

Jim A

November 2024

Unforgettable safari experience with exceptional guides

“If you're thinking about going on a safari in Tanzania with Summit Planet Expeditions, just do it. Seriously, I can't recommend it enough, especially with Godson as your guide. We did a 3-day safari, and it was hands down one of the best experiences ever.From the moment we landed, everything was taken care of – airport transfer, accommodations, the whole shebang. We kicked things off at Tarangire National Park, then hit up the Ngorongoro Crater, and wrapped up at Lake Manyara. Each spot had its own magic, and Godson made sure we didn't miss a thing.Speaking of Godson, he's the real deal. As a local, he's got this deep knowledge of the parks and the animals, which was a big plus compared to other tour operators. We got super lucky and saw the Big 5 plus a ton of other wildlife. Every time we had a question, Godson had an answer, usually sprinkled with some local culture and stories. Plus, he's just a really friendly guy – always smiling, always ready to help out.On our last day, we met John, Godson's partner, when he joined us for the ride back to the airport. John was just as awesome and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed.Honestly, the whole trip was worth every penny. If you're on the fence about it, just go for it. The experience, the animals, the people – it’s something you'll remember forever. I totally recommend it!”

Cristinela Daraban

August 2024

Kudus to the naturalist/guide

“Godson was one of the best naturalist/guides I’ve ever had lead a trip like this. We wanted to see as many birds and animals as we could in a 7 day trip and Godson did his utmost to find them. Not only did he know where various animals generally lived, but he educated us on details about each one. He is naturally curious and incredibly knowledgeable about almost all aspects of the Serengeti having lived his entire life here. He is also a Maasai tribal member so he could explain much about their lives and lifestyle. I’d gladly take another trip with him!”

john s

July 2024

Superb!

“Utterly superb, great knowledge, care and attention to detail, John is so conscientious. I’ve had the privilege of being on multiple trips with a lot of young students and staff where he excels on each occasion.He loves sharing his extensive knowledge and answering questions on all matters k. Safari. He is as good too with families or couples, looking to ensure you get the best experience possible and memories to cherish.Just fantastic experiences every time!”

jendickie

March 2024

Amazing 3 day safari

“Had an amazing 3 day safari with Godson. He is a brilliant man! Very friendly, funny and knowledgable. He made a lot of effort for me to see as many animals as possible. He was always on time for picking me up in the mornings and always making sure I was happy with my experience. Could not fault him one bit.If you are thinking about going on a safari he is your man. Lots of local knowledge and will go above and beyond to make sure you have a top notch experience. 10/10”

King F

September 2023

Gooson is the number one

“I was in company of Gooson for 7 days around Tanzania and he is so professional and funny without to be nosy or intrusive, thank you for all”

Daniele P

September 2023

Great safari experience

“We had a great safari experience! Godson, the driver, was very experienced and went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great time. Although it was a short trip, we were able to see the big 5 and many other animals. The only one missing in our list is the cheetah, but re promised us that next time he will find one for us”

Joel M

March 2022

Superb leadership and guiding that resulted in a fabulous summit of Killi!

“My friend and I had an amazing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in the safe hands of John Maeda and his crew. He was organised, structured, and kind but firm with all the crew, (and us trekkers!) . His knowledge is second to none, and he was personally responsible for getting me to the top and ‘summiting’ when I was struggling.A true leader of people, John’s standards are high both in terms of ensuring the safety of his treks, and in his expectations of his crew. From the equipment checks, to the informative joviality with which he talks about Kilimanjaro as his ‘office’, and the quiet unassuming way he gets his team involved and organised nothing is left unconsidered. He has a high degree of emotional intelligence, and natural leadership that leads him to intuitively know what each client needs, and to ensure they stay motivated whilst on the trek. Add to this the beauty of John’s ‘office’ Mount Kilimanjaro and you can be assured of an amazing life changing memory.”

Karen M

August 2021

Family Summit

“John was amazing with my whole family for 8 days on Kili- we got all 4 of us up there including my 10 year old. He was very patient, thorough and kind. 100% recommend!”

Curiosity163146

November 2019

One of life’s greatest experiences- climbing Kilimanjaro

“We climbed Kili in a group of 11 people with John Maeda as the leader. It was tough for someone in their 60s like me but wonderful. Summiting at dawn is an experience never to be forgotten. The organization was faultless and John’s leadership truly remarkable with everyone involved in the climb, the guests, the guides, the porters, cooks etc. if climbing Kili is your thing you can’t do better than having John Maeda organise it. Can’t recommend him highly enough. We wish his business every success he deserves it.”

Graeme B

November 2019

“Haraka haraka haina baraka”
Hurry, hurry has no blessing. · Swahili proverb

Maswali

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see the Great Migration?

It depends on where you want to be in the Serengeti. Our month-by-month guide explains it: best times to see the Great Migration.

How many days do I need to climb Kilimanjaro?

Our Kilimanjaro climbs take six to nine days. Longer routes such as the 8-day Lemosho and 9-day Northern Circuit give you more time to adjust to the altitude before summit night.

Can I combine a Kilimanjaro climb with a safari?

Yes. The 10-day Machame climb and safari joins the two, and we can add safari days to any of our climbs.

Do you run day trips from Arusha?

Yes: Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Materuni waterfall and coffee tour, and day hikes on Mount Meru, Mount Longido and Kilimanjaro.

What is the minimum age for children?

Each tour page lists its own minimum age. Our Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru climbs are listed from age 12. Most safaris welcome children from age 5, and some shorter safaris from age 3.

Habari na Ushauri

Tanzania Travel Guides

Practical planning help: when to see the migration, how to train for Kilimanjaro and what a first safari in Tanzania involves.

Wasiliana Nasi

Tell us about your trip

Send us a few details and we’ll reply with ideas and a quote.

Give us an email or a WhatsApp number, whichever you prefer.

Answer with a number. This helps us block automated spam.