We love adventure and sharing Tanzania’s beauty with all kinds of travelers. Summit Planet Expeditions was founded by John Simon Maeda, a Lead Mountain Guide and Director, and Godson Laizer, a Professional Mountain and Safari Guide. With many years of guiding experience, we make sure every trip is safe, fun, and unforgettable.
We guide travelers on Kilimanjaro treks, wildlife safaris, and cultural tours. Whether you want to climb Africa’s highest peak, see the Big Five, or discover hidden gems, we are here to guide you.
Born on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, John Simon Maeda is a seasoned Lead Mountain Guide with over 20 years of high-altitude guiding and adventure tourism experience. He began as a porter, later attending the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in 1999, where he developed his professional guiding skills.
John holds certifications in Wildlife, First Aid, and Leave No Trace (LNT).
He has achieved over 275 successful Kilimanjaro summits, guiding climbers from age 9 to 86 years old. His experience extends to leading treks in Zanzibar and arranging safaris in Tanzania’s top national parks.
As an instructor at the Sentinel Outdoor Institute, John has trained hundreds of local guides, porters, and cooks, improving mountain safety and operations across Kilimanjaro. He is also passionate about conservation and has organized multiple Kilimanjaro Clean-Up Expeditions since 2019.
John is certified in Wilderness First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association, and holds a Master Training Instructor Certificate from Reclaim Cooperate. His leadership, positivity, and love for the outdoors continue to inspire adventurers around the world.
Born on the slopes of Mount Meru, Godson Laizer grew up surrounded by Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife. He pursued guiding studies at Mweka Wildlife College after secondary school. A proud member of the Maasai community, Godson is married and a father of three.
Godson began his career in 1999 as a mountain porter, later progressing to a professional mountain and safari guide. He has completed first aid courses, tour leadership training, and professional driving certifications, making him a fully licensed safari driver-guide.
As a safari expert, Godson has led wildlife expeditions in Tanzania’s major parks and trekking trips on Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Zanzibar.
In 2019, he co-founded Summit Planet Expeditions with John Maeda, with the vision of creating a premier adventure travel company in Tanzania.
Godson has guided several well-known personalities on Kilimanjaro, including:
Sir Chris Bonington, Gary Barlow, Kimberley Walsh, Fearne Cotton, Alesha Dixon, Ronan Keating, Chris Moyles
(all for Comic Relief)
With over 150 successful Kilimanjaro summits, Godson brings unmatched expertise and passion to every expedition. He enjoys football, reading, and traveling across East Africa and the United States.
Summit Planet Expeditions is a fully registered and licensed tour company based in Arusha, Tanzania, recognized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. We specialize in delivering unforgettable adventure experiences across Tanzania, offering private and shared safari tours, mountain treks, cultural excursions, and beach holidays.
With years of hands-on field experience, our approach is personal and professional. Every itinerary is carefully crafted and operated by our expert local team — ensuring safety, comfort, and exceptional service from start to finish.
We welcome all types of travelers: individuals, families, honeymooners, groups, and adventure seekers from around the world. Our trips are categorized into:
Budget Safari Packages
Mid-Range Lodge Safaris
Luxury Safari Experiences
At Summit Planet Expeditions, we believe in creating life-changing journeys that not only bring joy to our guests but also support local communities and protect the natural environment we proudly call home.
Not sure where to go or how to begin? Let us help.
At Summit Planet Expeditions, we make planning your perfect safari simple, seamless, and exciting. Whether you’re dreaming of the Great Migration, gorilla trekking, or a beach-and-bush escape, our team will craft a tailor-made experience just for you.
Let us design your dream safari — no cost, no pressure.
