MEET OUR pARTNERS
Meet Denise Brown & Robert Tarimo
CO-OWNERS, SABABU SAFARIS
Sababu Safaris is an owner-run boutique safari operator committed to creating unique journeys to Tanzania that change hearts and minds and leave a long-lasting impact on both guests and local communities alike. All safari itineraries are crafted and tailored to the specific month of travel and to your individual travel style, preferences and interests.
Our all-inclusive, private, transformational luxury safaris will take you deep into the isolated wilderness and connect you with the people that call Tanzania home. We unite conservation, communities and sustainable travel by creating unique and impactful experiences that give you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the rich Tanzanian culture few truly get to know and to make a difference at the same time.
Follow Sababu Safaris on INSTAGRAM.
_JPG.jpg)
What does "home" mean to you? How do you strive to make guests feel at home during their stay with Sababu Safaris?
Denise: Home to us is a feeling of belonging. We want you to forge friendships during your visit and feel like you are part of our Sababu family when you return home.
Learn more about Sababu Safaris:
What is the inspiration behind the Sababu Safaris name? What does it translate to?
Denise: Sababu is the Swahili word for "Purpose". It is important to us to always travel with purpose and leave a positive impact on each of our safaris.
What do you believe makes Tanzania a desirable travel destination?
Denise: It has something to offer for everyone. Not only is it one of the world's best wildlife destinations, home to the tallest mountain in Africa and some of the most pristine beaches on the planet, it is also one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.
What has been the most rewarding part about running Sababu Safaris?
Denise: Being able to share our love for the country and its people with guests from all over the world; seeing the smiles on people's faces and knowing that you have opened someone's heart and possibly changed someone's life.
What do you love most about owning Sababu Safaris?
Denise: Dedicating our lives to what we love the most, turning our passion into our profession
Where are you originally from? What brought you to Tanzania? What continues to inspire you about this country?
Denise: I'm originally from Germany and lives in New York. My love of Africa, which I have always had since I was a child, brought me to Tanzania. After my first visit, I utterly fell in love and there was no turning back. Tanzania has become my second home. Like so many people, I came for the animals and wilderness but it is the people of Tanzania that stole my heart.
Robert was born and raised in Tanzania. He has an undeniable passion for wildlife and his country at large. Having the opportunity to show off his country while giving back to the community at the same time has made his lifelong dream come true and given him a sense of purpose.
Is there a piece of advice you give a young person who wants to see our world or make a change?
Denise: Ignore others who might want to discourage you. Listen to that drive deep inside you that doesn't stay quiet, there is a reason something is pulling you. The best thing to do as a young person is to go out there and explore the world. You will automatically become an ambassador and custodian of this planet. Now more than ever do we see how powerful we as global citizens are when we fight together for what is right.
What Global Goal are you most passionate about?
Denise: That is a tough one. Probably #10 - Reduced Inequalities. Because once we achieve equality and prosperity throughout all facets of life across the globe, most other Global Goals will automatically be positively affected by this.
What is your most memorable tour experience?
Denise: One of the most memorable experiences was when we came across a herd of about 70 elephants when were making our way from the Ndutu Plains to the Ngorongoro Highlands. All of a sudden we found ourselves surrounded by them and watched in awe as they, one by one, from the tineiest calf to the matriarch, slowly crossed the road in front of and behind us for about 15-20 minutes while interacting and communicating with each other. I have never felt such energy and I was deeply touched and overwhelmed with emotions long after that...
Sababu Safaris builds sustainability and social impact into each travel experience? What inspired you to make that commitment?
Denise: Many tour operators offer so-called "cultural experiences" but not many of them actually provide any tangible benefits to the local communities or to travelers. Many of these cultural visits are commercialized and exploit the local people, and they do not leave visitors with an authentic experience. Rob has always witnessed this throughout his life and Denise experienced it first hand on her very first safari in Tanzania. We wanted to change that and instead offer authentic experiences that leave a long-lasting impact on local communities and visitors alike.