From Chalkboards to Charging Rhinos: My Journey from Teacher to Safari Guide

My name is Samson Simon, and before I was leading travelers across the Serengeti or guiding adventurers up the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, I stood in front of a chalkboard as a schoolteacher in Arusha.

During those early days, my weekdays were spent teaching, grading papers, and inspiring young minds. But my weekends told a different story—they were reserved for organizing school trips to Tanzania’s nearby national parks. Watching my students’ eyes widen as they caught their first glimpse of elephants grazing or lions prowling left an imprint on me that words alone could never capture. I realized then something profound: I didn’t just want to teach about the wild—I wanted to live it.

So, with a mix of excitement and trepidation, I took a leap of faith. I left the classroom and enrolled in Tourism Studies at the Open University of Tanzania. Three years of intense learning later, I graduated, eager to step into the world I had long dreamed of—but reality hit hard. Breaking into the safari and adventure industry was no easy feat.

Determined to follow my passion, I pivoted. I joined the College of African Wildlife Management in Mweka, undertaking an intensive mountain guiding course. That experience opened the doors to a respected company in Moshi, specializing in Kilimanjaro climbs. Over the years, I summited Kilimanjaro dozens of times, each ascent strengthening my dream of becoming a safari guide and deepening my love for Tanzania’s landscapes.

Eventually, I returned to my hometown of Arusha, landing a role at a small safari company that offered my first real taste of leading guests into the wild. Early on, I noticed that guides who could speak more than English were in high demand. So, I dedicated myself to learning German—self-taught through YouTube tutorials, daily practice, and conversations with native speakers.

That effort paid off. A Dutch-owned safari company recognized my skills and hired me as a German-speaking guide. With them, I explored every corner of Tanzania—from the elephant-filled plains of Tarangire to the wilderness of Ruaha, from the endless savannahs of Serengeti to the remote Selous Game Reserve. I stayed in hundreds of lodges, learned the intricacies of every park, and created lifelong memories for travelers from across the globe.

But my ambitions went beyond guiding. I wanted to empower others, to create opportunities for Tanzanians passionate about tourism, especially women dreaming of careers in this field. That vision gave birth to my own safari company—a venture not just to offer unforgettable experiences but to nurture a new generation of skilled guides. Today, many of my guides are professionals I personally trained, while others are seasoned experts I’ve collaborated with over the years.

Now, I lead a proudly Tanzanian-owned Safari Company, trusted by over 500 travelers worldwide. I know every lodge we recommend, every guide we assign, and I’ve built a team that shares my values, expertise, and deep love for this country. Every trip we organize is immersive, ethical, and unforgettable—because it comes from the heart.

👉 If you’re looking for more than just a safari—if you want a journey guided by experience, passion, and local knowledge—book with us. Let’s turn your African dream into a story you’ll never forget.