About Us
About Bush Lion Tours
Our Story
Bush Lion Tours was founded in 2019 with a passion for sharing the beauty of Tanzania with the world. From the lush Serengeti plains to the towering heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, we aim to bring you closer to nature, culture, and unforgettable adventures. Over the years, we’ve grown into a trusted tour operator, creating unique safari experiences and mountain climbing adventures for travelers from all walks of life.
Our journey began with a small team of local experts who deeply understood Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture. Today, we are proud to be a part of countless memories shared by travelers who have explored our beautiful country through our services.
What We Offer
At Bush Lion Tours, we focus on providing personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. We specialize in: Wildlife safaris to iconic national parks such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions with safety and comfort in mind, Cultural tours where you can interact with local communities and learn about their traditions, Affordable and tailor-made itineraries, including group climbs and private tours.
Bush Lion Tours
why book with us
#1 Reason – Our Great Team
Our guides, porters, and cooks are the heart of Bush Lion Trekking and Tours. They make every climb special and memorable.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Our guides know the Kilimanjaro routes, animals, and plants. They share interesting stories, keep you safe, and motivate you every step of the way.
- Hardworking Porters: Our porters carry heavy loads, set up camps, and always have a smile. They make your trek stress-free and enjoyable.
- Skilled Cooks: Our cooks prepare tasty meals even on the mountain. They can adjust to your dietary needs and make mealtimes enjoyable.
#2 Reason – Our Honesty
We believe in honesty and giving you clear and true information about your adventure.
- Accurate Details: We share real and updated information about the trek, so you know what to expect.
- Candid Advice: We recommend the best options based on your fitness and preferences.
- Open Communication: We are always available to answer your questions before, during, and after the trip.
#3 Other Reasons to Book with Us
- Safety First: Your safety is our priority. Our team is trained in first aid, and we have strong safety plans to handle emergencies.
- Sustainable Tourism: We care for the environment and the community. By booking with us, you help protect Tanzania’s nature and support local people.
- Complete Services: From airport transfers to equipment rental, we handle all details so you can enjoy your trip worry-free.
Our Performance
Since our founding, we’ve successfully served travelers from across the globe, earning a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and warm hospitality. Our team is made up of experienced guides, skilled cooks, and dedicated porters who work together to make every trip seamless and enjoyable. We pride ourselves on our high customer satisfaction rates, with many of our clients returning for more adventures and recommending us to their friends and families.
Our Mission
At Bush Lion Tours, our mission is to inspire travelers to connect with nature and experience the magic of Tanzania. We are committed to providing sustainable and responsible travel options while supporting local communities and preserving the environment.
Our Vision
We strive to be the leading tour operator in Tanzania, known for offering authentic, safe, and enriching experiences. Our vision is to share the beauty of our country with the world while creating meaningful connections between people and places.
Our Values
- Integrity: We operate with honesty and transparency, ensuring our clients feel valued and respected.
- Excellence: We continually strive to deliver exceptional services and unforgettable experiences.
- Sustainability: We promote eco-friendly practices and support conservation efforts to protect Tanzania’s natural heritage.
- Community: We work closely with local communities, creating opportunities and promoting cultural exchange.
Meet the Bush Lion Tours Team
At Bush Lion Tours, we are proud of our exceptional team, made up of passionate and experienced professionals dedicated to making your adventure safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Each member of our team—from mountain guides to safari experts—plays a vital role in ensuring your trip is a success. Let us introduce you to the people who make your journey extraordinary.
Mountain Guides
Our mountain guides are true experts with a deep knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro. Every guide is Wilderness First Responder Certified and trained in handling high-altitude conditions, including High Altitude Cerebral Edema, Pulmonary Edema, and Acute Mountain Sickness. With most of our guides having summited Kilimanjaro over 100 times, you can trust their skills and leadership.
Our lead guides are responsible for organizing the porters, chefs, and, most importantly, ensuring your safety. They set the pace for the climb, often saying “pole, pole” (Swahili for “slowly”) to help you adjust to the altitude. All our guides are registered with Kilimanjaro National Park, speak fluent English, and are experts in mountain safety, history, and the flora and fauna of the region.
With Bush Lion Tours, you’ll climb in small groups, allowing for more personalized attention and better safety monitoring. This ensures higher success rates for our climbers and a richer overall experience.
Safari Guides
Our safari guides are highly experienced professionals who have spent years exploring Tanzania’s game parks. Many of them have formal training in wildlife biology and conservation, and all are licensed experts. They share their deep knowledge of Tanzania’s ecosystems, pointing out the finest details that will enrich your safari experience.
From spotting elusive leopards in the Serengeti to explaining the behavior of elephants in Tarangire, our safari guides ensure every moment of your journey is unforgettable.
Porters
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging experience, and our porters are here to make it as smooth as possible. They carry your personal gear, as well as all the equipment needed for tents, cooking, and medical supplies. This allows you to focus entirely on climbing.
Our porters are the backbone of every trek, and we are proud of their dedication and strength. They work hard to ensure each campsite is ready for your arrival, making your climb as comfortable as possible.
Chefs
At Bush Lion Tours, we believe food is an essential part of any adventure. Our chefs prepare delicious meals to keep you energized, healthy, and happy throughout your journey. On Kilimanjaro, they ensure you receive the proper caloric intake and hydration needed to reach the summit successfully.
We cater to all dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Let us know your dietary needs when booking, and we’ll make sure you eat well on the mountain or during your safari.
Our Commitment to Social Sustainability
We believe in treating our guides and porters with fairness and respect. At Bush Lion Tours, we go above and beyond to ensure their welfare. Here’s how we support our incredible team:
- Fair Wages: We pay above the minimum wage agreed upon by the porters’ unions and ensure all salaries are paid within two days of descent.
- Reasonable Loads: Porters carry no more than 33 lbs (15 kg) of company weight, ensuring their health and well-being.
- Nutritious Meals: We provide three filling and nutritious meals per day for every porter.
- Quality Equipment: Our porters are supplied with good-quality tents, ground sheets, and other essentials for their comfort.
- Medical Assistance: If a porter becomes ill, we assist with their descent and provide the necessary medical care.
- No Bribes or Tip Theft: We have strict policies against bribery (jembe) and tip theft (kirunje). All tips go directly to the porters as intended.
At Bush Lion Tours, we believe that happy, well-treated staff leads to happy, satisfied clients. Our team is passionate about what they do, and we are confident that their enthusiasm will make your experience with us truly special. Let us guide you on an adventure of a lifetime!
Safety and Experience
At Bush Lion Tours, your safety is our top priority. Our team of experienced guides is trained to handle all aspects of your journey, ensuring you feel secure and well cared for at every step. From expertly maintained vehicles to well-prepared climbing gear, we leave nothing to chance.
We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of Tanzania’s attractions, culture, and wildlife. This expertise allows us to provide you with an enriching and educational experience that goes beyond sightseeing.
Let Bush Lion Tours be your guide to the wonders of Tanzania. Join us, and let’s create memories that will last a lifetime!
What They Say About Us
EXCELLENT Based on 44 reviews Bennett R2024-12-10Verified A Life-Changing Kilimanjaro Trek on the Lemosho Route We had an incredible time trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route in Tanzania. I highly recommend this route as it offers the best chances of reaching the summit and provides amazing views throughout the hike.The guides and porters were professional, friendly, and very experienced. They took great care of us, ensuring we were always comfortable, well-fed, and in good health.Along the way, we learned a lot from the team including some Swahili phrases and local songs. They made the entire journey fun and memorable.The summit night was challenging, especially with the darkness and cold temperatures, but we both made it to the top. This success was made possible by our amazing crew.A big thank you to Senior Guide Elisafi and the entire team for making this experience unforgettable! Manuela J2024-11-24Verified Amazing Safari & Relaxation We booked a safari through Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, finishing with a relaxing stay in Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, we met our driver, John, who made the whole experience unforgettable.John is an incredible person with a true love for nature and culture. He made us feel like we were traveling together as a team, always going the extra mile to make our dream trip come true. The communication with Bush Lion Tours was excellent, ensuring everything ran smoothly.If you want a perfect, fully organised trip with a friendly, enthusiastic guide, ask for John! This is a trip we will never forget. Paisley N2024-11-18Verified Highly Recommend Bush Lion for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro I wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro using the 7-day Machame route. I contacted many top agencies, but Bush Lion, owned by Jackson, gave me the best price and was super responsive.Before the climb, Jackson and my guide Innocent met me at my hotel. They checked my gear and gave me a full briefing on what to expect. Innocent, along with the cook and the porters, played a huge role in helping me get to the top of Uhuru Peak and back safely. Every day, I had delicious meals, and Innocent always made sure to check my health and oxygen levels before bed.The porters went above and beyond. After setting up camp, they would walk back hours to carry my small bag while I was still on the trail. When I was coming down from the peak, they even climbed up to greet me with fresh juice and helped carry me for the last part of the descent because my knees were hurting.I’m really grateful for all their support. Their main goal is to make sure clients reach the summit safely and successfully. Léontine S2024-11-09Verified An Unforgettable 4-Day Safari in Tanzania We went on a 4-day safari in October 2024, visiting some of Tanzania's most famous parks like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National. The safari was perfectly organized by Bush Lion Tours, and they made sure everything was exactly as we wanted.Every part of the safari exceeded our expectations, from the knowledgeable guides to the excellent lodges we stayed in. The service was outstanding, and we felt well taken care of throughout the trip.We highly recommend Bush Lion Tours for anyone looking to experience a truly amazing safari in Tanzania. They made our trip unforgettable! Rudolph K2024-11-01Verified Bush Lion Tours was amazing! Bush Lion Tours was amazing! The gear was great, the guides were fun and made us feel safe, and the food was a pleasant surprise. We had a fantastic time and felt well taken care of. I highly recommend Bush Lion Tours definitely a 10/10! Ginevra V2024-10-22Verified Very good guides, nice crew - amazing experience My friend and I were in a joint group (8 people in total). Everyone made it to the top. Our guides Kenny, Innocent, Shafii and Emmanuel were extremely experienced, helpful and supportive throughout our trip. The whole group definitely felt like family. The porters were incredible throughout the 7 days and extremely helpful on summit day. The food was great (thanks to the chef!) I 100% recommend Bush Lion Tours for your Kili trip! Jörg E2024-10-19Verified Unforgettable Adventure on Kilimanjaro! My partner and I had an incredible experience trekking Kilimanjaro with Bush Lion Tours in July 2024. From the first time we reached out to Jackson to book our 8-day Lemosho trek, everything was fantastic.Jackson suggested the perfect route for us, and the views were breathtaking. We had plenty of time to acclimatize, which made a big difference. The crew was very skilled and supportive, always ensuring we were safe and healthy. They checked on us twice a day and made sure we had enough food—delicious meals like eggs, bacon, sausages, fruit, rice, and potatoes.We enjoyed hiking through various climate zones, and the guides set a slow, steady pace to help us adjust to the altitude. Thanks to their help, we both made it to the summit!Our tent was waterproof and came with cozy sleeping bags. A big thank you to the entire Bush Lion Tours team for making this trip so special. They are truly amazing! Ximena M2024-10-15Verified Fantastic Safari Service I and my friends wanted to go on a 4-day safari, but we had very limited time and specific destinations on our bucket list. Bush Lion Tours was the only company able to meet our needs, offering highly reasonable prices. They went above and beyond to tailor the experience exactly as we wanted! The tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and very accommodating. We enjoyed every minute of the safari, and the unforgettable experiences were all thanks to them. I highly recommend Bush Lion Tours for their professionalism and expertise. Fernández R2024-10-13Verified Amazing Kilimanjaro Climb! Our family had an unforgettable experience climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame route! The organisation and support from the whole team were fantastic. Our main guide, William, was very knowledgeable and inspiring—I can’t recommend him enough to my friends in Bolivia!The cook, Issa the waiter, and the rest of the crew went out of their way to make sure we had a safe and enjoyable journey. A special shoutout to Martin, one of our porters, who joined us on summit night. Facing a snowstorm, his support and encouragement made a big difference as we came down from Uhuru Peak.We are so thankful to Bush Lion Tours for providing such a great team. Thanks to them, each of us reached the summit with big smiles and wonderful memories. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for an adventure! Shi W2024-10-02Verified Highly Recommended Safari We had an incredible experience on our safari in September 2024. Our guide, Emmanuel, was friendly, knowledgeable, and a skilled driver, making our journey safe and enjoyable. We saw the Big Five and countless other animals. Thanks to Mr. Jackson and Janeth from Bush Lion Tours for their excellent organization—everything went smoothly and exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend Bush Lion Tours!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more