/Tour Operators/Kilidove Tours and Safaris

Kilidove Tours and Safaris

Tanzanian-owned operator since 2010 with their own camps across the Northern Circuit. TALA-licensed, Travelife Certified, and a World Luxury Travel Awards winner.

Arusha, Tanzania

5.0(213 reviews)

TALA – Tanzania Association of Lodge Agents

TATO – Tanzania Association of Tour Operators

Our Assessment

Why We Selected Kilidove Tours and Safaris

Kilidove Tours stood out to us because they operate their own tented camps across Tanzania's Northern Circuit — something very few mid-range operators can offer. Having their own properties at Mawe Tented Camp in the Serengeti, Baobab Tented Camp in Tarangire, Karatu Tented Lodge near Ngorongoro, and Gnu Migration Camp following the wildebeest migration means they control the quality of the experience from start to finish.

Founded in 2010 by George Joseph, who grew up near Mount Kilimanjaro, the company has earned a perfect 5-star TripAdvisor rating across more than 200 reviews. Their driver-guides consistently receive praise for wildlife knowledge, vehicle spotting skills, and genuine warmth with guests. The company also extends into Kenya, offering cross-border Kenya-Tanzania safari combinations.

What sealed it for us was their commitment to responsible tourism. Kilidove is Travelife Certified, eliminates single-use plastics on all trips, and right-sizes vehicles to group numbers to reduce fuel waste. Their camps run on solar power and follow strict sustainability standards. For travellers wanting a well-priced private safari with an operator who genuinely cares about their camps and communities, Kilidove is a strong choice.

Best for: Couples and small groups seeking mid-range private guided safaris across Tanzania's Northern Circuit, with options for Kenya extensions and Zanzibar beach holidays.

Specialises in

Self-Drive SafariExtended Expedition (14+ days)

What sets them apart

Family-OwnedOwn Camps / Lodges

About Kilidove Tours and Safaris

Founded in 2010 by George Joseph, who grew up on the outskirts of Mount Kilimanjaro in Moshi, Kilidove Tours and Safaris has grown into an award-winning Destination Management Company operating across East Africa. The company holds Tourism Class A licenses for both tour operations (4-10 vehicles) and mountain climbing/trekking from Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.

Kilidove operates four of their own tented camps strategically positioned along the Northern Circuit: Mawe Tented Camp and Gnu Migration Camp in the Serengeti, Baobab Tented Camp in Tarangire, and Karatu Tented Lodge near Ngorongoro. This vertical integration allows them to maintain quality control and offer competitive pricing on their safari packages.

The company is committed to sustainable tourism practices, including eliminating single-use plastic bottles, supporting local communities through employment and supply partnerships, and right-sizing vehicle allocation to minimize environmental impact. They are Travelife Certified for sustainability and members of TATO (Tanzania Association of Tour Operators).

At a Glance

EstablishedFounded 2010 (16 years)
BaseArusha, Tanzania
FleetToyota Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for game viewing, charging ports, and cooler boxes
Guides8 guides
LanguagesEnglish, French, German, Italian, Spanish
RegionsTanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar
AccommodationMid-range
Own Properties4 own tented camps across the Northern Circuit: Mawe Tented Camp (Serengeti), Gnu Migration Camp (Serengeti), Baobab Tented Camp (Tarangire), and Karatu Tented Lodge (Ngorongoro/Karatu)
CommunityReduces single-use plastic with refillable water jerry cans and reusable bottles for guests. Supports local community through partnerships with local staff and suppliers. Adapts vehicle size to guest numbers to minimize environmental impact.