Bougie Meets Bush: How a Life-Changing Trip Sparked Tanzania Symple Safaris

Published on 22 March 2025 at 08:05

 

Trying to describe Tanzania feels almost impossible. There’s the wildlife, yes—the Big Five, the endless plains of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater carved by ancient forces. But the truth is, that’s not what stayed with us most.

It was the people. The rhythm of the villages. The fire-roasted sweet potatoes eaten with our hands. The warm hugs from strangers who quickly became family. It was being dusty, tired, and full of awe—every single day.

We’re Kelly and Ron Phillips. We’ve traveled across the globe, but our trip to Tanzania stopped us in our tracks. We weren’t just observers there—we were pulled into something beautiful and real.

We danced in a remote fishing village. We handed out gifts and were humbled by how much they meant. We cooked with women who molded pots by the side of a road. We hunted with the Sandawe, a nomadic tribe that survives off the land. Ron ended up scratched and dusty, trailing hunters through the bush. Kelly got emotional watching a woman light up after receiving a bundle of donated hair.

This wasn’t just a trip. It was an awakening.

 

But here’s the other side of it—one that doesn’t get talked about much.

Safari life isn’t always glamorous. There’s dust in your hair every day. Your seat might not have an armrest. Cold drinks? Not always guaranteed. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Kelly, who admits she's a little on the bougie side, had a moment out there. She loved the experience—but thought: what if you could keep all of this wild beauty and add the comforts that make travel feel like care? What if we could design safaris that didn’t strip you of comfort, but enhanced the adventure with small luxuries—cold towels, branded buffs to cover your hair and face, seat pillows, skincare kits, silk wraps for your braids, a proper glass of wine at sundown?

That’s how Tanzania Symple Safaris was born.

We created this company for people like us—people who want to feel something real, something human, but who also want to know that someone is thinking about the details. We personalize everything. You won’t find cookie-cutter trips here. You’ll find journeys made for you.

Whether you’re dreaming of the Serengeti or planning your first trip to Africa, we’re here to make it not just possible—but unforgettable.

We want more people—especially folks who think safaris aren’t “for them”—to see what we saw. To feel what we felt. To remember what really matters.

And yes, to do it with clean hair, good food, and a little cushion for your back.

Let’s build your safari together.

 


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