WELCOME

“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.”

Ernest Hemingway

HELLO

Welcome to Safari Atelier!

I organize custom tailored safaris to Tanzania because I gain genuine pleasure sharing the essence of Tanzania that I have been so privileged to know firsthand. As an avid traveler with over 80 countries under my belt, I have lived and worked in Tanzania for over a decade acquiring a nuanced understanding of a traveler’s needs and the local landscape. This combination gives me the unique ability to design the perfect trip for each of my guests.

But designing your trip is not just about making sure that you will have the ideal combination of wildlife and culture, the perfect accommodation or seeing the Big 5. It’s about a special kind of engagement, a frame of mind and offering a holistic approach of experiencing all of the parts as a whole.

And it’s about bringing an artist’s eye and an artistic appreciation to your trip. This might range from finding the most beautiful landscapes, the ideal photo spot, doing a plein air painting session in the bush or sitting with artisans and learning their crafts.

I very much look forward to designing your trip.

Eszter

HOW DOES SAFARI ATELIER WORK?

Each trip is inspired by the interests and needs of you, my guests. All trips are fully inclusive and everything is taken care of, from beginning to end and everything in between.

Step One – Getting to know you

We meet in person or via video for you to share your hopes, dreams and interests, as well as your expectations, budgets, timeframe and accommodation preferences for your upcoming safari. I’ll be happy to answer common questions you might have such as, what differentiates a lodge from a camp or why choose one area of the Serengeti over another at a particular time of year.

Step Two – Exploring your options

Based on what you shared with me, I will present an outline of the different itineraries and lodging options that match your needs. We will further discuss in detail and fine-tune your safari arrangements.

Step Three – Finalizing

After a few more conversations, we will decide together on the final itinerary and specifics of your Tanzania safari.

Step Four – Making it all happen

All the logistics and arrangements for your trip will be personally handled by me on the ground. Payment arrangements are made at this time.

Step Five – Final Itinerary

I will send you your complete itinerary, suggested kit-list and any additional information to best help you prepare for your trip.

Step Six – BoN voyage!

MY STORY

As serendipity would have it, a solo safari to Tanzania in 2009 was the catalyst to leave my career in corporate America and move to Arusha, a small town in northern Tanzania. Arusha also happens to be the hopping-off point for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Mt Kilimanjaro to name but a few safari destinations.

Here is where I found the freedom to breathe life into my vision for Sidai Designs, a social enterprise that now connects the skilled craft of Maasai women with many other women around the world. Ten years later Sidai now employs over 140 Maasai women, providing them with financial independence while helping them develop their own skills and capacity.

As more and more people heard stories of “my other life” in Tanzania I was asked to organize their trips and safaris. These initial trips showed me how much I enjoyed sharing my love of this country with others. I found myself wanting to share even more, and enable other's journeys to this place that has given me so much. Eventually after organizing many of these trips, Safari Atelier was born.

Through the years, I have developed deep and respectful relationships with many of East Africa’s exceptional guides and tour companies, traversed the national parks and learned where the best places to watch wildlife are and at what time of the year. I have visited and carefully handpicked all the camps and lodges that I work with. And having worked with the Maasai for 10 years, I have access to this incredible tribe that few other safari companies are able to offer.

DESTINATIONS

TANZANIA

There is nothing quite like the thrill of an African Safari. It's the stillness of the early morning, before the rising sun reaches its peak and casts a heat mirage across the horizon. It's the sound of wild creatures calling in the night and the sense of peace that comes with being surrounded by untamed wilderness. Above all, it's the excitement of the unexpected - in the bush one never knows what new sights and experiences each day will bring.

And a trip to Africa wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its people. Africa is a beautiful continent rich in culture with great diversities. The culture of hospitality. The culture of respect for elders (ancestors). The culture of high reverence for the high spirits, the culture of communalism, and the culture of rich artistic expressions in visual and theatrical displays.

REVIEWS

Our experience with Safari Atelier was top notch. From the minute we arrived in Arusha, Eszter assured we were treated well. Our driver and city guide had a comfortable, spacious vehicle to transport us to our lodge and to drive us on our city tour the next day. He was knowledgeable and readily shared his culture with us. The Katambunga Lodge was in a beautiful setting with luscious gardens and a pool overlooking Mount Meru. We were treated to gourmet meals, and a chef who made sure I had delicious, gluten-free options. Transport to our charter Grumeti flight was smooth, and in an hour or so we arrived at the Grumeti Reserve and Singita's Faru Faru Lodge. After a great 4 days there, our charter delivered us back. When there were problems with our flights out of the country (for which Eszter was not responsible), she stepped in to help us resolve scheduling issues and get us where we needed to go. We would not hesitate to book with her again!

KAREN R. Tyler, TX

It was a perfectly planned, greatly customised trip. You just tell Eszter what you want to see, how many days you want to spend and leave the rest to them. We’ve truly enjoyed our 7-day itinerary and would advise Eszter to anyone planning a safari trip in Tanzania.

MEHMET A. Ireland

We had the most magical trip with Eszter and Safari Atelier. They carefully worked around our needs as a family with a 5 year old in tow, and perfectly balanced out adventure, travel and relaxation to keep us all happy. Our guide (Malaki) was excellent and helped us spot an incredible array of wildlife, both big and small. 5 Star, bravo and thank you to the whole team.

FIONA C, Paris, FR

I’m not even sure where to begin to say Thank You for our wonderful trip! From the very beginning, your experience, contacts and confidence put us at all ease. You listened so carefully to what we wanted to do, and over performed in every area! And you were able to accommodate people who were arriving from two different places in the World.

Katambuga House in Arusha was a delight, and the staff was lovely. The food and accommodations were like staying in the home of a good friend. The day we spent in Arusha visiting the Cultural Center, Saana and Sidai was fun and a great opportunity to bring home some very special gifts. The Jewelery that I brought back from

And as far as the actual Safari, it truly was the trip of a lifetime! It was everything Jeff and I could have hoped for. Singita and the Faru Faru camp, were spectacular, and I do not use that term lightly. The commitment to Conservation was what attracted us to Singita. And we enjoyed getting to meet the future environmentalists at the School. Their research center is first class and such a lovely structure.

As far as the camp, we were overwhelmed by the beauty of all the spaces, the attention to detail, the sincere warmth and excellent service of the staff, the quality of every item from the food to the yoga mats, and don’t forget the amazing massage.

I, for one, will not forget all the beautiful wonderful animals we saw, but the night we got to watch the 3 Lionesses hunting was one of the most amazing nights of my life.

I heartily recommend Safari Atelier to everyone.

SUSIE H. Sonoma, CA

My son and I were meant to leave for Tanzania within a few days of the pandemic shutting down the world. We waited a year and a half to be able to make the trip, and I felt happy every moment of each day thanks to Eszter, Malaki (our tour guide) and the people, animals, and landscapes of Tanzania. Eszter is excellent at understanding her clients’ needs and putting together a great itinerary with little fuss - she made sure that every lodge had a swimming pool for my 13 year old son. Every lodge was spectacular in a different way. Malaki, our guide, was totally competent, kind and patient, as well as a great wildlife instructor. Safari Atelier made my dream come true - for the first time in my life my longing to spend time near elephants was satisfied (and now I’m ready to go back!).

BETHANY O, Oakland, CA

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