About Elia
A safari company with a person behind it
Elia Wildlife Experience is Elia Edward's company. He is a safari guide based in Arusha, and he plans the safaris himself.
Elia Edward
Founder & Senior Guide
Elia's story
Planned by a guide who knows the bush
Elia Edward is a safari guide from Tanzania, based in Arusha, the starting point for safaris in the north of the country. He is an experienced guide with a deep knowledge of the bush, and through Elia Wildlife Experience he plans safaris as well as guiding them.
In his own words, he takes pride in the details: choosing the right accommodation and safari vehicles, and designing itineraries that fit each traveller's needs and interests. On the road, he likes to explain what you are seeing, from animal behaviour to how the ecosystem fits together.
When you send an enquiry, it reaches the team in Arusha, who know the routes, the camps and the seasons, and that will talk your plans through with you before anything is booked.
I prioritize safety and sustainability, ensuring that each safari is eco-friendly and respectful of wildlife and local cultures.
- Elia EdwardFounder & Senior Guide
- SebastianExpert Planner
- Crystal ClementsGuide
- Selin SimmondsOperations
How we work
What you can expect from us
- 01
Planned by the founder
Elia Edward, a safari guide based in Arusha, designs your itinerary himself and chooses the accommodation and vehicles.
- 02
Examples, not fixed packages
Every route on this site is a starting point. The parks, pace, lodges and length change to suit you.
- 03
Straight answers about seasons
We tell you what is likely in your travel month, including what can't be promised, like a river crossing on a given day.
- 04
Honest about the driving
Each itinerary explains where the long days are, and when flying one way is worth considering.
- 05
Based in Arusha
Our office is in Arusha, where northern Tanzania safaris begin, so planning and the trip itself happen close to home.
- 06
Reviews in public
Read what past travellers have written about us on Tripadvisor, in their own words.
On the road
Safari vehicles
You spend much of a safari in the vehicle, so it matters. Elia’s safaris use branded Land Cruisers with raised roofs for viewing. If photography is your focus, a photographic safari vehicle, arranged for visibility, comfort and camera gear, can be requested when you plan.
On safari with Elia
Moments from recent safaris
Real photographs from Elia's trips: the vehicles, the guides, the bush lunches and the animals.
How planning works
What happens after you enquire
- 01
Tell us your plans
Use the safari planner to share rough dates, who is travelling and what you hope to see. It takes a few minutes and nothing is booked.
- 02
Talk it through
Elia or the team reviews your request and gets in touch to discuss the route, the pace and the type of accommodation.
- 03
Receive your proposal
You receive a written itinerary with accommodation and a quote for your group and dates, then refine it until it feels right.
- 04
Confirm when you're ready
Your safari is booked only when you choose to confirm it. Sending the planner does not reserve anything.
Traveller reviews
Read what travellers say, in their own words
Our reviews live on Tripadvisor, where past guests write about their safaris with Elia and the team.
Read our reviews on Tripadvisor
Plan your safari with Elia
Share your dates and ideas, and Elia or the team will get back to you to talk it through.