Tropical Trails

Tropical Trails is an eco-friendly trekking and Safari Company, centrally located in beautiful Arusha, Tanzania, based at the foot of the impressive Mt. Meru. During our 15+ years of operation we have sought and succeeded in delivering clients a broader picture of Tanzania, its indigenous cultures and pristine wildlife, in an ecological manner.

Our History…

About 15 years ago, Mike Brydon, after seeing the environmental and cultural insensitivity of so many safari companies, had a vision to start a different kind of Safari Company. One that specialized not only in adventure but also in responsible tourism; free of environmental inadequacy, cultural exploitation, and mass consumption….TROPICAL TRAILS was born and has been operating successfully ever since!

What makes us Different?

Tropical Trails specializes in personal attention with one of our staff, with the goal of customizing your safari to fit your individual needs and budget. We run everything ourselves and do not sub-contract. We can accommodate everyone from the solo backpacker to the fundraising climb for fifty or more! We provide a personalized service that ensures your holiday exceeds your expectations….

Giving back to the community…

Tropical Trails not only wants you to show you Tanzania as it should be seen, but also aims to give back to the local community, a sector that is often neglected. As part of our commitment to the local communities, we have gone beyond simply funding various rural projects and developed the ARUSHA CHILDRENS TRUST, which caters to the educational needs of underprivileged Children in more remote areas of the Tanzania please contact us for more information about the trust and its current projects.

Our Arusha-Based Staff…

Our friendly and informative Arusha-based staff is ready to help you plan the safari you've been dreaming of! EMAIL us today!

Mike Brydon Mike first "ventured" to Africa in 1984 and after having 'caught the bug' returned for good in '90. This ecologically minded Scotsman started Tropical Trails from the ground up; beginning first as a trekking and mountain guide and from there pursued other avenues ranging from geology to alternative architecture. His knowledge is vast and invaluable and if you can, sit him down for a beer and listen to his many stories! He is also the founder of the Arusha Children's Trust.


Janeth Oford Ngotty As our head of accounting and operations Janeth is an integral part of our team. She makes sure our cars and drivers are available, food is purchased, and still manages to follow all accounts! She loves tourism because it exposes Tanzania's beauty to the world. She is the "nuts and bolts" of Tropical trails and even after 9 years she is still going strong!



Brittany Stephen Brittany makes sure our name doesn't get lost in the midst of so many others. If she isn't doing PR and marketing, she is helping Mercy answer inquiries and is determined to give our clients top notch service. From a Chicago born and bred self proclaimed "city girl", you can expect no less than the best!



Mercy Laizer Mercy, a Maasai at heart, loves the travel industry and has been as far as Chicago and Vermont. Her personal knowledge of so many of the goings on at Tropical Trails smoothes the way for each of our clients. She is the "itinerary queen" and her ability to advise clients is invaluable and always welcome.



Annette Temba Annette is our newest sales representative she is on fire! Fresh faced and energentic - selling safaris is her game. She is friendly, fun, and outgoing and if your working with her - you can rest assurred your going to be well taken care of. Annette works hard and laughs loud...



Jens Fissenebert Our German import, Jens, is changing the face of Tropical Trails! As the head of logistics, he oversees everything from the maintenance of our vehicles to the re-design of our office (they look GREAT!) to the purchase and repair of our equipment. Phew! When he is not running around like crazy, he's playing with his 3 dogs.



Johari Hussein If it wasn't for Johari, our accounts would be on bits of paper all over the office! As Janeth's right-hand woman, Johari's organization and accounting skills keep us all up to date and on our toes. She makes sure your safari gets paid for on time, so you can enjoy it! Johari is also somewhat of a resident comedian...



Yese Abraham Mongi Without Yese, there would be no safari! Also a tried and true Maasai, he is the liaison between the office staff, the lodges, and the airlines. He oversees transfers and ensures you'll be greeted by one of us at the airport. He makes sure there is availability at hotels and lodges and is ALWAYS the first one in and the last one out of the office!