Humble Beginnings (2019)

Mateys Wild Tours was founded in 2019 by Philipo Justine, a passionate conservationist and wildlife enthusiast. At the time, Philipo was pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management at Sokoine University of Agriculture, where his deep love for nature, especially birdwatching and wildlife photography, began to take shape.

During his studies, he started organizing local trips to national parks—a concept widely known in Swahili as “Utalii wa Ndani”—introducing Tanzanians to the breathtaking beauty of their own country. Back then, the company was known as Mateys Wild, a small but growing venture built on Philipo’s knowledge, passion, and commitment to conservation.

From Local to Global (2022)

In 2022, Philipo had a life-changing experience when he guided 45 students from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, on a 21-day expedition across Ruaha, Udzungwa Mountains, and Saadani National Parks. The enthusiasm and curiosity of these students, combined with meaningful interactions with wildlife experts, solidified his vision of taking Mateys Wild to the international market.

Shortly after, one of the Belgian students recommended Philipo to a group of travelers from Switzerland, who came to Tanzania for a safari and requested him as their guide. This was the defining moment when he realized that his dream had outgrown local borders. Mateys Wild evolved into Mateys Wild Tours, a brand dedicated to crafting exceptional safari experiences for travelers from around the world.

Where We Are Today?

Mateys Wild Tours is now a trusted, ethical, and responsible tour company operating across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. We offer wildlife safaris, Kilimanjaro trekking, Zanzibar holidays, and cultural experiences, all designed to provide travelers with authentic and unforgettable adventures.

Beyond tourism, we are deeply committed to giving back to the community and protecting the environment. As part of our mission:

• We support two orphanage centers: Msamaria Children’s Center (Moshi) and EMFRED Foundation (Morogoro), providing education, food, and essential supplies.
• We empower youth-led conservation initiatives, including The Choma Eco-Tourism Group in Morogoro, which protects the endangered three-horned chameleon and promotes sustainable farming.
• We provide employment opportunities to over 20 professional guides annually and work with more than 200 Kilimanjaro porters seasonally, ensuring ethical treatment and fair wages.

A Story of Resilience & Passion

Philipo Justine’s journey is a testament to determination, passion, and the power of dreams. Born in a small village in Karatu District, he was raised in a humble farming family as the third child among four siblings. Despite financial challenges, his love for nature and commitment to conservation led him to establish Mateys Wild Tours—transforming it from a small student-led initiative into a recognized name in the East African tourism industry.

Today, we continue to inspire, educate, and connect travelers with the beauty of Africa, making every journey an opportunity to explore, learn, and give back. At Mateys Wild Tours, we are more than a tour company—we are a movement, a family, and a community of true friends of the wilderness.

Join us on this journey. Let’s explore, discover, and protect Africa together!