About Blue Monkey Expeditions
Welcome to Blue Monkey Expeditions, where your African adventure begins. We are a locally owned, Arusha-based safari and mountaineering company, hosting travellers across northern Tanzania since 2016. Whether you are seeking the thrill of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or the raw beauty of the Serengeti, our team of experienced guides and trip planners will build the trip around you rather than sell you a fixed package.
4,800+
Travellers hosted since 2016
28
Guides, cooks and crew employed
4.9
Average rating
A family of guides, planners and storytellers
We started Blue Monkey Expeditions with a simple belief: the people best placed to show you Tanzania are the ones who grew up here. Our team of local guides, naturalists and trip planners are based in Arusha — the gateway to the northern safari circuit and Mount Kilimanjaro.
For more than a decade we’ve designed safaris for honeymooners, families, photographers, first-timers and seasoned travellers from across the world. Every itinerary is private and built around you — your pace, your dates, your bucket list.
From Kilimanjaro porter to founder
Baraka Ayo’s journey began as a humble Kilimanjaro porter, where every step he took up the mountain was driven by a dream — his vision of one day leading his own adventure company. With each climb, he absorbed the beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes and the stories of those he guided, fuelling his determination to create something extraordinary. In 2016, Baraka turned that dream into reality by founding Blue Monkey Expeditions, initially as a charitable trekking company.
His goal was not just to offer exhilarating mountain climbs, but to make a meaningful impact on the local communities he cherished. As the company grew, so did Baraka’s ambition — he expanded Blue Monkey Expeditions into a leading provider of safaris and beach holidays, renowned for its personalised service and commitment to sustainability.
“Today, Baraka’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief that adventure can change lives — both for those who travel and the communities they touch.”
Four things that get climbers to the summit
Experienced and Certified Guides
Our Kilimanjaro guides are highly trained professionals, certified by Kilimanjaro National Park. They have led countless successful summits and are skilled at helping climbers adjust to the challenges of high-altitude trekking.
Tailored Routes
We offer a variety of Kilimanjaro routes, including the popular Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai routes. Each route offers its unique scenery and difficulty level, allowing us to find the perfect fit for your skill level and preferences.
Porter Support
Our professional porter team ensures you can focus on your climb by carrying your gear, setting up camp, and preparing nutritious meals along the way.
Altitude Acclimatization
We design our itineraries to allow for proper acclimatization, minimizing the risk of altitude sickness and maximizing your chances of reaching the summit.
What we stand for
Tailored Adventures
We customize your safari to fit your personal interests, from thrilling game drives to tranquil nature walks, ensuring a unique experience that matches your desires.
Expert Guides
Our highly skilled and passionate guides provide in-depth knowledge and insights, making your safari both educational and immersive.
Eco-Conscious Travel
Your trip supports wildlife conservation and local communities, as we prioritize sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local cultures.
Authentic Experiences
We offer genuine cultural interactions and access to off-the-beaten-path locations, allowing you to connect deeply with Africa’s diverse landscapes and people.
Luxurious Comfort
Enjoy premium accommodations and high-end amenities that enhance your safari experience, blending adventure with relaxation.
Seamless Service
From planning to execution, our dedicated team ensures a smooth and hassle-free journey, providing exceptional service every step of the way.
Safety & standards
PORTER WELFARE
KPAP practices
We follow Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project guidelines on wages, loads, meals and sleeping gear.
MEDICAL
Flying Doctors cover
AMREF Flying Doctors emergency air evacuation cover is included on every itinerary we operate.
Responsible travel in practice
Fair pay on the mountain
Porter loads are weighed at the gate, wages are paid directly and every crew member gets three meals a day and proper sleeping gear.
Local employment
Our 28 guides, cooks, drivers and office staff are all Tanzanian, most of them from Arusha and the villages around Kilimanjaro.
Community visits that pay
The Maasai villages we visit are partners we work with year-round, and the visit fee goes to the community, not to a middleman.
Less plastic in the parks
Refillable water in every vehicle and on every climb, and we carry all waste off the mountain, including what we did not bring up.
Meet the team
Baraka Elisaria Ayo
Founder & Director
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Iziki Julius Mlay
Sales & Marketing
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Emmanuel
Kilimanjaro operations
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Neema
Guest relations, Arusha
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Deborah Maphie
Sales