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Meet Willemijn: The Dutch Travel Expert Turning Tanzania into Your Dream Safari

Get to Know the Faces Behind BlueGreen Tanzania Safaris – In the Hot Seat: Willemijn

6 July 2024

Get to Know the Faces Behind BlueGreen Tanzania Safaris

In the Hot Seat: Willemijn

Roaring into this month’s spotlight from Dar es Salaam, we’re excited to introduce you to Willemijn – one of the passionate travel experts behind BlueGreen Tanzania Safaris.

Our monthly Get to Know the Faces Behind BlueGreen Tanzania Safaris series takes you behind the scenes to meet the people who turn dream safaris into reality. From personal stories to expert recommendations, this is your chance to connect with the people crafting your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.

5 Questions With… Willemijn

1. What’s your name, where are you from, and what’s your role at BlueGreen Tanzania Safaris?

My name is Willemijn, and I’m originally from the Netherlands. My love for East Africa began when I was 15 years old – my mum took my sister and me on a group holiday to Kenya and Tanzania, and from that moment, I was hooked.

Since then, I’ve returned as often as possible. I traveled through Kenya with my mum, completed school projects in East Africa with my then-boyfriend (now husband), and eventually made the big move to Tanzania. After working in Mwanza and the Western Serengeti as a restaurant manager, we started our family here. We lived in Moshi for two years and now call Dar es Salaam home.

Today, I work as a Travel Advisor for the Dutch team, and I’m also the organizer of our yearly sales training week.

2. What’s your favorite destination in Tanzania and why?

It has to be the Serengeti and Ndutu region – they’re everything you imagine when you think of the wild, open plains of Africa. Endless landscapes, endless roads, and endless animal sightings.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received came from a guide: “Don’t follow the dust of other jeeps – choose your own way.” And in Serengeti, you really can. You’re hours away from civilization, immersed in nature. Turn off the engine, listen to the sounds, and just be .

And while the Big Five are incredible, don’t forget to notice the small things – the birds, the colors, the silence. That’s where the magic often lives.

Willemijn’s Favourite Activities

Whether it’s a peaceful balloon safari at sunrise or spotting reptiles with her son, these are the activities that bring Tanzania to life for Willemijn.
Activity A wonderful relaxing day Maasai style by Original Maasai Lodge – Africa Amini Life Activity A wonderful relaxing day Maasai style by Original Maasai Lodge – Africa Amini Life
A wonderful relaxing day Maasai style by Original Maasai Lodge – Africa Amini Life
A wonderful relaxing day Maasai style by Original Maasai Lodge – Africa Amini Life
Activity Hot air balloon flight in Serengeti Activity Hot air balloon flight in Serengeti
Hot air balloon flight in Serengeti
3. Which safari experience would you recommend to someone visiting for the first time?
It all depends on your wishes…and your budget. Personally, I love Tarangire National Park. It has this beautiful river running through it, and the wildlife it attracts is phenomenal.
It’s one of the best places to see huge herds of elephants, which happen to be my favorite – tied with giraffes. Even if you can’t stretch your budget to include the Serengeti, a safari through Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater will still deliver an unforgettable experience.
And if you can go all in? I’d absolutely recommend a balloon safari over Serengeti or Ndutu. It’s a surreal way to see the land and animals from a whole new perspective .

4. What’s the most unforgettable wildlife moment you’ve had?

Oh, there are so many – it’s hard to choose just one.

Flying in a hot air balloon over Ndutu, gliding so low we could hear the grass brush against the basket, surrounded by wildebeest during the Great Migration… that was something I’ll never forget.

Or witnessing a cheetah hunt, where three cheetahs chased and caught a wildebeest right before our eyes. Watching nature unfold in such a raw, beautiful way was awe-inspiring.

But one of my personal favorites happened in Tarangire with my son, who’s a big reptile lover. We were scanning the riverbeds, and I spotted something. “Stop! Go back!” I shouted. It was a Nile monitor! The look on his face was onbetaalbaar —absolutely priceless. Once you have kids, your safari experiences change in the best way. Those shared discoveries become the most memorable.

Willemijn’s Favourite Tours

From the Great Migration in Ndutu to peaceful moments in Tarangire - these are Willemijn’s handpicked tours for a safari you’ll never forget.

From $3,159 USD * 10 days safari in the south Perfect to visit the southern national parks of Tanzania 10 days safari in the south Perfect to visit the southern national parks of Tanzania

10 days safari in the south

Perfect to visit the southern national parks of Tanzania

From $2,734 USD * Climbing Kilimanjaro via the successful 7-day Lemosho Route Climbing Kilimanjaro via the successful 7-day Lemosho Route

Climbing Kilimanjaro via the successful 7-day Lemosho Route

From $1,884 USD * 9 days safari Wildebeest Migration and Mara River crossing 9 days safari Wildebeest Migration and Mara River crossing

9 days safari

Wildebeest Migration and Mara River crossing

From $2,680 USD * 10 days Safari Mkomazi + Usambara Mountains + Saadani with beach relaxation 10 days Safari Mkomazi + Usambara Mountains + Saadani with beach relaxation

10 days Safari Mkomazi + Usambara Mountains + Saadani with beach relaxation

5. Is there a destination in Tanzania you haven’t been to yet but would love to explore one day?

Yes, Lake Natron! I haven’t been yet, but it’s high on my list. It’s remote, beautifully untouched, and I hear the birdlife is stunning. I’m a bird lover and I also really value those quiet places where you feel close to both nature and local communities.

Bonus: What’s one tip you always share with guests before they travel to Tanzania?

Don’t try to squeeze in everything. Build your trip in a way that lets you slow down and really enjoy the parks. It’s so much more rewarding to spend an extra day in one area than to rush through five. Quality over quantity every time.

Willemijn’s Favourite Lodges

Get inspired by Willemijn’s go-to safari stays - each one chosen for its warm hospitality, incredible views, and connection to the wild.

Accommodation Nimali Tarangire Accommodation Nimali Tarangire

Nimali Tarangire

Accommodation Manyara Best View Lodge and Spa Accommodation Manyara Best View Lodge and Spa

Manyara Best View Lodge and Spa

Accommodation Ang’ata Migration – Ndutu Camp Accommodation Ang’ata Migration – Ndutu Camp

Ang’ata Migration – Ndutu Camp

Accommodation Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort Accommodation Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort

Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort

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