Takims Holidays is being increasingly recognized as an outstanding Tanzanian safari operator with over half a century of experience.  Many of our guests and overseas partners are curious as to how it all started…

The Takim family settled in Zanzibar, the Spice Island, in 1896 and initially established themselves as traders and merchants. In 1950, Akber Takim started the very first travel agency on the island called “Takims Travel Services” and thanks to an exclusive partnership with East African Airways, the company quickly became successful. This success was founded on Akber’s determination and resilience to develop the local travel and tourism industry. 

A famous family anecdote demonstrates the resilience – Akber was informed of a flight delay of a plane enroute to Zanzibar to pick up tourists. At the time there were no night landing facilities and no lights at the airport, so to avoid further delays, Akber called all his friends on the island to bring their cars. They formed a landing strip using their headlights as landing lights – and so the first ever night landing at Zanzibar Airport safely touched down!

The family relocated from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, Tanganyika during the Zanzibar revolution.  When Zanzibar and Tanganyika merged in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania, Takims Travel Services was re-launched as Takims Holidays. 

Takims Holidays was a pioneer of the safari experience, as operators in 1980. Again the company’s tenacious spirit was called upon to overcome the logistical and infrastructure challenges of tour operators in Tanzania. The directors followed their passion and thus began the era of the Kombi and Land Rover Defender.  

Ever since, the Takim family has been intrinsically involved in developing Tanzania’s safari and tourism industry and now boasts 68 years’ experience as one of the premier destination management companies. Offices in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar ensure a seamless experience throughout Tanzania and rigorously trained staff are able to craft fully bespoke private itineraries.  Now with three generations of Tanzanian experience, Akber Takim’s legacy continues to grow.