We go an extra mile in bringing quality services
Great Escape Trails
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
- Member Of:
- Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
BE
Email Samaneh Chagheri | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an incredible and unique safari experience!
Our guide Thom was extremely knowledgeable—he knew everything about the animals and had an amazing eye for spotting wildlife, even those we could barely see through our camera zoom. His sense of humor made the trip even more enjoyable; He is very cool and relaxed. Beyond wildlife, he was well-versed in culture and geopolitics, making every conversation insightful. He was also an exceptional driver—while many complain about long game drives being uncomfortable, we had no issues at all.
The accommodations booked were excellent, and the food was delicious throughout the trip. Overall, a fantastic experience, and we highly recommend the agency. I doubt we could have anything better. Thank you very much Thom.
CA
Email Heather | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thom can spot all of the animals!!
My husband and I had a 5 day safari with Thom, he is a great guide. He has the most spectacular eyesight, he saw animals long before we could spot them. We did not miss seeing any of the big 5. The Ndutu plains was the best safari I have ever been on, so many animals.
The accomodations and food were wonderful.
Communications with Great Escape Trails was on time and meaningful. If you are going to Tanzania to see the animals and meet the people, pick Great Escape Trails
RU
Email Yulia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best!
In January 2025, we went on a 5-day safari with Great Escape. And we also climbed an active volcano!
Let’s go step by step. Before this trip, we knew almost nothing about Africa and Tanzania. The idea to visit this country came to us spontaneously. We did some research online, read reviews on different companies, and made our choice. And it turned out to be the best decision!
We contacted the company via email, and Thomas responded to us. He patiently and warmly answered our hundred questions – from selecting the right itinerary to what clothes we should take for the volcano hike. At the appointed hour driver was waiting for us in Arusha with a sign, and our adventure began!
From the very beginning, we were given a fixed price for the tour, and it didn’t change by a single cent. We were provided with everything – food, accommodation, transfers – and our driver was always there to help and answer any questions.
We visited Tarangire, Serengeti, Ndutu, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Lake Natron.
It was simply an incredible experience!
We had never imagined we could see animals THIS close and in such huge numbers. This isn’t a zoo, you’re not looking at animals through glass or binoculars – you’re right next to them. Gazelles and zebras run away when you approach, but lions and cheetahs don’t. We watched predators just a few meters away, and they didn’t even care about us.
As for herbivores – there are thousands of them in the savannah: zebras, gazelles, wildebeest, giraffes – no need to search for them, they are everywhere. Serengeti impressed us the most – if you’re going to Tanzania, don’t even think about skipping it!
The drivers are amazing! They communicate with each other via radio and share information about animal sightings. You can tell they are truly passionate about their work and want every tourist to have the best experience.
Speaking of drivers, we have to give a special mention to ours. We spent all these days with Denis – a master at spotting animals in the vast national parks!
But a driver’s job doesn’t end there.
Denis took care of us, making sure we got everywhere on time, ate well, slept well, used the bathroom when needed, and, of course, didn’t get eaten by a lion. 😅
Super reliable, super fun, easygoing, attentive, and caring. He shared interesting facts, sang along with his awesome playlist of modern local artists, wore the most stylish boots, and said his main goal was to make sure we ate a lot and slept well.
Over these days, Denis became our friend, and we already miss him!
The accommodations in all the selected lodges were simply amazing. We didn’t choose them ourselves but fully trusted Thomas’s recommendations.
Everywhere was cozy, warm, delicious, and friendly.
The tented camps in the national parks were just incredible! Unbelievable comfort in the middle of the savannah. There was hot water, electricity, internet, and large comfortable beds. Yes, sometimes the internet only worked at the reception, and the hot water came in a thin stream, but honestly, those were just small details. You could feel that the staff genuinely cared about their guests.
The volcano hike also went great. We had a guide who accompanied us to the summit and back. Huge thanks to him – everything went smoothly.
So, what about safety?
No issues at all. The entire trip was in a car and at well-secured locations. The people were friendly, always ready to help, and treated tourists with great care.
The trip exceeded our expectations in every way. Like many others, we had some skepticism about Africa, and some of our relatives even said goodbye to us “forever,” convinced that we’d either be sold into slavery or sacrificed to some local god. 😅
But in the end, Tanzania turned out to be welcoming, safe, and incredibly beautiful.
A huge thank you to everyone who made our journey so amazing.
The only regret we have is that we didn’t stay longer!
We hope to come back someday😊
IT
Email Fabio | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable
We left Italy with so many expectations and so much enthusiasm and nothing of what we experienced disappointed us, indeed in many moments our heart was full of joy and emotion, as far as I'm concerned my eyes were often shiny, at times it seemed unreal as incredible as it was. We saw all the Big Five, an incalculable amount of lions and elephants, and even though we were afraid of not being able to see them, 9 black rhinos. Scenes of hunting, mating, resting, everything that usually fascinates you when watching a documentary we experienced it, we were surrounded by it every day. Fantastic!!! The organization was almost always perfect, but Alen, our guide was fantastic. We spent 9 days with him and in addition to being a prepared guide, he always had the answer in his pocket, we met a special, kind, thoughtful and discreet person. We return home with indelible memories and a new friend.. Alen gave us experiences beyond what he was supposed to do and if this experience was WONDERFUL it is above all thanks to him! Ask for Alen if you want a guide who speaks perfect Italian. Bravo BRO', keep it up! Fabio & Manu
(automatic translation from Italian)
DE
Email Sarah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One in a lifetime experience
We had a wonderful tour with Thom. We cruised through the parks for 9 days and got to know the country and its people. Thom has a very good feel for the animals and a lot of interesting information that he is happy to share. Otherwise he is a nice guy. The accommodations were all top notch.
(automatic translation from German)
ES
Email Juan Carlos | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
9 days Safari experience
We just finished a 9 day safari with Thom and it was an amazing experience. Thom helped us set up the trip to our liking at a reasonable price. We visited Tarangire Park, Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, Serengeti, saw the great migration at Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Crater. Thom is very nice and funny and has a great eye for spotting all kinds of animals. 100% recommendable.
CA
Email Nikki K | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible, nothing but good things to say
We just finished a private 5-day safari with Great Escape Trails and I have nothing but good things to say. We saw countless animals, often from just a few feet away (the lions and baby elephants were my favourite); the guide, Thom, was extremely knowledgeable, personable (and funny), and accommodating; the “bush camps” we stayed at were nicer/fancier than many hotels I’ve stayed in; the staff at the camps were fantastic, and the food was amazing. To say the experience exceeded our expectations is an understatement. Plus, as an added bonus, Great Escape Trails is a small, Tanzania-based company, which is exactly what we wanted, as we wanted to support a local business. 10/10, highly recommend.
JP
Email A. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari was good, guide less so…
I usually don’t leave a comment when I’m dissatisfied with a tour or service, but a safari is on another level in terms of cost, especially when you choose a private one.
First, the positives: the person I corresponded with by email to organize the safari was professional, and the safari itself was enjoyable. We appreciated the stunning landscapes and wildlife, although, as it was our first safari, we can’t really say if we saw more or less than others.
However, we had issues with our guide’s manners.
The first impression was terrible. The pick-up was scheduled for 8:30 AM, as confirmed by the company the day before. Yet, when we arrived in the hotel lobby, the first thing he said was, “I thought you had vanished.” We were confused, and he went on to say he’d been waiting for a while because, according to him, we were supposed to leave at 8:00 AM. Even after I showed him the confirmation message from his company, he didn’t acknowledge the mistake or apologize and simply carried on as though we were at fault. Not exactly the best way to start. My husband and I were bewildered and instantly uneasy about what kind of person we’d be spending the next four days with.
Unfortunately, there were several other moments during the trip that made us uncomfortable. For instance, one evening we had to share a table at dinner. My husband, who was drinking a beer, thought it would be polite to offer one to the guide as well. To our surprise, the guide ordered two beers without hesitation — and to make matters worse, he didn’t even say thank you. It came across as entitled, like he just assumed it was his due. This lack of basic manners, combined with other odd comments and behaviors, made us feel increasingly wary and uneasy around him.
In the end, we decided not to confront him to avoid ruining our four precious days. We even gave him a generous tip since that seems to be the norm. He probably has no idea how we felt. However, we can’t help but think another guide would have made the experience far more memorable.
Ultimately, it was the breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife that saved the trip for us.
CO
Email Martina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
THE BEST SAFARI EVER
THE BEST SAFARI!!
It was a unique and unforgettable experience. Every day we had encounters with the animals, the accommodation and the organization of the Safari was without a doubt the best! Our guide Thom was very attentive and always tried to make this trip the best experience. I would repeat it a thousand times!!
(automatic translation from Spanish)
CO
Email Alejandra Lopez | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was truly perfect!
I think is the best traveling experience I have ever had! I’m so glad I made it with Great Escape Trails: amazing guide, the hotels were so good (looked way better than the pictures), the places we visited were amazing and the food was so good!! No complaint at all. Will definitely repeat this safari with them!
