Reviews
Email Graeme | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Failed to provide the tour promised - beware
I used Matembezi to arrange a trip of the East and West Usambara mountains, they were expensive but I picked them as they agreed to supply a specialist birding guide (Njano Mbilinyi who I had heard was good) I was very clear that I need an expert as the birds in the mountains are difficult to find.
However when I arrived they told me Njano was not available (he had had a better offer) and instead provided a driver/guide who they said was just as good! The reality was the guide provided was just a driver and did not know the birds and was unsure where to find them (and was totally reliant on a bird guide just to guess). The result was a very disappointing trip which I could have done for less than half the price.
As they knew Njano would not be available they could have
a) told me and I could have found a different tour guide
b) told me and arranged local guides
instead they seemed to just hope we would not notice! When we complained they just suggested we pay for local bird guides!
On the plus side the driver was friendly and tried his best and we did get to the general locations of the birds safely.
However all in all it was very disappointing, frustrating and annoying - I would suggest you avoid this company
US
Email Leigh | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great family safari with Matembezi
Our small family group of three generations had a wonderful Matembezi safari to Tanzania in early July. Onesmo Mbesi was our guide and honorary member of the family! In addition to being an excellent guide and driver, he has an amazing knowledge about everything we saw -- flora, fauna, geology, people, and history! We experienced close-up views of big and small animals, and Onesmo educated us about their lives, habits, and behaviors. Watching Wildebeest frantically crossing the Mara River was wonderful. Birding was of special interest, and Onesmo was amazing at hearing and spotting them and patiently pointing them out to us -- about 140 species were new to us. Onesmo's knowledge is awesome; he provided in-depth answers to every question about anything: the surroundings, geology, history, and Tanzania's people.
The pace and scope of our short trip was perfect, including amazing parks and reserves. Our accommodations were lovely and very suited to our group. Several camps had swimming pools and gardens to enjoy. The food was good and the people very congenial and helpful -- they enjoy their jobs and contact with us as visitors to their country. We were treated to a surprise birthday celebration with cake and singing at one of our camps, a lovely and unforgettable event! It was definitely an experience we'll remember and treasure and recommend!
FR
Email Fanny | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari with Matembezi was incredible !
We had 10 days of Safari with Matembezi ! Was an incredible experience !
The crew is so welcoming and nice !
I recommend this operator !!!