Some of our tour guides and vehicles
Gosheni Safaris Africa
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $175 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Kevin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gosheni + Moses = Awesome
Absolutely amazing experience with Gosheni and our guide, Moses. He was an unbelievable combination of professional, hard-working and talented. Each morning, he was up at the crack of dawn ready for us whenever we were. He took care of all the little details such as making sure to clean the truck each evening, getting our lunch ready and keeping an eye on the weather. I was blown away at his ability to drive us around for 12 hours a day with consistently high energy and off the charts awareness. Whenever I spotted something on the horizon with my binoculars I found that Moses had already seen the animal and identified it with his eagle-eye vision...all the while keeping most of his attention on the road. It was incredible.
I also have to give a shout out to Peter, who did a great job running the business and communicating with us. We were able to set up a customized tour with him via email that was everything we hoped for. He went above and beyond when, as we were driving to the airport and realized that we had left our camera at our hotel, he found a way to get our camera speedily delivered to us at the airport in time for us to still make our flight.
Email Neal | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Honeymoon Experience With Gosheni
My wife and I recently undertook a private safari with Gosheni in Tanzania, as the first leg of our honeymoon (before transferring to Zanzibar). We can’t recommend them highly enough. They were fantastic from start to finish.
I did a reasonable amount of planning regarding my preferred itinerary and accommodation for the safari, and sent a generic request for a quote to a number of Tanzanian safari companies. The request gave a flavour for the type and quality of experience in which I was interested. Gosheni (Peter) was very quick to respond with a detailed proposal (a couple of quite prominent companies failed to reply at all, and one arranged a time to call me to discuss our proposed trip, and then failed to get in touch), and I found that his views/ recommendations matched my own thoughts pretty well. The price was competitive too.
Peter’s helpfulness continued throughout the booking process, and together we tweaked the itinerary over a few weeks before I felt ready to commit to paying the 20% deposit. I must admit that wiring such a reasonably sized amount of money to an account on another continent is a slightly disconcerting experience, but I needn’t have worried. Gosheni are a thoroughly reputable company. Peter was also very accommodating and understanding when a combination of my being away on a work business trip, and a UK bank holiday meant that I sent the final payment in a few days late. His communication with clients is excellent, and he always put me at my ease.
We arrived in Kilimanjaro airport at the end of a long day of travel from London. We were very pleased to see the smiling face of our guide Zadock as we emerged from the terminal building. He carried our bag from his almost brand new (and immaculate) Gosheni Land Cruiser, and we were off to our hotel in the Arusha for our first overnight stay. I will not provide a detailed review of our itinerary and accommodation on here (I will save that for separate, specific reviews for those lodges), as I would rather concentrate on Gosheni. I will provide a summary at the end.
Zadock met us bright and early on our first day. This set the pattern for the week. He was unfailingly punctual (sadly, unlike us!), and always smiling. The Land Cruiser had always been cleaned in the morning (sparkling inside and out – easily the best-presented vehicle we saw in Tanzania), and it was always well-stocked with free water, soft drinks and wine. The hospitality continued as we met Peter at the Gosheni office (we were presented with our very useful Gosheni safari hats), and then we were off on our adventures.
I can’t state enough the importance of a good guide. They make or break the experience for you. And Zadock from Gosheni was perfect. He is a truly gentle man, happy, welcoming, and intensely focused on his guests’ well-being, and he had become our firm friend by the end of our 5 days together. He is very knowledgeable, with a thirst for learning. He takes every opportunity to read more about his country, its colonial history and wildlife, and to impart that information to guests. His ability to locate and spot wildlife is almost supernatural! And if he can’t locate a specific creature himself, and as a guide of very long-standing, he will be on the radio to his network of friends/ colleagues in the area to understand what animals are around. When other guides saw Zadock, their faces lit up. I think that this is the mark of the man. When I think of Zadock, I think of the giraffe (his favourite animal). He loves this creature because it is social, and because it is peaceful. He is proud to tell you that the giraffe was chosen as the emblem of Tanzania, because it symbolises how the 120+ tribes of his nation come together to live in harmony.
I will provide only two more anecdotes. Firstly, we did a dawn balloon ride over the central region of the Serengeti (it was magical). However, we had been supposed to have conducted this over the Western Corridor. This was entirely the balloon company’s mistake (not Gosheni’s). No matter, Zadock and Peter made the necessary changes to itinerary order, accommodation and flights in order to ensure that we had minimal disruption and little additional travel. Their concern was not all of the extra work and hassle for them, only our well-being/ happiness. Finally, after we had (sadly) said goodbye to Zadock, we flew back to Arusha and transferred by another lovely Gosheni staff member to Kilimanjaro airport. Peter took the time to meet us on our way. He was eager to ensure that the whole trip had been a success, and that we had enjoyed it. This is typical of the ethos of his company.
Please, go and safari. It is a life-enhancing experience. If you do, choose Tanzania. I don’t believe that there is anywhere better. And choose Gosheni. People and companies like these deserve to succeed. You will be safe in their hands.
Summary of Itinerary/ Accommodation:
1. Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha. We were only there for about 8 hours, so difficult to provide an in-depth review. Well located in Arusha. Nice rooms. Lovely breakfast, with a lovely outlook over gardens/ golf course;
2. Tarangire Treetops Lodge. Incredible, intimate luxury in the bush. Beautiful lodges, views, butler service (Jonathan was excellent), delicious fireside meals, Maasai involvement (very touching Maasai ceremony performed for honeymooners), all built around a 500 year-old baobab tree. Out of this world. Marred only by the fact that the evening meal served to our guide Zadock was very poor (not right when guests are delivered such opulent food). Tarangire National Park is excellent. Relatively small, but beautiful, and with a good range of wildlife. Especially noted for its large elephant population;
3. Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater. Breath-taking views of the crater (especially at sunset/ sunrise). More of a hotel than a lodge, so not as intimate as Treetops (the bench-mark). However, the food and service are very good. Ngoronogoro Crater is spectacular. Feels a bit like the Lost World. An ecosystem that is partially cut-off from the rest of Tanzania. Incredible range of wildlife in a small-ish contained space. Great opportunity to see the black rhino (one animal that is not abundant in Tanzania), and also to visit “more authentic” Maasai villages;
4. Kirawira Tented Camp. Right up there with Tarangire Treetops (although slightly less intimate). Lovely pool. Great lodges with fabulous views. A special mention to Charles for the service at meal times. The staff cannot do enough for their guests, and the food is exceptional. We visited this part of the Serengeti (Western Corridor) to see the great migration (which we did). Breath-taking;
5. Serengeti Serena Lodge, Seronera. Our only disappointing camp. The thatched huts are beautiful, and there are some nice little touches for honeymooners (e.g. crocodile made of towels and petals placed on your bed upon arrival). Also, a lovely pool. However, the service at mealtimes is indifferent, and the food at dinner was terrible. Also marred by loud and ignorant guests at an adjoining table (this lodge feels less intimate, with more packed common areas). We did receive an apology from the chef, and they did try to improve things at breakfast and with our lunch-box. Seronera itself is a good part of the Serengeti to spot wildlife, especially elusive leopards and cheetahs;
6. Fight back to Arusha, transfer to Kilimanjaro. Flight to Zanzibar.
Email Hennie Becker | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari with Gosheni April 2016 was a unforgettable experience as the guys know what they are doing
With Gosheni the communication in writing were up to date and prompt. The service was outstanding and friendly and very professional. We got more from Gosheni and the Director Peter that we have requested and were utterly surprise by the setting of Acacia Camp. I have not come across better food in the bush over many years of travel. We saw the big 5 and many prides of lions and cats. I will open-heartedly recommend Gosheni all the way.
DE
Email Arman | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It has been a lifetime experience
We had a great Safari in Tanzania with gosheni. Peter and our guide they took great care of us and of our expectations. thanks a lot.
CH
Email Hanspeter Worni | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
very reliable and flexible safari tour agent from Arusha
We (Swiss couple) made a 6 days/5 nights tour with Gosheni under arranging with Arnold Simon and with our excellent driver Zadock. We got a very good fair price, and were very satisfied with the whole service, Driver was punctual was flexible and tried to do fulfill all our needs, We went through Tarangire, Serengeti South, and central, Ngorongoro crater and Lake Manyara Np. The Hotels choosen Maramboi Lodge, Ndutu Kati Kati mobile camp and Rhinolodge were all very good, in all park we saw a lot of animals....more than ever expected.
Only bad Point were the lunchboxes...but even expensive tour agents do use that as well due to no other choice.. WE only can recommend Gosheni to other travellers.
SG
Email Victor | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professionalism and attention to detail makes the difference
Prior to booking with Gosheni, I had researched multiple safari operators with all very similar offers and quotes. Having just come back from a 9 day safari with the family, I am glad we decided to go with Gosheni.
The Gosheni team is a professional and well run team. Arnold, who works in the office promptly replied to all my queries. Erasto, our driver guide was waiting to pick us up when we landed in Kilimanjaro airport and ensured we ticked off the 'Big 5'. Credit also to Peter, the managing director who is very hands on and makes an effort to meet his clients prior to their safari to provide them a briefing and addresses their needs. My wife was particularly impressed with team uniforms and name badges which further promotes the professionalism of the company vs. other tour operators. Highly recommended.
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Email David R. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A very personal and enjoyable experience.
We booked a safari-Zanzibar trip with Gosheni. The safari was very personalized from the beginning to the end. Lots of direct contact and discussion with Peter, and our guide, Eddie, was great. My wife gave him a big hug and cried happy tears when we left the safari portion. I should note that we were a little nervous coming from the States, not knowing this company or whether we could trust them. We found that we definitely could. They are good people. My one and only criticism is with the Zanzibar portion of the trip. Again, the safari was excellent, but I think they were a little out of their element with Zanzibar. Everything worked out fine, but there were a few hiccups, and you could tell the safari portion of the trip was Gosheni's focus. That said, overall they were great, and we certainly recommend them. And by the way, after visiting Zanzibar my opinion is if you live in the States and want to go to a beautiful beach, go to the Caribbean. It is just as nice or nicer than Zanzibar, and the people in the Carribean are more friendly and welcoming than those in Zanzibar. The African safari, however, should be at the very top of everyone's to-do travel list. It is amazing.
Email Giuseppe | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
lifetime experience
Gosheni Safari organised our Safari during our Honeymoon. Peter, the director, gave us a really good option and he accommodated us with our requests. Our guide Zadock was very knowledgeable and also a good companion during this amazing trip, we highly recommend him. Our next Safari is going to be 100% with Gosheni safari.
CH
Email Rainer & Susanna | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
great safari and hiking tour in Tanzania
- Peter was a great and reliable organiser for our tour from 27.12.2015 - 07.01.2016.
- we booked everything with the internet and mails from Switzerland to him and it worked very well.
- our safari car was brandnew (7 seater for two people) and William was a very good driver and guide.
- the ice box was packed with free mineral- and sodawater and some wines ;-). All for free.
- we had only one small thunderstorm in Arusha NP and loved the climate and green landscapes after the short rainy season in the nationalparks.
- we saw a part of the migration (herds of 25'000 animals) in the Ngorongoro Conservation and around Ndutu aera.
- highlights were Tarangire NP and Ngorongoro crater with plenty of anmials. Next time we come for 1 1/2 days to Tarangire NP.
- the south and Seronera part of the Serengeti NP was very nice with all the high green gras, but not to many animals. We saw two times lions in the trees in Serengeti NP and every day cats ...
- highlights for the accomodations were:
* the new luxury tented camp Acacia in the Serengeti NP from Gosheni (we get a upgrade) was great and Anthony a very good cook. We been the only guest in the camp and enjoyed it very much.
* Maromboi Tented lodge (near Tarangire NP) and Ngorongoro farmhouse (near Ngorongoro crater) were very good with great food and atmosphere. Both had large rooms.
* Ndutu safari lodge was ok, good rooms. The dinner was not very good, but the breakfast with all the fresh fruits was superb. The landscape was also very nice.
- Lake Manyara NP was empty of animals. Next time we will stay longer in Tarangire NP.
- The Mount Meru trekking was good organised, but our guide has to learn a little more about the complicate park rules. We saw him the first and last day only in the mountain huts. We hiked up with a group of 3 other couples and had to "fight" with the officals from the National park that we are not a group of 18 people ...
- The trekking, the scenery and landscapes were absolutly georgeous and Robert our cook was great.
- Price/quality for the trekking and safari for two was very good.
Thank you very much for everything. All the best
Rainer & Susanna
DE
Email Michael | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Discover the unexpected
First of all it has to be said, that I’ve never planned such a journey before. It took over 2 months of intensive preparation, comparison and discussing the details. Peter, head of Gosheni, took a lot of time answering all my questions, giving me advices and all of that whilst maintaining his easygoing, warm and friendly nature. That is the reason my wife and me not only decided to travel with Gosheni just because of the price but also we were sure being in very good and trustful hands.
Gosheni – experience the unexpected
Gosheni comes from „Goshen“ which is is named in the Bible as the place in Egypt given to the Hebrews by the pharaoh of Joseph. Is is described as the best land in Egypt during a severe famine that lasted seven years. And what could I say: Goshenis name reflect it safari programme. We’ve discovered one of the most amazing places on earth, the best land to observe the worlds wildlife with probably
the best safari team (guide and cook) you can have. But one after another:
Arrival and Tarangire
After arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport on 24th august 2015 (approx. 50kms from Arusha) we were lucky to fell in a comfortable bed belonging to the Outpost Lodge. This was in the former residence of Bernhard Grzimek ('Serengeti shall never die') and the place we’ve met Peter who introduced us to Eduard (guide) and Anthony (cook). The next day we stowed our luggage in the jeep and headed off to Tarangire NP (120kms from Arusha). This is a perfect spot to start a big adventure. The ways are not too long and it has „everything“ Anthony said. Especially the elephants make your hearts beat faster.
After a six hours game drive we’ve had an excellent dinner at our first campsite (Wildpalm C/S). And because of the very comfortable beds in the tents (we’ve even head a small table with a mirror and a lamp) we’ve slept like babys and were well prepared for the longest drive up to Serengeti North (335kms).
Serengeti shall not die
Overall we’ve spent more than four days in the Serengeti starting with two days at the northern part (Lobo Campsite). After a very long drive with many „sleeping policemen“ (speed humps), more than 200kms over dirt roads with massive road holes you thouht these must be the last day for our car we arrived at Lobo. On our way we’ve seen a lioness besides the road and a Leopard chilling on the top of a tree while his prey (Gazelle) is hanging on a tree next to the road. The Buffalos grazing around the campsite were the cherry on the cake.
The next day we discovered the northern region of the Serengeti NP including the Mara River area which is also the border to Kenya. During the 9 hours game drive we’ve learnt a lot about the fauna living there. Eduard knows so much we thought he is having some biology books for breakfast :) And on top he really knew where to stay and where to leave instead of some other tour operators who stall time by waiting and waiting at one place and nothing happens. Because of some advices we‘ve get via the ranger radio we’ve seen a cheetah lying under a tree – a moment you never forget just like the scenic lunch we’ve had at the Kenyian Border in the middle of nowhere.
After a morning game drive we’ve headed off to Serengeti Seronera, Nguchiro Campsite. This area was the most impressive one we’ve visited. Not because of the elephant felling a tree in the middle of the night right next to our tent or the Zebras you could watch while being on the toilette. No, the predators gave us one show highlight after another. First a big group of lions lying under a tree right next to our car, then three cheetah brothers each of them having a kill and in the end a leopard climbing up a tree 15 meters high (!) with a big gazelle in her mouth within 30 seconds (!!!) while her kid is waiting at the bottom.
Eduard lead us where the hotspots of the Serengeti were. But not only the hotspots every other guide knows. He followed the inner compass and so we’ve seen animals in their natural environment not disturbed by 10 other safari cars because we were the only one. So its no wonder a couple of lions in honeymoon had their fun right in front of our car. But actually it is a wonder if know you what area the Serengeti covers. 30.000 sqkms the half size of Bavaria. Because of the relatively treelessness the Massai called this UNESCO world heritage Serengeti which means „endless land“.
Massai country and archeological Mecca
To reach our last camping site (Simba) at the rim of the Ngorongoro crater we passed a Masaai village which was very interesting because you see the very young kids all over this region tending their sheeps and cows (except in the Serengeti where they may not live). Even it was a very typical tourist village it gives us a little insight of the hard life as a Massai. The biggest problem – not only for the Massai – is the corrupt government. All the money made by commodity trading and tourism doesn’t reach the population in any case. No improvement of the education system or infrastructure, illegal police checks everywhere on the roads we’ve used and so on. So everybody hopes for a change in October 2015 when elections coming.
Another cultural highlight was the Ouldepai Gorge. Its one of the oldest and most important paleoanthropological sites in the world; it has proven invaluable in furthering understanding of early human evolution. This stopps you definitely should make when you are doing a safari with Gosheni and I am happy Gosheni often has it already included in many tour proposals.
Ngorongoro – the biggest (and most expensive) zoo in the world
After the coldest night we’ve had in Tanzania (11 degrees, 2.300 meters above sea level) at the rim we went down in the crater. Actually its not a real crater but the worlds largest caldera (usually formed by the collapse of land, following a volcanic eruption) not filled with water. It is very likely you see lions, cheetahs, elephants and even rinos (still 20 living in that place) what is the reason for the unofficial designation „zoo“ even if you pay USD 200,- per vehicle and USD 50,- per person. Unfortunately we didn’t see the rino which is the most wanted animal in Tanzania. Its like playing musical chairs – everybody is waiting for the call over ranger radio to speed to the place where it has been seen. „In fact that is the moment you know how many cars are in the crater because they are all coming, Eduard said.
The last days and conclusion
After the crater we had an amazing stay the the Kudu Lodge. It was also the last accommodation of our Gosheni tour and the place we had to say goodbye to Anthony. He always prepared amazing first class food and was such a friendly character with an amazing experience. We always get more than enough to eat sometimes too much so we couldn’t eat all. At the Kudu Eduard and Anthony arranged a big surprise by giving us the most exclusive accomodation I’ve ever had.
The next day, our departure day, we had a short cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu, which was very interesting because the local guide showed us around the village. We’ve learnt how to live in this medley of different religions and seasons. Local handcrafts, banana beer and other fruits are the most typical products you should expericence in that tiny village.
The last game drive at Lake Manyara wasn’t really necessary because we only had two hours and the NP is not very famous for spectacular game observation. The invest of 45 USD are only worthwhile when you are interessted more in birds than in big game.
At the afternoon Eduard brought us back to Kilimanjaro Airport from where we went to Ndame Beach Lodge and Sunset Kendwa (see recommendations on tripadvisor). At the airport we met Peter again to say goodbye and thanks for everything. He promised us a once in a lifetime adventure and nothing less than that we had during these eight days. We’ve discovered what we never would had expected and therefore we highly recommend Gosheni – ASANTE SANA!