Naenda safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2011)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Tourist Board
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range & luxury)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $330 to $455 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Genie Parker | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Short on Cash
We used Jesse Mfoi with Naenda Safaris for our safari. Jesse did not have enough cash to get us through some Massai road blocks and getting us checked out of a hotel. The last couple of days I loaned Jesse $450 USD so our safari could move forward with the promise of repayment. Jesse ducked out on this promise when he left us at the airport. I was left stranded in the middle of my vacation with no cash.
Addendum to original review:
Jesse did wire $500 (extra $50 for fees) 10 days later to my account after I started warning people online about my issues. I consider the issue resolved.
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Email Brad Spanbauer | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Research safari to Tarangire NP
I first met Jesse Mfoi, owner and operator of Naenda Safaris based in Moshi, TZ, in January 2010, when I completed a study abroad course on animal behavior observation in Tanzania. Jesse is a kind, professional individual with a wonderful staff, all of whom are excellent safari drivers. Jesse, and some of his drivers have attended the Mweka Wildlife College, where they learned skills essential to wildlife management and guiding safaris. Each of the drivers has their own way of showing you the beautiful country of Tanzania, and each knows the national parks very well, especially where to find certain animals. I cannot say enough about how easy Jesse and his crew are to work with and I would highly recommend them not only if you are looking to do research in Tanzania, but also just for vacation safaris. Naenda Safaris is also the only company with wheelchair-accesible vehicles which allows individuals in wheelchairs to see the beauty of Tanzania also. Jesse also donates a portion of their profits to local schools for children with disabilities. All around a great small safari company to support, with a true appreciation for social justice as well as seeing the magnificent environment that north-central Tanzania has to offer!
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Email Victoria G. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Trip - Fantastic Team at Naenda!
My friend Adrienne and I went on a 3-night, 4-day safari with Naenda last month, and I couldn't recommend this team more highly. Abidan, the manager, was so helpful in arranging everything we wanted (including a trip up to Lake Natron to see the flamingos), and coordinating with me back here in the states (while my travel companion was living in Rwanda). We organized a private tour, and couldn't have been happier with our circuit, which included Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro Crater, Serengeti, and ended with Lake Natron.
Our driver, Juma, and our cook, Machinaa, were both wonderful. Juma was extremely knowledgable about the animals (maybe even more impressive because my friend is a conservation biologist and very knowledgable herself), and Machinaa was so friendly, light-hearted, and a great addition to our little team.
Abidan and the team at Naenda goes above and beyond in every aspect to make sure you have a wonderful trip. They even had cots for us when we camped at both Serengeti and Lake Natron sites - what a treat!
I have recommended Naenda already to several friends planning trips to Africa, and encourage you to use them yourself.
Thanks again Abidan, Juma, and the entire team at Naenda, for making my first safari the best trip ever!
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Email Rachel R. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jesse Mfoi is an amazing guide! Look no further for an incredible experience in Tanzania!
A friend and I booked a 7-day safari with Jesse back when he was a guide working with Uhuru Lutheran. I was thrilled to hear he had started his own business. Jesse is nothing short of amazing. He is extremely knowledgable, unfailingly professional, and always approachable and friendly. This is the perfect combination for a safari guide, with whom you will spend hours and hours during your trip. Jesse, of course, responded to sightings that are broadcast among guides in the various parks. Yet--and here's what you will truly remember--he also found unique experiences with us as the only car in sight, thanks to his knowledge, experience and patience. You don't want to be tearing around from "big 6" sighting to sighting, and not take in the beautiful surroundings. And it's amazing what you will see once everyone else has driven off to the next animal "event." With Jesse, we got up early to see hippos lounging, watched the sun set over elephants and lions (so gorgeous), and spent some time on a rocky outcrop with a stunning view of the Serengeti plain. Every day was a perfect jewel. Even 5 years later, I have so many vivid memories (not to mention breathtaking photos). A safari in Tanzania is something special and rare. Having Jesse as our guide made it truly unforgettable.
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50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable Safari of a lifetime!
it is hard to even describe how breathtaking the safari was. The expertise of our guide Jesse being able to spot the animals and describe everything in the area enhanced the experience even more! I would highly recommend Jesse as a personal tour guide and the expertise and professionalism of the company is over and above anything I would have ever expected!
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Email Kristin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had a wonderful experience with Naenda Safaris
Everything was good. We had a patient and good driver, and we felt very safe. Cant complain about anything. Got to see everything we were hoping for. I would definately recommend Naenda safaris to friends.
Amazing Experience
Jesse was an exceptional safari guide. I kept telling him spending time with him was like being with a walking, talking Google. Every question I asked about animals, the land, the country he could answer in depth. He had a great sense of humor and by the time the safari was over I knew I had a friend for life. Jesse's vehicles are safe, comfortable and he made sure that I had everything I needed at all times. It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend Naenda to anyone that visits Tanzania.
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Email Terry Clementson M.D. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Jesse Mfoi is an awesome guide and we would go anywhere with him.
We have been with Jesse Mfoi in 2007 to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. In 2009 we went to Tarangire Nat'l Park. In 2011 he organized a trip for 8 of us for 5 days to Iringa from Moshi Tazania and back. He is an excellent guide and individual!!! A couple glitches occurred in 2011 but he took care of the problem in short order without any discomfort to any of us. We would only use Naenda Safari Company on any future return to Africa.
Terry and Karen Clementson
Lincoln, Nebraska USA
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Email Fran | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania from Arusha to Shirati
We found Naenda Safaris while looking for transportation into Shirati, Tanzania to visit a hospital for which we had been fundraising to send medical supplies. Naenda advertises itself as a social business with an interest in giving back to local communities and this was quite attractive to us. They responded to all our pre-trip inquiries comprehensively, courteously, and quickly. They were the only company that gave us a breakdown of the total charges to be incurred and definitely the only company that agreed to take us all the way into Shirati, a rather remote village on the shores of Lake Victoria as part of our safari. They dealt clearly and honestly with all financial matters. Once we arrived in Arusha our guide, Nixon, picked us up at a predetermined time and place and from then until we were dropped off in our hosts' front yard in Shirati, he did everything he could to make sure our trip through the Ngorogoro Crater and the Serengeti was nothing short of spectacular. He was friendly and respectful and very informative. Our truck was comfortable and well stocked with water and lunches for our daily drives. The tent camps chosen were great. We saw every animal one could expect to see in Africa and some in proximity that was unbelievable to me. Luckily, the Great Migration was happening while we were there and our guide made an extreme effort to make sure we observed that.
As this was my first trip to Africa, my expectations were somewhat tentative. The owner and guide of the Naenda Safari Co. gave us an introduction to the hospitality of the people and the beauty of Tanzania that I will always cherish. I heartily recommend using this company and know that anybody who does will have a safe and memorable safari!
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Email James | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experiance with Jesse and Naenda Safaris
You may have decided to go on Safari, which is by itself a life-changing experience, but now you have to choose a tour company. I highly recommend Naenda Safaris. You can trust Jesse, he is a terrific guy and runs a small business. Being a small business, you are going to get the best they have to offer. This is unique and special when compared to the other tour companies. It is better to deal with people running their own operation than with hired drivers of a huge company. You will get the best service, and make life long friends at the same time. When I make it back to Tanzania, it will without a doubt be with Naenda Safaris. Can't wait to see you all again Jesse!