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
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experiences in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Have rated our experience as excellent as we were blown away by the experience of the Serengeti and Ngonrongoro Crater. Prior to arriving in Tanzania we experienced excellent communication with Abidan who was there to pick us up at Kilimanjaro airport and at the end of our safari Jesse, our driver, took us to the border for our connecting drive to Kenya.
We did have a change of itinerary which we weren't expecting but was a logical step as we wanted particularly to see the migration in the Ndutu area and because we had a long drive to the border for our connecting drive to Kenya at the end of our stay. All in all we were satisfied with this. We loved the camp we stayed in in the Serengeti - Heritage camp - which is small and run by a really cheerful crew and gives a very authentic experience. Serengeti was something I shall never forget - seeing the enormity of the mass of migrating wildebeest and zebra etc. The pride of lions - about a dozen with cubs on our first early morning game drive, lying on the rocky outcrop was just awsome as was watching the sun come up - great pics. We watched elephant antics - and waited while the leopard in the tree (with his kill) had to stay up there due to the six or seven lions lying around the bottom. For me the Serengeti stay was the highlight but the Ngorongo crater was also amazing - we watched a zebra give birth and baby take its first steps. We did go to Lake Manyara park as our first day of safari - it is very beautiful but what came after sort of overshadowed it. Our last night at the Simba Ngorongoro Forest Lodge was a lovely ending - with all the luxuries etc and a beautiful dinner.
Jesse is a very good driver and we felt very safe with him. He is clearly passionate about his country - I don't blame him as it is stunning. Although he didn't have radio communication in the vehicle we used he seemed to know where to find everything as we certainly saw some awsome things!
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Email Scott and Angie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Phenomenal Experience!
We had a phenomenal experience in Africa! A big part of that was thanks to Jesse Mfoi and his company, Naenda Safaris. They worked with our limited schedule and personalized an adventure-filled 3 day/2 night safari for us – lodging and meals included. We were able to experience Tarangire National Park, a quick overview of the Ngorogoro Crater and two full days on the Serengeti. We could not have asked for a better guide or itinerary! Jesse is very knowledgeable and made sure we saw as many animals as possible in that short time! He took great care of us! He loves what he does and it shows!
Planning adventures in a different country can be overwhelming. If you are researching safari companies, look no further! You just found it!
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Email Sarah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari with Naenda!
We had a wonderful 2.5 day safari with Naenda. Despite the short time frame, Jesse helped us plan a great safari to Tarangire and to Ngorongoro Crater. Everything went so smoothly with the travel - the land cruiser was comfortable, we had great vegetarian food and we stayed at a lovely guest house in Karatu. The safari was incredible - we saw so many animals and Jesse seemed to know everything about them, the parks and the surroundings. He organized everything so that we were able to just enjoy the safari and marvel at everything we saw. I highly recommend Naenda - our safari really could not have been better!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great trip - a fantastic local guide and a social conscience
I had a great safari trip with Jesse to Lake Manyara and Ngorogoro Crater. Arrangements were very smooth, accommodation was great and the safari itself was fantastic. We got a very lucky day in Ngorogoro with lions at every turn including a full pride with cubs. This was my first safari, but most definitely not my last.
I was also very pleased with the ethos of Jesse and the company - Jesse pays his drivers (rather than leaving them to survive on tips alone as many other operators do), and Naenda is run as a social enterprise with profits going to a local childrens disability charity. I would massively recommend Naenda to anyone heading to Northern 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
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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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 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 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!
Email Justine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful safari company and saw the BIG FIVE!!!
I initially enquired with about 15 different safari companies about doing a personalised safari over 5 days in Tanzania. I wanted it to incorporate Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro Crater, Serengeti and Tarangire National Park. Most other companies said it couldn't be done over 5 days or told me that we would have to drop one of the destinations, but Naenda came back to me very quickly and said that they would be able to do the trip that my husband and I wanted to do, that they would be able to do it within our timescales (which were not flexible) and we would be staying in luxury accommodation (as it was our honeymoon).
The price we were quoted was incredibly competitive and we were extremely happy with the level of service we received before travelling - Abidan was great and responded very quickly (definitely within 24 hours or every email we sent if not much much quicker).
Jesse (our driver) was great as well and we managed to see the Big Five all on one day at Ngorogoro Crater, which I thought was basically impossible (thanks to poaching of rhino and leopards being elusive)!
The following day at Serengeti, we were extremely lucky to see four cheetah, a large pride of lion (about 11-15), another leopard, a hippo out of the water, a porcupine and a black mamba. All of the animals (bar maybe the leopard) were visible with the naked eye so we were close.
I have been on a number of safaris before (South Africa, Kenya, Gambia) but have never before experienced anything like Tanzania. The animals are magnificent, the people are genuine and wonderful and the accommodation is top-notch.
I would absolutely recommend Naenda to anyone wishing to do a safari in Tanzania. If you're looking for a completely personalised service, a great driver and a first class service then please do go with Naenda.