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 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.
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Email Doug | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great service and experience
This is one of the few Tanzanian owned tour companies. Jesse did a fabulous job with communications and planning and was always anxious to meet the varying needs of 7 passengers, ages varied by 50 years, and has developmental disabilities. He knows an incredible amount about the plants and animals and was patient and kind to us all. Jesse also worked with on limiting expenses, and we still lived very well.
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Email Barb | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
All my senses were awakened to the natural beauty of TZ by Naenda while supporting children in need.
My husband & I have been on more than one Naenda Safari during the past few years because we were living in Tanzania for several months each year. We have communicated with Jesse Mfoi by e-mails, skype calls, & in person. Of course it is easier to communicate in person than in writing when more than one primary language is being used. However, the information on the Naenda website is very helpful.
We did not know what to expect on our first safari, but each one has been very special because we have gone to different locations and have tried different types of accommodations. Also, we have learned so much about TZ, thanks to Jesse. He and his other guides & drivers are incredibly knowledgeable and informative about the animal life, plant life, and natural history of TZ. He is respectful and has a nice sense of humor while wanting his customers to have a great experience.
One of Naenda's vehicles is set up to take wheelchair users on safari. Two friends of ours who use wheelchairs went with us on one of the safaris. They had a choice of staying in their chairs or sitting in the regular seats in the vehicle and had full uninterrupted viewing. Also we stayed in wheelchair accessible places that Jesse had already checked out.
Naenda Safaris is owned by a Tanzanian which is very rare, so we feel good about doing business with local people instead of a foreign owned company. A part of the company's earnings help support local programs for children with disabilities, which is not done by most safari companies. We feel as though we are giving back to the local community as well as having an awesome experience while on safari!
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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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Email Dr Don Kilby President CACHA | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Crossing Serengeti
I have been travelling to Tanzania yearly for 12 years and have gone their on safari 4 times. By far the most enjoyable and authentic experience I have had has been with Naenda safaris. The owner, Jesee, volunteered with the charity I volunteer with in Tanzania, so it was natural for me to book with him. He and his team are genuinely caring and giving. The concept of social business on which he has founded his company is still new in the safari business.
He brings to his company a culture of giving and their support of vulnerable children and women made my experience with Naenda that much more enrichning.
This company is organized, professional, responsive and the staff are always pleasant and service oriented.
They can organize any type of safari you want according tailored to you. Just ask, they will go out of their way to make your time with them memorable.