Reviews
Email Jen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Looking for an amazing experience to never forget? Look no further than Warrior Trails!
We wanted a honeymoon to remember and it was exactly what we asked for. Warrior Trails exceeded every possible customer service request. From William responding to my many emails, and there were quite a few!. To meeting our first driver at the airport with such ease, then meeting Clamian himself on our first morning to discuss the itinerary for our honeymoon. Clamian is such a warm, welcoming man who wants nothing more than for you to remember every last detail of your time with his company.
Our driver Joshua has 18 years experience so knows exactly how to make your safari memorable. He knows every bird, plant, tree, animal, park rangers and local masai.
We spent 9 days with Joshua, travelling to Tarangire for two days, the Serengeti for four days including the Western corridor along the Grumeti River for the Wildebeest migration and then finally on to the Ngorongoro Crater to see the famous Rhino.
We also managed to squeeze in an early morning balloon ride, a night drive at Lake Manyara and a crater rim walk at Ngorongoro. Every last detail was managed by Joshua, he spoke to all of the lodges/camps/balloon reception/ranger for the crater walk and the rangers for the night safari to ensure there were no issues and that we were looked after.
Once we had finished our 9 days in Tanzania we flew over to Zanzibar for 3 days relaxation, again everything was organised by Warrior Trails. We finally got to meet William who is such a lovely man, he provided us with our boarding passes and told us exactly what would happen when we got to the airport.
Every camp/lodge/hotel we checked in to made us feel so welcome, they wished us well for our marriage which is all thanks to William. We were truly spoilt.
You can either book with a big company and give them your money and in return have a good Safari, or you can book with Warrior Trails to make your holiday one to never forget. Warrior Trails are simply there to make memories, they want your dreams to come alive and this type of personal commitment and energy is rarely seen with bigger tour companies. I would never hesitate to recommend Warrior Trails. We will never forget their hospitality and genuine enjoyment and pride they have in providing the best experience possible.
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Email Colleen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Phenomenal life-changing experience!
I cannot say enough about the remarkable visit we had with local Maasai communities in Arusha and at Clamian’s family boma in Tangagire corridor. It was nothing short of life-changing - the friendships and connections that we made through the introductions by Clamian and Frank are priceless. We came as part of an international social work visit and our priority was to connect with local communities and Clamian and Frank took this mission to heart. Later in our stay we had a chance to visit the Ngorongoro crater with Frank Sabore- the most knowledgeable and talented guide we could have imagined. He brought us out of the crowds and we found ourselves surrounded on a hillside a close knit herd of elephants- from an enormous bull to tiny babies - Frank expertly tracked behavior cues to ensure our safety while allowing us to marvel inches from this stunning clan (from inside our open roof vehicle). We look forward to an upcoming visit in April from a new Maasai friend and to returning soon to our new Tanzanian home.
CL
Email Agustin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
6-Day Safari - Amazing Experience
Warrior Trails was amazing. We had an incredible experience during our safari, visiting Ngorongoro, Serengetti and Tarangire. The wildlife viewing was great and Joshua was an amazing spotter and driver. He was also very knowledgeable about wildlife, Tanzanian history and Maasai culture.
Everything worked flawlessly, he picked us up at the airport and we had no issues at any of the lodges, all of which were great.
To wrap up a great experience we visited the school supported by Clamian and Warrior Trails. It is great to see a local company supporting the community and the way the children sang the school anthem and showed their pride for their school was amazing.
If you are planning a safari I would definitely recommend Warrior Trails.
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Email Kim | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great solo safari
I went as a solo female traveler in September 2014 and had a great experience with Warrior Trails. William, who I worked with to plan was always timely in replying to emails and flexible. My guide Frank was excellent. He had amazing eyesight and could spot animals that were very hidden away that other guides did not see. He also took time to sit and watch animals versus other vehicles who stopped briefly and moved on. He was very knowledgeable also about the many birds and trees/plants. I met Clamian the owner before and after the safari and he was very kind. I visited Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. I also visited the Maasai primary school which was wonderful. I would definitely recommend them based on my experience.
CA
Email Mel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The ultimate private camping safari in Northern Tanzania coordinated by Warrior Trails
Our 40th Anniversary was spent with Warrior Trails and was the lifetime experience we were hoping for. My husband and I are seasoned travelers having either treaked or scuba dived in many parts of the world - from Papua New Guiana to Galapagos to the upper waters of the Amazon in Peru. We look for cultural connections, exceptional events and opportunities of flora, fauna or wildlife that tend to avoid places where there are a lot of other tour groups. We also wanted to find a local Tanzanian operator.
Warrior Trails did it all. We were looking for a customized private trip of about 18 days involving north and south Tanzania and a stop off in Zanzibar as a break between the two safari events. William had many suggestion to offer and was receptive to our requests. For the 12 days in the north we mainly wanted private wilderness camping with and occasional night at one of the smaller tenting camps for a bit of respite and civilization!
Warrior Trails wilderness tenting experience was exceptional with good quality 8x8 foot dome tent with cots, nice clean sleeping bags, pillow and blankets for us; a netted tent for dinning; a shower stall and well maintained tent toilet stall. Clamian the owner of Warrior Trails upon reviewing our extensive and unusual itinerary generously upgraded us to have two vehicles – our 4x4 for us and our guide, then another support vehicle that brought along our cook and tent/site equipment and would be all set up upon our arrival. We also desired “special camping sites” which involved Warrior Trails coordinating with the various Parks and Reserves for beautifully designated wilderness sites away from the busy public campsites. Our evening visitors wandering near or through our campsite were exceptional including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hippos and more. Jackson our guide always kept us safe! Of the meals Emmanuel a certified chef prepared everything from a traditional Tanzanian beef rice pilaff to a quiche cooked over open fire coals.
The safari 4x4 vehicle with pop up was in great shape. Jackson with many years of experience as a guide was intuitive as to seeing signs of pending wildlife. We learned going “Poly Poly” (slowly) reaped rewards and sure enough he would spot the tip of a lion’s tail or the ear of cheetah in the tall grass and then with patience for the experience to unfold we would have the animal viewing of a lifetime!
Logistically Warrior trails was always on top of everything from the efficiency and flow of the electronic bank transfer for deposit and payments; to the smiling face of Loomey one of WT’s young tour guide /office support who greeted us at the Kilimanjaro airport outer gate on first arrival; to the unexpected smooth efficient lovely mini site tour and lunch in Arusha when plan schedules had to be adjusted on the way to Zanzibar. At no time where we ever left waiting or wondering about needed supports or flow of our trip.
Yes everyone goes to African for the animals but of equal value we found were the cultural visits and walking tours with rangers.
Of ranger walks – not often for the animals but to take in the land on foot and visit with the rangers. Starting in Arusha National Park with an hour hike to water falls walking through giraffes and Africa buffalos - just meters away. Then later near Ngorongoro Crater by Munge River water fall for beautiful valley views and watching Maasai boys and warriors herding their cows; Lake Ndutu (just south of Serengeti) and then lastly at Lake Manze. Don’t expect or desire herds of animals passing by but enjoy being quietly with the land and stretching your legs after previous hours or days of exciting truck safari drives. These solitude walks will stay with you long after! You don’t have to be a major trekking to do these 1 -2 hr events…just reasonably fit.
A major highlight and privilege of our trip was our overnight stay at the Simangori Maasai Boma (Village) were Clamian’s family come from. Our visit involved a community welcome; observing the respectful goat preparation and grilling for the evening feast; partaking in their daily evening dancing; next morning seeing the children in their new school; visiting a mother and her family in their clay home and hearing of her culture; a hike with Maasai warriors / elders and learning of their values, history and hopes. The Maasai are a private proud people so having the opportunity to be invited into their community is a rare event. Warrior Trails’ establishment of the Maasai Foundation to support living conditions, schooling and employment opportunities is a great initiative. As a traveller it is feels good to support a local operator with a vison of giving back to the community as well as offering possibly the best local tour operation out of Arusha!
Of the memorable lodges and tent lodge camps we stayed at via Warrior trails great organization:
Aruma River Lodge – great 1st night respite after 18 hrs flying
Rhoitia Valley Tented Lodge – beautiful views / vistas between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater
Fumba Beach Lodge – on Zanzibar – great 2 day beach front retreat with diving, beach, and pleasant dining area. Nice ½ day tour through Stonetown on way to airport – wished we had taken 1 more day and spent a night in Stonetown itself
Lake Manze Adventure camp – in south Selous area - excellent blend of water boat safaris and day safaris
Our trip would be considered a bit on the edge by some but it was what we wished for and had a hard time finding. Thank you Warrior Trails for making it happen.
CA
Email Catherine | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
4th Safari with Warrior Trails
I have experienced exceptional cultural and game viewing experiences in Tanzania with Warrior Trails on 4 separate safaris! Each trip has been unbelievably rewarding in its own way because Warrior Trails is brilliant at what they do…providing “Unforgettable Safaris and Lifelong Memories”.
I have had the pleasure of being on safari with 4 different Warrior Trails guides, each of whom has been remarkable in their game spotting ability, and their knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and cultures. Not only are they highly trained and skilled, but they are fun and engaging. Our guide Frank was absolutely exceptional; he is a treasure!!
Typically, I go on safari in June or July, but Warrior Trails recommended a trip in May this year in order for me to experience the green season, witness the migration in a different location, and see lots of baby animals. I was amazed at how just a few months earlier in the year could make such a marked difference in my experience; I was NOT disappointed. Bonus: May is much less expensive time to be on safari, and there weren’t the crowds of earlier or later in the year. In fact, we had several camps to ourselves!!
Cultural experiences are a hallmark of Warrior Trails. Because the owner of the company is Maasai, the company is able to offer unique, authentic experiences with local Maasai communities. Highlights on each of my trips have included spending a night at a Maasai boma, and participating in traditional Maasai activities including: milking cattle, beading with Maasai women, storytelling around a campfire, visiting a Maasai well, and going on nature walks with Maasai warriors. These cultural interactions are not the contrived experiences of the “tourist bomas” that other safari companies use. If you book your safari with Warrior Trails (and you should!) make sure to include a visit to a Maasai boma in your itinerary.
Camps and lodges used this year: Mt Meru Hotel in Arusha, overnight at Makuyuni Maasai boma, Maramboi Tented Camp, Lake Masek Tented Camp, Ang’ata Serengeti, Ang’ata Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Farmhouse. Of these, we had the boma, Lake Masek, and the 2 Ang’ata camps to ourselves! Incredible.
Our wildlife and bird viewing were exceptional; as always, I saw and experienced everything I had hoped to see, and more! I highly recommend a safari with Warrior Trails.
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Email Paul and Vicki | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Fantastic Safari with Warrior Trails!
We just arrived home after a spectacular, unforgettable, private 13 day safari for me and my husband through the Northern Circuit of Tanzania with Warrior Trails from Feb. 14-27, 2015. Although I have not been in East Africa before, I have traveled to various countries in West Africa for work over the past 20 years. For those of you unfamiliar with doing business in Africa, do not be concerned with working with and transferring money to Warrior Trails in Tanzania. For those safari newbies, do not be afraid booking with a local Tanzanian company rather than the more familiar, famous, international travel company names. Those companies will just be subcontracting out to local companies anyway, you will be paying more money, and your service may not be as good. Also, do consider and price out a private safari (private vehicle and driver) rather than being part of a larger anonymous group. There is no comparison with traveling in a vehicle with 360 degrees of viewing room and no one’s schedule other than your own. The price is much more reasonable than you would expect and may be comparable or cheaper to a group rate with the larger autonomous international tour groups.
Warrior Trails is an impeccable, professional, dedicated, honest, local initiative-supporting tour company. The office staff (in our case, William) is one of the key reasons we ended up choosing Warrior Trails after submitting enquiries to numerous companies. His responses were detailed, options were varied, and our back and forth communication always quick.
The owner of Warrior Trails, Clamian Kitesho met us in Tanzania before we set out on our tour and also at the end of our trip giving us the comfort that our needs would be met. His commitment to bettering the local Maasai villages and education for the children is admirable (a percentage of his company proceeds go to building and supporting a local school complex). With my experience working in Africa for 20 years, I tend to have a suspicious view towards some African charitable operations due to corruption. In this case, I have no qualms whatsoever in donating and supporting the Nashipay Maasai School. During our tour, we visited the Stage 1 school outside of Arusha, and met the teachers and some of the students who must rotate in the classroom due to the overwhelming response of local parents wanting to send children for education.
Our driver-guide for the entire 13 days, Frank Sabore is the reason that our trip was one of the best we have ever had (and we travel a lot!). Frank is thoughtful, well-spoken, kind, competent, careful, funny, happy, intelligent, flexible, conscientious, humble, sharing and very educated about the flora, fauna, and culture. I cannot come up with enough positive adjectives to describe this amazing, outstanding individual. He has eyesight comparable to Superman and can find things hidden to normal individuals and anticipate movements of animals and birds so that you can be ideally placed for very close observation and picture taking. We trusted him implicitly for making decisions on when and where to go throughout the day, and our evening meals with him were very enjoyable.
We stayed in a mix of accommodations at our request, including 4 different mobile tented camps (very fancy camping for me, as I am geologist have spent weeks camping while doing field work), a hotel, a very nice tented lodge at Lake Manyara and a fixed lodge. All of these facilities were good, some quite excellent.
In our 13 days some of my favorite sights included: 11 Black Rhino including a mother and baby in Ngorongoro Crater; 9 cheetahs in 4 hours in Ndutu (3 of which were tiny babies which looked like honey badgers); a lion lounging in a tree in Ngorongoro conservation area. However, it the trip was not just about ‘the Big 5’. It was also about so much more: a wide variety of beautiful exotic birds (Frank knows them all), a large band of playful mongoose, stunning flora and especially developing an understanding of the Tanzanian people and the land they live in. An extraordinary experience we will never forget.
A Personalized and Authentic Experience!!
This was my 3rd safari with Warrior Trails and each one keeps getting better and better. The trip was customized and personalized for our small group. From the first inquiry I knew that Warrior Trails was a winner!! Responsiveness from the first e-mail until the end of our trip was superb! The food and accommodation facilities at each lodge was unsurpassed. Our driver and guide enhanced our adventure by going out of his way to ensure that we had the very best safari experience possible. The vehicle was really comfortable and we all had a perfect seat for viewing the animals and incredible landscapes. Each evening our guide would review the next day activities and options and the day was organized to meet our needs. Our safari with Warrior Trails far exceeded our expectations and we keep going back for more!!
I highly recommend adding a little time to visit Makuyuni primary school and the Maasai village and people there. It is truly an unforgettable and authentic experience.