Our family welcomes you to Tanzania! Karibu sana!
Tanzania Choice Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2007)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $400 to $1,700 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Lisa Bonds | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania Choice Safaris -- the very best company for all aspects of your journey.
From our initial email and Skype conversations with Tanzania Choice Safaris to each and every detail (large and small) of our trip -- we knew we had signed up with the very best provider out there. We were able to plan well for our safari due to the incredible information Tanzania Choice provided and due to their speedy and thorough responses to our multiple questions. This trip was a big one for us in all ways -- we've never taken 3 weeks vacation; my husband had never been to Africa; and it was the largest investment we've ever made in a trip. In all of the planning stages -- Brenda seemed to be able to anticipate our questions and quell any of our anxieties. In the midst of the trip -- the hospitality and professionalism of Tanzania Choice Safaris ensured that we had the very best experience possible. Brenda and Kakasii really listened to us and heard what was most important to us re: lodging, what we wanted to see, and how we wanted to travel (not luxurious but also not "roughing it."). I've traveled extensively in 27 different countries and worked with and seen the output of a lot of travel planners -- no one tops what I've seen Tanzania Choice Safaris do. The trip they put together exceeded our wildest dreams of what a safari could be and it's clear that they know, understand and love Tanzania. Kakasii was born to be a safari guide. His ability to drive us safely on challenging roads while also spotting all types of wildlife and telling us about local cultures, landscapes and history all at the same time was amazing. Each night we'd overhear other travelers talking about the fact that they really hadn't seen much that day or about how their guide was apathetic (at best) or rude (at the worst). Our experience was the opposite of the many disappointed travelers we talked to. We saw over 105 species of animals and we saw the "big five" easily and in multiple numbers. We wanted to tell everyone we met that for the very best travel and safari experience -- they needed to sign on with Tanzania Choice Safaris. It's clear why Tanzania Choice Safaris has earned the respect of staff at the parks, staff/management at the places we stayed and of their many satisfied travelers--they are simply the best in all categories. They take their jobs very seriously and ensure that everyone they work with has the trip of a lifetime. I offer them the very highest of recommendations.
Email Charlotte Ward | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I cannot put into words how truly wonderful my experience was with Tanzania Choice!
I arrived in Tanzania having booked my trip with a different tour provider... which did not exactly go to plan! I had planned to climb Kilimanjaro and do a short safari afterwards before heading home. However, upon arrival it soon became clear that what i had been promised was not going to materialise. Luckily, I was put into contact with Brenda from Tanzania Choice who quickly arranged for me to meet her & helped me to organise a brand new itinerary within hours! I could not have asked for a more professional service who tailored the trip to my every need under such short time pressures. The service was not only professional but also personal and helped to calm my nerves after a very stressful first day in Tanzania. I met my Kilimanjaro guide, Festo, within a few hours of being in Brenda's company and I knew instantly that I had made the right decision to change my tour provider. Festo was an insightful, knowledgable and truly amazing guide. As a 21 year old girl climbing the mountain alone, i was very nervous and apprehensive about the trip but I felt at ease in his company and trusted him completely. He is an expert at what he does and his knowledge of the mountain is second to none. He always has a smile on his face & knows exactly how to cheer you up when motivation to keep climbing is waining! I managed to reach the top and had an incredible time along the way. I chose to do the Marangu route which has wooden huts instead of tented camps & I really recommend this route, especially if you are climbing alone. Whilst some say it is a touristy route, it was in no way overcrowded and I got the chance to meet people from all over the world and make lasting friendships. My team on the mountain were unbelievable! The food they provided was delicious, and believe me... food becomes extremely important as your energy levels deplete! An extra bonus was that every day i was woken by hot coffee which is not a service many others enjoyed. I felt so well looked after and I couldn't have done it without my team behind me. After my climb, i chose to do a 2 day safari in Taranguire staying in the Sangaiwe Tented Lodge. The lodge was simply beaaaautiful! I felt like i was in a 5 star hotel, everything was immaculate and the service exceptional. The resort is unspoilt and peaceful but well equipped with a stunning swimming pool to cool off in after a hot day on Safari. Kokassi, our guide, was much like Festo in that he was so knowledgable and insightful about the park and the animals which inhabit it. It's like he has a 6th sense for the animals, finding lions and cheetah in the depths of the park where nobody else was! I saw millions of elephants, zebra and giraffes - all in touching distance! The food on the trip was amazing and every lunch time they would lay out a table cloth and provide hot coffee, which is just a special touch that many companies do not provide. Tanzania Choice gave me a 5* experience and i would not even look at another company if i were to return to Tanzania. Brenda and Kokassi are lovely, genuine people and really became my family whilst i was out there. My initial experience of Tanzania was quickly changed after meeting this family. I miss them very much & would recommend them to anyone!
US
Email Melinda | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The experience I had with Choice Safaris was so much better than my expectations
The trip was organized and planned with our interests and comfort in mind. There was COLD water in the land cruiser and breaks were timed near bathrooms. The vehicle was as comfortable as is possible on rough roads. (It helped that Noel was also a good driver ).Noel was the best guide we had throughout our whole trip in Kenya and Tanzania and Zanzibar. He was a wealth of information on birds, animals, geology and culture. Lodging was the best with great food. No one will be disappointed if going with this company. They were also very receptive to our wishes and were always on time.
US
Email Jeff, Amy, Ben, & Luke | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Simply the Best
Tanzania Choice Safaris was simply the best, from start to finish. Brenda's communication, from scheduling to the conclusion, was unparalleled. We felt a high degree of trust and confidence in her. Additionally, Brenda's selections and recommendations for accommodations were perfect. Every place we stayed exceeded our expectations. Our safari guide, Noel, was extremely knowledgeable about Tanzania and all wildlife, and his driving skills were amazing on the "African massage" roads. Also, Noel went above and beyond on our final night in the Serengeti when he observed four lions take down a wildebeest after we had returned to our lodge. Noel could have easily let it be a missed opportunity for us. Instead, he returned to our lodge, alerted us, and took us to observe the circle of life in action. To top it off, Brenda and Kakasii met us at the airport the day we left to learn about our experience and confirm our safe and timely departure. We highly recommend Tanzania Choice Safaris for your next adventure! You'll be in good hands.
US
Email Ruthann | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kakasi always went the extra mile to provide the best experience possible.
Tanzania Choice Safaris was a delight from beginning to end. In the pre-trip days, their communications, including answering questions and providing information, was always excellent. Brenda was diligent in providing the best accommodations, travel arrangements, help with the visa, and anything else that we needed. We were met at the airport, and taken around by Kakasi, until he dropped us back at the airport for our home trip. His abilities to find animals in the Serengeti are amazing, including a mother Cheetah and her twin babies. We were never worried about anything. He kept the vehicle spotless, our water supply filled and cold, and was full of information and fun as we travelled. I would highly recommend Tanzania Choice Safaris, and would not hesitate at all to travel with them again. 100% delightful.
US
Email Beth | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Personalized Family Safari with wonderful travel support
We booked with Tanzania Choice Safaris after looking thru multiple recommended safari companies from different sources. What set them apart for me during my research was a few things: 1st I loved that they are Tanzanian based so able to put the money spent into the hands of Tanzanian people, 2nd they offer a wide range of budget options as well as the option to add more cultural experiences, and finally so important from the moment I reached out to inquire with them, Brenda was 100% responsive in a timely manner and always gracious and helpful!
We had a wonderful experience, loved our guides (Noel and Elisante) and the places we visited.
From the moment we stepped out of the airport we had guides help navigate every step of the way. The staff at all of the lodges we stayed at were friendly and excellent. The Massai cultural tour was educational and great world view perspective. Our guides were knowledgeable, great at spotting animals and knowing where to take us, fun and great with kids. My kids are still talking about Noel and missing him now! The safari vehicles were well taken care of (we saw many others on the side of the road).
I would highly recommend Tanzania choice safaris based on budget friendliness with ability to splurge where you want (we loved the hot air balloon experience), their genuine customer service and A+ responsiveness throughout the entire process. It was truly a trip of a lifetime!
US
Email Pam | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Attentive to ensuring we had a wonderful inclusive experience.
We used Tanzania Choice Safari for our 8 day vacation. There were 3 couples, which was the perfect size for a safari vehicle. We had a blend of 4 days safari, and what I would call community immersion. We attended church service in the community, visited hospitals, toured the shifting sands, gorge, and had time for some shopping. We chose a blend of lodges and a bush camp. The bush camp was my favorite place to stay. Most of our meals were included. We thoroughly enjoyed our driver. He was knowledgeable and asked us what we wanted and then delivered. I would highly recommend Tanzania Choice Safari.
US
Email Ann | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent organization, communication and planning.
We had a most amazing experience, I never thought we would be able to afford a safari but we had a sixteen day adventure at a very reasonable cost. The lodging was all fun, well run and beautiful. Love the bush camps. We had the best guide ever. Leslie took great care of us and found every animal and bird you could want to see. So many birds! It was a dream to be riding through the grand landscape searching for the next surprise.
We added on a balloon ride over Ndutu that I would highly recommend, worth every penny. Also the cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu was so good.
All the details came together without a hitch. Terrific and highly recommend. Thank you Brenda, Leslie and Noel(sp?) truly a trip of a lifetime, but I want to come back!
US
Email Ann and Lee Swanson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect!
We are in our late 60s and had always dreamt of seeing the African landscape and wildlife. The trip of a lifetime for us. Tanzania Choice Safaris organized that dream beyond our expectations. We got tears in our eyes many times especially when we had to leave our guide. We always felt special and taken care of. You can’t put a price on a trip like that. Thank you all for making the dream come true!
US
Email Jan C | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
100% wonderful from the first contact with Brenda thru Leslie dropping us off at the airport.
Brenda was very good at listening to us. We wanted to travel during our winter and wanted rustic but not too primitive to fairly nice accomodations without paying 5 star resort prices. She was good about explaining the pros (birthing season and green grass) vs the cons (hot and sometimes green tall grass makes it harder to see smaller animals) of going on safari in February. The lodges we stayed in were nicer than we expected and included pools. We also spent some nights in bush camps, which I describe as glamping. They were also nicer than I expected. Big beds (no army cots) and private bathrooms with showers.
Leslie was our driver. He was perfect. Funny, personable, knowledgeable, excellent at spotting animals, and an all-around nice guy. Anytime we saw another driver stuck in the mud, he was the first to stop to help. One of our group members is an avid bird watcher. Leslie is also interested in birds, so was the perfect fit for us.
Tanzania Choice Safaris does not combine groups. You only travel with whomever you sign up with. We reduced our per person cost by going with a group of 6 and were still comfortable in the Land Cruiser.
We stayed at the Pazuri Inn near Arusha for our recuperating day upon arrival. Noel (another driver and Leslie's brother) took us around Arusha the first day and he was also great.
On the safari, we visited Tarangire National Park, staying at Tarangire Simba Lodge. It was beautiful and elephants and other animals visited us at the watering hole during happy hour. We did a 2 hour walking safari with a park ranger. Very interesting and several elephants followed us to the parking spot.
We did a half day cultural tour of Mto wa Mbu. Worthwhile and informative. Stayed at Eileen's Trees Inn. Nice with a pool. It poured that evening so we stayed under cover.
Next was Ngorongo Crater, which was amazing. Stayed at Ndutu Bush camp. Large tents, the aforementioned glamping. Heard hyenas and lions in the night. We opted for the early morning hot air balloon ride over Nduto. I highly recommend it.
From there we went to the Ngorongo Conservation area and then on to Serengeti National park, staying at Central Serengeti Bush camp.
I mentioned that it was birthing season. For me, that was the highlight of the trip. We saw baby elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, gazelles, warthogs, lions, monkeys, baboons, and more.
I can't say enough about the great service throughout the entire planning process and the whole adventure. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.
