Tanzania Expeditions
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $700 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Top Notch Guided Tours
Tanzania Expeditions is the only way to climb Kilimanjaro. Their custom tailored, personalized service is top notch. They exceed expectations in providing a safe, fun and successful climb to the summit. Highly recommend.
US
Email Stacey | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Kilimanjaro hike and safari honeymoon
We decided to go to Africa for our honeymoon, we knew we wanted to climb Kilimanjaro and do a Safari. I was originally overwhelmed with all the tour options. I decided it would be best to support an African company, and this turned out to be one of the best decisions we could have ever made. Tanzania Expeditions, exceeded our expectations at every opportunity.
Prior to making our trip to Tanzania, Justin provided us with packing lists, and helped prepare us with the necessary paperwork and medical advice. His email responses were always timely and thorough. He also was able to put us in contact with his American partner, who I spoke to on the phone and was reassured about all the details of the trip.
They met us at the airport, loaded all our luggage for us, and the driver told us about the area, and answered our questions all the way to Justin Mtui's (owner of Tanzania Expeditions) hostel. We arrived at the hostel and enjoyed a beautiful view of downtown Arusha. Justin was friendly and the accommodations were good. He made us breakfast, and we were able to appreciate some of the culture over breakfast while, he got the water ready for us to have hot shower! He helped us to see the downtown and do some shopping before heading out on the climb.
We did a 7 day climb on the Lemosho route. Every part of the climb was awesome, the porters were so helpful, our guides were caring and made sure that we were not only comfortable but having fun throughout the excursion. And our cook was like being at a restaurant for every meal. Many people laughed about the romance of climbing a mountain for 7 days, but we enjoyed every meal in our mess tent complete with table cloth and flowers! And I appreciated the time we got to spend together while our food was delivered, and our waiter was always happy and eager to answer our questions. We also felt that throughout the 7 days our group appeared to be having the most fun, and keeping the energy high making the work of the climb less. We even spoke to other people who recognized our group by their matching shirts, and commented on how fun they were to watch.
Justin arranged nice accommodations for after the climb at the Impala Hotel. The hotel had an abundance of hot water and the accommodations were nice and convenient to walk around the area. He made all arrangements for us, and met us at the hotel.
We then went on a 4-day safari, which he arranged a private expedition, in honor of our honeymoon. The guide was knowledgeable, and there was a large assortment of animals. We visited 3 parks Serengeti Plains, Ngorogoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. All the parks were great, and we were able to experience the culture of the Masai Tribe, and see how they live. All accommodations and meals were great during the safari too. We loved staying at the luxury tent site, and couldn't believe all the animals we saw while staying at the Rhino Lodge.
Tanzania Expeditions, Justin and his crew, truly provided a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you are looking to enjoy a true adventure, where you will always be put first, Tanzania Expeditions is the perfect choice!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kilimanjaro Hike, 4 Day Safari
If you’re searching for a once in a lifetime opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro, explore the Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park as well as experience the unique culture of the Masai tribe, Tanzania Expeditions is your best choice! Justin, Tanzania Expedition’s owner and our guide throughout our trip, is extremely professional and does a great job of planning out the entire trip so all his guests have to think about is enjoying the experience. Rebecca and I had just under 2 weeks in Tanzania during July 2014 to climb Kilimanjaro and go on safari, but we didn’t have any idea how to select from all of the possible options. Justin helped us to fit everything in that we wanted to do and enabled us to have a wonderful experience in a relatively short period of time. Below, we have highlighted the most noteworthy parts of our trip.
Snowcrest Hotel
We arrived in Tanzania after 24 hours of travel and were greeted at the airport by our friendly driver who took our bags and brought us to the Snowcrest hotel. Snowcrest provided the perfect pre-Kili luxury we wanted – hot water, comfortable beds and free breakfast. On top of that, Snow Crest staff kept our luggage secure while we climbed Kilimanjaro and then held our Kilimanjaro luggage while we went on safari. Justin was extremely helpful in setting this up, and we’d highly recommend Snowcrest to future travelers.
Kilimanjaro – Machame Route
While Rebecca and I have done some hiking, we are by no means expert climbers. Justin did a great job of answering all of our detailed questions from what to pack to how to safely navigate the terrain. The level of preparation and attention to detail to ensure a successful climb that Justin demonstrated was impressive. Justin and his crew of porters and guides were some of the most caring and honest people we have ever met. They absolutely made our experience what it was! Travelers from other groups even commented how attentive our guides were and how they may have been more successful in their climbs had they been with our guides. The guides were always by our side, especially during the summit night instilling confidence and motivation when we needed them the most. Our food was also amazing and far exceeded our expectations. Our chef even catered to our preferences of having peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch. Everyone on Justin’s team was instrumental in our successful climbs, and we are so grateful that we selected Tanzania Expeditions for our Kilimanjaro trek! They made us feel safe and comfortable in a challenging environment.
Four Day Safari – Serengeti, Ngorongo Crater and Tarangire National Park
The Safari expeditions through the Serengeti, Ngorongo Crater and Tarangire National Park provided no shortage of stunning views. Our driver catered to our needs to stop and take as much time as we needed to take photos. Throughout the many hours on the road, we felt safe while traveling over dirt roads and navigating the raw terrain of the wilderness. Due to the unpaved roads, flat tires were a common occurrence, but we immediately noticed the skill and experience our driver had to quickly and efficiently repair the tires and get back on track-never doubting we would be stuck for long. Overall, the Safari was an amazing experience thoughtfully planned out and executed by Justin. We were so impressed with the amount of ground we were able to cover in such a short period of time. Justin did such a great job of planning out every detail to make sure we were able to see all of the amazing sights in just a few days! Seeing the animals up close in their natural environment is a once in a lifetime opportunity and not to be missed! In terms of lodging the Serengeti Simba Lodge was incredible. The rooms and property were luxurious but really incorporated the surroundings. Our other favorite lodge was Eileen's Trees Inn. The grounds were beautiful and provided such a welcoming environment! We had cocktails around the campfire while waiting for dinner to be served and then proceeded into a real tree house to eat. The food was some of our favorite on the entire safari - it was all fresh and there were so many options provided. It tasted like a true home cooked meal and the staff were extremely attentive. All in all, we had a fabulous time and owe it all to Tanzania Expeditions!!!
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Conquer Kilimanjaro- Safari- Zanzibar
We booked a full dream holiday with Tanzania Expeditions, and I truly have to say we were pleasantly surprised every step of the way. Let me describe better:
1. Hiking to the top of Kilimanjaro via the 7 days Lemosho route. Every day starts with warm breakfast (including coffee in bed.. well, sleeping bag), and continues with exciting singing and dancing with the whole group while getting ready for the hike (tourists from other groups were coming to take pictures of us, I could sense some jealousy hehe). We actually learned songs in Swahili with these guys, I would have not believed it beforehand. The hike mood is always great, the guides have a lot of experience, speak perfect English, and are always there for you. Really, for anything. We overcame the tough parts of the hike, we made it to the top, and it´s all thanks to these guys. If you ever read this, thank you!
Dinner was always surprisingly good, the porters dedicated and always trying to cheer us up.
2. Safari (4 days Serengeti, Arusha, Ngorongoro) was beyond expectations from the point of view of amount and variety of animals we got to see. The driver was very knowledgeable and could spot a squirrel from a mile away. He was always pointing the animals to us, and sometimes it took us a while to see them ourselves. Sometimes they were simply all over the place, and you wouldn´t know where to point the camera. We also had good food, always felt safe and well taken care of.
3. Zanzibar. We chose the places we wanted to go to and things we wanted to do, and it was all organized by the company. We did some amazing scuba diving, visited the spice plantation, had a tour around Stonetown, and chilled out in wonderful, and surprisingly cheap, hotels by the sea. It´s a dream, if you ever get the chance, go for it :) .
Hiking Kili
I must admit this is one of the coolest things I have ever done. Hiking the kili is cool, and get to the top is definitely a nice feeling. Sharing 7 days with all the amazing people you find in the way, not just the friends you are going with, but the porters, the guides, people from other groups is just amazing. These guys wakes up before you and prepare everything, smile all day long, try to help you and give you the required support in case you need it, sing every morning in a way everybody is looking at your group and the group finish with huge motivation to face the day, dance with you and make you enjoy the experience in a way I never thought I was going to. As I say doing kili is a great experience, doing it with these amazing people is something different
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hike Kili, few safaris and Zanibar
I am incredibly happy I booked with Tanzania Expeditions.
The trip I wanted to be very custom. I had 8 people coming with me from different areas around the world and was ready to have the best experience. I wanted to hike Kili, do some safaris and then jump to Zanzibar for some scuba.
Since we were all coming from different locations, we planned a day safari at Arusha National Park for the first day of arrival before hiking Kili. This was a safari plus a walking safari with an armed ranger in the park. After this we drove around the Big/Small Momela Lake. This was quite the introduction to what we were going to learn about what goes on in a safari. The hiking part was supposed to be about 1.5 hours, we took 3. We had see and learn and a park ranger to show us around. Our safari driver patiently waited while we took the extra time, but he also kept tabs on us and made sure we didn’t just disappear. It was a great way to spend the first day getting acclimated. The next safaris came after Kili. We had a 4 day lodge/camping mix. I figured after hiking 7 days up Kili, we would appreciate a bed one of these safari nights. This is that ‘custom’ part again that Justin was able to work with. The safari drivers took us from Arusha to Tarangire, Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater. We saw all kinds of animals. They would politely shut off the cars while we took pictures. For me this helped with less vibrations for long distance pictures. The drivers would also stop for us to buy beer, pee and hop out of the car to climb trees for more pictures. They catered to us for on the spot requests, as well as made sure we were safe. They also kept in touch with the radio to hear where the animal spottings were and brought us to see the best! I think the only thing we really couldn’t get the best glimpse at was the rhino. He knew where the rhino was, he pointed it out and knew at what time the rhino would be waking up and standing up. It was just too far away for us. It really impressive how well they know those roads. The safari was great!
Justin was able to help with specific requests, the Kili hike and Zanzibar after, with a time crunch and and made everything work out perfectly. Whether you’re looking to hike, safari or enjoy the beaches, he knowledgeable about everything. He really has a great staff working for him. My friends and I still talk about our epic trip and how it couldn’t have been done without the help of Tanzania Expeditions.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kilimanjaro with Tanzania Expeditions
I stayed at AHLA the night before my hike to Kilimanjaro and the night after. The rooms are nice and the beds are comfortable. The lodge has a wonderful view of the entire city of Arusha, especially at night. It was a cozy, quiet place to say. It's a bit outside of the city center so it wasn't as noisy as some of the other lodges I've stayed at. Hot water is available in the morning and afternoon for showers and although their is a cut off of power after a certain time it usually happened after I was asleep anyway at around 11:30 or 12.
AHLA arranged my hike to Kilimanjaro and it was an incredible experience. The team of porters and guides that Justin (the owner) arranged were amazing. So warm, friendly and welcoming and always concerned with my health and how I was doing along the way. Every morning they would sing to me to cheer me on for the days hike. No other company on the mountain did that. On the worst days this helped me push through. After I made it to Uhuru peak they baked me a cake in the middle of one of our camp sites with nothing but a few ingredients and a small flame. I have no idea how they did it but it was the sweetest gesture and no other company did that. I could not have been more safe this this group of champion porters, guides and the cook. One of the greatest experiences of my life. I paid a fraction of the cost of what I would have paid for other companies and got so much more than I could have ever imagined. If you are looking for a company to climb Kili, look no further. This is the only option.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Best Day
Having stayed with Tanzania Expeditions previously in their hostel, and got to know Justin (the owner) well, I knew I could trust him to organise a great safari for a friend who was over visiting Tanzania.
We were limited in time, so decided to do a day-trip to Arusha National Park. The quote was incredibly competitive, the service offered before hand really informative and the day was utterly unforgettable. We wanted to do a walking safari as well as a drive, and Justin arranged for this around our limited budget.
Our guide, Steven, picked us up from my apartment in the morning and spent the day engaging us, teaching us, making us laugh and looking after our every need. He took us to some wonderful view points within the park, and made sure that we were happy to move on every time he drove. The day felt completely our own; we only saw a few other people in the park, as Steven wanted to take us away from the tourists, and we were rewarded with a spectacular array of animals and a feeling of complete isolation within the landscape. At one point, we found ourselves totally surrounded by a herd of giraffe, who stayed with us for half an hour; a completely mesmerising and unforgettable moment.
The walking safari took us into the plains midst buffalo and giraffe and our experienced guide / ranger from the National Park taught us a great deal about the natural flora and fauna growing in the area. Being on the ground in such beautiful surroundings with such knowledgeable guides was a really tremendous experience.
I could not fault the day for enjoy-ability, entertainment and learning, and felt that every part of the service that Justin and his team offered was excellent. I will be taking trips with them again and recommend their company wholeheartedly.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari Holiday
We booked a safari camping trip for five days four nights in Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro with AHLA. The communication before hand was excellent and the price quoted was very competitive. The Lodge in Arusha is basic but clean rooms and beds. It is a steep climb from the entry point which is a slippery foot path (rains) but there were people sent down to collect our luggage from the bottom of the hill. Our children enjoyed the climb.
The safari itself was with Ibrahim and Yonno as our guide and cook. Both of them were excellent. We saw all the animals Big 5 and the rest. Only regret not spotting the Cheetah. The campsites we stayed in were well maintained although the first night was a bit scary with hyenas howling and lions roaring in the night. On the whole but for the breakdown of the Jeep on the way back to Ngorongoro it was an amazing holiday. We have never seen that many Wildebeasts, Zebras, Gazelles. We even managed to see several prides of Lions, a near kill and an after- kill feeding Lion.
I would definitely recommend them if you are on a budget and want good value for your money.
US
Email Lisa | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Mt. Kilimanjaro experience with AHLA!
Hi I am 56 years old woman and I hiked Kilimanjaro with AHLA -Arusha Hostel Lodge & Adventures. It was a life changing experience!!! Justin (the owner) and his staff met every need I could have possibly had. Justin stayed right by my side on summit night, encouraging me every step of the way! While climbing up the breakfast wall, Justin offered his hand to me to get up some difficult maneuvers. The food was so delicious...homemade soup every night...and sweet/salty fresh popcorn awaiting us when we arrived at each camp. A cake was made and all of the porters, guides and cooks celebrated my accomplishment in the last camp site. I was so impressed with this company that I ended up giving a total of $1000 tip...never had I done that!! I have reccommended AHLA to many friends and all of my children have now hiked Kilimanjaro and gone on Safari with AHLA. I HIGHLY advise you to go with AHLA..you will not regret it!