Our Team
Zohar African Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2015)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $400 to $2,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
GR
Email VB (Greece) | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Service, Good Planning, Responsive Attitude
After many emails to different companies we finally chose to organise our safari in Tanzania with Zohar.
Our decision was primarily based on the responsiveness of Lilian (the main coordinator at Zohar) who provided us with clear answers to all our questions and good advise, showing flexibility and willingness to cover our needs.
We wanted to fully utilise our time around the safari attractions, and LIlian was able to craft what proved to be a very good schedule for our needs - meaning the right mix of travelling times, lodgings, variety of scenery, maximising animal encounters, blended with experiencing the local culture.
From te moment we stepped out of the airport until our departure we felt we were well taken care of. Lilian met with us upon our arrival at Arusha on our first evening and gave us a short briefing, and was monitoring our every step through communication with our guide.
Here are some words about our safari...
First of all, our guide Tom was wonderful: all our family loved him! He was always polite, warm and approachable but at the same time respectful to our personal family time. He was punctual and proper, the car always clean, his driving safe but not slow. His english was excellent (we had no probelms in communicating), always explaining things and answering all our questions, with many interesting stories to share. Tom tried his best to please us, looking for the best opportunities to see the animals around, fitting the daily timetable after discussions and according to our needs. Tom was a cornerstone of our enjoyable safari.
Lilian's planning was very good. Firstly, the descriptions that she shared with us were a useful basis for planning and proved accurate in practise. We enjoyed the variety in the itinerary that allowed us to see rather alot in the time we had available.
All accommodation was very good (according to the descriptions and prices) and it was the right decision to change accommodation every night as this allowed us to have different scenery every day (and night).
Our stay at the tented camps (Kati Kati camps in two locations) was a unique experience for us (although especially my wife missed some comforts like a hair-dryer!). We really enjoyed the scenery and hearing the night-life of animals around us. I think that the two nights was just right (long enough to experience, but not too long to get tired).
We ended our safari with a higher quality lodge that Lilian proposed - a good ending to a great trip!
We very much enjoyed our visits to the villages and our interactions with the local communities. Our visit to Mto wa Mbu village was very interesting and well worth the time there. The visit was well organised, the time we spent there was informational and entertaining, it gave us the chance to experience parts of the local life and atmosphere. So a very nice highlight to our trip. (TIP: bring some small gifts for the children - e.g. pens, candy, simple toys - we had deflated balls and a pump... very well received with big smiles and hugs by the children).
We had a stop at a Masai village on the way back from Ndutu to Karatu. As you see many of the Masai around the main roads, we were excited to visit them at their home. The Masai were extremely friendly, opened up their village for us, and explained all the details of their culture and way of life. We were greeted by the son of the village chief who spoke decent english. Well worth the stop, and another type of experience compared to Mto wa Mbu. (TIP: save some of the gifts for the Masai !). The choice of Masai village was made on the spot as many of these villages offer an open door policy for tourists (US$ 50 for our family and an expectation to purchase some of their handicraft).
Our visits to the parks was the main highlight. Lilian's suggestion to see the different parks was right.
Starting with Lake Manyara was a good warm-up, very conveniently located on the way to Karatu, and with different life compared to what followed.
Then the Serengeti was as magical as we expected.
The environment around Ndutu was different to Serengeti and interesting to see this difference - but animal life there was less dense compared to the main Serengeti (say around Serengeti's Seronera river).
Finally Ngorongoro was another magical and unique place...
In all the areas we enjoyed the variety of scenery and animal life.
To wrap up - this was a fantastic trip for our family.
After the safari we spent another week in Zanzibar, but the main images and experinces that are spinning around our heads are from the north part of Tanzania: the scenery, animals and people around Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Thank you Zohar!
DK
Email Boris | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Simply AMAZING and best way to spend Honeymoon!
We chose Zohar African Safaris due to the latest and awesome reviews from other guests - my wife and I can only confirm it - excellent from the very first second until the last and beyond that! I hope that more of our friends will consider safari and Zohar will get biggest recommendation from us!
After we contacted Zohar Safaris, Lilian was very helpful in each step and provided very detailed information about each aspect of the trip. We felt very confident and informed, even despite covid uncertainty. Lilian personalized our safari trip as they approach every trip individually. We are so happy, that we made it and decided on 6 days Safari trip.
Solomon was our safari guide and driver - WOW he has the experience and very joyful to be around - it is important when you are driving up to 10-12 hours pr. day :)
He knew all the animals and birds by heart and could tell a lot of interesting stuff. He could spot them while we still were struggling to see with binoculars at first and the most important he could read their behaviour. That placed us in perfect spots compared to other safari guides to see animals and also to witness some just for ourselves, at least until other cars spotted us.
We feel grateful to have seen all big 5 and also lots and lots of other impressive animals.
We also enjoyed the spirit in safari and other people too. Safari guides are very friendly and helpful to each other and guest, which creates feel-good vibe through the tour. The camps were also amazing - especially tent camps in Safari parks - Chaka Camp and Kiota camp. The biggest advantage for us was the intimacy of the place and the ability to hear animals quite close - lions, hyenas and other.
I could continue telling more and more - but instead you (the reader) should experience that!
Definitely the most memorable trip for us and we hope to return for more one day!
I have only warm words to say about Solomon - our safari guide and Lilian - the owner.
A small advice from us to other travellers - if you have time and opportunity to stay in the tent camp one extra day in order to experience it and have a bit of relaxation between long Safari days (eventually half way through your trip) - it would be money well spent.
US
Email Gerald McCormack | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Zohar African Safaris is an excellent provider of private and package tours.
Our third safari, this was with Zohar African Safaris. We specified game reserves and duration at each. Lilian Maximillian, Proprietor, provided knowledgeable suggestions to blend in cultural activities with our itenary on the Tanzania Northern Circuit. A special benefit was her familiarity with current game activity and routing for best sightings. She personally greeted us at beginning and end of tour, while maintaining contact throughout for any additional needs. Total cost outlay was very competitive and at low cost for a private tour.
Lilian assigned a seasoned guide, Sammy Sikombe, who would become a special friend beyond his leadership. His years of elephant field research were combined with superb knowledge of wildlife activity, habits and locales. He consistently positioned us for best viewing for wildlife imagery.
I have a wonderful set of images and say with sincerity this tour simply exceeded all expectations. I've recommended Zohar to my daughter, son-in-law and anyone interested in Tanzania safaris. Gerald McCormack
FR
Email Anthony B | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magic of Zohar Safaris
From the start at the airport, Zohar reps received my wife and I as if we were family.
Soloman & Mechek were very welcoming. They took us to our Hotel and on the way explained our intinery for the Safari.
Being the first time in eastern Africa, we didin't know what to expect, especially arriving in the dark of night.
We were very pleasantly surprised by the size, decoration and the comfort, of our suit.
The hotel staff were polite and done everything to make sure we were comfortable.
The first day we stayed at the hotel relaxing after a long flight. After breakfast (eggs, bacon, pancakes..etc)
We took a trip in a small boat around the lake in the hotel grounds with one of the staff who eplained why the water was so clear,
it being a source from under ground. The birds many colours and sizes.
He found a camillion on a branch amazing same colour of the leaves.
In the afternoon my wife went on a tour of the hotel grounds with a guide 20/30 minutes.
When she retured and she told me her experience I wished I'd gone as well.
DAY 1 :
Soloman picked us up in a jeep large and comfotable. We set off to the first park
Tarangire National Park. We arrived ther and entered the park and there were elephants and Zebras.
We saw monkeys, babboons,ostrichs, water buffalows and giraffs,
DAY 2 :
Manyara natinal park, this park more dense in vegitation so we were lucky Soloman has Hawk eyes
he can see the invisible animals in the bush. Our hotel Manyaras Secret was truly first class we were there for 2 nights.
Zohar made sure of a celebration with personalise bt champage and the staff singing happy birthday. Heart warming.
DAY 3 :
Ngorongoro Crater the paradise for wild animals, they have everything there and don't need to migrate.
We saw 4 of the big 5, thanks to the keen eyes of Soloman.
Hyena, wilderbeast, zebras, rhino, hippos, elephants, water buffalos, birds of many colours and sizes. elephants, lions, giraffs.
The crater was AMAZING hundreds of zebras & wilder-beasts running to the lake.
DAY 4 :
Visiting a Masai village. Their culture made me feel very humble and respectful of thieir customs. I loved talking to them.
The full experience was mind blowing, Zohar really pushed ALL the buttons to give us an unforgettable experience,
lodges and transport and food in the bush.
Lillian your a diamond and your staff are beyond professional.
We will promote you knowing whosoever books with Zohar will get a first class personal experience.
We will return.
ES
Email Abel and Maria | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience in our lives!!!
We booked our first safari with Zohar, without knowing anything about this type of experiences. From the first moment we inquired Neema, one of the responsibles was super attentive, explained and solved all of our doubts. We hired a private one with 4 days duration visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. The vehicle was in super condition and Leonard our driver made everything during all the game drives to see the animals, and he succeded greatly due its +9 years of experience, what a breathtaking trip... We saw all the animals and some of them very very close!!! Amazing. The Lodges Zohar booked for us were above the expected, amazing locations, super friendly personnel and delicious food. In a few words, book with them, they are the all great package and will make you live a wonderful experience. Will book again for sure. Greetings to all the team!
FR
Email James | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
AMAZING !
The most beautiful experience we had during our many trips around the world, really AMAZING !
Lilian is absolutely ADORABLE. We contacted several agencies but no one was up to Zohar Safari. Lilian is attentive, accommodating and takes her time (we exchanged in writing on WhatsApp and even several times by phone before establishing our final itinerary)
5 days of Safari (arriving from Arusha), we did Tarangire / Serengeti via Ndutu / Serengeti / Ngorongoro / Manyara region with our guide ADAM ! Very humble and very kind, he made us live the safari with passion thanks to his knowledge of animals and places. We even saw a lion attacking a wildebeest !!
The accommodations were excellent (especially Embakali Camp where you really feel surrounded by nature with a very family atmosphere) and we loved the lunches in the middle of nature
HU
Email Stefanie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable, caring and truly amazing
We were going on a custom 5 day Safari to kick-off our honeymoon. From the very beginning and even after we were very well taken care off! The service Lilian and her team provided was extraordinary.
We started off with a hike on the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro before hitting the national parks for the Safari. Our guide was Ahmed - who impressed with thorough knowledge on flora and fauna, as well as on a personal level as a great, fun and positive person. We felt like in a real-life David Attenborough movie ... and of course we saw the Big 5
We stayed almost every night at another hotel - the selection of the hotels was excellent. All of them very of high quality and unique in their architecture, location and view.
One thing that should be definitely mentioned besides the great Safari experience, is Lilian's cooking skills - besides all the wild animals and beautiful landscape, her prepared lunch boxes were definitely a highlight - is mentioned as first to our friends along the Big 5 :) And while addressing the lunch, I want to also positively mention that our lunch boxes were - differently to many other providers we saw along the road who used single use packing - reusable aluminium bowls which were refilled every day.
We would definitely decide for Zohar again.
A huge thank you to Lilian and her great team for providing us with a truly incredible experience!
FR
Email Tessera J | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
From dream to reality
How do you find the words to describe the dream of a lifetime?
It's simple, from our first exchange with Lilian, we knew that we would not be leaving with another company than his. She is awesome ! Much more than a simple organizer, she accompanies you to perfection before, during and after your stay.
We have been on many trips, but we have never met such an attentive, kind and professional person. We would like to thank her once again for making our dream come true!
And the safari? Do you see the famous Lion King cartoon? Well that's it, but better! Why ? Because in The Lion King there is no our ADAMS guide!
What a meeting! We met an incredibly kind person, we left a friend who will never be forgotten.
In summary, Zohar African Safaris is much more than a safari company, it is a professional team that will easily make your dreams come true. Thank you (Ashee Naleng!) We can't wait to come back to see you! See you soon.
Hélène & Joris
US
Email Ashley Lauren | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unforgettable Trip of a Lifetime!
Where do I even begin?! I did the 8-day Northern Migration Luxury Safari with my dad in mid-October. The special rate they offered was very competitive and were similar to those of a “camping” safari. To sum up our experience: stress-free, seamless, exciting, mind-blowing, an absolute trip of life-time! I highly recommend requesting Solomon as your guide (see below).
For a more detailed account: Lilian made booking and payment super easy
and provided timely updates and all the information we needed to prepare for travel. Our driver and a representative (Jackie!) from Zohar was waiting to welcome us at the airport, and Lilian and our guide, Solomon, met with us to go over the itinerary and arrange any special requests we had.
The next day, we were off on our adventure!
All of our lodges that Zohar booked for us were exceptional for the spacious, luxurious rooms and bathrooms with every possible amenity, beautiful grounds, and facilities with unique characteristics. Many were in nature where we could see animals from the grounds. All lodges and “tented camps” (very luxurious) with the exception of one had excellent service and amazing food, and Solomon worked with staff to get us either bagged lunches or hot lunches for the road so we didn’t miss any action on safari days. We never had to worry about a thing and were always well-fed!
Both Tarangire NP and Lake Manyara were great experiences to build-up to what we would see in the Serengeti. Solomon found us some tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara and lots of elephants, plus a gorgeous cheetah in Tarangire.
On Day 3, we arrived in the central Serengeti...a magical place that never ceases to amaze! Just 10 minutes after entering the park, we saw a lion calling out to his pride. Just a few minutes down the road, a pride of 10 lions, walking around and spreading out to communicate in a telegraph-like manner. Just 15 minutes after leaving the lions, we spotted a cheetah on a rock looking out at some gazelle. We watched and followed her as she went in for a kill! It was SUCH an exciting thing to witness. And then hyenas stole her kill away and we watched as they fought over the best bits. Solomon got the BEST spot for viewing the cheetah hunt and drove us around to watch the hyenas after. Another 10 minutes down the road, we found a momma with two lion cubs feasting on a warthog and then licking themselves clean. Another 10 minutes, we witnessed 3 lions attempt to hunt a warthog (pumba got away!). Another 10, and we see an endangered Black Rhino as the sun is going down! And this was all IN THE FIRST DAY in the Serengeti. Wow!!
In the Northern Serengeti, Solomon used his local contacts to stay updated with any potential Mara River crossings of wildebeests for the Great Migration. Without these contacts and his 6th sense for animal behavior, we would have missed a crossing of 4,000 the very first morning we went to spot them! It was INCREDIBLE and again, Solomon put us right in the middle of the crossing just at the edge of the bank to where the herds were circling around our vehicle. Only 3 other vehicles were there. I got fantastic photos and videos! Then, Solomon set us up for success again as we followed 3 herds of wildebeests that we saw meeting up to prepare for a crossing. We were able to follow the herds down the river just in time to see the crossing begin, from a different perspective this time, before meeting them at the head of the crossing for a front and center viewing. This time, about 9,000 animals crossed! Solomon did it again!!
The viewings of the animals in the north was just fantastic! I’ve never seen so many species together all in one scene and in such abundance! It reminded me of the Lion King! Throughout the trip, we saw 3 leopards, specifically because Solomon knew how to spot their hanging tails in the trees (I couldn’t have!). One leopard was super close in a tree and we had him all to ourselves (no other people around). Solomon was so knowledgeable about all the animals and I learned SO many cool things about each one (an experience unique to my other safaris). He was also a great photographer (this is harder to find than you would think, even for guides I’ve had in trips past) and always got awesome photos of me with the animals in the background!!
Our final day in Ngorongoro Crater was amazing as well, we saw lions 5 different times, a herd of elephants with little babies, and another endangered Black Rhino! I would also highly recommend the optional crater rim walk- we got to get really close to a herd of giraffes on foot for some great photos, and the views of the crater floor are just fantastic! Felt so nice to stretch our legs after so many amazing game drives.
Make no mistake, you will have a fabulous adventure going to the Tanzania, but booking with Zohar will make it above and beyond all your wildest dreams and you’ll never have to worry about a thing, except for how many leopards & rhinos you’ll spot
Amazing!!!
The communication was awesome but that did not even compare to the service, delicious food and accommodations. Our guide Jacob is so knowledgeable and we even spotted 15 lions and a leopard taking her prey up a tree.
We were so spoiled and the money was so worth it as we were cared for 24 hours/day.