Mazingira Eco - Friendly Safari Guides & Sales
Mazingira Eco Friendly Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2007)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $226 to $1,002 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Brittney Jackson | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wow...Wow...WOW! Talk about an EXPIRIENCE of a LIFETIME!!!
Three individuals made my first trip to Africa an experience of a lifetime: Jacob, Mazingira owner, and Solomon and Simon, our guides. Initially I wanted to book with an American owned tour company due to time differences and ability to clearly correspond with English speaking personnel. However, many of those I reached out to could not meet the constraints of my budget or they just simply weren't timely enough in their responses. After I sent a quote request to Mazingira, it was clear to me, that I had been limiting myself by doing the aforementioned. Despite obvious time differences, Jacob's communication with me was absolutely seamless and responsive! He and his guides spoke perfect English so correspondence was super easy over the phone and through messages on WHATSAPP. He utilized his resources and was able to make my dollar stretch (to the most incredibly accommodations might I add) and was extremely patient with my questions; he often stayed overnight in his office to ensure he addressed any concerns I may have had on our working itinerary. Jacob also ensured that we didn't get the typical Serengeti adventure. Everything we took part of was truly the AUTHENTIC version of Tanzania, from our personalized dining experiences and cultural visits, to our inexpensive shopping trips for souvenirs. Although I had done some research, I incorporated a few of Jacob's recommendations for particular locations, and I was extremely happy I did because they were the highlight of my trip! Mazingira also spoiled us with their tour guides. Often we ride by other companies outfitted with one tour guide, but we had TWO, Simon and Solomon; one to look out for game while the other traversed the tough terrain and also looked out for wildlife. This really enhanced our game drive experience because it can be a task alone to maneuver through areas with thick brush and look for wildlife simultaneously. However, for typical safari tours, I think two may be the exception, rather than the rule. Regardless, Solomon and Simon were so skilled, that I know they could do the guide individually, drive with their feet, and still spot wildlife! I was so impressed with the knowledge of animals and culture of Tanzania that they possessed. Both natives of Tanzania, were a walking/ talking National Geographic pair, that really made you feel like you were in the middle of some exciting Serengeti documentary film. They understand the patterns of the animals and spotted them rather easily. Often we were the first to spot wildlife and radio to their other guides to come join us at our location. Simon, our mighty driver can traverse through the toughest terrain there is, and in the wet season, that can keep you from getting stuck countless times throughout your journey. Mazingira is not just a safari guide company, but they are a FAMILY company, meaning they welcome their customers into the fold like they are brothers (caca) and sisters (dada). They have some of the BEST guides you will find in Tanzania (ask for Solomon or Simon if you can!). Once it was time to go, I found myself truly missing the Savana and missing our new Mazingira family. There are a ton of safari guides out there, but if you want a truly personalized, authentic ADVENTURE, look no further; MAZINGIRA is it!!!
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Email THOMAS | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect Safari in these days of 2020
What a wonderful safari experience in these days of 2020
At the end of 2019, we had booked a 7 day safari in Tanzania with Mazingira Eco – a locally owned safari company.
Our luck was that it was in Tanzania and not in another country,
because since May the Tanzanian borders are opens and they take all measures to make sure everyone is Welcome!
Nevertheless we had often to postpone our flights
because the airline (Ethiopian) which flies 787 planes with 60 passengers from Milan via Addis Ababa to Kilimanjaro
had to adjust its schedule. Mazingira was very flexible with all the date changes,
thanks Johari my contact person who helped us in planning the safari.
She is fast, flexible, patient and knowledgeable.
Despite of the time differences the communication was easy through WhatsApp.
Finally the safari took place as planned with our guide Solomon.
Solomon is a very good person, knowledgeable and charming.
He even spotted Cheetahs and Leopards at an incredible distance from the naked eye...
If travelling again with Mazingira we will ask for Solomon (Our best Guide).
At the end we arrived home SAFE.
Everything was perfect and many thanks to all the people involved from the Mazingira family.
For all who want to see animals and not tourists it is the ideal time to go.
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Email Corey K. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Experience! Couldn't be happier!
Everything about the booking process and the safari itself was great! They worked with us as our plans changed due to the pandemic and rescheduling a couple of times. The quality of the guide, vehicle, and accommodations were top notch. Solomon, our guide, was the best part of the whole experience - extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and a great guy. There was nothing I would change about the trip!
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Email Paden | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Takes care of their clients
From the first step out of the airport to the last one going back in these guys took care of everything we needed for an amazing trip. Before arriving they work with you to plan the perfect trip then do all the work for you so that you can have a stress free vacation. They're very professional and it's clear how important you are and that you enjoy your trip. They listen to even the smallest complaints and do everything they can for you. It is well worth the money to have a reliable, fluent, and knowledgeable guide who wants to make your trip the best it can be.
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Email Dustin | under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent, he was very knowledgeable and personable.
This trip was made even better because we had such amazing guides. They took us to get the front row seat to watch lions eat and defend their kill from hyenas. The guides were so very friendly and it felt more like a best friend was driving you around rather than a guide.
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Email Kent and Whitney | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Expert guides, great accommodations, and an experience of a lifetime!
My wife and I decided to take a safari for our honeymoon and chose Mazingira as our guide/safari service. From the moment we landed in Tanzania and were picked up by Solomon from Mazingira, we were well taken care of and had a great time. We did the 7-day safari going to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.
From day one Solomon had us right in the mix of things and even got us within 10 ft of a cheetah chase and kill of a red stag which he said that in all his years of experience was the closest he's ever been to something like this, so it goes without saying that we got a once in a lifetime view of this intense part of nature. We saw all of the "big 5" animals by time we were done and even came up on a bonus Caracal cat which apparently is extremely rare! We saw so many animals that it is hard to even remember them all!
We took lots of pictures ourselves but Solomon seems to be a professional photography as well because he shared his pictures with us and they are absolutely breathtaking! He is also incredibly knowledgeable about every part of the parks that we visited from knowing facts about the animals, plants, birds, bugs, fish, and even the geological history of the areas. So suffice to say that we learned a lot too!
The daily picnic lunches provided on the trip were also spectacular and it was almost surreal to be sitting in the middle of these vast parts of nature and eating all of this delicious local food. When we tried some banana wine at a village tour and told Solomon that we really enjoyed it, he went out that night after dropping us off at the hotel and picked up a couple bottles for us to enjoy on the rest of our trip which shows how dedicated he is to us having an excellent and unforgettable trip!
All the hotels we stayed at were beautiful and very accommodating to us. Solomon made sure that we were aligned for the next day before he dropped us off and also talked to the hotel to make sure they would open up breakfast early just for us so that we could get out in the parks on time.
We added a hot air balloon ride in the Serengeti that unfortunately the weather prevented us from actually taking off but instead of having me and my wife follow up with the balloon company, Mazingira gave us a refund directly and worked with the balloon company themselves so that we could travel back home and be worry-free.
Again, we had a once in a lifetime experience and if given the chance would absolutely book again with Mazingira! We always felt safe, taken care of, and valued customers. Thank you to Solomon, Jake, and team at Mazingira for giving us the a trip we'll never forget!!!
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Email SANDRA | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Leonard was unbelievable! He happily guided us 12 hours a day and found animals everywhere.
The tour was unbelievable. Leonard was our driver, guide and he found every animal possible. He knew his animals. He took us around for 12 hours a day. The food was fantastic at the camps and the workers at the camps were kind and helpful. I do not have one negative thing to say about Mazingira. Our gal, Jahari Wilii helped my husband put the tour together. She is easy to work with also.
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Email Chuck | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good Communications, Customizable Itinerary, Great Safari and a Terrific Value !
Having been on three African safaris previously, I wanted more than the cookie-cutter safari pre-baked by the larger safari tour agencies. Now I can say I was fortunate to find Mazingira Safaris.
A successful safari requires the confluence of many things: good communication and planning, good food and lodging, good equipment and ultimately a good spotter/driver.
PLANNING
From the beginning, I knew I was in good hands with owner Jacob and planner Johari. Our planning started in late 2019 for a 2020 safari, then Covid arrived and they never complained about re-booking everything for 2021. I asked them to plan a 10-day safari from Arusha to the northern Serengeti for three photographers. They were always so prompt in responding to questions and suggesting itinerary changes. I would email Johari in the evening (U.S. time) and would always have a reply by the next morning when I woke up. We decided on Tarangire NP, Lake Eyasi (Masai, Hadzabe and Datoga encounters), Ndutu, Central Serengti and Northern Serengeti up to the Kenya border. Flying back to Arusha from Kagotende was also a great choice. Good, responsive communications were essential to developing our itinerary and Mazingira was exceptional in communications and planning.
FOOD & LODGING
Having endured my previous safaris in a pup-tent (to save money), it was time for something better - but not exorbitantly better and out of our price range. Mazingira chose some wonderful lodgings for us. The food and service was generally incredible. We often had the entire staff waiting on us because we were the only camp visitors due to Covid keeping most other tourists away. Speaking of Covid, we felt much safer in Tanzania than back in California. Most dining and other encounters were outdoors and there were very few other tourists around.
EQUIPMENT
Given the remoteness and rough dirt roads, you definitely want a well maintained vehicle because they take an incredible beating. Our Mazingira vehicle was a “pop-up roof” Toyota Land Cruiser. The extensive interior padding provided protection from constant jostling on the rough roads. The fridge kept the unlimited Mazingira-supplied drinking water cool. And the tires were all in excellent shape. (This is not always true on other company’s safari vehicles.)
DRIVER/SPOTTER
We were blessed to have “Leo” (Leonard) as our driver - he is a true professional. Always a safe driver yet always eager to position our vehicle for the best photographs and lighting. Always giving accurate answers to our animal questions from memory, then amplifying his response by opening one of his books to let us read it for ourselves! He knew not only the primary and secondary dirt roads, but also the rarely used ones to get us to where the animals were. He did an excellent job of dealing with the washboard dirt roads, clouds of dust from other vehicles and still spotted the elusive leopards and cheetahs.
Our primary trip goal was to photograph the great migration and a Mara river crossing. Leo showed us more animals than we saw on all of our previous safaris. Leo wisely watched several potential river crossings from a high point until one actually happened, then he whisked us down to the perfect vantage point to get our photos of the crocs attacking the wildebeest!
Leo was like our guardian angel, from the time he picked us up at the Kilimanjaro airport until we departed from Kagotende (on the hour-late plane). He was like the most polite, helpful family member you could ask for.
FAVORITE SPOTS
Originally I wondered if 10 days was too much for our itinerary. But each day seemed even better than the previous one and there was not one thing we wish we had skipped. Some pleasant surprises included:
Overnight at Kichuguu (Nyikani) Camp in central Tarangire NP in order to do game drives on the east side of “the swamp” lake. The animals were unbelievably numerous and diverse. It was like a Garden of Eden! Many visitors miss this by not going far enough south.
Most Northern Serengeti tourists hang out at the Mara river. Unfortunately they miss the amazing herds of animals between the river and the Kenya border. Don’t you be one of them.
As our son said, this was truly a Five-Star Safari at less than half the cost of the National Geographic Tour!
The best of the best
Summarizing my review below: the best safari company and the coolest thing we’ve ever done.
BOOKING
We found Mazingira using the Safari Booking website. Jacob quickly responded with a suggested itinerary. We worked together to come up with an itinerary that was within our budget and lodges that were at our comfort level.
PAYMENT
Paying for the safari was the only area that I felt uncomfortable with - sending payment via an overseas bank to a foreign company felt risky. However, everything went through and in the end I didn’t have anything to worry about.
SAFARI
A) Guide - Our guide was Leonard (Leo) and we couldn’t recommend him enough. He was always early, had everything ready for us every day and made us feel extremely welcome to his country. He knew every animal and always gave us fun facts about them. He was a safe driver as well and always made us feel safe. One of my favorite parts of our trip was Leo start off the day with a quick summary of what we were about to do and see and where we were headed. He felt like family by the end of the trip. Ask for Leo!
B) Animals - we were lucky to see the big 5, thanks in part of Leo’s experience. If he hadn’t listened to the radio and didn’t have a quick reaction, we would’ve missed the rhino on our last day. Leo knew how to navigate the car close enough to the animals so we could see them clearly and get some great photos.
C) Lodging - each lodge we stayed at offered something unique. The staff at all places we stayed were welcoming and the food, for the most part, was really good. We were on our honeymoon and Jacob had called ahead to the lodges and most had done something special for us (decorated the room, special dessert, welcome gift, etc). Splurge on the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge if you can - the location can’t be beat.
Hands down the best experience of our lives. We highly recommend and if anyone is hesitant, feel free to reach out. I can’t say enough good things about this company, our guide Leo, Jacob or Tanzania.
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Email JUSTIN | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A perfectly run safari, fun and low-stress
Mazingira brought us on one of the most amazing experiences of our lives! Before even arriving in Tanzania, Johari was in constant communication, adjusting our schedule to fit our requests and clearly communicating what was needed as far as payment.
Johari and our guide David picked us up at the Kilimanjaro Airport and handled everything for us from then onwards. The game drives were amazing, with David pointing out animals we may have missed and explaining various facts about them. One thing I especially appreciated - while some other groups would take their pictures and leave, David knew when it was worth it to park and patiently watch the animals. This led to us seeing some very cool behaviors.
The lodges and tented camps we stayed at were excellent. Mazingira had coordinated everything perfectly, and even communicated that we were on our honeymoon. We had some lovely surprises from the lodges (champaign, cakes, flowers) as a result. It was really a great touch.
The tour was worth every penny and more! Thank you!