We will show you Tanzania Better than Anyone else
Tanzania Mwangaza Safari
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2008)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $120 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
FR
Email Peter M | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The perfect safari for a very competitive price
We did some tough bargaining to get the safari into our too low (I must admit) budget. What often happens when bargaining too much, that the quality is not as good as hoped for, did not occur with Mwangaza. We have no complaints whatsoever about the safari, the transport, the accommodation, the meals, the excursions, they all were perfect.
Before going to Tanzania we had inquired about prices for safaris and decided that they were far beyond our budget. Once in Tanzania, we found out that the safaris in the Northern region are 'expensive', but there are 'cheaper' solutions. And the cheaper solutions seem to be more like our kind of tourism, as they are not as standard and industrialized. Finally we booked a 4 day safari to Mikumi and Udzungwa.
During the trip, now and then we felt a little ashamed when we heard how much more other tourists had paid for the same safari. Although installed in one of the more expensive hotels (Double Tree by Hilton) of Dar Es Salam, Mwangaza comes up with very competitive prizes.
We had two full days in Mikumi National Park. We saw elephants, lions, hippos, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, antelopes, wildebeests, wild dogs, monkeys and many birds. We saw them all in very good conditions (< 10 meters). The drivers are very well organized in communicating spots among each other, so if there are lions somewhere, all the tourists will see them. This means that there will be 5 or 6 cars at the spot (when we were there in Januari).
The first night we spent in Vuma Hills Lodge (they call it a 'tented camp', this means that a tent is hung up within a 5 star bungalow structure which allows a good protection against mosquitoes) within Mikumi National Park. The food (set menu) is very good, the coffee too and the beer is cold, even though electricity is not permanent. There is a very nice small swimming pool as well. If you go to Mikumi, make sure you spend the night in Vuma Hills, it was our best accommodation experience on this trip, and one of the best overall. You only can stay there if the admittance fee to the National Park is paid for during both days. You may purchase some souvenirs as well, they seem rather authentic and reasonably priced.
In the National Park and on the way to the lodge, there are many tse-tse flies. This is no reason to panic, they don't seem to be carrying sleeping disease, at least not all of them, not many tourists get infected. They are still a harass, so protect yourselves as good as you can. It seems that bright colored clothes are better, as the flies prefer 'buffalo colored' surface.
The second and third night we spent in Bastian Lodge, outside the National Park. This is also a nice place with good food, coffee and beer and a nice swimming pool.
The third day we went to Udzungwa. As a Dutch national, I was surprised to find out that the waterfalls are called after Prince Bernard, with his picture at the entrance office. We did the 'light' trek to the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. This was already quite an effort. To go to the top, you really should be in good shape. We had a nice swim in the river.
The fourth day we did a 'before breakfast' safari tour, and that is when we had the closest look on lions, elephants and giraffes. It seemed that they were not as scared in the early morning, but I don't think that has a scientific basis.
After breakfast and a short swim, we left for the airport. We asked the driver to make a stop in a souvenir shop and we were very happy he did, because at the brand new airport terminal there were almost no souvenirs for sale ant the ones that were far too expensive.
We had a wonderful time and would like to send our warm thanks to Sultan Mwangaza, the real African mama tour operator, who perfectly understands our westerner's wishes and comes up with a real competitive package deal, in which there is no risk of unexpected expenses. In the deal is explicitly stated what is included (almost everything) and what is excluded (beer, wine, tips, souvenirs).
IT
Email Debora | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good tour with the big five!
Mwajabu is very kind, professional and available to solve all the issues that you may have.
The safara was amazing despite the driver wasn't always as professional as the agency
We saw the big 5 and it's the only important thing :)
BR
Email Roberto ( BRAZIL ) | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding organisation and fast response
Our visit in TANZANIA , I mean , MIKUMI Park Safari and Zanzibar Island was prepared with the outstanding support of MWANGAZA SAFARI.
All transfers, attraction entrances, ferry tickets to Zanzibar, hotels suggestions were done is a very professional way by them. Since the time of journey preparation and during it, we have been oriented by MWANGAZA SAFARI with prompt response and clear guide lines. They are reliable professionals indeed .
A magical safari experience at Mikumi and a perfect safari tour operator!
From the moment I contacted Tanzania Mwangaza, I could tell they were different. Mwajabu and here team are exceptionally response and willing to help decide what is the best trip and accommodation. With their help, I decided on the two day, one night trip to Mikumi and it was exceptional. Mwajabu came with me on the journey and joined me on one of the game drives. She felt like a long lost friend and made my experience so much richer. She goes above and beyond consistently to make sure the trip is the best it can be.
It is a long drive because of traffic, but completely worth it because when you arrive it feels like you enter a different universe. In the park, we saw so many giraffes, elephants, zebras, waterbuffalo and even saw a pack of lions (along with lots of other animals and birds)!! Everyone that works with Mwajabu including drivers and guides are exceptional and I felt safe and like part of the family immediately. I stayed in the park at the Tanapa cottages and was able to look at giraffes all evening and in the morning as they are all around the cottages. On other days, guests have seen elephants and other animals.
I would highly recommend Mikumi as it has lots of animals (although you won't see rhinos and unlikely to see leopards) and almost no other people. It feels like you are the only ones in the park. Regardless of which safari you select, you should book with Mwangaza Safari as they will ensure you have the best possible time.
Thank you thank you!!
JP
Email Mr Hiroki | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful place and guide
The driver drove safely and the guide in the park was very kind.
It was a wonderful experience to meet elephants, giraffes, impalas, zebras and lions in the vast nature and see their lives.
I would like to go again if I have the opportunity.
Email Ms Maris | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!
Mwangaza Safari truly provides a five star experience for their clients. Ms. Mwajabu is very attentive and she gave her best to satisfy all ours wants. Communication was excellent from the very beginning , on time and she provided us with all the information needed as well as friendly advices.
Our driver Athman was great! He is very friendly, communicative and knowledgeable. We enjoyed spending time with him and he always made us feel welcome. Highly recommend him as a driver because he made our experience even better. *Asante Sana!
Gilbert took us on a game drive and on the last day to Massai village - very friendly and communicative as well.
On our way back to Dar El Salaam, we missed the ferry due to high traffic. Ms. Mwajabu reacted promptly and we were able to change the tickets for tomorrow's ferry and she also provided us with the accommodation. At the end, it turned out to be just fine. Athman took a great care of us while we were there.
We are very thankful for all the people that were part of our experience!
We highly recommend Mwaganza Safari.
AE
Email Halim Rahal | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Excellent Excellent!!!!
One of the best experiences in my life.
The service provided by Mwajabu was a IMPECCABLE!!
She is ALWAYS available over the phone or whatsapp no matter what questions you have even before you set foot in Tanzania. I would text her at 1:00 am and she’d happily reply! Super helpful and friendly and really cares about her clients’ happiness and comfort.
Her staff are very friendly and speak perfect english. We didn’t have any issue at all and while a lot of other safari cars broke down, ours was solid and ran perfectly well. She then met us in Zanzibar after our safari and offered us a free taxi (45 min drive) to our hotel. She even asked one of the hotels to surprise my gf with a complementary birthday cake.
Lovely person, amazing service. Highly highly recommended!!
EG
Email Michael Bainbridge | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Probably the most magical and life affirming trips of my life
The communication from start to finish and throughout was exceptional and tailored to my needs. Mwajabu and her staff I’ve already recommended to several traveller friends. I won’t ever go with any other company. Already planning a return trip to Kilimanjaro!!!
The team really went the extra mike for me and it felt like I was part of their family. There was genuine care for my safety, well being and enjoyment of the adventure which I didn’t want to end!
Lions, giraffes, ugali kuku, baby elephants and double rainbows - a dream come true!
When we booked a cheap flight to Zanzibar for some December sun, we didn't even think it was possible to do a safari. Figuring all of this out in your lazy chair all the way in The Netherlands with zero travel experience in Africa was quite puzzling. Luckily Mwajabu from Tanzania Mwangaza Safari came super fast to the rescue! She contacted us via WhatsApp and advised on which park to go to, where to sleep and about the best day and time and that was very helpful. We had no clue! We paid a small amount of money a few months before and paid the rest in cash, which was convenient for us
. Ithman, a very nice driver, brought us in an air-conditioned car from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi park. We had fun in the car and were amazed by everything we saw outside: millions of mango trees, Masai roasting goats, women in wax print carrying all kinds of things on their heads, pineapple fields: it was great.
We arrived at the national park and after putting our luggage away in the bungalow we started the game drive! The vehicle was not exactly modern but we thought that had its charm. The car was open and so we had a good view of everything around us. We did wonder about safety.
Our guide, a nice friendly guy, didn't carry a weapon or anything and there are lions and other predators in the park. We had to stop every half hour to add water in the motor because the car wasn't in a good state, but to be honest we were happy with every stop, so we could take pictures. The park was so full of animals, we couldn't believe it! Giraffes, zebra's, millions of impalas, warthogs, storks, hippos, water buffalos, wildebeests, elephants, monkeys and even lions: everything we hoped to see was there! Most of the animals had babies who were extremely cute. That first day was just magical with all these lion cubs and elephant babies and it ended with a huge double rainbow. Back in the camp we had our first real Tanzanian meal: ugali kuku.
The bungalow had airconditioning and we had a great night of sleep. After breakfast again a full day of watching animals - what a dream! We stayed two nights and two full days in total in the safari, and that actually enough: we saw everything we hoped to see and more! The way back was comfortable, although we did had to bribe the police for reasons we still don't understand. The car was just stopped and we had to give 30.000 Tanzanian shillings because the driver didn't have that money in cash. We didn't understand what was going on and didn't have time to pick a fight because we had to catch the last ferry to Zanzibar.
So, to make a long story short: our safari in Mikumi was really, really great and we are very grateful for all Mwajabus efforts. We didn't have to worry about anything, everyone we met was super friendly and the whole experience was beyond our expectations!
NL
Email Geert van Soest | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful experience!
Everthing was taken care of, so that we could focus 100% on the beautiful things there were to see. and do!