"Benson Safaris: Thrilling Adventures Await!"
Benson Safaris Tanzania
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Member Of:
- TATO, TTB & IGS
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,200 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
SE
Email Jonna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, committed and smooth
Being Tanzania and safari first-timers, traveling with children, one may prefer to book “everything” through a tour operator established back home. Wanting to tailor make our trip, cut costs and maximize the positive local impact of our spendings we instead asked for quotes from three operators via safaribookings, one of them being Benson Safaris Tanzania.
From the very first contact, Benson Safaris have been impressively professional, committed and smooth. They made sure they understood our preferences correctly and swiftly gave us a few different budget options. They were flexible and attentive during our bit of tossing and turning before deciding. All in all, excellent communications and service before the trip! Since we’ve looked into several tour operators, we also believe Benson Safaris offer excellent value for money.
When finally in Tanzania we were met by our driver/guide as planned, who in a committed and knowledgeable way was our companion during our amazing safari. Making sure we got to see our personal favorites (everything from the lion king to the ugly five) and even the Great Migration (which isn’t necessarily on one’s doorstep). Keeping us safe and happy from the first hello to the very last goodbye!
We highly recommend Benson Safaris Tanzania to other travelers! Special thanks to Benson, Fortune & Zablon for a fantastic safari and family adventure!
AE
Email Rich | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing tour and a great team!
We booked this safari last minute due to a change in our plans. After looking at about 10 different companies and messaging 5, we settled with Benson’s Safaris due to the personal touch we felt right from their first reply. While we had a few specific items we wanted to do over our planned 11 days, many of the companies just sent us a standard 8 day package. However Benson (and Peris) listened to us and recommended a package that included everything we hoped to do. Also, although we only first contacted them with 3 days to go, we managed to get an extra day very short notice and they were able to adjust our plans again!
From our first meeting we felt that Benson had our enjoyment as his first priority. Our guide, Liberatus, picked us up from the airport (without complaint, even though he had to wait several hours due to our flight being delayed). We met Benson the next day and he remained in touch throughout our trip. However Liberatus was an excellent guide and we saw every animal we were hoping to see and more.
We did a day at Kilimanjaro for a bit of a hike, as we plan to climb it and thought it might be good to see what the area was like. Then we stayed at Serval Wildlife which is expensive but an amazing experience (also no drinks there, so if you want wine in the evening bring your own!). I would recommend doing Serval at the end of your trip though, as you get so close to the animals! We did one day at Tarangire National Park which is an amazing place. We certainly could have done another day there. We then did a very bumpy drive to Lake Natron, because Lily wanted to see the flamingoes! It is an amazing place, really beautiful barren nature. But be warned, the drive is not smooth (even by usual standards here!).
Then we had 5 days in Serengeti National Park. We paid more to stay inside the park but it was worth it to wake up to herds of gazelles each morning and to hear the animals right outside! Liberatus is a very experienced guide, we saw lions every day, massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, even more hippos than Lily had hoped for (!!). We saw a cheetah eating and another time one jumped on our truck! Also managed to see a leopard with her prey in a tree. For me the highlight was a massive herd of over 60 elephants for which Liberatus placed us right at their watering hole. An amazing sight!
We did the Miracle Balloon flight over the Serengeti, which is well worth the money (and the early morning drive meant we did a bit of ‘night safari’ - we actually saw a pride of lions eating their meal right by the road!). We also did a day/night at Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. That is an amazing place, unique really and we could have spent a few days there!
Ultimately however long you spend here it wont be enough, but Benson and his team will make sure you get the most out of it. We really appreciated the personal touch. We paid a bit more than we planned because it was just the 2 of us, and we decided to stay in the nicest lodges. But to be honest you’ll be so tired each night I’m not sure you need too much comfort to sleep! We both highly recommend Benson’s Safaris and we’re very pleased we did our trip with them!
Thank you Benson, Peris, Liberatus and the rest of the team x
US
Email Alberto Attar | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Operator - Fantastic Driver-Guide
We found Benson Safari very reliable. Communication with Peris was fast and efficient. She easily accommodated the needs for our trip.
Everything went perfect in our week long Safari, from finding our driver guide Zablon at Kili airport to drop off a week later at Kokatende airstrip.
Our itinerary was Tarangire, Ngorogoro, central serengeti and north serengeti.
Benson set us up in lovely lodges, with special mention to Kubu Kubu in Central Serengeti. The view is incredible, and the rooms luxurious. Serena Manyara was in a good location but a bit outdated. Mara under canvas is the definition of Glamping. Beautiful grounds and very comfortable tents, with hot bucket shower! Service was impeccable everywhere.
Zablon was fantastic as our driver guide. Patient, knowledgeable and always in good mood, always making sure to get the best viewing spots. We spotted the big 5 and much more. The migration crossing at the Mara river is something indescribable.
My wife celebrated her birthday during our trip, and Benson arranged for a surprise ar the Mara Under Canvas lodge. That was very special!
Hakuna matata!
Email Robert O’Hanlon | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Benson Safaris made this a trip of a lifetime.
My trip with benson safaris was excellent , 5 stars from start to finish.
From being collected from the airport to being dropped off 6 days later our guide Liberatus was brilliant , very knowledgeable and always happy to offer advice, like a member of our family for 6 days.
Benson himself met us at the start and end of the safari to ensure all was ok , this was very reassuring and what a nice man to meet.
Again a brilliant service during the booking process , we were a little nervous booking direct with the operator, rest assured all was fine, we asked many questions, all were answered promptly, we even managed a WhatsApp call.
The vehicle was well equipped, Wi-Fi, charge points , binoculars, cold drinks , including beer and wine.
We stayed in 3 lodges and 1 hotel twice, Mount Meru Hotel, Manyara Best View Lodge, Signature Serengeti Luxury Tented Lodge,Ngorongoro Sereana Safari Lodge , all excellent with very good facilities, my favourite being the Signature Serengeti , felt very connected to the animals, staff were also excellent.
All the food and facilities during the safari was excellent, the lunch boxes very good , we never went hungry or thirsty
Credit to Benson and the team they made sure we got our first choice lodges.
Onto the safari, well where can I start, our guide Liberatus ensured we got to see as many animals as possible, lions. , leopards, cheetahs with cubs, elephants, hippos, crocodile, giraffes, zebra, rino, snakes, buffalo and many more.
The guide was key to this being a memorable experience, he had excellent knowledge of wildlife and how to navigate the terrain.
The highlight a pride of lions with a buffalo kill.
Many of these experiences made me feel quite emotional and made great memories for my family to share together forever.
On day 6 we decided to go to Materuni waterfall near Kilimanjaro, an excellent trip , some steep terrain but worthwhile when you reach the waterfall, lunch in the village and coffee making all part of the trip, really good experience. Beautiful view of Kilimanjaro .
I can’t put into words how I would rate this experience, 20 out of 10 for sure , I would certainly recommend Benson Safaris, they went above and beyond to make sure this was a trip of a lifetime.
Would do it all again.
NL
Email Callam | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely amazing couldn’t have asked for more
We had the most amazing time on our safari with Benson safaris everything from start to finish was professionally organised. We had an amazing trip our guide was so knowledgeable and friendly his name was liberatus he had an amazing eye and could see animals we would have just missed without him so he was incredible we couldn’t have asked for more. We were lucky enough to see the big 5 and loads of other animals too. Definitely advise booking with Benson safaris LTD
Email Sally O’Hanlon | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Asante Sana Benson Safaris
Words alone cant communicate the BEST safari experience ever .
Our trip was first class in every respect and I would thoroughly recommend Benson Safaris to all .
I will be candid , I was nervous about booking our safari directly, as it was new , we hadn’t been on safari before etc . How wrong was I and , my nervousness was dispelled very quickly.
We were quickly provided with all relevant certificates of approval to operate , licenses etc .
All of my many questions were answered professionally , with patience, understanding and humour.
The team worked hard to secure the accommodation we wanted , one wasn’t available but managed to book for us eventually .
All our requests were gathered and we started to count the days
On arrival at Kilimanjaro airport we were met by our guide Liberatus . One thing I hadn’t really considered was our guide would be part of the family for the safari and we would be in an enclosed vehicle for long periods and how important this relationship would be .
Liberatus couldn’t have been better if hand picked . A really nice guy , pleasant , really attentive and a great advocate for the company . Not to mention he could drive in the difficult terrain and spot game with what appeared no clues . We saw everything and some . We were often first to see game and we were always guaranteed the best place to view .
No sat nav , no maps and not lost once
On our first evening on Arusha we met Benson (MD) who again confirmed what we wanted from the safari , what drinks we would like on board the vehicle etc.
I am a coffee lover and coffee from his plantation was made freshly every day at lunchtime for me by Liberatus .
All accommodation was first class , and way beyond expectations . Food plentiful , good quality and I loved our daily picnic lunches - so different to a working lunch at my desk . Not to mention the hot water bottle on our bed one night at a lodge :)
My husband wanted to camp in the Serengeti - we stayed at the Serengeti luxury tented camp . Wow . The highlight for him was the roaring of the lions . Imagine my surprise when two or three minutes into our drive the following morning we saw a pride of lions (or two ) breakfasting on a buffalo.
Benson met up with us before we left for Zanzibar and gave us a gift of some of the coffee I has enjoyed
I could write much more …. Don’t hesitate to use this company . I would book again in a heartbeat . The only change I would make , would be a longer stay as was the experience of a lifetime… really , and facilitated by Benson and his team
DE
Email Johannes | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything great, no complaints
We had a lot we wanted to do in the short time we had. Benson Safari was able to pull it off.
Our driver Oby was absolutely great and he did everything in his power to make the trip for us amazing.
Personal highlight for me was the cooler in the car, which Oby filled with the beverages of our choice.
The lodges we stayed at where also really good. Since we did a custom tour, I can't tell if that is always the case.
We had absolutely no complaints, I can fully recommend Benson Safari
Email Navendu | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Absolutely amazing Safari operators. Down-to-earth and knowledgeable on our Safari requirements.
We took a gamble with Benson Safari for organising our tour, we were hoping to see a lot of animals and also the great wildebeest migration. On that note they absolutely nailed it.
Our driver/Guide Zablon showed us some amazing places in Serengeti to spot the animals and had a good knowledge of their behaviour and characteristics.
The tented camps we stayed in were just full of excitement with animals roaring and passing by at night.
We also went to Gombe National Park to see some chimpanzees through Benson Safari.
Here we tracked a lot of chimpanzees and was a breathtaking experience.
We highly recommend Benson Safari for all your safari adventures in jungles of east Africa.
IT
Email Alberto | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable
Benson absolute guarantee. Professional and courteous and always available. Highly recommended
Email MC-Fam | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
True cultural experience
Thank you, Benson and team! My family and l travelled to Lake Eyasi and Tarangire with Benson Safaris Tanzania and we had a brilliant trip.
Our guide was fun, full of knowledge and jokes, and very patient with the kids and happily answered all their questions and requests for a bathroom break! In Lake Eyasi we also had a local guide who was great fun, full of energy and shared so much information with us. Time with the Datoga tribe was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the highlight of our safari. If you have kids who love culture and running around in the bush - do not miss out on Lake Eyasi! It's an early morning, but 100% worth it.
Tarangire was amazing, and an elephant lover's dream. We also saw giraffes, zebra, lions and smaller animals. The lunch lookout was beautiful and it was great to spend some time out of the car. We were even able to buy an ice cream!
Fortune in the office found accommodation for us in family rooms, so we were able to stay together, and both lodges had pools, which the children enjoyed. The food was family-friendly and the staff would make dishes requested by the children! The vehicle was spotless and we even had a cooler box with our favourite drinks. You thought of everything and made every moment a joy, thank you!
I highly recommend Benson Safaris Tanzania. They made travelling with young children so easy and we can't wait to explore Zanzibar with them next week.
