East African Safari & Touring Company
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 1992)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $230 to $2,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
QA
Email Sharon | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Went in with apprehension - came out with happy memories
We had friends who had an amazing experience through this company so we booked with them. Just before we left, we had other friends who toured with them who had a nightmare experience with this company. Through reading all the reviews, it looks like it is very hit and miss whether your experience is good or not. Simon, the operator, was extremely friendly and helpful during the booking phase, but as soon as we had paid the deposit, he then dropped off the face of the earth when we tried to bring up our concerns over our friend's tour. He also didn't respond to our friend's attempts to communicate their disappointment. We eventually got a little bit of reassurance, and as we had already paid a hefty deposit we decided to go ahead. In the end we were glad that we did. We had an amazing time.
Safari:
We loved their guide James. How could you not. He is an amazing guide who we got to know fairly well due to his lovely friendly and open nature. He has excellent English and a good sense of humour. We really appreciated his relaxed approach to our family dynamics and he was happy to make the experience whatever we wanted it to be. He is obviously a knowledgable and experienced guide who knows how to give tourists what they want. We learned many, many things about the animals, the country, the people and the language (as well as sharing family stories!) We were really happy with the whole safari experience and were delighted that we had no problems with the landrover vehicle as the terrain gives these vehicles quite a beating! The shock absorber did fall off on the way to the airport on the last day but James dealt with it quickly and efficiently. The fact that he has mechanical experience would be a huge plus in these circumstances.
We had absolutely no issues with permits or paperwork (which we were concerned about going into the holiday) and we were extremely thankful that our safari experience went without a hitch. If you are booking with them, ask for James by name.
Communication:
As you know we were concerned with the sporadic communication (after we had paid our deposit because leading up to that time all of our enquiries were answered extremely promptly). I was a little put off by being asked for payment within hours of making the tentative booking (and being reminded by Simon twice over the next few days i.e "Hi , have you made the paypal payment yet?") This is probably what compounded my concern over communication stopping after I made the payment. There turned out to be extenuating circumstances around this particular time but in reading through other feedback on the site, this is not something that has been a one off. Many people have commented that this has been a problem in the past and for future bookings, it may be worth Simon putting the time into changing people's perception of his trustworthiness and reliability. This would surely help his reputation and give people more confidence in booking with him in the future.
Accommodation:
Was lovely . We were super impressed with all of the accommodation. We really appreciated having separate rooms to sleep in from the children - a bonus that we weren't expecting for the entire trip.
The first night in Arusha was good except there were dogs barking all night long (somewhere near the lodge) and we got very little sleep.
The lodge looking over the crater had the most awe inspiring view and the staff at all of the places were really helpful and friendly.
We were pleasantly surprised at the standard of the camping experience. As by this stage 3 out of 4 family members had upset tummies (!) we really appreciated the inside, flushing toilet. Hot showers were a bonus
Our last night in Manyara Lodge was just breathtaking. We were one of only a few guests (as we were in all of the places) and the staff looked after us really well. The family loved the beautiful pool area in such an outstanding setting.
I think we were incredibly lucky to have had no big issues during our experience. For anyone looking to book with this company, I would say 'may the odds be forever in your favour'.
US
Email Cris Powell | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Memorable Experience
I just want you all to know that my friends and I had a great time with Eeastco on our trip. It was wonderful, especially since everyone had been nice to us and helped us have a wonderful and memorable experience. Everyone had a great time visiting various sites, walking on safari and seeing Mother Nature in its wild and untamed glory. The guide James was particularly helpful and knowledgeable. Thanks eastcos for the great tour.
US
Email Jenny & Stan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
EAS crafted a special off-the-beaten-track hiking and birding safari for us that met every need.
We spent 14 days with our guide in the Pare and Usumbara Mountains. We are in our 70s - relatively fit, but with some extra needs, all of which were so well addressed -- we couldn't have asked for more careful attention. Throughout the trip we had our terrific guide (Bernard Shirima - a first-class bird and game expert, as well as wise in the care and handling of clients ). We had expected more game in the Mkomazi National Park, but rain limited our reach, and being new, the park has not yet built up a large big game population. We did see splendid birds in Mkomazi (we are not seasoned birders, so it was a new experience to see so many stunning birds.)
Unexpected rainfall also kept us from seeing the Chome Nature Reserve, which was on our itinerary. The Tona Lodge, in the Mbaga District, high in the Pare Mountains, was a disappointment, as the mountains were so steep, we were unable to hike anything but paved roads. But that turned out to be a great experience being greeted and welcomed by villagers of every age. We really got a feeling for life in such a village after spending 3 days walking around. (It really helped that Stan speaks fairly decent Swahili- much to the delight of everyone we met!) Tona Lodge was a great disappointment in terms of facilities, food, and service. The view, however, was stupendous!
EAS arranged for local guides to join us in each of the regions we visited - mostly to introduce us to the community and show us where to go hiking/birding. Bernard was our true bird guide, however. In the Western Usumbaras near Lushoto, we stayed comfortably at Mullers' Mountain Lodge - beautifully situated and comfortable (though plagued with hot water problems and food heavier in German style than we would have liked). Our local guides there knew little about the birds other than where to take us, but Bernard helped us find birds (and we enjoyed seeing colobus monkeys). In the Amani Nature Reserve in the Eastern Usumbaras we stayed at a research station and were guided by a very able researcher who taught us much about local birds and his work. The jungle in these mountains was truly spectacular - trees so tall and covered with vines that it was impossible to see the whole. We enjoyed long walks, (even though birds were hard to see in the dense foliage), and did see some spectacular birds. Bernard really taught us a great deal -- not only about the birds, but about how to go about looking for them.
Overall, we realized after the fact that we had not insisted enough on a more specific itinerary with greater clarity ahead of time as to what we could expect to see and do in the Western Usambaras which -- because so off the beaten tourist track -- were not well known by Bernard. I was disappointed not to see more game (in Mkomazi we saw a few giraffes, a bat-eared fox, and the disappearing tails of a few hartebeests). We had a great adventure there getting hit by a sudden downpour and sliding up to the fenders of our safari vehicle in mud. Had to call for a tractor to pull us out, but, Bernard had brought along box lunches, so all was well.
This was our second trip with EAS - we had a splendid safari to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti several years ago, so we already had great respect for their professional preparation and care, as well as the expertise and responsiveness of their guides. I wouldn't go to anyone else, and I hope someday we will come back for another trip with them.
Email Len | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari with Eastco
My wife and I did a 8 day safari with Eastco in Jan. of this year. The trip was excellent.
We had flown into Kilimanjaro International Airport, and after getting our visas we were taken to our Arusha hotel for the first night. The hotel was right in the middle of town so in the evening we walked around a bit and had a meal at a small Indian restaurant very quiet.
In the morning we were collected by our guide and so the safari started.
Tarangire for two nights staying at Boundary Hill Lodge, what can, we say beautiful views, rooms with a verandah overlooking the plains below and a toilet with a view. Elephants and giraffe were easily seen and in the mornings we could see some antelopes easily, thought they were waterbuck, but who knows.
After two nights here we then went to Ngorongoro and stayed at the wildlife lodge right on the rim again amazing views. The highlight here were the Rhinos seen in the afternoon.
Then followed the Serengeti staying in a tented camp, this camp was perfect after Ngorongoro. We stayed here for 4 nights and were able to catch the wildebeest migration in all its glory.
Cheetah and hyena were the highlight of this part of the trip.
The trip was well set up, guide extremely polite and well versed in both wildlife and idle chatter, this made the trip more interesting as we got a bit of an insight into his family and safari life.
The 4x 4 was well maintained and did the trip without a hitch.
All in all the safari was excellent and I would highly recommend this company.
Email Edna Deighton | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari with Eastco
had fantastic holiday with Eastco they were recommend by a family member who travelled with them in 2014. I went in November last year and saw the main parks, Serengeti Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
Am a student so the discounts offered by Eastco made the trip really affordable, We camped in most of the parks except Tarangire where we stayed at Boundary Hill Lodge, awesome lodge with great views. I spent 3 days in Zanzibar at the end,which was amazing!!. Stayed at the Boabab resort right on the beach, great atmosphere.
Highly recommend.
Email Jenny | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Disappointing due to poor administration and communication, could not recommend
We started our trip in Rwanda and everything was fantastic. On our last day there we were advised that our flight to Tanzania had been cancelled and instead of flying to Mwanza, we would be flying overnight and our itinerary would be reversed.
Our problems were:
Dropped off for lunch on the first day, no driver came to pick us up. Restaurant staff helped us out, and after ringing our previous guide in Rwanda and her phoning Simon, a driver came after a couple of hours, but not the one Simon had told us to expect so the uncertainty began.
We had to pay for the lunch – just after Simon had been telling us everything was included.
No revised itinerary provided (despite several requests to Simon and him promising to email it), driver did not have a copy of any itinerary and only knew our first destination, luckily we had a spare copy and were able to provide him with one. He was also unaware of the length of our trip which at 11 days was quite a long one.
Our itinerary did not work smoothly in reverse i.e. we had requested a mix of cultural activities and walks, as well as game drives. The cultural activities and walks mostly did not happen, due to the fact the driver had no knowledge of how to organise these, and the morning walk around the crater could not occur as we were now going down the crater in the morning etc.
No money on card at appropriate times for entrance to national parks, leading to delays, and a hefty fine (paid by us) when leaving the Serengeti as we had been in there illegally without having paid for the correct number of days.
Uncertainty about accommodation – one place unavailable, the roof had fallen in a month previously (supposedly) and we had not been advised. No alternative arrangements had been made, so our guide was on the phone arguing with the company. In the end, we were told a reservation had been made, but when we were arrived that was not the case. We had to pay in cash to stay there. This money was returned to us in cash the next day, but it created a lot of uncertainty about whether future accommodation would be booked or paid for.
Uncertainty about flights – would our onward flight to Zanzibar be booked, and would we have accommodation when we got there, and then would our onward flight to Johannesburg to meet our flight home be booked. We received the details on the flight the last day of our trip, despite having been requesting it from the beginning.
A stressed guide because he also did not know whether the above things would be provided and presumably whether he would be paid.
Virtually no communication from Simon (no replies to emails and only one phone call taken but the phone dropped out during the conversation!), and unable to obtain any other numbers for anyone in the “office”. This is really what made the safari so difficult as if we had had some reassurance that things would be okay, and this happened, then the trip would have been much less stressful.
Having said all that, the places we stayed were mostly great and met our requirements of a range of styles. The original itinerary was good and the animal safari part of our trip was great. We mostly got what we paid for – the accommodation and entrance fees all turned up so we could do all the scheduled game parks. Boundary Hill was a bit creepy because we were the only people staying there and there was a lot of uncertainty about what would happen next (given that it was at the beginning of our trip).
It was also a complete contrast to the fantastically organised trip in Rwanda where we were met at the airport at midnight by our driver with a copy of our itinerary. Thankfully Simon had outsourced our trip in Rwanda to another company although we had not been advised of that, and we paid for the balance of our trip there, so there were no money problem with that company not having received their money.
My take on the whole situation was that Eastco had money problems, and had to wait for new payments to come in before they could pay for the activities of people already out on safaris.
Whilst the potential was there for an outstanding experience and we did have a wonderful time, the constant worry over whether things would work out did take the shine off it. So like one of the other reviews, we had a great trip in spite of Eastco.
8 Day trip with Eascto An Excellent Safari !!!
We have just finished an 8 day safari with Eastco. Visiting Ngorongoro Serengeti Manyara and Tarangire.
The trip booked months ago was better than expected and everything went according to plan including the wildlife.
Lions elephants giraffe cheetah and one leopard all helped the experience.
The lodges and camps were well situated for the parks we visited. The Wildlife Lodge at Ngorongoro had beautiful views and excellent food. The view from the veranda of the crater in the late evening was well worth the Rim stay.
In the Serengeti we stayed at the very popular Kati Kati Camp. Another excellent choice, the closeness of the game made for relaxing game drives. Boundary Hill Lodge has probably the best location of any lodge we saw perched atop a steep ridge. Our guide Kibabai was young and enthusiastic with a good knowledge of the parks and the animals birds included.
It was a great trip, well organized and thanks to Eastco planned to perfection. The trip was well worth the 5 star rating.
Email Catherine | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
3 day safari and 3 day beach Excellent holida
I have just returned home after a 2 week holiday in Tanzania visiting family and we did a 6 day trip with Eastco . It was not our first trip to East Africa nor will it be our last. We had previously been on safari so as we were visiting family in Tanzania we decided to do a 3 night visit to Tarangire staying at Boundary Hill Lodge and 3 nights on the beach at Tanga. Boundary Hill Lodge was excellent, plenty of wildlife especially birds. The lodge overlooking the savannah below was private, comfortable and the food excellent in the extreme.
We spent a day driving to Tanga from Tarangire and stayed at Eastco's camp right on the beach. What a beautiful spot. The tide in the morning went way out so if you wanted an early morning swim, a walk was required first.
On our last day there it rained all day, really heavy, but this didn't spoil the fun.
The highlights here would've been the walk around the village and the peace and quiet.
The tents were simple but for a beach holiday with sand everywhere what more do you need.
The drive down was interesting with stops at Moshi, Same and Segera. The children loved the fresh fruit bought by the roadside. All in all it was an excellent 6 day trip and Eastco did an excellent job. I work with a lady who has also visited East Africa with Eastco and they also had a fantastic trip.
Tanga is beautiful, and different.
Email Elizabeth | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
From Lake Victoria to the Vic Falls an Excellent Safari, wildlife, culture and fantastic people.
Just a reminder we did our first trip with Eastco 2 years ago and it was also fantastic, so much so we convinced 2 friends to join us for a longer African Adventure, and what an adventure it was.
Our first port of call in Tanzania was Dar Es Salaam hot and muggy to Lake Victoria,ditto and then through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Tarangire and an old favourite staying at Boundary Hill Lodge. New ground followed, Babati, Kolo, Dodomo and Ruaha before heading to Zambia, of course our aim was to see the two Victoria's. We did.
Eastco did an excellent job from start to finish, well planned, a well maintained 4 x4, great guides.
Lodges and camps exactly what we were looking for. Cold beer of course.
We loved Mbalageti a highlight and the crater.
The guest houses we stayed in while simple were spotless with great food.
I think we had a combination of luxury with the very simple.
The Victoria Falls after such a long trip with little mishap was a great place to relax and finish off a trip, that couldn't have run better.
Standing overlooking the falls and remembering all that history. I had recently read Livingstone's Missionary Travels in South Africa. The Vic. Falls were the perfect end to that part of our holiday.
I won't comment on the individual lodges and camps but enough to suffice Eastco did organize the trip of a life time, twice now.
Oh I forgot the wildlife, villages, small towns. historical sites I could go on and on.
But this trip was not so much about ticking off the boxes but taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Africa.
IL
Email Hezi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
High quality service and facilities
The price was valuable.
The service and staff were exellent.