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
Amazing experience
We'd recommend doing a Safari with EastCo. We had a wonderful experience. Everything went very smoothly and Simon and the team were very accomodative. Up-Front communciations via email was sometimes challenging, but eventually all worked out just fine. Our guide was experienced, laid back, humble and a very nice guy who accommodated our queries whenever possible. The accommodations were really nice, the vehicle solid, we saw almost all animals we had wished to see and the food was good, too. The Safari met our expectations and we received a very good service. Thanks again to the team!
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Email Mas Tadesse Harris | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jamal Njarita - Best. Guide. Ever!
We settled on East African Safari & Touring Company because our friends used them three years ago, and it was a great mix of locations and property styles. Simon King was our contact we communicated with throughout the process. He was accessible and very knowledgeable with our many queries. If he does not respond, email again. Sometimes there are communication disruptions and delays.
We got immunizations in the U.S.
We secured our visas upon arrival in Tanzania, and it was kind of a cluster. Everyone who just got off the plane and has to go through this line. I admit I was exhausted. You must pay in cash (As of 07/2015 it was $100 USD - Bring new currency, fresh crisp bills).
We traveled U.S.---> Turkey ----> Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
When we landed after flying for 22 hours we had to take two more in-country flights. We had a layover for many hours (3 am local time, flight not departing until 7 am local time) and we were exhausted. We had to wait outside on metal benches because the domestic portion of the airport doesn't allow you in until two hours before your flight. None of the shops are open. If we knew we were going to wait an additional 5 hours on a metal bench at the Dar Es Salaam airport, before getting on two more flights, and then being in a car for 30 minutes I think we would have opted to stay in Dar Es Salaam for the day and just fly to Mwanza the next day.
Nights were cool in July and required sweaters, jackets, long pants. Mountains were cool, other places were HOT, but a nice mix. Also good to have scarfs to cover up against dusty roads, eye drops, hats, and sunscreen.
Definitely need flashlights, good binoculars and I rented a fabulous camera. We brought one great travel guide book about Tanzania and E-readers with many books on them. Books are expensive there. Bring your own. The guide also had some books, but we like to have our own. Good shoes for walking and also light shoes for heat. We brought a First Aid kit. Bring snacks that travel easily, I brought a box of KIND bars, my friend had Cliff Bars. A clothesline and pins are helpful if you need to rinse anything. Usually, everything dries fast.
We stayed in tents in the Serengeti, and private lodges in other bush areas. At times, we were the only tourists at a location. Simon also mixed that up with some comfortable lodges with many (loud) tourists. It was a good balance but if something is "not your thing", you should specify and pay for higher end locations. If you are roughing it, bring extra batteries particularly for cameras. Many places will not have access for Internet or Phone. I use T-Mobile in the US and was able to pop out my sim card and buy a local one. My phone bill was not affected.
We toured for 10 days with Jamal Njarita. He worked so incredibly hard. What makes a good guide? First comes safety, especially on walking safaris, which requires a cool head, a respect for dangerous game and a thorough knowledge of animal behavior. A good guide can read situations, react in an instant and avoid putting his clients in harm’s way. As two women traveling, this was key. He has a great sense of humor, and could be serious when explaining things like how Maasai live in a 'Boma'. Like all true professionals he appears relaxed, yet all his senses remain on high alert, suddenly breaking off a conversation to point out a bird in a tree or the flick of an ear in the long grass. We were alone in our 10 year old Toyota Landcruiser with Jamal. He was very good and accompanied us most everywhere. Guides work on commission only, so be prepared to tip well.
There is a LOT of driving roads, and imaginary roads are rough and can be surprisingly exhausting.
I loved the Serengeti Horizon tents. I would say it's more "glamping" or glamorous camping than camping. The guys who work there are truly amazing, welcoming, and made this a great start of our journey.
I was petrified during the night drive! While we were at Boundary Lodge (when it's dark outside we had escorts) I was not prepared for a man they call "Commander" who carried a bow and arrow. Additionally he shone the spotlight during the night game drive. I didn't catch the other young man's name but he had a spear to protect us from animals. I felt safe but it was unexpected to say the least.
Large lodges had safes. Theft was not an issue.
My friend is a vegetarian (who eats fish) and they prepared special food for us. Lots of food, not fancy, but tasty and 3 meals a day day, which is much more than our normal diet. Soups were great. The large lodges had incredible food.
My advise is as follows: Be flexible. Be clear about what you want so they can manage your expectations. Ask for a exceptional guide like Jamal. (If you are a woman remember you are traveling in a predominantly Muslim country--everyone did not treat us like Jamal).
Things that were less than perfect, is when accommodations were made at a place with a different name/location then what was printed on the itinerary. It was just confusing and it happened twice. (On the itinerary it says "Hilton Hotel or similar" which is not cool when you see a man is holding a sign with your name driving you to a location with a different hotel than you think you are traveling to. If it can be firmed up in advance it's helpful).
This is not Disney animals on demand. There were days we drove around for hours and saw nothing, and then there was the day we saw a Cheetah, Leopard, Zebra, Elephant and Rhinoceros. Believe your guide wants you to see these animals as much as you do. He is working and listening to radio chatter in Swahili trying to link up with colleagues for the best spots. Also, give him a break, you don't have to leave at dawn and come back to home base at dusk. If you're on vacation, be on vacation, trust me the animals will be there.
Finally, my favorite moment was riding bikes for three hours with a man named Sandy to get a close up of Lake Manyara. We saw literally thousands of flamingos and got to sit in a local fisherman's canoe. The landscape was breathtaking. We did this bike tour on Jamal's recommendation and it was incredible!
We traveled to Zanzibar to relax. If I had to do it again we would have stayed at the Z Hotel in Nungwi. Much more our speed, more people, and an exceptionally good Bloody Mary! We managed to go snorkeling using One Ocean Dive spent a day touring Stone Town enjoying lunch at Jafferji House & Spa.
Hopefully I can come back in 5 years or so.
Like anything, people make the experience and our guide Jamal made it wonderful, and it went by too fast!
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Email Mary Jo Ferneding | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire Trip
I just got back from a private safari with the East African Safari & Touring Company (EASTCO) based out of Arusha, Tanzania. As a seasoned backpacker who has traveled to well over twenty-something countries, I must say that I have found this trip to be one of my most extraordinary.
Before my trip, I spent a great amount of time researching safari/tour companies and exploring many travel options. First and foremost, I was looking for a company that was respectful of the environment as well as the Tanzanian communities & people who work for them. It was also important for me to have opportunities to meet and interact with the locals. And as a woman traveling alone, I wanted to feel safe and comfortable with my driver and cook.
I decided to go with EASTCO for many reasons. I really liked that they are a local company invested in preserving the cultural integrity and well being of surrounding communities. I was also impressed with owner Simon King, who has worked with neighboring Maasai villages to create opportunities for collaborative partnerships, dramatically decreasing poaching practices within a conservation area just outside of Tarangire National Park.
After making my decision, however, it was nothing less than a true leap of faith when I wired off my hefty triple-zero deposit to a bank in Australia. I worried that I might be in for a scam or that I should have chosen a company who has an office in the US. My concerns, however, ended as soon as I traveled to Arusha, met Simon, and planned out the final details of my safari. At the end of my six-day stay that encompassed the Nogorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and Tarangire National Park, I was so happy that I had chosen to go with EASTCO.
This was my first safari. Therefore, I cannot compare EASTCO with other companies except to share with you the things that I appreciated the most about my experience. First of all, Charles, my driver and guide, taught me the art of observing animals. He also helped me to refine my eyesight and learn how to observe the amazing, yet obscure eco-systems of East Africa. Charles could spot the tiniest of things and share a depth of knowledge about everything we saw. He also somehow knew where we might find animals, and most of the time we were the sole spectators, as we did not travel in caravans with other tourists. Charles also knew where to position the truck when we did have a crowd of people. One day we saw a family of thirteen elephants. He anticipated their crossing, maneuvering our vehicle to the perfect place where the animals, one by one walked right in front of our truck. After crossing, Charles predicted their path and drove to a point where we could see them walking a perfect line into the horizon. It was a magnificent moment! My cook, Michael was a wonderful travel mate as well. He always kept me laughing and cooked up amazing meals. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling with both of these gentlemen and felt as if I was saying goodbye to two dear friends when my safari ended.
Lastly, I really enjoyed most of the places that I stayed at. The first campsite, Simba was my least favorite. It was a beautiful location but was quite crowded, thus creating a disgusting bathroom scene thanks to the many tourists who did not know how to use squat toilets. Also due to the crowds, people became very territorial of their eating spaces. I was so grateful that Michael had staked out a good spot for me early, so I did not have to participate in all of the drama. My Serengeti experience, however was remote and peaceful. The campsite was full of wildlife. Teams of Mongoose would run wildly about in packs. A family of baboons would make their daily rituals, playing around my tent during the day and climbing a nearby tree at night. Cape Bull grazed within sight of my tent, and one day an enormous elephant wandered onto the grounds to eat the garbage out of the community trashcan. My last night on safari was spent at Boundary Hill Lodge, an upscale yet rustic lodge that enables views of wildlife from every angle of your suite and boasts a private bathtub on the balcony that overlooks Tarangire National Park.
As with any trip, I am sure that if I thought hard enough I could pick apart my safari and find some things that could have been better. However, I know that nothing is perfect, and these minor flaws are insignificant and would be dwarfed by the incredible things that I experienced each and every day on my safari. It was a trip of a lifetime, I was living the dream, and I feel so fortunate to have traveled to this part of the world and to have met so many amazing people, both through EASTCO and the other places that I visited.
Email Alexander | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Adventure of a lifetime
Our first ever trip to Africa went above and beyond our expectations thanks to the catering, assistance and overall service provided by EASTCO. From the initial contemplation stage of visiting Africa to the end of our journey Simon and the team were absolutely fantastic. They developed the perfect itinerary to meet our needs in constraints with; budget, time, destinations and activities. When we received our final itinerary from Simon we couldn’t have been more excited. The only negative we had (our own fault) was booking 8 months in advance and frequently found ourselves excitingly pondering other peoples safari photos, blogs and Facebook pages for the next 8 months.
All members and staff were extremely professional; our driver James was an exceptional guide/driver, easy going, very informative and looked after our every need (including ridiculous questions). Costa was an amazing person and chef; we had three course meals most evenings that were well and truly beyond our expectations. We woke up every morning to the delight of a wonderful cooked breakfast and a beautiful sunrise. Not once on our voyage did we feel unsafe or insecure; the staff members were not only professional towards us, they also acted the same to locals and other tourism operators. For those who have been to Africa will understand how boisterous, chaotic and unorganised a border crossing is, I couldn’t praise Simon and James anymore for making this process stress free and simple.
My hat goes off to Simon for their amazing knowledge and overall professionalism as they suggested two amazing treks that we would have never considered. Trekking with Mountain Gorillas in Biwindi Impenetrable National Park and trekking with chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. These two adventures were absolutely remarkable we were fortunate enough to spend a great deal of time within meters of these beautiful creatures.
Walking with Rhinos in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was an incredible experience especially knowing about the significance of protecting these extraordinary animals and all expenses and donations made at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary go towards conservation within the area. Our time game viewing throughout multiple National Parks in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have supplied me with millions of memories that will last a lifetime.
Our favourite park was Serengeti National Park where Simon relocated our camp last minute to a special campsite among the beautiful Kopje in hope that we would catch a glimpse of the famous annual migration. Not only were we luckily enough to relax in our car viewing the amazing migration with Wildebeest and Zebra as far as the eye can see, right next to the road were a pack of African wild dogs. Once again we thank James not only for his amazing eye, as we would have missed them but also the historical excitement as he saw the dogs and this enjoyment was provided the entire safari. This all seemed to perfect to be true, was just waiting for David Attenborough to commentate in the background. The amazing Migration wasn’t the only beauty of this campsite, at night after dinner we were laying out the front of our campsite admiring a sky full of stars and the frequently suprising shooting star. Something so little which we no longer see from our home but at the same time brought us all together and formed absolute bliss and serenity.
Something I never thought I would have done in my life was White Water Rafting and Bunjee Jumping into the Nile river at Jinja, which was an amazing adrenalin kick (James was in shock that we completed these tasks and to be honest so was I)
Our final nights were slent indulging at Boundary Hill lodge in Tarangire Conservation Area. Our room was perfectly designed and placed among a spectacular escarpment looking over the plains of Tarangire National Park and a perfect resort to conclude our once in a life trip.
I would Just like to thank Simon for the ongoing support, assistance and providing the trip of a life time. Every part of the safari flowed from one great adventure to another, from the numerous day drives, night drives, walks, bike rides, boat trips and treks to the unique accommodation and destinations. We would love to return and will certainly be in contact with Simon to organise our next trip, we strongly recommend EASTCO to anybody looking to enjoy a trip of a life time.
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Email Rachel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari with Eastco- OCT 15-28
Eastco / Simon went above and beyond to make sure we had an amazing trip.
That being said, yes our range rover was super old and had some issues, but one of the best memories of the trip was a lion kill in the serengeti that we would have missed if we hadnt spent the previous hour fixing the vehicle, so we didnt really mind. filling water bottles along side of the road from puddles to use in case the car overheated, it was all part of the adventure.
some stuff happened that was out of simons control, like a schedule change on our coastal aviation flight from kogatende to kigali, but simon handled everything behind the scenes and we ended up flying kogatende to kilimanjaro to kigali and it all worked out seamlessly.
James, our guide in Tanzania, was as amazing as everyone said he was. who cares if our car didnt have a radio- we didnt need one to spot the animals- all we needed was James 17 years of experience and his keen eyesight. he spotted leopards in trees we would never have known were there!
we saw everything we wanted to see and more- from a mama cheetah and her babies in central serengeti, to a rhino in the crater, to multiple migration crossings walking distance from our tent in northern serengeti.
our trip in Rwanda was handled through Eastco by Jambo Tours who also went above and beyond. our guide Claude was very knowldedgable, and the manager of the company, Catherine, met us on our last day to make sure we were happy.
Overall, i would reccomend Eastco for those looking to get off the beaten track and get alot of cultural experiences that the big tour operators can't offer.
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.
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.
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 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 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.