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
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!
I would recommend this tour for absolutely anyone who wants a great African experience. Myself and a small group of friends did a safari through Uganda, Kenya and finishing in Tanzania a few months ago. The tour itself was amazing visiting parts of the world you never dreamed you would go and experiencing things you could only imagine like trekking the mountain gorillas in bwindi impenetrable forest or whitewater rafting in the Nile! Our tour guide James was excellent and could spot animals from anywhere!!! I saw more wildlife in those 25 days then I have seen in my life!! We went way beyond the big five and were even lucky enough hang out with Mountain Gorillas, chimps, hunting dogs, rhinos aswell as everything else! James was great company a pleasure to be around and even taught us some Swahili words aswell as an easy song!! Our cook Costa was incredible I always looked forward to eating his meals. Everyday was an adventure with something different we did plenty of game drives, boat tours, walks, bike tour, white water rafting, bungee jumping and a night game drive. The tours there are great they really are tailor made to suit you which means you get the exact experience that your looking for! Overall the trip an amazing experience!!! I will definitely return for another adventure and recommend to anyone thinking of experiencing Africa.
Email John Atchison | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The family trip of a lifetime
Thank you Simon from East African Safari and Touring company for your suggestion for our 5 day safari through the Serengetti and Ngorongoro Crater, your communication in the lead up and organization made this a smooth ride. Our safari with our children aged 14 12 and 9 was a fantastic experience we were amazed by the closeness and abundance of wildlife we were able to see and on our final day we witnessed a pride of lioness stalking some zebra whilst 20 or more young lions roamed around our safari vehicle. At nights we were impressed by our campsite which was very well organized and the meals were great, the experiences the children were able to gain by sitting around a campfire freely talking and singing with the local Masai was priceless. Our driver Innocent was great with the knowledge he was able to share with us about the local wildlife there seemed nothing he wasnt able to tell us
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Email Daniel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Worth it! Exceeded all expectations and wouldn't change a thing!
Wow we don't even know where to start with our review of East African Safari, but basically it ends with smiles and two thumbs up! Simon was beyond helpful answering our many, many questions and was also very accommodating with our requests on length of trip, and where we wanted to stay at night. We E-mailed other safari operators as well but Simon's prompt and helpful replies, in addition to their community integration and conservation efforts, is really what sold it for us. This cost is a bit higher than other operators, but as we soon found out that it is 100% WORTH IT!
Just a few quick details about our trip: 10 days Safari, starting in Mwanza with stay near Speke Bay, and then passing through Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and finally flying out from Arusha.
Our guide, Cosmos, was beyond expectations and definitely one of the reasons the trip ended up perfect for us. He met us promptly at the airport in Mwanza with a big smile and immediately shuttled us over to the Tilapia Hotel so that we could relax after being on airplanes for 20+ hours. The place even had a pool and gorgeous view of the water so we felt relaxed and ready to go the next morning! Cosmos was waiting for us right when he promised, and after chatting for a bit we knew he was going to be a great guide over the next 9 days. We were both interested in learning Swahili for the trip and so were constantly bugging him for swahili translations but he energetically answered every question we had!
One of the first big highlights that made us glad we chose EASTCO happened when our original hotel for the second day, the Speke Bay Lodge, ended up being full so instead Simon got us rooms at nearby Serenity on the Lake lodge...which was one of the nicest places we've ever stayed! Throughout the entire trip there were multiple instances like this, where things didn't go exactly as planned (for those of you you've traveled to Africa this shouldn't be a surprise) only to find that Cosmos and Simon would improvise quickly to make everything perfect for us!
Every day had a pretty standard routine, Cosmos would tell us what time to meet him, we'd drive around watching wildlife, and then spend afternoons back at the lodges. My girlfriend and I are slow eaters so a few times were a little late to meet him at the vehicle but he would just respond with a smile and the usual Tanzanian response of "No worries! Pole Pole!" Cosmos' energy, promptness, and especially knowledge of African wildlife really were incredible. He'd usually spot and identify wildlife before we could even see them! We managed to see every bit of wildlife we had planned (including rhinos and leopards) and he even managed to find something I had absolutely been dying to observe...a leopard tortoise! I can't stress that enough with Cosmos, he will go out of his way to make sure you get a chance to see what you want and he has the eyes and intuition to make it happen. At the same time, he is also very patient and would sit quietly while we sat for long periods of time just to watch a pride of lions eating or hippos bathing.
Another reason we're glad we went with EASTCO: I accidentally left my cell phone at one of the lodges which of course is always a stressful situation. However, Simon called and had the lodge actually mail the phone to himself in Arusha, after which he personally organized a driver to BRING THE PHONE down to us near Tarangire park!! We didn't have to worry at all about the entire situation because it was handled perfectly by Simon and Cosmos, and phone was delivered back safely into my hands!
Also, we had planned (and paid) to stay at the Rhino Lodge near the Ngorongoro crater because it was a more budget friendly lodge option, but on the day were supposed to head over there Cosmos got a text from Simon telling him to put us up in the Serena Wildlife Lodge instead!! For no extra cost to us! For those of you unaware, Rhino lodge is a budget lodge away from crater rim, while Serena is one of the few luxury lodges that actually sit on the rim...with an incredible view! This was a very pleasant surprise for us, and I have to be honest, that hot shower felt incredible after a dusty day in the crater.
The final days of the trip were spent in East African Safari's own lodge, the Boundary Hill Lodge (can check out our review on TripAdvisor) which also exceeded our every expectation. Reading about the history of the lodge was inspirational, basically created to help support the local communities (and indeed even 50% owned by those same communities) and an inseparable part of the Tarangire Conservation Area. One our final day Cosmos took us around souvenir shopping and even offered to help bargain with vendors if we needed the backup (a very nice offer sometimes when buying things as a traveler!).
In summary, if you want a dependable, quality, top-notch safari with a guide who is friendly and very knowledgeable...then pick East African Safari Company! Also I should mention that Simon also organized all of our airfare to other places around Tanzania. We picked them because of their integration and support of local communities and incredible work with wildlife conservation (basically the entire reason Boundary Hill Lodge was even created) but found that they also provided a better Safari trip than we could have ever hoped. Absolutely worth it!
Email Simone | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Second safari and just as fantastic as the first
This was the second safari we did with East African Safari and Touring Company (Eastco) and the trip was just as good as the first.
We went on our honeymoon with Eastco and on this trip I took my parents. I had emailed a few other companies for quotes but the communication I received from David was excellent, really quick to reply, and very willing to answer any and all my questions.
The trip did live up to our expectations and in many areas exceeded it.
The wildlife of course was a highlight, as was the interaction with the guide, the Masai at Tarangire and the Tingatinga artist at Boundary Hill Mr Nchimbi.
Boundary Hill Lodge was special, beautiful views, wildlife, being able to go for a bush walk and night drive all added to the experience of this quiet, well managed lodge.
We also stayed at Ol Tukai beautiful and quiet as well on the shores of Lake Manyara.
The wildlife lodge at Ngorongoro had beautiful views but as expected with a lodge of this size the food was very good but not excellent. The view and easy access to the crater made up for it.
In the Serengeti we slept in Eastco's own camp ensuite shower and toilet and perfect locations to catch the wildebeest birth.
If you have not seen the calving, with hyena and lion, vultures and jackals you should go, it is an amazing experience. Even though we had been before we probably enjoyed the trip and wildlife better this time round.
I would recommend a Tanzania safari and you can't go wrong with Eastco.
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable experience!
I had heard many great things about East Co Safari so I was very excited to begin my tour and I can conclude that the safari tour exceeded my expectations by far. All of the organisational aspects were taken care of and I didn't have to worry about a single thing. On our tour we had two cars and four workers who provided everything we needed and assembled and dissembled camp everyday while we were out exploring. The food was something that exceeded my expectations by far. Costa, our chef, provided incredible 3 course meals every night, cooked breakfast and cooked lunch each day, which was something I really did not expect. We even got our shoes and clothes cleaned after the gorilla trek! The safari cars were in great condition and the drivers took great pride in their vehicles, which have pop out roofs so you're able to game watch! The guides/ drivers were extremely friendly, fun, knowledgeable and easy to get along with. You can ask them about almost anything with regards to East Africa and they could tell you! The fact that they fit in like locals and interact with the locals in such environments, allows you to also immerse yourself and sometimes go "off the beaten track" with the drivers as safety really is not an issue. I never once felt unsafe on my safari and I think that is a part of what made it so fantastic! With East Co I found that we never got bored doing the same thing over and over again because each day something different was planned and we wouldn't get stuck doing the same styled adventure each day. I didn't have a care in the world and was just enjoying every minute of it and I truly accredit that to the quality of the service and smoothness of the itinerary, along with the kindness of the workers. My trip only went for 15 days however I would have gladly carried on, because with East Co, everyday provides something different and exciting.
QA
Email Andy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We flew in from around the world for a family Christmas and New Year that no one will forget!!!
Ten months were spent planning our family Christmas Safari. E-mails to East Africa Safari with questions during these 10 months were promptly answered. When the day came to fly to two different airports (Arusha and Kilimanjaro) from different parts of the world (USA & Qatar), it all came together seamlessly thanks to the careful planning, on time flights, and the commitments met by East Africa Safari. We all met in Arusha on Christmas Day at the time estimated several months prior (15:00) and we enjoyed a Christmas day together that was out of the ordinary. The next day our 22 & 25 year old kids quickly connected with our good natured guide, Melckizedeck (Melk), who knew the territory well and had many contacts throughout the Maasai communities of the Serengeti. Mingling with the villagers and local culture added an unexpected element to the trip. At the end of the 7 day adventure we saw many animals, had lots of laughs, and shared experiences we will remember forever. We left highly pleased with East Africa Safari and I would recommend them to anyone.
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.
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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.
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.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome tour!
This tour was amazing! The guides were really great with so much knowledge on culture and animals. They're very informative which is really helpful. Our cook did the most amazing job with beautiful meals and providing for personal dietary requirements. All the staff are really friendly, helpful and work hard. The tour was a lot of fun and involved everything I was hoping to do and so much more! The tour met and went way beyond my expectations! I highly recommend East African Safari company to anyone searching for a real African experience and a great time!