Our Head Guide Nico and our Signature Hot Lunches
Unlimited Expeditions: The Soul of Tanzania
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2015)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
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Email Ryan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Reliable and friendly!
Soul of Tanzania is an excellent company. Our trip was very well-planned and our guide, Eli, was terrific. He went out of his way to find animals and make our experience unforgettable. I would recommend this company without reservation to anyone wondering which of the many companies to contract for your safari.
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Email Grant | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trip of a lifetime with service that exceeded expectations. WOW
We received three quotes as suggested and went with soul of Tanzania because of the prompt responses from Sandy. The trip was arranged and went off without a hitch. Our guide Walter was outstanding and delivered the big five many times over. The accommodations and food were great. We did the 8 day Serengeti Safari with Zanzibar beach extension. The three nights at Nugwi Dreams was the perfect way to unwind before our trip home. We went as a group of five and all left with a deeper appreciation of Tanzania and its culture. We would definitely suggest a trip with SOT and Walter to our friends and family.
Email Catherine | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best tour operator in Arusha
Soul of Tanzania must be the best tour company based in Arusha. I contacted them over 4 years ago and Jose was our coordinator. He responded almost immediately to all my enquiries and we formulated a 13 day safari that proved to be way beyond our expectations. Unfortunately Covid and a family wedding meant that the trip was delayed for so long.
If you’re thinking of booking with them do not be afraid to wire money to the company, they held our considerable deposit for over three years and assured us it would be ok. Jose was always able to reassure and rebook all the accommodation near the time.
Flying into East Africa from London we decided to fly to Nairobi and spend a night at an airport hotel. As there were 4 of us, me, husband and two adult sons I opted to do a road transfer to Arusha. Jose had organised a pickup with the Kenyan sister part of Soul of Tanzania. The driver was right on time for the interesting journey to the border at Namanga where they changed drivers. What a difference between Kenya and Tanzania, we were glad to leave the overpopulated, refuse strewn and terrible roads in Kenya and enter Tanzania with its great infrastructure and happy friendly people.
We spent two nights at the Hatari Lodge in Arusha Game Park just relaxing and watching the wildlife that passed by the decking. Our driver returned to pick us up to take us into Arusha for a transfer to our safari vehicle and guide, Wilson.
Wilson has been a guide for over 20 years and obviously respected by all the other guides and people at the different lodges and camps we stayed in. He was so knowledgeable in everything, not only all the game and birds but plants, trees and geology. He instinctively knew where we would find the elusive Rhino and we witnessed the exceptionally rare sight of two Leopards in adjoining trees in a stand off with a Lion. Wilson also had a great sense of humour that fitted in with all our requests and laughter. I think he got the measure of us when we asked to stop at a supermarket to stock up on beers to accompany the wine and hot food served at our lunch stops where he found less busy places with beautifully clean toilets.
We spent two days in Tarangeri National Park with its huge herds of elephants and buffalo and nearly all the big 5 game. Two nights in Lake Manyara Game Park which is set between the Great Rift Escarpment and the lake with its lush dense forests and is a bird lover’s paradise. One night on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater after spending the afternoon in the Crater which was amazing. Three nights in Central Serengeti with its vast open plains with ribbons of rivers that attracted huge herds of Hypo’s. Our last three night were spent at the Acacia Migration Camp. We were about one week to early to witness a Mara River crossing but we did see the the amazing sight of thousands of Zebra and Wildebeest in the Great Migration. On our last full day we were up very early to see the African dawn, don’t miss it, it’s so beautiful. We also sat in chairs right next to the migration for nearly two hours drinking the last of our beers. What a fantastic end to our safari.
Our last day Wilson took us to Kogatende air strip for the flight back to Arusha and onward road transfer to Nairobi airport.
This was undoubtedly the best holiday we have ever had, yes we did see the Big 5 game but it was just a part of all the wonderful experiences we encountered. I would like to thank Jose for all his help in organising it. Also a special thanks to Wilson who made each day special in different ways. Asante Sana
Email Sonia & James | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 4 night safari with Frances!
My husband and I had the most wonderful 4 days visiting the above parks. From the initial contact with Jose who arranged this bespoke trip, to Frances our amazing guide and driver for the 4 days, everything was memorable and perfect!
We saw all the big 5 (and close up!) and lots more! Frances was knowledgeable, very experienced, great driver, caring, flexible and funny!!! The accommodation recommended for our budget and food exceeded our exceptions!
Highly recommend this company! Asante Sana Soul of Tanzania, we will never forget our trip!
MA
Email Kamil | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime experience !
Everything was perfect ! We were with Ezekiel and he was one of the nicest person I have ever met. He was absolutely perfect as he was kind, gentle, patient, helpful and always being attentive about all our requests. Thanks to him, we were able to see every animal in its natural habitat and we couldn’t be happier to witness this great experience ! He was always trying to find animals so we can have the best shots and to be the closest to the animals. We were able to see lions, cheetahs, group of elephants coming by our car and I think we were really lucky to have him as he was always trying to get us the best food ever ! Thank you so much for this experience, it was amazing, I recommend anyone doing this safari with Ezekiel !
PL
Email Anton | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent tour!!!
The trip left us with extremely positive impressions. Organization of the tour was at the highest level, despite the fact that everything was organized in an extremely short time (actually 2 days before departure). I am very grateful to Marta for paying her thorough attention to my request, without her insistence in booking accommodation, this trip would not have taken place.
All the hotels were wonderful, the view from every room in the exclusive program was worth every dollar spent, the food was good.
We booked a rather condensed 3 day program which I do not recommend for those who want to browse all the places in peace. To do this, you should choose at least 4 day tours.
Our main goal was to see the African Big Five, so we drove to the Serengeti Park and the Ngorongoro Carter. We really enjoyed visiting both parks, we saw all the big five animals, but it took us a long time to find the rhinoceros, which blends in perfectly with the grass in the crater park. In addition, we saw all the animals from the big five performing various daily tasks, such as hunting, visiting a watering hole, etc.
I would like to express special thanks to our driver-guide named Ezekiel, who showed the highest professionalism in working with clients - answered in great detail any of our questions regarding animals, nature or life in Tanzania; always chose the best route; knew the park very well, which was our key to spotting all of the big five animals and many at arm's length. I never thought that I could see a giraffe at a distance of 2 meters, I could almost stroke the elephant and we even had to run away from him a little :) we did not dare to get too close to the rhinos and hippos :)
I recommend this tour to all people and especially to those who want to completely break all their stereotypes about wildlife from films and zoos.
Many thanks to the company and especially Marta and Ezekiel and hope to see you soon!)
NL
Email Megan Olive | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magnificent. From the excellent communication to the perfect experience.
Our safari was magnificent! We loved every minute of it and wished it would have been longer. Kennedy was the perfect guide for our family and did an excellent job educating us, especially my children along the way. He could answer any question thoroughly and expand with personal experience and anecdote. At the beginning of the trip he asked the children what they wanted to see most and then made sure that it all happened. He also made us feel very welcome and comfortable. We felt like family.
Our accommodations were excellent. We especially enjoyed Burunge Tented Lodge for the views, the pool, and the spacious family rooms. Pumzika and Pakulala Camp were also excellent. The staff at Pumzika were outstanding. Pakulala camp staff were also very accommodating. The location of Pakulala was incredible and we loved the view of the caldera. Highlight there was a giraffe walking by at breakfast. Everyone that we met who worked for any accomodation, we loved. Amos and Tekla at Pumzika stand out, especially.
The whole safari was a highlight in and of itself. Seeing cheetahs eating a gazelle was a particularly cool moment. We loved getting so close to the lions in Serengeti and Ngorogoro, and seeing a hyena run away with a zebra leg. The kids especially loved the families of elephants at Tarangire, the many giraffes with babies, the flamingos, and the hippos at Ngorogoro. I could list all of the animals though, because they were all magnificent.
Furthermore, stopping to meet the Maasai family was very special. It is very kind of them to allow visitors to come in for a moment to visit their home.
We will remember this trip forever, it was life changing and simply wonderful. We will definitely come again and recommend Soul of Tanzania to everyone that we know
CA
Email Kevin Whelan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A first class experience from start to finish
We just arrived in Arusha after a 9 day Safari in Kenya and Tanzania. We spent the first 4 days in Kenya. We started from Nairobi and visited Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara in Kenya. Our guides Francis and James were amazing. They were able to find game viewing opportunities where we were the only vehicle. These were special moments. There were many of these moments but 2 that stood out were seeing a Cheetah with a fresh young Wlidebeest kill. It was so quiet that you could hear the Cheetah breathing. We arrived not long after the hunt had finished and the Cheetah had pulled the Wildebeest into a secluded area between some shrubs. 50 metres away there were 10 + Vultures in a tree waiting for the scraps.
The second moment was finding a Lioness with 3 cubs. Again we were the only vehicle there. The lioness could care less that we were there but the cubs were wide eyed. It was a beautiful scene. We were here during the Great Migration and were able to witness a river crossing. A once in a lifetime experience. Francis and James were amazing guides and their knowledge of the area and animals were impressive.
In Tanzania our guide was Suleiman Masaky. "Sele" was an amazing guide and was also able to find us equally unique experiences. We were able to see a Leopard in a tree that had just killed a Thompson Gazelle. Unforgettable! Sele also found 2 Cheetahs and we were the only vehicle there. The moments where you are alone with the animal are so special because it is so quiet and peaceful.
If you are going to book through Soul of Tanzania ask for Sele as guide in Tanzania and ask for Francis in Kenya. They will not disappoint. The accommodations were all very good. A highlight for us was arriving at Tangagire Sima Lodge on the last day and finding a herd of Elephants by the pool. Since the lodge backs onto the Tangagire Park and they have a small waterhole there were animals present throughout our stay. The other memory was at Pumzika Lodge in the Serengeti and hearing a Lion roar in the early morning very close to our tent!
The experience with Soul of Tanzania has been first rate from start to finish. We originally had planned this trip for 2020 and we had to postpone due to COVD. I worked with Sandy who was our Journey Designer. Sandy was amazing and communicated throughout the past 3 years. The company was so accommodating with allowing us to postpone until we felt comfortable to travel. As you may gather we highly recommend Soul of Tanzania for your Safari. Without question everything they promised they delivered.
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Email JackZ | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They are so kind and so experience to find anamials in the area!
We have just finished our first safari trip in Africa with Soul of Tanzania with a total of 3 weeks. our group was 8 people. Our first stop was Kruger National Park in South Africa, then had tour in Kenya (Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara), and finally 12-day great migration in Tanzania. The trip was great and we definitely will recommend to our friends. Sandy B, a journey designer, was put together a great itinerary and coordinated our entire trip. Whenever we had a problem, she would be available for help and resolved just in a minute. Special mention to our guide in Tanzania, Mr. Enock John, for his super experience and kindness. We just cannot believe his vision and judgement in animals. He can see animals a few hundreds meters away, like leopard on the tree, he can find lions and cheetahs by flying birds, he can sense where the wildebeests cross the mara river. We were so fortunate to see several river crossing and the biggest one in the season. He is also very knowledgeable to the animals and culture and great passion for the safari tour. Trust me, you won't be disappointed if you have a tour with him. Go The Soul of Tanzania!
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Email Dasi and Paul | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
accommodating , helpful
we just returned from our 7 day safari and it was magnificent, and far exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were perfect, the people both of the tour and the locals were warm and inviting. But I would be remiss if I didn't give the biggest shout out to our guide, Emanuel. He made the trip the absolute best. After one day he felt like a good friend whose only goal was to give us the best experience and he succeeded . with humor and enthusiasm , patience and an eagle eye, we made so many sightings and educated us on information about the wildlife, the rich culture and natural beauty of the natural parks.