Dancing Zebra Safari
- Located In:
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United States
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- Africa Travel Association (ATA) & The International Ecotourism Society (T.I.E.S)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $550 to $2,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Keith and Sandie T. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very helpful and knowledgeable and easy to work with
Jessica went above and beyond trying to organize a custom trip for 14 people. She stayed in communication with us often on during the trip and after
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Email Debbie B | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Jessica planned an amazing trip for our group.
Jessica helped us plan a custom safari for our group of 14 adults. The itinerary she created for us was perfect. Each of the lodges she selected were unique and comfortable with amazing views. The staff and food at each lodge was outstanding. The guides she selected for us were experienced and friendly. Each day they found new animals and birds for us to view. They readily shared their knowledge with us. Many thanks to Jessica for creating a trip of a lifetime for all of us. It is a trip we will remember forever.
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Email Ron & Karen | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
In spite of our large group of 14 and our complex itinerary everything went off without a hitch!
Our Dancing Zebre Safari representative, Jessica Mathews, was able to coordinate the various arrival dates, times and activities seamlessly. The 4 facilities where we stayed were very well run by their camp managers and staff. The food and services provided were all better than anticipated.
For our safety Maasi Warriors would escort you to and from your lodge. At our last camp we were able to explore the area without an escort while it was light. For those uncomfortable walking alone a Maasi Warrior would accompany them. Our driver/guides Frank, Hassan, and Miraji, are well educated and able to explain and answer questions about the many different animals, birds, insects, vegetation, trees, and landscape surrounding you. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was professional, personable and polite! My only wish would be that the vehicles not follow so close to one another to reduce the dust intake for those with respiratory (asthma, COPD) issues or those wearing contact lenses. Not a big deal but several mentioned their concern.
Bottom line-It was the "trip of a lifetime"! Jessica did a wonderful job for our group of 14! Wouldn't hesitate to use again, or recommend Dancing Zebra Safari
Thank you so much Jessica
Ron & Karen G
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Email Doug F | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you want a fabulous African Safari experience, book with Dancing Zebra!
We just returned from our trip of a lifetime - 3 weeks experiencing the wildlife and landscapes of the Serengeti as well as Rwanda to see the Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys. The entire trip was orchestrated by Jessica Mathews, owner of Dancing Zebra. We met with her, described what we were looking for, and asked her to map out our itinerary. We trusted her judgement and guidance and were richly rewarded! We spent two weeks exploring various parts of the Serengeti and photographing the fabulous landscape and animals. Our guide/driver had 16 years of experience in the Serengeti and considers it his "office". He loves his job and he is a master at it. He knows where the wildlife is, the best times to find them, and the judgement to wait or move on when the situation presents. In one case we spent an hour waiting and watching a leopard as she went from sleeping to her first kill of the morning.
And the tent lodges Jessica arranged for us were unbelievable! Tents in name only, they are secluded, comfortable, spacious..dare I say luxurious? With our own private porch from which to view the wildlife! Food and service were fabulous.
Jessica has built relationships with all the best people and operators in the area. She knows who the best are and only works with them. She travels to Africa regularly to keep tabs on the people and constant changes and has fallen so in love with the country. In fact, she's building her own home in Tanzania.
You won't find anyone with more personal knowledge, connections, and understanding of your interests. Book with Dancing Zebra!
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Email Amy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dancing Zebra was an absolute pleasure to work w/ & if I'm fortunate to go again it will be w/ DZ!!!
Before leaving for this trip of a lifetime, I was overwhelmed with the feelings of gratitude to be so fortunate and blessed to be able to experience such an amazing opportunity. Dancing Zebra and Tanzania did not disappoint!! I left this Safari and experience with even more gratitude and appreciation then I ever expected. On our drive to the Serengeti airport on our departure day, I couldn't keep the tears from falling as I reflected on my time on safari in Tanzania. Besides the beautiful, breathtaking and unique landscapes and most AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL animals, the people of Tanzania were beyond wonderful! For those who travel, we all know that it's the people that make the place. The welcome, the hospitality, the spirit and the smiles of the Tanzanian people were also a huge part of this special experience. And our most beloved Tanzanian....Ian, our safari guide! We were beyond blessed to have him guide us, teach us and share this experience with us. Thank you Ian for everything!!! We will never, ever forget you!!! You are truly the best! Although everything was beyond wonderful, this would all not be possible if it wasn't for our knowledgeable, caring and hard working tour operator Jessica at Dancing Zebra. Her passion for Tanzania and it's people shine through and her personable and thorough approach let you know you are in great hands. Jessica stuck with us through the trying times of Covid and delivered the most amazing, special and memorable itinerary one could ask for. I wouldn't have changed a thing and if I am so fortunate and blessed to be able to go on safari again, it will be with Jessica at Dancing Zebra. THANK YOU Jessica for your caring touch and your personable investment in making this vacation into what dreams are made of! I will never forget this one!!! MAHALO NUI LOA!!!
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Email Donna D. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jessica’s knowledge, passion and patience helped provide us a Tanzania Trip of a Lifetime!
Dancing Zebra Safari surpassed our expectations and provided an amazing experience which we will never forget. We began working with Jessica in 2019 to assist us with booking the right locations and route for our adventure through the Serengeti. She came up with an itinerary that would provide us variety, ample wildlife and the Great Migration. Life and the pandemic delayed our trip but, Jessica hung in there with us through re-bookings etc. and we were finally able to travel this year.
Jessica handled all bookings for our 12-Day trip, from detailed daily travel book, visa information, Lodges, in-country transfers, drivers and anything we needed during our stay. I felt we received great advice, recommendations, professionalism and superior service. Communication was exceptional and timely, accommodating with changes and happy to assist in a genuine way. She even arranged a private romantic congratulations dinner for us as we just got engaged to be married. We felt very well taken care of!
We spent time in Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Eastern and Northern Serengeti National Park. Our Dancing Zebra driver, Edson, was very knowledgeable and passionate about the areas and wildlife. He was dedicated to finding every animal we wanted to see and committed to providing opportunities to position us just right for a great experience. He did his absolute best to ensure we saw the Big 5, found cheetahs, lion cubs, and many more. Not only were we lucky enough to witness the migration, we saw 5 Wildebeest crossings complete with Crocodiles!
The accommodations Jessica selected for us were simply amazing, with views, plunge pools, tasty food, great wine, wonderful staff and excellent service. The Lodges and Camps were perfectly positioned for what we wanted to accomplish and absolutely incredible. We could not have asked for anything better.
We had a fantastic trip, I would not change a thing and we are looking forward to going back some day with family. I highly recommend going to Tanzania and working with Jessica at Dancing Zebra Safari for your incredibly well-planned adventure. She is the best!
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Email Sarah Mason | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dancing Zebra was very thorough, truly cares about its clients, and has a passion for Tanzania.
Our experience with Dancing Zebra was fabulous from start to finish! We booked our Tanzanian safari + Zanzibar beach honeymoon through them. The trip was awe inspiring and unforgettable! 10/10 would recommend booking your trip with them. This was our first time to Sub-Saharan Africa, so we were unsure what to expect and how to get around. They made sure we were taken care of every step of the way and there wasn't any guesswork (which was a huge relief). Communication was clear, timely, and thorough. It was reassuring that they booked us at places they had personal experience with and recommend based on their own travels.
Edson, the driver we were booked with, was amazing! We adore him and will ask for him when we visit again. He is a wealth of knowledge, helped us find a good spot for photos, and has a great eye for spotting animals and recognizing the different bird calls.
We opted for more comfortable luxury lodgings, and the value for the pricing was excellent. Each location was wonderful, with meals included and comfortable rooms.
If you want an amazing experience all around and want to work with someone that truly cares and has a wealth of first-hand experience, then do not hesitate to book with Dancing Zebra Safari!
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Email Patty & Jeff | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jessica and her team is amazing!
This was our first Safari experience and we had the most incredible time there! We decided to do 15 days total 10 days in Tanzania and the 5 days in Zanzibar to relax at the beautiful beach. Our tour guide was the best! His name is Thomson, he knew all the birds and we were able to see the big 5! He was extremely knowledgable of the whole safari experience which made it so much more rewarding. I would highly recommend you all to book with Thomson as your tour guide, he was the one that made this trip a memorable and once in a life time experience! Jessica and her team were very responsive and made sure our trip was seamless and on point! We will be using their services again if we plan to go back!
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Email Darren & Angie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A perfect safari week!
Our safari was expertly planned by Dancing Zebra Safari and their guides Ian and Edson made our family’s trip unforgettable. They made sure we saw “the big five” and so much more. Ian even found our cell phone in the middle of the Serengeti after backtracking to figure out where it had gone missing…a miracle and a testament to his amazing client service! We had spectacular accommodations at both Lemala Ewamjan and Nanyukie. The food was excellent and the staff were so warm and attentive. We didn’t want to leave when it was time to go home.
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Email Tracy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime
I traveled to Tanzania for safari in Ngorongoro Crater and the Eastern Serengeti and to Rwanda for the Gorilla Trek in May 2023. I made the trip with my twenty something son and future daughter-in-law. I cannot say enough good things about Jessica Mathews and her team at Dancing Zebra Safari. From initial planning through the end of our trip, Jessica made everything easy and seamless. Her knowledge of these countries and the contacts she has made in Africa allowed us to see the best there is to offer. I followed her recommendation to travel from mid to end of May just before the high season to avoid the crowds and am so glad we did. We had hours on the Serengeti without another tour in sight.
Our private guide in Tanzania, Ian, was wonderful and extremely knowledgeable about the Serengeti, the many animals to be seen and where the animals would be at any give time of day. As a result, we were able to view all of the animals residing in the park multiple times including lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, hyena, cheetah, endangered rhino, hippopotamus, wildebeest and even the elusive leopard. Without the summer crowds we were also able to view the animals close up, sometimes within only a couple of feet. It was truly magical.
Wanting the truest experience as possible, we stayed in a beautiful camp in the bush of the Serengeti, accompanied by a local lion pride. We came to understand that the lions were not much interested in us and had never attacked camp residents but we were accompanied throughout the camp by a Masai warrior just in case. :)
We then proceeded to Rwanda to see the gorillas. Rwanda is a beautiful country, very lush and tropical. Our private guide, Frank was terrific and as with Ian, was with us daily to make sure all was well and that we got where we needed to go. We hiked approximately two hours to see the gorillas - shorter hikes are available - and upon reaching the gorillas sat amidst a family of about 10, including a nursing baby. It was beautiful to spend time with these amazing, surprising gentle souls while they interacted with each other and on occasion with us. For anyone, who dreams of this experience - as I have for so many years - I strongly recommend taking the trip.
More general information - accommodations were lovely, opulent and beautifully decorated, consistent with the environment. In each location, we each had our own dwelling, consisting a large bedroom, bathroom, sitting area and balcony and in one case, even a private soaking pool. Meals were taken in a communal dining area and the food was quite good and plentiful. Staff at all of the accommodations were welcoming, friendly and professional, ensuring all of our needs and desires were promptly attended to.
This was a bucket list trip for me and it exceeded my expectations in every way. Thank you Jessica, Ian and all of the Dancing Zebra Safari staff for making this dream come true. xoxo
