Asseri the founder with clients at Ngorongoro
Orongai Africa Safari
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Tourist Board
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $145 to $750 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Great experience!
We booked the Safari for 5 days to visit Tarangire Park, Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Park. It was a great experience and we are so happy with the company.
We booked a private safari that included a private car, chef and guide. That was a good decision. Both were very attentive to our needs and preferences.
The day before to start the safari, when we arrived to Arusha Airport, a car from the company brought us to the hotel. Afterthat, they came with us to the hotel, where we could ask the last questions before depart the following day.
We chose to sleep in Public Campsites. The Public Campsites are located inside the parks, for this reason you can listen the animals during the night. There the chefs cook and you sleep in tends and sleeping bags. In the Campsites there are toilets and showers, but without hot water. This is the price that you have to pay for sleep in the middle of the park.
During our Safari we could see the Big Five and all kind of animals! Moreover we demanded to our guide to see the sunrise and the sunset and he took us to special sites.
The transfers by car from one Park to another Park were long, but you have another options, like do it by plane.
That was the first Safari and for this reason we had many questions, but the company answered us every questions and the emails.
When the Safari was over, people from the company came to the hotel to do the last feedback and checked that everything was okey. Also they offered to took us to the airport the next day.
That’s a great experience and we are very happy. We could meet other tourists that they had bad luck with their chefs and guides from other companies.
Thanks Orongai for this experience. We will repeat for sure.
ES
Email Alba Juberi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
We booked the Safari for 5 days to visit Tarangire Park, Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Park. It was a great experience and we are so happy with the company.
We booked a private safari that included a private car, chef and guide. That was a good decision. Both were very attentive to our needs and preferences.
The day before to start the safari, when we arrived to Arusha Airport, a car from the company brought us to the hotel. Afterthat, they came with us to the hotel, where we could ask the last questions before depart the following day.
We chose to sleep in Public Campsites. The Public Campsites are located inside the parks, for this reason you can listen the animals during the night. There the chefs cook and you sleep in tends and sleeping bags. In the Campsites there are toilets and showers, but without hot water. This is the price that you have to pay for sleep in the middle of the park.
During our Safari we could see the Big Five and all kind of animals! Moreover we demanded to our guide to see the sunrise and the sunset and he took us to special sites.
The transfers by car from one Park to another Park were long, but you have another options, like do it by plane.
That was the first Safari and for this reason we had many questions, but the company answered us every questions and the emails.
When the Safari was over, people from the company came to the hotel to do the last feedback and checked that everything was okey. Also they offered to took us to the airport the next day.
That’s a great experience and we are very happy. We could meet other tourists that they had bad luck with their chefs and guides from other companies.
Thanks Orongai for this experience. We will repeat for sure.
TR
Email Betsyada | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The hotel was changed to a very bad one with no info ,no resv made for the night we arrived,norefun
We planned, communicated through mail, skyp for months.
We told our expectations and hotels we wanted very clearly,many times.
The day before our arrival, upon our call to the agency learned that the hotel at Zanzibar wasnt available, it was changed to a place which is like a hostel.After a 7 hr flight,2 hr drive, we arrived that place at 4 midnight and found out that no resv made for that night.We paid the sama amount that was told, eventhough it was a ver bad cheap hotel, no refunds was offered.
We were not given any proper info about the road conditions and distance in terms of hours, between parks
So the trip was very tiring and far below our expectations
Reply from Orongai Africa Safari
Posted on Sep 2, 2018Hey Besyada
We thank you for this review and we apologise for not getting good accommodations in Zanzibar this was due to the cap putted up by Z hotel that no less than 3 nights booking is accepted ,and as you can remember we offered to give you Verde hotel 5 star in Zanzibar but you declined this off by Cero and i Quote that was not your style and we hand to look for something simple in Nugwi beach ,
We were surprised that it was not up to your expectation and we apologised for that inconvenience caused in Zanzibar ,as per the road safari we send the itinerary early so as to read and check the distance between one park to another and if you have any question you ask in advance ,and as you all know the roads to National parks are all rough roads this is done so as not to interfere with the Ecosystem of the nature
Apologies on our part
US
Email Laura | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect honeymoon in Tanzania
We had an amazing experience with Orongai Safaris and they planned the trip of a lifetime for our honeymoon! Martha was wonderful to work with. She responded immediately to any questions that I had and worked with our budget to create an itinerary that visited all of the places that we wanted to see. Upon landing in Arusha, we were warmly welcomed by a ride service though Martha. The driver was so friendly and knowledgeable that we mistook him for the actual tour guide. We got in late at night and it was already dark. We were tired from our travels and not sure exactly what to expect - strangers in a new place. Martha met us and explained the details of our weeklong tour including accommodations and transportation, as well as all other questions and concerns that came up in the conversation. She made a point of saying how we would become “friends” with our driver, as we would be with him all week, while being very friendly herself - asking us about our wedding, our travels, and making an effort to get to know us personally. We didn’t think much of that as everyone we had encountered to this point had been hospitable and welcoming.
Our tour guide, Andrew, took us to three major stops throughout our week with him. He was friendly and welcoming from the minute we met him to the final hug and handshake at the end. A lot of this trip involved transportation to and from different areas. Our driver broke up the trip by teaching us everything we could possibly want to know: the different areas we were going to, the animals we would see, how the change in season changes animal behaviors, the towns/cities we drove through, Tanzanian culture and history, etc. He made stops at all the major points of interest and identified many great picture spots for us. Throughout the tour, his ability to sense and find animals and behaviors never ceased to amaze me. There were times I felt like he was in contact with the animals as his leading was so accurate. We saw every single thing we asked to see, even a lion hunt, which we were told are not very common. He was also helpful in guiding us through animal behaviors that we otherwise had no clue about, such as where they lived and if they would hunt, move, rest or interact, at times being able to anticipate these patterns before they developed. At the same time, he was always accommodating us - making sure we weren’t too hot or cold, making sure we could go to the bathroom, getting us vegetarian meals, and always allowing us to have a say in where to go or how long to stay in a particular place. Sure enough, by the end of the week, we were sad to go our separate ways from the driver and do feel that we became friends with him. If we were to return, we would specifically request him as our driver again.
The lodging accommodations were incredible, and each place is worthy of its own review. Martha placed us in three completely different places, each with a unique charm and offering of Tanzanian culture and people. We were even upgraded to a nicer place that we had anticipated staying in on the first night of our safari. The one consistency was the hospitality of all the staff we met, so much so that even with the exotic animals and amazing landscape, one of the strongest impressions of Tanzania I am left with is how nice the people were. As I said, Martha made efforts to get to know us personally. The first night of the tour was my birthday and as a complete surprise, Martha informed the staff working at the lodge. During dinner, the staff (every member of the staff) came out in a line, danced through the crowd and sang songs. They stopped at our table when they sang Happy Birthday to me while giving me with a cake with candles on it. The food was great at all three places and each catered to our vegetarian diet with no problem.
At the end of the trip, Martha visited us late Friday night on her own time to check in, see how our trip was, and make sure we had transport to the airport. She greeted both of us with a hug, and at that moment, the “you will be made friends” mentality she introduced to at the beginning of the week made perfect sense. She did a wonderful job giving us a great, unique experience - visiting a variety of locations, staying in great lodges, giving us a great tour guide, and making sure we were comfortable throughout the trip. The trip was priced very well. I would (and already have) strongly recommend this exact trip to anyone, at any age, interested in safari in Tanzania. We have already made informal plans to revisit during the wet season.
PL
Email Mariusz | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Africa is not Europe, you will love it or hate it:)
1. We had our 3 weeks trip to Kenya organised by Orongai in cooperation with Bonfire. We visited Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Diani Beach.
2. Our first an owerwhelming experience: Africa is not Europe or US. Things work differently, and you must accept it or your trip will be ruined.
So for the things we were surprised with, and which could ruin our trip if we did pay too much attention to it:
- changes in the itinary which were not consulted with us. This was the major annoyment, but since we were 3 weeks in Kenya after a week we were used to it. To be fair: we had a hotel for each night, the hotels were between 3-5 stars, we had our Full Board meals, water and our guide to help us. The itinary kept changing from the first day till the last one, but we did not inquire why. Since everything was going rather more than less according to plan we were happy. However, for 80% this will be unacceptable, and Orongai must change its approach if it wants its customers to be satisfied.
- the car: at first we felt that the car is a mistake - a very old Toyota. We have seen a number of newer and better cars on the road and for the first few days we were a bit upset. However and it is a big however, the car was very comfortable. When you are on a safari you will get dirt, you will be tired of the road, you will want to just throw you things wherever you want to: this car was very good for this, and quite frankly, we think that for this trip it was much better to have it than a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser.
- hotels on the Diani Beach - don't expect that a 4 star hotel in Kenya is really a 4 star hotel. But it's not Orongai fault.
- Terms and Conditions, Agreement, Invoices..... well this is Africa, don't expect any of this, we had seen and signed none. However, the trip cost almost exactly the same amount as indicated when we booked it. No hidden costs or tarrifs. Find me a European tour operator which does that:)
- One more set back - for 22 out of 23 days our car was always on spot when we needed it. It is a pity, on the last day somebody forgot to arrange our transport to the airport (sic!):) It cost us 30 USD, but we made it:)
3. What was amazing and why we loved it:
- The driver: a real game-chaser + Formula 1 master. I could never have expected that a car may go to and through places and things ours did. We would only hope he spoke better English. But except this, he did an amazing job.
- Communication: Martha was always there to help us. Sometimes the issues needed time to be resolved, but all of them were and that's what counts.
- The trip: well planned. Animals amazing, parks even better, weather - Kenian:)
- Safety: from time to time, we noticed that safety is an issue in Kenya. All of our drivers/guides were very vigilant for any suspicious behaviour and did not allow anything bad to happen to us.
- All the things we described in point 2, for as constituted a specific "African flavour" - and this is a part of the experience. It was our first time in Africa, and it exceeded our expectations. We are happy that this was a case and not the other way around.
4. Conclusions
- first timers in Africa, we have no comparison.
- Africa is not Europe. This is why we gave Orongai 4 stars. If the trip was done the same way in Europe by a European tour operator we would rate it 3.
- our best advice: when things don't go the way you planned, try to relax and go with the flow:)
5. Tips and tricks
- Safari: buy yourself a good pair of binoculars 40x40 or 50x50. Its much more important than a photo camera. In other case, don't go at all.
- If the sacurity in your camp say you are forbidden to go out of the tent at night - they are right. You're lucky if it's only a Zebra feeding grass next to you tent and not a Hyena or 10 of them.
BR
M&M
US
Email Davin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable safari and amazing experience
My safari with Orongai was literally one of the most magical experiences I’ve had. Everything far exceeded my expectations. The accommodations they picked for us were amazing as well as the safari itinerary itself. We also had the BEST tour guide! Frederick was amazing. Friendly, easy to talk to, and incredibly knowledgeable. If you want to have a truly amazing experience with real Swahili hospitality and know that what you’re paying is truly giving back to the community, book with a Tanzanian owned and operated company! Orongai is the way to go!
NZ
Email Trevor and Faye Strange | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything we hoped for.
From the first contact and organising of our Safari with Martha, to the Safari itself we are very happy to endorse Orongai Africa Safaris. We had a wonderful experience that was made even more memorable with the experience and friendship of our guide, Goodluck.
US
Email Ginger | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
AMAZING Safari!!
My friend and I booked a mid-range 5 day African safari with Orongai and it was truly the best trip I've ever been on! Before the trip, the office staff at Orongai was prompt in responding to our emails and answering all of our questions, as well as tailoring our safari to our wants and needs. When we arrived in Arusha, we were picked up by our driver, Fredrick, who was amazing!! He was our driver and safari guide for the entire 5 days and he was polite, highly knowledgeable, trustworthy, and made our trip really fun! We visited Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater-all absolutely breathtaking! I had seen pictures of these places before, but none of them were as beautiful as seeing it in real life. You really have to see it to believe it- both the landscapes and the animals so up close and personal! We saw cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, gazelles, and many more. The accommodations we stayed at were all very nice tented camps (all with AMAZING views!!) with friendly staff and yummy food. We enjoyed meeting people from all over the world and getting a taste of the local Tanzanian culture! One thing (among many) that we loved about Orongai is that it is a locally owned company- owned and run by Tanzanians! I highly recommend booking with Orongai and hope you, too, enjoy a trip of a lifetime! If I ever make it back out to Tanzania, I will be sure to use them again!
ES
Email LARA | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We don’t recommend orongai at all!
The safari itselfs was fine, because Frankly, the guide is amazing! But we had many problems with Orongai. When we arrived to arusha they changed the payment method, ALL the hotels and the itinerary without asking or inform us. The last day we spoke with the manager and he said that was unusual, but reading the reviews we think that they usually work in that way. We don’t recommend work with orongai because you can’t trust them if they are changing everything without inform you in advance and you can’t do anything. We had the feeling that they were cheating us all the time!
Email Ferne | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime trip made real!
We booked with Orongai from the uk in March 2018, after much painstakingly researching on the web. There is such a a vast choice of tour operators that it can be very overwhelming!
Orongai offered the itinerary that I wanted, four days three nights with NO Serengeti visit, which is almost impossible! Martha was our point of contact at this stage and he was most helpful in quoting for the set trip as well as possible amendments that I was enquiring about. Sadly my budget couldn't stretch to the latter request but the 4 day trip was reasonable and I was happy with the communication I had received thus far.
I paid a deposit for 50% of the total trip and started planning the rest of our stay in Tanzania.
When the time came I reached out to Martha just to touch base and confirm the final payment and also to check that card payment was acceptable as I don't like carrying alot of cash. He confirmed it was and offered a pick up service which we declined.
On arrival to Arusha I reached out again to arrange our pre safari meet up and again Martha was lovely and prompt with his response. I also requested information on a possible balloon safari as my friends and family had collected some money for my birthday and that was a dream option! He suggested Serengeti for the balloon but I was adamant that it was Tarangire I wanted to fly over. He said we could discuss at the meeting.
We met with Asseri after a little confusion as to where the meeting venue was! He was friendly and accommodating. He pulled out the itinerary and it wasn't what I had booked. It was one that included Serengeti. Fortunately I had a copy of the one Martha had sent me when we first booked. He was instantly apologetic and after conversing with Martha we were able to rectify the problem and we were back on course for the agreed itinerary.
It then came to light that the remaining balance was to be paid in cash, again I explained that Martha had agreed that card was acceptable and that I did not have the cash due to this. Asseri was calm and explained that their PayPal was out of service (no reason given) but instructed us to go to Barclays where the large amount of dollars we wanted would be obtainable. It was Sunday so the bank was closed.
We agreed to meet there in the morning and the final payment could be made before we set off for the Safari.
All the way through this transaction both Martha and Asseri were calm and forth coming with solutions. Being so far away from your home and way of life can be stressful and confusing but they made us feel at ease and placed under a wing!
After meeting in the morning to exchange money, we set off for our first park. We changed vehicles halfway and left our amazing cook to head to camp.
Our guide Frankie was not only full of knowledge and had amazing English skills, he was kind and considerate and alot of fun. He had just come to us from finishing another Safari but was still as enthusiastic and accomodating as if he had had a week's rest!
The experience of the safari itself has left me with little words. I am humbled by the animals and the locations. There is definitely nowhere else like it on earth and I am honoured that I have been able to experience it. I would recommend at least one trip for everyone as seeing the animals in their natural habitat is life changing.
The trip was enriched further by Frank's knowledge and love and respect for the animals and for his clients. He helped us track the elusive Rhino! Amazing!
As for the campsite, we stayed at Haven Nature for the three nights. I don't think that was on the original itinerary but I'm so glad it's where we were based. It was central to all three parks (Tarangire, Ngorogoro crater and lake manyara) and the amenities were perfect for a glamping experience. We had hot showers, electricity and beds! Perfect!
But what made it home for the three nights was our amazing cook Dvd. He fed us like kings! And all from a wood fire! He was hospitable, fun and caring! We must have put on a stone in just three days! Plus he baked us a cake!! He is an amazing baker!
So all in all I would like to thank the entire team at Oronagi Africa Safaris. We had the trip of a lifetime which became so much more because of them!
I would recommend them to everyone!
Asante Sana!!