KAMar Safaris -team of enthusiast!
Wild Hello Tanzania Tours & Safaris
- Located In:
-
Switzerland
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2007)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $104 to $573 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
AT
Email Michael | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Selous with a 3-years-old
There are plenty of agencies in Tanzania offering similar safari tours. We have chosen Hello Tanzania as Sylwia really tried to adjust the trip for us to be perfectly suitable for a little boy who just turned 3. We even switched from our original plan of doing the northern circuit to going to Selous instead which we did not regret at all. Having no real comparison to other national parks we really enjoyed it having a quite diverse program - bush walk, boat safari, village tour, and game drive of course. The only downside was that the pool of the lodge we have chosen was out of order which Sylwia did not know either. Still she supported us to get a partial refund from the lodge afterwards.
All together everything was arranged as agreed and worked out very well.
DE
Email Cassidy Dauby | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and polite company. I would use them again.
First of all, I would like to reassure people shopping for a safari tour in Tanzania, that Hello Tanzania, operated by KAMar Safaris, is a real company. It was a little scary planning a trip to Africa and sending that much money to a Swiss bank account, but Sylwia was in touch the whole time and the trip worked out exactly as planned. If you would prefer to plan the trip in person, we found out they have an office in the Doubletree Hotel at Oyster Bay in Dar es Salaam.
This was the second company we tried on Safari Bookings. The first one advertised a trip price of about 550 Eur per person, but when I submitted my information, the quote came back as 900 Eur for adults and 800 Eur for children, which was way more than I had budgeted for. Supposedly, this was due to them putting us at a camp further in the park (which also requires more park fees). Unhappy with that, I wrote KAMar, and Sylwia came back with about 550 Eur for adults, and kids were 55% off... so way below the expected price for a family of four. For both, I had selected tented camping for a three day safari. We were picked up at our hotel (Doubletree) in Dar, and driven about 6 hours in a nice van to the park. Iddi, the driver, was very friendly and experienced, and had water in the car on the way out and brought boxed lunches for the ride home. He even swung by my friend's house in Dar to let me pick up our ferry tickets to Zanzibar, before dropping us at the ferry terminal and giving us some tips on how to get in and avoid the annoying swarm of porters.
The camp KAMar put us in was Jimbiza camp in the Selous preserve. I chose Selous, because it was a closer drive than the other parks. Looking back, we could have probably asked for more (airplane to the park, or even a different park), but I didn't know what possibilities were out there. We toured in mid-June, which is just the beginning of the tour season, so we basically had the camp to ourselves and there had only been two other people there in the previous two months (two Russian ladies were there on our first day, but flew out the next morning). The camp was right on the Rufiji River, outside the Selous Game Preserve. Judging by the equipment and reviews of other parks, it was one of the more affordable camps, and was probably more like camping than some others too. It was fairly primitive, and the equipment was a little older, but everything was orderly and the staff (maybe 10-15 people) was very friendly and attentive. They kept the camp very clean, but it was in need of some renovations. The pool was basically a monkey pond, not that we had time to go swimming. The sun goes down there at 6:30pm every day. The water was sort of clear and had a roof over it, but I'm not sure how they kept it clean, as there didn't seem to be a filter... and of course, baboons were playing around it. The food in camp was interesting, and drinks (even water), while in camp, cost extra. For lunch the first day we had spaghetti bolognese with nutmeg in it. It was nice, but an interesting choice for a safari camp. The dinners were very good, with bread shaped like animals. The meals were all three courses, with the excellently trained waiters serving from the proper side and bringing the food at appropriate intervals. The breakfasts were also multi-course, and very good. The boxed lunch and picnic in the bush were also nice, and our guide set up a cool spot for us to eat, while we watched elefants and giraffes. One thing we would have liked would have been a more traditional menu that let us see that side of th culture more. Maybe they have had complaints in the past from closed-minded guests, and just wanted to be safe. Either way, my hat is off the cook for making due out there with minimal resources.
The tent itself was covered by a hard roof (above the canvas roof) and had a porch and a hard-stand bathroom in the back. It had a toilet, shower, sink, fans, mirror, beds, blankets, pillows, desk, shelves for clothes, towels, porch chairs, backup solar lights, carpets, wood floors, and a lock to keep the baboons out. The cleaning man came every day while we were out to make the beds and take out the trash. It was basically a hotel room that smelled like mosquito repellent... so pretty nice camping.
On the first evening, we took a sunset boat cruise on the river to see the hippos and walk around on a sandbar. We enjoyed that, even though the kids had expected to be eaten by crocs.
The second day we spent about 10 hours driving in the Range Rover, looking for animals in Selous park. We saw antelope, giraffes, elefants, hyena, wildabeasts, water buffalos, pigs, birds, baboons, monkeys, hippos, and lion footprints (they were fresh, and we drove around looking in the tree lines, but never found it). Our driver had been working there for 25 years and the guide had only been there six months, but was very knowledgeable as well.
The third day, before driving back to Dar, we had a walking tour in the bush with a "bushman" and an armed guard. the bushman was funny, and put on a good show, while also teaching us about the woods. He had grown up in the bush with his grandparents, but had long-since gone off to school and might even be a doctor. He was a good actor, though, and was a highlight.
FI
Email Hanna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect!
We wanted just tonsay thank you for the amazing safari in Mikumi park last friday! Everything worked out perfectly as promised and we saw all the animals possible to see!
DE
Email Onur | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very Nice
We booked a 3-day safari with “Hello Tanzania” in Selous Game Reserve. The organization with Silvia was very professional. We had a lot of questions in advance that were all answered quickly and detailed which gave us a happy feeling. Silvia contacted us even during our stay in order to ensure that we are satisfied. We stayed in Jimbiza Camp which is very close to the entrance of Selous. However, it is not a luxurious accommodation but very authentic and in harmony with the beautiful nature surrounding it! The staff is also very nice and helpful and always ager to make you feel happy and comfortable!!! Breakfast and Dinner, as well as lunch at the first and second day were included and we were positively surprised by the quality and taste if it (not stomach problems ).
The boat safari on the first day lasted for about 2 hours. We saw some beautiful bird species and several hippos at sunset.
At the second day, we went off for a whole day (8 h) safari trip in Selous Game Reserve. Our driver was very friendly and competent, he told us a lot of things about the animals and was eager to show us every single species that lives in the reserve! This was a really once-in-a-lifetime-experience! We saw loads of giraffes, zebras, bucks (different types), elephants, lions, crocodiles, hippos and water buffalo! After 4 hours, we had a break in the shadow of one of the biggest tree types in the world which was an experience in itself (toilets available).
Our last day started with a cup of tea at 6 am. After that, we went on a short walking safari with a local guy who was dressed and painted in a traditional way. He told us some things about racking animals and their natural behavior. I must say it was a nice and even kind of funny little adventure but not that spectacular since it is rather a show/demonstration of their ancient life than a real authentic encounter with a “bush man”.
All in all, we had an amazing time and are very thankful for a trouble-free safari trip. Thanks to Jimbiza Camp and Silvia for this Once-In-A-Lifetime-Experience!
A well-organised, exciting and nature-filled experience
We booked a 5-night trip with Hello Tanzania, travelling in February 2019, and it was a fantastic experience that we would thoroughly recommend.
We were met on time at Dar es Salaam airport and the same guide accompanied us from there until the end of our trip. We went to Selous where we saw lions, leopard, elephants, wild dogs and a whole host of other beautiful animals amidst stunning scenery. We also had a memorable day in Udzungwa, hiking and swimming in the waterfall. We were just the two of us throughout the whole trip and the guide was flexible to our timings and requests. The days planned were intense and we are glad we stayed behind in Selous for an extra day to enjoy Jimbiza camp for an extra night, rather than move on quickly after just one day. Hello Tanzania were flexible to this request during the planning stages, which deviated from their original proposal.
The Hello Tanzania guide was extremely experienced and clearly very passionate about the wildlife. His calm nature, expertise and passion contributed heavily to the success of our trip. His incredibly keen eye even managed to spot a 20cm-long chameleon as we traveled at speeds greater than 30km/hour en-route to the accommodation. The leopard, the vulture feeding frenzy, and the fish eagles were personal highlights spotted by our guide.
In the pre-travel correspondence, Hello Tanzania were flexible to our many requests, they were incredibly helpful, friendly and easy to converse with over e-mail. Paying large sums of money to a small company in advance of travel can be nerve-wracking, especially when Hello Tanzania weren't always quick to respond (it took them 5 days to confirm they had received our money, for example). The nature of e-mails received from Hello Tanzania leading up to our trip was informal, with notably broken English and grammatical errors. Do not let this dissuade you from what was a well-organised, experienced service delivery on the ground in Tanzania. Whilst a quick online translator/ spell-checker would increase the professionalism of the e-mail correspondence in staff members’ second language, we are glad that we chose Hello Tanzania and trusted them with our deposit and upfront payment.
In short, Hello Tanzania delivered a well-organised and action-packed trip for us. The main contact was incredibly easy to work and plan with in the build up to our departure. We will remember our holiday for many years and are glad that we went with Hello Tanzania.
AR
Email Marcos | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excelent experience
We had an amazing experiece with Hello Tanzania!
Eddie the driver who took us all the road from Dar to the campsite was really awesome. The campsite was lovely and really confortable. It’s more a hotel than a camping, they have beds, private bathroom, roof, flor and light but you are at te middle of nowhere infront of a beautiful river! The boatrip at sunset was memorable and the game drive with Susan was incredible.
PL
Email Ania Zara | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hello Tanzania is excellent!
Hello Tanzania organized for us a 3 day safari from Dar to Selous Game Reserve including transportation and accomodation and additionally helped to arrange accomodation and transportation in Dar el Salaam and on Zanzibar. Sylwia, the owner is a very responsive,open minded person who alwyas provides best service and is open for client needs.The both stays in Dar as well as safari were prepared very well. The driver was always on time,very kind and helpful and in clean, good car.The safari was amazing and accordingky to offered programme.Giving opportunities to see wild animals and african natural environment.The boat safari was a relaxing,calm boat trip and observing hippos,crocs and beatufil birds.Safari with Hello Tanzania gives you unforgetable memories with save,reliable organizer.
Africa is beautiful!and Hello Tanznia puts all its effort to make it also comfortable and safe for European turists.
The beauty of african safari is its wildness.
I highly reccomend Hello Tanzania!:-)
FR
Email Christophe Jouvin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bad organization and very old uncomfortable vehicles!
We booked our 5 day safari with "Hello Tanzania", and were very disappointed!
For starters, we actually only had 3 parks on the 5 days, since we only went for an hour in a boat on Lake Manyara which is not of great interest. There are certainly more interesting things to see and do in this park. The 3 parks "Serengetti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire" were superb ... alas, although our guide is very friendly, we were transported in a very old 4x4 (over 300 000 km on the counter), which was small, noisy and very uncomfortable, and whose air conditioning no longer worked, such as radio (necessary for the guide) ... which made safaris much less enjoyable as well. We met many other companies, and we had the most rotten vehicles of all the parks !!
"Hello Tanzania" does not have a vehicle, and in fact does not even know in which 4x4 you will be transported ... So look good before booking your safari, and choose a tour operator who owns his own vehicles; you will spend many hours !!
Reply from Wild Hello Tanzania Tours & Safaris
Posted on Mar 6, 2019Dear Christophe ,
On 6th Dec 2018 we have agreed itinerary for your trip:
Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara - Lake Manyara Canoeing
Your trip start from Moshi .We will pick you up from Moshi and depart to Lake Manyara .
Lake Manyara Canoeing “Wildlife from Water” – Enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour long canoe safari on Lake Manyara, unprecedented experience of waterside game viewing.
Accomodation Africa Glamping Camp
Day 2- Hotair Baloon Tarangire
Morning time baloon ride above Tarangire .
Afternoon : Bush walking around area ,visiting small waterfalls , mountain bike tours, and escarpment forest walks.( 1 activity to choose inclusive price)
Accomodation Africa Glamping Camp
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Pumzika Camp Serengeti
Day 4: Serengeti National Park Full day game safari
Accommodation :Africa Glamping Camp
Day 5: Masai Boma Visit and back to Arusha
After Breakfast - An authentic glimpse into the distinctive Maasai culture Preservation of their proud traditions has set the Maasai apart from other indigenous groups in Tanzania, and embodies a side of Africa with which few outsiders can contact.
After visit drive back to Moshi for your flight at 16.55 where your trip with us will finished.
Company who organize balloon ride couldn’t provide balloon ride in Tarangire ,so we changed it to Serengeti ride and we organize you instead ( without any surcharge) full day game safari in Tarangire. About this changes we agreed in mail from 24.01.2019.
All point of your trip was provided as agreed–point by point. We picked you up and droped off to Moshi ,as you wished-we didnt charge you for it (although normally trip begins and ends in Arusha ) .So you know exact before you come ,you will have only afternoon activity on Manyara Lake .On canoeing you have spent 2 hrs as agreed (this activity arranged camp ,they confirmed me the time ). I feel very unfair ,that you complain now, that you have only seen 3 parks. It was set earlier (Tarangire game drive was as a free upgrade) and was is not possible to organize 5 days game drive ,due to pick up point which you choose and drop off also to Moshi for your fight afternoon ( you had to be on the Airport at 3 pm -it was not possible to do game drive on last day becouse there was not time for it ) . So ,we did 3 full days game drive plus afternoon activity on the 1th day and morning trip on the last day ,everything what was possible to do in this time .
In Tanzania you can typically find closed safari vehicles with a pop-top roof hatch which is raised for wildlife viewing.
For wildlife viewing you stand and pop your head and shoulders through the hatch. If you don’t wish to stand you can open a window. You got 6 seats safari car, 5 years old ,which you share on day 2th and 3th with 2 other persons.You didnt book private trip. The car you use it's our standard safari car, one of 3 that we use for groups of up to 5 people. The car is equipped with all the necessary equipment for safaris, what you can check on the picture, which you take during safari and sent to me. And for sure it's not small car-this car is adapted for 5 people + driver.Car has fridge inside ,that why is a little louder. Of course such cars are not comfortable like limousine, but please remember ,you were in the park and drive on the rough roads with open roof car ,to have possibility to watching animals....And how you know ,which car belongs to us and which does not ?
About accommodation-you stayed in Africa Camp and Pumzika Camp as agreed .
So, from my side I would like to add, that we always make every effort to let our guests be satisfied. We have also prepared your trip with the utmost diligence, we have not omitted any of the program's points. You have got the a safari car, normal size, fully equipped according to the standards.
I think there will always be a big secret for me ,why the same trip, where we use the same cars, with the same employees, is rated for 4-5 stars and now for 1.
Best regards ,Sylwia Boniecka
CA
Email Don McLean | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Really committed to your experience
I just got back from a 5 day safari to Selous Game Reserve and I can't speak highly enough about that park. Simply stunning. I'm absolutely gobsmacked. Go go go. As for the service it was top notch all the way starting with the quoting process. I wanted something customized for 5 days and only in Selous in order to maximize my time in the park. Selous is only a 5/6 hour drive from Dar es Salaam however it does mean a days travel there and a day back. I wanted more than the 3 and 4 days tours being offered so I began asking for quotes on 5 days. Sylwie went out of her way to put something together for me that not only took into consideration the time but also the cost as I am a budget traveller and, let's face it, safaris are expensive. I ended up staying in two lodges with a village walk, two bush drives, a river trip and a walking safari. Everything was top notch. Very professional and very courteous every step of the way. And Sylwia checking in on me regularly to see if all was going good. Very classy. As for accomodation.......Jimbizi camp was my favourite as it really does have the best views of the river, not to mention a wonderful staff who go the distance to make you feel at home. Go. Relax. And rest assured you will be well looked after in this most wonderful and awe inspiring of places.
SE
Email Cornelia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience
We did a one-day safari trip to Mikumi national park. It was an amazing experience to see all the animals in their natrual enviroment. We got our own jeep and our own guide, who were very good at spot all the animals and told us a lot of information regarding the animals. The driver from Dar es saalam to the park was at approximately 6 hours, so it was long but it was worth it. The information regarding the payment and the pick up from our hotel could have been a little bit more clear.