Go Different...
Brilliant Adventures and Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $250 to $3,510 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
CZ
Email Vincent & Kristyna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant & highly reliant local tour operator that goes above and beyond
We chose Brilliant Safaris thanks to their excellent communications and flexibility in adjusting the program to our schedule and preferences. We enjoyed meeting the staff once we landed in Tanzania. Everyone is very friendly and helpful and the team are very focused on hearing feedback. Additionally, in our experience they regularly went above and beyond to make our stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
Our driver Joshua was just as nice, professional and friendly as the rest of the staff we met. He was an excellent driver (it doesn't go without saying in local road and traffic conditions) and a fun companion on long safari days. He was an excellent guide through the parks (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro) we visited, helped us spot so many animals that we would have never otherwise seen. He would always accompany the animal encounters with explanations and stories, which made our experience even more well rounded.
Another reason we'd recommend Brilliant Safaris is that their cars are adjusted to only have 4 seats in them, which allows for extra comfort during the long drives, which made all the difference to us. They are also equipped with a stocked up fridge with cold water and drinks, as well as a basket of local treats for in between meals. This is a very nice touch.
As for accommodation, we opted for the "Mid Range" and were pleasantly surprised by the level of comfort and hospitality in all the camps and hotels we stayed in. We almost cannot imagine what "Luxury" options look like if this was Mid Range, but we appreciate this is subjective. Nonetheless, the camps and lodges inside the parks were so lovely to stay in. All of the local staff go the extra mile for you to feel happy and comfortable, carrying our bags, always having a smile and not afraid to chat. Without a doubt, waking up and hearing the wildlife around us was one of our highlights.
When it comes to food, we never had any issues, the quality was agreeable and quantity was in true Tanzanian style plentiful.
It was amazing to see that Brilliant Safaris were available any time of the day - from a very early airport pick up to a very late departure. They were also extremely flexible in customising our experience and accommodating our needs.
Overall, we'd highly recommend travelling with Brilliant Safaris, they are trustworthy, knowledgeable, friendly and professional.
Brilliant Safaris do exactly as they say , totally brilliant !
We have just returned from the most wonderful safari experience with Brilliant. The attention to detail, care & planning was second to none. Our safari guide Eugene was amazing, ask for him ! He planned everything to make sure we got the maximum enjoyment from our 7 day tour even taking us up to the north Serengeti border to see the wildebeest migration. A once in a lifetime opportunity. Everything was designed to give us the most out of our time there. All accommodation was excellent, in particular our 2 days in the Serengeti at Into the Wild Camp. The food was excellent and all the staff at every camp and lodge were unfailingly kind. The safari vehicles are generous, comfortable and well equipped. As the roof folds back completely you can stand up and get a totally uninterrupted view 360. The cold beers & snacks on board were appreciated, especially by my sons! .
It’s often tricky to judge how to book holidays like this but you will be in very safe hands with Brilliant. Julieth met us at the beginning and end of our safari and even checked in with us 1/2 way through to make sure the company were fulfilling our wishes. Brilliant is locally owned and operated and I think this makes all the difference. They are experts and so knowledgable.Thank you Brilliant, we will be recommending you to everyone !
HK
Email Abby & Cherry | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extraordinary experience that exceeded all expectations
The journey was meticulously planned by an exceptional team, and the tour guide was simply outstanding. From the very beginning, Lightness was attentive to our preferences and needs, making the planning process a breeze. She took the time to understand our interests and tailored the itinerary accordingly, ensuring that every moment of the safari was truly special.
The star of the trip was undoubtedly our guide, Joshua. His knowledge of the local wildlife and ecosystems was awe-inspiring. With each game drive, he unveiled the wonders of the Tanzanian wilderness, effortlessly identifying various animal species and imparting fascinating insights. His passion for wildlife conservation was evident, and it added a profound dimension to the safari experience.
What impressed us the most about Joshua was his attention to detail and flexibility. He had an uncanny ability to spot animals from a distance, ensuring we didn't miss any remarkable sightings. Moreover, he adapted the itinerary on the fly to accommodate our preferences and maximize our encounters with wildlife.
The safari vehicle they provided was truly impressive, boasting unique features that made our game drive experience unforgettable. Its rear side windows could be folded open with sliding panes and frames, allowing us to feel even closer to nature and enjoy unobstructed side views, perfect for photography.
Throughout the safari, safety was a top priority, and both Brilliant Adventures & Safaris and Joshua ensured we felt secure at all times. Their dedication to our well-being allowed us to immerse ourselves fully in the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters without worry.
From witnessing the Great Migration to observing predators in action, every moment was unforgettable. The accommodations were excellent, providing a comfortable and luxurious retreat after exhilarating days in the wilderness.
The safari arranged by Brilliant Adventures & Safaris and led by Joshua was an extraordinary adventure that left us with cherished memories. The attention to detail, personalized planning, and expertise of the agency combined with Joshua's knowledge and passion made this trip an unforgettable and highly recommended experience. I am grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime journey and will undoubtedly cherish the memories forever. We will definitely go with Brilliant Adventures & Safaris and Joshua again.
Email Terry | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, thoughtful and will always ensure you have a great experience
From our initial enquiry my wife and I felt extremely comfortable with Brilliant Adventures and Safaris which is why we ended up choosing them over other companies with more reviews online. We must admit this did worry us a little at the beginning but I cam assure you that Brilliant Adventures and Safaris really do live up to their name.
I booked our trip rather last minute but Jane was friendly, helpful, full of suggestions and advice. She was very patient with our many questions and happily answered them all. She even helped us save money on our trip. And it was a really sweet and unexpected touch for her to meet us at the airport on our arrival and again to wish us farewell when we left.
The service continued to be of top quality from our booking onwards; Jane prepared an planning pack with advice on what we would need to bring and do in advance, and continued to be quick with answers with all our questions. Once we arrived this service continued with our guide, Bonnie; a really happy and friendly guy who made us feel instantly relaxed and welcome and before long had us feeling like old friends. From then onwards everything was fantastic. The vehicle we had for our 6 days was clean, comfortable and perfect for long game drives. The accommodation was beyond our expectations, specifically the Into The Wild Serengeti Campsite. It is a truly wonderful place to stay on safari. Bonnie also made sure that each meal and lunch hamper accommodated my wife's vegetarianism, which made everything easy.
But the important part, the animal sights, we experienced so much more than we had dreamed of. And though the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater do seem to have a different animal behind every twist and turn of the roads, a lot of the specific sightings were down to Bonnie. On our initial drive from the airport he asked us what we had come to see, what we really would love to see and went over and above to ensure we had the best chance of seeing it. And in every one of our requested sightings he delivered 10 fold. He is also extremely knowledgeable, flexible and has a great sense of humour, which made it a pleasure to spend 6 days with him and heightened our whole experience. He taught us so much about the nature but also of Tanzanian life and culture in general our sightings felt all the more special and our trip all the more fulfilling.
So as I'm sure is evident at this point I would highly recommend Brilliant Adventures and Safaris, they have a great team and provide an excellent service, and we will most certainly be returning in the future
RU
Email Anna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect
Many thanks to the company "Brilliant"! Our trip was incredible, delightful, informative and picturesque.
I wrote to various companies before leaving, but only in "Brilliant" they answered all my questions and wishes in great detail and quickly. We had a 10-day mid luxury beach holiday & safari in Tanzania. All the hotels, national parks, and the route itself were great. On this trip, we were surrounded by home warmth and care. We completely relaxed and didn't worry about anything.
P.S. We had the coolest car on safari - all the windows were lowered!
CH
Email Lana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Magical experience: very professional from start till end
We booked a 6-day mid-range safari with a private guide. We would recommend this package to everyone as it provides good value for money, while still having an entire car to yourselves, which gives you more flexibility. Our tour guide Joshua was very knowledgeable and made us feel comfortable right away. We visited Tansania in the beginning of the wet season but got really lucky with the weather and had a great experience seeing all the animals. Communications with the office was also really good, they provided us with a lot of information from the start which was also the reason why we chose Brilliant.
Email Abdul | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service
What an unforgettable Experience, can’t think of anything negative to say. The Safari comes down to the experience of your driver, and I am glad we had bony as our driver. You can tell he had years of experience on him and really knew how to show us everything an African Safari has to offer. Brilliant safari were very easy to communicate with and made the whole booking process easy.
Email Avi P | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A once in a lifetime experience delivered by Brilliant Adventures and Safari's
We celebrated our 5-year wedding anniversary by embarking on a once in a lifetime trip to experience the wonders of a Safari in Tanzania. While there were hundreds of company’s we could have chosen from to make our dream holiday come true, deciding on Brilliant Adventures and Safaris for our 10 day tour was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
From the very first interaction with Brilliant, we were amazed by the level of service we encountered. We had the privilege of working with Lightness (Tanzania Safari Expert) to curate the perfect Safari experience that would fulfill all our desires and requirements. As first-time travelers to Tanzania, and with limited knowledge about the specific regions we wished to explore and the ideal duration for each location, Lightness was able to provide invaluable insights and guidance. Lightness expertly advised us on the most captivating sights to see in December and crafted an itinerary that encompassed the must-visit areas.
The level of service we experienced upon our arrival in Tanzania surpassed all expectations. Joshua Wilfred, our exceptional Driver/Guide, left such a positive impression on us with his kindness, care, professionalism, knowledge, and unwavering passion. Throughout our journey, Joshua consistently went above and beyond to ensure that every moment was extraordinary. On our first day, we shared with Joshua our extensive list of desired sightings, to which he humbly responded, "I can't make any promises, but I will do everything in my power to try and fulfill your list." This sentiment became the guiding principle of our trip, as Joshua meticulously crafted each day's itinerary based on our requests. He often went the extra mile to ensure that we witnessed sights that were beyond the reach of most others travelling with other companies.
With his extensive experience living in the Serengeti, Joshua possessed a wealth of knowledge and insights about the wildlife and the region that set him apart from other guides and makes him such a valuable asset to Brilliant. This invaluable expertise enhanced our journey and we are immensely grateful to Joshua for making all our aspirations come true. Thank you so much Joshua for making our trip so memorable!
If you are seeking a tour company that offers generic, budget-friendly safari packages, there are numerous options available in the market. However, if you want a tour company that is dedicated to collaborating with you to create a personalized trip that aligns with your preferences, provides unmatched services, and guarantees an unforgettable experience, then Brilliant Adventure and Safari is the choice for you. I can honestly say...you wont regret it!
CA
Email Jackie and Brendan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A truly 'Brilliant' experience that exceeded all expectations
We did a lot of research before booking our safari. Like a couple of other reviewers, we were really intrigued by the reviews of Brilliant, but a little nervous because they don’t have as many reviews as the bigger companies. Ultimately, they were one of three companies we chose to request quotes from and Brilliant immediately set themselves apart in their response. Their email included not only an incredibly detailed itinerary but also a wealth of additional information about travelling to Tanzania, going on safari, the accommodations and their custom vehicles.
It was clear that Brilliant are extremely passionate about their work and think through every detail. After we decided to book with them, Lightness helped us through finalizing our itinerary and answered all our questions. We felt extremely excited and well-prepared boarding the plane and not at all nervous, even though this was our first trip to East Africa.
From the moment we touched down in Arusha, our experience was exceptional. Hassan was our amazing driver and guide and we truly cannot recommend him highly enough – we would have a completely different experience without him. He is passionate not just about safari and the Tanzanian landscape but about the country’s history, culture and people. Countless times, he went the extra mile to explain things for us, point out things we wouldn’t have noticed and put what we were seeing into context. Furthermore, as an enthusiast photographer himself, he was extremely accommodating about making sure we could get the perfect photograph.
The tour highlighted Brilliant’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail from start to finish. We were really sold on the custom vehicles and were wondering about how unique they really are – if anything, the difference is undersold on the website! Whereas most conventional safari vehicles fit 7 people, Brilliant’s only seat 4 and are designed for maximum manoeuvrability so you can move freely to see the animals and take photos. The difference is immediately obvious – we noticed many, many tourists with other safari companies checking out our vehicle during the trip.
We chose to do the four park Northern Circuit tour, and we felt it was an excellent choice - each park has its own unique, stunning landscape and we felt that each complemented the overall experience very well. We were a little apprehensive about spending so much time in a car, but we never felt bored or disengaged - even when we were on the road from one park or another, we found the landscape and Hussan’s explanations and personable anecdotes to be extremely interesting.
Although obviously we were there to see the animals and experience the parks, the food and accommodations were also hugely memorable and big highlights of our trip. We opted for the mid-range option which included a mix of lodges and luxury tented camps and enjoyed every place we stayed, with Acacia Farm Lodge and the camp at Nyumbani Collection in the Serengeti standing out in particular. (Nyumbani was such a gem, with a stunning setting and phenomenal food and service. We are so glad that the Brilliant team did the research and added it to their itinerary - we didn’t see it listed anywhere else!)
The food at all the accommodations was top-notch, but many of our best food memories are actually of the daily lunches we enjoyed on each game drive. Hassan always knew the best place to stop and once again, attention to detail was second to none, with a full spread, tablecloth and even a folding table and chairs so we could eat with the best view even if there were no picnic tables in the area. Each lunch was supplied by our accommodation and included a huge variety that went well beyond the boxed sandwiches we saw a lot of other visitors eating.
Truly, we cannot recommend Hassan, Lightness and Brilliant Safaris enough. This was a once in a lifetime trip and we truly don’t think we would have had the same experience with a different company - it was everything we dreamed of. We would strongly recommend reaching out to them and wouldn’t hesitate to book with Brilliant again for another East African safari. Asante sana!
NL
Email Clemens Mayer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best! Holiday! Ever! - Thank you Brilliant :D
Communication: From the get-go, Brilliant stood out from other tour operators in their professional approach. Communication with our agent, Julieth, was smooth and she accommodated all our wishes and gave us expert advice when planning our Safari. Also, unlike other tour operators, Brilliant never spammed my inbox with daily emails, but only sent a small number of timely reminder emails.
Service: From the moment we touched down in Arusha, we felt like true VIPs. Our guide, Joshua, made all our wishes true, even those we never uttered out loud. In addition to the outstanding hospitality and service, Joshua proved incredibly knowledgeable with respect to animals, plants, and Tanzanian culture. We really felt that we learned a lot from him and, for us, this was particularly rewarding.
Accommodations: We selected the mid-range options, which for our standards could easily be considered luxury. All accommodations felt like ‘authentic Tanzanian’, with attentive and caring staff. The rooms, including the bathrooms, were incredibly spacious and the food was outstanding. Also, while other Safari guests had ‘lunchboxes’, we often found ourselves with a three-course picnic for lunch instead!
Value for money: After comparing a number of safari operators in preparation for our trip, we are convinced that Brilliant Adventures & Safaris offers a highly competitive package. Indeed, offers from other tour operators featured limited game drive mileage and did not include the flight to Zanzibar or unlimited (soft) drinks.
Experience: This was hands down the best holiday experience we ever had and Brilliant had a large part in making the trip unforgettable for us. If you care for professional communication, reliable arrangements, outstanding service, and great accommodations, all at a competitive price, you cannot go wrong when booking with Brilliant!
