Long way expedition Professional guides
LongWay Expeditions
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $450 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Leigh | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrific safari - saw everything, did everything, great price
To be honest, although experienced travellers, we found the prospect of organising a safari in Tanzania a bit daunting. So we were delighted when Responsible Travel suggested several safari operators, several in the UK and one in Tanzania, to approach.
The results were startling. The UK operators who replied (!) were fine, but notably pricey. The Tanzania operator, Long Way Expeditions, were much better value. Ann Nthigah, the co-owner and mastermind behind the organisation of the safaris, responded swiftly and flexibly to our questions, including technical issues such as organising local SIM cards for us, discussing routes, and adding an extra day late in the process. Really good customer service.
When we arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we were met by Ann's husband Abu, co-owner, guide and driver, and a splendid rugged 4x4 for our sole use. There followed a splendid 7-day, 6-night safari to 5 game parks: Tarangire, Ndutu (Ngorongoro Conservation area close to Southern Serengeti), Central Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater itself, and Lake Manyara. Stand-out elements:
- the wildlife was beyond all expectations. Going in January we saw the "Great Migration" around Ndutu - tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra, plus all the Big 5 and as many other birds and animals as you could possibly wish for. We even had a lion kill one night just near our camp (1 unfortunate wildebeest, 4 lions) and were able to see it close-up, alone, with no other tourists in sight. Ngorongoro was another highlight with incredible herds of elephants close-up and many other species in a stunning natural setting;
- Abu was a great guide: steady, good company, knowledgeable. I noticed other drivers deferring to him a great deal. He seemed to know every single bird, animal and type of tree that we encountered. We also discussed all kinds of aspects of Tanzanian life, history and so on - a really enriching experience for which we were most grateful.
- I noticed that our wildlife experience, including the quality of our vehicle, the routes, and our guide, were as good as or better than anyone else we encountered - even though the price was comparatively reasonable. If you pay more, you don't get a better safari. All the 4x4s are identical. You might get more luxurious hotels. But our accommodation was perfect: comfortable, clean, and in Ndutu and Serengeti, magnificent tented camps in some of the most dramatic scenery you can imagine. The food was great, too.
In summary, an absolutely first-class safari, Made in Tanzania. Strongly recommend it.
Email Vic | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience thank you
Thank you Longway Expeditions for a fantastic safari everything was great throughout. Ann was really quick to respond during the planning stage and our guide driver Abraham was a star ....driving the 4x4 over some really tricky roads (there had been a lot of unseasonal rain) at the same time as spotting and telling us about animals (we saw so many!) They picked us up from the airport and dropped us at Kiboko Lodge (which is also worth staying at especially if you like birds) We really recommend using this Tanzanian owned company.
Asante to Ann and Abraham
US
Email Michelle C | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Conscientious travel
I found this family owned company thru responsible travel. I was pleased to know that my travel is able to support a local owned company that not only cares about their customers but that also shows the same love and pride toward the animals, the environment and their country.
The whole trip was seamless from the planning to the actual trip itself. As a solo female traveler, I felt peace of mind and safe. Ann was very helpful in helping plan the best itinerary that will suit your all your needs and other quirks. Communication was prompt and smooth. The driver guides with their expertise will make the game drive not just enjoyable and entertaining but also educational. You can also feel the immense respect they have for the animals.
This has been a memorable first trip to Africa ever, all thanks to the excellent team at Long Way Expeditions. I highly recommend and will travel with them again.
SG
Email Karen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Expedition Extraordinaire
Ann and Abu delivered 100% on Long Way’s objective to “provide guests with safari expeditions & great experiences, always taking into consideration individual interests.”
Ann took care of all our requests, big and small, in the planning of the itinerary and Abu executed it to perfection, happily accommodating even our quirky request for frequent bush toilet stops :-)
We learnt so much from Abu who passionately imparts his knowledge about Tanzania, its people & culture, animal behavior and their role in the eco-system. I am also impressed by his love for his people & the environment, often saving up food for local workers in the national park in instances where we had too much in our lunch boxes.
More importantly, Abu had always put in his utmost effort to optimise our sighting opportunities. I am glad that we have chosen Long Way and in the process helped a locally-owned company and a Tanzanian family.
Will definitely recommend Long Way to anyone looking to having an extraordinary safari & wildlife experience.
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Email Karen/Sharon | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzanian Treasures
We found Long Way Expeditions through Responsible travels . We were happy to support a Tanzanian company and their outreach work to a secondary school. Ann and Abu provided for all our needs from beginning to end of our 7 day safari. From scheduling pick up to amazing accommodation's to Abu’s expertise on the animals. His love of the animals was very apparent. A last minute addition of a walk through the trees was no problem. Lastly helping with accomodations and taxi ride at the end were truly appreciated! It was a memorable first time in Tanzania. Asante Ann and Abu!
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Email Maria Nguyen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
WORRY FREE ISSUES - would come back!
We had an INCREDIBLE experience with Long Way Expeditions! Our guide was Tuma (Mr. T) and HIGHLY recommended. He has a wildlife degree, has been completing safaris for over 18 years, and very knowledgeable in all the SAFE, friendly, and clean areas. We were able to see all animals that were on our list AND not have our Land Rover jeep breakdown. I recommend looking into an experienced driver during your safari as the roads are VERY steep, rocky, muddy, and edgy. We saw many other safari companies have their jeep break down due to poor vehicle maintenance, inexperienced drivers, and lack of knowledge in general; leaving those clients stranded. We have ZERO ISSUES and a FANTASTIC WORRY FREE experience. Would DEFINITELY COME BACK! Thanks Anne!
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Email Melvin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable!
Overall experience exceeding my expectations. This was in large part due to Tuma, our driver. He's an experienced and capable driver with over 18 years of experience. From the onset Tuma professionalism & positive attitude contributed to an outstanding safari. More importantly he got the tires service before we started the journey. During our weekly safari there were several vehicles that broke down & some accidents occurred. We notice several vehicles driving very reckless; but not ours. I highly recommend screening the safari drivers to ensure you stay away from inexperienced and young drivers. There were no questions went unanswered. Our driver had a college background degree in Wildlife Management that served us well. We learn so much about the Serengeti and Tuma provided a historical perspective on all areas visited. Personally I like to thank the owners for making this a memorable trip. Keep up the good work and HIGHLY recommend anyone researching Long Way Expeditions, you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
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Email Dustin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent All Around
Tuma, Anne and the entire Long Way Expeditions Team made our trip a Once In A Lifetime Experience
Email Kate | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional experience with Longway Expeditions
My partner and I have just returned from a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar with Longway Expeditions. And it was nothing short of INCREDIBLE.
One important factor for us was to travel with a local company, supporting the local economy and community. I was connected to Longway Expeditions through Responsible Travel in Brighton. Our trip was 7 days in Tanzania visiting Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and a hike on Kilimanjaro, followed by 5 nights in Zanzibar.
From my first interaction with co-owner Anne, I knew we had made the right choice. Anne was friendly, helpful and communicative, providing a detailed itinerary and all the information we needed ahead of the trip. She was flexible and accommodating, even when we requested a last-minute change to the agenda. And we were later to find out that she was also an amazing cook, as we enjoyed delicious home-cooked meals while out on some of our drives.
Anne’s husband and business partner Abu was our driver and guide for the 7 days in Tanzania. Abu picked us up from the airport and immediately made us feel welcome and at ease. Throughout our time with Abu, it was clear he did things differently and we learnt so much. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the parks and their fascinating wildlife and ecosystems, which he took time to share, enriching our experience. He went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best animal sightings possible – often taking quieter, less crowded routes – and it paid off with the rich diversity of animals we saw. We came up close and personal with elephants, saw mating lions on their ‘honeymoon’, found lion cubs and cheetahs snoozing, watched 2 male giraffes fighting, tracked hundreds of zebra and wildebeests along their migration, and so much more.
The accommodation throughout was excellent. Clean, comfortable and with a focus on locally owned. Some lodges even have kitchen gardens, providing fresh food straight to the plate. A particular highlight was the Into the Wild Africa tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti, where we could hear the lions prowling outside at night!
When I asked Abu how they came up with the name Longway Expeditions, he told me that it reflected the long path that he and Anne had come along together to set up their dream. Their passion, hard work, love of their beautiful country, knowledge and expertise, attention to detail, and care for the people and planet shine through in every way. When we said goodbye at the airport, I had genuine tears in my eyes. The whole experience had touched me deeply and I felt like I was saying goodbye to old friends.
For anyone considering a safari holiday in Tanzania or Kenya, I cannot recommend Longway Expeditions highly enough.
Asante Sana Anne and Abu. We are already planning our next trip!
SG
Email Cate | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
accomodating and on top of things
We want to thank Ann for an unforgettable experience in Tanzania.
We were well taken care of and Ann remained accommodating and contactable during the trip.
Our very experienced guide, Tuma, was helpful and knowledgeable to show us the beauty of the flora and fauna in the parks. He also knew how to keep us safe.
He brought us to catch the wildebeest crossing, the Big Five and many other animals besides, and at close range!
Tanzania’s parks and animals are thriving, so do put yourself in Ann’s capable hands if you’re planning on a safari in Africa soon.