The Safari Soles Team
Safari Soles
- Offices In:
-
United Kingdom
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2018)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Tourist Board
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $600 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 Jumbo Eagle | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari Soles delivered as described with top notch guides - in two words - hakuna matata
This trip was everything and more I hoped for it to be. Bryson on behalf of Safari Soles delivered as promised (+ minor upgrade one night), the airport r/t transfer is a nice touch to overall comfort. Communication with him was straightforward and effective.
I cannot speak highly enough of the tour guides David/Simba and chef Maurice – they made the trip unforgettable and kept us entertained with knowledge of wildlife and stories throughout the trip. Every lunch prepared by Maurice was some of the best food I had in Tanzania.
I was also lucky enough to meet great people in our group (6+2guides) which took the trip to another level :))
I opted for a 4days group lodge tour which imho is way superior to 3days tour (especially road / game drive balance). The 3nights accommodation was diverse and nothing but exceptional every night – the gap compared to camping accommodation is definitely to bear in mind while choosing the safari + you are missing hotel quality buffet dinner and buffet breakfast.
BIG 5 was ofc included :)
RU
Email Andrei | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari with amazing food
Took 3-day trip to Serengeti and Ngorongoro, driver was a real professional, thanks David Symba, he took us to such roads, where we couldn't see no one, except animals :) saw a lot of animals, including great 5. The stay was on camp-sites, it was nice. Also there was super chief with us, we expected, that we would have only sandwiches, but the food was amazing, as you would have restaurant always with you. But i also highly recommend to take some snacks with you, as you'll have long game drives and movements.
And finally i don't recommend to visit masai's village. I would say they are fake masais, just artists, that don't want to work. When you arrive they will ask you money, after that bring you to some souvenirs, and that's it, then they will tell you "time is over". No history, no answers on questions, you even can't walk around their village. Just waste of time and money.
ID
Email Ran | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent tour, well recommended
Since my college days, I promised my mom I'd bring her to a local zoo not far from my university for a Safari experience. By the time I've graduated and driven my car back to our home state, the plan still hasn't materialized yet. Luckily, I won a lottery - a pair of free tickets anywhere around the world - and since there are lots of travel restrictions around the globe, I decided to bring my mom to Tanzania.
I know nothing about Tanzania previously, and Bryson (the owner, also who "coincidentally" always online whenever I chatted) has been more than helpful. He is hospitable, well-mannered, and honest. He gladly assists with many problems during our time in Tanzania, even if it's not related to Safari. We managed to try an authentic African dish (ndizi choma), also thanks to him.
Now to the Safari itself. We choose to go for the four-day trip consisting of Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, and Ngorongoro NP. Our driver/guide was David "Simba" and boy wasn't he a fantastic guy! We managed to see lots and lots and lots of animals, including all the Big 5. I believe we've seen all the animals possible, including jackals, servals, croc, and even rarer animals. Highlight on hyena/vultures feasting on buffalo carcass, rainbow which end falls right on a group of elephants, a lone black rhino on Serengeti NP, and a leopard siesta in the tree. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any lion hunting live - we almost see one in Tarangire, but somehow the lion fails to hunt the warthog.
It would help if you took note that this tour neither goes all the way deep into Serengeti (only the central Seronera area) nor the wildebeest crossing. Unfortunately, it was also raining on the day where we're supposed to see that majestic Serengeti sunset, but obviously, they can't control the weather, so I'm not blaming haha. I was a bit insecure when they write on the website that the Maasai village visit is optional, and most people opt against it because I love going to a cultural event. Bryson said that there would be a vote for the village trip, and they'll go if more people want to go. I almost canceled the booking altogether because I'm worried I'll lose the vote. OK, I perfectly know that it might be a tourist trap, but the welcoming dance was unforgettable. Africa is very, very far, and I want to experience every cultural thing I can grasp. It was terrific and also a highlight of the trip. I hope they'll re-write that paragraph on their description, though, hahaha. Again, it turns out there's an option to stay overnight with the Hadzabe tribe (a hunter-gatherer tribe) in Ngorongoro NP as well; ask Bryson or your guide for more details. I know this from our chef, Geoffrey, who was from the Hadzabe tribe.
Next, I'm going to review the food. It was delicious. The meal is International / Western food, cooked fresh (the chef Geoffrey comes along with us) every time. The portion was huge. Very huge. It's okay if you think you can't finish it; take what you can because they will donate the rest to the locals around. What a great idea they have, right? :) I think my favorite was the fusilli with onion and leek served in Ngorongoro NP - it seems so simple yet so flavorful. We enjoyed dining with chef Geoffrey. Unfortunately, there was a little incident with the Tanzanian wine - the corkscrew split in half. I'm a bit sad that I can't taste the wine. It wasn't South African; it was from a Tanzanian vineyard—more reason to return to Tanzania.
Let's see what else. The jeep was spacious, the roof opens and extendable. Cold beers are always available. Don't forget your binoculars (tip: you can borrow Bryson's if you don't' have one). Overall I enjoy having the tour with Safari Soles, and I think it's worth every penny! David is brilliant and seems to know every animal - even the Latin name. I believe he studied hard for this.
So kudos to the Safari Soles team; asante sana for a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience. I wish you continued success.
Also, I'm looking forward to seeing Bryson in Bali.
US
Email Natalie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing African safari
Going on an African safari has been a dream of ours for many years. When we originally started planning our trip in December 2019 we never could have guessed the impact that COVID-19 would have on the world and our plans. In June when it was announced that US travels could again travel through EU airports and flight prices were at an all time low we decided to go for it and booked our trip for July. We could not be more pleased of how everything went. The four day trip through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire was absolutely incredible.
From planning to final departure, everything that the Safari Soles team did was above top notch. When some of our flights within Tanzania were canceled and we could not find alternatives, Bryson was there to help us book local airfare. We like to taste local beers during our travels and is was a nice touch that beer was picked up for us to be enjoyed as we liked. Of course, plenty of bottled water was also provided throughout the trip.
Everyone we encountered, from our phenomenal driver and guide, David, to all of the camp staff, took our health and safety very seriously. For the most part, we saw very few people each day and saw a lot more animals than people. What better way to social distance than with wild animals?! We were asked to wear masks in very limited situations but most of the staff continued to wear them whenever they were around us and our temperature was taken at every lodge before entering.
The experience we had on the safari drives would not have been possible without our incredible driver and guide, David. He was knowledgeable, friendly, upbeat, and fun to be around, all of which go a long way when you spend four full days eating every meal together and spending 8 plus hours every day in a vehicle together. He worked hard to locate every animal we wanted to see, which of course, was all of them. Our favorites were the multiple lion prides we encountered, elephant, zebra, wildebeest, gazel, and giraffe herds which we saw every day, and the rear cat species we saw including leopard, cheetah, and serval. Many other animals were also seen including hippos, hyenas, jackal, rhino, baboons, mongoose, and so many bird species!
David ensured that everything was taken care of everywhere we went and even took the grueling task of teaching us some Swahili in stride. Asante sana!
The accommodations that were arranged exceeded expectations as did the meals that included local fair and three courses every time. Rooms were spotlessly clean and very comfortable. Hot water was available at every camp. Our first two nights we "camped" we experienced all the benefits of every glamper's dreams including soft linens, towels, and bath robes! Complementary toiletries were also available at each camp. Our third and final night we stayed at a luxurious lodge set within the Arusha hillside where we had our own villa and as the only guest on site an infinity pool, chef, and amazing and friendly staff.
Taking a trip around the world during a global pandemic wasn't something we planned on but doing so with Safari Soles was an experience we will never forget and one we would highly recommend at any time! The people of Tanzania are friendly, generous, and kind. The views are unmatched and the animals you will experience are unbelievably majestic.
CH
Email Anina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Bryson was nice and reliable
We had very good experience with Safari Soles. Great service, very kind staff, lots of animal and enough time to observe them, delicious food and wonderful landscapes.
CA
Email Ashley | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Julius gave us plenty of time for pics. 4day safari is enough. Jeep is comfy top pops open.
Bryson was great at answering any of questions/concerns. We communicated through whatsapp and always responded fast.
SE
Email Sofia & Louise | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good
Everything was great. This trip was a very nice experience for life.
Special thanks to Freddie, Rodges and Bryson. We will remember this trip and i hope we see u again
CR
Email Cristián | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!
Since many years ago, a safari in Africa was a dream for me. My wife and I finally made it happen last December. We went for a 3 day safari in the Serengeti and the Ngorogoro crater. I did a lot of research and decided to book it with Safari Soles, which was a great decision.
During previous days, Bryson answered to our questions by WhatsApp so it made planning easier for us.
Once arriving there, they picked us up in Kilimanjaro Airport, to start a drive to Arusha were we met with the rest of the group. Their hospitality was great, our guide/driver Jacob is a very nice guy, always willing to give us a pleasant experience. The tour also included the services from a cook for the meals, which were fine.
We had luck to see many (MANY) animals such as: lions, leopards, elephants, hipos, rhinos, jiraffes, zebras, bufalos, hienas, etc.
I consider December is a very good time to visit Tanzania, since the temperatures are not too hot, and the landscape is very green.
The camping experience was also great for both nights.
At the end, they took us back to Kilimanjaro to our hotel to complete an unforgetable experience.
DE
Email Heather | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Safari & excellent crew!
We had an absolutely amazing trip! Bryson was very detail-oriented and communicated quickly and he organized a really wonderful tour. Our guide David, and cook Dula are both the "babalao" (the best of the best!).
-We saw the big 5 (really close!) And so many more! And we always felt safe and well-informed.
-The meals are incredible- multiple courses, freshly baked bread and cookies - yes, Dula baked us cookies to eat before our sunrise drive in the Serengeti.
-The truck they used was strong and reliable - and David was always the driver/truck that helped other drivers get unstuck. He knows his animals and his way around an engine, meaning you are in great hands in case of any issues. David is also just such a friendly wonderful guy, so we loved spending time with him.
-The truck had a power outlet, and a fridge (stocked with water, beer, and local wine).
-Most importantly - Bryson put together a group of customers that were our age and fun to be around, so it really made the mood of our trip fun and positive.
All and all: a fantastic team and an absolute dream trip. These guys know what they are doing.
If you want to book a quality camping safari - book here!
Asante sana rafiki!
RU
Email Olga | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
an incredible Safari that will be remembered for a lifetime)
Hi, everybody. We want to write a review from our family with many thanks to Bryson and our guide Fredi. It was the most vivid experience in our lives! Our guide Fredi, found us a Big Five! this is a great success! Everything was at the highest level, from the meeting at the airport to the end of our Safari! we are very pleased that we turned to this company. Thank you very much
