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
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Email Rory Quirke | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, Excellent Company and People . Above and Beyond our Expectations
Booking a safari with no experience can be a daunting task. For us, Bryson at Safari Soles was expert at ensuring the booking process was as easy as possible and then once we arrived delivered a trip far beyond our wildest expectations with stunning lodges and a safari guide we could only dream of.
We did 7 days total with Safari Soles. One night on arrival in Arusha followed by a day trip to Tarangire and a stay in “Farm of Dreams” in Karatu, to break up the drive to the Serengeti. Then on to the Serengeti for two days and nights at Ang’ata tented lodge followed by a stay at Ang’ata’s sister lodge in Ngorongoro with our last safari day at Ngorongoro and a drive back to Arusha with a final night’s stay there before we left. We also opted for a private safari, so it was just the two of us in the car plus our driver (if you can afford it, this is definitely the way to go).
The accomodations were 5 star to us and completely outdid our expectations (look them up separately).
I can’t say enough about how professional Bryson was throughout every part of booking our trip. He answered every question exactly and in a timely fashion. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble. It was an absolute pleasure to deal with Bryson and his company. In truth, we selected Safari Soles due to Bryson’s responsiveness over other companies we enquired with (and the reviews, of course!)
On the day of our arrival to Kilimanjaro airport we were met and driven to our accommodation at Karibu Heritage hotel, which was basic, but served its purpose as a stop-gap in Arusha.
Our Safari then began as we were collected by our guide Simon at the hotel in our Safari Land Cruiser. A quick note here to say that the car was in excellent condition, had a charging plug at every seat for cameras and phones etc. as well as a fully stocked fridge, with wine, beer and water. We could see other people across the 5 day safari travelling with other companies that were not as lucky with many breakdowns and engines that struggled to start. There was none of that with our well maintained car and we really learned the value of this as Simon could turn off the engine at any point to allow us take still pictures without fear that the car wouldn’t restart.
The safari itself was incredible, we saw all the “Big 5” by day 3, plus many more. It’s well worth a visit to each of the three parks as each is so different and offers not only different landscapes, but also different concentrations of animals. If however you’re short on time, in our day trip to Tarangire we saw almost everything we came to see, but you can’t beat the Serengeti if you can make it there, but you need to give it two days at least as it’s so vast. If we had to leave one out, it would be Ngorongoro, but that’s not to say it wasn’t incredible too.
We can quite honestly say that the trip was made by our guide Simon Juma. There are no words for how amazing he was. Not only is he a wonderful person who we thoroughly enjoyed being with for our five days together, his knowledge of and passion for safari is second to none. He has truly fantastic English and an equally good sense of humour. He was great fun, but also patient and professional, always taking into account how we wanted the trip to go. He has the unbelievable skill of knowing animal behaviours better than they know it themselves! He anticipated every move, knowing when to wait at a sighting and when to move on. He proved this skill to us time and time again, as even when we were the last of 20 cars to come across something he would always position us so we would be in the very best position. Simon’s skills and knowledge gave us front row seats to everything, we felt that we had truly landed with someone special in having Simon as our guide. He was relentless in ensuring we saw everything we came to see and had the driving skills and knowledge of the parks and their back roads away from the big crowds to make it happen. Each day we shared a fantastic cooked lunch, not out of a cardboard box like many other tours we saw. We were really very well looked after. Simon became so much more than a guide and driver to us across our 5 days.
As far as we’re concerned you can’t go wrong booking with Safari Soles.
Bryson and Simon, thank you for a trip of a lifetime, we’ll be back soon!
PT
Email Susana | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Impeccable
The team was always super friendly and reliable. They complied with everything. The driver Simon put a lot of effort into being able to see the animals and to take the best pictures. The car was well equipped to charge batteries and cell phones. They provided all camping equipment, including sleeping bags. The Action cook was impeccable and always provided vegan options. We saw the big 5 in one day! I loved the experience!
(automatic translation from Portuguese)
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Email Matt | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible safari experience in Tanzania!
My group of friends and I recently embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure in Tanzania, and it's safe to say that our journey would not have been the same without the exceptional guidance of Raymond. From start to finish, Raymond not only exceeded our expectations but also left an indelible mark on our hearts.
First and foremost, Raymond's knowledge of the animals and the local ecosystem was simply astounding. He seemed to possess an innate ability to spot wildlife that we would have otherwise missed, even when camouflaged in the dense underbrush of the Serengeti. His explanations about animal behavior, migration patterns, and ecological significance added a profound depth to our safari experience. It was like having a living, breathing encyclopedia of African wildlife right by our side.
But Raymond's expertise extended far beyond the realm of wildlife. He had a deep understanding of the local culture, which he eagerly shared with us. Whether it was introducing us to the Maasai people, explaining their customs and traditions, or telling us captivating stories about the history of the region, Raymond's cultural insights enriched our journey and provided a meaningful context for the landscapes and wildlife we encountered.
What truly set Raymond apart, however, was his exceptional personality and genuine kindness. He didn't just guide us through Tanzania; he became a friend. His warm smile, boundless enthusiasm, and unwavering patience made us feel like we were exploring this magnificent land with a trusted companion. Raymond's positive energy was infectious, and he brought a sense of joy and camaraderie to our group that made our safari all the more enjoyable.
Raymond went above and beyond to ensure that our safari was safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. He meticulously planned our daily itineraries, making sure we witnessed the most breathtaking moments of the animal kingdom in action.
I cannot express enough how lucky we were to have Raymond as our safari guide. He possesses a rare combination of expertise, passion, and charisma that makes him an outstanding ambassador for Tanzania's natural wonders and cultural treasures. Raymond, you are not just an extraordinary guide; you are a cherished friend and a testament to the incredible people we meet during our travels. Thank you for making our Tanzanian safari an adventure of a lifetime, and we can't wait to return for more adventures with you in the future. Asante sana, Raymond!
US
Email Jack | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experienced, fun, and sharp eyed guide showed us the most that Tanzania could offer!
If you are searching for safari company in Tanzania, look no further, you have stumbled upon the best one!! Happiness helped coordinate my booking (7 days Mid-range Safari) from the start and have been accommodating my every last minute change. I initially had 5 people for the trip and then slowly adding more and more people until we reached 7, but Happiness still managed to book accommodation for all of us. For the deposit, I suggest paying by credit card despite the fee because the wire method did not work for both my Chase and BoA account, so save the hassle (also safer to do credit cards). Due to the timezone difference, sometimes the communication could be slow as well, but my questions were always answered.
In any case, upon arrival at the airport, we were picked up by our guide, the Safari Monster, eagle-eyed Estomih. Our safari started immediately on Day 1 with a visit to the Tarangire National Park and we already saw giraffe, elephants, zebras, wild beest and many other animals. Estomih was super knowledgeable in all the wild lives we came across. He even got many books with detailed descriptions of these animals in his car! On top of that, he could spot animals many many miles away. With his eagle-eye, we have found all the Big Five and have taken close photos of them!!! My most memorable moment was looking for rhinos in the Ngorongoro Crater. Since rhinos are rare, it took a long time to spot them even with 8 pairs of eyes, but Estomih was able to find 3 rhinos separately.
In terms of food and lodges, we were very well fed and sheltered. The lunch was always prepared by the lodge we stayed in the previous night. Most other safari companies I came across had lunch box, but we were always picnic style with stainless steel utensils, so very environmentally friendly. The lodge were very luxurious and we were surprised how good they were considering that most of them are in a secluded environment. The only down side is that most lodge had weak and inconsistent Wi-Fi, but the electricity was very stable. Surprisingly, a lot of lodge have mobile clinics and could help travelers.
In terms of schedule, we were more intense and woke up super early (5-6AM) for safari every day, but if you are more laid-back, do let the guide and planner know so you don’t become exhausted.
We also tried to do the balloon safari, which got cancelled due to strong wind, so don’t be surprised if the same thing happened due to unfavorable weather. We did got a 100% refund however.
During the trip, I bought an Ice-Americano from a local cafe (don’t drink local water ya’ll) and got diarrhea for couple days, and Estomih was super accommodating and checked in with me every day. At the Serengeti Lodge, he even brought me to the doctor whom issued me medicines. I was super thankful for having a knowledge local guide to help me navigate through unexpected situation.
All in all, I would recommend Safari Soles 10/10 :)
US
Email Mark | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
awesome
My wife and I did a bucket list trip to the 4 day luxury private fly/in and out - Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari in early October of 2023. We booked directly with Safari Soles and could not have been happier, and I cannot recommend them enough. I booked this myself, having contacted several safari companies and settled on Safari Soles due to their excellent communication and price. Thanks Happiness for the great communication!! We booked a private luxury safari for just my wife and I and I would highly recommend the splurge - It was so worth it in my opinion. Safari Soles handled our flights from Zanzibar to the Serengeti and from Arusha to Zanzibar and all the lodge bookings. As this was a trip of a lifetime, we were excited but nervous having booked thru the internet. But, Elias our driver (now known as triple E - Eagle Eyed Elias) picked us up from the Serengeti airstrip and off we went. I'd say within a hour we had seen Leopards, Elephants, Crocs, Hippos, Monkeys, Lions and so much more - amazing!! Elias was awesome and made the trip so much more memorable with his driving and guiding skill - we were able to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner with him and got to know him much better. He was able to cater to our wants during the safari. We basically were out all day and into some pretty far off areas of the Serengeti in search of all the animals. We really wanted to see Cheetahs after seeing all but the Rhino's in the Serengeti (rarely seen) and Elias delivered - we say 4 cheetahs and even got to see them hunting - an amazing scene watching there speed after gazelles. We did see rhinos in the Ngorongoro crater. It was an amazing experience and one we will never forget.
The lodges were very nice and comfortable with good food - buffet style for breakfast and dinner with packed lunch mostly for eating out in the Serengeti. We had snacks, and sodas and water in the Landrover available to us as well as wine and beer. It was amazing to hear lions roar from your room and night!! The staff at the lodges were very nice and friendly and helpful in walking to/from the main eating area at night - you had to call them as they did not want you walking alone due to possible animals being out. On the Ngorongoro crater lodge, literally right outside our lodge was 10 cape buffalo eating the foliage - so cool.
Again, a trip of a lifetime - super big thanks to Elias and Happiness from Safari Soles. Cannot recommend them enough and would for sure book thru them again.
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Email Vladimir Lupashin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Memorable November Safari Adventure in Tanzania with Expert Guide Innocent
Our 10-day journey through Tanzania, meticulously planned by Renatus and Safari Soles Tours, offered a unique blend of cultural immersion and wildlife exploration. The adventure featured a 6-day safari spanning Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, guided by the exceptional safari guide Innocent, with enriching pre-safari experiences in Arusha, led by guides Chief and Andrew.
Our voyage commenced in Arusha, where we spent a day before embarking on the safari. Chief, our friendly and enthusiastic guide, introduced us to the African Cultural Heritage Center, immersed us in the local market culture, and guided us on a serene nature walk at the Kilimamoto crater. These experiences served as a perfect introduction to Tanzania's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.
The highlight of our trip undoubtedly was the 6-day safari, covering the magnificent terrains of Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, an unforgettable experience significantly elevated by our guide, Innocent. His profound knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for Tanzania's wildlife and ecosystems transformed our adventure into a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Tarangire, adorned with numerous elephants and their adorable offspring, as well as playful warthogs, provided a whimsical spectacle. We were also treated to thrilling sightings of cheetahs and lively lion prides with cubs, showcasing the park's diverse wildlife.
The vast expanse of the Serengeti equally mesmerized us. Here, alongside majestic giraffes and elusive leopards, we marveled at the large herds of wildebeest and zebras. Hippos added to the variety of wildlife encounters, while playful warthogs and majestic male lions dotted the landscape, making every moment in the Serengeti memorable.
In Ngorongoro Crater, our experience reached new heights with a distant rhino sighting, a rare and awe-inspiring moment. The vibrant flamingos in the crater added a splash of color, and we continued to be entertained by more male lions and the ever-charming warthogs.
We must emphasize the pivotal role of our guide, whose boundless energy and enthusiasm enriched every moment of our safari. Our daily plans were thoughtfully discussed the night before, accommodating our requests for early morning trips when animal activity peaked. Frequent stops for optimal photography opportunities were made, and park navigation was meticulously coordinated with other drivers. Innocent's captivating storytelling and comprehensive knowledge of Tanzanian wilderness breathed life into each location. His friendly demeanor, sense of humor, and eagerness to share his expertise made our journey both educational and immensely enjoyable. We were fortunate to have Innocent as our guide and driver, ensuring our safety and confidence in experiencing the park to its fullest.
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Email Malgorzata Mrozek | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
This safari flying in and driving out was in my 60thies unforgettable from begining to the end replying, questioning very smooth and quick unswer .We got Floridi driver very professional and carefull driver the roads in Serengetti and Ngorongo not easy to drive people who has sickness motion supposed to have patches otherwise you can get sick but the views are worth it any inconviences and money the peacefullnest of nature and animalls work together it's insane you need to be there to feel it I would recommended this driver and company for 5 star service I'm traveler allover the world and I love this place one of my favorite place and also I was shopping for this safari over the year and they have very resonable prices to compare others also I want to mention about the lodges Serena Lodges amazing
Email Yihong | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fabulous lifelong memory, thank you Safari Soles!
"Where should I start for this review? "-I've been thinking about this while I was on my way back yesterday, and I really don't want this journey to be end......
Now, I am sitting at home, sorting the pictures and videos I took during safari, and tons of memories flooding to me. Here is the story:
When I had an immature idea about doing safari in Kenya and Tanzania, I started explore all different kinds of tours listed on Safaribooking's website, and this was the first time Safari Soles came into my sight. I listed 30+ safari tour operators whose ratings are all above 4.9/5.0 and sent emails to all of them regarding the tour plans and quotes. Among them, it is the Douglas whose reponse is the one that impressed me most: very responsive, responsible, scrupulous, professional and kind. The itinerary and quote are well organized and totally satisfy my expectation for safari. After a couple of emails, I decided to choose Safari Soles, which turns out to be the best decision I've made for travelling in recent years. The hotel and lodge arrangement are all perfect, the facilities and meals provided there are superb. Thank you Douglas, for organizing such a wounder tour for us!
The first day we arrived at Kilimanjaro Airport, Safaris Soles arranged a driver Frank to pick me and my friend Yihan. Frank is a very nice and warm person, who always wear a smile on face. On our way to the Arusha town, Frank kindly tell us things about the upcoming Safari tours, Arusha town, Tanzania and so on. The most important is that I Iearned the phrase"Hakuna Matata" (means no worries/carefree/take it easy) from him, which you will probably hear all the time through the journey because the local people says this a lot. This phrase has now become my motto, for everyone who reads this review: Hakuna Matata!
Our Safari trips started on the second day, when we met our tour guide in the early morning: Godlisten! I still can't believe the tour has ended now while I am typing your name. Godlisten is a very experienced, professional, kind, and respectable person. Together with him, we visited Tarangire NP, Central/Western Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro crater, and we saw a lot of animals: lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras, hyenas, crocodiles, wilderbeests, bufflos, gazelles, a lot of different kinds of birds and so many others...... He told us the stories about the animals we saw and the places we travelled. He is a person who deeply love this country, this land and the people who lives here. He shared a lot of stories about the local people and this country. He wish more people can come here and visit this beautiful country, to experience and to know the real Tanzania. I fully appreciated this and am willing to share my experience to more people. More than a tour guide, he is a care and responsibel husband and a father of three kids. I often noticed that, when we finish the safari and back to the lodge, he made calls to his wife about the family stuffs and the learning progress of the kids. My best wishes to you and your families, I hope one day your kids will be able to pursue their study in China! All the best!
On the last day of this tour, Safari Soles arraned a driver Chief to take us to do a hiking in Kilimanjaro mountain, where we saw the Materuni waterfall, explored the local viliage Materuni and had a coffee-tour. Chief is very warm, nice and professional, who helped us carry stuffs, take pictures, share stories about local people and the new and first ever female president in Tanzania: Samia. We had a wonderful lunch at the Materuni viliage to taste the authentic local meal, which is very very delicious! I missing it now while I am typing this...... One fun thing is that we watched and learned how coffee was made in Materuni villiage. We are involved in the coffee-making process and made the coffee by ourselves!
Every story has an end, so as this one. I wish I could stay there longer and explore more...... Instead of seeing it as a end, I am willing to take it as a start for the rest of many tours I will have in Tanzania in the future. Like Godlisten told to us while we finishing our safaris: "here, we don't say goodbye, we say welcome back!".
Yes, I will be back! Thank you Safari Soles, Douglas, Godlisten, Frank, Chief, the staffs of the all the stays, and everyone else who are part of this journey. Thank you all so much for everything you have done for us, we couldn't have all of these wonderful memories without your help! We trully appreciated that!
This is a lifelong memory......
Email Frederieka | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Experience
An absolutely unforgettable experience! From our first contact with Happiness and the thorough organisation and customisation of all the details of our trip, to the last day of our Safari with Abdul, everything was just perfect! Thank you!!!
Abdul made every day on the safari truly unforgettable for us. He’s so talented and very experienced and had a unique instinct for where to go in the park to spot the animals (many times he would also see things before us when we were using binoculars…!). He would also always give us all options available and let us decide what we wanted to do, even if it meant an extra trip or longer day for all of us (for example he was willing to drive an extra hour to show us the leopard even though he could have just called it a day as it was getting late…). He also taught us a lot about Tanzania and the parks and culture, and it was a perfectly well rounded experience because of him. Thank you mate! Fully recommend.
DE
Email Laura | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience thanks to the great planning and excellent execution of the safari
Right from the beginning, the team provided us with an ideal tour covering Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks. They tailored the tour to fit our budget and made an excellent selection of lodges.
Once we arrived in Tanzania, they picked us up at the airport and safely transported us to our first incredible lodge. What truly set this tour apart was having an experienced guide with many years in the field. He knew the parks very well and, more importantly, how to find the animals. Thanks to him, we were able to see numerous lions, leopards and cheetahs (all with cubs), groups of elephants, giraffes, the great migration of zebras and wildebeests, all types of antelopes and even rare animals like jackals and servals, which are hard to spot.
We highly recommend booking your safari with Safari Soles. Every single dollar was worth it and it truly made a difference in our experience.
I will definitely come back and book with Safari Soles again!
