Elite Holidays Serengeti Camping Safari
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2020)
- Member Of:
- TANAPA & BRELA
- Tour Types:
- Budget & mid-range tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
DE
Email Gordon | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Machame Route 6-day climb
Preparation:
In the evening before the start of the hike we had a briefing in which everything was explained to us about the tour by our guide Livingstone. In addition, our complete equipment was checked by him too. Everything we didn't have (Gaters, thick hats, duff bags, 1x rain pants, 2 balaclavas, 4x 1.5L water bottles), we could rent for a fair price. Everything which was missing was procured within a very short time. We felt very well taken care of.
DAY 1
Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
•Elevation: 1674m to 2835m
•Distance: 11 km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
We started with breakfast at our hotel where we have been picked up by the crew at 8 am. I have booked a private tour with my girlfriend. 9 people accompanied: 1 guide, 1 assistance guide, 1 cook for us, 1 cook for the crew and the rest were packers. We were very surprised because we would have expected only half of the people.
The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate took about 2 hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We started at the Machame gate and walked through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge.
DAY 2
•Machame Camp to Shira Camp
•Elevation: 2835m to 3750m
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we left the glades of the rain forest and continued on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route turned west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and an overnight stay at the Shira campsite.
DAY 3
•Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
•Elevation: 3750m to 4600m to 3900m
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continued to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continued, our direction has changed to South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” We continued down to the Barranco Hut to an altitude of 3900m. Here we rested, enjoyed dinner, and stayed overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for the summit day.
DAY 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
•Elevation: 3900m to 3995m to 4673m
•Distance: 9km
•Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we left the Barranco camp and continued on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall also known as “Breakfast wall”, to the Karanga Valley campsite where we had lunch. After lunch, we left the Karanga camp and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, we have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we camped, rested, enjoyed dinner, and prepared us for the summit.
Shortly before midnight, we continued our way to the summit.
DAY 5
•Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
•Elevation: 4673m to 5895m (and down to
3048m)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic
The ascend led us through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This was the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (5756m), we stopped for a short rest and continued our way the peak. On the way from the Stella point to the peak we were rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise we have ever seen. From Stella Point, it was a 1-hour ascent to the summit between glaciers. We successfully arrived at the Uhuru Peak, where we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. We spent around 10 minutes before we began our descent straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a power nap. Later in the evening, we enjoyed our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep… Exhausted but happy
DE
Email Gordon | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding organisation and great employees - Perfect Safari
My girlfriend and I booked a 6-day safari as well as a 6-day Kilimanjaro climb (Machame Route) and a transfer to Zanzibar with Serengeti Camping Safari. Our contact person during the whole period was Anita. She is a real organizational talent and answered all our questions, within a few minutes, to our complete satisfaction. Honestly, we have never felt so well taken care of on any of our trips as with her. Anita does a great job and is also a kind-hearted person!
At Kilimanjaro Airport we were warmly welcomed by Anita and a driver. We went directly to the office (Arusha City Center) where we received welcome gifts (I don't want to spoil too much here) and the rest of the payment was processed. Afterwards there was the briefing for the safari which started the next morning. Everything made a super impression.
After the briefing we were driven to a nice hotel with a garden where we should spend the night (The Charity Hotel, Arusha). At the hotel we freshened up briefly and then Anita showed us around town and got us some local food. Then it was already late and we went to bed because the safari should start the next morning and we were still a little tired from the flight.
After breakfast we were greeted by Anita and Aaron, our safari guide. We were introduced to each other and then we were off! Aaron has been a very personable guide and had lots of knowledge as well as a very good eye for animals. The car was a comfortable Toyota Land Cruiser. We went to the following parks: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. We stayed at Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge, Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp and Ang'ata Ngorongoro Camp. One accommodation was more beautiful than the other!
During the safari, we were provided full board. There was breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food was always very good. Aaron always asked us what we wanted to do and gave us super suggestions. So we usually left early in the morning to take advantage of the whole day in the respective park.
The safari was a lot of fun and we would book it again the same way. On the last day of the safari Aaron drove us back to the hotel where we had the briefing for our Kilimanjaro climb. We were accommodated in the same hotel. Again everything was very well organized by Anita.
BR
Email Rebecca | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great and helpful
It is worth it! For those who dream of going on a Safari or even those who have any doubts, I can say after 20 days in Africa: the Serengeti was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. It's really like you're on one of the shows on the National Geographic Channel. The animals are beautiful, as are the landscapes. We could see everything from lionesses with their cubs, to hyenas devouring a carcass.
Our four-day tour covered Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The first is like a natural zoo; everywhere you look you see so many species. It was possible to get very close and see the animals in detail. The second is the apple of the eye. Vast plains where the game of survival is seen up close. It's just stunning and real. In our script it said two days in the Serengeti. But therein lies the question. We arrived around 12:00 and left at 12:00 the next day. So, in reality, you don't have two days, you only have one. This is because you can only stay 24 hours inside the park. If you exceed this time, a new “daily” is charged. You pay extra to stay another day. Therefore, check this issue with the agency before proceeding with the package. After everything we've seen I would say: it's worth paying another day and staying longer.
We slept one day in the park and it was in a tent. I would say for a night or two that's fine. But it's not possible to sleep so well and replenish energy. So consider this if your script is long. Try to mix the two types of accommodation. And if you choose tents, if you are not experienced in camping, like me, know that at night it is very cold. Bring a second skin or a very warm coat. The sleeping bag is not enough to keep you warm. Don't forget towels, toilet paper, plug adapter. The camp does not provide this type of benefit.
Finally, we visit the Ngorongoro caldera. A habitat created inside a crater about 20 km diameter. There you are more likely to see the famous and rare rhinoceros, but we weren't so lucky.
Anyway, the landscape is beautiful. And I wouldn't exclude this park.
I highly recommend the Serengeti Camping Safari. It didn't disappoint us at all! Anita, our direct contact, was always very solicitous and polite. She helped us in several things. Whether it's calling a taxi, buying a cell phone chip or booking airline tickets. Talk to her. She knows which restaurants to recommend, which places to visit, and knows all the parks that exist in Tanzania. If you want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or Meru, or if you want to experience some tribe, she can provide all the assistance.
Our two drivers were really nice. Joseph was with us the first day. He explained about birds, social organization of lions, differences between different antelopes, rodents... if you're interested he'll have a lot to say. David, more laughing, always witty.
And let's not forget the cooker! He was just too good! Every day he offered a feast! Each day a different menu.
Summary: very happy and satisfied! Come and enjoy!
10/2021
ES
Email Enrique Dé la H | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Big 5(and more) lots of food and new friends... So so happy
I'm a solo traveler from Mexico so excuse me if I have any mistypes. Seeing Serengeti with our naked eyes, the changing Ngorongoro scenaries and meeting new friends was amazing. Seeing the rhino (even if from afar), lions, leopard, cheetah, the always photogenic zebras and well, ALL ANIMALS in the wild was a dream came true.
As a Spanish speaker I still had no trouble that the tour was in English as most of us were from the most diverse countries, which was so enlightening specially since I came as a solo traveler... it was so much fun, maybe also I was extra lucky with the gang I ended up with or who knows, it was simply great.
Our guide Freddy was very receptive to our comments and provided amazing stories that I will cherish alongside all the videos and photos we took from all animals. Gori our cook was the best having us all regaining energy and enjoying amazing dishes that catered all tastes, for all of us who were meat lovers or veggies, spice addicts or not, full bellies left the table everyday, never a single lunch box, we saw some other groups with less food.
Most of our group didn't drink but we had beer and wine available, cola, juice and water. I hate camping and haven't done it since I was a kid yet I seriously loved doing it in the wild, I took hours to take photos of the milky way in Serengeti and got to listen to so many stories as we also got to meet other groups with their own experiences. I cannot fully put in words how I feel, just want to appreciate all the work and attention from the first message to Anita, who was honest and explained every detailed asked. I firstly made contact through safari bookings and she replied quite fast or so I remember.
I appreciated so when she pointed that one of the ideas I had for my safari was non realizable, she told me why and offered me alternatives which was super professional (other agencies I briefed, were non transparent and were sweet talking me). That single detailed took me to book with her; all feedback before the trip was correct, every single thing promised (accomodations before and after safari, airport transfers,...) Were hold true and we even received more than what was on the brochure. The price was unbeatable considering all little things, I actually feel I saved money.
So nothing extra, just how we all loved Godlisten our transfer guide, how happy we were and forever will be for this experience to happen, and my fair and honest reccomendation towards Anita and crew. Will be back and will bring you some Spanish and Mexicans with me (we might ask extra spicy food tho... :) Enrique
P.s. I did also reviewed on other web but can voucher for my every single word, gracias por leer esto
PL
Email Matt | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
high level of customer service
I really recommend this company. We have a 2-day Safari (Ngorongoro crater + Tarangire). The biggest advantage of this company is its high level of customer service. You can book your Safari online and pay only 5% during the reservation, which is a big advantage for tourists. Our contact person - Anita was really helpful and professional. She provided all the necessary information and we and throughout Safari we knew exactly what awaited us, which allowed us to stay comfortable throughout the trip. You may also choose the up-graded hotel that may be a good choice for tourists. I really recommend this company. The car, as well as a driver, were very helpful (they proactively search the animals and they stop whenever animals are seen, so you can make a lot of foto and videos). Thanks to our driver we had a unique chance to see 3 lions as one of the first groups during our trip. I really recommend this company.
ES
Email David | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Stunning Safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, perfectly organized
I have to say that I contacted to several companies to organize my safari in Tanzania. Finally, I chose this one due to the great attention from the person behind, she really took care to every detail, Anita Ayo, thank you very much for creating such a nice experience :)
They offer exactly what it is written on the page. From that, you can modify slightly the route, days and sleeping places. In our case, my gf and me, we decided to go the 4 day / 3 night trip including Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Regarding the safari, as always, depends on the luck you have to see the animals, we were lucky and we manage to see 4 from 5 of the big 5 (We missed the Rhino). But it is true that specially in Serengeti and Ngorongoro is incredible the quantity of animals.
About the sleeping places, in our opinion, it is a game change to pay more and select the better ones. Specially in two camps that we visited Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp in Serengeti and Pakulala Luxury camp in Ngorongoro, the experience is incredible. It is difficult to describe with words, but to summarize you have luxury camps with perfect tends, perfect views from the camps, hot water in the tend, dinner with views and being close to the animals.
Just to finish, say that dont hesitate to talk to them and describe what you are looking for, I am sure that they will help you.
DE
Email Yvonne | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect
I went to the tarangire nationalpark with Anita and Joseph and I'm more than happy when I'm thinking about the day. They told me so much about everything, we saw a lot of animals and Joseph found the best spots for beautiful pictures all the time. Both are so kindly and I definitely recommend them. It's not easy to find a good company with a good driver, but here they are. Asante sana
US
Email Shane | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well done, despite the lack of actual camping!
I probably wouldn’t have used this company if not for the effort and attention to detail by Anita, my point of contact. She was really professional and helpful, beyond what was expected.
The safari was good. I’m not particularly a fan of organized group tours but I did enjoy myself. I think many safaris are probably similar since the routes are shared and guides/drivers communicate with each other to converge on the leopard or whatever was spotted. The drive to arrive at the first parks is slow... the drive back on the last days is much faster... yes, I mean the actual speed. Not my style, but be prepared for them to stop at those touristy places on the side of the road that sell crafts or a visit to a village where you can pay for the Maasai to sing and dance for you...
Due to the possibility of rain and we stayed at lodging rather than camping, despite the absence of actual rain. Everybody was very pleased with a shower and a bed- although I would have preferred actual camping. There were fire pits that were not used- and evenings were pretty much eat and go to bed... perhaps with a more lively group or escort (some were sick) it would have been good to have at least one evening of extended conviviality.
The food was certainly a step above the boxed lunches I observed in other groups. Don’t expect strong flavors, spices or rich meals; it will be bland for some, including myself, but I understand this approach is to please the majority. That said, our chef, “Dullah”, is quiet but always pleasant in demeanor and did really very well in preparing good and healthy meals with limited resources.
Our guide/driver Lucas, as well as Dullah, seemed to give the group a certain space, but were always on call if needed. Lucas, was somewhat aloof, but always courteous. What makes Lucas really shine as a guide is his extensive knowledge of the wildlife which surpassed my expectation. He knew just about every single mammal, bird, and even the plants, and not just the common ones. On the rare occasion he wasn’t sure, he knew exactly where to confirm in the wildlife guide book. I ended with a list with well over 60 different species.
Overall; I recommend! They’re good people, and you will have a great experience.
DE
Email Katharina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Safari with efficient and fast communication and organization! Ask for Anita ;)
I booked a 5-day mid-range group Safari to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks with Serengeti Camping Safari for me and a friend. My contact point was Anita, who went above and beyond for us! The communication with her was always fast and reliable, she provided a lot of helpful advice and information in the preparation phase, and even helped us getting set up with a local sim, exchanging money etc. upon arrival. When I mentioned that I love mangoes, she bought me a bag of them on the local market to take on the Safari :).
During our stay, everything went smoothly. Airport pickup and dropoff worked perfectly, as well as the introductory briefing and payment. We had a last minute change of plans (Lake Manyara National Park was flooded, so we had to change to Tarangire) but the reasoning was well explained and we were offered to stick to the original plan at no extra cost after the rest of the group had already decided to go with the proposed change. Our accommodations were absolutely amazing and for Serengeti NP (where we stayed for two nights including New Years) we even received a last minute upgrade to a fabulous lodge. Our driver/guide was nice and provided a lot of insightful information. When returning to Arusha, there was a little misunderstanding with our hotel (which was part of the package), but that wasn´t a big deal, and Anita stopped by once again to make sure that everything went well (we really loved her!).
The only thing that led to some complications during the Safari was that people who booked low-budget and mid-range were put in the same car. So we lost some time in the morning and evening picking up and dropping off people at different accommodations. But due to the low number of travelers during the pandemic, of course it may be necessary to mix groups. This is just something to keep in mind if you consider booking a private safari instead. Another thing is that the travelers in our group who booked low-budget were not very happy with their accommodation (it rained during our visit and the camps were flooded, tents provided by campground were not waterproof etc.). However, I understand that they did not book with Serengeti Camping Safari but with a different operator. And the weather risk is obviously not on the company either. Just another thing to consider for future travelers when deciding on which type of safari you want to book. The extra money for the mid-range option is absolutely worth it!
Email Cretus | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable moments
We booked our 3 days safari through Serengeti Camping Safari. We had a very professional guide at all times, arriving when we agreed even though we were often quite late and he was always being ready to answer complex or repetitive questions.