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
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.
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 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
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
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.
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
CH
Email Karen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible we had the best time everything was amazing
We had the best time on the safari for 4 days. The attention was incredible the people was so nice. We had great accommodations and good food. All the safaris were amazing the guides were super nice. Super recommended!
CH
Email Mario | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience we had a lot of fun the best vacations ever
The safari was amazing an incredible experience we went 4 days and was great. The people were super nice the guide so well prepare. We had good food and amazing accommodation. I really recommend it!
PT
Email Ines R | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well worth it, does not disappoint!
I spoke to more than 10 safari agencies. Anita stood out from the beginning because she was very responsive and you could ask 10 questions at once, she would kindly and patiently reply to all 10.
I made several adjustments and special requests to our plans. We wanted to stay in nice lodges, so Anita let me hand-pick the lodges and adjusted the itinerary to all our wishes.
We came to a very reasonable agreement in terms of price. We designed the route and picked the lodges, but we did not carry the extra cost of a private safari and so the agency offered another 4 people to join our itinerary, but never changed the route agreed with me.
Then came our guide and driver Joseph. He is awesome! Excellent driving skills and orientation in the tough roads of the Serengeti. Super reliable, dealt with logistics of pickups, dropoffs and meals with minimal impact on the fun safari time. Joseph is kind, professional and knowledgeable. Friendly but serious about his job. Knew everything about the animals and answered sooo many questions. Drove such long distances but could spot the tiniest of creatures while driving! A guide like this really makes your safari. I highly recommend this team!
The meals were great thanks to our chef, we always had lunch in comfortable places.
On the final day there was an issue with our hotel in Arusha, but Joseph didn’t leave us until he knew we were safe and happy in a different hotel, and then Mohamed the agency boss came personally to check on us! I forgot something in the safari jeep and they went out of their way to come meet me and give it back. Really in terms of professionalism and reliability we are very happy! Thank you for an incredible experience and hoping to send many friends your way!
HU
Email Gyula | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thanks for organising not only mountain hiking but also hotelroom and airport transfer.
6 days Machame Route was a good choice to Kili (this is the most scenic route with a great chance to get to Uhuru peak). Exellent team (guide, cook and porters), without their support it is not possible.
