Makasa is owned & managed by Selma and Ngomi Kamm
Makasa Tanzania Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $2,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
From the very first contact with Makasa till the last say goodbye to our personal guide: marvellous!
First we climbed the Kilimanjaro. A private climb with the three of us and 16(!) Tanzanian companions. Very professional guide and assistent guide, Issa and Gerardi. Very friendly as well. Great respect for cook, waiter and porters. Thanks to all of them we made it. Very tough, but a lot of fun.
After Kili on a 9 day safari with another driver/guide, Humphrey. Very fanatical with full knowledge. We loved it. Didn't expect to see that much!
Thank you Makasa, Selma and Ngomi, for 18 wonderful days in our lives. It was great to be with you! Maybe except for one thing: coming back from Kili we wanted so much to have a shower; there was, but the water was cold ..., that should not be.
US
Email Babu and Bibi | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lucky Safari -- all due to the wildlife guide and the careful guidance of Makasa.
Our experience in Tanzania was above and beyond any hopes or expectations we may have had. Makasa Wildlife Guide Jamal Minja was an extraordinary person. Not only did he spot and guide us to some experiences we could never have hoped for (leopards, black rhinos, many thousands of others), but he worked with us as an older and handicapped couple -- always saying, "Babu (Grandfather), this is your vacation." He knew all the wildlife and taught us so much that I couldn't believe it. I loved the Swahili language and Jamal patiently worked with me on basic phrases. A gentleman, intelligent, and patient person - but always respecting the rules and regulations for the wildlife - and I just can't tell you how important that was to us. For example, Mr. Minja found a place where three black rhinos were together (miraculous, because not only are they few and endangered but also are solitary animals). Some guides were driving their vehicles across the land to get a closer look for their "tipping" clients, but Jamal explained that was illegal and harmful. Not for a million years would I have wished to contravene those regulations, and thank you Makasa for giving us a wise guide to help us enjoy "God's Parks." Kwaheri.
NL
Email Esther | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super holiday!!!
Thank you Makasa fore the perfect holiday to Tanzania.
We've seen so much in Selous Game Reserve!!
Accomodation at Rufiji River camp and the mediteraneo hotel were perfect.
Tima tours for transportation is alsof Very recommended.
It was our first trip to Tanzania and for certain, not our last!!!
from beginning untill the end of our trip everything was perfectly arranged!!
ES
Email Jordi G | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great professionals ... extraordinary result!"
A few weeks ago, we made a safari with Makasa. Traveling with two girls, age 11 and 15, we were looking for an agency that offered a safari package designed for families. Makasa worked out perfectly. Our trip took place in late August 2016. Selma of Makasa sent us a daily detailed itinerary that included each night's accommodations. Every place we stayed on safari was incredible, much better than we expected with both luxury and service.
From our arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport until our departure at Dar es Salam 13 days later, we were perfectly taken care of by everyone involved. The first evening at Mosh, we had a delicious dinner at MCF Kilimanjaro Lodge, with beautiful gardens, very pleasant, ideal to recover after a long trip. Kilimanjaro Lodge is part of Mama Clementine Foundation: a secondary school for young girls in Tanzania. We had the first tastes of the local beers on their deck.
Next morning Selma, her husband and their newborn baby came to greet us before we began our 8-day safari. We also met who would be our guide, driver, and friend for the next 8 days, Humphrey, the best guide you can have. He was real fun, teaching us songs like Jambo, Jambo bwana, Habari gani, Mzuri sana. The vehicle was a 4WD safari vehicle equipped with a specially designed open panoramic roof (allowing you to stand in the vehicle to take pictures). Humphrey was a very responsible driver, very cautious and when we were stopped (which often happens) by the local Police, he was able to convince them quickly to let us drive through. As a guide, he was very professional, at each safari drive he was able to show us the big five game and the ugly five as well as many other animals, birds and trees. He was like a living dictionary, there was no question he could not answer regarding the animals we saw and the places we visited.
Afterwards, we left to Olpopongi Masai, a village some 3 or 4 hours’ drive from Mosh on the foothills of Kilimanjaro Mountain, which we had the fortune to see clearly that evening. We really appreciated having the first night at Olpopongi, as it allowed us or understand and appreciate the Masai way of life, as we encountered many more Masai along the way. You spend the night in a real hut, made by women; the Masai people tend to your needs, cook for you, dance/sing and demonstrate their traditional ways. They take you out on a bush walk to show you how and where they gather their herbs for medicines, tea making and hut-building materials, the incredible 96-year-old 'grandma' will prepare their special herbal tea for you! At night, sit round a central fire after dinner and watching the stars!
Day 2 of our safari took us to Lake Manyara that offers dense forests, rivers and the lake. We saw enormous concentrations of baboons. Afterwards, we headed to Croatia Valley Lodge, located on the boundary of Ngorongoro Reserve. A wonderful, truly special place, we were very happy to spend the night there. After a night at Olpopongi, the luxury of this lodge was very much welcomed. We visited the Children’s Home, an orphanage for those kids whose family cannot take care of them, a project supported by the owners of the Lodge. The Lodge is composed of 15 tents, an open dining area; the food comes from their own gardens. Visiting Croatia Valley allows you to experience a sustainable and self-sufficient Lodge while showing solidarity with the orphanage that is maintained by the Dutch hosts. All the personnel were very kind and we wished we had stayed more nights!
The next day we drove to Serengeti, this endless plain offered us an abundance of wild animals that we saw at close range, many lions, cheetahs, leopards as well as elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, etc. … and a few gazelles ;).
At Serengeti, we spent 3 nights at beautiful Kubu Tented Lodge, which had only been open for about 3 months when we arrived. It was the best accommodation during our 13-day trip.
The setting of the Lodge is perfect, it is located on a hill; from the terrace and the cabins, and you can admire the vast plains of Serengeti and watch the animals below migrate in search for water.
When it gets dark, two Masai warriors, for safety reasons, must escort you back to the cabin since there were wild animals (gazelles, zebras, buffaloes, and wildebeest) just a few meters from our room! At night, you could hear the lions roar and the hyenas hunting nearby.
Our family cabin was huge, with two rooms, a huge balcony and incredible views. All the drinks (including alcoholic beverages) were complimentary. Finally, our girls went swimming every afternoon at the infinity pool, maybe the most beautiful pool we have ever seen, you can take the most amazing photos of the pool with the Serengeti background.
After Serengeti, we visited Ngorongoro, a unique crater known as a caldera. Nearly all the big wild animals can be seen in the crater. Apart from large herds of zebra and wildebeest, we saw many lions and finally the black rhinoceros. Thanks so much, Humphrey!
We stayed the last 2 nights of the safari at Endoro Lodge, also located on the edge of Ngorongoro Reserve.
Next, we visited Zanzibar for 5 days staying at Kilima Kidogo at Paje, an ideal place to disconnect from the world, to enjoy the sun and sea at one of Zanzibar’s best beaches! It was really nice, good food and friendly staff. There are many games for the kids, ping-pong, a pool table! Kilima Kidogo is a small place; there aren’t many guests, which creates a sense of exclusivity, life in slow-motion. We must highlight the hospitality of its owner, Dina, who was waiting for us at the airport, and the rest of the staff carrying out their work with passion and trying to please the most pampered guests. Good food and possibility of beautiful excursions. A place to return someday!
Helpful notes: Bring dollars in small bills (especially 1 and 5 dollar bills for the tips) but we also used local shillings that ended up being useful also, you can get them from ATM at Arusha.
No need to get your visa in advance. When you arrive at the airport we payed $50 in cash for each of us. In addition, people should have their own binoculars. It makes spotting and observing extra fun.
Finally, from the comments we heard from other visitors, we would recommend skipping Lake Manyara visit and choosing instead Tarangire National Park.
NL
Email heleen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
fantastic
we have had an excellent safari; very well organised ; very nice and comfortable accomodation; we have seen a lot; we had a fantastic and knowledgable guide, with very good suggestions for our daily programme
DE
Email Bärbel | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect Organisation of individual Safari, no stress on the whole tour, excellent guide
We planned the safari for almost one year with many e-mails to and fro. Selma answered always quickly with new suggestions for our wishes. So we found the ideal safari for us. We visited Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Selous and Sansibar. Selma booked all accomodations and the domestic flights for us. Everything worked out well. We did not have any stress during 12 days, because everything was prepared perfect. The car was in good condition and had good shock-absorbers. the Roof could be lifted up, so we could watch the animals Standing in the car in the shadow. We liked our guide Ally who is a very careful driver and lead us to many hidden animals. He knows everything about the animals, birds and plants. His English is good. We had interesting conversations with him. He cared for us two old ladys like a father for his children from mornig till night. The accomodations were all different, special and luxurious. We felt well everywhere. The food was excellent on the whole trip with much vegetables and fruits and two choices of meet. Very often we could choose, what we would like for the picnic. The staff at every place was friendly and well trained. So we could enjoy the wonderful country, the nature and the people everywhere.
NL
Email Ineke van Mierloo and Miriam Roemer | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We had a wonderful safaritrip in Tarangire
Our safari was well organised by Selma; we had a good driver, who knew a lot about the animals, especially birds. Our home in the bush, Ang'ata camps, was brand new. We were the first Dutch guests, and had a wonderful time there. Thanks a lot!
AT
Email Marleen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect safari experience
This year it was time for my first safari. After quit a lot of research we chose Makasa for our safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire) - the communication with Selma was super easy and uncomplicated from the very beginning. It was especially nice to meet the whole family during our trip.
Our guide, Frank was absolutely great: he knows everything there is to know about nature and wildlife and made sure that every day was a highlight! He is also a great and safe driver and we just really enjoyed our time with him.
Our lodges and camps as well as the food were excellent throughout the whole safari. Nothing to complain about here
To sum up; I can highly recommend taking safaris with Makasa. They are super professional and great people!
Completely stress-free fun!
My fiancé and I had an amazing time in Tanzania thanks to Makasa Safaris. Selma organized every detail for us--we just told her what we were interested in and she put together an excellent itinerary for us. Everything worked completely smoothly: the transfers, the drivers, the dates and times, the activities...it was all perfect. As well, the safari guide was exceptional--thanks for everything, Jamal!
US
Email Li | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our family had seen all of the animals we wanted to, plus more!
We had booked our trip half a year before, and when the time had come to go to Tanzania, we were all so excited. We want to go back in the future . Our guide, Daniel, had very sharp eyes, and potted all of the Big 5, which were lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants. We also saw the Ugly 5, baboons, crocodiles, marabou storks, wildebeests, and hyenas. The migration of wildebeests and zebras were astoundingly fascinating. we lived in all 5-star places, tented camp or lodge. The food was very delicious. And as we said, we look forward to later in the future with Makasa. Thank you so much Selma and Daniel!!!! Ye family.