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
US
Email Greg and Paula | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania excursions life changing!
Selma and Yohannes, owners of Makasa Tanzanian Safaris, made all of the arrangements for our recent wonderful trip to Tanzania. We were extremely happy with every aspect of the trip, beginning with the initial contacts, scheduling, arrangements, and answers to our questions. We have corresponded with Selma for several months, and each time we contacted her with questions and possible changes, she answered promptly, thoughtfully, and thoroughly. Her suggestions and recommendations for places to visit, places to stay, customs that we needed to know about before visiting, and the order in which each part of the trip would go were helpful, accurate, and very prompt. When we wanted to add various different activities to the trip, she found a way to make these additions happen, safely and enjoyably. The guides employed by Makasa are insightful, thoughtful speakers of excellent English (great for us, as we speak no Swahili). We especially enjoyed the time we spent with a safari guide named Humphre, who had a wealth of information, knew where to find the animals, and had a fantastic sense of humor! Transportation provided to us during the tour was safe and always on time. There were no surprises involving the places we stayed; they were all as described to us by Selma. Selma and Yohannes even took the time to personally come to meet with us more than once, and make sure that the trip was meeting our expectations as well as answer questions. We highly recommend Makasa Tanzanian Safaris, as the arrangements and communications far exceeded our expectations, and our trip was most enjoyable!
US
Email Jessi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Anyone Could Ask For- Honeymoon
Let this be the easiest decision of your trip: choose Makasa. I literally could not have dreamed of anything better than what Makasa provided.
Selma was an incredible partner to me in working through planning our honeymoon- responding quickly, kindly and informatively, with great respect towards both our dreams for the trip and our budget. Her expertise and advisement could not have been better. Upon meeting her and Ngomi on arrival, they were extremely kind, welcoming and made us feel like we were in the company of friends.
Our guide Humphrey was hugely knowledgeable, super fun, charming, and made us feel safe, relaxed and adventurous for the entire 9 day safari. He navigated every element with ease and experience, and matched our energy perfectly. Spending 9 solid days with 2 strangers is no small feat, and Humphrey made us fast friends, and super comfortable on the adventure of a lifetime. I could not have chosen a better guide. We have no doubt that when we return in the future, we hope Humphrey will work with us again!
Every place we stayed on safari was phenomenal- and really blew away our expectations with both luxury and service. Due to our budget concerns we did pick a hotel in Zanzibar that we ultimately weren't thrilled with (our own fault with budget), but as soon as we contacted Selma, she found us another awesome resort, and got booking and transfer handled in a flash.
This was a trip I have been dreaming of my whole life, and truly working towards for the last four years. I had extremely high hopes. Selma, Humphrey and the whole Makasa team were extraordinary service providers. If I did it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. Cannot recommend this company highly enough.
DE
Email Mike H | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly Recommend Makasa and Mr. Rogaute!
1st time safari couple booked a private, honeymoon trip to Tanzania & Zanzibar with Makasa. We visited Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti.
Booking process: Quite easy. Safari Bookings reviews were very helpful. The Makasa team was responsive and provided honest feedback. I did a bit of research beforehand and had an idea of what I wanted.
Payment process: Wired payment and got confirmation of receipt. No issues. There wasn’t much contact with Makasa afterwards, which made me a bit nervous, but we didn’t run into any issues
Arrival/Depature: There was a driver in Tanzania and Zanzibar to pick us up. Had no issue with pick-up or departure.
Driver: Our driver in Tanzania was Mr. Rogaute. He is a freelance driver (not sure how many Makasa trips) but was wonderful, 5-stars. To be clear, he’s not the super-always-upbeat type of person. Some people want, expect, or need a driver to entertain them. Not me. I’m more of an introvert and the wife is an extrovert. It worked out perfectly for us. He wasn’t always bouncing off the walls with energy that would have aggravated me after one day. But the wife is friendly enough to keep conversations going.
During points on our trip, we had some relatively open conversations about cultures and politics. Very, very pleased with Mr. Rogaute. He is a knowledgeable safari guide with nearly 15 years of experience and knew where to find the Big 5. In addition, he’s one heck of a driver who went above and beyond to ensure his clients were happy.
Tanzania Hotels:
Kaliwa Lodge: Off the beaten path a bit. There wasn’t an easy way to leave the hotel area to go to Moshi but we didn’t spend much time here. It was an ok hotel run by Germans with quite an extensive whiskey selection. Food was ok but they ran out of some items during dinner buffet.
Maramboi Tented Camp: Probably my favorite Tanzanian accomodation. I’d describe it as a luxury, tented camp. All inclusive, very kind people, decent food, great pool overlooking Lake Manyara, and we heard many animals outside our tent overnight.
Kati Kati: Located inside Serengeti. I was a bit apprehensive about this place. I’d describe it as an upscale, tented camp. For a honeymoon, I was hoping for more but this place won me over with the customer service and friendly people. Food was good and plentiful but be aware that there is no place to charge your phones in your own tent (must be done at the dining tent) and someone must fetch you water to shower (late showers were frowned upon since wildlife is around).
Endoro Lodge: A nice lodge that has an indoor fireplace (yes, we did take advantage of this). We didn’t need to worry about wild animals on the hotel grounds at this location so that was refreshing after staying in the Serengeti. Enjoyed our stay but internet in the dining area was a bit suspect. I also didn’t like that safari drivers weren’t allowed to eat with their clients. This was the only accommodation that had this policy in Tanzania that we stayed at.
Next Paradise (Zanzibar): Boutique hotel on the northeastern side of the island. Stuart (manager/owner) was very friendly. The food was delicious and focused on freshly caught seafood from nearby markets. The dinner menu is posted at 3pm daily. You can either get half board or full board included within price of hotel stay. Rooms very nice and the relaxation of the hotel was a nice contrast to the long days in the jeep while on safari.
There are ‘beach boys’ in the area trying to sell stuff but the hotel employs Masai men to keep them off hotel property. There is also a tennis court and table tennis available.
The airport is about 1 hour away; northern beaches 30 mins. We took 3 side trips during our stay; 2 booked at the hotel. Stone Town/Spice Tour and then a taxi to the northern beaches were both booked at Next Paradise. I feel it’s a bit pricey but we got our own taxi who picked us up and waited for us until we were ready to come back. We felt safe so it was worth the money – although we didn’t try to do any price comparisons. We also booked a Blue Safari through Makasa that sailed to nearby islands which included beach time, snorkeling, fruits, water, lobster lunch, and our own personal boat & guide.
Next Paradise is a nice hotel that I’d recommend if you want to relax and enjoy some very good seafood.
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.
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!!
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!
NL
Email Saskia | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro crater; beautiful!
We booked a safari for 2 persons, but one week before we wanted to our son and his girlfriend. No problem at all!
Easy commuication.
AT
Email Carina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome experience
A friend of mine recommended Makasa Tanzanian Safaris to me and I am glad she did. We feel very lucky that we booked our safari with Selma and Ngomi who are very kind, friendly and knowledgeable people. Selma has always been very helpful and quick in replying to our inquires and I am very grateful for her patience.
After a warm welcome from Selma and Ngomi, a well-organized itinerary in our hand and a lot of excitement we were looking forward to some adventures in Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti Nationalpark and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Our stay at each accommodation was great although I personally think that the Kenzan Tented Camp was the best. The views from the camp were just breath-taking and you are able to see animals just walking by from a short distance. Also the staff was very friendly and made you feel home.
During the safari our driver and guide Kaleby has always been very charming and made sure that we enjoy our trip to the fullest. In this regard, I would like to thank Kaleby for his professionalism and for showing and teaching us the wildlife and for giving us such a great opportunity to discover and see the beauty of Tanzania.
We just can't say enough about how first-rate everything was done by Selma and Kaleby. We know that we had the best possible safari. This was truly the trip of a lifetime and due in large part to the professionalism of Makasa Tanzanian Safari. Thank you guys for the unforgettable experience and the care and attention provided!
US
Email Charlotte | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip!
Our safari on the mainland and island adventure on Zanzibar were excellent. We had nothing to worry about. Everything was taken care of from A to Z so we could relax and simply enjoy our time in Tanzania. Our guides were very friendly and knowledgeable, and the accommodations recommended were outstanding, especially the tented camps... I highly recommend the experience! I can't say enough about Makasa and the care Selma took in making our 25th anniversary trip truly magical!
Email Willem Sijbers | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great personalised safari, experience of a lifetime.
Great communication up-front to design our perfect 6 day safari trip.
Excellent tour guide, amazing accommodations with great food and spectacular views!