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
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Makasa Tanzanian Safaris exceeded my expectations in every way
I was somewhat concerned as we only communicated via email, but Selma created an itinerary for us, listened to what we wanted to see and do (eg I wanted to do a walking safari and visit a Maasai village so we were booked at the Ndarakwai Ranch where we were able to do both safely). We were also interested in staying in tented as well as lodge accomodations and Selma's itinerary included both.
Another concern we had was the small size of the company, however, Makasa and our excellent guide David made this a trip of a lifetime. David is extremely knowledgable about his country, animals, birds, reptiles, trees and plants. He organized our daily games drives so we saw amazing sights everyday. David did not rush us along when we wanted to watch elephants or lions or leopards (sometimes for as much as an hour at a time). He speaks very good english and has a wonderful sense of humor.
We spent 15 days on safari in Tanzania from West Kilimanjaro area, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Rhotia Valley, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. We ended our trip by staying 4 days in Zanzibar.
Makasa exceeded our expextations with the arrangements, itinerary, communications, and with David as our safari guide and driver. I cannot recommend them enough for anyone who wants a personalized tour of Tanzania.
US
Email Dori_SanDiego | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding Tanzanian Safari with Makasa!
Our group of four (two couples) took a two-week safari followed by a few days in Zanzibar, all arranged with Makasa. It was a fantastic experience, a trip of a lifetime. Selma, co-owner of Makasa, helped us customize our itinerary to our timeframe and places we wanted to visit. The arrangements made by Makasa were all flawless, and we enjoyed all our lodgings very much. A couple of the places Selma sent us to, Ndarakwai Camp and Rhotia Valley Camp, were off the beaten track and were some of our favorites. Ndarakwai Camp was our first stop when we arrived, and we spent a couple of days there before the actual safari. Because it's not in a national park, you can take walking tours there which allows you to see the wildlife from a different perspective. Plus there's a Maasai village nearby, and we learned a lot by visiting them. On the safari our guide, David, was outstanding! He was very knowledgeable, spoke excellent English, planned our days to optimize our wildlife viewing, was patient when we wanted to spend long periods watching lions or herds of elephants, and had a wonderfully subtle sense of humor. Our safari vehicle was comfortable and well maintained. We're all enjoying sharing our pictures and experiences with others. We'd HIGHLY recommend Makasa!!
NL
Email MaaikeMartijn | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good organisation for safari
It started not so good. We were at a different gate at the border than our guide. There was a miscommunication between the office and the guide. It was solved quickly but Makasa Tanzanian Safaris could have called us, to apologize.
After this we could have not wish for a better guide. Tom was the best. A good driver and very good guide. We learned a lot. He knows a lot about the flora and fauna. He also knew the right spots for the animals we would like to spot. It was a great experience, because of him. He is also a funny guy.
The accomodations were also perfect. I would choose Makasa Tanzanian Safaris again if I would go to Tanzania.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing Safari with Makasa
We used Makasa Tanzania Safaris for a trip to Ngorongoro Crater and had an amazing time! We saw a ton of animals, a Maasai village and beautiful scenery. Our driver Jamal was knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. Prior to our trip I was in email communication with one of the owners (Selma), who was just as great as Jamal. Selma answered our questions, booked us at a fantastic lodge (Endoro Lodge) and was very professional. I will be returning to TZ this winter and fully intend to book with Maksa again. Thanks for making our trip memorable!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, nice accommodations, perfect logistics, enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide
Makasa offers tailor made safaris. Based on your preferences and budget they compose the safari holiday of your desire. The accommodations were nice and all the transport in Tanzania was well arranged. Our guide really contributed to the success and joy of our holiday. He was enthusiastic, friendly, extremely knowledgeable about the animals and nature, and - last but not least - he was a very safe driver. Since a safari is pretty intense, we were happy to relax a couple of days at Zanzibar. In sum: a great experience! We certainly want to recommend Makasa.
NL
Email Sander and Sandra | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfectly arranged, very good guide
We have made a nine day safari arranged by Makasa. At first we had some doubts because we only had contact by email. The good reviews on the internet and the personal attention made us choose for Makasa.
We had a very friendly and experienced guide which we could also have a good laugh with. He spotted many animals we could not have spotted ourselves. We made a trip to Lake Manyara, Tarangira, Serengeti and NgoroNgoro. We have seen every animal we wanted to see.
We think it is important to learn something of the culture when we are on holiday so we told Makasa we wanted to see something of the local villages. At Rhotia Valley we had a morning walk along the hills with an excellent local guide, who was originally a member of a local tribe. We visited a family and experienced there way of life. This was very impressive. We recommend everybody to taste some culture and not only go for the game drives.
We finished our trip in Zanzibar. We were unfortunate to experience 3 days of fully clouded weather in a five day stay. Zanzibar was ok for us, but we saw some nicer places. Outside the resort it was very busy. Next time we would rather go to a more quiet island.
But never the less. Makasa took care of everything and we did not have to worry about anything.
Even our guide waited with us at the airport until we had checked in.
Although we did not have any problems it is nice to know that someone in Tanzania is available to help you at any time.
Therefore we would really recommend Makasa arrange your Safari.
SG
Email Ed Isidore | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Once in a lifetime and 1 more suggestion
Communications: Always prompt and reliable, Selma was always detailed in addressing our queries. No emails goes unanswered for too long. That was very assuring. The recommended stays in various lodges that support the local community such as Kilimanjaro Lodge was a thoughtful gesture. Though the lodge didn't have the looks of a 5 star hotel and it didn't matter of course, the hospitality there was unparalleled. It was clean and well-maintained. Food was delicious and we also got a chance to know the local community too. The best lodge was Endoro. We didn't want to leave!
Service: Chief Guide Humphrey has the eyes of an eagle. Beyond wildlife, he was always on the lookout for travelers' welfare. He made time to talk to us to know our expectations. There was great sensitivity put into noticing travelers' sometimes unspoken needs such as possible lethargy, motion-sickness and even fondness for certain landscapes, flora or animal species. He took time to know our preferences and will never impose his style on us. We appreciated that so much. We miss him and he did Makasa proud! Trainee guide on attachment Fredi was also full of humour. They had great chemistry. Between them, there was genuine professionalism at work too. We felt very well-taken care by both of them.
Accommodation at Zanzibar: After many wonderful nights at all 4 resorts in Tanzania (Endoro was heavenly!) , we were quite disappointed with the stay at Cristal Resort and hope Makasar will revise their options and give customers a better resort to enjoy. Though the beach was pristine and beautiful, the resort had sub-standard service. Staff were rather detached and not very friendly at all. That was quite a spoiler. The deluxe rooms we got badly needed an upgrade given their ageing appearance. Cristal resort was also located very far from Stone Town and that created some inconvenience when we had plan for our own activity.
It was a fantastic and unforgettable experience on the whole and we would still recommend Makasa to any of our friends who are keen to visit Tanzania. They provide value-for-money and are very reliable.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Makasa Safaris organized the trip-of-a-lifetime for us!
Selma and Ngomi Kamm, owners of Makasa Safaris, organized the perfect vacation for us. Selma provides the bookings and communications, while Ngomi manages the drivers and vehicles.
We just can't say enough good things about these people and this company. Each aspect of our safari experience showed their personal touch.
We fell in love with our safari driver. Quick wit, obvious caring, and perfect english. (He also teaches spanish to other drivers) Because of his knowledge of the parks, animals, and his patience, we were able to see many animals missed by other drivers.
Our lodging was first rate. Selma has personal connections with many of the owners and managers, so because we were booked with Makasa, we were treated to special hospitality.
We had one glitch with lodging, but Selma cleared it up shortly, even absorbing the additional expenses, proving their professionalism and integrity. It was especially helpful that we were booked by a Tanzanian company who knows the local language.
Makasa exceeded our expectations. We believe they are providing the highest benchmark for service in the Tanzanian Safari business.
US
Email Roberta and Nicole Parseghian | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Makasa safaris planned the most amazing safari for my daughter and myself. Selma is the best!!!
Makasa Tanzanian Safaris planned the most amazing safari for my daughter and myself. My daughter was doing a service project in Arusha at a school for ten days and when that was finished I joined her. Selma put together a trip for sixteen days of tented camps and lodges that were outstanding. We went to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, The ngorongoro crater, the Serengeti and Zanzibar. We had our own safari jeep and a wonderful driver named Nasoro. Our trip was mapped out so that we would get the most natural and educational expierences. Our driver was so respectful, funny, loving, protective and knowledgable. My daughter and I were so excited to see the wonderful country and people of Tanzania. Selma and Ngomi are exceptional at planning out any adventures that you could imagine and are honest and caring about every detail of the itinerary. I have reccommened them to numerous friends and family. Makasa is the best and I am truly blessed and grateful for the journey of a lifetime that they planned for us.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organized and nice tour operator with a very friendly guide!
We have booked our first safari ever with Makasa Tanzania. Booking has been made from the Netherlands by email (in Dutch). Everything was arranged quite fast and all questions we had where answered fast and comprehensively.
At location also everything was arranged very well. Our guide David was very nice and knew a lot about the local people, nature and animals.
After our week of safari we spent another week at Zanzibar island. This also was arranged by makasa.
We have had a very nice time and we definitively recommend Makasa as a tour operator.