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
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.
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.
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!
NL
Email Tom & Marjo | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Holiday was beyond expectations.
Makasa did a great job organizing our vacation, especially since we only booked a few weeks in advance. We decided to do an 11 days safari and a week on Zanzibar. Selma suggested to also visit Ndutu so we could watch the migration, very happy we did as we would not have wanted to miss this, what a great experience. The contact with Selma was very easy, and all our questions were answered promptly. In was also a nice gesture that someone of the Makasa team came to meet us at the fist lodge to welcome us. Our guide Victor was really great, he safely drove us through Tanzania and managed to find us the big five and rescued a baby wildebeest to find it's way back to it's mother, really exciting ! He was great company and with full enthusiasm told us about the country, the people and animals. Thanks again Victor ! All in all we had a great time! Asante sana!
FR
Email Andre en Nelly | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best vacation ever.
We had a great trip (19 days) organised by Makasa Safaris .Our guide Kaleby was a very good flexible and friendly driver .Seen a lot of wild animals the big five in the different parks and reserves. The lodges, tented camps, the food, everything was good organised.
CA
Email Madeline Dykstra | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Vacation Yet!
We cannot thank Makasa enough for the best vacation we have ever had! We did an 8 day Safari and 5 day beach vacation in Zanzibar. From beginning to end, Selma and Ngomi were great to deal with and our emails were answered promptly and completely. They matched us up with a driver (David) perfect for our needs and he was fabulous with the children and all of their questions. He definitely had a big hand in making our trip so great - great driver, professional and very knowledged on all of the areas and animals. The itinerary and all accommodations exceeded our expectations and we were well looked after throughout the entire duration of our trip. They put together a Tanzanian experience for us that we never would have found on our own. We would definitely recommend them to anyone!
NL
Email Jaap and Nicolle | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Most beautiful holiday ever
We had an amazing time in Tanzania, for the greater part thanks to Makasa.
Our safari trip could not have been any better. We saw the most amazing animals, and not only in a lazy, sleeping position, but also in full action. A leopard climbing up a tree with his just caught prey in its mouth, group of lions eating a buffalo who had just been killed by them, three cheetahs hunting an impala but being scared off by a lion cup, a group of lions climbing a tree one by one, and so on. Of course, seeing some amazing actions requires an awful lot of luck, but we also had an excellent guide (Nurdin Kuwe) who was up for anything and enjoyed the whole trip just as much as we did, which really made our safari experience one we will never forget.
Makasa's accommodations were also more than just average and our email contact with the office, before as well as during and after our trip, was excellent (quick, trustful and extremely helpful).
So to anyone contemplating whether to make a safari trip in Tanzania, don't hesitate and book it with Makasa. I'm sure you will not be disappointed.
Email debbie baird | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastically well organised trip...amazing safaris and variety of accomodation, simply brilliant!
I was attracted to the prompt and helpful initial communication with Selma having googled safari companies after failing to get the holiday I wanted from UK based tour companies.
With my wishes and her knowledge we came up with an amazing package, visiting 3 national parks and 1 conservation area plus a stay in Zanzibar at the end, to make a 15 day holiday. From beginning to end, everything ran smoothly, we had our own superb guide in Jamal who made our safari experience so memorable. Our accommodation along the way was varied in location and type which was interesting, always the staff were friendly, professional and helpful and generally the food was very good. The tented camp in the Serengeti was just a wonderful experience. I added a balloon safari to my itinerary last minute before we left the UK, which again was well run and great fun and probably a must do.
When we arrived in Zanzibar, the hotel upgraded us to a chalet near the beach and facilities as I had mentioned to Selma that I'd had recent knee surgery.....what a kind and thoughtful gesture. We wanted a good hotel here to relax in at the end of our holiday and this came with Selma's recommendation...it was stunning, beautiful and so well run. The food and ambience were simply exceptional.
I would definitely use Makasa again and recommend to anyone wanting that special holiday with that special touch.
Email Bert Cassidy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great friendly service, went to a lot of trouble to meet my needs.
Had a great trip to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. Ally our guide was knowledgeable friendly and flexible.
Accomodation supplied was first class.
CH
Email Natalie Bold | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Super company! Super holiday!
We found Makasa via google amongst other tour operators. I contacted several of them (about ten) and Makasa was the fastest, most reliable and efficient in responding. Also, they were not only fast but to the point, they completely understood our needs and requests and wishes. We also skyped and Selma really took time to assure she understands us (family of four with two fairly young boys) in order to prepare our dream holiday. And what else can I say? She achieved it to the fullest!
We would also like to particularly thank our guide Victor who analyses very much how his customers are, what they want, what they like and (re-)acts accordingly. He was good fun too! I am sure there are many other good guides at Makasa but we were very happy with Victor.
I would also like to mention something "basic" which however is not always done by other companies: Makasa is one of the few that I have seen that never had any issue with the car. They service the cars like crazy!! Sounds norma, but it is not! We saw so many with punctures, shocks were gone or other things that can really ruin or at least delay your safari and you do not want that. It is as simple as that. So, we found that Makasa was slightly more expensive than others, we also found it was worth it to the last penny, because it meant safety, security, efficiency, reliability and above all a great holiday. Thank you Selma and Victor!