The Amazing Shadows of Africa Guiding Team!
Shadows of Africa
- Offices In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $250 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
HR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best time we ever had on vacation
I have done safari and tribe tours with Shadows of Africa about a little less than a week ago and overall adventure turned out one of the best of our lives. We have been before to parks in South Africa, but nothing can be compared to vastness of Serengeti and uniqueness of Ngorongoro crater and Lake Manyara. Safari driver Anthony was amazing with all information and was able to answer all our questions during the trip and also gave as an insight of daily life of Tanzanian. Spent four days on safari with my family. A visit to Hadzabe tribe with local guide was also specially memorable as we were invited to have lunch with them and boys were trying the hunting with bow. All in all from start to the end of safari, all went well, Natasa and office staff are still in contact with us as we are still in Tanzania ending out trip on Zanzibar. Without a doubt if we return back, we choose Shadows of Africa again!
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super great safari with Shadows of Africa!
My husband and I did a safari of 5 days and everything was arranged perfectly from beginning to end. Everything was beyond expectations, thanks to Natasha and our guide Silvester and cook Abdul. The communication with Natasha is excellent, she responds very fast and knows exactly how to put a nice safari together, as well as give tips about Tanzania in general.
We went to Lake Mayara (1 day), Serengeti (2 days), Ngorongoro (1 day) and on our last day we went hunting with bush men (nomads), all was just amazing! Thanks to our guide we've seen the most amazing animals, he knew exactly where to go and spotted them from very far. The food was also very good, you will not miss anything!
We did the budget camping and slept in tents, which I would definitely recommend as you are more connected with the nature and during the night some curious animals could come to visit you, which is a very nice experience!
Thanks to Shadows of Africa we had an amazing safari! Thank you Natasha!!! :)
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
"The trip of a lifetime was a safari with Shadows of Africa," says this cynical traveler.
Was this safari my best trip ever. This jaded, cynical, well-seasoned traveler says a resounding "absolutely!" It was in no small part due to Shadows of Africa. I'm so glad I booked it with them after researching a safari with several companies. I wanted a customized, 4 day intense experience with just a driver and me. Oh did I have one! Natasha, the owner of Shadows of Africa and Richard, the manager, planned and executed every requested detail perfectly. All went smoothly from beginning to end.
A guide-driver, can make or break a trip of this nature. I once had an adventure tour company. I know what to look for. Mine, Moody, was a gem. When we met there was an instant rapport. There was more beyond his prompt nature, extraordinary knowledge of English, flexibility and most importantly, convivial personality. Moody was a combination zoologist-environmentalist-animal lover as far as this retired anthropologist is concerned. He fielded any questions I had about my experiences in layman's language. It enabled me to mentally digest and understand all that I was seeing in the extraordinary natural world in which I was immersed. He had a sharp eye to spot the quasi-hidden animals and lead me to where they were up close. And oh, were they! I never expected to be able to see them in such away. That moved more than my intellect. It reached my soul.
We spent a night at a tented camp in the Serengeti with David, the Maasai manager. Lions, hyenas and elephants were nearby. No worry. It is safe. Here, thanks to booking this place for me, I learned more about the animals than just through seeing them. David could lecture on environmental or anthropological issues about the symbiotic relationship the Maasai have with wild animals as well as their cattle. All live in balance. How the modern world needs to learn how to do that and soon. Elst not do just the Maasai lose their culture, but the animals become extinct and we humans with them.
Thank you Shadows of Africa for helping me realize that more than ever we need to protect these creatures everywhere they still exist. You did it without preaching. It was done through showing me their world in as intimate way as possible. We destroyed their habitat. We need to expand it to save them. For now at least, those which remain are relatively safe at Lake Manyara, on the Serengeti plains and in the Ngorogoro crater. A lion and I gazed at each other at close distance in the crater while he rested. In my mind's eye he mouthed "save us."
There are safaris and there are safaris. You know with whom I'd do a repeat.
Email aussieontheroad.com | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant safari experience
I've recently returned from a four day safari experience with Shadows of Africa Tours. From start to finish my group and I were treated to a flexible and enjoyable trek through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorogoro Crater.
Our group opted to sample a range of accommodation options during the trip, but from the budget to the heights of luxury - it was clear that Shadows of Africa had carefully vetted all lodges & hotels to ensure they met quality standards. Every lodge had WiFi, pleasant facilities, and accommodating staff.
Our driver, Timo, was a font of knowledge when it came to the Serengeti. His keen eyes were a source of wonder for us - he was even able to spot a Serval Cat from a good 500m away! When he wasn't directing our attention to another beautiful animal in its natural habitat, he was quiet and allowed us to chatter away noisily in the back of the car. While Land Cruisers are far from limousines in terms of comfort, we had ample room for ourselves and our belongings, and were grateful for the vehicle once the roads really devolved.
Over the course of four days we saw the entirety of the 'Big Five' and almost every other animal we'd hoped to see, with only the cheetah eluding us. We got some stunning photos of bull elephants, lions, and even a leopard resting post-kill. I couldn't have been more pleased with the sheer variety of animals we encountered.
The pre-trip communication from Jake was great, and it was a real pleasure to get to know him and the rest of the Shadows of Africa team while we were whiling away time in Arusha after our safari. Special mention to the feast that was the packed lunch that Natasha provided for the first day of our trip. More food than I could eat!
The real charm of SoA comes in the fact that they're designing a tour specifically for your group. Even once the itinerary was set, we were free to request later or earlier starts as our mood desired. When Lake Manyara looked like it might not yield great results due to the weather, we were quickly and seamlessly shifted to Tarangire instead. You don't get this kind of flexibility in large group tours.
An experience I'd not only recommend to friends, but one I am likely to repeat someday in the future.
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
shadows of africa is very nice company
This company is a very nice company, Natasha help me us to book the flight, and give us many idea about our trouble with other agent , the drive Mr B help us to meet policeman , Mr B act as translator, even we back to china, he still try to help us. He has a very good eyesight, he can find special animal in a very far away place, let us find the animal which normal is very hard to find. Especially he found 7 lions and we spend long time there with lions, it was a very nice experience. when in katikati camp, Mr B singed songs for us, we talked near the fire, and look the stars in the sky, it was a special and nice day that will not happen again in my life! all of us aprreciate Mr B given us very nice time there!
i recommend you to choice them, you will not disappointed with them.
US
Email Loretta | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fun, friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, flexible!
From the time we met Stacey and Jake at the Washington, DC travel and adventure show, to the final good-bye at the airport, the Shadows of Africa staff was warm, welcoming, friendly, and willing to answer any question we had! We traveled with six children ranging in age from 22-7, and everyone had an unforgettable time! We chose Shadows of Africa because they could customize our tour, and because we would be by ourselves in the safari jeeps. The personal service, itinerary customization, knowledge of the drivers/guides, and food exceeded our expectations!! Loved seeing how the primitive tribes are still living today, all of the treasured wildlife, and the spectacular scenery.
US
Email Ken Meuchel | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari experience in Tanzania
In short, our safari was a visual extravaganza accompanied by sensory saturation...the trip of a lifetime!
Thanks to my son's suggestion, we went on a father-son safari to Tanzania...something I had long dreamed about but never thought would actually happen. It was a truly amazing experience from top to bottom. Shadows of Africa is a top-notch company that accommodated our every need and was very responsive to our numerous questions and requests. (Thanks Jake & Stacy!) I highly recommend using them for your safari adventure in East Africa.
We quickly bonded with Edwin, our driver-cum-guide, who was terrific in every respect. He made the trip with his affability, local knowledge, driving skills and ability to spot animals we would have never noticed in passing. A real pleasure.
We were fortunate to see the Big 5 plus large numbers of other exotic critters such as giraffes, zebras, ostriches, hippos, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, crocs, baboons, monkeys, mongooses, 13 antelope and many bird species. Also witnessed the spectacular Mara River crossing; the wonders of the vast Serengeti; a lioness stalking/killing a male gazelle & holding it down so 4 younger family members could chow down; a few dozen vultures feasting on a fresh roadside zebra carcass; 18 lions sauntering off into high grass; 2 mature leopards sharing the same tree (mating season); an elephant family taking a river mud bath; a cluster of 16 adolescent ostriches; marching columns of wildebeest/zebras/buffalo; and lots of baby animals. Many of the animals were on or near the road making for great photo ops.
During our 10-day safari in late September, we stayed at several unique lodges and 2 tented camps which added greatly to our enjoyment. The staffs were welcoming, friendly, efficient and helpful. The food, especially the tasty hot soup for every dinner, was a special treat. Assante!
I really enjoyed visiting 3 local tribes and being exposed to the fascinating local culture. Our specialist guides for the day trips were outstanding.
After returning home, I made a lengthy list of my memorable experiences to savor in the future. Thank you Shadows of Africa!!!
NL
Email Aniek | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!!
Before booking with Shadows of Africa I have looked at several different safari companies to compare what they had to offer so I could make my decision. The reason for choosing Shadows of Africa was their always quick response, they were one of the lowest in pricing but had amazing reviews, not a negative thing to find. And I do not regret my decision at al! We had such an amazing experience!! We only had time for a 4 day safari to see Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, but we have seen so much and it didn't at all feel like long distances of driving.
Our guide Edwin was very experienced, any question we had he could answer it right away. Every animal and bird he could name and he did his best to find all of the big 5 for us, and he did! Not only the big 5 but so many other animals zebras, hippos, giraffe, hyena, jackal, many different birds and other small animals and as a highlight of our trip 5 cheetahs! A mom with her 4 cubs eating away on a thomson gazelle they had just killed. And we were the first ones there!
All in all an awesome safari with a very reliable company! We would recommend them to everyone and definitely use it ourselves again when we will have the possibility to visit Tanzania again!
CA
Email Laura N | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Safari and Kilimanjaro Climb
I can't say enough about how great our trip to Tanzania with Shadows of Africa was. From start to finish, everything was handled professionally. Our trip began with a five-day safari in Lake Manyara National Park, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with guide Siriko and cook Silvanos. Siriko was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We still can't believe how he managed to locate those leopards! His easy laugh and laid-back attitude made the experience very enjoyable.
The second part of our trip was the highlight, hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro in seven days via the Machame Route. Our head guide August has been guiding up the mountain for close to 20 years and his experience and calm demeanour inspired our trust. Assistant guide Amiri was equally capable and supportive, often setting the pace for our little group. Our guides and team of 12 porters, cook and server worked hard to make our lives easier.
Last but not definitely not least, we have to mention Natasha and the office staff in Arusha, who welcomed us back, allowed us to hang out at the offices and use the Wifi and loaned us a driver and vehicle for our last day before our evening flight back to Europe. Our trip was nearly over--they didn't have to be so accommodating, but they made us feel like family friends.
We would highly recommend Shadows of Africa for a safari and/or Kilimanjaro hike.
FR
Email PieroNath | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional teams, Amazing planning, Amazing safari
We had a quite precise idea of what we wanted to do (Serengeti including wildebeest river migration, Tarangire, Ngorongoro), within 6 days.
We contacted ourselves around 20 agencies by email to ask for quotation.
Why we chose Shadows of Africa :
- Amazing reactivity all through the planning process
- One of the only 2 agencies that proposed to call us within short delay of time
- The platform is the best practice we saw for trip planning: user friendly, nice to look at, detailed and precise
- Very easy, friendly and clear discussions while arranging the trip
We also really appreciated to meet with the team before in the office, and got face to face explanations about what to bring with us, what we will see and few recommendations (our planning contact was Marjeta who has been very professional).
About the safari :
The experience has been better than expected.
We are very happy we chose to start by the North Serengeti, then go back, so the hotel got better and better all through the trip. and we had the chance to see many different type of landscapes.
Special mention to the Maramboi Tented Camp where everything was very good and surprising (staff, service, rooms, swimming pool, happy hour, food, animals very near, nice walk near the lake).
Alex (our driver) has been very good, safe and responsive to any our questions or inquiries.
It has been an amazing experience.
The price definitely worth it, and we appreciate the work done to meet all our requirements within affordable budget.
We will definitely recommend Shadows of Africa to our friends who expect to make a Tanzanian safari.