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
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.
HR
Email KruKop | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Maximum Africa Experience
The most important thing when you're booking a safari is to have an experienced driver - and this is the trademark of SoA. The right driver will take you places other drivers do not know of, he/she knows where to find animals and has special connections in local stores and camps. Also, they can choose the right chef for the trip, give you valuable information on the animals and be a pleasant companion. Natasha is one of few safari company owners who finished a demanding safari management program (which includes spending a month in a safari camp and handing vast amount of info about the local flora and fauna) so you can tell her your wishes and fully rely on the safari package she will tailor for you. Best drivers and best management - once you get there, you will appreciate it, as it is the only guarantee you will return back home with memories and experiences exceeding your expectations.
US
Email Don Basler | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Photo Safari - Even better than expected
Matt and I want to thank you so much for the fantastic experience with Shadows of Africa in February. As this was our first photo safari we had many questions pre-travel and we very much appreciate your team, especially Jake, for being responsive and patient with our inquiries. Once on the ground in Tanzania our guide and driver, Richard, was on top of every detail, including his recognition of the camera equipment we brought and a trip enhancing suggestion to remove the two middle seats in the Land Cruiser. This gave us the room we needed for our tripod and other equipment. As you know, we requested a very specific 2-person photo safari experience. The Shadows of Africa team responded to that request from the beginning to the very end, even arranging for a place to shower and change on the way to the airport on the final day. This allowed us to have a full last day on Safari.
Natasha, special thanks to you for meeting us at the hotel to adjust our itinerary at the last minute in response to my request to spend an additional night in the Serengeti tent camp. It proved to be a good choice as we lost a half day to rain and the extra night was needed to have a complete experience. All of these details and so much more made our experience a positive memory we can cherish.
By the way, we got some great photos and video of the great migration, lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, etc. etc. Even some great bird shots. This is why we went to Tanzania and you, Jake, Richard and your whole team made it great. I can’t imagine any other tour company doing better, and the price was very reasonable. I would highly recommend Shadows of Africa to anyone considering such a safari.
Best wishes, Don & Matt Basler
Carolinas USA
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire
Excellent. Natasha and Tim were very informative, helpful and friendly.
Mine was a totally customized package and they really ensured I enjoyed our trip. I will visit again.
https://www.facebook.com/Zookk/media_set?set=a.10151828931429365.1073741832.538664364&type=3
Email Kylie Sustar | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic safari! Well worth booking with Shadows of Africa!
A friend and I enjoyed a spectacular safari with Shadows of Africa in January 2014.
Honestly, we were a little concerned before arriving in Tanzania as we had booked purely based on online reviews, however we soon realised we'd hit the jackpot!
We opted for the 5 day camping/lodge private safari as we were really keen to experience sleeping in the national parks. It was truly amazing!! It was very exciting to be woken up at 3am to the sounds of a wild buffalo chomping grass by our tent! A male (huge!) elephant also walked through our campsite twice to have a drink from the large water tanks!! Nothing quite like being that close to such a magnificent creature!
The safari trunks are well cared for. As are the staff. They seem very happy with their employment conditions and are mostly long serving staff. Our safari driver was great! Lots of knowledge and always happy to go put of his way to give us the beat experience. We also had a personal chef cook all our meals which were all wonderful! He even made us chapati on request and was happy to take us for African cooking tutorials :-)
The company is run by Natasha, who is the most wonderful hostess! She went above and beyond to ensure we were experiencing the best Tanzania has to offer. She checked in on us (by phone or in person) everyday. She was even so kind as to organise for us to be dropped off at a local orphanage for a little extra experience for no extra charge!
While Natasha is a very modest lady I must boast that she is extremely generous. Natasha funds a local orphanage which cares for 50 children. The money she raises from her safari company helps feed, cloth and shelter these children AND (if this isn't enough) she also pays to send them all to a private school to give them the best chance in fulfilling their dreams!
Shadows of Africa is a wonderful company. You are not only guaranteed a fantastic experience, but the money you pay is being injected back into the community to help the generations of tomorrow have a bright future.
Hope this helps! Happy travels :-)
Email Marcel Zakrzewicz | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
By far the best Safari ever !
We planned to go Skiing in Germany but after three days the snow started to melt so we decided to see if we can go on Safari as my wife has never been to Africa. I got in contact with Shadows of Africa and everything was arranged in just two days with all the parks and attractions we wanted to see. Service was perfect, from the first pick-up at the airport back to the drop off after one spectacular week. Our driver was very friendly and most important very knowledgeable, we had a lot of fun during our week.
We even decided to change some accommodations for some days while already on Safari and it was not a problem at all, you can really plan your safari on a budget or as luxury as you want and Shadows of Africa makes sure it will be your best vacation ever.
Natasha is a professional in her field, very focused on customer satisfaction which you will notice once you are picked up and the drivers phone rings to make sure you have been picked-up in time and all it ok, outstanding service.
Thank you Shadows of Africa and our driver Sariko for a wonderful week .... !
EG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Experience
Our honeymoon was in Tanzania in November 2013. It was split into beaches at Zanzibar and Safari in Tanzania mainland…The safari part was organized by Shadows of Africa and it was beyond amazing. Natasha, owner of Shadows of Africa, has provided us with excellent and prompt support at all stages whether at preparation or during our stay. Also, she helped us with great advices, tips and some arrangements for our other part of stay in Zanzibar, although it was not related to her offer.
It was a 4 days Safari, exploring Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro crater. We have booked Medium accommodation and venues were all perfect, clean and at nice locations with great views. Having at least one night in a tented camp is an experience that we shall not forget and shall not be missed :) Our driver and guide was friendly, attentive and punctual; and we have almost managed to see the big five (the rhino was a bit far away :)). The weather was excellent, however, it was almost end of dry season, so big part of lake manyara was dry and lands were of much less greenery, however, it was still rich of wildlife and we enjoyed our time.
This was ana experience beyond expectations…If you are into wildlife and considering going over there, there is no room for hesitation, just book now :D
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!!! :)
BG
Email Mihaela Pavlova | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Vacation - Kilimanjaro and Safari
My husband and me spent two wonderful weeks in Tanzania, all arranged by Shadows of Africa. What can I say, this trip has certainly become a trip of my lifetime. Kilimanjaro climb was well organized; we had a nice team guiding us to the top. The guide Rashid, was very motivating and keeping it positive in challenging moments when I was about to give up on the way to the mountain. For this I am sincerely grateful as in other circumstances I would probably quit along the way. As for safari all I can say , had an amazing time. We took 5 day safari to Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. All parks are beautiful, but Serengeti was the place worth staying for days and if I come back I will choose to visit more days in Serengeti for sure. Driver Timothy was funny, witty and informative with wildlife facts and safari stories. Food on safari was also good and tasty, lunch boxes we received were very generous in size and portions in comparison what we saw with other people on picnic spots. For us this package was exactly what we wanted, we didn’t go on Zanzibar but maybe next time..
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding Safari Experience
What can I say? Shadows of Africa knocked it out of the ballpark. Even though I was booked into the "standard" package, most of the amenities and camps would fall into the luxury category IMHO. Our guide Timo really knew his stuff providing info such as life span, mating habits, predators, average height and weight and even unique anecdotes about everything from the smallest bird to biggest of the Big 5. He's a great animal spotter too -- there were times when we were scratching our heads thinking, "How did he manage to see THAT?"
Owner Natasha checked in daily via phone to make sure we were happy. Overall 10 out of 10. Would definitely book with them again.