Ngekewa Tours and Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2021)
- Tour Types:
- Budget camping tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary (clients assist with camp chores)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $280 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Atilyo | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was really amazing
We starting researching safaris about a year before travel. Because of Covid, I'm so glad we chose Tanzania in the end.
We chose to work with Salim because he is a local Tanzanian with tons of experience. Be careful with the bigger outfitters, you won't get quite as personalized experience and it will cost more.
Salim had great communication from the beginning and answered all of my many questions patiently. We chose to do an 8 day safari, visiting Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro Crater and the Serengeti. Our guide was a true expert with years of experience and spoke perfect English (which is helpful because they are explaining so much about the animals). Having a good guide is vital to a successful safari as you spend so much time with them.
If you're looking to save a bit of money, here are my tips.
The affordable lodging is the route we went (mid level) and it exceeded expectations. Don't fret about staying at a fancy lodge, you're barely there, and when you are, you are exhausted. Save your money. I would have been disappointed if we spent extra on a nicer lodge because often we were gone from the room from 7-6pm.
Also, 5-6 days is plenty. I have no regrets about doing 8 days, but if I was on a tighter budget, we would have been just as happy with shaving a few days off the trip. We figured it was a once in a lifetime experience, so why not, but we definitely could have saved one day, which would have been about a $750 savings.
Flying from the Serengeti, or to the Serengeti, depending on how your trip is planned, is worth the money, but you could do the drive and save quite a bit. Our flights were $800 and in hindsight, I would have suffered through the bumpy drive back to save the money. BUT if you get car sick or hate traveling for long periods, spring for the flights, it does save time.
Here are some things I wish we would have known that I felt the internet was misleading about.
The clothing.
Yes, wearing lightweight clothing is important as the weather does change rapidly. That being said, you are in a vehicle most of the time. I certainly wouldn't have dropped as much money as I did on "safari" clothes if I knew we were barely going to get out of the vehicle. Bring a variety of clothes but don't fret terribly about the color.
Game drive time.
Everyone told me we needed to be up and on the road at 5:30, 6 am. This isn't true. We didn't start any game drives before 7:30 and saw plenty.
Camera gear.
Yes, having a long telephoto lens definitely helps if you're a photography junkie like me, BUT, you do get fairly close to most animals. Unless you're an pro or semi pro photographer, a 70-200mm lens will do you just fine.
The ONLY con I really have is the food, which isn't necessarily a con, just something to prep for. Most places you'll go are fairly remote and the cooks have to do their best with what resources they've got. While all the food tasted great, it is a simple menu. The packed lunches are quite simple as well, so bring snacks if you're a picky eater. For the total cost of the trip, normally food would be more "gourmet" so just be prepared. Once you see the landscape and the villages, you'll understand the depths the camps go through to provide good, fresh meals.
We had a phenomenal time and if you're on the fence, BOOK it! Using a local guide with on the ground knowledge like Salimu is the way to go.
US
Email Diana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent agency, great tours.
Good agency. Jocelyn responded quickly to our questions and arranged airport pick-up and transfer. The tour was really nice. Our guide/driver David was very nice, funny, explained everything about animals, didn't rush the group while providing the information about different scenarios. Our chef Geoffrey prepared excellent meals and were very delicious. I highly recommend Ngekewa tours due to their excellent services.
CA
Email lucky | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
its best trip
Thanks to experience of saadi and George , our guides during the kilimandscharo hike, we made it to the Uhuru Peak right in the moment , when the sunrise started . Our safety and well -being was always secured by fantastic team - we really enjoyed all served (in our case ) vegetarian dishes. Richard ,our safari guide, made sure that we had the chance to see countless of animals ,including the big five and several river .we had the chance , thanks to his support ,to see a lot of lions and cheetahs .
US
Email Lina John | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome experience
Great customer care, very informative and helpful people. Made the vacation even better. I would use them in my next vacation to see other wonderful places I didn’t get to visit.
CA
Email Ayub | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent teamwork and outstanding services
Excellent teamwork and outstanding services
The visit to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro parks and Manyara National Park offers us an unforgettable memory. Thank you very much for our fantastic guide Geoffrey with rich knowledge for animals and birds. Ngekewa tours and safaris team also did a good job.
We hope we would come back and see you again.
JP
Email Rose | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great service and Value for Money!
Despite having limited reviews, I decided to go for Ngekewa Tours since it was very attractively priced and I was impressed by their quick response and helpful attitude on emails. While we were on the trip, the quality was exactly as promised - from our guide to hotels to food! I would highly recommend them if you're planning to visit Tanzania and / or Zanzibar.
US
Email Michael keane | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellence Organization and Communication
A dream come true after visiting serengeti the Tanzanians most visited park with all the big five, its absolutelly stunning.
Thank you ngekewa tours and safaris for excellence organization and communication
CN
Email Maria | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I was so pleased with the trip. Our guide and driver were outstanding knowledgeable and friendly
Very good tour and travel agency. I will be recommending your tour and I will also be taking another in the future. The tour guide was very professional and always available. He gave me great information and was open and honest.
Email Sarah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very friendly, great communication and awesome experience
My tour was the best experience! I visited Ngorongoro crater, the views are amazing and a must see. The tour guide was very friendly and informative. Loved seeing the animals and would definitely recommend this company. Can’t wait to return and experience more tours