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.
Email Maria | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience
We went to a safari organised by Ngekewa Tours, to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Manyara parks. Initially it was planned for 4 days, but we enjoyed it so much, so we extended for another day to a total of 5 days. This was a true unforgettable experience, watching and being do close to wildlife and learning about the nature. We saw many lion prides and followed their movements; elephants, giraffes, gazelles and antelopes, zebras, hippos, python, among many other animals. Serengeti is unbeatable and a must to visit if you to to a safari in Tanzania. Ngorongoro has a very distinct landscape and environment, it is very different, so I would definitely include it. Tarangire and Manyara are smaller, but have their character and are also interesting to visit.
Everything was well-organised, our guide Augustino was very knowledgeable and great to interact with. We learned a lot and he guided us very well through the trip. Communication with Joshua from Ngekewa was very efficient and prompt, he was helping out with everything and providing all information timely. We felt very welcome and well taken care of. The safari was also good value for money. I would definitely recommend Ngekewa tours.
I am sure that the organisers will inform about the details, but just to share some information.
You will be advised to talk warm clothes - do not underestimate this advice. In Serengeti it was +30 during the day, +16 in the night; but Ngorongoro is higher in the mountains and it was +14 the whole day and +9 in the night (in August).
It will be very dusty on the way, this is unavoidable. I would recommend long sleeves (eg shirt) and long trousers, breathable, light weight, fast drying (in case you wash them in the evening to use the next day). I was super-happy with my Craghoppers outwear. It is worth having another set of clothes for the evening, and maybe a couple of sets for the day. You may want to have a scarf or bandana to breath through, if it gets too dusty.
Shoes - just comfortable. You won't walk much because it is not allowed to leave the car during the safari. Most useless thing I had with me was the hiking boots. Sandals were just fine.
Sunscreen was useful, anti-mosquito spray in the end was not (but still worth having with you). You will need a hat and sunglasses.
If you are going to camp... Public campings offer very basic conditions (if you are lucky), or even less than that. This is regardless of the organising company, all of them use the same campings. Just be prepared for this. Don't forget to take towels with you. A torch can be useful. You will get a tent, a mattress and a sleeping bag (usually without a zip). Looking back, I would think of something to use as a pillow and a clean pillow case, and I would probably take my own light sleeping bag (because I like to sleep in cleaner conditions). However, we stayed in campings for a couple of nights with my 73-year old mum and we both were fine. We will never forget an elephant coming directly to the camp and zebras grazing next to our tent in the night, so it was worthwhile.
Socket - UK type, 3 flat pins.
If you have a binocular, it is really worth taking.
KR
Email Jun | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and friendly operator
I initially chose this after seeing the course I wanted and the reasonable price. In spite of the fact that it may be troublesome, operator manager Lulu always replied about my detail questions by e-mail from few month ago friendly. So I was sure that I chose Ngekewa well.
The safari tour also perfect and I couldn't forget until the day I die. On the second day of the schedule, the guide changed from Barik to Mali, but everyone was professional and friendly. My couple was able to make so many memories by spending 5 nights 6 days with people of various countries. Not only we saw big 5 but we had unforgetable memories like a lot of night stars, the endless plane, sleeping with sounds of lions and hyenas, observing zebras around accommodation and fantastic beer with safari. All of this was really dreamy memories.
Thank you to my 'rafiki's for making fantastic memories. I miss you all!!
P.S. Thanks to Mali, I have a really rare experience, so Lulu seems to have to raise Mali's salary!😁😁
US
Email BRIAN | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
MEMORIES FOR LIFE, WITH NGEKEWA TOURS AND SAFARIS
Deciding to go on a Safari with my 10-year-old son was one of the best decisions I've made for a father and son trip. Of all the safari companies I found on the internet, Ngekewa Tours and Safaris was the one I choose. What made me chose this company was simply because of the attention I received when I sent numerous emails enquires. Joshua, the person behind the responses was very professional, prompt in replies and transparent. This engaging attitude and interest in ensuring my questions were answered gave me no doubt about my choice in choosing Ngekewa for my safari trip; and having this comfort I signed up for the five-day Safari trip. I received my proposed itinerary which laid out the entire tour for each day. This in itself was a testament of how Ngekewa tours and safaris leaves no wondering as to what activities you would be doing each day.
We arrived at Kilimanjaro Airport two days before the safari tour. Joshua had arranged our transportation from the airport to our hotel. From the time we entered the vehicle, our driver Godlyson engaged us with an educational conversation on the history the area we were in. We had many questions to which many answers were provided. He gave us insights on activities we can do before and after our safari trip. One was being able to take photos with a few animals, which had my son's excitement hyped after hearing lions were involved. Arriving at our hotel Joshua was there to greet us. He ensured we were properly checked in and we laid out a plan for the next day.
Day before the Safari: At the set time sharp! Joshua was at the hotel ready to take us for walking tour of Arusha. We visited the famous Clock Tower which marks the center point between Cairo, Egypt and South Africa. We visited a few other monumental sites and ended at the day at a Maasai market where local artifacts are sold by people of the Maasai Tribe.
Day 1-5 Safari: We were picked up on the first day promptly at our hotel and taken to meet our safari guide Augustine. From that point on the education began. As a vivid watcher of National Geography animal planet series, I thought I knew it all but NO, there was much more to learn from Augustine. He kept us entertained throughout the entire tour which made the long ride seems like a jump in time. Each and every day had its own awe moments. I was worried about my son being bore but that wasn't an issue. We saw four of the Big five animals and numerous other animals. From sleeping in a tent under the stars in the open Serengeti and hearing the hyenas and lions’ roars at night to camping on the edge of a volcano crater. Each place we visited had its own adventure.
Last Day before departing Tanzania: On this day Joshua took us to a park where we took photos with lions, giraffes, zebras, monkeys and a few other animals. We then went to visit the biggest waterfall near the Kilimanjaro Mountain. The day ended back at the Massai market buying souvenirs.
I could write in more details, but I'm saving that for the book my son and I have been composing.
As my caption states, "MEMORIES FOR LIFE, WITH NGEKEWA TOURS AND SAFARIS."
Special thanks to: Joshua, Godlyson, Augustine and David for providing my son and I a memorable safari trip
NO
Email Henriette K | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Didn't get what we payed for
Travelling with a friend we booked a 5N/4D safari, with the last day being a private day to Lake Natron. The guides was really good and knowledgable and we saw all the animals we hoped for and more!
So for the Lake Natron visit we spesifically booked a visit to a Masai Boma. Firstly, Lake Natron was a dissaponitment in itself and was nothing like the pictures (pink lake) and looked just like any other water. We saw a lot more flamingos in the other days on safari than here, where there was suppose to be so many. I know that you can't guarantee for wild life but it just felt like this was not a good time of year to go or maybe it was not the right spot? And finally we did not go the Masai Boma as the guide was not informed about this. We told him in the morning, but he later told us that he din't understand as he was not informed about this. We have complained to the office afterwards and they just blame the guide for this and have not responded to my follow up questions and comments. My brand new suitcase (USD0165 )was also broken during the safari and caused a lot of hassle for me for the rest of my trip. This is also ignored.
Email LC | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Either the reviews are fake or I was the one very unlucky customer.
The 7 days Serengeti/Wildebeest migration/Ngorongoro crater/Foot of Kilimanjaro trip that never was.
It turned out to be a 5 day safari with game drives only, so I am short of 2 days of activities. During that time no communication from the company.
No accommodation was booked for me while in the Serengeti so it was 3 days of genuine stress wondering where I would sleep. The driver tried many times to be in contact with the company to no avail. I couldn’t join another group that actually wanted to see the famous crossing as I could not have bore the cost and could not be in contact with Ngekewa safaris anyway.
After initially denying any wrong doing on their part and being told I would have to pay for accommodation myself in the park, I was finally contacted one day after being dumped at a hotel in Arusha as my final destination. I had to arrange and pay for an extra night as my trip ended abruptly and before planned.
By the last communication, compensation was going to be offered but apparently only if we met in person. Which I find strange and couldn’t happen since I was not around. Now which compensation? I will never know. A refund? I doubt that. A voucher? …will I ever use them again? Nope.
Since then, not a peep. And zero communication from the company’s director either.
I am not going on a campaign against them and you can decide for yourself but as far as I am concerned, I have wasted a month’s salary, never saw what I paid for and did a very expensive bunch of game drives I could have paid for a fraction of the price in the neighbouring countries. A once in a lifetime experience they have totally ruined for me.
So maybe I was super unlucky but I certainly cannot recommend them.
US
Email Paola Virrueta | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
While there are countless safari options available, contacting the agency and Witness was incredibly straightforward. She promptly responded to our messages, allowing us to tailor the safari to our preferences. We even had the opportunity to visit Kilimanjaro National Park for a walking tour and to join locals for coffee preparation. Immediately after, with our guide Guzlov, we headed straight to the first park. He proved to be an exceptional guide, ensuring we spotted all the animals we had hoped to see. Guzlov took great care of us throughout the journey, offering insights into animal life and migration systems in the Serengeti and surrounding parks. Staying overnight in the Serengeti was a truly remarkable experience. The hotel was superb, with attentive staff who catered to our every need. The sunrise breakfast overlooking the Serengeti was unforgettable. All the guides and drivers who accompanied us also provided exceptional service.
CY
Email Emile | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Totally amazing
It was an amazing journey.
In 5 days I visited 4 parks - Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro and saw a huge amount of animals. Thank you to our guide for exposing us to the beauty of Africa. He was very experienced and courteous and we were very lucky to have him. All trips were accompanied by unique experiences, scenery and discoveries. Special thanks to our chef who fed us all along the way. I also spent one day with another guide who also left only positive impressions.
There were some amazing people in my group who were a pleasure to meet and share this time with.
An amazing experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
NL
Email Marc Teunissen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super safari
As a solo traveler i joined a 5 day safari with Ngekewa. Very good and fast communication. I was lucky to be in a group with 5 other like minded adventurous people. So we had lots of fun together.
We were also lucky to have Mr Mailiaki as a driver. With more than 10 years experience he has incredible 4wd skills, he brought us to places most other drivers didn' t dare to go and we never got stuck. He is also very aware of the safety of the passengers. And last but not least he is very knowledgeable about the wildlife. Our cook Richard prepared some delicious meals. As this is Africa and your in a grouptour your schedule could change from day to day. But in the end you will see everything. Recommended.
FR
Email Thomas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent experience
My wife and I were hesitant at first but everything went well. At the airport, a driver was waiting for us. When we arrived at the hotel, we were briefed on the organization of the safari.
We took 4 days: Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngororo with lodge. There were 6 of us tourists in the jeep, which was very comfortable. Perfect formula.
Remember to bring your binoculars, snacks, a sweater (it is cold in the evening and morning in Ngororo especially).
We had a great guide, Agustin, 26 years of experience, with whom we had an incredible time.
Thanks again for this Safari
(automatic translation from French)
