Team work makes a Dream work
Porcupine Expeditions
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2020)
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Joey | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable and magical trip to the Serengeti
When I was preparing to undergo a safari deep in the Serengeti, I was initially overwhelmed by the sheer amount of tour groups and places to go. Let me make life simple for you - Porcupine Expeditions is undoubtedly the way to go! The respect, kindness, and friendships that they provide are truly unforgettable and make this an exceptional experience. I had the honor of working with Mama and hearing her story about what it means to be a "porcupine"; small, but fierce and protecting. Rather than branding the safari group as a proud lion or a dangerous cheetah, the philosophy behind Porcupine Expeditions is one of compassion and family. Here are a few reasons why this safari will change your life:
- The guides are knowledgeable, down to earth, and friendly. On this trip, I got very close with Jonas (tour guide) and Paulo (chef). Jonas would point out animals and share fun facts that kept us all entertained. From stories of culture and history to tunes filled with Bongo flavor, Jonas made this trip one of a kind. We had late night talks watching a vast field of stars. Paulo, the chef, taught me to cook local dishes like Jagera and Ugali. Chopping vegetables, stirring soups, and hearing about his experiences was eye opening. We also smashed charcoal blocks to bake bread and used different methods to disinfect the water. The trip was both culturally enriching and fulfilling for wildlife exploration!
- This trip is friendly for solo travelers. Coming alone from the US, I was worried that it would be dangerous to go to the Serengeti alone. Mama and her family made sure that I was taken care of, fed, and safe. She constantly went out of her way to check that I was enjoying the trip and taking care of myself! Even after the expedition, Mama will update me on her life to keep tabs. The friendliness, warmth, and compassion are something you won't find on other expedition groups. Our safari became a family road trip.
- Of course, the wildlife is breathtaking. Lions, hippos, warthogs, baboons. Anything you could imagine would just be an arms length away! Once you see the world, you will realize just how beautiful and majestic our home is.
This is a wonderful experience that I would recommend to ANYONE! I am excited to book another tour and bring my family to Tanzania to meet my African family: Porcupine Expeditions! To the Porcupine team - I will see you soon!
They made us feel at home and very especial
The communication was quick and effective. They answer any question and give us excelent advice.
The service was beyond expectations, the took care every minute we were with them.
Transfers, accommodation and food, excellent.
The safari itself was the best I ever had. Serengeti, tarangire are not to be missed.
Thank you Anna and Juliana for such a great experience.
We saw all kind of animals in great abundance and all the time.
ES
Email Jordi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best experience with the best company
If you want to have an unforgettable experience, go on your safari with Porcupine Expeditions. Initially, we booked for 3 days, but with the amazing service and facilities provided by Ana and Juliana, we ended up staying for 6 days. We’ll definitely be back. 200% recommended. Thank you so much for everything, ladies!
Email Derek | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great value, great people.
Anna from Porcupine and her team really went the extra mile to make our tour extra special! The price was right and the accommodation comfortable, will definitely recommend Porcupine to anyone.
US
Email Austin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
BEST EXPERIENCE, Exceptional Tanzanian Safari
3 day/2 night Safari to Chemka Hotsprings, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire NP. Most Affordable and best price for an outstanding experience!
Start to finish Mama Anna and her team at Tanzania Porcupine Additions were absolutely amazing, so friendly, very accommodating, and made you feel as if you were part of their family!
From the very beginning we were impressed! Website was professionally done and user friendly. Mama Anna was very responsive staying in good contact by text message/email the whole time we were planning the trip. She was also very accommodating catering the trip to our condensed schedule and Safari desires. She hand crafted us a wonderful experience, seeing some of the most famous areas of Northern Tanzania (Ngorongoro and Tarangire), getting off the beaten path (Chemka warm springs and local villages) and keeping it very personal/homey at every turn.
Our journey over the 3 days had zero hiccups. All transport, meals, and lodging were taken care of/coordinated by Anna/her team (and included in the price!). Making the trip so easy and not an ounce of stress!
Some of the highlights
Day 1: Chemka Warm Springs/Arusha
The water is so refreshing and the most gorgeous shade of blue! We spent the afternoon here after flying in relaxing/playing in the waters. Great fun for both adults and kiddos alike.
One of our favorite parts was that Genoan Monkeys climbed through the trees above us in clear sight while we floated in the water. So cool!
While there Annas children (who guided us, taught us some Swahili, and gave great history/insight to the area) took candid photos of us (at our request) while we swam in the water.
After the long day we were greeted by a home-cooked meal with beverage at Mama Annas restaurant and it was absolutely delicious!!
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater
Again Anna hooked us up with all meals and a very knowledgeable guide as we took a Safari to the Ngorongoro Crater in search of the big 5.
While there our guide was able to get us close enough to see 3/5 of them. Cape buffalo, Rhinos at a distance, and some young male lions. Additionally we saw hippopotamus, baboons, and thousands of migratory zebra/wildebeast amongst others. Guide brought us a home-cooked meal to eat in the bush (again complimentary from Annas restaurant). After a long safari Anna arranged us a night stay at the Fig Tree Lodge with modern amenities (pool, beds, electricity, etc). Prior to bed we had another home cooked meal and time with a local guide (Abdul) who gave us a very knowledgeable/enciteful tour of the village of MtoWambu and its people.
Day 3: Tarangire National Park
This day was honestly the best day! Anna hooked us up with the best guide,Bakari, to Safari through Tarangire NP. Bakari was so knowledgeable, very friendly, and able to get us feet away from Lions, Baby lions, Giraffe, and Elephants. Highly recommend Bakari and Safarring through Tarangire NP. We were again able to see 3/5 of the big 5 here. Lions, huge herds of elephants, and cape buffalo. If you are looking for a place to Safari Id say Tarangire would be a top option. After a morning in the bush, Anna/Bakari arranged us another home cooked meal and then transport back to the airport.
Overall I would recommend Mama Anna and her team from Porcupine Expeditions to anyone! They were absolutely fantastic at every turn of our journey. And to note the most affordable option and I compared over 10 others in the area!
CA
Email Mimi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Comprehensive service that felt like family
I really felt like Anna and her little company treated us like royalty for our 4 day safari. They made sure we were taken care of and comfortable in every way on the safari. in addition, the days we spent in Arusha and they drove us around giving us tours without any charge. Her prices were extremely fair. She connected us with an excellent driver who showed us the best of the Serengeti and was truly an expert. Lovely family business!
CA
Email Oleg | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Genuine
Had a great time with Porcupine for my very first Safari in Africa. Before I booked I looked at many different places and prices varied from reasonable to very expensive. I wanted to get the most out of the three days, so needed some tailoring done to find the best things to visit and see while near Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Anna and her daughter were very responsive through whatsapp and worked hard to give advice and plan the best things for me to see. The price was also extremely reasonable, and because it is a family business, I felt like supporting them as locals was the right way to go.
I arrived coming from Zanzibar to JRO airport which is pretty far from Arusha, where my tour was starting from. I was picked up late at night by Anna's daughter and son, who were wonderful to talk to while we drove the hour back to the city. I had accommodation before we departed on the safari the next morning along with dinner. I was treated absolutely amazing, making sure I had everything I needed. The safari itself was fantastic - the guide that we had knew exactly where to go and did not hesitate to get close to all the animals so that we could get the best possible pictures. Upon my return, I was also given a room where I could rest, and in the morning was driven back to the airport so I could continue my journey. All of this was included in the initial quote and no extra costs came up, which was very professional. I was very grateful that Anna was able to accommodate for my flight times there and back; I know it was not ideal and was really early/late, but you and your family made it work. Thank you so much.
If you are looking for a tour operator to go with while in Tanzania, you cannot go wrong choosing Porcupine.
CN
Email Iris | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable and wonderful journey
Anna gave us the best service. She cared about how we felt every day and helped us solve many problems. She and her daughter Julia made our trip to Tanzania Perfect.
We booked Kilimanjaro Trekking and Safari at Porcupine Expeditions. The Kilimanjaro team was really great and helped us get to the top, and I really appreciate them! During Safari, we saw a lot of animals.
I'm so glad I chose Anna. She gave me an incredible experience!
KR
Email Antony lee | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They were kind and prepared for everything
For us, who are new to Africa, they guided us on the tour without any worries. They quickly changed the accommodation we didn't like
CN
Email Jing | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They make Arusha become a second home for me.
他们家非常热情友好。因为我在以色列居住，这段时间的战况让出行变得不稳定，他们也承诺可以为我无限保留定金，直到我完成我的行程。落地接机以后如果有时间，Juliana 会带你去Arusha 最有名的African art gallery 参观。我的safari行程是2天Serengeti central，1天Ngorongoro crater和1天Materuni waterfalls with hot spring，价格合理。safari 的向导经验十足，尽全力让我们更好地观看动物。结束safari 后，MAMA Anna仍会为你提供帮助，比如我想要买当地的水果，她让向导Edson 带我出行，并帮我砍价。非常推荐！
Their team is very warm and friendly. Because I live in Israel, the war situation during this period has made travel unstable. They promised to keep my deposit indefinitely until I complete my trip. If there is time after landing, Juliana will take you to visit the most famous African art gallery in Arusha. My safari itinerary is 2 days in Serengeti central, 1 day in Ngorongoro crater and 1 day in Materuni waterfalls with hot spring, and the price is reasonable. The safari guide is very experienced and do his best to let us see the animals better. After the safari, MAMA Anna will still provide you with help. For example, when I wanted to buy local fruits, she asked the guide Edson to take me out and help me bargain. Highly recommended!
