Reviews
RU
Email Dmitry | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A great guide to Tanzania
This was my second trip with Tanzania Destination Safaris, and I totally enjoyed both! Emmanuel has arranged everything in an effective and comfortable manner, and managed to meet all requirements we've set. He's also provided us with a good guide and team for Kilimanjaro and for safari. I recommend him to anyone dreaming of visiting this amazing country!
Email Jenny | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An absolutely amazing experience!!
We had a brilliant 5 day safari with Tanzania Destination Safaris. We visited Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorogoro crater. From the start Emmanuel was very prompt in his replies to all emails and we received a very professional service. We had a private tour which was not that much more expensive and well worth it.
Our driver, Izekiel, was fantastic. He was driver, guide, mechanic and much more.
The scenery was absolutely stunning and the number of animals we saw was incredible. We saw all the big five (including rhino!!) and much more besides, all at close quarters. The animal sightings far exceeded all my expectations.
The accommodation was fantastic, especially the Katikati tented campsite which was a real highlight. All food was delicious and we were treated extremely well at all the lodges/campsites.
The vehicle was in excellent repair and obviously well maintained. We had one minor mechanical fault which was dealt with quickly (within 10 minutes!!) and professionally.
Overall the safari was everything we dreamed of and more. We were well looked after from start to finish and had an absolutely magical experience. There were no hidden costs and it was well worth the money. I was very impressed with all aspects of the service we received from Tanzania Destination safaris and I would highly recommend them.
CA
Email Jamie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5 days, 4 nights private safari
Just arrived back from a 5 day, 4 night private safari with Tanzania Destination Safaris. Having arrived in Arusha with no safari booked, we met with Emmanuel and were able to find a safari that suited all of our needs. Our driver was incredible (Omary) and we saw absolutely everything and more. He was extremely accommodating to our needs and made sure we were always happy. There was a slight mix up with our accommodations in the Serengeti (completely out of the control of Tanzania Destination Safaris\Emmanuel), but Emmanuel was extremely prompt with his responses and was waiting for us at our hostel in Arusha upon our return to ensure we were OK. Overall we are very happy with the service and will definitely be recommending Tanzania Destination Safaris to our friends, and will likely use this company again for another safari. Emmanuel is lovely and there to help with all of our needs and wishes to help make this the best safari.
CN
Email Bowie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari Trip!
I have got in touch with many company before I came, but most of them only want to do the regular trip, Tanzania Destination is the only company who want to listen to my opinion and they did well. We have good communication by email, they always replied quickly even after I paid. And when I got there ,we had very good trip , organized well. Highly recommended Tanzania Destination to your guys.
IN
Email Hitesh Shah | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Worst service ever and you will know why through the ordeal mentioned below
This is a mail sent to the tour operator and Tanzania Tourism, Tato and safaribookings.com about this agent.
Dear Mr. Emmanuel,
This complaint letter is to bring to your notice and others that, your service during the 5-Days safari package we had undertaken through your company Tanzania Destination Safaris was pathetic and the worst we have encountered ever in our 20 years of travel life across the world.
Below I am presenting the account of horror we faced through your utter lack of service, causal and unprofessional approach.
• Through Safaribookings.com, we shortlisted your company Tanzania Destination Safaris, as our agent for safaris between 21 to 25 August 2016.
• We opted for your ready package for 5 Days/4 Nights, which included 1 night in Ngorongoro Crater, 2 nights in Serengeti and 1 night in Lake Manyara.
• Another 4 people joined in for the day package to Ngorongoro Crater.
• We even paid you USD 30/head extra for the newly introduced VAT, which you claimed was not included in the rate of USD 1305/head as advertised on the website and requested us to pay.
• The day before the safari, you visited our hotel in Arusha, collected the full amount for all 7 people in advance and introduced us to our guide/driver Khalid, who came to pick us up promptly the next day.
And now our nightmare begins.
• On the very first day, the safari vehicle engine heated up, and carburetor started leaking in Ngorongoro, right at the edge of Hippo Pond inside the crater. The driver/guide managed to get it rectified. This was promptly brought to your notice.
• Second day, there was a flat tyre on our way to Serengeti. Out of the two spare tyres at the back, one was already deflated, which is being careless and assuming it is against the law of the land. That’s not all, the jack was bolted badly inside the car and couldn’t be removed, and even the functional spare tyre couldn’t be removed, the tool kit was barely there. A passing vehicle helped us remove the jack. The tyre was removed with great difficulty with the help of few other people from another truck. We even borrowed a spare tyre from a third vehicle, just in case. We wasted almost two hours.
We complained about both these issues to you and you promised to send two spare tyres to Serengeti. The driver/guide says he never received any spare tyres, while you claimed you have sent them. Apparently they were not sent.
• On third day, we spent more time on getting the tyres checked at the workshops inside Serengeti during the safari.
And on these three days after the safari the driver/guide spent the evenings getting the repairs done, skipping his dinner with us. This we sorely missed, since we were waiting to hear his stories of other safaris.
• On the fourth day, we were stuck at Serengeti, unable to move to Lake Manyara, because the vehicle had three flat tyres now and no spare tyres. To top it all, the battery had completely died. A service vehicle was called to repair the battery. After a wait of four hours from 7:30 am to 11;30 am, we finally moved towards Ngorongoro/Lake Manyara.
• At the registration area of Serengeti, the engine was kept alive, while the driver/guide went to finish the paper work. But after half an hour of engine idling, it just stopped. Apparently the battery was dead. Push-starting with the help of others didn’t work. We wasted three more hours there, till another vehicle was organised to drop us to Ngorongoro Crater main office. By the time we reached our lodge at Karatu, it was 5:30 pm. A total of 10 hours through this painfully long troubled day and we could not visit Lake Manyara that evening.
We thought our ordeal was over and next day we can at least cover Lake Manyara for couple of hours before getting to Kilimanjaro Airport for our 3 pm flight.
• But the last day, at the gate of Lake Manyara registration counter, we discovered that the Lake Manyara entry card was not given to the new driver/guide, who came to fetch us at Ngorongoro gate. We called the old driver/guide, Khalid who was still at Serengeti. He mentioned that he had very clearly informed you to issue new card for Lake Manyara the previous day so that we are not inconvenienced. But you ignored this completely. At the gate, you suggested we pay and you will reimburse us at Arusha.
• We were certainly unwilling because by then we stopped trusting you completely. You have lied and deceived us throughout our safari and were least helpful in times of crisis. You avoided our calls at Serengeti when we were trying to reach you.
• We could not visit Lake Manyara for safari, thanks to your deficient service. And as compensation, you gave us USD 100/head. This did not even cover the Lake safari rest alone the trouble we went through because of a defective vehicle and your total lack of professional and ethical approach. In the end, you even refused to meet us at Arusha, instead sending your office staff with USD 300 to pay us.
You and your company will definitely NOT be recommended for anything to do with Tanzania tourism. You spoil the name and efforts of your wonderful country, its tourism department, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) and websites like safaribookings.com.
I request the respective authorities to take action against Emmanuel and his company Tanzania Destination Safaris.
CN
Email Liao | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful safari experience in East Africa
After 2 months' busy working, there comes another vacation, and it's time to go over our wonderful East Africa safari journey and to thank Kessy, our guide and the operator of Tanzania Destination Safaris Company. Thanks for your careful consideration and good arrangements!
Our route had a total distance about 2500km, covered the most beautiful area of Kenya and Tanzania. With the professional safari guide, we succeeded to see the big five, special five and many beautiful view beyond our expectations.
Kessy has a good language talent. He can speak English, Swahili and Italian. He also has good communication skills, solving problems abilities and is punctual. He always confirmed the next days plan with us in advanced, and will do as we planed strictly. So he's a reliable guide and friend.
Alfa is our driver and animals guide who has brought us a lot fun, excitement and animal knowledge. He drive fast but safe. He is brave and attentive. He is also very patient that he taught us how to separate from different gazelles over and over again till we all managed.
See you, beautiful East Africa, beautiful Tanzania, beautiful Lengai and beautiful Massai people, I will come back again!
CN
Email Weina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Emanuel is very nice warmhearted ! My 10 days trip was great thanks to him !
The service was great, we ve been communicating a lot prior to my arrival and during the trip Emmanuel was accompanying me thought the whole trip. Despite some unpredicted situations, we found always solutions. He gave me lots care and surprise, a great experience overall. If communication in some way can be more clear and transparent it would be even greater !
CN
Email Bingo | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
we spent a wonderful holiday with tanzania destination safaris:)
We visited Kenya and Tanzania in Feb,2015 and choose tanzania destination safaris as our guide.Kessy is really awarm heart person and he really help us a lot,as well as his staff,bring us some presents.
It cost almost 5hrs from Arusha to Nairobi.Kessy picked us up at the airport by himself.I still remember the first day we met at the airport and last day saygoodbye with Kessy in Nairobi.
I hope I can visit Tanzania again and I think this company should be known by more people.
Recommend!