Restoration Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $180 to $650 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Kevin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Adventure with Restoration Safaris
My criteria for a Tanzanian safari were fairly simple. I wanted a locally-owned company that was environmentally responsible and safe with knowledgeable guides. Restoration Safaris ticked every box and then went above and beyond all expectations! We spent 9 days with Bariki and Emmanuel and everything was planned perfectly. From our Kilimanjaro hike to Ngorongoro to our incredible Serengeti game drive, the trip was spectacular. The lodging was comfortable and clean and in some cases world class (highly recommend Kubu Kubu lodge in Serengeti!). On top of all of that, Bariki is a true professional who not only knows seemingly everything there is to know, but genuinely cares about his country - from the plants and animals to the people. You couldn't go with a better company. Thank you Bariki and Restoration Safaris!
Email Pavla, London | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
What an experience!
I finished the safari with my sister in January and we absolutely loved the experience! The way Bariki structured the tour, picnics during safaris and accommodation was fantastic and his knowledge made the experience unforgettable. Would definitely recommend his company!
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Email Ellen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Local Company That Goes Above and Beyond
My boyfriend and I went on a Safari with Bariki and Restoration Safaris from December 28, 2015 - January 4, 2016. It was a once in a life-time trip made extra special by the Bariki and his wife, Mourine.
To start, Mourine was fantastic and worked around our budget and schedule with ease. We communicated over email. Our guide Bariki was with us everyday of the safari from pick up to drop off and we are so thankful to have gotten to know him. Bariki has been a guide for over 20 years and a few years ago, he decided to start his own company. His knowledge and passion for what he does is inspirational. He has a deep respect for the animals too, knowing how close he can get, and how long the car should stay before it stresses the animals out. In addition to being well versed about animals, he is also knowledgable about the local tribes, especially the Maasai.
For us, being with a local company was really important. This is a way to directly support the local economy.
Overall, my boyfriend and I had a fantastic time seeing the animals, learning about the local cultures, tribes and even learning phrases and animal names in Swahili! I highly recommend doing a safari with Restoration Safaris and am happy to be a reference for Bariki and Mourine.
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Email Tami | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Top notch service with Restoration Safaris
This was our second safari with Restoration Safaris. I didn't think it was possible to experience something as meaningful and life-changing as our first time, but I was wrong. Bariki, our guide, is not only knowledgeable about the animals, environment, resources and people of Tanzania, but he is also a blast to hang out with. His commentary was so informative and educational, but what stands out for me is his passion about the wildlife and his sense of humor! We saw it all!! He made this second experience just as unforgettable! He also has a knack for spotting animals when no one else can see them and getting us access for the best photo opportunities.
His wife, Mourine, handled all the details of our booking and continued communication with us to ensure we had all the proper information. All accommodations in the various parks were amazing, (we chose tented camps) and everyday we felt like we had the most private, pampered safari, even though their prices are of excellent value.
I felt so touched by their service and attention that I consider Bariki and Mourine as part of our family now. I highly recommend Restoration Safaris if you want the best experience!!
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Email Brian Bishop | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We saw it all!
We have been on safari before and loved it, but Restoration Safaris took our experience to a new higher level. It was so much fun. Bariki, our guide, seemed to have a sixth sense for knowing where the coolest animals and the smallest crowds would be. He answered all of our questions - even the ridiculous ones - about the animals, Africa, and the culture. Plus, Restoration Safaris booked us in great tented camps that were right in the heart of the animals - it's trippy waking up in the middle of the night to the sounds of buffalo and hyena right outside the door. Bariki went out of his way to make our safari mind-blowing, and his respect for the environment humbled us. Setting up the safari was easy and quick - Morine is a true professional with an amazing eye for detail.
I can't recommend Restoration Safaris highly enough! We will use them again and again, bringing all of our friends in Denver with us to discover Tanzania.
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Email Susan Silberman | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I came for the animals; but I'm returning for the people
Some trips are just wonderful memories. This was life-changing. Obviously, I loved seeing the animals in their natural habitat and was astounded by Bariki and Alphayo's detailed knowledge of the animals and their behavior. It became a challenge to see a bird in fight and test their ability to identify the bird (they almost always got it right.) And, because of their knowledge of their land, we saw it all -- lion prides eating kills, vultures fighting over their portions, young animals nursing and playing, cubs and chicks, and even flagrant animal sex while our cameras clicked. I'll never see a zoo -- even an open zoo - the same again. There is nothing like seeing free animals in their natural habitat.
But, more importantly, it was the passion about their country and their dreams for their country that ignited me and my fellow safariors. When we met people, Bariki could tell us about their lives and dreams. We met children who walk 2 miles barefoot to get to school, carrying the firewood that they need to cook their soup for lunch, so that they can sit in classes with 100 kids of different ages without adequate paper and pens and resources. We brought colored pencils but what the school needs is water and paper and workbooks. This was not a picture of poverty but courage and determination. The land is harsh and difficult (but beautiful and amazing) and they love their land and their country.
But they want their children to be educated. And the children want to learn.
I've been in many countries where people live an agrarian lifestyle and, personally, I believe the 5000 years of their lifestyle has much more likelihood of survival than our 200 years in rabbit warrens we call cities. That said, Tanzanians want it all -- they fervently want the education for their children as much as they love their community and their lifestyle. They want their children to have a future that is not entirely dependent on the rain. Everywhere we went there were schools pathetically equipped where kids and teachers were using whatever they had to learn English and writing.
And the most obvious concern was water. When we asked the head teacher what she needed most -- thinking the answer would be paper, books, pencils -- she said it was water. They pay to have a water truck come and, of course, there is no money for it. Water. It seems so basic to me.
A water catchment system is set up in some schools and, even towards the end of the dry season, there was water. Such an easy solution to such a dramatically frightening problem. Bariki and his family are passionately involved in helping their country and protecting the environment that they love. And their commitment is infectious.
We will be back to help be a part of the astounding dream of these amazing people. It is an exciting time in Africa with a generation of children who are eager to learn.
I highly recommend Restoration Safaris.
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Email Norman | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Over-the-top outstanding, Restoration Safaris clearly disginguised itself for excellence.
Everyone I speak with has good things to say about their African safari. A closer look highlights differences, and Restoration Safaris distinguished itself for excellence and value.
* Unforgettable safari: Our guides Bariki and Alfaio masterfully managed the many game drives, going way beyond simply naming animals and plants and providing detailed descriptions of animal development, behavior, life-cycles and interactions within their own species and with others. We stopped hundreds of times to point out animals and birds near and far--many of which were difficult to notice, and with special attention to animal behavior with all the interest this brings. Our guides frequently taught other guides where to look for animals and answered questions their clients had asked. It was obvious that they were providing a highly enriched experience. We were constantly invited to observe and understand animal behavior that went way beyond just seeing the animals.
* Personal attention to all our needs: Meticulous attention to all throughout.
* Un-rushed atmosphere: no hurrying and ignoring things along the way to meet deadlines; nor was the pace slow. Our guides accomplished this by superb preparation always being organized, resulting in optimal use of time.
* Flexible planning: We communicated for months with Mourine to tailor the safari to our interests and needs. The result was a safari that met those needs and exceeded our expectations.
* Rich cultural experience: Our experiences included visiting and talking with local residents in neighborhoods, schools, Masai village, and 1:1 nature walks. The Tanzanian people are friendly and open, and we were able to understand and appreciate their values, history, customs, and challenges in adjusting, adapting and thriving in the modern world.
* Commitment to the human, animal & plant and physical environment: Restoration Safaris is committed to the health of the environment.
* Outstanding lodging and food: We had both the "lodges" and "tents" experience. Both were wonderful, interesting and safe experiences. Talk about being close to nature!
* Truth in advertising: When Restoration Safaris promotional material states "14-day safari" it is really a 14-day safari, not an 11-day safari plus 3 days travel to get there and back.
* Great value: Read the itineraries and compare costs. Restoration Safaris is highly competitive.
* Outstanding human experience.
* All in all, a remarkable, memorable and satisfying experience.
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Email Angela J. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An outstanding experience in beautiful Tanzania.
Our experience with Restoration Safari far exceeded my expectations. The staff were incredibly warm, knowledgeable, and well prepared. All details were seen to and there were many delightful surprises along the way. As you would expect, we saw a tremendous variety of beautiful animals. However, that was really only the beginning. We also had the opportunity to see a multitude of landscapes in several different regions and parks. We experienced local culture and toured several villages. The lodgings were varied and special; they added great interest to our journey. Truly, ours was the trip of a lifetime in the capable hands of Restoration Safari. I highly recommend this operation!
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Email Sue | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable safari
Prior to booking with Restoration Safaris, we asked for and received some excellent references, all of which we verified and a number of whom responded to our questions. We researched various options and asked for a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury to fairly simple mobile tent camp. This year the rains were unpredictable and, as a result, wildlife migration patterns were not what anybody expected. Owner Bariki and his wife (this is a family-owned company) scheduled our trip so we could enjoy as much wildlife as possible. We had plenty of time to not merely see but observe animals. Our two drivers (we were a group of 8, 4 in each Toyota Land Cruiser) worked together to provide us with a truly wonderful experience. Our trip included visits to a number of national parks as well as a Maasai village, a school serving Maasai children, a somewhat larger village and the Olduvai Gorge (where the Leakys did research). The trip was tailored to our interests. We are delighted to recommend Restoration Safaris.
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Email Ken | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing company with great knowledge, attention to detail, and personal attention
Restoration Safaris exceeded my expectations on my October 2015 trip. The rains were unpredictable this year, wildlife moved in unpredictable ways. The Restoration crew rerouted our safari several times....with flawless execution....you wouldn't have known anything changed from the original plan at any of the venues. The food an accomaditations were excellent, our guides checked on meals and accomidations at every site.
The game drives were excellent at all parks, again the guides were both knowable and personable. In addition to the excellent park visits, restoration insured we had the chance to visit a school, town, and a Masi village and interact with the people of this amazing country.
For knowledge, personal service, flexibility, and overall trip experience, I would highly recommend Restoration Safaris.