Team in Tarangire National Park
Gecko Adventure Tanzania
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2005)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TATONA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $195 to $950 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CN
Email Alya | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extremely disappointed and will recommend not to use them
Communications:When he knows there is a problem he decided to avoid answering the phone, other than that he responds ok.
Service:Not good, we definitely didn't get a good place to stay nor the trip was done as discussed!
living up to expectations:We found ourselves in a deserted camp-not sure if it was a camp-one hut with a small dining area.No other customers were there even though it is the season.
The food(ad the waiter) was brought in the car with us-which by the way was apparently a frozen chicken and eggs and we lived off that till the next day's lunch when we finally had enough and wanted to move camp.Of course we had to pay for the new camp as well!!after we complained to Rama/Gecko and his response was it's not his fault!!!
The Safari tour:
We booked two nights and three days:
First day:
the plan was to drive us from the ferry, have lunch and head to the camp and catch the ferry.They came on time to pick us up, however the trip somehow took longer than they expected so we ended up not having lunch and running to catch the boat.
Second day:
We drove up to the game park no problems.
Third day:
We were supposed to have our walk in the game park , we ended up just walking around our camp cause Gecko-Rama-decided to not buy the entry ticket and save some money!!While it only costs about 130 dollars for two people and we paid him more than one thousand dollars for two nights and we ended up paying again for another camp because the camp he chose for us was terrible, even the waiter came with us to the camp and he was the only waitron top of that we were the only customers staying there and I couldn't sleep the whole night!
*We were looking forward for this holiday, and we paid well and discussed all the arrangements in advance, but still nothing was done according to plan.It is very unfortunate to be treated this way.I would not recommend nor wish this to happen to anyone else.
IL
Email Jaye | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good safari experience, but a few minor issues
We were very happy with Selous River Camp which Gecko booked for us and with our Selous safari guide Magire, who although young was excellent at spotting animals, knowledgeable and patient.
Gecko's booking and payment process was smooth and efficient and we received vouchers for the flights, safari and accommodation quickly.
However, there were a few minor issues, and while they didn't impinge on our overall experience they are worth pointing out.
- Although Gecko booked us on a flight landing at Mtemere at 12.30, Selous River Camp was informed by the company that we would only be arriving at 14.00. So when we turned up more than an hour earlier they had unexpectedly to prepare us an earlier lunch (which they managed with customary efficiency and courtesy).
- While all the other companies' open-sided safari vehicles we encountered in the reserve had individual high-backed padded seats, the vehicle provide by Gecko came with harder bench seats with little in the way of padding or back-rest. We managed the eight hour drive along often rough "roads" just fine, but for anyone with back problems this could be an issue.
- Other companies served the picnic lunch provided on safari on a foldable table and chairs carried in the jeep and set up for the occasion, while we ate ours standing up, plates balanced on the bonnet of the jeep. Again, no big deal for us, but indicative of a slightly lower level of service than the competition.
To be fair, we booked our safari with Gecko at the last minute, less than a week before departure, and it could be that at this stage no other vehicles were available; however we would advise anyone booking with the company to inquire closely into just what sort of vehicle and service to expect.
FR
Email Jessica | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
GREAT TOUR WITH A GREAT GUIDE
The communication with Rama was excellent. He advised us in a great way and listened to our needs so that we could have the best experience.
The car was great, we were just 2 people, my friend and I.
The accomodation was clean and greatly located. The staff was super friendly and helfpul.
The only thing that we were a bit disappointed about was not being able to do a walking safari in the morning because we had to leave around 10am to catch our ferry in Dar and it was duting the weekdn so the driver was concerned we would miss the ferry. We went to visit the village instead but it was not the same.
Thank you however, Rama, it was a great and beautiful experience!!!!
Jessica
IE
Email Philip Lee | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tremendous 3 day fly in Safari from Zanzibar to Selous with great staff, guide, food and lodges.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Safari experience. Our two Boys aged 11 and 15 had the trip of a lifetime. We were looked after very well. The accommodation was excellent and eco friendly. The Camp Staff were kind, courteous and very attentive. The swimming pool was lovely after each day. The food was tasty, hot and different each meal. Our Guide Ramadani was very knowledgeable and friendly. We will always remember him and all the staff. Thank you all, The Lee Family, IRELAND.
US
Email Jordan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Prompt, reliable, and as promised.
I was impressed with Gecko from the time of our initial inquiry. They responded to our inquiry and follow up questions quickly and effectively, which gave me a lot of confidence to book with them.
Our driver and guide, Msifiri, picked us up on-time, and drive times were as quoted to and from Dar Es Salaam.
During the safari, Msifiri did a great job of pointing out animals, and seemed very knowledgeable about the park, environment, and animals that live there.
Mikumi is a stunning park, and we saw many animals--it absolutely exceeded our expectations.
We stayed at Camp Bastian Mikumi, which was fabulous--staff were friendly and helpful, and the accommodations were clean and spacious. We loved the atmosphere at the on-property bar/restaurant, and the food was delicious.
For those considering the two day safari option to Mikumi, I would caution that the drive to/from the park is long and fairly tedious; however, this had nothing to do with Gecko, but rather is just the nature of the road/traffic.
Overall, though, we had a phenomenal experience, with Gecko exceeding expectations. I wouldn't hesitate to book with them again, and hope I'll be able to return to Tanzania to see more of its fascinating wildlife and beautiful scenery.
FR
Email Phillippe | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Marvelous boat and land safari combined with an unexpected walk with a unique bushman
The 3-day & 2 night tour at the selous river camp was perfectly arranged with Gecko Adventure Tanzania. The package containing the flight transfers, a half-day boat safari, a full day safari in the selous reserve and a walk with a bushman was an ideal combination for a short but intense immersion in this lovely landscape. Once you have seen all or most expected birds or wild animals, the final walk with the bushman sound like an amazing and unforgettable surprise.
Many thanks to the selous river camp team. We are glad to have such an experience in these conditions and with this agency.
DE
Email Silke | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfekt two day trip to Mikumi starting from Dar es Salaam/Kigamboni
Great two days, perfect service. Our guide Tony was a safe driver and a good guide. He gave us a lot of information about the flora and fauna in the park. We saw many animals like lions, hippos, elefants, zebras, antilopes, impalas, wildebeest, buffalos, monkeys, many birds, a crocodile and even a leopard. We always had enough time to watch the animals and to take photos. We had enough breaks during the long drive from Dar es Salaam, good food and enough water. Planning the trip was easy, communication with Rama was fast and helpful. We payed with credit card (DPO payment, secured payment page) in advance.
NL
Email Francesca | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
5 days full of emotions
We went in a group of 4 girls. We had an amazing time and saw two wonderful and beautiful parks. Selous and Mikumi are complementary, with different animal populations and different landscapes. It was really worth it all the hours in the car to have such a diverse experience. In between the parks we drove through Ulugoro mountains. The car ride itself was as amazing as a Safari day, thanks to the marvelous landscape. The tour wouldn't have been the same without our fantastic guide: Gasto. He really took care of making sure we were having the best of our time, and didn't give up in our pursuit of the different animals. If it's your first safari, or if you're an experienced traveler, I definitely recommend Gecko Adventure Tanzania!
CA
Email Jeff | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding safari experience!
We have just returned to Canada from an absolutely outstanding 7 day safari. Our party of 4 spent the first two days in Mikumi National Park (Camp Bastian Mikumi), followed by 3 days at Ruaha National Park (Ruaha Hilltop Lodge) and finally 2 days at Udzungwa Mountain National Park and Sanje Waterfalls (Udzungwa Forest Camp). We cannot say enough about the entire trip. Our guide Rama was delightful, always on time, very thoughtful and funny and always prepared to go the extra mile. We enjoyed a few extras including a wonderful guided tour of a local village in the Udzungwa area. Rama was truly a talent in finding all of the animals and looked after us very well. The accommodations were all very good as were the meals at each location. Gecko Adventures was very easy to deal with in getting the safari and arrangements organized and lived up to all of their commitments. We would recommend Gecko Adventure Tanzania to everyone.
Email Josh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Gecko Organized Our Terrific Trip to Selous Game Reserve and Zanzibar
Gecko is a first-rate operation. They were tireless in offering different options for both the safari and Zanzibar beach parts of our trip, and then being super-responsive and helpful throughout, both before and after we booked. The trip itself was terrific, and everything was perfectly organized, especially the accommodation and transport reservations, as well as all transfers. Both Rama in the office and Rama on safari as our guide did an excellent job, as did Amani as our Zanzibar contact. It was also important to us to work with locally-based operators, and Gecko is great in this regard too. I would travel with them again in a minute and recommend them unreservedly.