Base Camp Tanzania
- Located In:
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- Destinations:
Reviews
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommended...
My husband and I made enquires with Achmed at Base Camp Tanzania three months prior to departing on our safari. I chose Base Camp Tanzania for their price and also experience - from several positive reviews and also having been in business since 1997. Email responses from Achmed were usually within 24 hours. My husband and I did the "8 Day Camping Safari", with a requested change to the recommended itinerary (excluding Hadzapi bushmen and Dagota Tribe visits, instead visiting Ndutu in Ngorongoro Conservation Area) easily done. Additionally, Achmed organised 3 nights extra accommodation at L'Oasis Lodge with half-board (breakfast and dinner, not lunch) with ease - we paid for lunch separately, factoring this into our budget, also including alcohol (Safari beers 500ml are about USD$2.50 each) and tips for the driver, cook and any additional guided tours not included in our safari.
The initial 30% payable-upon-booking deposit was via Wire Transfer, with a scanned copy of our transfer transaction emailed to Achmed. The transfer was confirmed very quickly, with Achmed emailing a receipt of the transfer. The final balance, paid 2 months prior to the safari departure date, was also problem free.
We opted to pay the visa-on-arrival, standing in a fast-moving, lengthy queue at Kilimanjaro. A driver was waiting for us at the airport and drove us the 1 hour drive to L'Oasis Lodge, Arusha. We unfortunately did not carry small USD amounts at this time for tipping the driver or porters at the Lodge. After a day of relaxing by the pool, Achmed met us in the evening prior to our safari to discuss our itinerary. I felt calm, reassured and really excited.
Our safari was awesome! Emmanuel was our driver - experienced, informative (just the right amount), professional yet relaxed, wanting to give us a great experience - he is a fantastic guide. Zacharea was our cook - the food was plentiful, varied and tasty, and considering I have a food allergy (mentioned at the time of booking), I was extremely well fed, and I had absolutely no problems. There was always heaps of bottled water available. The large 4WD with pop-up-top was more than suitable for us (and would be comfortable for up to 4 people) and there were 2 multi-adapter power-points in the vehicle for charging devices. The tent was adequate for 2 people, and bedding was a 5cm (2") thick foam mattress each, so was quite firm to sleep on (I'd recommend taking your own camping foam-roll mattress or perhaps considering the luxury camping option if this basic style is not suitable for your body).
The camping sites were all different - fenced or not fenced, most with warm showers, and squat or western toilets. The list of "Things to bring" from the website was helpful, but don't forget: a sleeping bag, bath towel, body wipes (if you won't take a cold shower), and tissues (not all toilets have paper). Also, stinging flies are attracted to black and white, so neutral coloured clothing is recommended.
I admit that I had low expectations of seeing the wildlife, simply to avoid my own disappointment. I was super happy with my experience, completely satisfied. I feel Base Camp Tanzania really wants their customers to go away very pleased with their safari, and endeavour to provided the best possible experience. Emmanuel was also happy to stop at our request (where practical) for placement of us to the animal/s with consideration to lighting/shadow for photographs. He was great at spotting wildlife, and getting ourselves and assisting others out of a jam (quick-passing, down-pouring storms made the roads slippery, very boggy and created pools everywhere).
I have heard/read several people say that African safaris are expensive. I feel what we paid for our 12 night holiday/8 day camping safari was worth the money for us (if perhaps compared to self-drive) - no time/effort wasted on driving and navigation but completely focused on wildlife spotting, knowledge of the local areas and roads, less risk of getting stuck/bogged if experienced in the driving conditions, answering questions and providing interesting information, access to communicate with other drivers to find out where the wildlife has been spotted, all meals prepared for us, and tent/bedding prepared for us. All airport transfers (Kilimanjaro-Arusha-Kilimanjaro) were also included in the cost of the safari, even thought we didn't start our safari immediately, and also had "rest-days" afterwards.
Achmed met us upon returning from our safari for a chat about our experience (and perhaps to listen to any recommendations, although I had none). I am so very happy with my Tanzanian safari experience and have no hesitation in recommending Base Camp Tanzania.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great tour company - delevers as promised
I gathered all of the information necessary on the plan for my safari. I invited quotes by email from several companies, meanwhile friends of ours recommended Base Camp whom they have used before and were happy with their experience. I contacted base camp, initially the quote took quite a while to come through and the subsequent emails were not replied, hence, I almost selected a different company to go with. Mr. Achmed replied back just before we confirmed with a different company, the price was comparable to the other company though it was not the lowest. Due to the references, I decided to go with Base Camp.
We were greeted on arrival in Kili airport by our driver, Thomas, who drove us to Ilburo Safari Lodge for the initial night stay. The next day we drove to the Ngorongo Crater. We saw a lot of animals and we stayed at the Serena Lodge on the top of the crater. The dinner buffet at the lodge was very good with lots of choices. The entertainment program was an amazing acrobatics act. The box lunches at all Serenas were very basic, and not anywhere close to the buffet at the hotel. The breakfast had a variety of choices. The next day we drove to Serengeti National Park. We saw lion prides with cubs, leopards, lots of zebras and wildebeest. We did not do the early morning game drives as the lodge was a bit far from the action and the driver suggested that it may be too hard to come back for breakfast. The next day we saw a migration wildebeest heard crossing the road but a lot fewer lions. After Serengeti we drove to Lake Manyara where we saw some elephants and baboons, no lions. We continued on the next day to Tarangire and stayed at the safari lodge before returning back to Arusha. Achmed met us both the initial day that that we arrived and also after the safari and gave us lots of tips. Our driver Thomas was a bit reserved sometimes, but knowledgeable about the animals and spoke decent English. All in all I am happy with our decision to go with Basecamp Safaris Ltd and would choose this company again in the future.
Email Swenglishnick and Zimgirl | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Customer Service and superb tour!
We were recommended to use Basecamp by fellow travellers and it was the best piece of advice we had on out trip. We were looked after superbly by Achmed Philips (the Half German/Half Brummie co-owner), who must be one of the characters of Africa. They were happy to create a safari that catered to our lowish budget, but even so the company policy was not to mix groups so we got our own driver/cook and guide and 4x4 to ourselves. Awesome!! We heartily recommend using Basecamp if you want a great safari in Tanzania.
US
Email Brian | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Base Camp Site Ltd - So awesome!
We were a group of 3 couples (relatives) and got in touch with Achmed based on great feedback from close friends who went on safari with them in 2013. We had planned out safari for January 2015 but due to Ebola outbreak we asked Achmed about postponing for one year. He said OK, no problem. They rebooked everything.
Our Luxury Lodge safari was tremendous:
- Stayed in Arusha for a relax day after arriving via KLM
- went to Arusha NP, Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP (2 days), Ngorongoro Crater NP.
- Added Zanzibar: 4 nights in Nungwi beach resort and 2 nights in Stone Town (in hindsight 1 night would have be fine)
- Achmed greeted us the first night, took us through everything to expect, Do's and Dont's, and lots of laughs.
- Joseph, our driver was super. Punctual, uncanny at spotting, good reference books along, talking with lots of other guides along the way getting the latest, listening and responding to our every question or request. sensitive to trying for the best picture, and had uncanny anticipation as if he was an "animal whisperer"
We asked along the way to stop at an orphanage to make a donation so Joseph picked one for us. They took us in and talked about its start and all they are doing we left our packages and money.
In addition we asked to stop at a Maasai village. again, no problem. But had to pay $50 for the group, each couple was escorted by a prominent male, dancing, singing, visit inside a hut, explanation of their lifestyle and customes, answered all our questions, visited their kindergarten, their animal enclosures, and were encouraged to buy their crafts, which we did.
- The safari lodging gave us a tremendous and varied experience that we truly appreciated for the "Africa" memories we have beyond the game drives
- Traveler's checks were a running joke with Achmed till almost the end of our trip. 2 couples brought them to pay the final payment...but Achmed's bank was so slow in clearing them into his account that we were practically done before he had received full payment.
- Achmed met up with us again after the safari for a debriefing, sharing our exciting stories, and more fun laughs.
Oh, we had specifically requested to add on the hot air balloon but in hindsight the time of year without Wildebeast migration where the balloons go made it a little disappointing - However it is an unbelievable experience (saw a leopard with a cub, lions, hippos, lots of giraffe, elephants). We had always wanted to do a balloon ride so why not over the Serengeti!!
Finally, Base Camp was very highly regarded by the manager at the Zanzibar Nungwi beach Langi Langi resort for being totally trustworthy and reliable for their resort. They have had dealings for many years.
Our group agrees with their assessment.
CA
Email debra | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
did not deliver
We decided to go with Basecamp Tanzania after reading the excellent reviews, in particular, the comments about the guides .... "incredible", "extremely knowledgeable", "beyond exceptional", "made experience most memorable", "walking safaripedia", "extremely competent", "taught a lot about animal behaviour and ecosystem", etc. etc. Pretty impressive. Unfortunately our experience was nothing at all like the reviews, extremely disappointing. We got a driver, not a guide, who could barely speak English. Attempts at communicating were frustrating and led to misunderstandings. We drove in silence. He stopped when we asked but often drove off while we were still taking pictures. He provided no information about the animals, the environment, etc. On his advice we changed when we visited the crater because he said morning would be better. It was completely clouded in, no views, to which he said mornings always cloudy?? This company was much more expensive than other tours we looked at but given the reviews thought it would be worth it. Not getting a proper guide, feel we paid too much for an experience that did not deliver what was promised. They had to have known this person spoke little English and was not a proper guide. All we received from the company was an apology. Missed out on a once in a lifetime opportunity.
US
Email Jeremy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Operator I have worked with to date
From planning to execution Base Camp was excellent. Achmed respond timely and was an excellent source to assist us with planning. He corrected an issue when one of our lodges went into renovation just before we came. He upgraded us at no charge and assisted my in-laws with a day room before their flight back to the states. He is an extremely personable man that you must meet! We are planning a new trip with him in 2016.
Email Adrian Thomas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant Safari experience
We did a brilliant 11-day safari with Base Camp in August 2017, travelling the full northern Tanzania circuit including Arusha NP, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We travelled as a family of 4 adults, with Robert, our guide for the whole time, in a private Base Camp Land Cruiser. Robert was a great guide, he was brilliant at spotting all sorts of things which we would have missed, and he knew where and when to stop the vehicle to observe and take photos of the wildlife. We managed to see everything we wanted to see, including all the "Big 5" (and loads more as well, including the wildebeest migration across the Mara River), thanks mainly to Robert's efforts.
Booking the trip directly with Achmed in Tanzania (the English owner) was easy and friendly. Achmed answered all my email queries very quickly. He also met with us when we arrived, gave us a good briefing and various tips, and he also met with us again on our return for our feedback.
We did a (luxury) tented lodge trip, and the accommodation and food was very good all the time. Beware - this trip requires long days in the vehicle, but this is necessary to cover the distances and also to be around in the parks at the right times - we would not have seen so much otherwise. We also wanted to do a day hike part-way up Kilimanjaro, which Achmed organised for us as an extra "add-on" day with a nearby overnight stop.
It was a brilliant, well-organised trip, and I highly recommend Base Camp Tanzania for a Tanzania safari of any duration !
Email Hugues Debeyser | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Operator that delivers and goes beyond expectations
We had the experience of our life in the Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Arusha Parks. Achmed, the owner is really going the extra mile to make your stay unforgettable. We travelled as a family of 4 with our cook Zaccharia and driver/guide Yuda. Zaccharia serving us a variety of delicious local and international dishes. Yuda being an excellent spotter and knowledgeable guide on fauna, flora and country. Both working hard to give us the best experience. Lots of humour shared as well during the week! We opted for the camping safari to experience the real thing, and we did! Animals all around us, no fences, just fantastic and unforgettable. We have seen so much, that it is hard to believe there is anything left that we haven't seen, thanks to Yuda and of course a bit of luck. A special treat were the Wild Dogs, an event that made Yuda even very excited and Achmed jealous when we returned to base. Last but not least a special thank you to Achmed for reorganising our trip twice as we missed our connection flight to Tanzania and arrived one day later, and reorganising our Mt Meru Climb into a memorable walking and touring Safari in the Arusha Park instead, where we came meters from the animals with an armed Ranger by our side. Thanks to our guide Robert for the day, and driving our son to the clinic for treatment. We will recommend Basecamp everywhere we can and hope to come back to climb Mount Meru or the Kili with you!
US
Email Jennifer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Remarkable Safari with Base Camp Tanzania
I have used Base Camp Tanzania for two safaris and believe they are the best in the business. Their expertise ensures you will have the best possible safari experience. My most recent safari was in November 2016 and included days in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Thanks to our guide, Thomas, we saw an incredible number of animals. His spotting skills are phenomenal and he was able to anticipate the movements of the animals which led to great positioning for viewing and photos. Highlights included seeing the wildebeest migration, lions on the prowl for water buffalo, and lions mating. A tented camp was recommended and spending three nights in the middle of the Serengeti was nothing short of amazing!
Achmed Phillips, the gregarious company owner, met with us before the safari to review the itinerary and afterward to hear all of our safari stories and share some of his own. Laughs are guaranteed with Achmed!
I highly recommend Base Camp Tanzania!
CA
Email mario isita | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
a very good operator
when you choose and pay online an operator for your travels and holidays,you never know what you can find in the reality, also if the reviews on tripadvisor are the best ones....this time we met a very good,professional one.The driver was not young, so very careful in the savana,not a race but a long,well planned walk...the hotel proposed were good or simply beautiful.The general organization precise and well managed. In few words, someone you can trust