Regional Tours & Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2008)
- Member Of:
- TATO, ATA & ZATO
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $300 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional trip at reasonable rate.
Our safari trip in Tanzania and stay in Zanzibar were exceptional. Our guide Emmanuel was excellent. During our 6 days with him, he made sure we saw the big nine up close and personal. Because he taught us patience, we had unique animal experiences that we will never forget. From the time Emmanuel picked us up at Mt. Kilimanjaro airport, he made sure we were well cared for and comfortable. He was knowledgeable and his English communications skills made it easy. We had a snafu with airport pick-up in Zanzibar, but all was worked out within 2 hours of our arrival. We had 3 days at a nice beach hotel but wish that we had stayed 2 nights at the beach and 2 nights at a hotel in Old Stone Town. One day in Stone Town was not enough. We knew it was a little risky, but we booked direct with Regional Tours. Without the middle man costs, our trip was affordable. Our safari lodging was very good and Regional Tours accommodated my request to stay at the Ngorongoro Farm House. It was lovely. For us, this was a trip of a lifetime and arrangements made through Regional Tours did not disappoint. Thank You.
US
Email Manika | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent planning and accommodations limited communication post payment.
I searched high and low for a safari that offered luxury accommodations for an affordable rate. When I came across Regional Tours I was very excited with the accommodations and the price. I took several days to shop around and could not find anything more affordable that was similar in accommodations. The Regional Tours representative was in constant communication ensuring that I was knowledgeable about the safari and wanted me to complete booking quickly. I was initially apprehensive regarding the payment arrangement of Wiring money. I spent 5% more than the requested price to pay with a credit card. I did not receive a confirmation of payment, and when I reached out to the company to confirm the payment I did not get a response for a few days which made me nervous. I also sought answers regarding my confirmation of accommodations and plans before a big trip such as this. I did not receive communication for several days at a time. I felt that once my payment had been made they had vanished and my money was taken. After doing some research I learned that this was common behavior for this company. I was relieved upon arrival in Tanzania that my safari guide was waiting and ready with a sign with my name on it for me and my friend. The safari over all was well planned, the accommodations simply beautiful, and could not have been more pleased with the safari jeep. Me and my friend googled interactions with safari guides on safari as our guide was quiet a lot of the time and we were unsure if this was the typical dynamic of a safari. Amani was very knowledgeable about the animals however we felt that he did not have the enthusiasm that would have made this a safari more exciting. We certainly enjoyed his safety measures taken during the safari and his extreme Passion for following the rules, as we like to feel safe on vacation. We would have liked more communication throughout as to what we were doing so that we could be more informed. I was disappointed one day when Amani decided to leave the game drive before inquiring if we were ready to go. It was my favorite location for me, not knowing exactly the routes I was not sure of our whereabouts and didn't notice that we were leaving the park. Another area of negativity was the back door of the safari jeep was not working therefore we had to lug heavy luggage multiple rows down a narrow Jeep in-and-out daily, em 6oi. Uwith not much assistance from our guide. We could tell that he was not eager to carry or lift our bags so we did the grunt work on vacation which was not fun. We tipped the typical amount, however felt we should have reduced the amount due to having to work so hard with our luggage. Overall it was a wonderful vacation and I would certainly recommend Regional Tours and Safaris.
FR
Email Marie paggetti | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very good safari, good accommodation choices, and lovely driver
Super safari, we saw a large number of animals, felt welcome, good accommodation, punctuality and smile, only downside the last day a little quickly shipped, direct return to the airport ...
PH
Email Raymond Caunca | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip indeed!
After careful considerations between different operators, my friend and I decided to go with Maturaf as he provided the best rates with the most amazing choices in accommodations. Although there were small lapses during communications while working on the itinerary, Maturaf had been very cooperative working on our requests. The guide that he sent us named Peter was also amazing. He was as well cooperative and made things work all throughout the Safari trip. Except for the rhino, we saw the rest of the Big Five and made close encounters with a bunch of lions.
The safari accommodations were great. We stayed in Zawadi House in Arusha upon arrival, Lake Burunge and Serengeti Kati Kati tented camps, Serena Hotels in Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, and Tloma Lodge. We visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Parks.
The Zanzibar accommodations we stayed in were also amazing although personally, we prefer La Gemma dell'Est over Hideaway of Nungwi as it provided guests activities that they can join in such as beach soccer, water polo and beach volleyball. La Gemma dell'Est for me is more family-oriented but the facilities in Hideaway of Nungwi are more luxurious, as well as the food spread in their buffets are better. We stayed 2 nights each in both hotels.
The only downside, as my friend has been pointing out the whole trip, was that most of these accommodations failed to "sell/market" local cuisine but rather serve the usual intercontinental dishes.
Overall, the experience was amazing and proud to say this trip checked two places/activities in my bucketlist.
I highly recommend this team. KUDOS to Matural, Peter and the rest of Regional Tours!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great guide, good value for money
Maturaf organised 6 nights on safari in northern Tanzania and Zanzibar for my husband and I. His correspondence before booking was professional and he was flexible in tailoring the trip to work with our schedule. The rates were very competitive and now, after having seen the accommodations and experienced the luxury of a private tour, I think Regional Tours offers great value for money. Once we had paid the deposit and before the trip, there was a noticeable lack of response/information from Maturaf. For example, we would have liked to see confirmation from each hotel/camp that our bookings had been made, and although Maturaf told us repeatedly they would be forthcoming, they never were and so we made these confirmations ourselves directly with the hotels/camps. Once we arrived in Africa, Regional Tours proved to be very reliable and everything went smoothly – although we did always wonder after the poor correspondence we had received before arrival. Our driver/guide, Didas, was very helpful in recommending when we should make a start in order to cover what we wanted to see, and it was so lovely to have the flexibility of a private tour in our own jeep. Didas was a great driver (our game drives never seemed as bumpy as what others told us to expect), amazing at spotting wildlife, and knew so much about the parks – he’s been a guide for 12 years so he knows his stuff! The accommodations that Maturaf chose were lovely as well – even the tented camp was the poshest tent I’ve ever slept in! The only slight hiccup was that we had been quoted that bottled water was included on the game drives, but were told when we started our first day that it wasn't, which left us in an awkward situation as we had no internet connection with which to confirm this with Maturaf, and led to a mild case of dehydration for my husband that first day. In the end it wasn't a big deal as water was cheap and it only cost us $10 or so for the whole trip. Overall a great trip and I would use Regional Tours again.
Email Rohit Nigam | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organised, friendly staff
Overall a very good experience and would recommend the company.
Took a 5 day Tanzania private tour during start of June 2016
Maturaf got in touch with us 1 week prior to the trip to confirm our flight timings etc (booking was done in April). Staff was present at the airport to help with the immigration, followed by pickup from Alex who outlined the tour while driving us to Arusha. He was very friendly and explained all the key points quiet well.
Our guide (Didas) was quiet experienced (more than 15 years in the job) and was honest about the possibility of seeing animals (he told us on day one that all the big herds have moved on and hence its all down to luck to see the main wildlife). While we were initially disappointed, we appreciated his honesty and were lucky enough to see substantial wildlife.
The accommodation provided was as stated in the itinerary and of excellent quality (in particular the tent inside Serengeti). The itinerary was very well structured and covered the major parks in a reasonable time frame.
NZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A super fantastic experience!
A truly remarkable experience with clear communication and wonderful service! My 10yr old son loved the adventure and friendship from our driver. The overnight stays were more than expected and I highly recommend staying at Mopito tented camp if you can. Our driver Donarld was fantastic, knowledgable, funny and was happy to work with our schedule. I would use this service again.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Camping safari in the northern circuit
We've been in safari visiting Ngorongoro,Serengeti, and Tarangire national park.
Although the period was a little bit rainy, we had a wonderful safari experience, lots of animals spotted and a very experienced and polite guide.
Regional Tours organized everything and took care of us in a very professional way.
US
Email Safina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Enjoyed the tour thoroughly, good safari guide
Don't leave loose ends. Negotiate the whole trip beforehand including the trip to whichever airport you are flying out of. Make sure all the quoted camps/hotels are booked before you arrive.
Communications was good.
NZ
Email Racheal-lee | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall our experience was an excellent one with good lasting memories
From previous travels we came with no expectations! so everything became a great blessing and experience. The communication with Regional Tours was overall very helpful. Although at times there were slow responses and follow up emails were needed, everything that was discussed came into fruition and we were very happy with all aspects of what was planned for our trip. When changes were needing to be made regarding our accommodation there was no hesitation for Regional Tours to personally escort us to new accommodations and sort out the delivery of our luggage that did not arrive with us. The Safari guide that was with us was most excellent, very attentive to what we were looking for on our Safari, engaging, good humored and very perceptive and knowledgeable. He made every effort to give us the experience we hoped for and will remember!