Tanzania Odyssey

Your recommendations were spot on

I wanted to send you a quick note of thanks for your help in planning a fantastic honeymoon. Your recommendations and information were spot-on.

Beho Beho and Baraza were fantastic. During our time at Beho Beho, we had the good fortune of meeting Sarah Bailey, wife of the late Christopher Bailey who originally developed the safari camp as a retreat for family and friends. She was full of stories and added immeasurably to the experience there, where it felt as if all guests were welcomed like family. The quality of the guiding at Beho Beho was excellent, and we enjoyed getting to know the guides and staff better by sharing stories during meals and relaxing in the common area over a game of snooker. We also enjoyed the variety of activities – from the walking safaris to numerous game drive destinations (Beho Beho River, Lake Manze, etc.) and the day trip to Lake Tagalala. We had the distinct pleasure of tracking and, ultimately, spotting a black rhino in the bush while on walking safari with Walter and Saning’o. Other guests had great things to say about their night out at “The Treehouse.” The staff at Baraza also went over and above to make sure that our time there was relaxing and enjoyable. In particular, the beach lunch was a wonderful treat. The experience at Baraza was a great taste of luxury after “roughing it” on safari.

Each location did a great job of trying to address Lynne’s dietary restrictions and was otherwise ready and willing to cater to pretty much any request, reasonable or otherwise.

Coastal Aviation is also to be recognized for their efforts. The flights ran smoothly, but what deserves additional comment is their help on ground transfers. Upon our arrival in Dar es Salaam, we were informed by the staff at the Royal Palm (now called the Serena) that they would be unable to accommodate us due to some government dignitaries who extended their stay. After dropping us off, the representative from Coastal checked back to make sure that check-in went smoothly. Seeing that there was a problem, the driver spoke with the front desk to ensure that alternative accommodations had been arranged and then transported us to the other hotel. Similarly, upon arrival back at Dar’s domestic airport from Zanzibar, the baggage attendant was quick to point out that he had called the shuttle bus driver for us so we didn’t resort to over-priced taxis for the transfer to the international airport.

In general, we were impressed with how seamlessly all of the transfers were handled, including those on Zanzibar. The drivers there took good care of us as well. One thing to note: Zanzibar airport requires paper tickets (or at least a copy of your itinerary) to move through security. The driver helped us get documentation from the Coastal Aviation office, but it might help to have copies of the confirmation from Coastal Aviation for travelers in the future.

All-in-all, Lynne and I came back from Tanzania with memories that will last a lifetime and have already begun thinking about our next safari holiday!