DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Discover the unexpected
First of all it has to be said, that I’ve never planned such a journey before. It took over 2 months of intensive preparation, comparison and discussing the details. Peter, head of Gosheni, took a lot of time answering all my questions, giving me advices and all of that whilst maintaining his easygoing, warm and friendly nature. That is the reason my wife and me not only decided to travel with Gosheni just because of the price but also we were sure being in very good and trustful hands.
Gosheni – experience the unexpected
Gosheni comes from „Goshen“ which is is named in the Bible as the place in Egypt given to the Hebrews by the pharaoh of Joseph. Is is described as the best land in Egypt during a severe famine that lasted seven years. And what could I say: Goshenis name reflect it safari programme. We’ve discovered one of the most amazing places on earth, the best land to observe the worlds wildlife with probably
the best safari team (guide and cook) you can have. But one after another:
Arrival and Tarangire
After arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport on 24th august 2015 (approx. 50kms from Arusha) we were lucky to fell in a comfortable bed belonging to the Outpost Lodge. This was in the former residence of Bernhard Grzimek ('Serengeti shall never die') and the place we’ve met Peter who introduced us to Eduard (guide) and Anthony (cook). The next day we stowed our luggage in the jeep and headed off to Tarangire NP (120kms from Arusha). This is a perfect spot to start a big adventure. The ways are not too long and it has „everything“ Anthony said. Especially the elephants make your hearts beat faster.
After a six hours game drive we’ve had an excellent dinner at our first campsite (Wildpalm C/S). And because of the very comfortable beds in the tents (we’ve even head a small table with a mirror and a lamp) we’ve slept like babys and were well prepared for the longest drive up to Serengeti North (335kms).
Serengeti shall not die
Overall we’ve spent more than four days in the Serengeti starting with two days at the northern part (Lobo Campsite). After a very long drive with many „sleeping policemen“ (speed humps), more than 200kms over dirt roads with massive road holes you thouht these must be the last day for our car we arrived at Lobo. On our way we’ve seen a lioness besides the road and a Leopard chilling on the top of a tree while his prey (Gazelle) is hanging on a tree next to the road. The Buffalos grazing around the campsite were the cherry on the cake.
The next day we discovered the northern region of the Serengeti NP including the Mara River area which is also the border to Kenya. During the 9 hours game drive we’ve learnt a lot about the fauna living there. Eduard knows so much we thought he is having some biology books for breakfast :) And on top he really knew where to stay and where to leave instead of some other tour operators who stall time by waiting and waiting at one place and nothing happens. Because of some advices we‘ve get via the ranger radio we’ve seen a cheetah lying under a tree – a moment you never forget just like the scenic lunch we’ve had at the Kenyian Border in the middle of nowhere.
After a morning game drive we’ve headed off to Serengeti Seronera, Nguchiro Campsite. This area was the most impressive one we’ve visited. Not because of the elephant felling a tree in the middle of the night right next to our tent or the Zebras you could watch while being on the toilette. No, the predators gave us one show highlight after another. First a big group of lions lying under a tree right next to our car, then three cheetah brothers each of them having a kill and in the end a leopard climbing up a tree 15 meters high (!) with a big gazelle in her mouth within 30 seconds (!!!) while her kid is waiting at the bottom.
Eduard lead us where the hotspots of the Serengeti were. But not only the hotspots every other guide knows. He followed the inner compass and so we’ve seen animals in their natural environment not disturbed by 10 other safari cars because we were the only one. So its no wonder a couple of lions in honeymoon had their fun right in front of our car. But actually it is a wonder if know you what area the Serengeti covers. 30.000 sqkms the half size of Bavaria. Because of the relatively treelessness the Massai called this UNESCO world heritage Serengeti which means „endless land“.
Massai country and archeological Mecca
To reach our last camping site (Simba) at the rim of the Ngorongoro crater we passed a Masaai village which was very interesting because you see the very young kids all over this region tending their sheeps and cows (except in the Serengeti where they may not live). Even it was a very typical tourist village it gives us a little insight of the hard life as a Massai. The biggest problem – not only for the Massai – is the corrupt government. All the money made by commodity trading and tourism doesn’t reach the population in any case. No improvement of the education system or infrastructure, illegal police checks everywhere on the roads we’ve used and so on. So everybody hopes for a change in October 2015 when elections coming.
Another cultural highlight was the Ouldepai Gorge. Its one of the oldest and most important paleoanthropological sites in the world; it has proven invaluable in furthering understanding of early human evolution. This stopps you definitely should make when you are doing a safari with Gosheni and I am happy Gosheni often has it already included in many tour proposals.
Ngorongoro – the biggest (and most expensive) zoo in the world
After the coldest night we’ve had in Tanzania (11 degrees, 2.300 meters above sea level) at the rim we went down in the crater. Actually its not a real crater but the worlds largest caldera (usually formed by the collapse of land, following a volcanic eruption) not filled with water. It is very likely you see lions, cheetahs, elephants and even rinos (still 20 living in that place) what is the reason for the unofficial designation „zoo“ even if you pay USD 200,- per vehicle and USD 50,- per person. Unfortunately we didn’t see the rino which is the most wanted animal in Tanzania. Its like playing musical chairs – everybody is waiting for the call over ranger radio to speed to the place where it has been seen. „In fact that is the moment you know how many cars are in the crater because they are all coming, Eduard said.
The last days and conclusion
After the crater we had an amazing stay the the Kudu Lodge. It was also the last accommodation of our Gosheni tour and the place we had to say goodbye to Anthony. He always prepared amazing first class food and was such a friendly character with an amazing experience. We always get more than enough to eat sometimes too much so we couldn’t eat all. At the Kudu Eduard and Anthony arranged a big surprise by giving us the most exclusive accomodation I’ve ever had.
The next day, our departure day, we had a short cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu, which was very interesting because the local guide showed us around the village. We’ve learnt how to live in this medley of different religions and seasons. Local handcrafts, banana beer and other fruits are the most typical products you should expericence in that tiny village.
The last game drive at Lake Manyara wasn’t really necessary because we only had two hours and the NP is not very famous for spectacular game observation. The invest of 45 USD are only worthwhile when you are interessted more in birds than in big game.
At the afternoon Eduard brought us back to Kilimanjaro Airport from where we went to Ndame Beach Lodge and Sunset Kendwa (see recommendations on tripadvisor). At the airport we met Peter again to say goodbye and thanks for everything. He promised us a once in a lifetime adventure and nothing less than that we had during these eight days. We’ve discovered what we never would had expected and therefore we highly recommend Gosheni – ASANTE SANA!
IL
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
10 days Tanzania safari
We made family group safari in Lake Manyara 1 day, Serengeti 5 days , Ngorogoro 1 day and Lake Eyasi 1 day.
The safari was very good. Every thing was well organized by Savannah Explorers team.
Our guide and driver - George was friendly and professional . We saw a lot of animals and we saw a crossing herd in the Mara river. So we was lucky. Thanks to Savannah Explorers team.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great safari package from Italy to Tanzania
It Started in africa customized us a tour which included the international flights from Rome. Everything was organized perfectly, all transfers were smooth and the safari was fantastic. Great people and excellent guide in a fantastic country
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An excellent safari experience & Professional Company
We wanted a three day safari, Anderson at southern valley safaris was friendly and professional in responding and advising on the different safari option. We chose 3 days Masai Mara. We had an excellent safari in Masai Mara, it was really adventurous. The driver was also professional and knowledgeable. They had the best price we were looking for. We advised them on our budget and they tailored the package to our needs.
Packages are fairly cheap, tour guides good. Vans clean and reliable. Time keeping good
Communication was perfect, services throughout the safari was fine and hotels booked for my family was worth the amount I paid.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Stress free and exceeded expectations
We had never used a travel agent before, as I always conduct the research and make the bookings. While researching safari at Madikwe I found a Pembury Tour, so sent an enquiry. I received an almost immediate reply that a travel consultant would contact us directly. Tammy Harding contacted us, working to develop a customised itinerary. We absolutely loved our trip to Madikwe and are really glad we got to stay at Impodimo for the full four days. It was amazing and our guide was so knowledgable and friendly. The game viewing was excellent and we couldn’t believe how close we got to the animals. It was quite terrifying to begin with! All the arrangements for getting to and from the reserve were perfect . Our safari definitely made our trip a memorable one!
Extremely satisfied with the service, we contacted other operators for similar quotes, but Tammy's level of service was vastly superior to the others, so we went with Pembury.
The level of detail included in the planning is exceptional, which resulted in the entire tour taking place without a hitch. Tammy provides a detailed itinerary by email. The package incudes vouchers for all safari, hotel and internal flights.
Tammy and Pembury also encourage feedback and take said feedback seriously to improve their level of service to future customers.
The best recommendation I can give, is that I would definitely use Pembury to book our future travel in Africa.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Walking the bush with the big five!
We just spent the most amazing time truly living the South African bush! We've been on a number of safaris in Southern Africa before, but Elela organised a one of a kind experience for us, that is absolutely not to compare with any other of the safaris that are usually offered on the market. Walking in the bush when the sun is just about to rise, listening to hippos making their way back into the water, finding and admiring even the smallest creatures whilst wandering through the grass, learning how to read tracks and occasionally running into kudus or even a giraffe that are roaming around - we could admire South African wildlife as close as never before. Our skilled guides helped us not only to watch nature respectfully, but to understand it. Highly recommended, we will definitely come back!
Experience level: first safari
Incredible, one of the best experiences of my life
The tour was great, definitely get your moneys worth and was an unbelievable experience. Would highly recommend.
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Super Safari with Joe
Great company! I would highly recommend! The best value for money! I’ve checked many, many offers, this one was the best! The Safari agenda we got before trip was 100% fulfilled. We saw all what was planned. The car was clean and reliable, food was excellent. But the best in our Safari trip were GUIDES and especially the owner, Joe! This guy is a professional, honest, punctual, and most important, very nice! He showed us the national parks of southern Tanzania and impressed us this country. Well done Joe! I will recommend your company to all my friends. If I return to Tanzania, I will hire only your company. Greetings for you and your wonderful family.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Trip
We had an excellent trip in Tanzania and everything was very smooth during our safari tour. One of the main reason is that we had Cosma as our private guide. He was irreproachable from the first day to the last. He is very polite, neat and have really good skill for driving whereas the driver that took us to the Masai Village on the last day. That one was terrible and had an unsafe driving. Anyway, we were very glad to have Cosmas during our trip, he really knows his stuff and has really good eyesight to hunt ;). He is able to speak french and even some chinese after staying with us awhile ;). Your team should very cherish him because we really think that he can bring up a high value in your company and make the different !