35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Honeymoon Experience With Gosheni
My wife and I recently undertook a private safari with Gosheni in Tanzania, as the first leg of our honeymoon (before transferring to Zanzibar). We can’t recommend them highly enough. They were fantastic from start to finish.
I did a reasonable amount of planning regarding my preferred itinerary and accommodation for the safari, and sent a generic request for a quote to a number of Tanzanian safari companies. The request gave a flavour for the type and quality of experience in which I was interested. Gosheni (Peter) was very quick to respond with a detailed proposal (a couple of quite prominent companies failed to reply at all, and one arranged a time to call me to discuss our proposed trip, and then failed to get in touch), and I found that his views/ recommendations matched my own thoughts pretty well. The price was competitive too.
Peter’s helpfulness continued throughout the booking process, and together we tweaked the itinerary over a few weeks before I felt ready to commit to paying the 20% deposit. I must admit that wiring such a reasonably sized amount of money to an account on another continent is a slightly disconcerting experience, but I needn’t have worried. Gosheni are a thoroughly reputable company. Peter was also very accommodating and understanding when a combination of my being away on a work business trip, and a UK bank holiday meant that I sent the final payment in a few days late. His communication with clients is excellent, and he always put me at my ease.
We arrived in Kilimanjaro airport at the end of a long day of travel from London. We were very pleased to see the smiling face of our guide Zadock as we emerged from the terminal building. He carried our bag from his almost brand new (and immaculate) Gosheni Land Cruiser, and we were off to our hotel in the Arusha for our first overnight stay. I will not provide a detailed review of our itinerary and accommodation on here (I will save that for separate, specific reviews for those lodges), as I would rather concentrate on Gosheni. I will provide a summary at the end.
Zadock met us bright and early on our first day. This set the pattern for the week. He was unfailingly punctual (sadly, unlike us!), and always smiling. The Land Cruiser had always been cleaned in the morning (sparkling inside and out – easily the best-presented vehicle we saw in Tanzania), and it was always well-stocked with free water, soft drinks and wine. The hospitality continued as we met Peter at the Gosheni office (we were presented with our very useful Gosheni safari hats), and then we were off on our adventures.
I can’t state enough the importance of a good guide. They make or break the experience for you. And Zadock from Gosheni was perfect. He is a truly gentle man, happy, welcoming, and intensely focused on his guests’ well-being, and he had become our firm friend by the end of our 5 days together. He is very knowledgeable, with a thirst for learning. He takes every opportunity to read more about his country, its colonial history and wildlife, and to impart that information to guests. His ability to locate and spot wildlife is almost supernatural! And if he can’t locate a specific creature himself, and as a guide of very long-standing, he will be on the radio to his network of friends/ colleagues in the area to understand what animals are around. When other guides saw Zadock, their faces lit up. I think that this is the mark of the man. When I think of Zadock, I think of the giraffe (his favourite animal). He loves this creature because it is social, and because it is peaceful. He is proud to tell you that the giraffe was chosen as the emblem of Tanzania, because it symbolises how the 120+ tribes of his nation come together to live in harmony.
I will provide only two more anecdotes. Firstly, we did a dawn balloon ride over the central region of the Serengeti (it was magical). However, we had been supposed to have conducted this over the Western Corridor. This was entirely the balloon company’s mistake (not Gosheni’s). No matter, Zadock and Peter made the necessary changes to itinerary order, accommodation and flights in order to ensure that we had minimal disruption and little additional travel. Their concern was not all of the extra work and hassle for them, only our well-being/ happiness. Finally, after we had (sadly) said goodbye to Zadock, we flew back to Arusha and transferred by another lovely Gosheni staff member to Kilimanjaro airport. Peter took the time to meet us on our way. He was eager to ensure that the whole trip had been a success, and that we had enjoyed it. This is typical of the ethos of his company.
Please, go and safari. It is a life-enhancing experience. If you do, choose Tanzania. I don’t believe that there is anywhere better. And choose Gosheni. People and companies like these deserve to succeed. You will be safe in their hands.
Summary of Itinerary/ Accommodation:
1. Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha. We were only there for about 8 hours, so difficult to provide an in-depth review. Well located in Arusha. Nice rooms. Lovely breakfast, with a lovely outlook over gardens/ golf course;
2. Tarangire Treetops Lodge. Incredible, intimate luxury in the bush. Beautiful lodges, views, butler service (Jonathan was excellent), delicious fireside meals, Maasai involvement (very touching Maasai ceremony performed for honeymooners), all built around a 500 year-old baobab tree. Out of this world. Marred only by the fact that the evening meal served to our guide Zadock was very poor (not right when guests are delivered such opulent food). Tarangire National Park is excellent. Relatively small, but beautiful, and with a good range of wildlife. Especially noted for its large elephant population;
3. Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater. Breath-taking views of the crater (especially at sunset/ sunrise). More of a hotel than a lodge, so not as intimate as Treetops (the bench-mark). However, the food and service are very good. Ngoronogoro Crater is spectacular. Feels a bit like the Lost World. An ecosystem that is partially cut-off from the rest of Tanzania. Incredible range of wildlife in a small-ish contained space. Great opportunity to see the black rhino (one animal that is not abundant in Tanzania), and also to visit “more authentic” Maasai villages;
4. Kirawira Tented Camp. Right up there with Tarangire Treetops (although slightly less intimate). Lovely pool. Great lodges with fabulous views. A special mention to Charles for the service at meal times. The staff cannot do enough for their guests, and the food is exceptional. We visited this part of the Serengeti (Western Corridor) to see the great migration (which we did). Breath-taking;
5. Serengeti Serena Lodge, Seronera. Our only disappointing camp. The thatched huts are beautiful, and there are some nice little touches for honeymooners (e.g. crocodile made of towels and petals placed on your bed upon arrival). Also, a lovely pool. However, the service at mealtimes is indifferent, and the food at dinner was terrible. Also marred by loud and ignorant guests at an adjoining table (this lodge feels less intimate, with more packed common areas). We did receive an apology from the chef, and they did try to improve things at breakfast and with our lunch-box. Seronera itself is a good part of the Serengeti to spot wildlife, especially elusive leopards and cheetahs;
6. Fight back to Arusha, transfer to Kilimanjaro. Flight to Zanzibar.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely brilliant. I learnt a lot about my camera and photography in general.
I was apprehensive about going on this safari as my photographic knowledge was limmted but I need not have worried as Laurens helped me gain so much knowledge and experience in the time i spent with him. It will not be the last safari i do with him. We were exceptionally lucky to have him and a very knowlegeable guide/driber in Bernard. Their enthusiasm was great. We saw the big 5 every day except the day of departure when we only saw 4 of the 5. The photographic opportunities were endless and i believe I got photos that I could only dream of seeing on postcards. Worth every cent.
authentic African safari
My favourite place in Arusha was the view of Mount Meru. The hikes were refreshing and the walking safaris to Arusha National Park was amazing. visit the masai craft village for authentic cultural crafts. Eat eat plenty of nyama choma and ooh hit the nite clubs for bongo flava!!!!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Service
Before I finally reached Tanzania I had a long list of queries and expectations. I am ashamed to say I stressed these guys. What is amazing was their always prompt response to my one thousand and one queries.
I was totally blown away by your hands on approach in sending me countless pictures, contacts, etc that helped me make a final choice for my holiday. I totally fell in love with Tanzania and I will definitely be back !
All I can briefly say is "I WILL BE BACK !"
Thank you thank you !
Asante !
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was an amazing, enthusiastic, fun and educational experience
The best experience that my partner and I could have. From get go we were educated about all things Africa and we were shown different elements of the culture on the way there. Once in the park, we were intelligently told about the animals and the nature at hand. Not only were they punctual but very enthusiastic and funny too. The food was amazing! they even went to the extent to make sure that we were shown everything on time and catered to our every need. overal a good vibe. Will recommend it to everyone.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A memorable experience!
It was the experience of a life time! Everything about the safari was excellent and memorable. The staff were all very kind and helpful. The meals were simple but good. I loved the rustic cabins. The guide/driver was very knowledgeable and told us all about the wild life. Even the wild life co-operated and showed themselves to us unstintingly. Of course, that was also because the drivers talked to each other and if one driver saw a certain animal he informed the others, and that was very helpful. The visit to the Masai village was the icing on the cake.
The whole safari experience was something that I will treasure all my life, and I know my son felt the same.
Thank you one and all for making the whole experience so unforgettable, a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime! Open Africa exceeded every expectation and delivered the most memorable trip!
Open Africa exceeded our expectations. Everything communication leading up to the trip and the trip itself was professional but with a friendly touch. John and Anthony worked very hard to make our trip go without a hitch! Anthony even took a day on his own time to take us to an orphanage and show us around town. The safari itself was unbelievable! Our guide Said was awesome. He was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly in explaining and answering any questions we posed to him. I would highly recommend Open Africa, they delivered on everything we wanted for our trip.
US
Trip of a Lifetime!
From start to finish, our trip was amazing! So many beautiful animals, landscape (scenery) and very nice hotel amenities. Our professional tour guides were exceptionally polite, knowledgeable, respectful and fun-loving! I would highly recommend using Wild Jungle Trails to anyone.
NL
My 2016 trip
Overall a wonderful holiday.
All arrangements were to our satisfaction and as promised.
We can't wait to go again. Beho Beho in the "green season" is a distinct possibility
SA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very reliable agency and very professional guide. What they offered is what we got.
Since our first contact with Elias until the moment we have left the country we have received what we have contracted. I have no negative comment at all with the service provided and I have to underline the professionalism and kindness of our guide John. Always on time, ready to help us and even to change the program in accordance with our requirements.
If I would have the opportunity to come back to the region I would chose the same agency.