US
35-50 years of age
Tanzania... best travel experience of my life!
I had the great pleasure to spend about a week and a half in Tanzania in early November, 2009. This was a trip that I had spent hours and hours researching, reading about, asking questions about on various travel forums, and then finally planning with my safari tour operator (Good Earth Tours). I had very high expectations, and they were all exceeded. Everything from the weather, the low number of other tourists (and bugs/mosquitos!), the wildlife viewing, the services and care given by my safari outfitter and private guide, the warm welcomes from the good people of Tanzania, the quality of the food and lodging, the amazing natural beauty of the various parks we visited, all varied and different from one another... just made for the most magnificent trip I have ever taken. And I have taken quite a few. I love to take photos, purely amateur, but some of the photos I came back with stunned my friends and family, they couldn't believe the beautiful sights that I was able to see.
I feel like my itinerary was perfect, I wouldn't have changed a thing about it. Flew into Kilimanjaro Airport, and planned to spend two nights in the town of Arusha pre-safari, just to get acclimated to the time change, and to have a buffer day in case of flight delays or other problems like that. And it was a very good thing that we did that. ("We" was just myself, and one friend... party of two for this entire trip.) My friend had a mishap with her passport as we were preparing to fly out of St. Louis, it was current, but did not have more than six months validity left on it, which we did not know was necessary. What a day that turned out to be...after some scrambling to find out our options, my friend flew ahead to Chicago with hopes of getting her passport renewed on the spot. Thankfully, we had a long layover there before the international flight. Long story short, my friend did make it on the plane to Amsterdam, with only minutes to spare. The door was closing. I was already on the plane, planning to go ahead to Tanzania, knowing that we had the buffer day built in and that my friend could at least make it by the second day, and we would not miss our safari. So, just a word of advice, check your passport date! And do try to have an extra day to recoup when you arrive, or just relax, or to save yourself a whole lot of worry in case something like this happens to you.
The best part about our "extra" day in Arusha, though, was that we did get to have the most lovely lunch at Hatari Lodge, and a half-day visit to Arusha National Park. It was something I had debated back and forth, whether or not to include Arusha National Park in our safari. I am so glad we did. My very favorite photo from the whole trip was from there. And the way we did it was very cost effective... we asked to have lunch at Hatari Lodge, which is inside the park. So it was sort of a bonus to see the park, while we were just driving thru on our way to lunch! And our guide was so wonderful (Prosper was his name, with Good Earth Tours). We were getting to know each other during the drive, and I was just asking casual questions, making conversation. I asked about whether we would likely see Flamingos at Lake Manyara later in the week. Prosper said if we wanted to see Flamingos, he would make it happen. Turns out, the flamingos were actually in Arusha. lol LOTS and LOTS of them. He didn't have to do it, because it wasn't on our itinerary, but Prosper took at least two extra hours of his personal time, and took us to see the flamingos in Arusha National Park after our lunch. It was so beautiful, and such a pleasant surprise. Just a fantastic way to start our journey together.
Sorry for the long story there... but I felt it was important to share. Back to our itinerary:
Two nights in Arusha at the Kibo Palace Hotel
Two nights at Tarangire Sopa Lodge
One night at Lake Manyara Hotel (A Wildlife Lodge property)
Lunch at Gibbs Farm
One night at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Two nights at Seronera Wildlife Lodge
One night at Lobo Wildlife Lodge
Two nights at Migration Camp (including a full-day game drive to the Mara River)
Flight to Zanzibar
Stayed four nights at Imani Villa Beach Resort
Flight back to Arusha, picked up by Good Earth representative, who took us to some local places for last-minute shopping, lunch, etc. They kept our luggage for us during the day, and then drove us back to Kilimanjaro Airport for our flight home.
Good Earth took such good care of us, and so did the good people working at all the different lodges and camps. The food was so good everywhere we went. At least that is my most humble opinion.
I was especially impressed with the Wildlife Lodge properties. They are extremely budget friendly, and I thought they would be a little more rustic than they were, but was willing to save a few bucks by staying with them, in order to better afford the luxury of Migration Camp as the grand finale of our safari at the end. The Wildlife properties are Very, VERY well located, you are in the heart of all the beauty and wildlife. They are truly great lodges, the architecture of the common areas especially pleased me. And the food here was just as good as the Sopa lodges.
Migration Camp, well, what can I say, but DON'T MISS IT! Just an amazing experience to treat yourself extra special for a night or two. It's expensive, but I think it is worth it for at least one night.
I guess that is the basics, please feel free to contact me for more details! I love to talk about it and reminisce! :)
Cheers!
Sandi
35-50 years of age
Review about South Africa by Agatha
They have a great infrastructure and access to most parks are easy. Great accommodation, food and a very hospitable people.
Memorable Safari with Shadows of Africa
I just returned from the four day standard Tanzania Express safari with Shadows of Africa and can not say enough good things about the memorable experience. We visited Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro and saw countless wildlife; hippos, lions, flamingos, hyenas and even leopards in a tree. Our driver was beyond knowledgeable about each animal and the area. There was no question that could stump him, which just made the experience better. Plus, his keen eyes could spot things in the distance, that we could not see and he spent time to position the jeep in the perfect photo op location. The lodging each night was safe and individually unique. It was so nice to have a hot shower at the end of each day!
NL
20-35 years of age
Review about Tanzania by fboekhorst
I love Tanzania. Sometimes (especially in the North) it is a bit touristy, that's why I rated 'bush vibe' good instead of excellent. I'm not into birding.
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A mind blowing experience in a wonderful country
The safari tour I was on was with Shadows of Africa! I totally loved it - this was my first proper safari experience. Our driver was called Timo and he was a wildlife expert - really nice guy. We got to see lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, elephants, endless list really!! I also loved the food and accomodation. If you get a chance, spend a bit extra and stay in Osupuko - we woke up about 50 metres from elephants and even had hot water in our tents in the Serengeti. An unforgettable experience. Jonny
AR
20-35 years of age
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Ezequiel
Regarding wildlife, it´s the most exciting place I´ve ever seen. It´s PACKED with wonderful wildlife. We even saw a lion hunting down a zebra. Downside to this are the crowds of people (cars go in a queue at times, and car-jams may occur if there´s some must-see and the notice runs fast) and exhorbitant entry fees. No chance to camp inside, so you can´t really get a feel of the vibe of the place. Anyway, you cant miss it.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
an insight into East Africa
There is nowhere in the world like East Africa for immersing yourself in nature and appreciating your true place in the animal kingdom! When guided by the right people who know their land and culture, it is a humbling experience. Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris exceeded my expectations of the Uganda Gorilla Tour, which was more than a hike in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to come breathtakingly close to one of our closest relatives - it also included the wildlife of the magnificent lakes, the Rift Valley, and a most memorable insight into the culture of East Africa that can only be fully conveyed by a locally owned and operated tour company (I know, I have used a UK company before!). The trip from Nairobi to Kibale went seamlessly - comfortable travel and good, affordable meals and accommodation. I was impressed by the professional standards of KWSS - in particular the flexibility in the face of a last minute change of plans by other clients of the tour group. I felt I had a private tour specifically tailored for me for the price of a group tour, that is how much attention KWSS paid to my needs!
FR
20-35 years of age
Review about Botswana by Balexter
Less "mass" touristic" than in other countries. Wild experience in preserved nature.
People in Botswana is very open and helpful.
AR
20-35 years of age
Review about Tarangire National Park by Ezequiel
Great scenery, full with huge baobabs, and all the elephants you ever dreamed of seeing.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very professional and responsive tour operators
We could not fault any aspect of our safari experience in Timbavati.From the first email contact with Mark followed by a phone call, it was clear that he wanted to ensure that we had a very memorable safari. I emailed him many times for advice and clarification and he responded with no delays. Mark and Celeste even came to meet us in Jo'burg before we left to discuss the trip in detail.The camp(Lions camp) was outstanding in every respect and we saw the big 5 amongst many other animals.
We enjoyed the experience so much that we are returning to Africa next year and have asked Mark to arrange a trip to Botswana.