US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wild adventure through the bush.
My friend and I did the 10 day Bush to Beach semi luxury itinerary with Tanzania Roadside Expeditions, and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. It started with the friendly and prompt email communication with Paul, which is why we decide to book with his company. He was flexible and attentive, working with us to create an itinerary that met our desires. We were picked up from the airport by our driver, Ezekiel, who we enjoyed talking to, both answering and asking questions, on the hour long ride to Arusha. Ezekiel and Paul met with us to explain our itinerary over dinner our first night so we would know what to expect and to answer any questions we had. Ezekiel was a highly informative and helpful guide with a great sense of humor. We really enjoyed getting to know him over the course of the week and learning from him. Thanks to him we saw the Big 5, along with so many other amazing animals. There is no way we would have been able to see what we saw without him. He put us in the right positions to get AMAZING photographs! He even taught us some Swahili! When it was time for us to head to Zanzibar, we were so sad to say goodbye to Ezekiel, and we hope to go back and climb Kilimanjaro with him in the future!
Before describing our experience in Zanibar, I should say that we were more than impressed with the accommodation we stayed in throughout our safari experience. We wish we had more time to enjoy some of the amazing amenities the hotels offered, although we would never have given up the time we spent in the bush (we highly recommend getting up before the sun- the animals are far more active in the early morning). The food was stellar in all locations, consisting of many options, some of our favorites being the barbecued meats and curries served with ugali, as well as delicious fresh fruits.
Zanzibar was also an awesome experience. We highly recommend the Spice Farm excursion and wandering around Stone Town to see the beautiful doorways. Also, don't miss the Zanzibar pizza at the night market! We really enjoyed the beautiful and relaxing time at the beach in Ngunwi.
So overall, we had the most amazing time and could not recommend this company more highly!!!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
How to exceed your expectations in selecting a Safari
I chose Zambezi Expedition because it met my desire to go to both Victoria Falls and Botswana for safari. the communications with Zambezi were easy and accommodating. The representative who responded to my initial inquiry was Simon, who was friendly understood what I wanted to experience and said he would prepare an itinerary. I was so pleased how quickly it was completed and frankly the only changes I had to make were to be able to add nights at the beginning and end to accommodate my flight schedule. We worked back and forth and here is the best: Simon and I were both on the cell phone application, "What's App", so we actually talked often to each other, and he was very respectful of the time difference (I am on West USA cost), some 9 hours difference.
As time for my travel approached, I was contacted several more times, just to assure me that all was in order. I was told I would be met at the airport, and that I would be provided all transfers and return to the airport, all included. That was a relief to me.
When I arrived and got through passport control, visa purchase for Botswana, and customs. Sure enough there was my name on a placard, and got assistance with my bags and off we were on this great adventure. I was introduced to the owner, Oscar who was very friendly and all through stay, kept in communication with me.
Accommodations were excellent, food at the hotels were terrific, especially in Botswana.
The day I arrived, I settled in and was soon met by the tour staff and off we went for a twilight cruise on the Zambezi River. Needless to say it was wonderful, with a spectacular sunset. We were provided snacks (more like a meal) and drinks, both alcohol and non-alcohol. It seems as though my camera never stopped clicking.
While staying in Victoria Falls, I was provided a guide to tour the Falls at the National Park. The guide was extremely knowledgeable of the Falls, its history and landmarks. I was very impressed. Of note is that I hardly had to every use a taxi and the tour company was always ready to take me places.
After three nights, I was driven to Botswana and took in two days, two river cruises and two game drives. All were prearranged and there was very little waiting time. the people there were very welcoming and efficient. the opportunity to see the animals and water features and birds was a dream come true for me, and it was a better experience due to the planning of Zambezi Expeditions. My bags were waiting for me when I got back from the cruise. The remaining cruise and two game drives were fantastic, getting to see such beauty up close and at the hands of competent and talented staff.
All in All I am happy to recommend Zambezi Expeditions for a Safari experience. You cannot find a better choice.
I was driven back to Zambezi after two days in Botswana
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great trip of a lifetime
I had a most wonderful time on safari. Karen and Ernest took care of so many details for my arrival and the entire 5 day safari experience was just great, at Pungwe Bush Camp in Manyelete Reserve. The lodging is "tents" but we called it Glamping, with tile floors, thatch roofs, and built full bathrooms and porches. Thanks Karen and Ernest! I don't know what I can add to the other wonderful reviews without just being repetitious, I agree with all of them!
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 3 day budget Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro
I really enjoyed the safari I booked with Afrozone Kingdom Safaris. Everything went very smoothly, from the communication prior to the trip, to the transport, to the safari itself. Adam was so helpful in his communication with me in organizing the trip. When we arrived in Arusha, everything was taken care of, no need for worries. The cook and driver were both brilliant: so knowledgeable, friendly and efficient in their work. We spent the nights chatting to them about their experiences in the national parks. So interesting. The food was delicious and plentiful. The game drives were amazing. We saw far more animals than I expected: approx 20 lions, 5 cheetahs, a leopard and plenty of each of the other animals. (Bring binoculars, I didn't and could have done with them). A reason why we saw so many was because we would get up at 5am to see them at dawn, which could be a struggle for some, but well worth it in my mind. We camped at the public camp sites, which is perfect if you don't mind roughing it. Don't expect the height of luxury, but you could have a pleasant rest after a long day. We even had hot showers one of the nights. It is quite an experience though because the campsites are not fenced off, so animals are free to roam around, but we were assured that you are perfectly safe in your tent at night. I actually found it quite thrilling.
From the whole trip, my only complaint was that I wasn't informed about how cold the Ngorongoro crater is and consequently didn't pack warm enough clothes and spent a night shivering in my shorts. To be fair, this wasn't the fault of Afrozone, because they planned a briefing meeting with us the night we arrived in Arusha, but we arrived late and it didn't happen. So make sure you meet Adam or another representative from Afrozone before you leave Arusha and ask them any questions about what you should bring.
But all round, I was very satisfied. I would recommend Afrozone to anyone.
DE
we had a "once in our life-safari" and a deep experience of grace, dignity, peace and elegance
we had a wonderful guide, with pacience, humor, knowledge and empathy .... always supporting our interest in people, pla´nts, animals, history... nature
we are very thankful.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bonarde is determined to give his clients the best experience possible and he is so passionate!
I went on a trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park with my sister! It was my first safari and Bonarde was the key reason why I had an amazing experience! He picked me up from Kampala, he was exactly on time and very professional! He worked really hard to ensure that we got a good experience! We really wanted to see tree climbing lions and he researched a lot to figure out where they were and even drove us to Ishasa so that we could see them! His van was kept clean and it was a very comfortable trip as well! I would highly recommend him to anyone that wants a friendly guide who will work with you on developing an itinerary that is suitable for your needs. His rates are very reasonable and he put us up in a great accommodation! I doubt you will find a better guide!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Informative, fun safari
The tour was contracted to another company but ensured by Safari Soles. They put my husband and me with a wonderful group of people, fantastic driver, and excellent cook. Safari Soles provided us with beer and wine and snacks to take along on our trip. The wine and beer were both of excellent character. The whole trip was fun, completely well-run, and responsive to all the tourist participants!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience thanks to Wilson!
We did a 6 day safari trip with Tan Spirit guided by the incredible Wilson. Including Arusha, Lake Manyana, Ngorogoro Crater and Serengheti. We were very fortunate to have a vehicle to ourselves which we did not expect.
From the start of the trip at the airport where Wilson collected us all the way to the end where he dropped us off, he was helpful, professional and most importantly, FUN!
Wilson’s eye for wildlife was unrivalled and made sure our trip was extra special every moment.
Thank you once again for the experience. We will never forget it!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievable Safari Experience!
Our first safari experience! Dancing Zebra helped us prepare for our trip, providing comprehensive advice and guidelines for packing, visas, vaccinations, etc. All of our accommodations were first rate, with mosquito netting, safe drinking water, comfortable beds, private bathrooms, wifi connectivity, and helpful staff.
Our private guide, Ian, was knowledgeable, articulate and very helpful in suggesting daily itineraries. Since this was our first safari, he gave us options each day, with suggestions on how to maximize our viewing. He reminded us each day that this was our trip, and he wanted to ensure that we accomplished everything that we wanted to do. Ian showed his expertise daily in finding us to animals that we wanted to see and photograph, deftly maneuvering our car as close as possible for viewing, without disrupting the animals.
The touring vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, is relatively new, dependable, and was always washed and ready to go each morning. Our family loved the pop-up roof that enabled all of us to get an unobstructed view.
Bottom line: there were no surprises or gotchas with any of the planning and itinerary--Dancing Zebra anticipated and took care of all the details. Our biggest surprise was left to the amazing animals and landscapes that comprised our memorable experience.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellently planned custom trip that included Kilimanjaro, safaris and beach time
Megan did a great job working with me to customize the exact trip that I envisioned. She made recommendations about things that I did not know about and helped me to assure I got the right mix of rugged to luxury. I was met by excellent guides and drivers that spoke English well and made me feel safe throughout the trip. The transports were arranged from the time I got off the flight to Africa and until I got back on the plane. All legs of the trip were covered and went seamlessly. The guide for Kilimanjaro had been trained by the African National Parks and knew about the animals, the climbing routes and health issues that can occur. He was a wealth of great information and a very competent guide. The driver / guide for my safaris also was trained by the National park system and spoke English. There was never a time where the drivers or transports were not on time or made me feel like I was not safe and well cared for. The lodges and tent camps were a mix of luxury to rugged and I enjoyed the mix. Megan smartly booked a second night at a lodge before all my adventures began as I was scheduled to arrive late in the evening. Flying to Africa is quite the ordeal so having critical rest time upon arrival is really important to making sure you are prepared for the rest of the adventure. One thing I wish I had done was book an overnight in Amsterdam on my way over and on my way back. Having 3 flights and 2 of them 8 hour flights that are back to back, having a night to rest in Amsterdam would have been wise for me. I would highly recommend Discover Africa. They are well known and respected in Africa. My luggage was lost on the way to Africa and Discover Africa, while not responsible for this error on the airlines fault, did help me to locate my bag and get it to me before my Kilimanjaro climbing began. Unforgettable trip!