US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our trip to the Ngorongoro Crater was fantastic!
Our trip to and stay at the Ngorongoro Crater was a very good part of our overall safari experience. This was our second stay at a high altitude lodge on our trip, so we were prepared for the temperature differential between the base of the crater and the rim. The varying terrain at the crater was fascinating, and there was a larger variety of wildlife than we originally anticipated. The accommodations we had were great - we stayed at the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge and I would highly recommend it. Our room looked out on the crater from the top of the rim, and we even had a few Waterbuck grazing right outside of our room early in the evening! Our guide was part of Grumeti Expeditions, and was very knowledgeable about the crater and the general area.
Overall, I would highly recommend including the Ngorongoro Crater as part of an overall safari package.
beautiful ,comprehensive,exciting,the best park i have been too in africa
our tour was a private tour with a family of 4.we spent 7 days in tents,with all mod cons.
animals were prolific.the big cats were on show,and elephants were everywhere.we could not have wished for more
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Tanzania by echinsf97
I don't have any other safari experiences to compare as this was my first visit to Tanzania. But with so many wildlife parks in the country, I would definitely recommend Tanzania as a safari destination. The guides and local people are friendly and helpful.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Tanzania by Rich Vliet
I would highly recommend Tanzania as a safari destination. We traveled through both Kenya and Tanzania on our safari, and both countries had amazing things to experience and see during our trip.
Our overall experience in Tanzania was incredible. We stayed in 3 different lodges (all part of the Sopa chain). The accommodations at all 3 locations were excellent. Our transportation was great - we used Grumeti Expeditions in Tanzania, and our driver was excellent, and had extensive knowledge of the country, parks, and wildlife. We never had a question not answered to our satisfaction.
The wildlife was incredible - we saw so much more than just the "Big 5" (Cape Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Leopard), and the variety of terrain (from the vastness of the Serengeti plains to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater) made it even more amazing. We were very pleasantly surprised at the overall variety of birds that we saw, and the beautiful colors in them.
About the only negative (and this is not major in any way) was that toward the end of our trip, the food was beginning to get a bit predictable and boring - the types of lodges and camps we stayed in pretty much served similar meals, and it was hard to find much variety. But overall the food was very good, so that is just a very minor complaint in what proved to be probably the best trip I have ever been on.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jamal Njarita - Best. Guide. Ever!
We settled on East African Safari & Touring Company because our friends used them three years ago, and it was a great mix of locations and property styles. Simon King was our contact we communicated with throughout the process. He was accessible and very knowledgeable with our many queries. If he does not respond, email again. Sometimes there are communication disruptions and delays.
We got immunizations in the U.S.
We secured our visas upon arrival in Tanzania, and it was kind of a cluster. Everyone who just got off the plane and has to go through this line. I admit I was exhausted. You must pay in cash (As of 07/2015 it was $100 USD - Bring new currency, fresh crisp bills).
We traveled U.S.---> Turkey ----> Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
When we landed after flying for 22 hours we had to take two more in-country flights. We had a layover for many hours (3 am local time, flight not departing until 7 am local time) and we were exhausted. We had to wait outside on metal benches because the domestic portion of the airport doesn't allow you in until two hours before your flight. None of the shops are open. If we knew we were going to wait an additional 5 hours on a metal bench at the Dar Es Salaam airport, before getting on two more flights, and then being in a car for 30 minutes I think we would have opted to stay in Dar Es Salaam for the day and just fly to Mwanza the next day.
Nights were cool in July and required sweaters, jackets, long pants. Mountains were cool, other places were HOT, but a nice mix. Also good to have scarfs to cover up against dusty roads, eye drops, hats, and sunscreen.
Definitely need flashlights, good binoculars and I rented a fabulous camera. We brought one great travel guide book about Tanzania and E-readers with many books on them. Books are expensive there. Bring your own. The guide also had some books, but we like to have our own. Good shoes for walking and also light shoes for heat. We brought a First Aid kit. Bring snacks that travel easily, I brought a box of KIND bars, my friend had Cliff Bars. A clothesline and pins are helpful if you need to rinse anything. Usually, everything dries fast.
We stayed in tents in the Serengeti, and private lodges in other bush areas. At times, we were the only tourists at a location. Simon also mixed that up with some comfortable lodges with many (loud) tourists. It was a good balance but if something is "not your thing", you should specify and pay for higher end locations. If you are roughing it, bring extra batteries particularly for cameras. Many places will not have access for Internet or Phone. I use T-Mobile in the US and was able to pop out my sim card and buy a local one. My phone bill was not affected.
We toured for 10 days with Jamal Njarita. He worked so incredibly hard. What makes a good guide? First comes safety, especially on walking safaris, which requires a cool head, a respect for dangerous game and a thorough knowledge of animal behavior. A good guide can read situations, react in an instant and avoid putting his clients in harm’s way. As two women traveling, this was key. He has a great sense of humor, and could be serious when explaining things like how Maasai live in a 'Boma'. Like all true professionals he appears relaxed, yet all his senses remain on high alert, suddenly breaking off a conversation to point out a bird in a tree or the flick of an ear in the long grass. We were alone in our 10 year old Toyota Landcruiser with Jamal. He was very good and accompanied us most everywhere. Guides work on commission only, so be prepared to tip well.
There is a LOT of driving roads, and imaginary roads are rough and can be surprisingly exhausting.
I loved the Serengeti Horizon tents. I would say it's more "glamping" or glamorous camping than camping. The guys who work there are truly amazing, welcoming, and made this a great start of our journey.
I was petrified during the night drive! While we were at Boundary Lodge (when it's dark outside we had escorts) I was not prepared for a man they call "Commander" who carried a bow and arrow. Additionally he shone the spotlight during the night game drive. I didn't catch the other young man's name but he had a spear to protect us from animals. I felt safe but it was unexpected to say the least.
Large lodges had safes. Theft was not an issue.
My friend is a vegetarian (who eats fish) and they prepared special food for us. Lots of food, not fancy, but tasty and 3 meals a day day, which is much more than our normal diet. Soups were great. The large lodges had incredible food.
My advise is as follows: Be flexible. Be clear about what you want so they can manage your expectations. Ask for a exceptional guide like Jamal. (If you are a woman remember you are traveling in a predominantly Muslim country--everyone did not treat us like Jamal).
Things that were less than perfect, is when accommodations were made at a place with a different name/location then what was printed on the itinerary. It was just confusing and it happened twice. (On the itinerary it says "Hilton Hotel or similar" which is not cool when you see a man is holding a sign with your name driving you to a location with a different hotel than you think you are traveling to. If it can be firmed up in advance it's helpful).
This is not Disney animals on demand. There were days we drove around for hours and saw nothing, and then there was the day we saw a Cheetah, Leopard, Zebra, Elephant and Rhinoceros. Believe your guide wants you to see these animals as much as you do. He is working and listening to radio chatter in Swahili trying to link up with colleagues for the best spots. Also, give him a break, you don't have to leave at dawn and come back to home base at dusk. If you're on vacation, be on vacation, trust me the animals will be there.
Finally, my favorite moment was riding bikes for three hours with a man named Sandy to get a close up of Lake Manyara. We saw literally thousands of flamingos and got to sit in a local fisherman's canoe. The landscape was breathtaking. We did this bike tour on Jamal's recommendation and it was incredible!
We traveled to Zanzibar to relax. If I had to do it again we would have stayed at the Z Hotel in Nungwi. Much more our speed, more people, and an exceptionally good Bloody Mary! We managed to go snorkeling using One Ocean Dive spent a day touring Stone Town enjoying lunch at Jafferji House & Spa.
Hopefully I can come back in 5 years or so.
Like anything, people make the experience and our guide Jamal made it wonderful, and it went by too fast!
EG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulouse wildlife experience
The overall experience with World Air Travel & Tours right from the booking through Elias Njenga to the tour guide John on our arrival at Kilimanjara was quite good. Elias was quick in his response to our various queries and special requests, was quite accomodating in giving us the best possible deal and ensuring that we have a comfortable stay and jungle experience. The tour guide John was quite welcoming, patient and particular about our well being especially the children. He was always on the lookout for animals to ensure that we got the best of wildlife experience. A very committed tour guide that World Air can be proud about. We had only 2 minor incidents with regard to our hotel stays in 2 places. Other than that this was a worhtwhile wild life expereince for both our families
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Highlight Of Our South Africa Trip
We spent five days in Kruger with Chris and Nicky of Armadillo-Overland-Tours, and it was a once in a lifetime experience. I am NOT a camper, but I've never eaten or slept so well in my life. Coffee, rusks, and granola at dawn, then out for a game drive, followed by an exceptional brunch and more animal spotting. My partner claims we saw 100 species in five days -- I know I counted 76!
After setting up camp, evenings were spent eating (and I like to eat), drinking, and making new friends. Every camp site had showers and toilets, so it never felt like "roughing it." The tour vehicle, designed and built by the owner, put us head and shoulders above those in cars and jeeps -- a definite advantage for photographers!
If you ever wind up in South Africa, you owe it to yourself to visit Kruger for at least a few days. Chris and Nicky (the owner-operators) do some posh tours, but if you're on a budget or just want something different, camping with the pros is the way to go.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
great Experience!
I had the pleasure of going to Lake Chala with Kevin. Not only did he make the arrangements, but he was professional and so much fun! I would reccomend him to anyone lookig for a wonderful day with great people.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My awesome adventure in Kenya
The most beautiful African experience ever. We saw a lot of animals, asante sana to all who gave me such a great expirience. Also many thanks to our special guides and great buddys. Amazing service, exclusive place, gourmet meals, big Thank to the chef, tente high standard luxe, we will be back next year for sure.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wow, seeing is believing.........
I recently visited Tanzania on safari with Safarihub and I found this company to be absolutely fantastic. They sorted out all the logistics of our trip and the driver was incredibly knowledgeable as well as friendly and helpful. I could not have asked for a better safari experience and I recommend Safarihub to anyone wishing to go on safari to Tanzania. I really cannot speak highly enough of it! Alexis