20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Team
The tour was great. Friendly staff, well organized, food was delicious, and the team took into account our needs and suggestions.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A poor and frustrating experience!
My honest review of my experience with Safari Multiways.
I was a Canadian long-term volunteer in Moshi, Tanzania. My husband was coming to visit me from Canada so I started to research budget-friendly options for a 4D3N private safari in the northern circuit. I stumbled upon Safari (SM) Multiways as per a recommendation from a board discussion on Tripadvisor; of all the recommended companies it was SM that provided me with the most economical quote. SM does not have an account on Tripadvisor so I instead gathered information from Tripadvisor forums and safaribookings.com. The consensus was that SM is a excellent tour company that you can count on to be reliable, professional, and give you the most bang for your buck.
I was in contact with Victor during the planning stages. Victor immediately left a great impression as he was very professional, pleasant and responsive. The planning experience instilled my confidence and affirmed the great reviews left by hundreds of past clients. Unfortunately, our excitement and confidence was short-lived.
Our itinerary was as follows: 2 days in the Serengeti, 1 day in the Ngorogoro Crater, and 1 day in TP where we could journey home that very afternoon.
SM arranged to pick us up from Moshi at 7:00am to head to Serengeti central. It wasn’t until the day before our safari that Victor suggested we instead stay in Arusha overnight to head to the Serengeti as it is a 6 hour journey from Arusha; if we travel from Moshi another 2 hours would be added to the commute. I wish he suggested this to me earlier so that we could’ve made the necessary arrangements. We had an engagement the evening before the safari so there was no way for us to stay in Arusha the night before. This lack of communication/planning already left a bad taste in my mouth.
We were picked up the next morning by our driver and tour guide, Pius. We knew beforehand that we were not signing up for a luxury vehicle, however, the car was very much dilapidated. Throughout the safari, a few things from the car kept falling off at a time. For example, the window frame (not sure what the technical term for this is) fell off, as well as the bumper – which Pius needed to buy rope to secure back to the car. The seatbelt for one the front seats (which we preferred to sit in as we got a better view being closer to the dashboard) did not work; this is a safety hazard. There were no headrests so we woke up with headaches/neckaches every time we fell asleep during the commutes. Even worse, the car doors did not lock. So, whenever we had to leave the car to eat or use the washroom (with Pius included), I was relying on the good graces of the Lord to ensure no one tried to steal anything from the car. This is unacceptable.
On our way to the Serengeti, Pius asked if we had a lunch box. I don’t know what gave SM the impression that we’d have a lunch box with us as we were being picked up from home, not a hotel. Pius had to stop in Arusha to grab lunch boxes for us – adding 30min to an already long, 8-hour commute to the Serengeti. We arrived in the Serengeti around 4pm. What was supposed to be a 4-hour game drive in the Serengeti (according to the itinerary sent by Victor) turned into a 1-hour game drive as we were dropped to our camp by 5:30pm.
We enjoyed our second day in the Serengeti and Pius worked hard to ensure we saw all the animals we wanted to see. I can say that he was friendly and kind; however, the more time we spent with him, we started to realize that he felt more like a driver than a guide. He knew the names of the animals and birds but did not know anything else beyond that. I wasn’t expecting a national geographic commentary but he did not have any knowledge of basic things like their diet, or general information about their habitat. We were fortunate to see the critically endangered rhino through our binoculars, but when I asked Pius whether the black rhino can only be found in Tanzania or if it can be found in other countries as well, he did not know.
The worst part of our trip happened while we were in the Ngorogoro crater. First off, we didn’t reach the crater until 12pm. I was already worried about lack of time until I learned that the permits only allow 6-hour visits at a time. By 3pm, Pius explained that we saw all the animals we needed to see and there was not much else to see in the crater - and then suggested we head back to our lodge. I insisted that I would like to spend more time exploring the crater (considering we spent a lot of money on our permit) as we wanted to make the most of our time there. By 4pm he began to exit the crater. Therefore, we only explored the crater for 4 hours (1 hour lunch break included). After researching online, I learned that people usually use all 6 hours of their permit to explore the park. Halfway up the crater ascent the car engine seemed to stop working and we were stuck on an upwards slope. I was fearful that the car would break down completely and we would either fall off the ledge or slide backwards onto the vehicle parked behind us. While Pius was getting help from others around him, he did not explain what was happening but looked panicked. Some of the gentlemen helping had to put bricks behind the back tires so Pius didn’t have to keep shifting gears to keep the car in neutral/park. After everything was resolved I was honest with Pius and shared that we did not appreciate not being informed of what was happening at the time. He advised that these issues are common in Tanzania – but can be resolved easily – which is why he didn’t feel the need to explain, but profusely apologized – which we really appreciated.
For our last day, our lunch boxes were forgotten at the lodge. This was really frustrating as we not only had to cut our time in short in TP in order to have lunch in town, but the value and amount of food in a packed lunch box is worth far more than the local restaurant lunch we ended up having in Karatu.
Once the safari ended, I was relieved. It was singlehandedly the most stressful and frustrating vacation I've experienced, and if I were to do it all again, I would not go with SM. In fact, I wish I could do it all again and experience the stunning national parks Tanzania has to offer the RIGHT way! I understand that we went with the most affordable tour company, but when you spend well over two grand on an experience, you at least expect an acceptable level of standards.
Although, our experience does not seem to be consistent with reviews of many happy clients of SM, the cynic in me found that most (if not all) of the clients’ reviews had Amos or Omari as their guide. I tried to look for reviews of Pius and he is mentioned as the “driver only”. Based on pure speculation, I’m inclined to believe that SM may have been “testing the waters” with the knowledge that I’m a long-term volunteer and may not hold the same standards as the wealthy western tourists who often go on these safaris. I think we were given the bad end of the bargain (ie. a battered vehicle and a guide lacking in experience) perhaps as an experiment.
On a more positive note, the accommodation SM chose for our mid-range budget needs were superb (Tukaone in the Serengeti and Eileen’s Trees Inn in Karatu). Also, despite the lack of knowledge and experience, Pius was otherwise really sweet, and even bought red bananas and baobab fruit for us to try during the trip.
With hundreds of TOs in Tanzania, word of mouth is often the most powerful tool for raising the profile of your company. But as it stands, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend Safari Multiways to my large network of expat volunteers, friends, and family in Tanzania.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience! Already dreaming of going back!
What an adventure! We can't thank ATGEL enough for organizing such a perfectly personalized safari adventure for our honeymoon. Our 6 day safari took us through Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti, and ended in Ngorongoro Crater.
We saw more lions, giraffes, zebra, wildebeast, elephants, and more than we could keep track of. We even got some great glimpses of leopards and cheetahs with their young. If that wasn't enough, we also had the luck to witness a pride of lionesses hunt a warthog! Our guide was an expert at spotting animals and he seemed to have a special knack for getting our jeep perfectly positioned to view the wildlife.
Through it all, ATGEL was so easy to work with. When we were designing our itinerary, they made sure we got the best experience for our interests and for the time of year. For example, when I mentioned that I love elephants, they recommended we visit Tarangire since it's known for large elephant herds, especially during the dry season. Plus, we'd get to see the striking baobab trees. All of their chosen accommodations were beautiful and placed us in prime wildlife viewing locations. We heard lions and hyenas as we slept, and we woke up to impala and monkeys in camp. Lastly, the cherry on top was when we realized they had surprised us with a custom "Just Married" tire cover made to put on the back of the jeep along with matching T-shirts. It was unforgettable!
Thanks so much again ATGEL! Hopefully we can come back again!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Lake Bunyonyi and South Western Uganda trip was an amazing experience.
Communication was just fine, and my favourite part was the service at Humura Cafe and restaurant, these guys were so hospitable.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic honeymoon
This is for our honeymoon. And it is full of wonders.
The price was reasonable. Great experience in this safari. thanks to the Mack and the guide & drivers Thomas.
We had the car dedicated to the two of us, great accommodations and awesome places visited.
Our tour started in the Lake Manyara then Serengeti, Ngorongoro for a total of 4 nights, with 1 day resting at the arrival.
We've seen all the main animals, the big 5 and many other animals.
We couldn't have asked for more!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best safari ever!!
I decided at the last moment to go on a safari in Tanzania( 1 month in advance). Tanzania Roadside Expeditions had all great reviews and had the best prices. One of the best decisions I have ever made. From my initial contact with Paul Justine the owner I knew I would be in good hands. He answered all my questions immediately. I picked a 6 person/5 day joining safari because of the cost. I knew I couldn’t afford it by myself. Paul was there to meet me at the hotel as soon as I arrived with one of his drivers. He sat me down and explained that the rest of my group had to cancel at the last minute due to a death in their family. He told me he would still take me as a solo client. I know Paul lost a lot of money in hotel costs, hiring a driver, gas, wear and tear on the Jeep, park fees.. etc. but he honored our agreement ( I hadn’t even paid him yet). It turned out to be the greatest trip of my life! My driver Elly was exceptional! He also became my personal photographer, breakfast and dinner companion and good friend. One day he knew I wasn’t feeling well and he changed our itinerary of visiting a Maasai Village to the next day. He made certain we saw the Big 5 and waited patiently for me to take thousands of pics of zebras and giraffes! He was amazing!! I also want to give a shout out to Ezekiel, the man who picked me up at the airport on arrival and also brought me back to the airport at 2:30 am for my flight home. What a kind man. These 3 men made a solo female traveler from New York feel very special and made my life long dream of an African Safari a reality! I highly recommend them!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Apreciation for Muganzi Safaris Limited services which were so hospitable
I think it the best tour i have ever seen since i traveled with muganzi safaris limited
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip ever!
I can honestly say that this was the trip of a life time. I have travelled all over the world and done and seen some amazing things, but this was so different. The luxury tented lodges were outstanding with attention to detail that is rarely seen. For instance we had our beds warmed up with hot water bottles which was a really nice and thoughtful touch. Our Lion King adventures safari guide, Good Luck, was helpful, polite, unbelievably knowledgeable, flexible, funny, and just very easy to get along with. He adjusted our schedule to suit our needs keeping in ind that we wanted to see as many animals as possible, while stil, taking some time to relax! He was simply the Best! The food during our trip was also extraordinary. Everything was just perfect! We loved every minute!!
SG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
11 Days Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Chobe, Kruger National Parks, Blyde River Canyon
We have a fabulous holiday. Thanks to Southern African tours for being flexible and plan the full itinerary to fit in our short
schedule. It was very well planned and varied, covering coastal city with vineyard visit in Cape town for city and scenic visit; to
awesome private game drive Safari near Kruger and a different experience on river safari in Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Sheilagh and team at Southern African is very responsive and accommodating on the numerous changes and requests. They are
very professional and quick in getting on text and call with us in Singapore. Overall I would recommend Southern African Tours
to friends doing Safari trip.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Something I won't regret is booking with this company.
One of my best experience in safari travels . I won't forget I had time to visit the ngorongoro national Park, I received outstanding services from this tour company also got to learn alot from an informative tour guide. I have to say i really enjoyed and had the best time of my life, got to capture extraordinary moments that I could keep and always use to remember how exceptional my trip was. Next time I go on another safari, I'm definitely booking with these guys
