An out of the world, awesome experience
Good weather, good food, good accommodation - eveything beyond expectation/ imagination. What appealed most was the fact that the Tanzanian people are so eco-conscious. The locals are careful not to spoil the savannahs. Neat places, healthy respect for fellow human beings, law abiding, secular, etc.- wonderful people. In remote places in the jungle women were working in the lodges in the night showing that there is ample safety and respect for women. It was great to spend some time in such a glorious nation with wonderful people.
It was breathtaking and we created everlasting memories in just 3 days.
We loved this experience. The wildlife was plentiful and we saw 4 of the big 5 - only missing a Leopard. Nonetheless, the Tau Game Lodge was first rate. Their hospitality and level of service was unmatched. The food was delicious and the chef disussed each dish he created at dinner. And the rangers were experienced, friendly and patient.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jesse Mfoi is an amazing guide! Look no further for an incredible experience in Tanzania!
A friend and I booked a 7-day safari with Jesse back when he was a guide working with Uhuru Lutheran. I was thrilled to hear he had started his own business. Jesse is nothing short of amazing. He is extremely knowledgable, unfailingly professional, and always approachable and friendly. This is the perfect combination for a safari guide, with whom you will spend hours and hours during your trip. Jesse, of course, responded to sightings that are broadcast among guides in the various parks. Yet--and here's what you will truly remember--he also found unique experiences with us as the only car in sight, thanks to his knowledge, experience and patience. You don't want to be tearing around from "big 6" sighting to sighting, and not take in the beautiful surroundings. And it's amazing what you will see once everyone else has driven off to the next animal "event." With Jesse, we got up early to see hippos lounging, watched the sun set over elephants and lions (so gorgeous), and spent some time on a rocky outcrop with a stunning view of the Serengeti plain. Every day was a perfect jewel. Even 5 years later, I have so many vivid memories (not to mention breathtaking photos). A safari in Tanzania is something special and rare. Having Jesse as our guide made it truly unforgettable.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredibly experience with unparralleled support and service.
Once we connected with Kathi Simon at African Welcome the organization and planning of our trip became a breeze. Kathi was there every step of the way and made perfect recommendations on lodging, actitivies and transportation. We had a group of 12 so ground transportation and the drivers were critical to our trip. They were incredible helpful, patient and accomodating. I would highly recommend any traveler going to South Africa to utilize the services of African Welcome Safaris. They are first rate and we'll be using them again when we return.
Highly recommended
We recently did a 7 day Safari with Afrishare to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire National Parks. We were lucky enough to see all the big five and many more!
After, we climbed Kilimanjaro with Afrishare too. All of the staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating and we had a great time. We couldn't have made it without the support of the lovely guides Tino and Kija not to mention the porters! We received a very personalised service co-ordinated by the friendly manager Ibrah.
We would highly recommend them.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Couldn't have had a better safari experience or better customer service!
My wife and I used Bramwel for a weeklong safari in Tanzania in May 2014 and could not have been happier with the booking process and the experience.
We asked 8 or 9 diffent companies for estimates and were pretty wary after a friend had a bad experience with another company who unexpectedly switched him to downgraded hotels once he had arrived. So communication was particularly important to us.
William with Bramwel was the most responsive and helpful person of all the companies we'd worked with, and their prices were among the best. We asked for a proposal for a week and received a very detailed document wiht prices, pictures, itinerary, etc, within a day. My wife and I also did our own research about game locations, hotels, etc, and went back and forth with our own requests and itinerary modifications, and no matter how high maintenance we were, William could not have been more accommodating. Even after we settled on a plan - skip Arusha, do Serengeti/Ngorongoro/Manyara/Tarangire and add a resort in Zanzibar, Bramwel remained helpful in a way I've never experienced with professional services.
We wanted Internet access so William bought us two SIM cards with service. Had a toothache on the trip (in the middle of nowhere) and Bramwel figured out how to get some medication the same day. Everything little detail was taken care of -- little flights between airports, rides, needs during safari -- and from the point we landed till the point we left felt like royalty. The service was particularly valuable since we were not familiar with Tanzania and valued the support we got.
Our driver, Gideon, too was amazing. He found so many animals the first day (Tarangire -> Serengeti) that we started having fun by giving him a list of animals we wanted to see and made a game of how quickly he could take us to one. He was constantly on the radio with park rangers and any time he heard of something interesting -- a kill, the rare leopard -- he raced to get us in a position for great pictures before most other drivers caught up with us. This was particularly effective since during slower periods (and they happened), whenever there was a lion, within 15 minutes the area would be filled with another 20 jeeps, and being first meant having the best view.
Bramwel provided us with one of the best travel experiences we've ever had and we recommend them highly.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trip of a Lifetime
We spent two weeks in Uganda beginning in Murchison Falls, moving south to Kibale National Park and concluding in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Every aspect of the experience left a positive and lasting impression...from the hospitality and friendliness of the Ugandan people to the beauty of the countryside and the magical encounters we had with the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees; from the comfort, good food and excellent service we experienced at the lodges to the fact that every logistical detail was expertly attended to. Our drivers were fun and attentive, the guides were informative and engaging, and wherever we traveled within the country we always felt so very welcome. Some of our favorite experiences were the Nile cruise at Murchison Falls, the all-day chimp habituation experience at Kibale, our two gorilla trekking experiences, and our day with the Batwa people. Grace from JDA expertly helped us plan the experience and she kept in touch with us throughout our trip to be sure all was well. We have had the privilege to travel far and wide, and we have never had a better experience with a travel planner than the experience we had with JDA...and the country of Uganda is just spectacular!
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Southern Tanzania parks, good overlook at reasonable price, excellent service
We booked with Bushroutes a budget camping safari.
4WD vehicle in fair conditions (but we lost half day to repair a leakage in the coleer)
Accomodation very good at Selous (bungalows with private service, located outside the reserve, 3 nights), good at Mikuni (tented camp, 2 nights), acceptable in Ruaha (Huts managed by TPS, 2 nights)
Selous visit fair (Nice cruise on Rufiji, interesting walking safari, good safari); but park too big to be visted in such a short period
Mikuni and Ruaha excellent visits
Driver and gook perfect
Bushroutes service highly recommended
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Makasa safaris planned the most amazing safari for my daughter and myself. Selma is the best!!!
Makasa Tanzanian Safaris planned the most amazing safari for my daughter and myself. My daughter was doing a service project in Arusha at a school for ten days and when that was finished I joined her. Selma put together a trip for sixteen days of tented camps and lodges that were outstanding. We went to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, The ngorongoro crater, the Serengeti and Zanzibar. We had our own safari jeep and a wonderful driver named Nasoro. Our trip was mapped out so that we would get the most natural and educational expierences. Our driver was so respectful, funny, loving, protective and knowledgable. My daughter and I were so excited to see the wonderful country and people of Tanzania. Selma and Ngomi are exceptional at planning out any adventures that you could imagine and are honest and caring about every detail of the itinerary. I have reccommened them to numerous friends and family. Makasa is the best and I am truly blessed and grateful for the journey of a lifetime that they planned for us.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Trip of a Lifetime.
I can honestly say that the 2 weeks we spent in Uganda was a trip of a lifetime. Every experience we had made you realize that the animals, flora and fauna are a true blessing from God. The wildlife was amazing. The number of elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, lions, etc. took your breath away. At Murchinson Falls make sure you do both a land and water safari. I highly recommend the water safari. The Chimp Habituation at Kibale was an educational experience beyond belief. The guides were very knowledgeable and were very happy to answer any questions you might have about these wonderful animals. The highlight of the trip was the tracking of gorillas in the Buniga Forest. This experience was so dynamic that I am sure most people back in the States think I am making-up many of my experiences. We tracked the gorillas on two different occasions and each experience offered new perspectives. These are incredibly intelligent animals that have much to teach us as humans. The lodges we stayed in (Boma Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Primate Lodge,Kyaninga Lodge) were beautiful and the food was delicious. However, the Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge may have been the finest place I have ever stayed in all the world. This lodge is spectacular. The views are breathtaking, and food was delicious, but most of all the staff was like family. I cannot say enough about this lodge. It is a must see for everyone. Journeys Discovering Africa is an excellent safari operator. They not only met all of our needs they out-surpassed our expectations.