NL
35-50 years of age
Everything you want from an African safari
When you think of Tarangire, you think of elephants. Lots and lots of elephants.
On average there are approximately 3000 elephants living in the park, so chances are that you will see a few of them. Certainly in the morning or late in the afternoon, you can easily find them when they migrate between the bush and the river area. With a bit of luck, they end up right next to (or in front of) your jeep.
The park is one of the highlights of the northern safari circuit in Tanzania. It is fairly close to Arusha, approximately a 2 hour drive, but it is recommended to stay at least one night in one of the lodges in the park. All the way through the park, there runs the Tarangire river. This river provides some breathtaking scenery, certainly when you find the right picnic spot or you make a stop at the Tarangire Safari Lodge and enjoy the view from their terrace. With a bit of luck, you will find a big herd of elephants and many other animals on the plains and the riverbed right down the cliff on which the lodge has been built. A visit to the Tarangire Safari Lodge really is a must if you are visiting the park. It is one of the most beautiful views you will see in Eastern Africa. Of course, you could also stay there for the night.
The northern part of the park is the most busy part, and rightfully so. There is so much to see in this area and in general you will not see too many vehicles at the same time, apart from the entrance gate and at really special game sightings.
Besides the elephants, you will find all sort of large animals, like zebra, wildebeest and giraffes and cats like lions and cheetahs. When we visited the park, the cats were fairly active and we witnessed a cheetah hunting impala and two female lions checking a warthog out if he (or she) was any good for lunch.
The large animals are very compelling of course, but don’t forget to look for the small animals and birds as well. One of the smaller animals that quickly became one of our favourites is the dik-dik. We even found a pair right next to our lodge when we checked in. Furthermore, there are birds in all sizes, from ostriches and secretary birds to lovebirds and there are plenty of birds of prey to spot.
All in all, Tarangire is everything you want from an Eastern African safari, all in one park. Breathtaking scenery and an abundance of game to enjoy.
SE
20-35 years of age
Much to see during a short time.
In the summer of 2011 I worked as a volunteer in Kenya. During that time I and seven other volunteers went together from a Friday to a Saturday to Masai Mara and I must say that this was one of the highlights of my six weeks long stay in Kenya. I have heard before that this national park is a good one, but still it exceeded my expectations.
After entering the gate we saw a lot of gnus and zebras together in flocks. Two of the gnus butted each other and I immediately realize that this trip would be something special. The savannah of the park was open and because of that the sight of animals is good. It only took thirty minutes before we encountered lions. Then it was also possible to drive two meters close to them and I could shoot really nice pictures. During the time in Masai Mara we came to see many lions; flocks of lions, young lions, a lion eating gnu and even grown-up lion males.
However, we came to see a lot more and at the end we had seen almost all animals that one can imagine to see when going for safari. There was only exception; the rhino. Rhinos are the rarest animals in Masai Mara, but it happens quite frequently that they are observed in the park. Consequently, we had bad luck with respect to that, but because everything else was so good I am more than satisfied with the wildlife in the park. There is also a river, where we could see a lot of hippos and crocodiles. At some places it was possible to leave the vehicle and when we ate in free air, a baboon came and wanted our food. The driver did not let him come to close, but I went against his will quite close to the monkey anyway and this was really an amazing encountering. I also liked that we could face cheetahs and some leopards sitting in top of trees, but as I mentioned we saw every kind of animal except the rhino. As implied we were for three days in the park and I would recommend not be there less than that, because the park is huge and there is so much to see. I am interested in photographing and I must admit that the best photos ever taken by my come from this trip.
We lived in Entumoto Safari Camp. The camp consisted of sturdy tents, each suited for two people. I had no problems sleeping there, but I must say that the food was not good. One day we got Spaghetti Bolognese and unfortunately it only consisted of ground beef and water. I had expected some dessert, but we never got any. What I liked about the accommodation is that the camp is guarded by Maasai people. During first evening we sat around a camp fire and heard their stories and experiences of life. We also heard a lion roaring quickly the Maasai guards started to see what was going on. The last day we also got invited to visit a Maasai village. The guards took us there. I am not against paying 1000 Kenyan shilling for that, but I did not like that they did not tell us that before they started to take us there, but first at the entrance. There was also a market in the village, but sadly the same low quality souvenirs as anywhere else in the country were sold there. I think that the Maasais can be seen as real Maasais, but the thing is just that their presence in the park has become to commercialized.
The price for the trip was good and everything was included in the price. Unfortunately, the contact person from the travel company was rude. She told us that everything was included in the price, but when the driver noticed that the entrance fee was increased, we became forced to compensate for that. When we drove home, the driver stopped by the road and bought a sack of dried leaves as fuel for his stove at home. I found it unprofessional doing personal errands when being on duty.
To summarize I am very satisfied with the wildlife experiences of Masai Mara. I could really recommend other tourists to go to this park. Concerning food and accommodation I am not complaining, because we as volunteers chose a low-budget option and we got what we paid for. If you would like to also experience good food during the evenings and good accommodation, which I actually think could be a pleasant part of a safari trip, I would like to recommend you to investigate the offerings of hotels in the park or other camps.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A beautiful country with many contrast including people, wildlife and scenery!
This was our first trip to Africa and it lived up to all expectations. The wildlife in the Serenghetti was tremendous. We had to keep telling ourselves that it was real and not a Disney ride. We travelled with an American company, Overseas Adventure Travel, and their constant attention to detail was exceptional. Certainly seeing the major groups of wild animals was a highlight, elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinocerous, hippos, and all other animals was exceptional. The weather was perfect during our trip with little to no rain. Visiting the Masai was another exceptional experience as we had the opportunity to enter their modest homes and learn of their daily lives. As a lover of elephants I had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time photographing them and studying their interactions individually and as a group. Food was excellent and the experience of staying on the Serenghetti in tents for several days and nights was one that was a highlight. Seeing a sunset on the Serenghetti whil you are eating a gourmet meal cooked inside a field tent kitchen was amazing. Our guides were knowledgable as well as friendly and attentive. Overall I would recommend everyone to take a trip to Africa and experience the vast, beautiful continent that it is. If you can add a hot air balloon ride over the Serenghetti at dawn don't miss it.
35-50 years of age
Great scenic nature reserve with good bird and game viewing
I have visited in all months of the year, sometimes camping.
The birding is very good, with many bushveld and some grassland species, including Chestnut-vented Titbabbler, Blue Crane, Brubru, Arrow-marked Babbler. The reserve is especially good for cuckoos in summer.
Game includes White & Black Rhino (the latter rare and difficult to see), Giraffe, Eland, Kudu, Red Hartebeest and other antelope. Black-backed Jackal are fairly common and can be seen during the day.
Accommodation includes campsites (some with electric plug points) and a five bed self-catering cottage. There is a hide and three picnics spots (one with ablution facilities).
There are good gravel roads covering most of the reserve and it's major habitats, as well as a self-guided walking trail. There is a viewpoint with stunning views over the Bushman's River.
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A trip of a life time and an experience I'll never forget
Our trip in Tanzania with TSA was for two weeks and it was the most incredible vacation I ever had. We climbed Kilimanjaro in the first week and the guides and porters that were with us were very nice and welcoming. The food was very good, especially the soups! We would come to the camp and the porters would be there helping you take of your shoes and rub your feet, while they have been doing all the heavy carrying and work. The guides were very motivating and helpful to get us up the mountain.
In the second week we went on a six day safari. Our driver had a lot of knowledge about the animals and was really good at spotting them. We got to see the big 5 and lot's of other animals. He was also really interested in getting great pictures and drove into different positions so that we could get the best shots of the animals! First we went to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro and we stayed at the coffee farm the first two nights, which is an absolute amazing place and the staff was very friendly and food was good. After the second night we went to Serengeti and the third and fourth night we stayed in Savannah camps in the middle of the Serengeti, which was also very exciting as your in the middle of the wildlife. The staff here were friendly and the food was of very high standard. The tents are walk in tents with en suite bathrooms and actual beds. This was the most comfortable tent I've ever been in.
On the last night we had a lodge booked in Tarangire, again somewhere were you could wake up with wild animals just outside your window! This place was very relaxing with again such nice staff!
I'm very glad we booked our trip through Tanzania Serengeti Adventure as they were very considerate to plan a day of relaxing after out flight before our Kilimanjaro climb, a day of relaxing between Kili and the safari and again an extra day for relaxing and shopping after the safari and before our flight. You might want to do as much as possible when you are on holiday, however we were really happy with these days of relaxing in between. Our luggage also got lost on our flight coming into Tanzania and TSA did there best to keep in contact with the airport to make sure our bags would arrive on time for us to pack before the climb.
Everything of this trip has been absolutely amazing and I would recommend to travel with TSA to anyone, as they have been so great and they have a lot of experience in organizing the trip with/for you! I really hope to do this trip again in the future!
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Thoughtfully planned giving different experiences of Desert, Delta and Salt Pans. Brilliant trip!
Excellent service with careful planning to meet our needs. The choice of Camps meant we saw different parts of Botswana, each special and very worthwhile. Expectations were exceeded and we met very knowledgeable guides and staff in the 3 Camps. Seamless transfers by light aircraft ensured trouble free travel. We will certainly return and trust our tour to Kingfisher who clearly have used their on the ground experience to best advantage, definitely hitting the spot for us! Thank you for a relaxing and rewarding holiday.
Great experience
We had a wonderful time on our safari. Andrew was helpful from the start and our guide was absolutely amazing. Our cook was great as well. We'd go back again!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Life changing experience
We used Awaken to Africa on both of our trips to Tanzania. Our guide David is one of the best we have ever used. He ensures we see the all the wildlife and Grace makes sure our accommodations are top notch. Once you go to Tanzania to see the migration you will want to go back every year.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
With Spot Kenya Safaris you feel very well taken care of, we were very pleased.
It was too important to be well looked after on our first trip to Kenya. The communication was great. The safaris were well organized, the guides excellent and the driver very well. We also place emphasis on individual programs according to our expectations. What was possible was done. So one feels in a foreign country almost like home. Our expectations were exceeded and we are happy to come to the offers back when we visit Kenya again. There is still much to see and we have full confidence in the team at Spot Kenya Safaris.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Astrid and Stephan Meyer from Germany
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very friendly, reliable, flexible and well organized - another phantastic experience with SKS
Communication and service: very, very friendly, endeavoured and patient with all our changing ideas,
always on time, great pick up and many transfer services even in the middle of the night
Living up to expectations and safari tour: great planning, very good and safe driving, beautiful and well chosen accomodations at reasonable rates, wonderful game sightings from leopards to chameleon.
Maurice and Aaron are wonderful safari guides with great respect for all animals and very friendly at all times. They accepted and fulfilled all our individual wishes and made valuable suggestions (where to go or where not to go). They stopped patiently for each bird or even zebra number 255 when we asked for.
All in all we were happy that we booked SpotKenyaSafaris for the second time and we can highly recommend this tour operator.