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50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great value and service on a budget
This was our first-ever safari in Tanzania (females, 60 and 35). We arranged a 4-day safari through the company starting at Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorogoro Crater and then added another day for a guided hike on Kilimanjaro.
We were originally going to join a group, but when we arrived they let us know that the other group had decided to start earlier, so we would have the safari experience and the guides to ourselves. This was a huge plus!
The guides were friendly and polite. Their primary language is Swahili and command of English varied but each spoke at least one other language fluently. Freddy, our driver and primary guide (fluent English), was great! He handled the roads like a pro (not always common in Africa). He loves the animals and knows a lot about them and the areas. Sante (basic English and fluent in French) was a whiz at identifying birds. They brought along animal and bird books so we could learn more if we desired. Godfrey (fluent English and Spanish) was our cook and the meals were delicious. There was a ton of food at every meal and each evening, a bottle of wine. The type of food was right for the trip, things that would fill you up and be easy on the tummy, and lots of fresh fruit.
The trip provides great value for the money. Airport transportation was included as well as our stay at Arusha Tourist Inn the night before and after the safari. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were included during the safari. We expected to camp every night and were pleasantly surprised that the first night was spent in a small hotel along the way, right outside Lake Manyara (they are trying this out and hoping to offer it permanently soon). The hotels weren’t fancy but they were satisfactory, clean, free Wi-Fi and the staff at each place were helpful and gracious. At the hotel and at Ngorogoro campsite there is internet (slow, but free) which was a huge plus. Serengeti and Ngorogoro campsites are clean and well maintained (Ngorogoro had ample hot water for all the ladies but get an early start for the “best” shower stall) and you meet travelers from other safaris in the large, covered dining areas - all the companies use the same camping areas.
They provided all the camping supplies – pad, sleeping bag, and tent but make sure you bring your own bath towel, torch/flashlight and pillow. The guides made sure of our safety and that we knew what to do if we saw an animal in camp.
Our experience on the Kilimanjaro hike was equally great. Nico was our guide and made sure we had a great experience and our safety was paramount. He patiently navigated us through a treacherous, slippery descent to the Marangu waterfall. Lunch was provided and it was robust and tasty. We didn’t realize that past certain elevations it is more likely to rain and we didn’t have rain gear but between Nico was prepared with umbrellas.
The biggest highlight is how much this company cares about you having a positive experience. Gabriel briefed us before we left, and listened and asked questions upon our return about what they could do to improve the experience and quality. The guides were open and responsive to feedback. They have young guides, but the plus of this is they haven’t lost their enthusiasm or energy and really love the job. If you’re on a budget, this company is the way to go.
QA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
One of the best holidays I've ever been on.
I recently returned from a 7-day safari that I booked through Sayari Tano. I've given it 5-stars, I only have a couple of minor gripes/suggestions, and then I'll get into all the positives!
1) I was surprised that there was no paperwork to complete (Which is kind of a good thing), but there wasn't really any information provided as to what to bring etc. In itself, this wasn't a problem, I've travelled a lot and had a good idea anyway - nonetheless I found it surprising.
2) There was no payment required beforehand, which is fine. But upon arriving at the hotel and being asked to pay for the tour, I discovered that they had no credit card facilities. This was inconvenient as it meant I had to make 9 ATM withdrawals (due to the ATM cash withdrawal limits, and therefore also pay the associated bank charges charges) and carry large amounts of cash on several trips back and forth down the street of a third world country. Credit card facilities would be an easy and much appreciated improvement.
Now... For the good! WOW! Everything for the tour ran pretty smoothly and the itinerary was perfect. Tanzania is an amazing country, you won't be disappointed. Sayari Tano were professional and prompt to respond in their email correspondence. The Arusha Hotel Inn is an ok hotel, perfectly adequate for what you should expect for what you're paying. It's relatively clean and the rooms are secure. The safari itself was fantastic! The car comfortable and spacious and Julius our driver/guide was brilliant. Knowledgeable, friendly, helpful. GoodLuck, the chef and camp organiser outdid himself, the food was delicious and filling, and he was also super friendly and helpful. I can't speak as to the other guides and chefs working with Sayari Tano, but if you request Julius and GoodLuck, you cannot go wrong. They're amazing, and I can't say enough good things about them. They genuinely felt like family by the end of the safari.
Of the 40+ countries I've explored, Tanzania ranks as one of the best. If you're a photographer like me, it's paradise.
If you're thinking of doing a safari in Tanzania, do it with Sayari Tano. I'm recommending them to all my friends and family who are now considering going after seeing my photos and hearing about my adventures.
Thank-you Sayari Tano, and most importantly thank-you Julius and GoodLuck!!
DE
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!!
Was an unforgetable Adventure! Thanks to Prayer (best driver) and victor (best cook)! We had a lot great, amazing and funny moments! I loved the parks, camping sites, and most of all the massage road!! Asante sana!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our deposit $4000US missing
We have planned a Safari for December2017 and received the same email as everyone else about someone running off with the money
We were told our trip is safe and is with another company.
When we contacted that company it is not so
So rang all hotels on our itinary some booked some not, none have received any payment
This is very disaapointing...Do not go with this company
We have tried to contact all Tanzanian tourist boards and even the Tourism Minister and are waiting replies
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3-days-Safari in Tansania
We went to Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro Crater / Tarangine NPs and we were really overpowered of the nature and the animals. The tour was well organised of Tanzania Roadside Expeditions and also the Lodge (Olea Africana Lodge), food and transport was very good. We felt comfortable and welcome at every time. Our guide Jackson was a very good guide and always tried to give us the best spot and location to let us have a wonderful safari. We would definitly book it again :)
One note: Maybe we would not go to Lake Manyara because the other two NP were defnitly more exciting due to the amount of animals and the nature.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very nice experience
Thanks for the excellent safari (3N 4D). We had very good food and friendly staff. The trip felt like an adventure. The toilets of the camping sites were very clean, we definitely don't regret choosing the budget option. Some miscommunication occurred regarding date of travel but was easily fixed. Since the other people of our car had to catch a flight in the afternoon we started our safaris very early (great! experience ). However make sure you bring a sweater, it might be cold. Car and comfort were perfectly fine. Asante Sana.
SV
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience in Tanzania!
This company came to my rescue when another one cancelled my safari last minute. Paul Justine was very accommodating, and resourceful in organizing the safari tour in a couple of days! Communication was very clear and timely. Before and after, we were able to ask and get recommendations for other places to visit in Arusha. During the tour, our guide Julius was great! He knew the best spots to find all the animals we wanted to see. He was very respectful and friendly. We really loved our tour. We would recommend this company to anyone looking for a very professional company that gives a personalized service.
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Read all 1 star reviews. They are TRUE!! Do not book with ISIA!!! WARNiNG!
We paid extra for a pick up from the airport.
They didn'¨t show up. We had to find another a taxi driver in the middle of the night.
The next day we had to hunt ISIA down by phone with the help of the hotel manager.
The trip started 5 hours too late because of this.
We had paid USD70 for an extra event. We didn't get to do this event and still after 4 months we haven't been refunded. I waited this long before writing a review to give them a chance to make it good.
They answer emails sometimes and sometimes not. Lies and stalling. In the beginning they said that they had made the payment but that it will take a couple of weeks before we would see it on the account.
The guide wasn't too interested in talking about animals. He just wanted to drive to get to the next camp and start driving a bit late every day.
He had good contact with other drivers to find animals but that was about it.
In the end he and his boss tried to pressure us to pay USD20 per day in tips and said that this wasn't optional.
You don't need to pay for an expensive company like ISIA!
All companies drive around and talk to each other. Just be sure to get a driver who have been driving for at least 5 years or so. This because a rookie might wreck the car and you will lose time.
There is a million companies out there.
Check what areas you want to go to and what camps you want to live in. Then contact any company but NOT It Started in Africa!
You have been Warned!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What een experience, unforgettable!
In november my boyfriend and I went on a 5 day private safari net Asili Explorer. Een local company run by Joe. It was fantastic!!
Joe arranged everything for us in a perfect manner. He picked us up at the airport in Arusha en dropped us at the and at the airport Kilamanjaro. We vistited 3 parks: Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorogoro. We saw so many wildlife, incredible. We saw the big 5, the great migration and many other animals. Het knows the way en is able to spot the wildlife, moreover he knows a lot about the ecosystem in the parks so he explains what you see. Nothing is too much!
He arranged all our accomodations in in consultation with us and the contact by email before the trip was really good. There was a packed lunch everyday en lots of cooled water in the car.
Finally he offers a really good price for the safari with high quality. So we recommend Joe en his company!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience! Definitely will recommend
We had lovely time. I had emails on many questions and Paul is patient and replies timely. On the safari days, our guide is really knowledgeableand we were able to see all we wanted. Lucky for us!