50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Safari with EASTCO
We had a fantastic safari with EASTCO. We had been to Tanzania before and this time wanted to go to some places we had heard of but had not visited. As well as this we wanted to visit some old favourite places Tarangire National Park and Boundary Hill Lodge.
We once again found EASTCO very helpful and flexible in helping us organize a safari that was a bit different.
On this trip we visited Lake Natron. I had heard much about Lake Natron. The drive there was very interesting following the escarpment and driving over lava plains. We camped at Ngare Sero for 2 nights. It was fantastic: the escarpment, volcanic mountains and colourful Lake Natron.
We then drove to Lake Manyara and Ol Tukai, EASTCO's new lodge. This was our first glimpse of Ol Tukai, two thatched buildings with very steep roofs overlooking the distant lake. There was a large herd of giraffe behind Ol Tukai, maybe 30 or so scattered in the palm and acacia trees.
After Lake Manyara we headed for Tarangire National Park and spent hours watching elephants. At times they were amazingly close to us. We then drove to Boundary Hill Lodge, a place we had stayed at before. This is one of my favourite places to stay: spectacular views, giraffe and elephants on the plains below, Masai and their herds of cattle and unique accommodation. Each room is completely private built onto the rocks.
After Boundary Hill Lodge, we headed for Babati and stayed at the White Rose Guesthouse. This is a very simple local guesthouse, but clean and comfortable, very friendly staff. We had a chance here to go to a local restaurant and try local food. We wandered along the lake shore and visited the market. Lake Babati is well known for its hippos and as we were wandering to the market, there was a hippo in the bushes by the road!
Our next drive was to Mkomazi and the Pare Mountains where we stayed at the Elephant Motel.
Same is along the road between Kilimanjaro and the coast, a very dry stretch of country and the dominating features here are the mountains that run parallel to the road, the Pares and further south the Usambaras.
Mkomazi National park is set north of these mountains, itself borders by other mountains to the north and then the dry plains further east. It is a relatively new park, and I had always been keen to visit, and experience the park for myself. The camp we stayed at was set on a slight rise, two large tents and a dining tent, set in some acacias and looking west towards Kilimanjaro.
The next morning we headed towards the South Pare mountains and the village of Mbaga. We reached the local guesthouse where we were staying the night, Toma. The guesthouse is built on different levels out of wood, a ramshackle assortment of buildings, platforms and lounge areas perched on a narrow strip next to the road. This area has many building from the colonial German times and was very interesting.
After breakfast the next day we left for Amani Nature Reserve, heading over the Pares and visiting Chome Nature Reserve, before heading down to the main road, to the coast and then up a steep winding road to the Eastern Usambaras.
After a walk, we continued into Amani and the guesthouse we were staying in for the next three nights.
The difference between here and Chome was striking. Being closer to the Indian Ocean meant that Amani was much more humid and wetter.
Amani is an old colonial town, or town hub, a couple of old stone buildings, one of which was the old Amani Club, which is now the guesthouse.
After our stay at Amani we left for Tanga. The drive was interesting, citrus trees lining the road as we got closer to the coast.
Tanga itself was very interesting. The town is a mixture of old German colonial buildings, some Arab style balconies and typical Swahili homes, tin roofed, with a small porch with a cement bed to spend the hottest part of the days sleeping.
These three nights we camped on the beach between Tanga and Pangani near to a couple of Swahili fishing villages. The tents were small dome tents and we had our own private shower and toilets. They were in a great location overlooking the beach.
Sailing here was idyllic, drifting along under the dhow rigged sail with only the sound of the water beneath the hull.
On the last day we went to Tanga airstrip, where we caught a small plane for Dar Es Salaam and our international flight.
All in all it was a fantastic trip with lots of different and interesting things to see. We had a mixture of animals, fantastic scenery, history and local culture.
I would highly recommend EASTCO who went out of their way to give us the trip we wanted and who were very flexible.
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Going with Migunga Adventures you are sure to get Great experiences in a safe and personally way.
On our trip for my 50-birthday Migunga Adventures arranged a tour in the parks of Ngorongoro and Tarangiri and a climb on Kilimanjaro. They did it over our high expectations. Always on time and what ever was promised was accomplished. This was very important and made our trip to "the trip of lifetime"! Highly recommended!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Safari Experience
Asili is the Swahili word for nature, and it's not surprising Joe chose this for his business - he's love, respect, and wonder of nature is evident from the outset and an integral part of the Asili Safari experience.
After working as a guide for many years, Joe started his own safari business, and is as committed to growing it as he is to ensuring you have the best safari experience possible. His knowledge of the Serengeti and other game parks, the animals, their habits and habitats meant we saw an abundance of animals, and gained precious insights to their world.
I highly recommend choosing Asili explorer if you want a genuine, local experience by a highly driven, enthusiastic and knowledgable expert.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding Value, Amazing Trip
Working in the industry I took quite a bit of time researching and selecting my tour company for my honeymoon. I managed to gain quite a bit of insider information about Wild Safari & Travel from contacts in the UK and Africa and heard nothing but positive reviews. Tom met my wife and I at the airport (something I had asked for and already had priced into our bespoke itinerary so we knew all the costs before departure) when we first arrived into Nairobi and the fantastic service continued from there. I would have absolutely no problem recommending Tom and his company and I would be happy to give a verbal or written reference or speak about our trip to anyone considering using the company. An absolute joy from start to finish.
[email protected]
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great experience
I had a wonderful experience at Kenya Safari. The staff was nice and friendly. Tom greeted me at the airport and he is a fine man. Kind, easy going. The safari experience itself was very memorable. I still treasure the other guests I met on the way and the different ideas exchange. The trip was well organized. And everything turned out to be very pleasant. I would recommend Wild Safaris and Travel to anyone who wanted to have a great trip in Kenya. They rock!
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Explore Africa? only with Asili Explorer Tanzania
I visit Africa for the first time and thanks to Joe it was really exciting and great experience. He is very professional, reliable and friendly. We were offered 5-days Safari with budget package. His offers was the best in term of price and agenda. We slept in tent. All camp sites were good prepared so we felt safe and had a lot of fun. We visit Hippo camp, Selous Reserve, Mikumi NP, Udzungwa NP. We found many animals (hippos, lion, baboons, buffalo, giraffe, elephants, etc.), beautiful places, waterfalls, visit many villages and local places. We saw real Africa and Tanzania. Joe and Nondi worked very hard to make our Safar successful! Thanks for that! I strongly recommend Asili Explorer Tanzania. This is young company, still growing! Good luck Joe to you and your family! Hope see you soon.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I cannot recommend Sweet Africa Safaris highly enough on your trip to Africa
Myself and my family have used Sweet Africa Safaris for many years for our travel and safaris in Kenya. Johnson Mboche has many years of experience in his field and provides safe, impeccably reliable service coupled with a friendly sense of humour throughout your trip. We have many fond memories of our travel in the country with the company.
It is so important when searching for a safari provider that you can find a trustworthy and experienced driver and this is exactly what I have always found from the service with this company.
Sweet Africa Safaris are particularly good at tailoring your holiday plan to your requests and can give you an insight into local customs and areas usually off the beaten track to the main tour companies.
Highly recommended, don't miss out!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly, enthusiastic, reliable and dependable!
Our transfers and safari were perfect. Johnson was trustworthy, efficient, friendly and entertaining! Highly recommended!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Newcomb College Institute (Women and Development in Kenya)
I had an amazing time during the excursions with Sweet Africa Safaris, while in Kenya. Johnson, was a phenomenal host/guide/information source.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience!
My girlfriend and I had an incredible time with World Tours and Safaris. Everything from the planning and customizing our itinerary to transportation was made easy and to our request. We had incredible views of the scenery and wildlife. The food and lodgings were all top notch.
The best part of our experience, however, was our guide and drive, Cosmas! He had an incredible knowledge of the flora and fauna that he shared with us on our drives. He was truly excited and happy to be with us. He made the trip a special, once in a lifetime experience! I cannot recommend him enough.