US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Southern Tanzania parks with EASTCO
We went on safari with EASTCO for 14 days traveling mid-July-early August 2014. We traveled to Ruaha, Iringa, Udzungwa and Selous. This was the second safari for us, both times we have used EASTCO as our TO.
The safari was an absolute delight. It was all that we had hoped for and more! Our first safari was to the Northern circuit in February 2013. This trip we wanted to go somewhere different and Simon suggested right away that we go to the southern parks of Tanzania. That was a great decision. The southern parks have such a wild and untamed feel to them. Perfect for those who might want to do a varied safari that could include walks, boat safaris, cultural visits, and history in addition to the usual game drives by vehicle, all of this without being surrounded by lots of other tourists. The animal life was wonderful albeit in lesser numbers than the north but oh, so, special and the landscapes were just breath taking. The many different Elephant encounters we had on this trip were so special and memorable. Something we will never forget.
Our trip started in Dar es Salaam where we overnighted after flying from the U.S. The next morning we flew from DAR to Ruaha National Park where we met our fantastic guide, James. We spent 5 nights in Ruaha tent camping. Each day on safari was an adventure. The birding was great, so were the Lions and their cubs that we saw as well as the many Ellies that the park has. One night we even had an Ellie going through our camp. We also did a fantastic 3 hour walk with a Ranger and an armed guard. We learned a lot and it is such a different experience than a game drive in a vehicle. All of the little things that can be discovered on a walk add a different dimension to the safari.
Next we drove to Iringa where we spent 2 nights at the Neema Crafts Guesthouse. Our main focus in Iringa was the Isimila Stone Age site. It was a fantastic place and so interesting to actually walk out among the Stone Age tools that were left in the valley by river erosion. There are not many places left where one can actually see and hold Stone Age tools just lying around on the ground. The stone pillars at Ismiila were really cool looking too. They were left standing after the river eroded the area around them. Neema Crafts Guesthouse was a great place to stay. We also enjoyed the liveliness of the town of Iringa.
Udzungwa National Park was our next stop for 2 nights. It was a mountainous area with great hiking. The area is known for its primates and it didn’t disappoint. We saw: Angola Pied Colobus, Iringa Red Colobus, Yellow Baboons and Blue Monkeys. The Butterflies at Udzungwa were numerous and beautiful too.
After our stay at Udzungwa we left for 4 nights in the Selous. We stayed 1 night at Sable Mountain Lodge-absolutely beautiful! We then moved on to Hippo Camp where we tent camped for 2 nights right along the Rufiji River and spent our final night in one of Hippo Camp’s tented huts. The Rufiji River is the lifeblood of the area. We did a river boat cruise that was just fabulous. The bird-life was plentiful and diverse and the sunsets were to die for. Our wonderful safari guide, James, also arranged a village tour and a walk with a bushman that were both unique and educational. We even saw 2 Elephant Shrews on our walk with the bushman.
Simon, at EASTCO, does a wonderful job of planning off-the-beaten-track trips if wanted and has a vast knowledge of Tanzania and its people, culture and animals. EASTCO has great guides too! We had Ezekiel on our first safari to the Northern Circuit and James for our second safari to the Southern Circuit and couldn’t have asked for any better! The guide can make or break your safari.
EASTCO safaris can be as diverse and unique as one wants. Simon is patient and knowledgeable in helping with the planning of a trip. Going on our second safari we knew right off the bat that we would use EASTCO. Simon did a great job with both trips and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend EASTCO for those who want something a little different than the typical safari that many companies punch out with regularity.
This is a link to our photos:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106816041713365180641/albums/6055379437698967089?authkey=CP6doaLU-9rVuQE
PH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari adventure. It was worry-free, exciting at the same time relaxing !
Mr. Simon King,the tour company owner communicates directly and fast regarding queries and concerns since we travelled as a family with teens and a senior vegan. We loved our driver-tour guide and friend rolled into one-Mr. James Sichilima. He took care of most if not all our 8days' seamless transfer from one hotel to the other, from city to the wildlife, from rest stops to fun drives. We loved the tented accommodation the most since it offered an eye opening reality of how humans can live harmoniously with the animals without harming them.Thanks EastCo for memories worth remembering!!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great company and employees!
I was very satisfied with my safari with this company. The manager, Richard, was very helpful answering questions before I arrived and made me feel quite welcome when I got there. Everything went very smoothly and the staff went out of their way to take me to bank machines and to the bus station, even the day after the safari when I was no longer technically their customer.
The driver and guide were super friendly. We felt very safe sleeping in the open campsites even when we heard the lions roar because we knew Stanley was watching over the campsite with his rifle.
The cook was great, the food was good and I never once got sick (better than I can say for other companies).
Also, Stanley's english is very good. He was able to answer any questions I had and joke around with us.
Throughout the trip I really wanted some seeds from one of the trees. I saw this tree a couple times and always asked Stanley to stop and let me gather some seeds but it wasn't safe in the parks. At the end of the tour we stopped for souvenirs and Stanley brought me back some seeds that he had gone to find for me! Just an added touch to the hospitality shown by World Tours & Safaris.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good
Would like to thank Betty at the booking office. Our Driver Philip was one of a kind conversant with the Nairobi National Park, friendly and knows most of the animals characteristics as id working with the Park. Pick up w as on point. Thanks Philip and Betty. Thanks Bonfire adventures
BY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best ever organization of safari!
Thank you Boundless Africa Journeys and Annette! Everything was perfectly organized, all our wishes where satisfied. Guide was excellent! Lodges was perfect. We received so many unforgettable positive emotions! We definitely recommend Boundless Africa Journeys as your safari operator!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
4-Day-Safari
+ Tangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti Park: all worth seeing!!!
+ good accomodation
+ on time (which is not status quo) in Tanzania
+ Guide did a good job (Big 5, ...)
+ Cook did a good job: partly african food, partly european (e.g. spagetti) with an african touch
- mattress and sleeping bags were VERY used and partly disgusting !!!
Advice customers: You'll need more than an inlay sleeping bag for ngorongoro Crater (over 2000m above sea level on the rim, where you will spend the night)
Adive for Foot Slope: a camping mat is cheap and definitely more hygienic since you can wipe it quickly with something to clean it.
I would book Foot Slopes again and I will recommend it! BUT with an own sleeping bag :)
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safarihub-first class
Please see my Trip Advisor review (long). Overall- excellent. Have recommended to many already.
US
35-50 years of age
I can highly recommend sf hub
I can highly recommend Safarihub for their professionalism. From the initial enquiry to the end of the tour they were attentive and their focus on detail was second to none. This was a truly magical experience and the Ngorongoro Crater is an amazing natural phenomenon filled with a large variety of wildlife.
US
20-35 years of age
perfect place for a great hollyday
Fantastic trip with Safarihub , Me and my girlfriend have just came back from an amazing safari in Tanzania’s northern circuit .The fabulous Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, Lake Manyara and community immersion and culture appreciation with the Maasai Boma tribe. Everything was made easy, comfortable and fun thanks to SfHub.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything was well organized
Everything was well organized.
The first offer I had already after one day. All other questions were answered very quickly and competently.
The journey itself was a dream, unfortunately very short.
In Uganda everything went very well. From the transfer at the airport to the end of the journey.
The selected lodges were very good.
Richard, the owner is a great birding expert and always saw all the animals immediately.
He has always responded individually to my wishes.
I highly recommend Shoebill Safaris.
Thank you for the great journey.
I'll be back!!!