US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime in Tanzania
We just returned from a 10 person family safari to Tanzania, and it was a trip of a lifetime. Helena from Soul of Tanzania helped me plan this trip over several months and she was a pleasure to work with. She patiently answered all my questions and was extremely accommodating throughout, including multiple changes to the itinerary, accomodations, and number of people.
Every place we stayed in was clean, beautiful, had impeccable service, and served delicious food. We had several vegetarians in our group and they had no issues with meals. We heard lions and hyenas outside our tent in the Chaka Camps at Serengeti and Tarangire, had beautiful views on our balconies at the Serena Ngorongoro, and fabulous rooms at Escarpment lodge in Lake Manyara. The staff in each place was friendly and helpful, and we had a comfortable stay throughout the safari.
Our guides for the safari were unbelievable. They told us stories from their personal experiences of over 10 years, and kept our group entertained. They were also very patient with our large group which also included a 1.5 year old. Thanks to their efforts, we saw 56 (!!) lions, 12 cheetahs, a cheetah kill, 2 leopards, and countless elephants, giraffes, hippos, antelope, hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, and buffalo. We also spotted a caracal, elands, and other rarer animals thanks to the keen eyes of our guides. The guides were knowledgeable about these animals and made sure we found and saw the animals as close-up as possible while prioritizing our safety.
We opted for a balloon ride over the Serengeti, and this was an unbelievable experience to see animals from a bird's-eye view. The champagne breakfast which followed in the middle of the Serengeti was amazing as well.
Soul of Tanzania coordinated our trip from start to finish, and even had a check-in point before we began the safari to ensure our expectations were met. They also coordinated our transfer to the next destination in Nairobi, where we stayed overnight before flying to Cape Town. I plan to use SOT again whenever we return, and highly recommend their services to anyone thinking about a Tanzanian safari.
*This review is also posted on TripAdvisor*
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical experience amongst organised chaos and control over the forces of nature.
Our first safari-my wife and I and 2 teenage children did not know what tour to do or what to expect.Safarihub from the beginning simplified matters and discussed our various options.Eventually we went for the Northern Highlights Safari and an all-inclusive Hotel in Zanzibar to recuperate and reminisce our wildlife experience.What can I say?More animals in terms of variety and number than you could imagine,whose habitats and mode of life were fully explained by our courteous, knowledgable and friendly driver who we already miss.This together with the Lodges expertly chosen by Safarihub and our wind-down in the Zanzibar Hotel overlooking the Beach made this an unforgettable experience.Well done and thank you Safarihub.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari in August, simply amazing
Incredible experience! We saw serengeti and ngorongoro. Onesmo was exceptional both as a guide and as a driver. Always helpful and above all very good at driving and always before all the other jeeps to see the animals. Salim the cook was also very good. Tanzanian style lunches, all good and healthy. Stayed in a tent inside the parks. The camp was more comfortable. Brushing your teeth with zebras is priceless. In general I recommend 100% of this agency.
IL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What a wildlife! You must come and look
We visited selous game reserve for a three days of safari. On the first day we had a boat tour on the river. Saw many birds, crocodiles and hipos. Enjoyed a spectacular sunset.
We expected a tent for the night, as was written in the reservation, but we got a very nice small building with toilets and shower between the trees and monkeys.
The second day was a full safari day. Lets the game begin! Lots of zebras, giraffes, gnus, impalas, two elephants in close look, four lioness eating a pumba from a distance of three meters, hyena and lots more. We could not expect more than that (a leopard would be nice...)
The last day started in a morning walk in the bush with the giraffes and pumbas and two rangers explaining about the bush. Very interesting.
And now to the long drive back to Dar es Salaam. With nice scenery and small villages.
In the beginning we arrived Dar es Salaam by ferry from Zanzibar. The ferry was very convenient and on time. On the way back to Zanzibar we took a flight. Except for a dally in the flight it was very good. Only 20 minutes flight.
The bottom line - I deeply recommend Tanzania and Zanzibar (which is part of Tanzania) as a target for a different excitement and vacation .
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly and Efficient
I found that the services provided by the staff (particularly Nadine) to be very efficient and friendly. Usually I had email responses overnight or at worst within 24 hours. All of our requests were considered and great patience was shown as we made numerous changes and requests to our schedules. We were stunned to be met at Maun airport by one of staff and be presented with a small gift! Everything went perfectly to plan with one very minor slip that was out of Safari Specialists control anyway. Hey all part of the adventure.
The safari (Zimbabwe and Botswana) were nothing short of spectacular and amazing. Beyond our expectations of what we would see and of how close we would be to animals. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. Vehicles clean comfortable and well maintained. Food great and plentiful.
I have no hesitation in recommending Safari Specialists and will use them again for our next African adventure, whenever that may be.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely incredible!
The wildlife is absolutely incredible in Tanzania. The scenery is breathtaking and the accommodations were amazing. Not one bad thing to say! Our guide was the best possible guide we could have had. We were sooo happy we got the chance to tour around with him. He made the journey so much fun! All around the experience was everything we imagined and more.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Absolute Best!
Sona and the rest of the Karibu World team helped to make my Safari experience the absolute best!
I contacted Karibu World very last minute to see if they could get me into a Safari, and they did! I worked with Sona (who called me after hours on her personal mobile) and she made all the arrangements for me. Within hours (literally, 12 hours) I was on a flight to Ruaha. For a young female traveling alone, having a travel agent who was accessible and willing to help and make me feel comfortable made a world of difference.
I had no idea what to expect, but when I arrived I was pleasantly, surprised. The Safari guides were so helpful (they know SO much about animal behavior and their relationship to their surroundings) and the camp that I stayed on was beyond my wildest imaginations. I was right in the middle of the Bush in a tent that made me feel safe, yet connected with the world around me. It's the perfect balance of glamping and connectedness.
The food was great, and everyone on the Safari that I met was just as enthusiastic as myself. It was great to have a family dinner at night with the whole camp because we got to exchange stories and meet some unique people from around the world.
I highly recommend their services! I have nothing but wonderful words to say about Karibu World. The safari was the best decision I ever made, and I'm so thankful to Sona and the Karibu World team to make it a beautiful experience. In fact, I'll be returning next year to hike Kili and will be using Sona and Karibu World for my arrangements. Good luck, and happy safari-ing!
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect safari experience with Soul of Tanzania
The communication with Soul of Tanzania to arrange our safari was fantastic, Sandy provide us all information we need and all possible combinations of parks to visit and every type of accomodation. She asked soon and efficently to all (really many) questions and doubt we had. So no problem at all in book whatever you want to organize with this company.
Since we arrive to Tanzania we realize that people from Soul of Tanzania were always worried to satisfy our needs (food, shopping, what to see, where to stop, etc...)... so finally we enjoyed a lot seeing all animals we dreamed to see in their environment, and with the additional information provided for our fantastic guide Ayoub ( he was always trying to satisfy everythinh or place we want to see or go). We expend 6 incredible days thru Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire parks seein (and feeling) what we have seen many times on tv.
The extension to Zanzibar was also amazing with tropical beaches and also visiting Stone Town in a half- day tour. Relax, rest and enjoy every moment.
I can finish without recognizing that every people we met was incredibly kind and always smiling and helping tryning to make us feel the best possible. I will never forget Karibu, Hakuna matata,... thanks to all of you,
The expirience is unforgotten, something to remember forever. Anything I can say or any photo I can show will be far to show what we lived there.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Driver for Clients NOT Clients for Driver!
Today is our last night here in Tanzania my wife and I spent 9 days in beautiful Zanzibar Island and Serengeti and ngorongoro. The only thing I can comment about Go Island Tours travel before leaving this amazing country and company is that you will never be alone and feel like you are a stranger or stuck somewhere, people are so friendly and kind. They instantly replied our emails and inquiries, “Driver for the clients and not clients for the Driver” I loved this spirit they keep time thanks guys and keep doing a good job always Grace in African black woman with a long dreadlock, and Allan with all your team. Wishing you all the best, will recommend your services to friends. Azante
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing day trip to waterfalls, maasai and arusha park with african travel tour
I had the pleasure to meet in person Mister Shabani M. Mbirze , managing director of African travel tour Ltd. Mr Mbirze speaks fluently French and English, and was taking care of all my requests to make all happen in 1 day, according my wish to do so. He kindly planned this full day with guides and driver, begining at 7h00 with a one and a half hour walk to the waterfalls. There was not so much water at this time of the year, but what i found great was to be able to go throught all little villages on the way, to speak With childrens on their way to school, With their charming uniform and smile. We could Also see all these old ladies, coming down from far to Arusha, to sell the big pieces of wood above their heads. Coming back from waterfalls, we took a real ( not touristic) bus ) totally packed :-) to go to the Massaī village, and it was for me, great to see and share a moment of the real life of the citizens of Tanzania. I think this is what 'tourisme' should be too. After thé bus stop, you have to walk 20 to 25 minutes to find the village.
Meeting the Maisaī people, in the middle of nowhere is also an amazing experience. We could learn From them how the women built their house , how hard Is their life even if they are always really friendly and smiling. They also sang for us. I was really touch when i saw a really young boy , probably 7 years old, called Saīboku, taking care of many cows as skinny as him, all alone, on the way back. I wanted to give him the opportunity to buy himself something he likes. When i gave him some money, and when Edward asked him what he wanted to buy, the little boy did not understand. So Edward asked him in witch shop he wanted to go to buy, Saīboku awnserd he didn't know what shop Is .. I realised heavily my stupidity ! Of course, his mother and father are going sometimes to shops with the bus, but never the little boy. And it's him I really wanted to please. So please, don't do like me if you go there, think of what you could bring to Massaī childrens instead giving money. They really have nothing, and they usualy don't go to school.
Then, we went back to the city bus and after à short drive, we jumped into a landcruiser, droved by Mr Amos Jacob,really kind person With an endormous knowledge concerning animals and landscape. Inside was waiting for us our lunchbox, kindly organised by Shabani. Amos drove us to and inside the Arusha national parc, and knew the spot really Well. It was such a pleasure to see his volonty to show and share the inconditional love he has for the wild life. And with little jokes in the middle, this was fantastic. We saw many animals, fantastic landscape, and could make great pictures.
We came back around 7h PM, so quite a long day, witch i will always remember. When people do their best to make your day memorable, it have to be said i think. That's why i took an hour to write all of this. I hope it can help anyone who want to go to Arusha area in Tanzania, and have a day like mine.
Thanks again to African travel tour LTD organising the all day trip.