NO
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Dream Safari for the Family
Our grandmother had a dream of bringing the family—ranging from 7 to 73 years old—on a safari. The moment the youngest child in the Ngorongoro Crater exclaimed, "This is the best day of my life," we knew the dream had come true.
We explored several safari options, but the decision became easy when Sondre, the manager of Tanzania Explorer, provided all the relevant details and followed up on our questions promptly.
Returning home after the safari, we felt that we had experienced a trip perfectly planned by a team of professional and service-minded individuals. They couldn't have done anything better.
Tailored Itinerary Summary:
Arrival & Dar Es Salaam: We arrived late at night and spent three nights at Tanzania Explorer's villa north of Dar Es Salaam. The villa offered enjoyable activities like a boat trip to the beautiful Mbudaya Island and a full day of sailing on a catamaran. The kids loved the tuk-tuk transportation.
Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater: We took a morning flight to Arusha, where our guides, Sam and Joshua, picked us up in Landcruisers. They took us to Lake Manyara National Park, where we saw incredible wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and antelopes. That evening, we arrived at Pakulala Safari Camp, located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. On our way up, we spotted hyenas, buffalos, and elephants. The camp exceeded all expectations.
Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti: The next morning, we descended into the crater, where we were treated to stunning wildlife and scenery—a memory we'll cherish forever. Afterward, we headed toward Serengeti, where we witnessed the start of the migration. That evening, we arrived at Asanja Moru Bush Camp in Serengeti.
Serengeti Safari: We stayed three nights in Serengeti, with Sam and Joshua providing incredible wildlife sightings. One unforgettable moment was watching a herd of over 30 elephants mixed with 15 giraffes at sunset. The smell from a large pool filled with hippos will also stay with us forever. For the kids (ages 11 and 7), this was the perfect amount of safari. The adults, however, could have stayed longer.
Zanzibar: After the Serengeti, we flew to Zanzibar via Arusha, where we stayed at the Michamvi Sunset Hotel for five nights. The hotel was fantastic, with excellent service, beautiful surroundings, and delicious food. The kids enjoyed every moment. We also had great experiences at both the Rock Restaurant and Blue Lagoon Diving.
Final Thoughts:
If you're considering a safari planned by Tanzania Explorer, I’ll quote Nike and say, “Just do it.” Our grandmother and the rest of the family are beyond happy with this incredible trip.
PT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Trip With Avocet Tanzania Safaris
We recently went on a 3-day unforgettable trip with Avocet Tanzania Safaris, and it was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of our lives!
From the very beginning, we were impressed by the professionalism and hospitality of the agency. Our guide was very experienced and knowledgeable, who not only provided information about the destination, but also explained the beauty of nature, the lifestyle of the animals and the local culture in a great way.
Every moment of the safari was breathtaking! We saw wild animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes and countless other animals roaming freely. The comfortable vehicle arrangements, excellent food and excellent hotel management throughout the trip made our experience even more enjoyable.
We would recommend a safari trip with Avocet Tanzania Safaris to everyone. If you want a real adventure and great service, this is undoubtedly the best choice!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So knowledgeable of all the animals and birds he could answer all the questions we had
Tapestry of Africa was a great safari company. We had two of their drivers and both were so kind and courteous and easy to understand. They had great driving skills especially when I thought we were going to get stuck in the mud he said no problem and got plus out and continued on with the Safari. It was a great experience and I was amazed at all the animals that we were able to see.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Chloe was so helpful in planning our trip to Cape Town, Krugar, and Victoria Falls
Off2Africa was absolutely monumental in getting our South Africa trip in motion. We could not have found such exceptional accommodations without Chloe. We had the best time, and everything went so smoothly. We have been raving about our time in Capetoen, Krugar, and Victoria Falls to our friends. We still can't decide which location was our favorite! This was the trip of a lifetime, and we are so pleased Chloe and Off2Africa were able to make it happen so easily!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
David was amazing: kind, knowledgeable (about animals & birds) & found all the best animals.
David was the greatest guide we could have asked for. Very friendly & helpful. Very knowledgeable about animals & birds. Found all the best animals. Perfect 10 out of 10 experience.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
AMAZING! Efficient, kind, caring, extremely knowledgeable
We did a12 Day Safari tour in Kenya and Tanzania. Karen Maki was on top of everything! Plus she had the patience of a Saint - we had so many questions!! She also found us tickets to the Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary - a miracle as we should have booked them months in advance.
The Safari vehicles were clean and in great working order, no breakdowns at all.
our Safari guides we James, Alex, and Adam. They knew everything and answered so many questions on the animals, their behavior, eating habits etc etc. The well being of the animals were very important to them. the food was good, the accommodation was excellent and everyone was very friendly and accommodating.
I HIGHLY recommend The Shadow of Africa tour company
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Quality Safari Operator
We were on a 4 day safari to Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara. I had arranged for this via email and whatsapp by reviewing and confirming the itinerary with Albert (owner). He was responsive and always available. He organized the trip to my liking and at the lodges I preferred. My wife and I had a private land-cruiser with a knowledgeable and delightful driver/guide Tom. We had a wonderful time, saw the "Big 5" and more. I had not been able to see a leopard in the previous trips to this area and had 2 sightings this time. The lodges were very comfortable and the food very good. The game drives while 'bumpy' allowed us to experience the reserve. I recommend this operator highly and without any reservations. Thank you Albert and Tom.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari experience
We had a wonderful safari experience with Eddie at Kruger national park. Eddie is a great guide, he takes the time to explain what we are seeing with a great sense of humor. We never thought that we could learn that much about nature and wildlife. In addition, we got the best experience at the best price available. We recommend as a driver/guide to anyone wishing to live something beyond imagination. Thanks. Pascal and Annie
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A once-in-a-lifetime trip we won't soon forget!
What can I say in a review that will really get someone to book with this company? For us, it was pricing and customization. I reached out and immediately started a dialogue with Issa. He was attentive to what I wanted for our first safari ever (hopefully not our last!), and was determined to fit it into our price range. I had conversations with MANY other tour operators, but they didn't seem to be able to cater to my wants within my budget like Destiny!
And I am SOOOO glad I booked with them. We were even a little under budget for what our top line was. Amazing! Issa and the Destiny team made our entire safari incredible. We were offered a few "side events" like an air balloon ride and a bush walk with a ranger. We opted in for both. Let me tell you that the hefty price of the balloon ride was absolutely worth it. I was super hesitant to do it, but when my husband told me off-handedly that he would like to do a hot air balloon ride someday, I HAD to do it. I kept it a surprise from him for MONTHS, and Destiny helped me keep the secret literally until we were pulling up in front of the hot air balloon! I told Issa to keep it a secret, and Issa told Daudi (our guide) to keep it a secret, and everything went off without a hitch. My husband was THRILLED. Thank you, Destiny, for helping to keep that secret!
Speaking of Daudi (David)... a better guide we could not ask for! He was attentive to our needs, and always made sure we had enough water every single day, that we saw everything we wanted to see, and that we were comfortable. He made sure we always got a box lunch if we didn't have a chance to pack one ourselves.
He knew the names of every single animal and it seemed like every bird as well, and even humored me in speaking a little Swahili with me so I could practice.
He was an incredibly safe driver, and even in some rough terrain, I never felt worried. Our car had a minor trouble (it didn't break down, but we had to stop at a mechanic for a few short minutes in the Serengeti for a solder job). He stopped at a lodge with a mechanic and the lodge welcomed us so nicely and gave us WiFi and tea and cookies while we waited for the mechanic to finish working.
We were able to go to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Eyasi to visit the Hadzabe (a MUST).
Tarangire was elephant heaven. It was a fantastic first day.
Lake Manyara was a bird-watchers paradise. We saw so many unique birds and animals! We didn't get to see the tree-climbing lions, but...!
Serengeti we did! Daudi said he had never seen them there before and we were the only tourists around, so we spent about an hour observing the Serengeti tree-climbing lions!! We also had an up close and personal visit with a pack of juvenile lions who took naps under our vehicle on a hot day!
Ngorongoro was awesome. A small-ish area for so many animals! We got to see rhinos, and TONS of hyenas.
Lake Eyasi was an awesome day as we did a cultural tour among the Hadzabe tribe. We got to go on a hunt with them, shoot their bows, make fire, and so much more! I felt some "cultural" 'tours' can get a little kitchy and touristy, but this felt very legit and like we were the only visitors they'd hung out with. Very welcoming and a very personal experience. Lovely souvenirs from them as well!
We are SO GLAD we chose Destiny Explorers- and you will be, too!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ultra Responsive and Uber Knowledgeable!
Oh my goodness! I don't know what my expectations of a safari should have been, But Matt and his crew of highly experienced safari guides (Sammie, George and Albert) far exceeded any expectations I could have had. From Matts nearly immediate, personal responses to my booking questions until the last hyena disappearing into the Savannah , I knew that I had chosen the right tour.
We visited;
Nairobi National Park where we saw rhinoceros 🦏, lions, hippos and 🐊.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where we interacted personally with rescued baby elephants 🐘!
Giraffe Center where we learned about the 3 different types of giraffe 🦒 and got to feed them by hand.
Kobe Bead Center in Nairobi where we saw women making beautiful beads by hand and singing welcoming songs.
And that was the first day!
We then spent several days performing humanitarian work with Dental Outreach Relief Foundation. This was an amazing experience and I could go on and on about that.
Then we continued our safaris by going to Amboseli National Park where we were treated to exceptional views of animals with Mount Kilamonjaro as a backdrop. We saw hundreds of elephants 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘, Buffalo, giraffes🦒, zebras 🦓, many species of birds, and two cheetah 🐆 🐆 eating a very fresh kill and and napping with full bellys.
We spent the night at the beautiful Amboseli Sopa Lodge with its beautiful pool, amazing food and excellent customer service.
From there it was on to Tsavo West and Chyulu Hilla National Park. An exilerating ride in the Toyota Land cruiser with George at the wheel. We saw an expansive and beautifulava flow that was millions of years old. More animals, wildebeest, hartebeest, elephants and many many more....
We spent the nights at Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and went on a nighttime game drive. We saw a few nocturnal animals, enjoyed the coold night air and unmatched startgazing. This place has the best pool of all pools ever built with breathtaking views from its infinity edge, with the potential to view many animals depending on time of day and animal behavior, we watched a male waterbuck and his harem drink from a nearby watering hole.
The next day it was on to Tsavo East national Park. More elephants which were now red elephants 🐘 More zebra, and more animals that I have never even heard of before. Have you ever seen a geranuk? I have. And I don't think I could ever get tired of watching wild elephants. They are amazing creatures.
We spent the night at Ashnil Aruba Lodge, good food and nice rooms. But the best part was swimming in their pool while watching wild elephants just a few hundred feet away.
We woke up early for the last couple hours of our adventure and took a morning game drive. We saw elephants swimming in a large pool and two male elephants fighting for dominance. Also, many more animals who were coming for a morning splash and a drink of water. Then too cap it all off a pride of lions in search of their next meal.
Unfortunately our time in Africa was close to its end. But on the way out of the park we caught one last glimpse of a hyena sneeking off into the beautiful landscape.
We ened our journey by catching a ride on the the SGR. An comfortable train that took us from the gates of Tsavo East on a scenic 4 hour journey back to Nairobi where we met our ride that would show us a few last minute sights in Nairobi before dropping us at the airport.
I have already talked to Tapestry about booking more Safaris next year. I don't know how other Safari operators work, but I can tell you that none of them will work as hard for your enjoyment as Matt and his crew at Tapestry of Africa.
FYI, here is a partial list of all of the animals we saw.
Rhinos, hippos, buffalo, impalas, crocodile, lions, Thompsons gazelles
Wildebeast, turtles, warthogs, hyenas
Elephants, Kori busterd,cheeta , superb starling, breasted lilac, Klipspringer , oryx,
secretary bird, ostrich , pygmy mongoose, mongoose,Monkeys, baboons, giraffes, gerenuk, red billed hornbill, grand gazelle, lizards, bush bucks, water bucks and soooooo much more.
