US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous guide, Great camps, Perfect safari experience
We went on a 7-day safari in Tanzania, parents and two grown daughters in our twenties, celebrating dad's 60th birthday. My mother coordinated the trip from the States with Brian who she said was flawless in organizing from afar and answering all our concerns. We loved our guide Amir, a true-blue guy who was very knowledgeable about not only literally thousands of bird and animal species and their habits, but also local culture and history. He was always punctual, very responsive to small health and dietary concerns of the group, knew just where to find which animals, let us stop to take a million photos, and had a fun sense of humor. Your guide is hugely important to the experience -- since you spend all day together! Amir is a gem, and Brian said that all of their guides are on par with him. I will also recommend the Serengeti Savannah Camp, a tented camp we stayed in that is run by Brian and Ecological Wilderness Adventures. Of the tented camps we stayed in, it was one of the best. The showers were hot, they wash your dusty clothes, the staff was super friendly, and the food was good. There was just an easy, peaceful spirit to the place. We saw some fabulous animals in their natural habitat, rode with the wind in our hair through the bush, and spent a beautiful week having an unparalleled family adventure. I truly recommend this experience and booking through this company.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top Notch Service
We interviewed 15 to 20 safari tour companies both in Tanzania and the United States. Gosheni Adventures owner Peter Roberts was always very prompt in his responses and attentive to our concerns. He did not push a premade package on us like several of the other companies. He asked us where we wanted to go, for how long, and what type of lodging we preferred. He gave his recommendation on details we were not sure about. He was very patient with us even when we decided to alter his proposed itinerary. His price was very competitive. When we arrived in Tanzania, Peter himself picked us up from the airport! He had dinner with us that night and joined us for breakfast in the morning. He brought us each a hat and shirt to wear on safari (ones that we could keep). That day he introduced us to our driver, Zadock, that we had for the duration of our trip (14 days). Zadok was just as kind and patient as Peter. Zadock was a phenomenal guide and with his expertise we were able to see all of the big 5. When we spoke to other guests at the different lodgings many had not seen half of the animals we had observed. We were able to observe cheetahs and lions eating a kill on more than one occasion. We were also able to see both of these species attempt a hunt. Zadock was also able to spot animals that many guides overlooked such as eagles and owls. We were originally scheduled to travel to the western Serengeti to observe the wildebeest migration crossing the Grumeti River, however because of higher than normal rainfall the migration was not occurring as usual. Instead of still driving us to the western Serengeti were there would be no animals, Zadock communicated with Peter about this and Peter changed our lodging reservations. I am sure the other companies would have left the reservations as is, even though it would result in an unsuccessful safari. Zadock was very flexible with us. He left as early as we wanted and returned as late as we desired. Some other companies have mileage (kilometer) restrictions for each day, which results in the guests staying very close to their lodge even if there are animal sightings further away. Gosheni Adventures has no mileage restrictions. Gosheni also gives unlimited water and soda while on the game drive. The beverages are kept cool in a refrigerator in the Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser was new and well maintained and can seat 7 guests. It has a pop top that also you to walk around while on safari to get the best vantage points. We saw other companies' vehicles and some were literally breaking down in the Serengeti and others had smaller roof openings which restricted the guest movements. Zadock washed the vehicle every evening after safari. Zadock also stopped at souvenir shops for us and did not pressure us to shop faster. He also thought to take us to a Masai market that is only open once a week to see how they proceed with their trading. At the conclusion of our trip, our flight was in the late evening. We were originally scheduled to take box lunches from the hotel, however Peter and Zadock arranged for us to eat at a BBQ restaurant in Arusha. Zadock also took us to a reptile park so we could fully enjoy our last day and not have to spend all day at the airport. It was very nice farewell. Gosheni Adventures treats their guests like family and could not give a better safari experience. We have memories that will last a lifetime because of the care taken by both Peter and Zadock.
US
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Safari
I can't imagine a first introduction to the beautiful landscapes, wildlife, local people, and conservation practices of Tanzania more incredible and in-depth than the one I experienced with Aardvark Safaris Tanzania. Augustine Mwangotya is one of the kindest, most welcoming, and most knowledgeable people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. For the two weeks that I spent in Tanzania with Aardvark, Augustine was not only our group's tour leader, but our teacher and more importantly, our friend. Because Aardvark Safaris Tanzania practices eco-tourism, our safari was not only a photographic opportunity, but also an educational one in which we all attempted to truly respect Tanzania's wildlife and understand the varied lifestyles of the country's people. I am constantly missing our Aardvark tour guides and when I again return to Tanzania, I will, without a doubt, be going with Aardvark Safaris Tanzania. Thank you so much for the experience of a lifetime!!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wow Major Bucket list item ticked with Tanzanian Safari
5 tours over 6 days. Every day different. Staff were brilliant(thank you Ziggy with the magic eyes - he saw things I could only just see with binoculars!!). Had a great trip on the safari. I was lucky to have good companions. I would recommend June as I saw many young from baboons to elephants. I would also recommend booking directly through 'It started in Africa' as I heard complaints but they booked through an agency. I was looked after from getting off the plane to being returned to the airport. I also had great help via emails in planning the trip. Thank you to everyone at 'It started in Africa' for making it such a wonderful trip and definitely a Bucket list trip.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I never regret choosing Blue Ocean Safaris for my trip
The trip I took with my family in 2014 was amazing! It was extremely easy to plan with Blue Ocean Safaris' help. They were very knowledgeable about everything to see and do in the great parks of Serengeti and beyond. We loved our driver-guide and all the hotels and lodges matched our preferences and needs. The next time I want to book a Safari, I will happily choose Blue Ocean Safaris again!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Truly Wonderful Experience
This trip with Aardvark was absolutely amazing. Augustine, trip leader and owner of Aardvark, is one of the nicest and warmest people I've ever met, and his knowledge of wildlife and conservation is expansive. He loves what he does, and it makes for a much more personal and rich safari experience than can be had anywhere else. Aardvark focuses on eco-tourism, not just sightseeing, which is more sustainable and respectful approach to running a safari. Our other driver, Junior, was also incredibly knowledgable and kind. I really can't praise both of them enough for how much they accommodated us, while also being respectful of wildlife (i.e., not getting too close just to get a picture). I won't go on safari with anyone else.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Aardvark Tanzania Safari Experience Personalized to Your Interests
Aardvark Safaris created a safari experience unlike any other. Gus Mwangotya, the owner and primary guide is exceptional. We previously met Gus on Safari with one of the big commercial Safari companies and became life long friends. He started his own company Aardvark and it offers all the same first class treatment and accommodations we previously experienced but now he has the ability to personalize and customize rather than follow the "script". Safaris are intimate, no big groups. Gus a native Tanzanian pursued his masters degree in environmental studies in the US at Prescott College in Arizona. He speaks perfect English as well as several other languages. He is so accommodating - going above and beyond on every little detail. He is charismatic and fun with a great sense of humor. My husband and daughter and I wanted to be out on Safari dawn to dusk every day and he accommodated this with enthusiasm always looking to show us new and exciting things every day. We saw more animals and birds with Gus than ever before - he has an uncanny ability to know where to find them in their habitats at different times of day.
Aardvark will customize the Safari for you any way you want or you can choose from any of their established tours - and they will still personalize for you . So different than the big commercial Safari companies.
Our last day there Gus arranged a true bush dinner for my daughter's 30th birthday - it was an experience of a lifetime and a complete surprise to all of us. What a way to end our 10 day trip. We will be back soon booking with Aardvark - none better!
Be sure and get the right Aardvark Safari (there are a number of Safari companies with Aardvark in their names)
50-65 years of age
Brilliantly organised and great value for money
We contacted Marianne to organise a safari for a group of 4 in Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) and Botswana (the Chobe and Okavango). In the Okavango we wanted to visit a number of camps ranging from budget to fairly luxurious. The itinerary required numerous transfers by road and air and Marianne saved us a considerable amount by sourcing a flight to Livingstone (from Johannesburg) rather than flying direct to Victoria Falls. Our flights within Botswana included small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter which was a wonderful experience. Accomodation ranged from B&B in Vic Falls, luxury tented accomodation in the Chobe and the budget option in the Okavango (very comfortable huts elevated over the edge of the swamp with private bathroom). Marianne even managed to upgrade us to a super luxury camp when our original booking in a bush camp fell through due to flooding. We had wonderful safari outings in vehicles and on the water (in traditional mokoro canoes and motor boats) and saw heaps of wildlife. Marianne went to great trouble to meet our needs and to ensure that our dream holiday was realised. We would definitely use her again!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly, well-informed guide & driver who let us experience 3 African countries in one tour, GREAT!
We had a true everyday real Africa experience! We requested to see the Gorillas and active Volcano lava lake, and Instinct Safaris put together an itinerary which enable us to see and experience 3 countries, i.e. Rwanda, Uganda and DRC (even though we could have done this from one country only), thus experiencing 3 cultures, accommodations, languages and people! We were made aware of sustainable projects in these countries as well as how poaching is decreasing by involving local communities in tourism. We felt comfortable and safe in the care of our guide (Rabani) and driver (Bosco), especially when dealing with customs at border crossings, and enjoyed the friendliness, food and comfortable beds at the lodges. We would suggest that tourists are reasonably fit for the hiking/tracking and obtain a full packing list early to ensure all equipment needed for the hike and sub-zero temperatures at the volcano summit are sufficient. A worthwhile "bucket list" experience - thank you Instinct Safaris!
MY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience
My dreams were fulfilled by the time I completed my trip to Tanzania.. Time 4 Afrika made sure I received everything I expected and there was never a moment that I did not feel comfortable working with them. They are extremely professional in how they deal with their clients and with the products they deliver. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has any plans of traveling to Tanzania. Great job guys..!!!!!!