See the Chimpanzees
A great way to get close to primates in the wild at a fraction of the cost of seeing the gorillas. The chimps that we met were incredibly active. They swung from the trees above and ran through the forest floor around us. Our guide gave us an excellent insight into the hierarchy and activities of the group. The forest is dense and this makes it a little difficult to take pictures, but it also acts as a blind that allows you to get very close to the animals.
US
65+ years of age
Review about Tanzania by Jim Griggs
This is Africa as I had always dreamed it would be. The diversity of wildlife and the locations lived up to and surpassed my expectations on all levels.
An amazing experience
The permits are expensive, but I feel that the experience is definitely worth it. After hiking through rural villages and into the rain forest, our guides were able to locate a family of gorillas. For the next hour we observed them from only a few feet away. One got up on his hind legs to beat his chest and an infant poked its head out from time to time from the protection of his mother. We got soaked from the rain on the hike back, so I recommend bringing a raincoat and rain pants.
I was expecting more from this park
Everyone I've met calls this their favorite park, but I was disappointed by my experience. We arrived at the gates at the scheduled opening time, but the staff showed up over an hour late. By the time we made it to the river tour it was too late in the day for many of the animals to be active. The staff was also rude to our driver when our family asked him to accompany us for lunch at the lodge. However, the views of the falls were spectacular and the animals are big.
US
Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent knowledge and advice, superior service
I have probably gone on a dozen safaris organized by Taga, mostly in Southern Africa but also in Tanzania. In each case I got good advice on where / when to go and which camps would have what I was looking for. All the arrangements have been perfect, which makes it easy to come back to Taga for the next safari.
It also helps that Mark is a true enthusiast of the safari experience, and his passion for the bush comes through very clearly to the customer.
35-50 years of age
Review about South Africa by Agatha
They have a great infrastructure and access to most parks are easy. Great accommodation, food and a very hospitable people.
Review about Murchison Falls National Park by liesje
The falls and the river make this park different, but it's also very touristy.
US
35-50 years of age
Classic game parks, but spoiled by too much industrial tourism.
The very names of the Tanzanian National Parks can fire the imagination! Serengeti... Ngorongoro.... However, while the wildlife viewing is superb, the experience is tainted by industrial tourism, poor facilities and outrageous entrance fees. Many times I have heard foreign visitors say they don't mind the high cost, as it is an investment in conservation. Unfortunately, there is little evidence of tourism dollars being directed towards conservation. That said, if one makes a little effort to avoid the crowds, the safari experience in Tanzania can be excellent.
NL
20-35 years of age
Review about Tanzania by fboekhorst
I love Tanzania. Sometimes (especially in the North) it is a bit touristy, that's why I rated 'bush vibe' good instead of excellent. I'm not into birding.
The Selous was great-less touristy than other reserves, with just a focus on seeing amazing animals
We really liked our safari in the Selous Reserve - we were able to enjoy both river boat and traditional jeep safaris. It was great that everything was so open and natural - we had elephants wondering past our tent every night and even had a cheeky monkey attempt to join us for breakfast. The reserve has a lot less people than others - some days we didn't see anybody else except our driver.