IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It was excellent.
We had a very memorable experience with EarthLife expeditions. Right for being picked up from the airport to the drop it was very efficiently charted out.The whole trip could not have been so memorable without both our guides Mr.Joseph and Mr.Abu.The camp sites were also very clean and served us very good food.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The trip exceeded all expectations; it was amazing!
Everything was better than we expected, and we expected a lot. We loved every minute. From the very beginning, our guide and driver, Joseph, was wonderful. His knowledge of the flora, fauna, and history of the park, Selous, was unbelievable. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable, he was funny, confident, and great company. We saw so many more animals than we expected, and with Joseph’s knowledge, we learned so much. The accommodation, food, and service were spectacular. We had no idea how much we would bond with our driver and guide in such a short time. We are so glad we chose a small Tanzanian company. My luggage did not make the trip, but Joseph, with Raja’s help, made that less stressful. I got my bag when we got to Ruaha, with the help of Joseph, Raja, and our guides in Ruaha. They went above and beyond what they had to do.
We had a lovely flight to Ruaha. Our guide and driver met us at the landing strip, and we immediately started on a game drive. Although we missed Joseph, our previous driver and guide so much, we soon became comfortable with our new guide, Jovin, and the driver and tracker, Mkonda. Seeing so many animals living the way they should was emotionally intense. The guides were so incredibly skilled at spotting animals and explaining details about how they lived. We also loved the walking Safari with the armed park rangers.
Every day was an adventure, and when we returned to our lodges, both in Selous and Ruaha, we were welcomed by the wonderful staff, and had wonderful meals and service. The sleeping quarters were beautiful and clean, and we were overwhelmed by the warm service we received.
In addition to the amazing flora and fauna we witnessed, the night skies were amazing.
We flew to Zanzibar for our last 3 days and loved that, too. We went snorkeling, visited Stone Town, and a spice plantation.
Raja really took care of every detail. We were thrilled and would recommend Raja Tours to anyone who wants a trip of a lifetime!
BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
100% of our expectations
Everything done, always in the correct time, our driver was very nice, polite, helpful.
Our doubts always answered. Nice tips!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tour as discribed on website with bus driver being outstanding.
Communications with the tour operator was always quick, clear, and extemely polite. The accommodations in Victoria Falls were different than originally descripted but were very comfortable and updated. The Hwange Safari Lodge was as well maintained and a great place to stay. A large watering hole is adjacent to the lodge attacted many animals. Herds of elephants were the most thrilling to watch.
We had different local guides but our bus driver was the same throughout the tour. He was available to take us most anywhere we wished to go - dinner, shopping, etc. Was always on time. He added a lot to our fun and enjoyment/
The entire safari/Victoria Falls tour exceeded our expectations. The only thing that was a little disappointing was the walk along Victoria Falls. It felt rushed with little time to just stand and enjoy. We would definitely use this tour operator again.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Obama: The Tour Guide That Made For the Best Safari Ever
Our guide, Obama, was hands down the best tour guide we could have possibly asked for. He was infinitely knowledgeable on everything you could possibly want to know when visiting these magical landscapes. He spent hours upon hours telling us the stories of the Maasai people, explaining the history of each location and Kenya in general, and detailing the behaviors and habits of every animal we would (and did) see on our safari. Aside from his wealth of knowledge, he was extraordinarily energetic, jovial, kind, and respectful of our wishes for the trip. He bent over backwards and jumped through hoops to make sure we could experience all that was possible. Obama is the kind of person that you'll become best friends with immediately and you know his passion is to provide you with the most unforgettable experience you could hope for.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded expectations
Easy to work with, Joseph was a perfect guide for our group. Saw every animal, bird, flora and babies too! Accommodations and food comfortable and very tasty. Saw all of Kenya, long drives between resorts a bit bumpy and long but well worth it to see all we did. Highly recommend for the price point.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome experience, great guides, great service.
This is a great tour operator - we had a short notice trip, they fit us in and our guide (James) was stellar. I would recommend them 10 times in a row to others wanting to do a tour in Tanzania. They picked us up at the airport, met us at the hotel, did a great job on safari, and even coordinated a car back to Nairobi for us. We were traveling with our two kids (16/15) and they made it fun for them as well.
Safari trucks were in good shape, clean, and we had no issues.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Superb and compassionate
Communications and service could not have been better. We felt humbly well looked after as I’m sure did the animals who were respected. Godfrey was thoughtful, intelligent, extremely knowledgeable and respectful of the environment and the wildlife he was seeking for us. Nothing was too much trouble including a horrible early 3am pick up to the airport. He was fun to be with and the tour flexible and changed according to our and environmental needs. This completely surpassed every expectation.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience!
Our trip to Kenya and Tanzania was quite interesting. We lived numerous adventures and experienced a true naturalist trip. Even if having to adapt to the condition of a low budget trip, we broke the routine and witnessed incredible wildlife. It was a surprise to see the animals so close and the amazing views that the natural parks have to offer.
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Ruaha NP safari with very interesting side activities
We had a great safari with Wild Gaze Safaris to Ruaha National Park. We spent 2 days (one night) on the safari and saw all big 4, and so much birdlife. Amazing park to visit for one day. Would not recommend to go much longer as tour drivers stay in the same area around the river as the chances of spotting wildlife are greater there. We also went to a local primary school and although we only planned to stop by for 10-20 min, we ended up spending over an hour because it was so interesting. A huge plus to this safari. Afterwards we went to a Maasai village and although I was very sceptical of its authenticity at first, it turned out to be a great trip as we talked a lot with the only English speaking person in the village (he also spoke Swahili and Maa, which was reassuring).
The driver was the one part of this safari that could have been improved. Both me and my partner are conservation biologists working in Tanzania (Serengeti region) and therefore know a bit about the system. The guide was untruthful or ignorant about many things about the park and the human communities living around it. He was friendly and enthusiastic at most times, but the drive back he was honking almost nonstop, which is even for Tanzanians an odd thing to do. Hence the 4 out of 5 stars.
Ernest (boss of Wild Gaze Safari) is friendly, helpful, honest and straightforward, which was much appreciated!
Thank you for the wonderful experience!