US
Zanzibar
This review is only about Zanzibar - see Mwema review elsewhere (and maybe a different Tanzania review).
We had a short visit to Zanzibar prior to a Serengeti safari. Zanzibar was everything I imagined and then some. The weather, dry season period, was terrific, not overwhelmingly hot. Lots of clouds, came and went, maybe a little night rain one night. The old city, Stonetown, is a small maze of narrow streets, Arab-Indian-Swahili architecture, and small "squares". A guided tour is useful, but it won't help you much orienteering - you will get lost on your own (but so what). The tour, tho, helps sort out the architecture - who brought what, and why they built it - and helps fill in the details. We also took a spice farm tour - we could've extended that, there was a lot to learn there. I envy one of our friends who took a spice compounding class at another place. We also had a too-short snorkeling trip to Mnemba island. Several more days of this would've have been fantastic. There is evidence of coral bleaching on the reefs there - sad. There are turtle reserves here and there on the island - we didn't know that until too late - if you go look into this and see if you can include a visit. We didn't have time to visit the south part of Unguja island or the Jozani forest.
The bad side of Zanzibar - it's a hustling town. It seemed like every time I stopped to look at something or opened my book, someone would show up to sell me a tour or a souvenir. Our guide said that many of these people just take the money, buy drugs, and live rough on the other side of the Creek road; on the other hand I met a few Somali refugees who'd clearly had a terrible struggle. Nevertheless, the constant interruption gets tiring. There's also a hustle at the airport - as soon as your cab shows up, a porter shows up and your bags are whisked into the gate. He's as demanding as NYC cab driver for a good tip, and one for his girlfriend running the probably fake security check before the gate. Oh well. He did get us to the right gate - things are very informal and low information at the Zanzibar airport, so sorting that out was worth something.
A note about Tanzanian visas - we got them on entry at Zanzibar airport. But unlike what we were told prior, and what others experienced elsewhere in TZ, this port of entry is credit card only, no cash!
CA
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Experience
We did a 4-day safari through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara national park. The staff are very professional and also very friendly. Big thank you to George, Georgie, Killah, and Corneli for the amazing week in the bush!
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wow we had an excellent trip around Uganda.
I enjoyed my stay while in Uganda and this was as a result of sparkle safaris and the well trained guide that took us around. He was so well conversant with the places and different animal species. We enjoyed the way we were received write from the airport to the accommodation facilities and I can say that these guys are well trained.
We enjoyed the game drive in Murchison falls as we were in position to see most of the animals and the means of transport were conformtable in a 4WD car.
At the end of the tour we meant up with the Director who welcomed us back from the safari and shared our enjoyment has he kept on asking how our trip went. well with such hospitality we are coming back to Uganda soon.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They are super knowledgeable of their country and animals and fun to be around!
Bigfoot was very informative, did a great job, treated us with the most respect, fun to be with. And the safari was awesome. Great customer service!!!
BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It´s very nice to feel that you are travelling with locals!
Safari is unique and we will never forget it. TFC was a good partner.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everythings it was fine.
Your adress in internet is not correct and i was stay in Nairobi looking for your office by taxi but we can not found in this adrees. The rest of our trip is was very well.
Best regards
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Really great!!!
The experience Was amazing, Joseph is really kind! He helps you. You need Someone you can trust in this experience and Joseph is this person!
All is organized in detail
NZ
Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route) and Pangani Beach Trip
The team at African Traits honestly is the best company for all your excursions from Arusha. I did a 6 day hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and it was worth every penny, the team was so supportive and crucial to getting us to the summit.
Another trip was 3-4 days, including hike in the Leshoto mountains and beach trip to Pangani. This was such an unexpected and wonderful trip. I especially loved staying in beachside bungalows and having this pristine beach to ourselves.
If you're considering any trips in Tanzania, make African Traits the top of your list!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Great Experience
A great adventure. Bigfoot were very professional and affordable. The journey was to Tsavo and the driver was at our gate at exactly 5am. Our first surprise was that there was a sit for our 2year old, FREE of charge. There was plenty of water for all of us along the way. The driver took his time to explain to us the sceneries, and answer questions on such issues like the animals we saw. We also got a first class treatment at the hotel. We shall definitely travel Big foot for all time.
NL
What an experience this safari. I highly recommend Meru Slopes
The communication with Geoffrey went really smooth. He explained everything to me so it absolutely met my expectations. The tour itself was very well organized with lovely food and great people. Unfortunately we missed the rhino.