Email Joost | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Overpriced and overrated
absolutely, the great migration is a spectacle you must see at least once. But other than that, I found Tanzania to be mostly disappointing. Not so much what we all saw, but more the overall experience. If you keep in mind that you are visiting the most expensive national parks in the world, you expect something in return. In the Serengeti, for example, I think the roads were extremely bad. We did 10 days of full day safaris, which at the end I almost couldn't last because of the back pain. The rest camps are completely worthless and unpleasant. Again, for the most expensive national parks in the world you can really expect more. The distances between our sightings were often enormous. Everyone drives through the Serengeti at unprecedented speed to make sure you don't miss a lion that is then sitting 200 meters off the road... And which you are watching with 70 other cars... Guides do not behave professionally, push the animals too much and the tourists are also 'once in a lifetime safari poop', which you can see from their behavior. It is often noisy during sightings and I found it difficult to enjoy it. All in all disappointing, not value for money and the safaris were not romantic and relaxing as I often feel in private parks.
Email Mario | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable
A bucket list item and an unforgettable trip in everyway. From sleeping under the starlight (which the night sky is so much more beautiful since you are away from cities/towns and their night pollution), to camping next to animals without any dividers or fences, to seeing all different types of animals and birds, both from afar and close, to meeting new friends and fellow travelers, to seeing animals both sleeping and active and migrating (part of the Great Migration), this trip was so memorable and magical in every way. So satisfied. Shoutout to our guide Douglas for an amazing job, accommodating our every request to position the jeep to help get the best pictures.
Email Desley | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wow! is a word that I would use a lot to describe Tanzania
We had a great tour through Lappet Faced Safaris in June 2024, we went to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Olduvai Gorge, Lake Manyara NP, Tarangire NP and Kilimanjaro. Although the Great Migration was late this year we still saw herds of thousands of wildebeest in Serengeti. We experienced the local culture of a Masai tribe where we joined in tribal activities. In Olduvai Gorge (locally called Oldupai) which lies in the Great Rift Valley it was amazing to see the cradle of humankind and to browse through the exhibits in the museum. It was truly spectacular doing a day long game drive in Ngorongoro Crater with flamingoes, lions, zebra, plenty of other game and hyenas taking down a wildebeest. Lake Manyara and Tarangire were very different but both have plenty to view. Tarangire however is like Grand Central Station on a weekend due to the day tripper access from Arusha. We were truly fortunate to view Mt Kilimanjaro without cloud covering, it was a huge wow moment for us when the clouds dispersed and we saw it for the first time.
Email Hairong | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
can see many animals
Guide Zack is great,very nice!Every day, I get to see animals up close and I'm lucky to see them hunting prey. I highly recommend visiting Tanzania
Email Ed Cannava | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania is an experience of a lifetime!
Tanzania Wildheart Adventures put together an incredible Safari for us! I am 68 and my wife is 70. She walks with a cane, and all over Tanzania everyone was so helpful getting us around safely. The wildlife was outstanding and the Melia lodges were truly incredible! The nighttime and hot air balloon safaris were excellent. Tanzania is a wonderful destination to everyone who loves to travel!!
Email John B | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania is an awesome place for safari, experience of a lifetime for us
It is not often our holidays exceed all expectations. We went on a safari with African Big Cats Safaris who organized the vehicle, driver, accommodation and the experiences. The safari was well organized. On arrival we were met by our driver, and then met the owner of the company who explained how the safari works. I believe most Tanzanian safari companies work in a similar manner. Our safari was 12 nights, 11 days actual safari.
We have the impression that many guides have done a course to take tourists in safaris. Try to get a driver guide who shares some wildlife interests as you, especially if you are into birds, insects, and or plants which will enhance your experience. As we like watching and photographing birds, our guide who liked birds certainly enhanced our trip.
The accommodation was well selected and we were safe and comfortable. We stayed in lodges and safari camps with permanent glamping tents with wood floors. The food and drink was excellent at all venues. The staff were attentive and polite everywhere we went. The itinerary was well planned to introduce us to northern Tanzania leading to the high point which was the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The driver guides from all the safari companies talk to each other and co-operate so everyone sees the rarer animals. We were wowed by the animals and birds and the Great Migration.
The cultural experiences were not to be missed We visited the Hadzabe tribe and some Datooga metal craftsmen and a Maasai village. Whilst on safari we did two walks with armed rangers, one in Arusha National Park and one on the Ngorongoro crater rim. Both are worth doing as you are on the ground instead of looking from the vehicle.
We used a shuttle between Nairobi and Arusha, which was a good way to travel between the two places. We had no issues with it and felt and were safe traveling with it. The traffic in Arusha and the towns were so different to what we were used to, but it worked well, just trust your driver who knows how to drive there.
We suggest that you visit Arusha National Park first to get a good introduction to the safari that you choose, then visit the other national parks, and cultural places, leading up to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
We went on the end of the wet season and the weather was fine. Not as cold as we expected, but that was good for us. Take some warm clothes and follow the advice that the safari companies give you for clothing. Take plenty of US currency in small notes. We took half what we needed, however we were able to use the ATMs to get and use the local currency. The drivers know where the ATMs were located.
There were a number of souvenir stops with toilets (washrooms) on the main roads. The stuff varied from basic to awesome carvings and crafts, clothing and other goods. Be prepared to bargain for a lower price. There are a lot of people selling souvenirs at the park gates and other places. Be prepared for them to try to sell you stuff.
We found Tanzania an awesome safari destination.
Email Ivan Melesio Montalvo Aguilar | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Email Iryna Tierney | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Email Anil Kumar (India) | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Northern Tanzania circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara) are the best in the world for highest density of wild animals.
Email Pat K | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Increíble beyond my Imagination
We safaried in Tanzania 11 days in June hoping to see the Great Wildebeest Migration. The wildlife sightings were beyond our wildest imaginations. The wildebeest must have been a million +. Zebras-Half a million+. After 20 lions and 20 cheetahs and 20 elephants we lost count. The black rhino and the leopard were the only animals we only saw one of each. Safari Soles and our driver Isaack were amazing as well. I have no doubt their skills made our trip to Tanzania the perfect experience to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.