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Email Ava | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wild adventure through the bush.
My friend and I did the 10 day Bush to Beach semi luxury itinerary with Tanzania Roadside Expeditions, and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. It started with the friendly and prompt email communication with Paul, which is why we decide to book with his company. He was flexible and attentive, working with us to create an itinerary that met our desires. We were picked up from the airport by our driver, Ezekiel, who we enjoyed talking to, both answering and asking questions, on the hour long ride to Arusha. Ezekiel and Paul met with us to explain our itinerary over dinner our first night so we would know what to expect and to answer any questions we had. Ezekiel was a highly informative and helpful guide with a great sense of humor. We really enjoyed getting to know him over the course of the week and learning from him. Thanks to him we saw the Big 5, along with so many other amazing animals. There is no way we would have been able to see what we saw without him. He put us in the right positions to get AMAZING photographs! He even taught us some Swahili! When it was time for us to head to Zanzibar, we were so sad to say goodbye to Ezekiel, and we hope to go back and climb Kilimanjaro with him in the future!
Before describing our experience in Zanibar, I should say that we were more than impressed with the accommodation we stayed in throughout our safari experience. We wish we had more time to enjoy some of the amazing amenities the hotels offered, although we would never have given up the time we spent in the bush (we highly recommend getting up before the sun- the animals are far more active in the early morning). The food was stellar in all locations, consisting of many options, some of our favorites being the barbecued meats and curries served with ugali, as well as delicious fresh fruits.
Zanzibar was also an awesome experience. We highly recommend the Spice Farm excursion and wandering around Stone Town to see the beautiful doorways. Also, don't miss the Zanzibar pizza at the night market! We really enjoyed the beautiful and relaxing time at the beach in Ngunwi.
So overall, we had the most amazing time and could not recommend this company more highly!!!
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Email Kirsten | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wildlife at its best
This was my first time going on a safari with two of my other friends, and we were very happy we picked Tanzania to go visit!
It was fairly easy to get to Tanzania via airplane (flew TLV>ADD>KJO) from the US. Weather in July was perfect- not too hot in the shade (pants were OK), but still very sunny. The drives between parks were no more than 4 hours, meaning the majority of our time was spent looking for wildlife on safari! All of the parks we visited were well preserved, but it was still possible to see wildlife fairly close from the car! The guides are all very knowledgeable about the animals (as many of them have had to go to school to become a guide) and communicate with each other to ensure that you'll be able to see any animals you're hoping to catch on your trip. Accommodations were all very good, and the service at each place was amazing. The staff was very friendly and accommodating!
Our favorite park was definitely the Serengeti. Due to it's size, you're able to see both wet and dry environments, meaning you can see a variety of animals. Often times when we were driving around, it felt like we were the only tours out on the road- this made for some great photos as well.
Overall, loved our visit to Tanzania and already hoping to go back again sometime in the future!
CA
Email Trevor | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This safari was a wildlife experience of a lifetime that I hope to do again.
The safari was simply amazing from start to finish. I was amazed to find out how close the animals would get to the vehicle. We had Elephants while grazing walk right by our safari vehicle. They were so close that I had to switch to my cellphone to be able take pictures. In the video I took I can clear hear the Elephants eating and walking through the long grass.
James and Paul from Tanzania Roadside Expeditions were both excellent. Paul was very helpful making all the arrangements for our safari. Paul also came to meet us at our hotel after the Safari to make sure our experience had been good. Our guide James was very friendly, knowledgeable, and a safe driver.
Tanzania was a great introduction to Africa and Safaris. I will be back again soon I’m sure.
MX
Email Ashley Aguirre | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!!!
Tanzania was amazing! More than I expect. We were very lucky and the weather was perfect.
The accommodations we booked were good, just inside of everything and the staff all the time was very kind.
Hamadi Sham was our guide from Simba Safaris, he was very nice and he explain us everything and he make sure that we understood him.
The food was good, but I think that sometimes it’s too much. The buffets were perfect.
I wish one day come back to Tanzania
Email Phil & Laura | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A True African Adventure
My partner and I booked a 7 day trip with Soul - 4 days safari (Tarangerie, Serengeti, Ngorongoro) and 3 days Zanzibar. It was the trip of a life time! It was a seamless experience booking and touring with Soul.
Sandy was brilliant at creating an itinerary to suit our needs and budget, always responsive and efficient.
When it came to the trip, it was everything we hoped for and more. Our guide, Freddie was brilliant - very knowledgable about the wildlife and always on hand to make our trip as enjoyable as possible.
We absolutely loved the safari - we saw all the wildlife we wanted to (lions, cheetahs, leopards etc). Each park had its own character but we’re equally beautiful. The only downside to doing three parks in four days is that it is a lot of driving however there’s always something to look at out the window so this wasn’t an issue.
Our accommodation on safari was better than expected - comfortable beds, good food and no bugs! We especially loved staying in Pumzika lodge as it’s situated in the middle of the Serengeti so you’re surrounded by wildlife.
We also had a very tasty picnic each day - all the other tours had lunch boxes whereas we had curries with rice. You certainly won’t go hungry on these tours!
The final leg of our trip was Zanzibar - relaxing on the beach for two days is highly recommended after 4 busy days of safari! We stayed in Z Hotel which was brilliant - whilst far from Stone Town, it was tranquil with a gorgeous beach to catch some rays.
Overall, I could not recommend Soul of Tanzania more.
CA
Email David Ng | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
beautiful, exciting, comfortable
We had an amazing time in a relatively short trip to Tanzania. Our guide, Robson, was excellent. Not only friendly and accommodating, but also extremely knowledgeable of the geography, and the habitat of the animals. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat.
Busy, exciting, enjoyable experience
Enjoyed our accommodation, glamping then camping. Lovely food. Great experiences with seeing the wildlife, especially Tarangire.
The dusty travel between Ngorongoro and Serengeti was not so pleasant especially when our driver followed vehicles too closely, in their dust trail. An expensive guided walk above Ngorongoro crater was a rip-off. More like a casual stroll around a farm!
Apart from that the safari was very enjoyable, if a little tiring. Much to see and enjoy. I would recommend it.
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Email Sharon Inamoto | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an amazing trip!
This was my first safari and we could have not picked a better company to go with. I was skeptical of dealing in a country so far away but that was no problem as Pendo or Benson would answer all our questions the following day. Once we arrived we were greeted at the airport and taken to our hotel. The following morning we were picked up by Richard (our driver/guide) for the next 5 days. Richard was so knowledgeable, kind, patient and had a sense of humor. We saw 28 lions and all the other usual suspects. I felt so lucky to witness the interaction between a lion chasing a cheetah and the moment before that. So cool! We went with the luxury accommodations as my friend didn’t want to wash her hair in a bucket ever day which other companies offered. The weather was cooler than what we expected. Glad I brought a fleece. This was truly a trip of a lifetime and everyone should experience at least once.
SG
Email Sally Yeap | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
excellent
The 5 days safari experience was superb! Inge was very patience and answer our (many many many) questions. She even communicate with us through whatsapp. We opt for the mobile budget camping option and we didnt regret it at all. The food was fantastic, thanks to our cook roman. Also not forgetting our diligent and humble guide, SImba, who was excellent! He is very knowledgeable and tries his very best to understand and answer our questions. We managed to spot the big 5 and many other animals which we didnt expect. (of course luck plays a part)The whole journey truly exceed our expectation. We were incredibly lucky to get so close with so many of the animals and had an excellent guide. We will definitely book with Shadows of Africa again。
ES
Email Carmen Potel Alvarellos | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
AMAZING!!
The safari was amazing, our guide Edi was perfect. It is an unique trip.
Afterwards we flight to Zanzibar and we saw the reality of this wonderful country: misery, corruption, unemployment,...
