Team in Tarangire National Park
Gecko Adventure Tanzania
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2005)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TATONA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $195 to $950 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Jordan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Prompt, reliable, and as promised.
I was impressed with Gecko from the time of our initial inquiry. They responded to our inquiry and follow up questions quickly and effectively, which gave me a lot of confidence to book with them.
Our driver and guide, Msifiri, picked us up on-time, and drive times were as quoted to and from Dar Es Salaam.
During the safari, Msifiri did a great job of pointing out animals, and seemed very knowledgeable about the park, environment, and animals that live there.
Mikumi is a stunning park, and we saw many animals--it absolutely exceeded our expectations.
We stayed at Camp Bastian Mikumi, which was fabulous--staff were friendly and helpful, and the accommodations were clean and spacious. We loved the atmosphere at the on-property bar/restaurant, and the food was delicious.
For those considering the two day safari option to Mikumi, I would caution that the drive to/from the park is long and fairly tedious; however, this had nothing to do with Gecko, but rather is just the nature of the road/traffic.
Overall, though, we had a phenomenal experience, with Gecko exceeding expectations. I wouldn't hesitate to book with them again, and hope I'll be able to return to Tanzania to see more of its fascinating wildlife and beautiful scenery.
IE
Email Philip Lee | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tremendous 3 day fly in Safari from Zanzibar to Selous with great staff, guide, food and lodges.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Safari experience. Our two Boys aged 11 and 15 had the trip of a lifetime. We were looked after very well. The accommodation was excellent and eco friendly. The Camp Staff were kind, courteous and very attentive. The swimming pool was lovely after each day. The food was tasty, hot and different each meal. Our Guide Ramadani was very knowledgeable and friendly. We will always remember him and all the staff. Thank you all, The Lee Family, IRELAND.
FR
Email Jessica | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
GREAT TOUR WITH A GREAT GUIDE
The communication with Rama was excellent. He advised us in a great way and listened to our needs so that we could have the best experience.
The car was great, we were just 2 people, my friend and I.
The accomodation was clean and greatly located. The staff was super friendly and helfpul.
The only thing that we were a bit disappointed about was not being able to do a walking safari in the morning because we had to leave around 10am to catch our ferry in Dar and it was duting the weekdn so the driver was concerned we would miss the ferry. We went to visit the village instead but it was not the same.
Thank you however, Rama, it was a great and beautiful experience!!!!
Jessica
IL
Email Jaye | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good safari experience, but a few minor issues
We were very happy with Selous River Camp which Gecko booked for us and with our Selous safari guide Magire, who although young was excellent at spotting animals, knowledgeable and patient.
Gecko's booking and payment process was smooth and efficient and we received vouchers for the flights, safari and accommodation quickly.
However, there were a few minor issues, and while they didn't impinge on our overall experience they are worth pointing out.
- Although Gecko booked us on a flight landing at Mtemere at 12.30, Selous River Camp was informed by the company that we would only be arriving at 14.00. So when we turned up more than an hour earlier they had unexpectedly to prepare us an earlier lunch (which they managed with customary efficiency and courtesy).
- While all the other companies' open-sided safari vehicles we encountered in the reserve had individual high-backed padded seats, the vehicle provide by Gecko came with harder bench seats with little in the way of padding or back-rest. We managed the eight hour drive along often rough "roads" just fine, but for anyone with back problems this could be an issue.
- Other companies served the picnic lunch provided on safari on a foldable table and chairs carried in the jeep and set up for the occasion, while we ate ours standing up, plates balanced on the bonnet of the jeep. Again, no big deal for us, but indicative of a slightly lower level of service than the competition.
To be fair, we booked our safari with Gecko at the last minute, less than a week before departure, and it could be that at this stage no other vehicles were available; however we would advise anyone booking with the company to inquire closely into just what sort of vehicle and service to expect.
CN
Email Alya | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extremely disappointed and will recommend not to use them
Communications:When he knows there is a problem he decided to avoid answering the phone, other than that he responds ok.
Service:Not good, we definitely didn't get a good place to stay nor the trip was done as discussed!
living up to expectations:We found ourselves in a deserted camp-not sure if it was a camp-one hut with a small dining area.No other customers were there even though it is the season.
The food(ad the waiter) was brought in the car with us-which by the way was apparently a frozen chicken and eggs and we lived off that till the next day's lunch when we finally had enough and wanted to move camp.Of course we had to pay for the new camp as well!!after we complained to Rama/Gecko and his response was it's not his fault!!!
The Safari tour:
We booked two nights and three days:
First day:
the plan was to drive us from the ferry, have lunch and head to the camp and catch the ferry.They came on time to pick us up, however the trip somehow took longer than they expected so we ended up not having lunch and running to catch the boat.
Second day:
We drove up to the game park no problems.
Third day:
We were supposed to have our walk in the game park , we ended up just walking around our camp cause Gecko-Rama-decided to not buy the entry ticket and save some money!!While it only costs about 130 dollars for two people and we paid him more than one thousand dollars for two nights and we ended up paying again for another camp because the camp he chose for us was terrible, even the waiter came with us to the camp and he was the only waitron top of that we were the only customers staying there and I couldn't sleep the whole night!
*We were looking forward for this holiday, and we paid well and discussed all the arrangements in advance, but still nothing was done according to plan.It is very unfortunate to be treated this way.I would not recommend nor wish this to happen to anyone else.
Email Edward Kim | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent and responsive service from Rama at Gecko Adventure Tanzania. We had an amazing trip!
We did a 12 day long safari adventure with Gecko Adventure Tanzania with a custom itinerary provided by Rama which featured 6 days in Kenya going through Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboselli National Parks which was amazing. The other 6 days were spent on safari through Tanzania, visiting Lake Manyara, Lake Tangarine, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater which was a wonderful experience.
Following that we also did the 6 day Rongai route trek to get to the summit of Kilimanjaro - The team catered to our every need on the mountain, preparing us as best as possible to get to the summit. We were very happy once we got to the top, and even happier when we got to put our feet up and relax after completing the entire journey.
Both safaris and the trek were organised with precision by Rama. Sam and I couldn't have been happier with the service that was delivered.
Email Sarah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had a fantastic trip to Mikumi National Park — lots of animals and easy logistics.
Gecko Adventure was easy to coordinate with, even though we reserved our trip last-minute. Edgar, our guide, was fastidious in making sure that we saw as many animals as we could squeeze into our two days' of game drives, and he looked after us well. Even though it was the start of the wet season, we managed to check all the animals off our list that we had hoped for.
DK
Email Karsten poulsen | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional
The idea of doing a safari came to us the day before we could actually go. We contacted gecko and within a few hours they arranged everything. Very fast responds and professional service.
The safari was a great three days experience with an excellent guide.
Gecko adventure Tanzania is highly recommended
Email Nicola fletcher | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect amd very well organized
Rama organised everything very well we spoke with him when landing and was on trasfer to hotel and kept in contact at differant point of the holiday checking everything was going to plan. Juma who picked us up from airport and when we arrived back at port was very helpful and ensure we had everything we needed. Henry our tour guid for the safari was fab he knew everything about the area very informative and took us to a local village after the safari we was made to feel very welcome in the local bar. The safari was amazing we was saw most of the big 5 apart from the lion henry did very well to spot the animals hiding away the elephants was amazing we saw about 16 all at the same time includinf 3 babies. Will be using rama again wheb we book our next trip to tanzania. The loop hotel booked in zanzibar was amazing the staff was always happy and anything needed wasnt to much hard work.
CA
Email Josie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience and great price.
Since I was on a budget, I tried to find a cheaper safari and lowered my expectations a bit. This experience surpassed my expectations of a safari and will probably be one of the more memorable experiences of my life. I did a three day safari in Selous. Otto and Antony picked us up in Dar es Salaam and drove us 7 hours to Selous. The safari costed 400USD and included our transport to and from Selous, food, stay, and park fees. The food was really good, and we stayed in a treehouse over looking the beautiful Rufiji river. I woke up to the sound of hippos playing outside my deck. The guides were so kind and accommodating. People kinda talked down about Selous because it’s such a huge reserve, but I saw a wide variety of animals and particularly enjoyed the river cruise. All in all, a great experience and I would absolutely recommend Otto and Gecko Adventure to anyone looking for a great safari for a good price.