Our Head Guide Nico and our Signature Hot Lunches
Unlimited Expeditions: The Soul of Tanzania
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2015)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Naomi Fowkes | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exactly what I'd dreamt of...
Many safari tour operators have faultless reviews but there was something about Soul of Tanzania’s reviews that stood out. As we write ours now I hope this too will help others decide on SOT. For us this was going to be a once in a lifetime trip, but having had the most incredible experience we cannot imagine never doing this again. For me, this was a dream of more than ten years and with my 40th birthday approaching I decided it was definitely going to happen! I dreamt of being completely removed from the ‘everyday’ world - to feel in the middle of nowhere and be in the presence of some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring animals– and that is exactly what I got. Along with so much more...
From the moment we made our first enquiry with Luis to being dropped back to the airport for our departure in the middle of the night, SoT provided excellent service that just made it all work out so beautifully.
Our guide Heaven was like meeting a long lost friend – we were blessed to spend our time in Tanzania with him. Within minutes of meeting us he promised us one of the best times of our life and seven days later he had given us exactly that. These guides work long days from sunrise starts to enjoying some social ‘after-hours’ time with you in the evening, Heaven continuously wore his captivating smile and was always keen to know your wishes for the following day. He was forever conscious of giving us the best time and getting the most out of each day. His english language and knowledge was excellent. We asked him a 100 questions a day and he would answer them all :) He had a great rapport with all the tour guides we passed and it was great to see them all share knowledge of sightings.
We chose to go in January to coincide with a birthday and did our own research on what would be the best areas to visit at that time of year. We then looked at some of SOT itineraries and worked with (the forever patient) Luis to plan a custom 7 day safari. Luis was always so prompt and clear in his communication and offered us a range of accommodation in our chosen regions, so we really could tailor the trip exactly to our preferences and budget. No enquiry was too much trouble and he went of his way to look into a particular request (liaising with my husband without my knowing to make it happen).
We loved the variety of the itinerary passing through 4 parks - lake manyara, ngorongoro, ndutu and the serengeti. All special in their own way but for some reason ndutu holds a special place in our heart...from incredible sightings that rewarded your patience and the free range nature of traversing the plains, to the tented camp with camp fire and beautiful hospitality to a once in a lifetime sunset and so much more...
All of our accommodation options were excellent and all very different which added to our experience (Lake Manyara Camp, Plantation Lodge, An’gata Camp and Kubu Kubu Lodge). They ranged from luxury to a tented camp and I would recommend choosing a variety. But, I would also whole-heartedly recommend the tented camps and would do it all again in those - there is something about the more "bush" experience and endearing hospitality. All accomodation catered fabulously for our vegan diets – the chefs going beyond expectations and always ensuring we were happy and well fed, which without doubt we were. You may have already read many reviews highlighting the hot lunches – we can certainly vouch for how good these are too. Heaven would lay the table cloth in any given surrounding from picnic bench to the landcruiser bonnet! And serve us a delicious hot buffet lunch, wine and coffee and cookies...what more could you want!
We hadn’t given much thought prior to taking a private tour when looking into general options and providers but are so glad we did. Having the guide, the vehicle and every choice yours and yours only made sure your trip panned out just as you wished, no jostling for space in the vehicle or moving on before you’re ready. Every personal preference and comfort is guaranteed.
You may have noticed we haven’t even mentioned the actualities of the trip (the wildlife, the scenery etc)...that will be there whichever operator you choose... it’s knowing you have experienced all the wonder of this outstanding part of the world in the best possible way and that comes down to who you chose to show it to you. Just do it!
US
Email Carol P | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An amazing, memorable journey of a lifetime!
There aren't enough superlatives to describe the extraordinary trip we had on our 7 day Tanzanian safari on March 22, 2019. We were an assorted family group of 6 traveling together, having spent several days in Arusha prior to our safari. Soul of Tanzania has perfected the model for providing the greatest opportunity for experiencing the wonders of the African landscape and wildlife with exemplary service that exceeded our expectations. They were very generous in providing services outside our expected plan.
Our itinerary included Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, and the Serengeti. My interactions with Helena when booking either by email or phone were especially helpful because she understood our wants and needs and could suggest choices for the best possible itinerary and accommodations. When thrown some last minute changes, she never missed a beat and accommodated us, seemingly unnerved by our new requirements. Soul of Tanzania offers diverse kinds of accommodations based on the travelers' preferences and we were especially impressed with the unique Gibbs Farm near Ngorongoro Crater and Olakira Camp in the Ndutu region.
You will not be disappointed with the many game drives on this tour, there were Big Five animals it seemed, around every bend that our driver expertly spotted. Literally dozens of other species of birds and animals were also pointed out and identified for us. Our hot lunches, complete with red or white wine, dessert and coffee, were the envy of tour groups from other companies.
Edward, our guide/driver was the best of the best!! He was very knowledgeable, his English was impeccable, he was very accommodating and professional, but at the same time, very engaging and fun to spend our days with. It seems all tour groups fall in love with their drivers, but we believe that Edward stands above his peers and has set the standard that Soul of Tanzania has achieved. His love for being a guide in this area shows through in all that he says and does for his clients.
Look no further for a travel agency if you are planning a trip to this region.
CL
Email Pablo Atria | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!
Nothing to regret about our trip!
Our honeymoon was perfect!
They gave us plenty of options to make the best possible trip.
PT
Email Armando S. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing and unforgettable experience
Soul of tanzania gave us the opportunity to discover the essence of Africa. They are organized, reliable and always available to help you deciding the best program for the number of days that you have and the time of the season that you are going.
About the tour itself, we had Amani as our guide and driver, there are no words to describe the professionalism and the knowledge that he has. He talks a perfect english and he is a person you enjoy being around all day. It's possible to see that he is very passionate for what he does and it only makes the experience even better. Thank you, Amani.
FR
Email Adnan Plakalo | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience with Soul of Tanzania
We have had 5 days safari in Tanzania, started from lake Manyara, then Serengeti, and finally N'gorongoro's crater. It was absolutely amazing and wonderfull. Everything was perfect !
Special thanks to our guide, Dominick, who was very kind and professional. Thanks to him, we have our heads full of unforgettable memories.
We highly recommend Soul of Tanzania !!
TR
Email Didem | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience ever!
Our amazing trip was 5 days Safari in the middle of March in Tanzania; Lake Manyara, South Serengeti and Ngorongoro Area.
Although there are so many tour operators, I chose Soul of Tanzania. Because I always get quick and detailed answers from Helena. She understood what we need and we organised our perfect tour with her. She is really good organizer.
And we were so lucky to have guide like Shaban. He knew where to find the animals and he has lots of knowledge about wild life. He knows where to find Big 5 and other interesting things. And our safari tour became more excited. Shaban never forgot what we needed. And he always find what we wanted to see in wild life. Cheetas, lepards, too many lions (even 5 baby lions), black rhino ... and so on... And he is also a good driver and a good person.
The camp places were so good. More then I expected. Especially the staff of Tortilis camp place in Lake Manyara and Sanctury Kichakani in south Serengeti were great. They were so helpfull, gentle and professional. You can have a beautiful dialogue with the staff. I almost cried before we left.The staff in Lake Manyara Tortilis camp area is speacial.
Camp areas has very good view. Their location is in a good position.They are so clean, food is amazingly delicious.
Luckly we had no rain during this season. Because generally it rains a lot in this season. The weather was so sunny. All the plains were so green and full of yellow flowers. So many grass and lovely trees. And best for us; there were not many safari jeeps around. There were not many people. And we saw all the animals. But comparing with dry season it's harder to spot animals in green plains.
This trip was one of turning point of my life. Me and my husband is so glad to meet Soul of Tanzania and our guide Shaban. We would love to thank you soooo much for this amazing trip and hope to see you soon!
US
Email Jeff | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Words can't describe it
My girlfriend and I returned last week from a fabulous 9 day 8 night safari. We went to Tarangire, Manyara, Central and Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Eyasi. So rather than go on about the amazing wildlife - (wildebeest migration and big 5 etc.) incredible birds and beautiful landscapes that everyone talks about (and for good reason) here are some other thoughts.
Luis at Soul of Tanzania made the whole planning process pretty easy and quickly answered any questions via email. He also made some good recommendations during our phone call to help with our planning.
Even after all that I was still unsure about wiring thousands of dollars to some bank in Tanzania! So I emailed 10 people from different parts of the world who posted positive reviews about SOT on Tripadvisor. 9 out 10 people responded to me within a couple of days and everyone of them verified that they wrote the review, and reassured me that SOT was completely trustworthy.
So after an hour delay through immigration and customs I was pretty relieved when our driver met us at the airport. TIP: regardless of what you might read or hear, get your visa online in advance and avoid an hour wait at the airport.
Our guide Paul was the ultimate professional and is just a great person. He never got tired or annoyed when we asked the same question many times during our 9 days together. He was extremely safe driving in some pretty challenging muddy conditions. He continually pointed out animals and birds that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise and had an incredible amount of knowledge about them. It was like taking a mini-course on African animals and plant life. Paul was patient every time I asked him to stop so I could take a picture of yet another bird. Now the question is what to do with 4000 bird pictures?
If you want a completely different and unusual cultural experience visit the Datoga and Hadzabe tribes in Lake Eyasi. It’s pretty far off the beaten path but it’s also something that may not exist in the future.
Driving around all day on bumpy dirt roads is pretty tiring. Moving from camp to camp almost daily is also a little stressful. Hindsight being 20-20 I would probably limit the number of places visited and stay longer at each one. However I do not regret our itinerary and definitely recommend Soul of Tanzania.
ES
Email Robert and Gemma | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari in Tanzania; when you live it is when you really know and appreciate what it is !!!
When my wife and I decided to go on a safari in Tanzania, we searched through networks about different companies. Soul of Tanzania always appeared with excellent comments and ratings from its customers. We decided on them and without a doubt we were fully successful. It was fantastic that before starting the safari, Luis contacted us and sent us an infinity of emails and a form with all kinds of details so that our experience was exactly as we wanted it. He gave us all kinds of options. Flights, transfers, hotels, places to visit, food allergies, special needs, and everything adapted to our budget. He has been a very kind and effective person. Until the last day he was helping and working so that our experience was complete. He treated us very kindly. No surprises
We start our tour in Arusha as planned with Vincent; A great professional with more than 12 years of experience and recognized as one of the best in the industry. Knowing habits and habits of animals and places where they tend to be. With the we saw the BIG FIVE.
We requested a guide who spoke Spanish to focus only on what we were interested in. What a pleasant surprise we take with Vincent. Affable and very willing. His good level of Spanish allowed us to know all the little details perfectly. With it the four days of Safari were short in which we were visiting Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We are also very satisfied with the chosen hotels and the treatment they gave us. Above our expectations. They were very attentive and took into account my wife's food allergies. Since you leave the vehicle until you leave the hotel, everything is attention.
Tanzania is a place worth visiting. But to make a safari with true professionals is spectacular. You only know what it is when you do it. Our last words, again go to our guide Vincent, whom we highly recommend for his professionalism and personal interest in his clients. Especially with those who have a more limited level of English and we are Spanish speaking.
NO
Email Guliya | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari company! Highly recommended.
During 4 days of our safari we visited Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. Being a safari guide for 12 years, our guide James knew exactly where to find all the animals and birds and told us a lot about their habits. Moreover, he is an excellent driver and an extremely friendly person!
Accommodation during the trip exceeded all our expectations! Especially the Tortillis Camp in Serengeti and Lake Manyara Wildlife safari camp. The tents were amazing, a territory was clean, neat, and green, and the hotel staff was just wonderful: extremely nice and helpful, they pay a very close attention to each and every guest. Where else during dinner you get asked if you want someone to open up outside windows of your tent in the morning so that you can watch the sunrise?
As for food, it was excellent as well. Even during the safari we had warm meals, wine, and dessert. I am vegetarian and have troubles tolerating lactose, which was well noted by cooks everywhere we stayed :)
All in all, we loved the trip and can absolutely recommend Soul of Tanzania!
It is a company that is living up to its name and organizes safaris with soul! We felt that from the very first email we have received from them, and feeling it now when remembering every small detail that was taken good care of!
NO
Email Villu Sepman | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari and an experience to remember for life
We had a 4 day safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro crater and the Serengeti plains.
The planning was made very simple with a lot of good suggestions by Helena. All accommodations were great, especially the tents in Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp and Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp. Helena was also helpful organising the transfer to and from our arrival and departure points.
Our guide and driver, James, was fantastic. He had a lot of experience and knew exactly how to find all the animals. Thanks to him we were able to see the "big 5".
The hot lunches were tasty and were customised to our needs.
I would highly recommend Soul of Tanzania!