Best Leading Adventures in Tanzania
Focus in Africa
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2004)
- Member Of:
- IATA & TATO
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $130 to $350 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
DE
Email Cristina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience
We did a three days safari (lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Tarangire) for 390€ per person. The communication with Nelson was ok (per Email or WhatsApp), we had to pay 20% in advance in oder to make the booking, without receiving anything official afterward, so we were a little afraid and sceptical.
But everything went great, we got picked up at Arusha airport and brought to Nelson's hotel (two nights, before and after the safari, were included in the price).
Our safari guide was great, the jeep was also ok, everyone (max 7 people) had a window seat. The food was also very good, we slept two nights at Panorama camp near Lake Manyara.
The organization is a little chaotic, but that's Africa.
The experience itself was amazing, we got to see all kind of animals and our guide really took time to show us everything and always asked if he could proceed or wait for photos.
For the price and the experience I would highly recommend Focus in Africa!
Email Eper | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well organised, prompt communication and good service.
We took the four day safari to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. It was a great experience, very well organised, the pickup and drop-off from the airport and the accommodation and meals the day before and after make it all a very convenient experience. Nelson was very prompt at answering questions on WhatsApp and before booking, he sent us a clear plan and price and it all went ahead as planned.
We saw lots of animals, our guide had unbelievable eyesight and he was very experienced and spotted animals in the craziest places, which was amazing!! We missed him saying a few sentences about the parks to introduce them but when asked questions he was very knowledgeable. The food was amazing, really tasty, fresh and varied. The vehicle was comfortable and there were plugs to charge phones in both the vehicle and the dining halls of camps.
The reasons this review is 4 starts:
The camps were better than expected, clean tents, clean toilet facilities, most had free wifi and it was well organised with the chef and camp staff setting everything up for our comfort. However it would have cost little extra effort to make sure that there was toilet paper and hand soap provided and that the sleeping bags and pillows are washed. They were very smelly. Luckily we had a roll of toilet paper in our bag but I can't imagine what we would have done in the middle of nowhere without any. The washing I think is simple and part of basic hygiene, especially when travelling with a limited amount of clothes, you don't want them to be smelly like the sleeping bags.
There was no wifi or hot water in the hostel for the night before and after. Again, we had a sim card so wifi wasn't a massive issue, but I think most travellers would either expect wifi or expect to be warned to buy a sim card. Same with the cold water. On the safari I understand that it's difficult to provide and we kind of expected that and coped. But it would have been nice to know there is none in the hostel either.
Overall it was a great experience and we would book again without hesitation, but these few things are simple to improve and would have a very positive effect.
AT
Email Elena | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly, hospitable, well connected, answers fast and organizes good safari guides and equipment
We travelled as a group of 6 together in one car. The drive from the airport and the stay in the hostel one day before and after the 3-day-safari were included in the price. It was all well organized and the tour operator, with whom we were in contact before via whatsapp, gave us all relevant information. The safari guide was well informed and very friendly. We could ask any questions about the wildlife and nature and he would always try to give us answers. We could always say if we wanted to stay longer watching certain animals, or see anything of personal preference and all wishes were taken into consideration. The cook was excellent and the food was delicious. There were 1,5l of water per person per day, even though we were told to recieve 3l. Nevertheless, it was doable since you could drink tea, coffee or hot water at each prepared meal. One night we slept in a lodge, the other night in a tent (2 people) and there were sanitary facilities (only cold water). Payment should be done in the morning before starting the safari. It is good to have the right amount of money prepared, ideally in cash, otherwise the fees are higher. Overall, it is worthwhile waking up early in the morning in order to see the animals and nature of the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area! The safari is recommendable!
DK
Email Juanita and Diana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very nice experience
We took a 4 days safari and it was great!! The first night at Panorama camp was very comfortable and the food was nice. From there, we pack our own tents and sleeping bags and mattresses to the camps Seronera and Simba located in Serengueti and Ngorongoro parks. The 3 parks we visited are very different: in Seronera we saw lots of elephants and monkeys and other animals are hard to spot becasue of the interrumpted geography that is hills. Serengueti is hugeee and it takes long distances to see the different animals, in there we saw a lot of lions, cheetas and even the Leopard. Ngorongoro is beyond espectacular, we saw even rhynos and the landscape is so magical and different to the Sabana.
Our driver was Chambuzo and cooker Peter, they are both amazing!!! Chambuzo has a lot of experience and can spot the animals sooo easily, and Peter cooks amazing local food. Both respectufl and very nice.
There were only 2 thing that has place to improvement, one is the condition of the matresses and the sleeping bags, they were dirty. So if you have the chance to take your own sleeping bag I think it is woth it. Te second is that they prefer the payment in cash and the ATM only gives you 600K TZ shilling at the time with 10.000 bills, so we had to witdraw 7 times and one person that was on the safari got his card stucked in the machine. The payment with credit card charges 5% fees in all Tanzania and the international transfer is also expensive. So the payment method could also be improved.
DK
Email Tine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great safari trip!
Went on a safari trip (5 days) with this company. I enjoyed the trip a lot! The guides were nice and friendly and the chef was good. We saw the big five!
I got what I expected from a low-price company. Very familiar atmosphere. I can recommend the company.
TR
Email Ahmet Babal | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect
I had a very enjoyable 4 days. I will never forget. Thank you ✌
Email Marta Garcia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unique journey
I did Tarangire National Park in one day. We got to see elephants, giraffes, boars, monkeys and even lions which is not common in Tarangire. The guide, Mike, was very communicative and kind.
IE
Email Glen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall, a very good value safari
We did a five-day safari with Focus in Africa in March 2020. We visited Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.
Overall, the safari was great value. We saw a lot of animals, including the Big Five. Nelson, the organiser, was easily reachable and communicative.
Our driver, Loi Solo, was superb. He was very kind, was able to navigate the tough roads, and importantly was very good at spotting the animals. The safari jeeps were excellent, with pop-up rooves, electricity sockets for charging devices, a fridge, and everyone had a window seat.
Most of the camping was of good standard, the facilities for the campsite near Tarangire and Lake Manyara were excellent.
The food was also good.
There were a couple of drawbacks. The campsite in the Serengeti was poor, a lot of the tents were old & broken, and could not keep out the rain (we were there in the wet season). Our particular safari appeared to be overbooked, which led to a cramped jeep and a number of changes to the itinerary over the five days.
As this was a budget camping safari, these are not issues that would prevent me recommending Focus in Africa to those interested in a safari experience.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Hiked Kilimanjaro with Focus In Africa
Focus in Africa provided a great vacation and well planned climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The team of guides, porters, cooks and assistants were friendly and accommodating, and throughout the trip were genuinely interested in getting to know us and making sure we felt at ease and comfortable as we ascended kilimanjaro's slopes. Focus in Africa could have been stronger on the communication and administrative side of things: there was some confusion around how much to tip and what was included in the pre-paid arrangements. The management also stumbled a bit with one of the hotel arrangements. Overall, the on-the-ground staff was nothing short of superb, the management left a little bit to be desired in a few areas but was competent for the most part. Would recommend to a friend.