Some of our tour guides and vehicles
Gosheni Safaris Africa
- Offices In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $175 to $500 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 Hennie Becker | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari with Gosheni April 2016 was a unforgettable experience as the guys know what they are doing
With Gosheni the communication in writing were up to date and prompt. The service was outstanding and friendly and very professional. We got more from Gosheni and the Director Peter that we have requested and were utterly surprise by the setting of Acacia Camp. I have not come across better food in the bush over many years of travel. We saw the big 5 and many prides of lions and cats. I will open-heartedly recommend Gosheni all the way.
DE
Email Arman | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It has been a lifetime experience
We had a great Safari in Tanzania with gosheni. Peter and our guide they took great care of us and of our expectations. thanks a lot.
CH
Email Hanspeter Worni | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
very reliable and flexible safari tour agent from Arusha
We (Swiss couple) made a 6 days/5 nights tour with Gosheni under arranging with Arnold Simon and with our excellent driver Zadock. We got a very good fair price, and were very satisfied with the whole service, Driver was punctual was flexible and tried to do fulfill all our needs, We went through Tarangire, Serengeti South, and central, Ngorongoro crater and Lake Manyara Np. The Hotels choosen Maramboi Lodge, Ndutu Kati Kati mobile camp and Rhinolodge were all very good, in all park we saw a lot of animals....more than ever expected.
Only bad Point were the lunchboxes...but even expensive tour agents do use that as well due to no other choice.. WE only can recommend Gosheni to other travellers.
US
Email David R. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A very personal and enjoyable experience.
We booked a safari-Zanzibar trip with Gosheni. The safari was very personalized from the beginning to the end. Lots of direct contact and discussion with Peter, and our guide, Eddie, was great. My wife gave him a big hug and cried happy tears when we left the safari portion. I should note that we were a little nervous coming from the States, not knowing this company or whether we could trust them. We found that we definitely could. They are good people. My one and only criticism is with the Zanzibar portion of the trip. Again, the safari was excellent, but I think they were a little out of their element with Zanzibar. Everything worked out fine, but there were a few hiccups, and you could tell the safari portion of the trip was Gosheni's focus. That said, overall they were great, and we certainly recommend them. And by the way, after visiting Zanzibar my opinion is if you live in the States and want to go to a beautiful beach, go to the Caribbean. It is just as nice or nicer than Zanzibar, and the people in the Carribean are more friendly and welcoming than those in Zanzibar. The African safari, however, should be at the very top of everyone's to-do travel list. It is amazing.
CH
Email Rainer & Susanna | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
great safari and hiking tour in Tanzania
- Peter was a great and reliable organiser for our tour from 27.12.2015 - 07.01.2016.
- we booked everything with the internet and mails from Switzerland to him and it worked very well.
- our safari car was brandnew (7 seater for two people) and William was a very good driver and guide.
- the ice box was packed with free mineral- and sodawater and some wines ;-). All for free.
- we had only one small thunderstorm in Arusha NP and loved the climate and green landscapes after the short rainy season in the nationalparks.
- we saw a part of the migration (herds of 25'000 animals) in the Ngorongoro Conservation and around Ndutu aera.
- highlights were Tarangire NP and Ngorongoro crater with plenty of anmials. Next time we come for 1 1/2 days to Tarangire NP.
- the south and Seronera part of the Serengeti NP was very nice with all the high green gras, but not to many animals. We saw two times lions in the trees in Serengeti NP and every day cats ...
- highlights for the accomodations were:
* the new luxury tented camp Acacia in the Serengeti NP from Gosheni (we get a upgrade) was great and Anthony a very good cook. We been the only guest in the camp and enjoyed it very much.
* Maromboi Tented lodge (near Tarangire NP) and Ngorongoro farmhouse (near Ngorongoro crater) were very good with great food and atmosphere. Both had large rooms.
* Ndutu safari lodge was ok, good rooms. The dinner was not very good, but the breakfast with all the fresh fruits was superb. The landscape was also very nice.
- Lake Manyara NP was empty of animals. Next time we will stay longer in Tarangire NP.
- The Mount Meru trekking was good organised, but our guide has to learn a little more about the complicate park rules. We saw him the first and last day only in the mountain huts. We hiked up with a group of 3 other couples and had to "fight" with the officals from the National park that we are not a group of 18 people ...
- The trekking, the scenery and landscapes were absolutly georgeous and Robert our cook was great.
- Price/quality for the trekking and safari for two was very good.
Thank you very much for everything. All the best
Rainer & Susanna
DE
Email Michael | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Discover the unexpected
First of all it has to be said, that I’ve never planned such a journey before. It took over 2 months of intensive preparation, comparison and discussing the details. Peter, head of Gosheni, took a lot of time answering all my questions, giving me advices and all of that whilst maintaining his easygoing, warm and friendly nature. That is the reason my wife and me not only decided to travel with Gosheni just because of the price but also we were sure being in very good and trustful hands.
Gosheni – experience the unexpected
Gosheni comes from „Goshen“ which is is named in the Bible as the place in Egypt given to the Hebrews by the pharaoh of Joseph. Is is described as the best land in Egypt during a severe famine that lasted seven years. And what could I say: Goshenis name reflect it safari programme. We’ve discovered one of the most amazing places on earth, the best land to observe the worlds wildlife with probably
the best safari team (guide and cook) you can have. But one after another:
Arrival and Tarangire
After arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport on 24th august 2015 (approx. 50kms from Arusha) we were lucky to fell in a comfortable bed belonging to the Outpost Lodge. This was in the former residence of Bernhard Grzimek ('Serengeti shall never die') and the place we’ve met Peter who introduced us to Eduard (guide) and Anthony (cook). The next day we stowed our luggage in the jeep and headed off to Tarangire NP (120kms from Arusha). This is a perfect spot to start a big adventure. The ways are not too long and it has „everything“ Anthony said. Especially the elephants make your hearts beat faster.
After a six hours game drive we’ve had an excellent dinner at our first campsite (Wildpalm C/S). And because of the very comfortable beds in the tents (we’ve even head a small table with a mirror and a lamp) we’ve slept like babys and were well prepared for the longest drive up to Serengeti North (335kms).
Serengeti shall not die
Overall we’ve spent more than four days in the Serengeti starting with two days at the northern part (Lobo Campsite). After a very long drive with many „sleeping policemen“ (speed humps), more than 200kms over dirt roads with massive road holes you thouht these must be the last day for our car we arrived at Lobo. On our way we’ve seen a lioness besides the road and a Leopard chilling on the top of a tree while his prey (Gazelle) is hanging on a tree next to the road. The Buffalos grazing around the campsite were the cherry on the cake.
The next day we discovered the northern region of the Serengeti NP including the Mara River area which is also the border to Kenya. During the 9 hours game drive we’ve learnt a lot about the fauna living there. Eduard knows so much we thought he is having some biology books for breakfast :) And on top he really knew where to stay and where to leave instead of some other tour operators who stall time by waiting and waiting at one place and nothing happens. Because of some advices we‘ve get via the ranger radio we’ve seen a cheetah lying under a tree – a moment you never forget just like the scenic lunch we’ve had at the Kenyian Border in the middle of nowhere.
After a morning game drive we’ve headed off to Serengeti Seronera, Nguchiro Campsite. This area was the most impressive one we’ve visited. Not because of the elephant felling a tree in the middle of the night right next to our tent or the Zebras you could watch while being on the toilette. No, the predators gave us one show highlight after another. First a big group of lions lying under a tree right next to our car, then three cheetah brothers each of them having a kill and in the end a leopard climbing up a tree 15 meters high (!) with a big gazelle in her mouth within 30 seconds (!!!) while her kid is waiting at the bottom.
Eduard lead us where the hotspots of the Serengeti were. But not only the hotspots every other guide knows. He followed the inner compass and so we’ve seen animals in their natural environment not disturbed by 10 other safari cars because we were the only one. So its no wonder a couple of lions in honeymoon had their fun right in front of our car. But actually it is a wonder if know you what area the Serengeti covers. 30.000 sqkms the half size of Bavaria. Because of the relatively treelessness the Massai called this UNESCO world heritage Serengeti which means „endless land“.
Massai country and archeological Mecca
To reach our last camping site (Simba) at the rim of the Ngorongoro crater we passed a Masaai village which was very interesting because you see the very young kids all over this region tending their sheeps and cows (except in the Serengeti where they may not live). Even it was a very typical tourist village it gives us a little insight of the hard life as a Massai. The biggest problem – not only for the Massai – is the corrupt government. All the money made by commodity trading and tourism doesn’t reach the population in any case. No improvement of the education system or infrastructure, illegal police checks everywhere on the roads we’ve used and so on. So everybody hopes for a change in October 2015 when elections coming.
Another cultural highlight was the Ouldepai Gorge. Its one of the oldest and most important paleoanthropological sites in the world; it has proven invaluable in furthering understanding of early human evolution. This stopps you definitely should make when you are doing a safari with Gosheni and I am happy Gosheni often has it already included in many tour proposals.
Ngorongoro – the biggest (and most expensive) zoo in the world
After the coldest night we’ve had in Tanzania (11 degrees, 2.300 meters above sea level) at the rim we went down in the crater. Actually its not a real crater but the worlds largest caldera (usually formed by the collapse of land, following a volcanic eruption) not filled with water. It is very likely you see lions, cheetahs, elephants and even rinos (still 20 living in that place) what is the reason for the unofficial designation „zoo“ even if you pay USD 200,- per vehicle and USD 50,- per person. Unfortunately we didn’t see the rino which is the most wanted animal in Tanzania. Its like playing musical chairs – everybody is waiting for the call over ranger radio to speed to the place where it has been seen. „In fact that is the moment you know how many cars are in the crater because they are all coming, Eduard said.
The last days and conclusion
After the crater we had an amazing stay the the Kudu Lodge. It was also the last accommodation of our Gosheni tour and the place we had to say goodbye to Anthony. He always prepared amazing first class food and was such a friendly character with an amazing experience. We always get more than enough to eat sometimes too much so we couldn’t eat all. At the Kudu Eduard and Anthony arranged a big surprise by giving us the most exclusive accomodation I’ve ever had.
The next day, our departure day, we had a short cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu, which was very interesting because the local guide showed us around the village. We’ve learnt how to live in this medley of different religions and seasons. Local handcrafts, banana beer and other fruits are the most typical products you should expericence in that tiny village.
The last game drive at Lake Manyara wasn’t really necessary because we only had two hours and the NP is not very famous for spectacular game observation. The invest of 45 USD are only worthwhile when you are interessted more in birds than in big game.
At the afternoon Eduard brought us back to Kilimanjaro Airport from where we went to Ndame Beach Lodge and Sunset Kendwa (see recommendations on tripadvisor). At the airport we met Peter again to say goodbye and thanks for everything. He promised us a once in a lifetime adventure and nothing less than that we had during these eight days. We’ve discovered what we never would had expected and therefore we highly recommend Gosheni – ASANTE SANA!
CA
Email Simone Desilets | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dependable from start to finish: professional, safe, knowledgeable. Excellent taylor-made itinerary.
Excellent tour company with customer satisfaction guaranteed as promised. 10-day safari included 5 national parks. Good pace and price range to fit our budget. Excellent, very knowledgeable guides who spoke clear English. Very safety conscious and polite. Many animals seen from close range, especially in the Maasai Mara at this time of the year. Ngorongoro Crater was almost empty due to lack of food at this time of year. Plan your safaris with the migration in mind. The crater was still a great trip as it is a unique opportunity to be inside this crater. Must be experienced if you are in this area! Constant communication received by email from the Tour operator, Peter. Very reliable. I highly recommend Gosheni as they can taylor make a safari to suit your budget, interests, time, etc. If you want to visit parks in both Kenya and Tanzania, you might want to ask Peter from Gosheni to price out a flight from one National Park in Kenya to another national park in Tanzania to avoid the long day of driving from one country to the next. We drove from the Massai Mara to the Serengeti Lobo Lodge and it took 7 hours. There are numerous airports in both of these national parks so if you are on a tight schedule, flights are recommended to maximise your time. Next time, I will fly from the Maasai Mara to the Lobo Airport located in the northern part of the Serengeti. Not expensive either!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top Notch Service
We interviewed 15 to 20 safari tour companies both in Tanzania and the United States. Gosheni Adventures owner Peter Roberts was always very prompt in his responses and attentive to our concerns. He did not push a premade package on us like several of the other companies. He asked us where we wanted to go, for how long, and what type of lodging we preferred. He gave his recommendation on details we were not sure about. He was very patient with us even when we decided to alter his proposed itinerary. His price was very competitive. When we arrived in Tanzania, Peter himself picked us up from the airport! He had dinner with us that night and joined us for breakfast in the morning. He brought us each a hat and shirt to wear on safari (ones that we could keep). That day he introduced us to our driver, Zadock, that we had for the duration of our trip (14 days). Zadok was just as kind and patient as Peter. Zadock was a phenomenal guide and with his expertise we were able to see all of the big 5. When we spoke to other guests at the different lodgings many had not seen half of the animals we had observed. We were able to observe cheetahs and lions eating a kill on more than one occasion. We were also able to see both of these species attempt a hunt. Zadock was also able to spot animals that many guides overlooked such as eagles and owls. We were originally scheduled to travel to the western Serengeti to observe the wildebeest migration crossing the Grumeti River, however because of higher than normal rainfall the migration was not occurring as usual. Instead of still driving us to the western Serengeti were there would be no animals, Zadock communicated with Peter about this and Peter changed our lodging reservations. I am sure the other companies would have left the reservations as is, even though it would result in an unsuccessful safari. Zadock was very flexible with us. He left as early as we wanted and returned as late as we desired. Some other companies have mileage (kilometer) restrictions for each day, which results in the guests staying very close to their lodge even if there are animal sightings further away. Gosheni Adventures has no mileage restrictions. Gosheni also gives unlimited water and soda while on the game drive. The beverages are kept cool in a refrigerator in the Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser was new and well maintained and can seat 7 guests. It has a pop top that also you to walk around while on safari to get the best vantage points. We saw other companies' vehicles and some were literally breaking down in the Serengeti and others had smaller roof openings which restricted the guest movements. Zadock washed the vehicle every evening after safari. Zadock also stopped at souvenir shops for us and did not pressure us to shop faster. He also thought to take us to a Masai market that is only open once a week to see how they proceed with their trading. At the conclusion of our trip, our flight was in the late evening. We were originally scheduled to take box lunches from the hotel, however Peter and Zadock arranged for us to eat at a BBQ restaurant in Arusha. Zadock also took us to a reptile park so we could fully enjoy our last day and not have to spend all day at the airport. It was very nice farewell. Gosheni Adventures treats their guests like family and could not give a better safari experience. We have memories that will last a lifetime because of the care taken by both Peter and Zadock.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime in very good and capable hands
Me and my wife booked our Safari in Tanzania for two weeks planning to see as much wildlife as possible.
We looked at over 15 different operators but chose Gosheni for the following reasons:
1. Responsiveness: Peter was very quick to respond to our question
2. Flexibility: Peter tailored the tour to our wishes which is not trivial as some companies do not
3. Price: Gosheni was very affordable compared to other companies
4. Amenities: Unlimited drinks (including sodas), No mileage limit for game drives, Experienced drivers, and New vehicles
Peter picked us up from the airport and took us to our first lodge. He sat with us after and informed us that this year the migration is not happening due to excessive rain and suggested we change the Serengeti plan to stay only in the central region. Once we agreed he changed that with no price difference and it was seamless for us. This enabled us to see many more animals as the western corridor was empty at this time.
Thanks to our driver Zadock we were able to see all big 5 and much more, We saw Cheetahs hunt, lion pride hunting, leopards, Rhinos and many more animals. If you do not have an experienced driver that knows the park and the other drivers that may not be possible so we are very thankful for those qualities. Zadock also knows the bird species around for the bird lovers among us.
Last very nice surprise was on the last day , we were scheduled to leave in the evening and had a lunch box from the hotel. Peter arranged a hot lunch in a restaurant for us...This was a very nice surprise.
Overall I would highly recommend Gosheni for your tour , We have met plenty of other groups that missed the rhinos since their driver was not as experienced or did not see Cheetahs at all when we saw cheetahs at multiple occasions.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing safari experiece!!
Our group of four adults had a wonderful 9-day, 8-night safari with Gosheni in January 2015. Before arriving in Africa, we contacted nearly 80 safari companies to let them customize the safari of our dreams at an affordable rate. Peter at Gosheni was able to provide the best deal of all of the companies, while still adhering to our request for a private safari for the four of us in a new Toyota Land Cruiser that would cover Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Masai Mara National Parks (we needed to end up in Nairobi so we included Masai Mara at the tail end of our trip). And Peter ensured that we would stay at superb lodgings at either very nice lodges (e.g., Ngorongoro Farm House) or luxury tented camps (e.g., Maramboi Tented Camp) with amazing food and service staff.
As for the safari itself, it was unparalleled. Our driver/guide was Jonas, who we can't say enough great things about. He is an extremely knowledgeable veteran of the safari industry who has a very keen eye for spotting wildlife; it was clear that all of the other safari guides out there look up to him since he is a superstar wildlife spotter. Jonas was also very gracious to give us nightly lessons on wildlife ecology, anti-poaching efforts, and other important conservation issues in East Africa. He was an excellent host for a week, and with him we saw more animals (including very rare ones that are highly endangered) than we could have ever expected to see. For example, we saw nearly a thousand elephants, nearly a hundred lions (including a dozen grown males with manes), 12 cheetahs (including four babies), 3 leopards, 1 black rhino, and a serval cat (which is very rarely seen in the wild). In addition, we saw tens of thousands of wildebeests (including babies born the same day) and zebras (also including many babies), and lots of Cape buffalo, hyenas, and other animals, not to mention 90 species of birds. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Our experience in our 1.5 days in Masai Mara (on the Kenyan side of the border) was a bit less spectacular, which is not surprising given that the wildebeest population was concentrated in the Ndutu area of Seregeti National Park at this time of the year so many of the predators were there too. But the Tanzanian adventure outlived any expectations that we had and we couldn't give a higher recommendation. If you choose to go with any company other than Gosheni (especially if you can book Jonas as your driver/guide), you're making a big mistake!! Happy safaris!