Reviews

Sort By: Date Most Helpful 11-20 of 24 Reviews
Victoria G.   –  
United States US
Visited: June 2014 Reviewed: Jul 7, 2014

Email Victoria G.  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Amazing Trip - Fantastic Team at Naenda!
5/5

My friend Adrienne and I went on a 3-night, 4-day safari with Naenda last month, and I couldn't recommend this team more highly. Abidan, the manager, was so helpful in arranging everything we wanted (including a trip up to Lake Natron to see the flamingos), and coordinating with me back here in the states (while my travel companion was living in Rwanda). We organized a private tour, and couldn't have been happier with our circuit, which included Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro Crater, Serengeti, and ended with Lake Natron.

Our driver, Juma, and our cook, Machinaa, were both wonderful. Juma was extremely knowledgable about the animals (maybe even more impressive because my friend is a conservation biologist and very knowledgable herself), and Machinaa was so friendly, light-hearted, and a great addition to our little team.

Abidan and the team at Naenda goes above and beyond in every aspect to make sure you have a wonderful trip. They even had cots for us when we camped at both Serengeti and Lake Natron sites - what a treat!

I have recommended Naenda already to several friends planning trips to Africa, and encourage you to use them yourself.

Thanks again Abidan, Juma, and the entire team at Naenda, for making my first safari the best trip ever!

Rachel R.   –  
United States US
Visited: July 2009 Reviewed: Jul 2, 2014

Email Rachel R.  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Jesse Mfoi is an amazing guide! Look no further for an incredible experience in Tanzania!
5/5

A friend and I booked a 7-day safari with Jesse back when he was a guide working with Uhuru Lutheran. I was thrilled to hear he had started his own business. Jesse is nothing short of amazing. He is extremely knowledgable, unfailingly professional, and always approachable and friendly. This is the perfect combination for a safari guide, with whom you will spend hours and hours during your trip. Jesse, of course, responded to sightings that are broadcast among guides in the various parks. Yet--and here's what you will truly remember--he also found unique experiences with us as the only car in sight, thanks to his knowledge, experience and patience. You don't want to be tearing around from "big 6" sighting to sighting, and not take in the beautiful surroundings. And it's amazing what you will see once everyone else has driven off to the next animal "event." With Jesse, we got up early to see hippos lounging, watched the sun set over elephants and lions (so gorgeous), and spent some time on a rocky outcrop with a stunning view of the Serengeti plain. Every day was a perfect jewel. Even 5 years later, I have so many vivid memories (not to mention breathtaking photos). A safari in Tanzania is something special and rare. Having Jesse as our guide made it truly unforgettable.

Becky Stewart   –  
United States US
Visited: January 2010 Reviewed: Jun 27, 2014

50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

An unforgettable Safari of a lifetime!
5/5

it is hard to even describe how breathtaking the safari was. The expertise of our guide Jesse being able to spot the animals and describe everything in the area enhanced the experience even more! I would highly recommend Jesse as a personal tour guide and the expertise and professionalism of the company is over and above anything I would have ever expected!

Kristin   –  
Norway NO
Visited: February 2013 Reviewed: Jun 18, 2014

Email Kristin  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

We had a wonderful experience with Naenda Safaris
5/5

Everything was good. We had a patient and good driver, and we felt very safe. Cant complain about anything. Got to see everything we were hoping for. I would definately recommend Naenda safaris to friends.

Megan Visited: February 2012 Reviewed: May 29, 2014

Amazing Experience
5/5

Jesse was an exceptional safari guide. I kept telling him spending time with him was like being with a walking, talking Google. Every question I asked about animals, the land, the country he could answer in depth. He had a great sense of humor and by the time the safari was over I knew I had a friend for life. Jesse's vehicles are safe, comfortable and he made sure that I had everything I needed at all times. It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend Naenda to anyone that visits Tanzania.

Terry Clementson M.D.   –  
United States US
Visited: July 2007 Reviewed: May 12, 2014

Email Terry Clementson M.D.  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Jesse Mfoi is an awesome guide and we would go anywhere with him.
5/5

We have been with Jesse Mfoi in 2007 to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. In 2009 we went to Tarangire Nat'l Park. In 2011 he organized a trip for 8 of us for 5 days to Iringa from Moshi Tazania and back. He is an excellent guide and individual!!! A couple glitches occurred in 2011 but he took care of the problem in short order without any discomfort to any of us. We would only use Naenda Safari Company on any future return to Africa.
Terry and Karen Clementson
Lincoln, Nebraska USA

Fran   –  
United States US
Visited: February 2014 Reviewed: Apr 19, 2014

Email Fran  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Tanzania from Arusha to Shirati
5/5

We found Naenda Safaris while looking for transportation into Shirati, Tanzania to visit a hospital for which we had been fundraising to send medical supplies. Naenda advertises itself as a social business with an interest in giving back to local communities and this was quite attractive to us. They responded to all our pre-trip inquiries comprehensively, courteously, and quickly. They were the only company that gave us a breakdown of the total charges to be incurred and definitely the only company that agreed to take us all the way into Shirati, a rather remote village on the shores of Lake Victoria as part of our safari. They dealt clearly and honestly with all financial matters. Once we arrived in Arusha our guide, Nixon, picked us up at a predetermined time and place and from then until we were dropped off in our hosts' front yard in Shirati, he did everything he could to make sure our trip through the Ngorogoro Crater and the Serengeti was nothing short of spectacular. He was friendly and respectful and very informative. Our truck was comfortable and well stocked with water and lunches for our daily drives. The tent camps chosen were great. We saw every animal one could expect to see in Africa and some in proximity that was unbelievable to me. Luckily, the Great Migration was happening while we were there and our guide made an extreme effort to make sure we observed that.
As this was my first trip to Africa, my expectations were somewhat tentative. The owner and guide of the Naenda Safari Co. gave us an introduction to the hospitality of the people and the beauty of Tanzania that I will always cherish. I heartily recommend using this company and know that anybody who does will have a safe and memorable safari!

James   –  
United States US
Visited: June 2013 Reviewed: Apr 19, 2014

Email James  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Amazing experiance with Jesse and Naenda Safaris
5/5

You may have decided to go on Safari, which is by itself a life-changing experience, but now you have to choose a tour company. I highly recommend Naenda Safaris. You can trust Jesse, he is a terrific guy and runs a small business. Being a small business, you are going to get the best they have to offer. This is unique and special when compared to the other tour companies. It is better to deal with people running their own operation than with hired drivers of a huge company. You will get the best service, and make life long friends at the same time. When I make it back to Tanzania, it will without a doubt be with Naenda Safaris. Can't wait to see you all again Jesse!

Lindsay Robertson   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: November 2012 Reviewed: Apr 1, 2014

20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

A great trip - a fantastic local guide and a social conscience
5/5

I had a great safari trip with Jesse to Lake Manyara and Ngorogoro Crater. Arrangements were very smooth, accommodation was great and the safari itself was fantastic. We got a very lucky day in Ngorogoro with lions at every turn including a full pride with cubs. This was my first safari, but most definitely not my last.

I was also very pleased with the ethos of Jesse and the company - Jesse pays his drivers (rather than leaving them to survive on tips alone as many other operators do), and Naenda is run as a social enterprise with profits going to a local childrens disability charity. I would massively recommend Naenda to anyone heading to Northern Tanzania!

Meghan   –  
Tanzania TZ
Visited: February 2014 Reviewed: Mar 31, 2014

20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

A Wonderful, Socially Conscious Safari Company
5/5

I have been on many safaris, and the two I have been on with Naenda were by far the best. If you are looking for a safari company that is dedicated to personalized service and ethical travel, this is the company for you!

Jesse, the owner, is an amazing guide. He is incredibly knowledgable about all the parks and has a great eye for spotting even far away or well camouflaged animals. I know when I travel with Naenda that I'm with a trustworthy friend.

What also makes Naenda special is that it is a social business dedicated to serving the community. The company recently donated its profits to a local NGO called Building a Caring Community, which serves children with disabilities and their families in Moshi. I currently work with this NGO and Naenda's support is very helpful for the sustainability of the program. It's so unique to have a company committed to disability accessible travel also give back to creating community based services for people with disabilities in Africa.

Average User Rating
4.8/5
Rating Breakdown
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  • 4 star 1
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  • 1 star 1
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