Swala Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 1999)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $275 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Liz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable safari experience, thoughtfully planned by Stephen and fabulously guided by Evod
Our safari was planned for June 2020 and due to Covid was postponed and rearranged 4 times, eventually happening in September 2023. Throughout this extended planning process Stephen was so patient and reassuring, booking and rebooking lodges and amending the itinerary to best suit the changing seasons. All the parks we visited and all the lodges/camps we stayed in were different and each was wonderful in its own way.
We started at Tarangire and were absolutely blown away by the number of animals we saw and how close we got to them. Next we went to Lake Manyara and enjoyed the very different landscape, and watched close up, elephants and baboons with their young plus a huge python resting after a big meal. Third, and possibly our favourite, was the Ngorongoro Crater, so many animals in a stunning setting and a fortunate opportunity to witness a large herd of water buffalo chase off a pride of lions. Our final park was the Serengeti, again a different landscape, and further new experiences; we had as much time as we wanted to watch lions, leopards and cheetahs close up; driving close to thousands of wildebeests during migration and 2 opportunities to see a group crossing the Mara river.
This great safari was made so special by our wonderful guide, Evod. He was hugely knowledgeable and experienced in his role and his ability to spot animals at distance while driving was incredible! Nothing was too much trouble; happily stopping and manoeuvring the jeep so that we could get the perfect view; getting out books to show us pictures of birds and trees; patiently identifying the same animal or bird repeatedly when we forgot! His driving was exemplary and his ability to mend the jeep was amazing. We would thoroughly recommend him and were very sad to see him leave at the end of the trip.
IT
Email Alex | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Amazing lifetime travel experience, thanks to Swala Safaris and ChaCha (our tour guide) !
We did our Safari in February 2024, visiting all the major national parks in Northern Tanzania: the Tarangire, lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
I will not go in day by day details, also because every travel or safari experience is unique! But what we alived was truly amazing.
Amazing, not only because we saw animals of all kinds: all the big five (Rhinos, Elephants, Buffaloes, a Leopard and many Lions), Hyenas, thousands and thousands of Zebras and Wildbeasts, Crocodiles, Cheetahs, Thompson gazelles, many species of birds. But, also, because we had the privilege of experiencing unique situations such as: lions hunting, lions meeting, we spent a day with Hadzabe tribes and Maasai, even the experience of having a lion passing close to our tent overnight!
I'm an amateur potographer, I have been to many countries in Africa doing safari (Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa, Madagascar....), but this was really a lifetime experience.
And now let me thank who made all this possible. Thanks to Stephen and Jasper from Swala Safaris for their patience in fullfilling all my wishes, taking care of any single detail (from car's equipments to room types in lodge/accommodations) without surprises......from paper to reality! And, thanks to ChaCha our super, amazing guide/driver, full of skills, knowledge and full of a contagious enthusiasm......simply number 1! TOP !
Thanks! Alex, Enzo and Paolo.
US
Email Merideth | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our trip of a lifetime!
I had the pleasure of working with Stephen for over 2 years, planning this once in a lifetime trip. Stephen was patient with all my questions and itinerary changes. We had a private tour. The accommodations he picked were indeed luxury out in the bush. The people of Tanzania are welcoming and gracious.
And there are not enough adjectives to complement Joachim as a driver/guide. A masterful driver on the worst of roads, made sure we were comfortable, picked the best spots to get our pictures and was very easy to get along with and a great sense of humor. With all the dusty roads and dirt tracked into the vehicle, each morning we got into a clean truck for the day’s drive. Joachim has a wealth of knowledge of the animals, birds of his country.
Planning on a return trip.
US
Email Jill and Kyana Blasi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A truly unforgettable and completely fulfilling safari adventure!
First, let me start by saying this: if you’re reading this review, you’re already doing the right thing by doing your research. I began mine in September 2024, reading hundreds of reviews, reaching out to 15 companies, and even creating a spreadsheet to compare itineraries, accommodations, and pricing. After narrowing it down to six options, I ultimately chose Swala Safaris and I’m so glad I did.
My decision was based on a combination of factors: membership in the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO: tatotz.org), helpful responses on Tripadvisor forums, detailed itineraries, quality accommodations, and above all, responsiveness. From the start, David at Swala Safaris worked closely with me to create and refine an itinerary that matched my budget and expectations. When I received a grant from Fund for Teachers mid-planning, he eagerly helped me expand parts of the trip. David’s energy matched mine, and he was incredibly accommodating and informative every step of the way.
My daughter (18) and I ended up with a dream itinerary:
2 nights in Arusha
3 nights in Tarangire National Park
3 nights in Karatu (near Ngorongoro Crater)
3 nights in Central Serengeti
2 nights in Northern Serengeti
1 final night in Arusha before our departure
David’s planning was top-notch, but the single most important factor in any safari is your guide, and this is where our experience went from amazing to truly exceptional.
The Guide: Joachim
Your guide will either make or break your safari. Our guide, Joachim, far exceeded every expectation we had. His combination of interpersonal skills, wildlife-spotting talent, and expert driving was already impressive. But his deep knowledge of ecosystems, conservation, and animal behavior elevated the experience to something resembling a personalized, university-level course in the wild.
I brought dozens of questions with me, some of my own, others from my students and colleagues , covering topics from climate change and conservation to animal adaptations, behavior, reproduction, and symbiotic relationships.. Joachim answered them all with clarity, insight, and genuine enthusiasm. He turned each day into an opportunity to learn, not just see.
Even small touches, like turning off the engine during sightings (even short ones) and preferring to find wildlife without relying on the radio, showed his respect for the animals and his confidence in his own tracking abilities. As a result, we often found ourselves alone at sightings, able to fully absorb the moment without a crowd.
(Side note: If you do end up near other vehicles, please be quiet. Loud voices can ruin the experience for others and the wildlife.)
Arusha Highlights
In Arusha, we visited Shanga, an inspiring community of artisans with disabilities who create beautiful works from recycled materials, everything from woven blankets to glass art. We also shopped at the Cultural Heritage Centre and the Maasai Market, where dozens of stalls offer beaded jewelry, wooden sculptures, and visual art. It’s a great place for souvenirs and to practice your bargaining skills! Be friendly but firm, and remember these two phrases:
Asante sana = thank you very much
Hapana asante = no thank you
Joachim was by our side the entire time, ready to help if we needed anything.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire stole my heart with its majestic elephants. We spent hours watching them drink, play-fight, take mud baths, and interact tenderly with one another. The park is also known for its ancient Baobab trees, which are not only stunning but ecologically vital to the landscape.
Karatu and Community Outreach
In Karatu, our experience went beyond wildlife. In collaboration with Ernest at Foresight Lodge, we participated in a community outreach program, donating a cow to a local family and visiting both the family and their village. We also brought suitcases full of school supplies for a nearby primary school and had the joy of meeting the students there. These experiences added a meaningful human connection to our journey.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro delivered incredible wildlife sightings. Two highlights:
A Black Rhino emerging from dense brush
A dramatic scene with two male lions, 25+ hyenas, and several jackals gathered around a kill
Southern & Central Serengeti
On the way to Central Serengeti, Joachim asked if we’d be open to a detour through Southern Serengeti; a quieter area where guides are allowed to drive off-road. We were in! That decision led to one of our most magical moments: a leopard sighting, all to ourselves. We parked under the tree and watched, from a respectful distance, as the sleepy leopard lounged above. When I return to Tanzania, I’ll definitely include Southern Serengeti for a few days in my itinerary.
In Central Serengeti, we had more unforgettable sightings:
A pride of lions with tiny cubs, eyes wide and curious
A mother cheetah with her cub, spotted on three separate occasions, including one just 200 yards from our tent, bathed in golden morning light.
Northern Serengeti and the Great Migration
Finally, the Northern Serengeti, where the Great Migration culminates in the legendary Mara River crossings. It takes patience and a bit of luck, but it’s worth every second. There’s nothing quite like watching hundreds of wildebeest pour into the river, driven by instinct and survival. It’s awe-inspiring and humbling.
In Summary
Swala Safaris delivered an experience beyond what I imagined. The planning, communication, and support from David were outstanding. But what truly made the trip unforgettable was Joachim, whose expertise, passion, and integrity brought the landscape to life in a way no itinerary ever could. To anyone planning a safari: take your time, do your research, and don’t underestimate the importance of your guide. If you choose Swala Safaris and have the chance to travel with Joachim, consider yourself incredibly lucky. Asante sana, Joachim. You made this the experience of a lifetime.
