Our family welcomes you to Tanzania! Karibu sana!
Tanzania Choice Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2007)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $400 to $1,700 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Kelly Bowers | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
True pros made for an extraordinary trip
Tanzania Choice has been in business for 15 years. They know what they are doing, every step of the way. We didn't encounter *anything* that they didn't have a (good!) answer for. It is locally owned and operated and it is clear that they *love* their work and they love sharing the land and the parks with you. Our guide -- business owner, Kakasii -- was an extraordinary source of information and always cheerful and optimistic. He can find animals everywhere! He spotted a leopard, up in a tree, in the shade, probably 200 yards awhile while driving past. I couldn't find the leopard without binoculars! He can tell you the name of a bird that just flew by that I barely glimpsed. We overheard other groups talking in the evening about what they'd seen and done that day and we'd always seen more and had better experiences. He just *knows* these parks and these animals. He and Brenda -- his wife and co-owner -- excel at what they do and take a huge amount of professional pride in their work. I can't say enough good things about them and about the experience.
Email Lisa Bonds | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania Choice Safaris -- the very best company for all aspects of your journey.
From our initial email and Skype conversations with Tanzania Choice Safaris to each and every detail (large and small) of our trip -- we knew we had signed up with the very best provider out there. We were able to plan well for our safari due to the incredible information Tanzania Choice provided and due to their speedy and thorough responses to our multiple questions. This trip was a big one for us in all ways -- we've never taken 3 weeks vacation; my husband had never been to Africa; and it was the largest investment we've ever made in a trip. In all of the planning stages -- Brenda seemed to be able to anticipate our questions and quell any of our anxieties. In the midst of the trip -- the hospitality and professionalism of Tanzania Choice Safaris ensured that we had the very best experience possible. Brenda and Kakasii really listened to us and heard what was most important to us re: lodging, what we wanted to see, and how we wanted to travel (not luxurious but also not "roughing it."). I've traveled extensively in 27 different countries and worked with and seen the output of a lot of travel planners -- no one tops what I've seen Tanzania Choice Safaris do. The trip they put together exceeded our wildest dreams of what a safari could be and it's clear that they know, understand and love Tanzania. Kakasii was born to be a safari guide. His ability to drive us safely on challenging roads while also spotting all types of wildlife and telling us about local cultures, landscapes and history all at the same time was amazing. Each night we'd overhear other travelers talking about the fact that they really hadn't seen much that day or about how their guide was apathetic (at best) or rude (at the worst). Our experience was the opposite of the many disappointed travelers we talked to. We saw over 105 species of animals and we saw the "big five" easily and in multiple numbers. We wanted to tell everyone we met that for the very best travel and safari experience -- they needed to sign on with Tanzania Choice Safaris. It's clear why Tanzania Choice Safaris has earned the respect of staff at the parks, staff/management at the places we stayed and of their many satisfied travelers--they are simply the best in all categories. They take their jobs very seriously and ensure that everyone they work with has the trip of a lifetime. I offer them the very highest of recommendations.
Email Margaret Swartz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If experiences were a meal, this one had plenty of entrees yet left me wishing for second helpings
Generally the opportunity to visit the wilds of Tanzania to see the wild life was all that I had expected. The accommodations were excellent. Staff in all locations were so attentive and went beyond the call to see to it that all needs were met.
The down side was wishing we could have spent more time in some locations to get to know the people and culture better. For example, we ended our trip with a one night visit to the Masaai Lodge. The one night stay was due to limited availability, I know. However, this was a great place with much to offer to learn more about the setting and people."Not enough" isn't really a complaint.
Email Charlotte Ward | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I cannot put into words how truly wonderful my experience was with Tanzania Choice!
I arrived in Tanzania having booked my trip with a different tour provider... which did not exactly go to plan! I had planned to climb Kilimanjaro and do a short safari afterwards before heading home. However, upon arrival it soon became clear that what i had been promised was not going to materialise. Luckily, I was put into contact with Brenda from Tanzania Choice who quickly arranged for me to meet her & helped me to organise a brand new itinerary within hours! I could not have asked for a more professional service who tailored the trip to my every need under such short time pressures. The service was not only professional but also personal and helped to calm my nerves after a very stressful first day in Tanzania. I met my Kilimanjaro guide, Festo, within a few hours of being in Brenda's company and I knew instantly that I had made the right decision to change my tour provider. Festo was an insightful, knowledgable and truly amazing guide. As a 21 year old girl climbing the mountain alone, i was very nervous and apprehensive about the trip but I felt at ease in his company and trusted him completely. He is an expert at what he does and his knowledge of the mountain is second to none. He always has a smile on his face & knows exactly how to cheer you up when motivation to keep climbing is waining! I managed to reach the top and had an incredible time along the way. I chose to do the Marangu route which has wooden huts instead of tented camps & I really recommend this route, especially if you are climbing alone. Whilst some say it is a touristy route, it was in no way overcrowded and I got the chance to meet people from all over the world and make lasting friendships. My team on the mountain were unbelievable! The food they provided was delicious, and believe me... food becomes extremely important as your energy levels deplete! An extra bonus was that every day i was woken by hot coffee which is not a service many others enjoyed. I felt so well looked after and I couldn't have done it without my team behind me. After my climb, i chose to do a 2 day safari in Taranguire staying in the Sangaiwe Tented Lodge. The lodge was simply beaaaautiful! I felt like i was in a 5 star hotel, everything was immaculate and the service exceptional. The resort is unspoilt and peaceful but well equipped with a stunning swimming pool to cool off in after a hot day on Safari. Kokassi, our guide, was much like Festo in that he was so knowledgable and insightful about the park and the animals which inhabit it. It's like he has a 6th sense for the animals, finding lions and cheetah in the depths of the park where nobody else was! I saw millions of elephants, zebra and giraffes - all in touching distance! The food on the trip was amazing and every lunch time they would lay out a table cloth and provide hot coffee, which is just a special touch that many companies do not provide. Tanzania Choice gave me a 5* experience and i would not even look at another company if i were to return to Tanzania. Brenda and Kokassi are lovely, genuine people and really became my family whilst i was out there. My initial experience of Tanzania was quickly changed after meeting this family. I miss them very much & would recommend them to anyone!
Email Hollis | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top pick for a once in a lifetime trip - so grateful
Planning my first safari with Tanzania Choice Safaris has been more than I could have hoped for. From detailed and clear pre-trip documentation, to a custom itinerary catering to the needs of a pack of 50 plus women (we need a lot, haha) to a pre-trip briefing call to banish any lingering uncertainties, Brenda went above and beyond to ensure we were prepared and excited for our trip. From the moment we landed to being dropped off at the airport, the team went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed while still relaxing and enjoying ourselves.
Now to the safari itself...absolutely amazing. I have traveled extensively my entire life; low budget / high budget and everything in-between. I've seen and done some pretty cool and unique things, but this was arguably the greatest trip of my life. Everyone who has seen my photos comments on the look of joy on my face in every single one. I felt like I was given a true gift. Part of that would be the innate splendour of Tanzania and Zanzibar but also the incredibly high quality of the tour operators who planned and executed our safari. And I would be remiss to not call out Joseph "The Machine" as an unparalleled tour guide who not only kept us safe while showing us everything possible, but also shared stories of his own life with a generosity of spirit and kindness that truly made a lasting impact. One of us might have shed a little tear upon saying our goodbyes to him. We will all miss his laugh and easy smile.
If I am lucky enough to ever make it back to Tanzania, I would not hesitate to book with Tanzania Choice Safaris again. Highly recommended.
Email Tina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience!
Tanzania Choice Safaris came highly recommended by a good friend who lived in Tanzania for over 10 years. From the planning stages of our trip, Brenda gave us good insights and options into activities well suited to our multigenerational group. Our guides were fun and incredibly knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, and the history of this amazing place. We are so grateful for Tanzania Choice Safaris for help in organizing our trip, choosing very comfortable and beautiful accommodations with delicious meals, and making this trip go smoothly. It was unlike any other vacation we have ever taken. Tanzania Choice Safaris was topnotch, thank you Brenda, Kakasii, Leslie, Noel and Oscar!
Email dixie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable
As I look thru my photos, Noel and Tanzania Choice Safari's did a really great job!
Noel knew where to take us to get the best views and scenes that others were missing.
He was patient answering all my questions and making sure that we got the photos we wanted.
I appreciated the picnic lunch and breakfasts served and the resorts we were able to stay at.
The water bottles and matching journals were nice! Wonderful experience for me!
Thank you so much,
Dixie Osborne
Shepherd Montana, USA
Email Annie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I'd like to give Tanzania Choice Safaris 10 STARS! -- if only that were an option
I'd like to give Tanzania Choice Safaris 10 STARS! If only that were an option. This was a professional, thorough, mind boggling, safari experience designed specifically for our interest in wildlife, scenery, cultural and agricultural experiences. On our three nation trip, we prioritized companies that were locally owned since much that happens in the safari world is done by by companies from abroad. Brenda worked with us to provide everything we were looking for and more! Our main guide for this 2 wk Tanzania tour, Noel, is arguably the best-of-the-best! -- Nothing but praise for Noel! Noel had an agreeable personality an easy laugh, an admirable work ethic, and was brimming with knowledge about the wonders of Tanzania. He came preparred, just in case, with several local nature guides to look up details about some birds and plants we were interested in. Everything Tanzania Choice Safaris arranged met or exceeded our very high expectations. I lost count of the animals and birds -- sooo many! The scenery was sublime: from dry grassy plains, to picturesque rocky outcroppings, large lakes, rivers, marshes big and small, mountains and forests. We learned about growing spices, coffee, fruits and vegetable, and about tribes and traditional and adaptive ways of living in todays world. We even made coffee by hand without machines from bean to brewing! I would also like to commend Cholow (forgive my inventive spelling of his name) who helped us navigate three locations in Zanzibar. He provided information about the culture and wildlife. He was on time (except for a minimal delay due to a flat tire once) He was also professional and informative. The company owner, Brenda, met us partway through and surprised two of us with gifts of Tanzanian crafts since we were on safari as birthday gifts to ourselves. Per our request, Brenda helped us arrange a visit to a music school, a dance performance, dance and drumming lessons, a fascinating day on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro having a cultural tour of Tanzania's Wachagga tribe -- a woman owned experience about their history, food, agriculture, cooking, and their adaptations to the 21st century. Book your Tanzania Choice Safari today!
Email Jeff, Amy, Ben, & Luke | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Simply the Best
Tanzania Choice Safaris was simply the best, from start to finish. Brenda's communication, from scheduling to the conclusion, was unparalleled. We felt a high degree of trust and confidence in her. Additionally, Brenda's selections and recommendations for accommodations were perfect. Every place we stayed exceeded our expectations. Our safari guide, Noel, was extremely knowledgeable about Tanzania and all wildlife, and his driving skills were amazing on the "African massage" roads. Also, Noel went above and beyond on our final night in the Serengeti when he observed four lions take down a wildebeest after we had returned to our lodge. Noel could have easily let it be a missed opportunity for us. Instead, he returned to our lodge, alerted us, and took us to observe the circle of life in action. To top it off, Brenda and Kakasii met us at the airport the day we left to learn about our experience and confirm our safe and timely departure. We highly recommend Tanzania Choice Safaris for your next adventure! You'll be in good hands.
Noel is a fun, efficient and knowledgeable guide, who ensured our safety and experience was perfect.
Our family group traveled from the US, to South Africa, then on to Tanzania through Nairobi. The planning of the trip in the months prior smartly planned a day or so buffer in case of travel delays. Planning with TCS took place over a few weeks with choices, timing and considering all the possible things we could consider doing. Brenda quickly adjusted our itinerary as needed before finalizing our trip. Wise suggestions since group was traveling from Safari in South Africa , she planned a rest time (day and half) in case of delays or need for down time. The down time was really needed to make the Serengeti and Crater very enjoyable.
The selection of lodges along the way were all very unique and lovely. Excellent hospitality and the food was great every where we stayed. We really liked all the places we stayed so much that when we come back we will plan multiple nights the lodges. Because of travel timing we stayed only one night at a few places which made it a bit hard to really relax. We really wanted to spend time watching the wildlife and take pictures, our guide was very patient with us. He was a careful driver, trying to make us all as comfortable as possible. We did spend a lot of time in the Rover and it was well worth it. My teenage son became ill with a respiratory virus in the middle of our time in the Serengeti. Our guide and the ladies at the Kabu Kabu Tented lodge were amazingly kind and helpful. Our guide helped get us to a doctor and stayed with us while my son was treated for a high fever. The Kabu Kabu ladies brought special meals and juice for my son and words of support for his Mom. We will never forget their kindness; we felt very well taken care of. (My son recovered just fine). We so many animals, and so many species, this trip far exceeded any of our wildest expectations.
We really enjoyed the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. One day or one and a half days is good for the crater. We spent 2.5 days in the Serengeti but could have easily done 3 days. Three days is a lot of time in the Land Rover, and may not be for everyone, but there is so much to take in. We also drove from Nairobi, which we won't repeat because it is just such a long time in a vehicle, rather we will fly into Arusha. Our family was a bit intimidated planning this trip but we felt very safe the whole time with our guide. For the time and cost to fly around the globe I would absolutely recommend TZ Choice Safari to get the most out of your time in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. We felt the cost of our trip with TCF was really quite reasonable. We will be back.