Geofrey Nassari, founder and owner company.
Meru Slopes Tours & Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $480 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
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Reviews
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Email Jon | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trustworthy company, extremely well organized, great price and service, and great tour guides!
Just came back from a 4-day safari with Meru Slopes this past December, 2017. Amazing company and safari!!! If I ever end up doing another safari, this will be the first place I check for rebooking! My friend did all the pre-communication in advance with Geoffrey, so I can't speak from personal experience about setting everything up, but I was told that Geoffrey (the owner of this safari group and the Arusha Tourist Inn) was very good in responding on WhatsApp and answered mostly all of our questions eventually. They do require cash deposit of approximately 30% up front via wire transfer, but that seems perfectly normal for most safari groups. The rest is paid in cash USD upon arrival at the Inn. All accommodations were what I expected or better than expected. especially for the price! The meals were way better than I was expecting, and there was always extra food each night. Geoffrey and his staff go above and beyond to help us be comfortable in the best way possible! Before I start, Let me say that I do go car camping several times a year here in CA and other US States at national parks, and backpack as well several times a year, so I am somewhat used to doing this kind of stuff. For a more detailed review of our itinerary feel free to read below:
Arrival Day: It was arranged that someone would be at the airport to pick us up when we arrived in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro Airport...the driver (Emmanuel) went above and beyond for picking us up. My friends and I got separated on our flights in and missed our flights to Tanzania from Kenya. My 2 friends arrived 2 hrs later than originally expected, and the Emmanuel was waiting for them, and took them to a local restaurant while they waited for me to arrive. I showed up 5 hours later (around 11 PM) and they showed up with my friends to pick me up as well. The drive from the airport to Arusha Tourist Inn (in Arusha) is roughly 1 hour drive. Emmanuel is really friendly, and never felt unsafe in his car while he was driving.
We arrived at the Arusha Tourist Inn (which is I believe also owned by Geoffrey, the owner of this safari group). The location is a bit weird for an Inn at first arrival, considering the front door is facing an alley with no signage outside, just a sliding door, and behind a private gate, but otherwise it was fine. You enter from the alley, then walk upstairs and the lobby is there. We were greeted by Geoffrey and given 2 separate rooms. Rooms were fine, actually better than what I was expecting. There was hot water (kind of), flush toilets, and all rooms have mosquito nets around the beds as well, so during peak season, I could see that being extremely useful. No AC or anything, so it can get hot at night fyi. Also only a bar of soap provided, no shampoo or body wash or lotion, so make sure to bring your own toiletries.
Day 1: In the morning was given a meal from the restaurant downstairs as part of the Safari booking, and loaded the car and headed out on our day 1 with a different driver, who was extremely friendly and enthusiastic and answered all of our questions! Did a few hours at Tarangire National Park where we saw tons of wildlife up close. Amazing experience!!! We were dropped off at a place called Lilac Lodge (believe there are some reviews of this place on Tripadvisor, but essentially glamping) near that park for our first night, where our driver handed us over to a new driver, and the staff at this campsite lodge thing took over from there. Lilac lodge was pretty nice...a gated little area with tents for some groups, a bar where you can buy drinks, and also wooden cabin lodges (which is where we spent night 1 at). I've stayed in Yurts, lodges, cabins, etc, and this one was no different. Has beds, a flush toilet, and shower. not the cleanest shower, but I would say on par with other kinds of similar accommodations, so it was nice, also better than I had expected. Really good box lunch during the day (burger, chicken leg, and some other snacks and box drink). Also really good dinner and breakfast the following morning was provided at the lodge. Bring your own toilet paper FYI because none of the places have it outside of the Inn.
Day 2: Serengeti National Park, which is a 4-6 hr drive away, so day 2 is really just getting out to the park and straight to the campsite. Did get a flat on the way there, but that was fixed in about 30 minutes or so, so no big deal. I guess flats happen, so just don't be upset or anything if it happens to your truck. :) Second driver was also really friendly and able to answer all of our questions! Also saw tons of wildlife, which is what you would want from a Safari. Second night accommodations are in tents, like a car camping campsite. Bathrooms and showers were not quite as clean as the first lodge, but hey, it's tent camping, so you really can't expect much. We were given tents, a mattress pad, and sleeping bag. All things are used and may not be in the most clean condition, but it works and does the job. If you have a thing about super clean bedding, bring a sleeping bag liner with you, which is what I did, and problem solved! FYI this is camping in Africa, so there will be wild animals around at night, which is to be expected. Saw a few ___ cats (bobcat-sized animals) or something in the campsite before heading to sleep...but once again to be expected in the wilderness. Your tour guide will tell you what to do and not to do, but yeah, just don't wander around at night outside late night or anything and you'll be fine in the tent. More than enough food for meals once again. Bring a flashlight/mini lantern or something (preferably with the red light to not attract the bugs), because there wasn't much for lighting for the first half of our dinner when we were there. Flip flops might also be advised for the showers. I didn't have them and was okay, but wish I did.
Day 3: Morning for a few hours in Serengeti, then go back for lunch at the campsite and then head out to Ngorogoro National Park. This drive was also a few hrs away, and when we arrived, mainly just went straight to the campsite again to set up camp. Night 3 camping accommodations are way nicer and cleaner than the previous night. Still in a tent, but the bathrooms were much cleaner, and eating room was completely enclosed with lighting and tables already, etc. All meals are as always great food, and way more food than we could eat. FYI, they do have armed guards supposedly at this camp place, so at least you know there won't be anything too dangerous there, but they don't manage the wildlife that can be there. I woke up in the middle of the night and there was some buffalo or something a few ft away from a few tents over. I was told there were zebra and some other animals grazing right next to tents in the night too. pretty awesome!
Day 4: wake up, spent a few hrs driving in Ngorogoro then go back for lunch, pack up, and headed back to Arusha Tourist inn for our last night before ending the following morning. After tent camping and lodge camping the few days before, the Inn was really nice to have. Dinner was provided as well as a little to-go box for breakfast which Geoffrey gave us, which he really didn't have to, but were grateful that he did. Emmanuel came to pick us up, and take us to the airport the following morning, and once again was timely and just great in everything!
One tip I do have, is if you are thinking about doing a 4 day safari or longer safari, 4 day gives you a good taste of the safari but I would have wished for one day extra in Serengeti or Tarangire. You will most likely see almost all the animals you would want to see from 4 days, but it will be short, maybe only getting 4-5 hours of safari each day, and the rest is camping or traveling. Some of the longer safaris and include Manyara. Manyara we were told by our guide is extremely dense trees and you are mainly looking for birds and can be quite boring. If you are not interested in bird watching, skip that one and spend more time in Serengeti or Tarangire.
Overall, amazing experience with a really great company! Honestly, all the companies follow the almost the same itinerary and stops, and the lunch boxes are all the same across the board. What makes this company stand out from the others is the price, and the service they offer! Geoffrey and all of the guides and drivers and staff really go out of their way to help us and make us feel at home. I never once felt unsafe with them, and it's a bonus that the owner of this safari group also owns the Inn, so it makes everything smoother with the arrival and departure, and with what they can give us for meals, etc. The drivers also really know their animals, and can spot stuff so fast...and they were always completely honest with us with everything. We were also able to see the Big 5 (Rhino, Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo) and a ton of other animals! The safari is really just an amazing experience that I think everyone should do at least once in your life. If you're okay with tent camping/glamping, I would not hesitate to suggest Meru Slopes for this over the other 700 safari groups! Thanks again for an amazing experience! Your company and safari really made me fall in love with Tanzania!
CL
Email Trinidad | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!
I took a 5 days safari with Meru Slopes and I had a great experience. Since the first minute I was able to talk with Meru Slopes' operator, who kindly answered all my questions. The tour it self worked perfectly: they picked me up in the airport and did everything that was planned as it was described in the itinerary. The operator, guide and cooker was very kind with me and I always felt safe. The tour it self was more that what I expected! We saw the big five and we were able to get very very close to the animals and to enjoy the great sorroundings. Additionally, I left my kindle in the safari car and they sent it to me to other city. I really aprecciate it! Great people and tour!
ES
Email Bajamonti | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent organization
Either by email or in person, a kind treatment from his manager, Geoffrey Nassari. Excellent organization.
I do 5 days safari with some special request and everything was excellent. Whole team done more then what they can to make us comfortable and satisfied. Thank you very much!
Email Nikolay | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience and outstanding service!!
I did 7 days safari with Meru Slopes and I could not recommend them enough! Clear and prompt communication answering all the questions I had, very patient and not pushy to book with them.
The safari was impeccable from the beginning to the end - I was picked from the airport, welcomed and immediately checked in the hotel, start of the safari on the next day with both our driver and cook very professional and easy going. We were lucky to see the big 5 and also wildebeests migration.
They delivered on everything agreed and beyond! The safari was my personal treat for my birthday and Meru Slopes surprised me very pleasantly by organising double surprise - first one by the cook early in the morning whilst we were still in Ngorongoro crater and another one later on when we got back in the hotel. They had made a beautiful and tasty birthday cake, gave me presents and the whole Meru Slopes team sang "Happy Birthday" to me!
Thank you ever so much Geofrey and everyone from Meru Slopes team for the unforgettable experience!
Book with confidence. You will not be disappointed!
Asante sana marafiki!
The Lion King David!
A trip of a lifetime! Had a lot of fun thanks to David and Action!
SK
Email Ivan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
4 days Safari
Got picked up from airport as agreed, very good hotel (taking into account that you are in Tanzania) and we went to safari next day. 4 days in wilderness were one of the greatest experiences in my life and supported by great cook (what he did without proper electricity and only with gas bomb was unbelievable, the chocolate cake last evening almost brought tears to my eyes :D) and driver/guide David, who was fun and knowledgable at the same time, thank you very much for everything!!
... on the other hand, be prepared that you will be staying in complete wilderness in tents, so showers/toilets might be a little "Spartan"
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Email Chris aka impala | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience with great friendly guides, accommodation, food
Ask for David as safari guide. He is awesome, funny, and very knowledgeable. Also ask for Action as a chef. He made killer food for us every meal! Geofrey was also fantastic with email communication throughout the whole process.
David is the Lion King!!!!- he made us count more than 100+ lions in the wild. amazing!
Email Emma | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Couldn't have had a more perfect safari experience
100% recommend - have been recommending this company to friends and family since returning. We had Hilary as our guide (hope I've spelt that right!) He was so friendly and relaxed and his ability to spot animals from miles away was incredible. We saw everything you could possibly see (including rhino!) He was able to answer all of our questions and was happy to adapt the tour to what we wanted. Made every effort to help us get the most out of our experience and was so knowledgeable! (knew where certain animals were likely to be hiding at what time etc). Couldn't have had a better safari so no need to go anywhere else. Very well priced as well - I found this company after hour of scouring the internet! 100% recommend this company and ask for Hilary :)
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Email Curvin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Really great budget camping safari
I was very satisfied with my 6 day budget camping safari. I saw the same large animals as people in the luxury tours, and sometimes got closer or saw more unusual animals, such as a serval cat, because our vehicle didn't have to stay with a group. Plus our guide (Sareva) seemed to know all the birds that we encountered, and there were many, but had a book to consult with if he was a little uncertain. The guide was great at finding animals, and didn't mind honoring our requests when we wanted to stop or to move on. Email communication with the office before the trip was good, the guide and cook were friendly, the food was fine, and overall it was great.
Email Georgia Cooke | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Organised, brilliant safari and good fun
I was emailing Geofrey before we left and he gave us advice about what to take and the itinerary for the safari. He said we would get picked up for the airport and I must admit, I was nervous that no one would be there when we arrived but as we walked through the airport someone was there to collect us. The hotel they provide is basic but clean and has everything you need. We did the four day safari with a group of 6 and it was brilliant. The safari was well organized, the camping was excellent and the team (Hilary and our chef) were very professional. Hilary was a brilliant guide - we saw so many animals very close up and he had excellent knowledge. I really recommend this tour - the camping was fun, the food was very good and we also made lifelong friends.