Hamadi Ningaa - Founder, Face of Africa Adventures
Face of Africa Adventures
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $1,700 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email raghu | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari experience
Guide was awesome, expert. He made sure we have excellent memorable experience. Love his passion.
US
Email Ashley | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I summited Kilimanjaro because of Face of Africa
At age 30, Kilimanjaro is the first mountain I have summited and the 9-day trek was my first camping trip. You could say it was a go big or go home moment. Face of Africa more than delivered – I truly think that the experience of a lifetime I have was possible not just because of the awesome beauty of Kilimanjaro but the expertise and kindness of the Face of Africa guides and staff.
When my adventurous friend told me she had an extra spot in a group going to Kilimanjaro, I jumped at the chance to go – when was I going to do the logistical planning needed for a trip of this magnitude on my own?
I went in nervous about being fit enough to finish the trek, unsure if I would reach the top, and trepidatious about the bathroom plan. I came out wondering if I would be quite as comfortable at home as I had been on the mountain with Face of Africa and the environment they fostered among our group (and also way more comfortable communing with nature, thanks to the camp toilet that you absolutely should spring for, and the fearless man Flamingo who carried it).
It takes dozens of people to make a trek like this possible – Face of Africa did the hard work of finding the right people to guide us, feed us, and motivate us to get all the way to the top. Every single person in our group of 8 has made it to the top of Uhuru Peak thanks to Face of Africa.
Our experienced guides Florian, Valence, and Oscar (and our staff of around 30(!!) porters, chefs, and mountain experts) treated te 8 hikers in my group with the care most people reserve for family and their closest loved ones. As a complete newbie to climbing (and the rock scrambling that made up ~5% of the trek) I earned the nickname Ntoto (Swahili for baby). The guides caringly pulled me across the rock faces when I needed help (including a guide my parents’ age who was faster than all of us). And the rest was a walk in an other worldly park through rainforest, pine trees, little caves that made me think of Lord of the Rings, the literal cloud line, and on top of a glacier.
The guides have studied the flora and fauna of the mountains and are experts on it in every sense of the word – through academics (they go to college to be guides) and lived experience. Our guides made sure there was always an oxygen tank present at all times (which no one ended up needing), checked our vitals and advised us on layers to wear / whether to carb load to make sure we were healthy enough to make the journey. All Face of Africa guides are trained in emergency situations - all our guides had experience in rescue situations delivering people off the mountain (which they seldomly need to do, but if you need it you’ll be glad they know what they’re doing).
None of us were unable to summit due to altitude sickness – the experience of our guides ranged from 50 to over 200 expeditions on Kili – and we benefited from every bit of their experience. They took the time to do acclimation hikes, reroute if we needed to, *RAN UP TO HIGHER GROUND TO GET US A SPOT AT HIGH CAMP* the day before summit because it would mean a shorter summit day climb, and with all the newbies in our group this would mean that we had a better chance of making it to the top.
When I tell you I was unprepared for the level of glamping - I still don’t know how to put up a tent because they were always set up and ready to go for us before we arrived at camp.
We ate better on the mountain than I do in my daily life. Our group was half from India and half from the states. We would have been happy with granola bars but our incredible chef Modi made food from across all our cultures and made sure there were options for vegetarians and omnivores alike.
We had a WAITER(!!) whose actual name is Joffrey who woke each of us up every morning with the kindest “Good morning!” and greeted us with our choice of coffee or tea *DIRECT TO OUR SLEEPING BAGS*. Let me tell you, hot tea hits different sitting bundled in a warm sleeping bag above the cloud line while watching the sun rise.
I spoke to trekkers from other groups on the flight out of Kilimanjaro to Addis Ababa – they did NOT all have the seamless and uplifting experience my group did. I describe my journey to the top of Kilimanjaro as “just a really long, beautiful walk” – but this is *because of* Face of Africa. I would not have gotten this from many of the other tour providers.
This is really important: Face of Africa is an ethical company. All members of the staff are from the local community, and (I hate that this is even a question) ate meals when we did. It is not a myth that some companies are predatory and unethical - we saw hungry porters from other companies (and some members of our staff confirmed that they had previously worked for companies that left them to forage for insects on the climb). We saw with our own eyes that our porters ate together when we did. Our group was also so large that there were 2 chefs to feed all the staff. The company owner also allowed us to tip the staff directly to be sure that every dollar of tips went directly to the people who had worked so hard to support us.
Because of Face of Africa, we made it to the top (not all groups do) and we ALSO got countless stories of the mountain, became friends (and had an above the clouds dance party) with our guides and porters, ate like royalty, slept soundly, and were so safe. This is the highest value I can imagine and was still more affordable than *MANY* of their competitors.
I recommend friends, family, and anyone who mentions Kilimanjaro within earshot to go to experience the awe-inspiring wonder of Kilimanjaro, and to go there with Face of Africa.
US
Email Darwin | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Tanzania safari and culture trip
Our 10 day safari with 4 day zanzibar beach trip exceeded our expectations. We saw so many animals up close and took great pictures. Our guide was great. He knew where to find the animals and told us about them. He also shared about Tanzania culture and the different tribes. The accommodations and food was much better then we imagined. We were surprised to find that there was Cell service in the 7 parks we visited and internet at the tent camps.
US
Email Terah | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable 8 Day Safari and Additional day in Arusha Park!!
My husband and I went on a custom 8 day safari with Face of Africa. We arrived early and added a day trip to Arusha Park to our itinerary. Highly recommend this addition as it gives one the chance to walk with a ranger in the park and see the animals and nature from a different perspective. We saw the most beautiful waterfall, cape buffalo, zebra, warthogs, giraffe, blue monkey, and more on our walk! Hamadi arranged everything for us and our guide for the day Emmanuel made the trip even more enjoyable! It was a great start to our time in Tanzania.
Our safari included game drives in Tarangire NationalPark, Lake Manyara, Seregeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, each one with its own special ecosystem allowing us to see so many different animals. From Nile Monitor to small dik dik, many monkeys, and the Big 5! Truly an experience we will never forget!!
Edgar, our guide for the Safari, taught us so much about the animals and the environment at each park. He was so patient with me asking him to stop frequently to take pictures too! He checked in with us every evening and made certain everything was going well and we had the itinerary details for the next day. He was an excellent driver and a lot of fun as well!
If the beauty of the animals wasn’t enough, the accomodations were spectacular as well. Each one unique…with epic views, kind staff and delicious meals. One on lake Manyara took our breath away, as we looked out our window to see the lake in the distance and zebra grazing right out front. Another highlight was our stay at the Matawi tent camp in the Serengeti. All of the staff there were so friendly and hearing the hyena and other animals in the evening was amazing! You truly felt like you were immersed in the Safari experience, yet had the luxury of a beautifully appointed tent and delicious dining.
From beginning to end we were thankful for the professionalism, care and kindness of the Face of Africa team! Special thanks to Hamadi for his personal hospitality, taking care of all of the details and for great communication. We were happy to book our safari with a Tanzanian owned and operated company.
Email Valerie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome tour company!!!
My journey through Tanzania with Face of Africa Adventures was nothing short of extraordinary. Their impeccable service, unmatched value for money, and expert tour guides made every moment unforgettable. From the comfortable jeeps to the delicious meals, every detail was carefully curated for an exceptional experience. Exploring the wonders of Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater was a true highlight, with each location offering its own unique beauty and wildlife sightings. I wholeheartedly recommend Face of Africa Adventures to anyone seeking the trip of a lifetime – you won't find a better way to experience the magic of Tanzania. All the best.
MY
Email Beatrice Lee | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible 9 days of Tanzania
We had wonderful 8 nights and 9 days of Tanzania wit FOA, Hamidi and his team of guides and driver was so professional and we feel safe and taken care of. Everyday was an amazing experience and we get to see and do what we planned for. The food was also amazing. We are so happy to recommend FOA to our fri6ends and family and we are also planning to return to Africa again soon.
LY
Email ABDALLAH | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome amazing worth every bins was way different of any experience or any place
Great company the owner Hamadi so helpful he gave me the best advice best prices too for Trangerery Ngorongoro and serngentie the great funny Driver smart and helpful name Jacob and the Chef was other way of food I appreciate every moment in my safari trip it's Tremandes epic
US
Email Vishesh | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Face of Africa were excellent! They guided us to the top of Kilimanjaro, 10/10 recommend.
We did Kilimanjaro (Uhuru peak) with Face of Africa guiding us. They were absolutely phenomenal! Extremely helpful, very cooperative, great food and guided us to the T.
They were extremely well prepared from the get go, from arranging pick up at the airport to taking us all the way to the summit. They had 4 guides who managed us (a big group of 8 with varying experience) as we needed. The food was excellent on all days, the safety precautions were on point. They were extremely friendly (taught us a few songs in Swahili), helpful, and experienced. Some of the guides had made it to the summit 200+ times so we were in good hands.
I felt very confident in our guides Oscar, Florian, and Valence. Abi was a great photographer + guide, Mudi was a great chef, Joffrey and Kevin were our porters and extremely fun. 7 out of the 8 of us made it to the top, all thanks to Face of Africa. Highly recommend them if you plan to do Kilimanjaro or the Safari.
US
Email Molly | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Face of Africa will arrange everything for a Tanzanian adventure including safari, treks and tours
I went on a custom 12 day safari with Face of Africa to Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ndutu Plains, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park. Hamadi Ningaa of Face of Africa arranged everything: airport transfers, guides, safari vehicles, permits/entry fees, top notch lodging (tent camp, resorts, hotels) meals, box lunches. Best of all were the safari guides! All were incredibly knowledgable about the animals, birds, habitats and people of the area. I can’t say enough good things about them, especially Sam and Saif who I rode with the majority of the time! It’s still surprising to me how they could spot tiny animals and birds that we couldn’t see, patiently answer questions, drive 10-12 hours a day over rough, dusty roads AND make repairs to the vehicles for 12 days straight. All the guides were careful to get close enough to the animals without disturbing them or their habitat like so many other safari companies do.
I stayed a few days extra in Tanzania before and after the safari. Hamadi arranged for some wonderful extras for me. Prior to the safari, Hamadi arranged for a guide to show me around Arusha and the surrounding area for 2 days. Justin took me for a hike to a waterfall, visited a small coffee farm, saw the Maasai livestock market, the central market, the Cultural Center, the Snake Park among other things. Hamadi also arranged for 4 days/3 nights of hiking on Mt. Meru after the safari with a guide, a cook and porters. Both the before and after safari adventures were fabulous. Knowledgeable, friendly guides who really know the area, the people and culture and are proud to show visitors their beautiful county.
If you are going to Tanzania, I highly recommend Face of Africa. Contact Hamadi and tell him what you’d like to do and he can arrange it. I was really glad I used Face of Africa for all of my adventures.
US
Email John Muir Laws | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safe, experienced, ethical, guides and a company you can trust.
Face of Africa Adventures is an outstanding and ethical company. The service and quality of the experience are great. I book large group tours with FOAA and the experience keeps me coming back and has made me a loyal customer. This is the kind of eco-tourism outfit I want to support.
The driver guides take care of your safety and know the animals' behavior and habits so you can get an incredible experience. Drivers in some other companies chase and harass animals. You will not see this with FOAA. They respect and protect wildlife with best practices, ensuring you a terrific experience without jeopardizing the welfare of the animals. The guides have an encyclopedic knowledge of birds, mammals, reptiles, and ecology. You will learn so much about what you see, increasing your appreciation and joy in the experience.
I love working with FOAA and have run four tours with them (more to come). I lead nature drawing and journaling trips for groups of around 20 people. When I book with FOAA, I know we are in good hands and I can concentrate my work on teaching observation and drawing skills and that the logistics are handled. I trust and can rely upon Hamadi Ningaa, the business owner to take care of my group and to treat us well. On every tour, he has delivered a great experience at reasonable prices. He also has helped me rearrange the trips to save money without jeopardizing the experience. FOAA also has contingency and backup plans in place should something unexpected happen so I need not worry about logistics.
