East African Safari & Touring Company
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 1992)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $230 to $2,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Mythili | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent experience, would recommend without reservations
Great experience end to end. Like others have mentioned, I too went deep into the rabbit hole of reviews, but it was clear that there’s a large difference between Eastco Before and Eastco After.
The process was pretty seamless end to end. David was responsive and communicative throughout our planning process, patiently walking us through various options and adjusting the schedule and accommodation options every time we had a new request. We wanted to pay for part of the trip through a credit card based money transfer, to take advantage of the trip insurance provided by our credit card, and the team spent days trying to hunt down our money transfer when it got rerouted incorrectly.
We split our trip into actual camping and then lodges, to minimize driving. During camping, Dixon accompanied us to prepare the meals—we wished he could have stayed with us the entire time. He made amazing meals for our dietary restrictions (one vegetarian, one vegan). Definitely the best food we’ve had in a long time, fancy restaurants with tablecloths included.
Wilson, our guide/driver, has the literal eyes of a hawk. No other way to explain how he could spot with his naked eyes a speck in the distance that turned out to be a cheetah or whatever. We set out one day with a goal of seeing male lions—having not seen any so far—and eventually had to tell him that we’d seen enough and wanted to go back to the camp. He was endlessly patient with our exhaustion and happily let us fall asleep in the car pretty much every single day. He had a genuine joy in seeing all animals, too, so we weren’t always chasing after the Big Five at the expense of other experiences (dueling giraffes!).
We always felt like we were in communication with Eastco and in good hands. We asked at the last minute (aka, during the safari) if it were possible to replace a driving leg with a flying leg, and David sent us all the details within a few hours. We asked if it were possible to get a snack for the airport at the end of our trip, and Dixon ended up making us full dinner boxes with all the favorites we’d missed.
If I had to be picky: while Dixon and the tented camp were fully cognizant of our dietary requests, the larger permanent lodges we stayed at (which did buffet-style meals) didn’t seem to have been informed. After I spoke with one of the chefs the first night, the buffet the second night had many more options that worked, so the lack of options the first night seems like it could have been avoided.
Recommend without reservations, hurry and make yours now.
FR
Email Carlo | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not actually delivered by East African Safari & Touring Company
we booked the safari with East African Safari & Touring Company but we learnt during the safari that we were actually with another companies. Apparently East African Safari & Touring Company does not have the TALA licence anymore and are almost bankrupt (at least this is what our guide told us). The safari was overall disappointing, e.g., we left Arusha very late on the 1st day (11am) and therefore we stayed less than 3 hours in Ngorongoro. We had to pay ourselves for the private campsite in Serengeti, despite was included in the agreed programme (we were later refunded once back in Arusha by the owner of the company employing the driver and owning the car), and this took a lot of time, long discussions with the driver and the parking rangers, two visits to the park HQ, etc.
Email Jenny | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Disappointing due to poor administration and communication, could not recommend
We started our trip in Rwanda and everything was fantastic. On our last day there we were advised that our flight to Tanzania had been cancelled and instead of flying to Mwanza, we would be flying overnight and our itinerary would be reversed.
Our problems were:
Dropped off for lunch on the first day, no driver came to pick us up. Restaurant staff helped us out, and after ringing our previous guide in Rwanda and her phoning Simon, a driver came after a couple of hours, but not the one Simon had told us to expect so the uncertainty began.
We had to pay for the lunch – just after Simon had been telling us everything was included.
No revised itinerary provided (despite several requests to Simon and him promising to email it), driver did not have a copy of any itinerary and only knew our first destination, luckily we had a spare copy and were able to provide him with one. He was also unaware of the length of our trip which at 11 days was quite a long one.
Our itinerary did not work smoothly in reverse i.e. we had requested a mix of cultural activities and walks, as well as game drives. The cultural activities and walks mostly did not happen, due to the fact the driver had no knowledge of how to organise these, and the morning walk around the crater could not occur as we were now going down the crater in the morning etc.
No money on card at appropriate times for entrance to national parks, leading to delays, and a hefty fine (paid by us) when leaving the Serengeti as we had been in there illegally without having paid for the correct number of days.
Uncertainty about accommodation – one place unavailable, the roof had fallen in a month previously (supposedly) and we had not been advised. No alternative arrangements had been made, so our guide was on the phone arguing with the company. In the end, we were told a reservation had been made, but when we were arrived that was not the case. We had to pay in cash to stay there. This money was returned to us in cash the next day, but it created a lot of uncertainty about whether future accommodation would be booked or paid for.
Uncertainty about flights – would our onward flight to Zanzibar be booked, and would we have accommodation when we got there, and then would our onward flight to Johannesburg to meet our flight home be booked. We received the details on the flight the last day of our trip, despite having been requesting it from the beginning.
A stressed guide because he also did not know whether the above things would be provided and presumably whether he would be paid.
Virtually no communication from Simon (no replies to emails and only one phone call taken but the phone dropped out during the conversation!), and unable to obtain any other numbers for anyone in the “office”. This is really what made the safari so difficult as if we had had some reassurance that things would be okay, and this happened, then the trip would have been much less stressful.
Having said all that, the places we stayed were mostly great and met our requirements of a range of styles. The original itinerary was good and the animal safari part of our trip was great. We mostly got what we paid for – the accommodation and entrance fees all turned up so we could do all the scheduled game parks. Boundary Hill was a bit creepy because we were the only people staying there and there was a lot of uncertainty about what would happen next (given that it was at the beginning of our trip).
It was also a complete contrast to the fantastically organised trip in Rwanda where we were met at the airport at midnight by our driver with a copy of our itinerary. Thankfully Simon had outsourced our trip in Rwanda to another company although we had not been advised of that, and we paid for the balance of our trip there, so there were no money problem with that company not having received their money.
My take on the whole situation was that Eastco had money problems, and had to wait for new payments to come in before they could pay for the activities of people already out on safaris.
Whilst the potential was there for an outstanding experience and we did have a wonderful time, the constant worry over whether things would work out did take the shine off it. So like one of the other reviews, we had a great trip in spite of Eastco.
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Email Joy Combes | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
EASTCO did an exceptional job of planning, communicating and executing our trip of a lifetime. I booked through EASTCO after extensive research on multiple companies through TripAdvisor. I booked it in beginning of Jan. 2020 and then COVID happened. The months to follow we kept in communication and they were very transparent about the situation. my fiancé and I decided after multiple cancel flights and FINALLY being to secure our flight to Tanzania that we would still go on this trip to celebrate my 35th birthday. boy we glad we did! Each hotel/camp we stayed out was absolutely breath taking and better than I could have hoped for. Each place was clean, amazing Views and food was always delicious! Our driver Wilson was not only amazing at driving but spotting as well. For 7 days we searched for the big 5 which we found! The best part of the trip was getting to see the wildebeest migration. Because we went in September while the pandemic was still fresh in peoples mind, there weren’t a lot of travelers. At most of our camps and hotels we were the only ones staying so we definitely got VIP treatment. Wilson was telling us that typically during this time of the month there are hundreds of cars that waits up to 4 days to see the wildebeest cross the River. we were so fortunate to have just driven to the river on the first day and saw it! After 7 days of safari, we were transported to Arusha airport to relax in Zanzibar for a few days. We went when Zanzibar inaugurated their new president. We got to see the part live. We were the only tourist there at the celebration but it was amazing to see so many people prideful of their country celebrating. Everything about this trip was amazing. The 22+ Hour flight from California was well worth it. Please help support this boutique business during these difficult times. You will not be disappointed! Tanzania is safe. Not once did we ever fear covid or anything else! I’m still raving to my friends about this trip. Out of the 44 countries I have traveled to, Tanzania now has a special place in my heart!!!
Email Graham and Mary Brace | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Best !
My wife and I could be described as avid wildlife lovers, photographers and conservationists; some would say we are just wildlife crazy!
We have travelled to many parts of the world to sate ourselves with truly wild animals, from Asia, that is India and Sri Lanka, South America, including Brazil and Chile, and of course Africa. We have enjoyed the rugged beauty of the Bale mountains in Ethiopia and the wonders of Kenya, which incidentally was our first safari type holiday, but Tanzania, particularly the North was our last adventure…. admittedly for the third time !
Like all wildlife trips, it is important to understand what you can expect to see at different times of the year. This year we decided to travel in February / March and we centred our itinerary around Lake Ndutu and the short grass plains of the Serengeti. This is near the bottom Southerly corner of one of the most famous national parks in Africa. Whilst there is a resident population of all the main species, in particular the big cats which most people want to see, to maximise your chances of seeing them all is to understand the Big Migration pattern of the wildebeest and zebras. It is a continuous circulatory tour which takes them from the Serengeti to the equally famous but much smaller Masai Mara in Kenya, via the great plains of the Seronara Valley in the middle, to the Western Corridor and the Mbalageti /Grumetti Rivers, up to the Mara River where they have to run the gauntlet of Nile Crocodiles, and back down to Lake Masek /Ndutu….in February and March. Simply, the big cats, ie lions, cheetahs and leopards follow them around and it is this time of year when the wildebeest calve…. their young are the main prey!
So, we spent sometime in and around this area, then on to the Seronara with its strange Kopjes; small rocky outcrops which provide homes for all manner of furry and feathered friends, big and small. You will often see a leopard or lion sunning themselves, or wriggly things with no legs, giving themselves the option of cover they need.
The Ngorogoro Conservation Area must not be missed with a myriad of wildlife, and of course the Crater itself, which is one of the largest extinct volcanic craters in the world, measuring some 100 sq.miles. Apparently it blew its top around 2-3 million years ago, with the original topping estimated at 15-20,000 feet high. It now provides sanctuary to virtually every species other than elephants and giraffes; it has the highest density of lions in any part of Africa. Yes, we saw most of them on a one day trip, with the highlight being on the steep track entering the Crater itself…. we were just starting to scan in the near distance for our first sightings, when Bernard, our guide, said stop, look no more than 10 yds away….. a rare Caracal cat….wow! We asked Bernard when he had last seen one…. about 3 months ago he said…. and before that ?…. about 3 or 4 years !!
So, we had great sightings of lions, cheetahs and leopards as planned, along with many giraffes in the Conservation Area. Hippos and crocodiles abound in the Grumetti and Mbalageti Rivers, and there always seems to be a fabulous White Headed Fish Eagle by the waterside.
Another must is the Tarangire national park, particularly if you are an elephant lover; we lost count after about 150 + in a single day. You see them by the river and watering holes just having fun with their young ones, to seeing a huge line of them marching towards you slowly from a distance; maybe 20, 30 or 50 strong is a wonderful sight. It easily takes up a day, just admiring them in their own surroundings behaving naturally. This time we were surprised by a ‘herd’ of 50+ ostriches, literally galloping past us… that was a first. Normally you only see them individually or as a pair.
We finished up with a day each at Lake Manyara and Arusha national parks; each has its own unique wildlife with the gorgeous Blue and stunning Colobus Monkeys, Greater Flamingos and much bird life. We always see at least 3/4 sub species of Bee Eaters in these parks. These little birds are endemic and like their cousins in Asia, are all very colourful and relatively easy to spot.
As said, decide what time of year you wish to travel and then create an itinerary to suit.
International flights will generally take you to Dar Es Salaam or even Nairobi, then internally to either Kilimanjaro on the Eastern side, or Mwanza on the Western side. You can then transfer to your safari vehicle from either to enter the national parks.
Who to go with..is a big question?… There are innumerable UK companies who offer safari /wildlife holidays; you are spoilt for choice in theory. But, beware, if you are a keen photographer, this will narrow down your options; normally most UK companies will sub contract you out to a local company and you will be carted around in one vehicle taking 4-8 people… no good at all for serious photography. Bespoke or ‘tailormade’ is what the more specialist companies offer you, with maximum 4 , or in our case just the two of us. Obviously the cost increases with personalised tours, and Africa is getting quite expensive now generally.
The only way that we can afford this type of deal is to negotiate direct with a local company. Our favoured one, which we have used 3 times now is the East African Safari and Touring Company (EASTCO) . Please look at their website. They have a number of excellent guides, particularly our Bernard, who really has eagle eyes and an encyclopedic knowledge of just about everything wild. It is important that you are able to engage with someone who you will spend 10 hours a day with for 7-14 days. Tanzanians are all delightful people but sometimes it is difficult to have an in-depth conversation. Wherever you are, it is important to have a sense of humour.... Bernard loves Fawlty Towers ( Brits only).
Where to stay ?…another complex question
It very much depends on the depth of your pocket or what type of experience you want; from travelling bush camps to luxury lodges can vary the price immensely. Having someone like David King of EASTCO to discuss such things with takes out the uncertainty…..the only surprises you want are the animals!
There are so many options for wildlife safari holidays in Africa. If it going to be a once in a lifetime, and you want to minimise the chance of disappointment, choose Northern Tanzania… at the right time. Choose carefully, and you will do no better than choosing EASTCO>
Email Brad | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This was an amazing trip where we could immerse ourselves in the safari with an experienced guide!
We spent our 8 day safari with our guide Ezekiel and our "stomach engineer" Constantine both of which did an excellent job making us feel welcome throughout the trip. Ezekiel was very experienced could spot creatures out of the corner of his eye that we had completely missed. He was quick to answer our many questions and was happy to stop and let us look at every single bird, rodent or dung beetle that passed our way. Ezekiel's meals were excellent - we would have loved a copy of his soup recipes for home.
We did a mix of adventure camping (Very minimal campsites) and lodges which was the perfect mix for us. We could see the elephants, giraffes and wildebeest from our tent and were even woken up one night by the loud "mooing" of the wildebeest when they surrounded us. It was absolutely stunning.
The only negative aspects was that the car was a bit older/dirty and at one point sprung a leak in the windshield as we drove around. (Or the charger couldn't be used when we were driving on the bumpy road). But overall we had an amazing experience and would love to do this trip again with Ezekiel and Constantine as our companions.
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Email Melissa Hallisey | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Book your Tanzania safari with Eastco - you will love it!
Everything about our trip with Eastco and Lazaro was incredible.
From the planning process, to the accommodations, to the safari experiences, to the value was exactly what we were hoping for.
We had a travel delay and a missed connection which meant that we lost one day of our scheduled safari. However, our tour guide, Lazaro and the team still got us to each park/reserve that we had originally planned on even though we were a day behind. Lazaro is an expert and truly does it all - he was our driver, our guide, personal zoologist, GPS, cultural ambassador, happy hour partner, and photographer. He knew every animal, bird, and plant that we saw and he was vigilant about scanning the horizon for new sights. We were, and still are, incredibly impressive by his wealth of knowledge and willingness to share it with us.
The vehicle and accommodations were all safe, comfortable, and welcoming. We felt very well taken of and very well fed. We were not expecting to have great meals but the breakfast and dinner service at each camp was delicious.
Overall, we had the vacation of a lifetime and one we will not forget.
Many thanks to the Eastco team for their coordination, planning, recommendations, airport pick ups and drop offs, and of course to our guide, Lazaro for all of his hard work to make our experience incredibly memorable. We are so grateful.
Email Roxy Sylvester | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
Working with EastCo was amazing. They helped me plan the safari of my dreams. From planning, making recommendations based on my interests and accommodating last minute changes. Once in country the trip was flawless, the guides were great (ask for Bernard), the camps and hotels nice and the wildlife was phenomenal!
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Email Vivian Brann | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond Excellent
I emailed over 20 local agents for bids, read all the reviews from the guide books, blogs and forums. I finally decided to make the booking with EASTCO, yet this is just a beginning of my joy of planning and ultimate dream vacation.
Booking/Planning Experience:
Alex and David helped me budget more than 20 copies of itineraries due to the change of our groups size and flights. We had numerous email exchanges, WhatsApp messages and calls. They always showed me genuine care for my needs and vast knowledge about the area/industry. They provided me with great recommendation and guidance. The best customer service I could ask for.
Lodges:
In my initial planning, I had picked all the lodges according to the guide book and forum but I'm so glad I took the EASTCO recommendation as well because they know the current condition of each place and only recommend the ones that will take care of their clients with extra care. We had a wonderful stay in Boundary Hill and Pure Tented Camps.
Guide:
A reputable member of the Tanzania forum in TA recommended Bernard. I'm so glad we were able to complete our Safari with his company. He has been in this business for over 30 years. He not only knows about the land animals but also every single birds in the trees. He can smell the elephants (seriously!) when they are near and identify exotic birds by hearing their sounds. We found so many eagle owls hidden in the trees and had a very close sighting with a leopard in Serengeti. I can not imagine all the lucky sightings we had without Bernard's expertise.
He was also very patient with our young ones and easy to talk to.
We miss him already.
I would be happy to answer any questions if you have any doubts on booking with EASTCO. Just private message me.
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Email Caroline | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This was a perfect Safari - simply perfect!
I'm not the kind to write reviews normally, but I am putting together my photos six months later and just aglow remembering how incredible this trip was. The sales team was incredibly helpful and the tour logistics ran super smooth - from multiple times of pick up at the airport as my friend and I were coming from different locations to no perfect hotel accommodations and time to do everything. I also want to say that Ezekial was the greatest tour guide we could have asked for - he seemed to know everything, found everything we asked to see and was the absolute perfect driving companion.
I know there are a lot of options out there - but I cannot imagine having a better experience!
