Hilary and Martin - owners of Suricata Safaris
Suricata Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $190 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Tiia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hillary swapped customers to cheaper tour operator without disclosing this
I spent a good while researching safari options prior to my trip to Tanzania. I chose to book with Suricata Safaris based on their great reviews (#6 of 1,294 Outdoor Activities in Arusha) and accepted the cost as a part of the great experience I was in for. Weeks in advance, I had emailed the company to confirm this tour was going ahead on that day. Hillary from Suricata Safaris confirmed this.
When the tour started, I quickly realised it was not the 5-star treat I had paid for. Another day in, I realised that we had ended up with Arunga Expeditions & Safaris (#674 of 1,294 Outdoor Activities in Arusha) and their rude personnel. When I asked about this, our driver told me to "stop complaining". When I confronted the Suricata representative, Hillary, he said that they moved me to a cheaper operator to save costs.
My experience with Arunga was very poor. There was no toilet paper, no hot water and no WiFi in the camps, and I shared a small tent with two people (I was told differently when I made my online enquiry with Suricata Safaris). When one of our crew fell ill and needed transportation out of the nature reserve, our guide suggested that we need to sort that ourselves.
I ended up getting dinner and 10% of my money back from Suricata Safaris after the tour. This really does not make up for the difference in quality for the two tour operators.
Email Annelies | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
everything great
Everything went on time and correctly as agreed! Very good, friendly, competent and patient companion who drove us through the five days! We saw a lot and felt comfortable the whole time. Highly recommend and would do the same again. Ratios for price and services is top!
TR
Email Nihal | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
so happy to be a part of an environment where wild life is still respected
When you are choosing a safari company, in fact you are choosing a service to build up probably the most unforgetable trip of your life. I am happy that ours was a smart decision.
I should start with our guide Fredy: A very professional, knowledgable, cool and kind person! He spoke English very well, always gave lots of information about the animals, even showed their close-up pictures from his book, answered all our questions patiently, made sure to locate the car at the best angle for taking photos (and showing respect to people at the other cars and animals - which is so important to us), waited patiently while we took tons of pictures. Most importantly, he was more than a guide, a friend with nice character that we would like to have with us on a long holiday.
Our talented chef Chaz was a master. He always cooked very delicious food and made sure we had enough. He surprised us by serving tasty and special things very quickly even early in the morning. We will miss the excellent food we had during the safari. Also we will miss his joyful chats with Fredy.
We had a difficult time in choosing the safari company as there are about 1000 alternatives. When I decided on one and was about to pay, there had been a couple of things I did not like. I checked for an alternative and met Suricata. I thought it was a young company but experienced enough. Hilary answered my e-mails very promptly. He was flexible and did his best to tailor the programme according to our wishes. I noticed he is one of the founders and that made me feel more comfortable knowing that he will be there to solve any possible problem. I was right; there had been a small misunderstanding during the trip and was solved through a phone call between Fredy and Hilary. Paying the deposit was easy and safe and we did the rest of payment on arrival.
We were a family of 3 people and had an 8 days private safari including Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi (tribe visits), Serengeti and Ngorongoro. These 8 days were full of magic. Surprisingly, visiting the tribes was the highlight of our trip. We met Maasai, Datoga, Hadzabe, Makonde and Gidangodic people and had a wonderful time with them. We learned the way they live. We went to hunting with Hadzabe, jumped with Maasai, sang with Datogas who asked many questions about ourselves and our country and we were warmly welcome by all tribes. We keep the souvenirs mostly done and sold by women for ourselves as they are so precious to us and all are a great memory.
During those visits local guides Deo and Yusuf (sorry if I mispronounce) accompanied and helped us to communicate as the tribes' languages are different. Also there was an armed ranger (Ali) and his intern who accompanied us in Arusha National Park for a walking safari.
While deciding about how to use our budget before the safari, we preferred budget camping. Doing so, we could take a longer trip rather than paying more for lodge-stays. We are happy we did. But you might prefer lodges if you do not feel cool and adventurous enough. In Serengeti and Ngorongoro you hear voices of wild animals just around your tent. In our case, something rare occurred and lions tried to hunt two buffalos very close to our tents and one animal hit the tent. We were lucky as nobody was hurt (buffalos also survived) and now we have a story to tell all through our life. Also we heard steps of many zebras feeding around our tents in Ngorongoro Simba Campsite.
Choosing November for safari also has been a wise decision. Although it is short-rains season, luckily there was no rain. Also the parks and public camp-sites were not over-crowded. The herds had already arrived Seronera region so we were lucky to experience the great migration.
And yes, we saw all of the "big 5" but a safari should be regarded not as an experience of seeing; but as feeling. It is hard to describe how happy we felt during all these 8 days. In most of the world, people have built up plazas and cities full of unhappiness. With a human-centric point of view, they left no space for wild life. We are lucky people who experienced to spend 8 days at a place on earth where things are different. We were able to be a part of an environment where wild life is still respected and preserved. And we would like to thank Fredy, Chaz, Hilary and the rest of the Suricata team who helped this dream to come true. Asante sana!
Email Charlotte | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 3 day camping safari in Serengeti and Ngorogoro Crater
Suricata Safaris was recommended to us by some friends who used them previously and had a great time. After checking the positive reviews, we decided to book a 2 night and 3 day camping Safari through Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro crater. We’re so glad we did! Hilary (the manager) was very prompt to reply to all our questions via email and WhatsApp.
The safari itself was incredible; our guide Edgar was very informative, the chef Chaz cooked us tasty food every day and we saw all of the Big Five (and many more smaller animals) in just 3 days. Seeing a cheetah and and her cub was the highlight for me!
The campsites (Nguricho and Simba A) were basic but clean - both had working showers, toilets and a dining room. Wild camping was a great experience and seeing/hearing a herd of buffalo outside our tent overnight was exciting! We The tents, mattresses, pillows and sleeping bags provided by Suricata made sleeping comfortable and Edgar helped us to set them up each night. Tips are not included in the overall price and are optional - we were very happy to pay them for the great service provided! (Hilary recommends $10/day as a tip which is then split between the chef and the guide.)
I would really recommend this company for a budget safari.
CH
Email Alessandro | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari with Damian, Hakuna Matata!
The experience with Suricata Safari was truly excellent. All accommodation was of quality, transfers were made on time and according to personal needs. The guide Damian was very friendly and drove very well and the cook served delicious and refined dishes.
My partner and I were able to enjoy excellent travel companions and the days passed happily.
Among the places that I will carry in my heart there will certainly be the Serengeti park and the Ngorogoro Tortilis Camp where we were able to dance with the local people.
I recommend Suricata Safari and the safari in the parks of Tanzania.
An experience to enjoy the beauty of the Earth and a hospitable, genuine and warm-hearted people.
CZ
Email Antonin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely perfect !
3 Safari Tour (Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater) was propably the best experience in my life.
We saw all animals. We spent 3 days in wild nature with briliant guide Mandela, who knew every animal and their behaviour.
Big professional. We had also MasterChef Salum who made for us delicious food.
Accomodation was very clean and very beutiful. Also safe.
I can recommend to everybody.
Next time in Tanzania with Suricata !
AntonÃn Kordula
US
Email Michael | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
On Day 1, we were picked up from our hotel, which was not part of the Suricata network (but Hillary helped make it happen for us) and taken to a meeting spot, where we met up with our first guide, Max, who took us to Tarangire National Park. Max was very knowledgeable and gave us important information on the park itself and the animals. He was also super flexible, stopping anytime we needed to snap a photo or get a closer look. We then stopped for a delicious lunch (shoutout to Tito, who was our chef throughout the 4 days we were there). Unlike other companies who provided boxed lunches, Suricata provided a nice spread, which included a stew, rice, veggies, & fresh fruit. We then continued on our game drive after lunch, at which point we were taken back to our meeting point. There, a driver took us to the Twiga campsite. Overall, everything was very well coordinated; however, when we got to the campsite, our driver didn’t give us much information on where to check in. Luckily, another chef, James, helped us get settled in. Of note, Twiga offers both a tenting and lodge option. Our package included the camping, but seeing as how you’re in an enclosed property with no wildlife in sight (other than the Maribou Stork - one of the ugly 5), we decided to upgrade to the lodge. Worth a few extra bucks, in our opinion. We were also provided with a free walking tour of the village - an unexpected extra perk that gave an insight to the local village. Definitely recommend it.
On days 2-4, we had Rocky as our guide. He was an absolute rockstar. He took us to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro NP, & The Crater. He was an amazing guide - beyond knowledgeable about ALL the animals (especially if you’re an avid birder - we didn’t start off as one, but definitely ended as one thanks to Rocky’s enthusiasm and expertise). Rocky was patient, funny, accommodating, and just an overall great guy. Also of note, he has an incredible knack for spotting creatures from a wild distance. How he spotted that python on the side of the road, I have no clue! We were truly lucky to have him. Even when we decided last minute to do a hot air balloon ride, Rocky went out of his way to ensure that we were able to book it with ease. The Safari network is strong!
We camped on nights 2 & 3. Beyond worth it. We could have opted for a lodge on these nights too, but if you want to embrace the adventure of camping with hyenas, lions, giraffes, buffalos, and elephants, we highly recommend you go for it. You will be in great hands.
We had delicious meals throughout the safari. Tito cooked a special meal for breakfast, lunch, & dinner that highlighted local ingredients, which really enhanced the experience, especially if trying new foods is of interest. Also of note, one of our group members had a stomach ache on the second day, and Tito whipped up a special concoction that provided her with relief in a short 30 mins. He’s amazing!
As a final last touch, Daniel met us at our hotel at the end of the Safari to ensure that our tour met our expectations. He wanted to make sure we arrived comfortably and that we had what we needed for the next part of our stay in Tanzania. He was able to arrange private transport to the airport for us - definitely nicer and less expensive compared to any other option.
In short, if you’re looking for a Safari company, we would highly recommend Suricata. You’ll get a personalized experience and memories to last a lifetime. This is just the beginning…. (iykyk)
US
Email Scott | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lewis Rocks
The Driver made the difference. Lewis was safe, knowledgeable and more than experienced. We left from Arusha to Serengeti, then finished through Ngorongoro. Was able to see the Big 5 and the Ugly 5. Highly recommend and will do this again.
US
Email Kristin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
This was a trip of a lifetime for us. We saw all five of the big five and five of the ugly five. The accommodations were impressive with five star treatment. Chefs were outstanding. It’s worth upgrading accommodations. This was the best vacation with so many memories.
Email Debbie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding experience! Couldn't recommend enough.
The whole experience was incredible! From the driver and guide, food, accommodation, views and landscape and of course beautiful Tanzania and seeing the wildlife up close. Our guide Freddie was extremely knowledgeable! From questions about the animals, plants, and Tanzania itself, there was nothing he couldn't answer and made our experience what it was. The animals up close were great seeing everything from lions eating a kill to elephants, cheetahs and leopards. All our accommodation was fantastic too, sleeping in the Serengeti and the Crater hearing the animals at night. The staff at all the camps too were amazing, so attentive, friendly and welcoming - we loved the singing and dancing and the food was incredible, all 3 course meals. The picnics with the group at lunchtime too were also great and prepared fresh. The accommodation was of outstanding standard too, even in the middle of nowhere the facilities were great. I couldn't recommend Suricata enough, we were here for our honeymoon and already can't wait to come back for our anniversary to explore more, of course booking with Suricata and hopefully see Freddie again! And Tanzania in general - what a country! Would recommend visiting to anyone and experiencing the beauty and warmth it has to offer.