Founder of Dancing Zebra Safari, Jessica Mathews
Dancing Zebra Safari
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- Africa Travel Association (ATA) & The International Ecotourism Society (T.I.E.S)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $700 to $2,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Leslie K | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our safari dream came true, thanks to Dancing Zebra and Jessica Mathews
A safari has been a dream of my husband’s and mine for years, but planning it seemed insurmountable until Zicasso connected us with Jessica Mathews and Dancing Zebra Safari Company. Jessica made our dream trip come true, more stunningly than we could ever have hoped. Just as important, she made it easy for us.
From our first phone call with Jessica our confidence in her grew, increasing with each of several iterations of our itinerary. She listened to what we wanted. Because we mentioned loving “Out of Africa,” she booked us two days in Nairobi at the outset so we could visit the Karen Blixen Museum and stay at the nearby Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages. Our time in Nairobi also included visits to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and The Giraffe Center, as well as a dinner with family friends. It also provided a chance to get our bearings after the long flight before transitioning to the actual safari segment of our trip.
Our time in Tanzania began with some moving personal experiences in the village of Mto wa Mbu, first at a school ambitiously educating hundreds of eager young students in the face of ever-present resource constraints Next we visited three homes where we were privileged to sponsor small solar electricity installations. These efforts are supported by Dancing Zebra in partnership with Lemala Camps, companies that invest ethically and generously in the people and country. These interactions added a measure of reality, texture and reflection to what was otherwise a truly luxury safari trip. That day, the campaign motorcade of the President of Tanzania swept through the village while we watched. Jessica had alerted us that it might disrupt our schedule, which it did not. This was just one example of her excellent communication with us before, during and after our trip.
Prior to leaving home, we wondered how we would connect with our guides and hosts along the way. We were amazed at how seamlessly we were able to make all the transfers. Everywhere we went, there was someone to meet us. Even the seemingly chaotic nature of the small airports didn’t faze us because there was invariably someone looking out for us. The one and only time we didn’t look for our greeter (though she WAS waiting and looking for us!) another airport employee took us under his wing until the right connection was made.
Every lodging Jessica chose for us had its own vibe, and all were well-appointed, hospitable and memorable, with staff focused on our comfort and enjoyment. Our two nights at Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp afforded an authentic camp environment in an ideal location close to the Crater. After giving us an amazing first drive in the Crater, our guide bypassed scores of picnickers and drove us to a secluded spot where five Lemala staff members had set up a tent for a private lunch for us, complete with grilled meats and a full bar. Back at the camp that night we put four tables together for dinner with new friends, followed by singing and dancing by the staff. Manager Winston, Evelyn and Emmanuel stand out, along with the first of many Maasai escorts we met.
Our second camp was ENVI Sisini Mara, a newly-opened camp that Jessica selected when a nearby Lemala camp wasn’t available. This “Plan B” earned an A-plus! Manager Anthony, Nicholas, Winnie, Naomi and especially our dedicated server, Shemeji — as well as many others! — took such great care to make our time there special. The chef at Sisini is a true talent. The food everywhere was delicious; here it was gourmet. On the third night of four, they upgraded us to the family tent (a fully-equipped, luxurious house). Everything they did seemed to be designed to surprise and delight us. (We joked to ourselves that they might be mistaking us for VIPs.) They welcomed us with song when we arrived and saw us off with more songs, hugs and exchange of WhatsApp contact information.
One morning of our stay in the Northern Serengeti was dedicated to a thrilling hot air balloon ride followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Jessica booked the region’s premier balloon company for our trip.
Our final accommodation was at the Lemala Nanyukie Lodge in Eastern Serengeti, another delightful camp with welcoming staff, a great gathering space and bar, and delicious food. Our suite was incredible, with full views out into the bush and visits from many animals. Among many wonderful staff member there Manager Wright, Emmanuel and Japhet made big impressions on us. While at Lemala Nanuykie we were treated to two special events, a sundowner out in the bush and on our last night there, a private dinner under the stars with a cake, singing and dancing for our anniversary. We ate with our guide in the light of lanterns hanging from trees, under the watchful eye of a spear-carrying Maasai guard and with the sounds of lions and hyenas all around us—magical.
Oh, I suppose I should mention that there were ANIMALS! We saw many lions, several cheetahs, a leopard in a tree guarding his kill from hyenas, countless elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, impala, hippos, pumbaa, baboons, gazelles, and birds of all kinds. One fleeting view of a rhino. And a dramatic Mara River crossing of zebra and wildebeest threading their way through a phalanx of waiting crocodiles. The Great Migration didn’t disappoint. There were so many wildebeest that our guide joked that if anyone asked how many we saw, we should reply, “ALL OF THEM!”
That guide was Frédérique “Fredy” Mkunde — the Magic Man. Fredy was with us for almost our entire time in Tanzania, which meant that on two days he dropped us off at an airport before driving for many hours to meet us at the next destination. Fredy holds an honored place among his peers for his deep knowledge of the land and animals, dedication to guests, sense of humor, infection laugh and booming singing voice. When Fredy was in the camp everyone felt his presence. On drives there were countless instances where he spotted a lion, leopard or cheetah from a great distance with no other trucks around. We were able to pull up closer than we thought possible, silently marveling at an animal, pride or herd without company. Late one afternoon he stood outside the truck and gave us a surprisingly comprehensive lecture on elephant dung. It turns out he was stalling while the Lemala team set up our sundowner close by! We had a good laugh over that, one of many. Leaving Fredy on the last day felt like saying goodbye to a family member.
It is clear from speaking with staff at all the locations we stayed that Jessica is well-known and respected there. They have affection for her, and know that she insists on quality experiences for her clients. These strong connections are why Jessica and Dancing Zebra are equated with the top level of quality in safari planning and execution. We have already recommended her to friends and give an unqualified endorsement to anyone with a safari on their bucket list. Our recipe for a guaranteed amazing safari? Hire Jessica and Dancing Zebra.
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Email GreginRI | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
From start to finish, the Safari was well organized.
The Safari, from start to finish was well organized, and orchestrated as described in our travel book. This included airport pick up, transfers, daily transportation, and all of the intermediary details that make for a smooth Safari operation. The staff at all locations was outstanding. The needs and entire satisfaction of the guests was their primary concern. Throughout the Safari, the meals were outstanding. There was never a concern about not finding something satisfying. The accommodations throughout were also outstanding. Friends and family couldn't believe what the outfitter is calling tents. They were very much impressed. Our tour guide Robert, was exceptional. I will call him "Robert with the eagle eyes". If there was something to see Robert would find it. Robert was cordial, interesting and a true gentleman. His main goal was our satisfaction. We never lacked for something to do. Daily excursions started early and ended by dinner time. This was our desire and there was no pressure from Robert to drive us toward any particular regional location and the time window was completely at our discretion.
The weather proved to be cooler than we expected at the beginning of October. Most of my time was spent with a wool cap, heavy sweatshirt and lightweight down jacket over it to stay warm. Except for the middle of the day, this was pretty much my attire for the full 11 day safari. My only knock on anything during the Safari was the transit between Arusha and Hamerkop house. We stayed two nights at Hamerkop house, with one day spent almost entirely at Arusha National Park. The 20 minute drive to the main road near Arusha is on a busy dusty dirt road that is full of potholes and required me to wear an n95 dusk mask during transit. While a majority of the roads throughout the safari are also on pitted and dusty roads (which I expected), I think this beginning portion of our Safari adventure could have been served better by Lemala having a lodging site closer to the main road near Arusha.
Overall, the Safari was an experience I will cherish and never forget. Orchestrated by a team that is a well oiled machine.
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Email Janet Ghio | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour was exceptional as were accommodations & guides because Jessica pays attention to details.
There were 5 of us who are good friends on our trip to Africa. The planning of Dancing Zebra (Jessica Mathews) was above and beyond our expectations. She offered good suggestions and listened to what we wanted to experience. We had 2 birders with us; all of our guides knew everything about the wildlife (including birds), their habitats, and shared with us their history, culture, and life experiences in their country. We laughed, we learned, and had an amazing experience. The accommodations were all exceptional as was the food. The service at each accommodations was so helpful. We always had the same waiter. When we were on safari, our lunch or breakfast (or both), was served on a table with a table cloth and chairs and each meal was delicious. We had private eating experiences as well: a private lunch while on safari with the staff from our accommodations preparing the bbq and amazing wines and a full bar, a farewell dinner with a bonfire and traditional Tanzanian food, a sunset appetizer with wine and other beverages in the bush. We did walking a walking safari, a night safari, a Chobe River boat safari, and, of course, we were in the Land Cruiser looking for animals, birds, and enjoying the African beauty. We saw the Big 5 and pretty much everything we wanted to see, as well as animals (birds included) that I knew nothing about. All of the details included in the planning by Jessica made for an experience that was so special. The staff at the various locations and our guides were warm and fun and had a wealth of information to share with us. We spent 11 nights in Tanzaniza, 3 nights in Zimbabwe (traveling to Botswana for a day to Chobe National Park), and 5 nights in Cape Town, South Africa. I am so happy we planned this trip with Dancing Zebra as recommended by our friends. I travel a lot and this was one of the best trips I have ever experienced.
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Email Lisa | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing adventure!
We recently returned from an amazing safari adventure in Tanzania, followed up by a few relaxing days on Zanzibar island. We had contemplated this trip for years but the long flight made it seem daunting. Friends of ours had worked with Jessica Mathews at Dancing Zebra Safari company in the past and highly recommended her, so I decided to give her a call. After a few meetings of discussing options and listening to Jessica’s recommendations (she’s very knowledgeable of the country), we decided on Northern Serengeti for abundant wildlife and then Eastern Serengeti as big cats (especially cheetahs) were high on our ‘really hope to see’ list. We decided on October as it would be less crowded as the Great Migration was nearing completion. We added on Ngorngoro Caldera as we had heard it was a special experience. Jessica arranged a number of extra activities for us including a balloon safari that added special moments for us. Jessica spoke highly of Lemala Camps and their guides, and we stayed at Lemala Kuria Hills (North), Lemala Nanyukie (East) and Lemala Osonjoi Lodge (Ngorongoro). The camps were amazing. They felt luxurious and you’d never know they run on solar power! Running water and the ability to take a hot bath in your tent was wonderful. The camps locations were incredible too - right in the Savannah with animals always nearby or traveling through. The staff at all three were fabulous. Friendly, helpful, kind, always smiling and it didn’t feel forced, it felt as if they all loved what they did, they were a family, and their camaraderie was infectious (special shoutout to Godwill, Jamu, Matthias, Wright, Abdul, Jafhet, Michael and Josephat). Oh and the food was wonderful too, including a delicious bush barbecue lunch in Ngorongoro! The staff at the camps communicate so people seemed to already know us when we arrived at the next camp. The local travel agency Jessica worked with was on top of all of our bush flights and transfers so we just needed to show up. Additionally, before we started our big Serengeti safari adventure, we spent two days in Arusha where we had landed after our flight. We had an issue (misunderstanding on my part) at our hotel and I texted Jessica - she and the local agents handled it with the hotel seamlessly. We spent two days in Arusha and Jessica had arranged some activities for us, and each driver/guide we had knew exactly what our itinerary was and just simply made it so easy for us! On our walking safari in Arusha National park with Steven we saw two male giraffes ‘fighting/necking’, and so much other wildlife. Steven was really great to spend our first day ‘on safari’ with. Stanley our driver was also always on time, and was entertaining with his stories and explanations of life in Arusha Town.
After our bush flights into the Serengeti, we met our Serengeti safari guide Frank Mshana. We spent 9 days on safari together, and he is the best … wonderful person, funny, patient with all of our questions (he knew all the answers!), very professional, and obviously knows the Savannah and animals well - he made this trip even more special. We very much enjoyed our conversations about life in Tanzania and sharing our experiences of our own life as well. We had so many wonderful sightings we got in the habit of sharing a celebratory drink with Frank at the end of each day. He called us his lucky charms as apparently we saw more than most people get to see! We saw more than we could have hoped for - four different male lions, a half dozen lioness and their cubs, including a lioness and cubs with their zebra kill and then her dragging the 1/3 eaten carcass at least 150 feet to a downed tree to hide (she dragged it two feet in front of our vehicle) - just awesome! Three different leopards including a momma in a tree with her two precocious 2-month old cubs that could not stay still, and four cheetah mommas and their cubs including watching one hunt and take down an impala right in front of us! Countless giraffes, elephants, zebras, hyenas, antelopes, wildebeest, warthogs, jackals and so many types of birds, hippos and crocs - even a black rhino sighting in Ngorongoro. Many animals up close, including elephants and giraffes, who are not afraid to get close to us as they don’t see humans as prey nor as predators. We are just ‘there’. In addition to all this, we were privileged to see lions mating, a wildebeest crossing, and three different Cerval cats which are rarely seen! So many ‘high five’ moments we shared with Frank. One thing I am so glad we did was to pay for our own land rover and guide rather than share a safari vehicle with others who stayed at the camps. The ability to do what we wanted, to have windows on our vehicle that we could close when it was dusty/windy or the couple times it rained I think made the whole experience more enjoyable. This trip wasn’t cheap, but it was worth every penny! We’ve had some wonderful vacations/trips over the years and nothing will ever top this trip. We highly recommend Dancing Zebra Safari and their partners in Tanzania, as well as Lemala Camps, and encourage you to just do it - you won’t regret it!
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Email Mary | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thank you for the joy!
I want to convey my appreciation to Jessica Mathews and Dancing Zebra Safaris for the careful curating of a wonderful first safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro (Tanzania) in mid-October. For many reasons, this trip was special for my husband and I and for our longtime traveling buddies. We knew it would likely be our last “big” adventure together. And it exceeded any expectations, both in experiences and the feeling of connectedness with place and people and landscape it left me with.
A safari had been my dream since about age 6, as a tomboy who grew up riding logging roads in rural North Carolina with her daddy in his truck, looking for deer, bear and anything we might find. The Serengeti did not disappoint. I loved being an insignificant human in the animal world, I loved being and living in the out of doors, I loved the endless horizon and being immersed in watching what the beautiful and amazing creatures in that world do.
I also loved the warm, smart and funny Tanzanian people we met, from those helping us to those informing and protecting us, to the residents of Mto wa Mbu village who welcomed and waved at us and the preschool kids who swamped us with loving gestures. Wow.
We have traveled enough to know the difference between ordinary experiences and extraordinary ones. Authenticity is that difference. That comes only from guidance by someone who knows the landscape and the right people and who is dogged about getting clients the right experience. And, someone who is respected by the folks in the place being visited, as Jessica Mathews clearly is.
From a practical point of view, Jessica kept in communication with us and gave us valuable advice throughout planning and throughout our journey. By virtue of distance and experiences, it was not an inexpensive trip, but we received incredible value for the money we spent. Jessica and our hosts and guides provided highly practical information about planning, preparations, what to expect, what to pack (we followed Dancing Zebra's list almost to the item) and how to handle any difficulties. All were attentive and accessible throughout the process and trip.
Thank you, Jessica and Dancing Zebra. I loved that part of the world. I would go back every year if I had the money. It changed me. And, it was fulfilling in a way I have found it difficult to pinpoint. I am now connected to Africa and the Serengeti and Tanzania in a way I’ve not experienced with other places I’ve visited.
Our theme for this trip was “Finding the Joy.” We found it and brought it back. The bumps we experienced were just bumps - the joy will last and last!
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Email Chris Chan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jessica, while being attentive, arranged a top-notch safari vacation that was unparalleled.
A Heart Full of Africa!
Even though we tagged along on this trip after it was planned by our neighbor and her Canadian friends, it felt like the trip I've been waiting to take my whole life! Jessica and her crew at Dancing Zebra Safari Co. arranged a 5-star trip to four African countries: Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Before departure, Jessica was patient with me while I asked a million questions. She provided us with great advice and a fabulous, full itinerary. The trip was planned to perfection, and even when we missed a flight due to a traffic jam, a plane was available for us that same afternoon!
Of the four countries we visited, Tanzania was my favorite. Our safari drives were made incredible by our experienced, passionate, knowledgeable, and amicable guides. Steven Mwakajumba was our exceptional guide for five glorious days! He anticipated some awesome animal interactions as we traversed the bush, and ensured our spotting of the Big 5. He shared great photography tips and techniques as we tried to capture the beauty around us. He was our guide and translator for our visit to a Maasai boma. What an incredible experience that was! As we learned amazing details about animals, plants, and cultural traditions, our group formed a special bond with Steven. We wanted to take him with us to the Serengeti! He seemed to want to come, too, both for our sakes, and to check up on a male lion for whom he has a fondness, and has named Tishala.
Our Serengeti guide, Mokili (The Elephant Whisperer), was also a blessing. Like Steven, he had a great love for his country, its traditions, history, and the flora and fauna of the incredible bush. We learned so much from him! He tailored our experience to what we wanted to see. We spent a morning with the wildebeests so that we could see them crossing the Grumeti River! I can still hear the soundtrack of their grunts!
After our game drives, we came back to migration camps that were picture-perfect! Talk about radical hospitality! There was always staff available to welcome us back to camp, offer wet washcloths for a quick freshen-up, and ask about our days. We had butlers, room attendants and escorts who served us with warmth, caring, and dedication. Shout-outs to our beautiful butlers, Juma, Josephat, and Rashid! Such exquisite service! The accommodations were as comfortable as they were elegant. Imagine waking up to the rhythmic grunts of hippos at the nearby river! The meals were phenomenal! One chef, Zakia, shared a recipe for house-made muesli when we asked her about it! One particular night (our last one) stood out at Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp. Rashid arranged for our group to have a private dinner on a secluded deck with a fire pit overlooking the bush. We were served delicious Swahili food, family style. After dinner, the kitchen and wait staff paraded out and sang us the Jambo Song, complete with drums and clapping. What a treat! We felt like the most important guests to have ever stayed there!
In Zimbabwe, I enjoyed the Mbano Manor Hotel's staff, and loved the food there. We saw loads of cool birds right on the property! Ruvimbo, Jabulani, and Praise were stand-outs! Themba was a good guide for Victoria Falls. He helped us find some great birds on or hike to the falls. Our game drive in Chobe N.P. was enhanced by our competent guide, Tau. A shout-out, too, for two drivers who had such easy laughs, good stories, and great information about local interests: Bheks (Bhekinkosi) in Victoria Falls, and Bat (Bathandwa) in Cape Town. In Cape Town, I especially enjoyed the Tree House Boutique Hotel. Sheila, Elton, Prince, Zukiswa, Melody, and Asisipho took good care of us! (And they did it with love and passion!) David Williams did a nice job as our guide on the Cape Peninsula tour.
I believe I left part of my heart in Africa. The part that came home is full to bursting!
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Email Julie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome experience
Being our first African trip, this was way out of our comfort zone. My husband researched which company to go through and due to the great reviews landed with Dancing safari, dealing with Jessica Mathews. The experience could not have been better. She gave us many options and suggestions from which we were able to book a trip of a lifetime. It was an amazing experience with her guiding us all the way. Any questions or issues we had before or during our trip she was always available with answers and suggestions. Could not have been happier with her responsiveness and ability to help us plan our perfect trip.
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Email Judi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dancing Zebra is very organized, thorough, and knowledgeable.
Jessica was very knowledgeable, accommodating with flight changes, shared a great tool to calculate tipping, a packing list. The meet and greet to skip the customs line was well worth it after the long day of travel. The driver and guides were all amazing! They were happy to stop whenever we wanted, answered all our questions worked so hard and succeeded at finding all the animals we wanted to see. Ladies, I do recommend checking to see if parks have bathrooms.
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Email James | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The complete attention to detail and to us, made us feel like royalty!
From the moment we started planning our safari, we had Jessica’s full attention. From the preferences survey to the advice on the actual travel; to the personal discussions about what we wanted from our safari, I felt like we had a completely personalized and top-notch experience. Our camps and guides were way beyond my expectations. I truly felt like royalty from the time I stepped off the plane until we got back in the plane to head home.
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Email Anuja Patel | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dedicated, knowledgable, passionate and very attentive!
A huge thank you to Jessica and Dancing Zebra for planning a trip of a lifetime!
We had an incredible experience and it was truly everything we were hoping for and more. The trip was truly personal to me.. it’s been 42 years since I left my birthplace and I can’t tell you the emotions I felt thru out. I suddenly felt at home as soon as I landed. My Swahili suddenly came back.. I was craving foods I haven’t had in a while.. nostalgia was everywhere. To able to share the beauty of the country and the warmth of the people with my children was so special for me. Everything Jessica planned was meticulous .. from the accommodations, to the guides to the transfers .. was seamless! I’m in awe of the knowledge of the land and wildlife that our guides Frank and Bosco shared with us. Their warmth, their kindness and humor was so genuine. We felt truly immersed in the beauty of the land and kept yearning to see more each morning we left for a game drive. They showed us everything we were hoping to see and more.
Every accommodation we stayed at was exceptional. We were greeted by song and dance and warm smiles everywhere we stayed. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed. Each and every staff member interacted with us and genuinely made us feel at home.
We are truly grateful to Jessica and her team for giving us a trip we will forever remember. Jessica listened and planned and executed an incredible itinerary tailored to all our wants and needs. We have travelled to countless places over the years and I can say without reservation that this has been my favorite trip of all time.. THANKS to Dancing Zebra! Already counting the days till we can visit again!
