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:
- $550 to $2,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Cindy G. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceeded expectations & we had challenging demands
To accurately set this up, we were on a cruise beginning in Ft. Lauderdale in January and ending in Capetown on March 25th. It wasn’t until we were on the ship that we started kicking around the idea of planning a safari once we arrived Capetown. We engaged Jessica in mid February, about 6 weeks before we arrived in South Africa. THAT means availability was very limited for that short notice. We were on a safari 2 years ago at Greater Krueger and wanted to add a few new countries to our count. We mentioned we’d like to visit Victoria Falls and then a few days safari. Jessica suggested a 2 night stay at Victoria Falls which allowed us to tour both sides of the Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia. We were challenging in that I refused any type of small aircraft or helicopter transfer and she found the perfect itinerary for us with land transports. We stayed 2 nights at Ilala Lodge Hotel which even provided a mini safari from our deck with visits from Elephants and Warthogs as a bonus. Next is a transfer to A &K Sanctuary at Chobe Chilwero Lodge for 2 nights with multiple land and water safari’s all of which teemed with many many sightings of animals and colorful bird life. The final piece was a 3 night stay at Tsowa Safari Lodge with deluxe river view tent accommodation. The accommodations were beautiful and very deluxe/luxurious. Food and service at each was superb. I came to the conclusion that the luxury tent at Tsowa Safari Island is not for me because of the critters that found their way into our tent (giant spiders, a few frogs, monkeys) and the monkeys that sat in the trees above our unit and path to our unit. We had #9 which was the farthest from the main lodge and as a result more secluded which I think made them more emboldened. Their presence also prevented us from feeling entirely relaxed as we sat on the deck watching the beautiful Zambezi flow by. BUT, the Tent itself and the Lodge area was beautifully decorated, the staff so hospitable and food service delicious. Additionally, the guides and manager, Gary, so knowledgeable and accommodating. The wildlife sightseeings were better than we ever imagined. I’ve already contacted Jessica for our next, a Zebra and Wildebeest migration in 2027. We we most impressed with how seamless all the transfers between the lodges unfolded. All were very prompt and drivers very professional.
US
Email Steve S. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Another fabulous trip with Dancing Zebra Safari Company!
This was out 8th trip with Dancing Zebra Safari Company, and one of the best! This time we went to South Africa and Namibia. We had heard from previous fellow safari goes that Bateleur Camp in South Africa was a great top-notch experience. So I told Jessica, the owner of Dancing Zebra, we wanted to go to Bateleur, and also to Etosha National Park in Namibia, which I have always heard about. So with these two requests, Jessica came back with a full itinerary at four different camps, with all the internal flights and transfers! This was a complicated one, but she is the best at planning and coordinating all the elements of a custom safari! She even arranged for someone to guide us through Johannesburg airport, which is huge and can be confusing. We felt like VIP’s being escorted through JNB!
Our camps in South Africa, Bateleur and Mali Mali, were on private reserves that bordered Kruger National Park. So being private, we could go anywhere, even get out and walk, and stay out as late as we wanted! So every afternoon game run ended in a night game drive, with the highlight being several leopard sightings at night! They don’t seem to be bothered by the spotlight. Both camps were great, with very good accommodations and very skilled safari driver/guides. We even had a rare sighting of a pack of wild dogs!
Then we were off for Namibia, and again at two camps on private reserves closely bordering Etosha National Park. We went into Etosha every day, and had many quality sightings, like 3 big male lions splashing through a shallow river, many rhinos, and waterholes that were alive with all the animals! One camp had its own waterhole with a hide, and rare black rhinos came to drink every night! Zane was our driver/guide the entire time in Namibia, and he really knew his stuff. He did an excellent job.
This was one of the best safaris, and we have two more booked with Dancing Zebra – In November, back to Tanzania then Rwanda for gorilla trekking, then next May, to Zambia!
When you use Dancing Zebra Safari Co as your agent, you get the best safari experience! That’s why we have been doing this every year.
ES
Email Antia Buhigas | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Dancing Zebra Safari: The Only Way to Do a Safari in Tanzania
Visited: Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha
Duration: 1 week
Travelling with: Multi-generational family (ages 40s to 80s)
This was my second time travelling with Dancing Zebra Safari Co., and I honestly didn’t think they could top the first… but they did, and then some.
This trip was incredibly personal for us. We were celebrating multiple family milestones: both my parents turning 80, my in-laws’ 50th wedding anniversary, and (for me) the final year of my 40s. We decided to mark it in the most unforgettable way possible: a full family safari adventure across Tanzania. From the moment Steven and Frank greeted us at Kilimanjaro Airport, everything just worked. Seamless transfers, excellent communication, and above all, a human touch that made us feel like we were in the best hands.
The guides
Steven and Frank are, hands down, the best guides known to mankind. Their knowledge of the land and animals was incredible, but it was their patience, humour, kindness and genuine care that made this experience truly special. They took the time to understand what each of us wanted, whether it was lions (my dad’s lifelong obsession), quiet reflection moments, or just being with nature, and somehow they delivered it all.
They were respectful of the animals and the environment in a way that made us admire them even more. Never rushing, never crowding. Because of their expertise and timing, we were often completely alone in the most remote locations, witnessing extraordinary wildlife moments with no other jeep in sight. That level of care and respect is rare, and it made all the difference.
Accommodation
Every lodge and camp was thoughtfully chosen. We stayed in places that felt beautifully remote, surrounded by nature, not crowds.
Wilderness Lodge was pure luxury: attentive staff, great food, comfortable rooms and unforgettable touches like a breathtaking picnic right on the floor of Ngorongoro Crater.
Lemala Nanyukie was like coming home. My mum wasn’t feeling well one day and the care and kindness shown to her was extraordinary. Warm, and genuine. That kind of treatment isn’t something you forget. The send off on our last night was simply beautiful.
The experience
We saw everything we hoped for and more.
A pride of 20 lionesses and their young mid-hunt. A leopard metres from our jeep. Rhinos, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, exotic birds – you name it.
But it wasn’t just the sightings. It was the space to feel awe. To look around and realise you're the only ones there. To laugh and marvel as a family. To see my dad's face light up in a way I’ll never forget.
If you’re thinking of doing a safari and wondering who to go with, for me, there’s only one answer: Dancing Zebra Safari and Jessica Matthews’ team.They get it right on every level: the logistics, the planning, the deep respect for Tanzania’s wildlife and people, and most importantly, they care.
Don’t overthink it. Just go.
You won’t regret it.
US
Email Marina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievable!
Our trip to Tanzania this past December holiday was a once-in-lifetime type experience. Jessica at Dancing Zebra planned the most amazing two weeks for us. Every detail was thought of. We were taken care of every step of the way. We traveled as a family of 4, our daughters are 19 and 17, and this was such a perfect age for the four of us to embark on our first African safari. We are so happy we chose Tanzania for our adventure. The lodges we stayed at were impeccable, the service was top notch and the 3 course meals and buffet breakfasts were outstanding. The real highlight besides all of the amazing animals we saw including all Big 5, and so many more, was our private guide Frank. Frank is absolutely the best guide ever. His knowledge about every animal, every plant, every location we hit along the way far surpassed anything we could have wished for. I literally cried the last day we had to leave Frank. The truck was fully stocked each day for us as well. I would highly recommend this 5 star safari trip to anyone who wants to explore Tanzania with the finest! It was truly a trip of a lifetime!
CA
Email Celina & Sang | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hands down the best safari tour operator in Tanzania
We cannot say enough good things about Dancing Zebras Safari. My partner and I felt extremely well taken care of from start to finish. Jessica is extremely responsive, and she personalizes and caters the safari itinerary based on what you're looking for. We didn't really know what to expect since this was our first time doing a safari trip and also our first time in Africa, but it was clear as soon as we arrived in Tanzania that all we had to do was enjoy the trip. Dancing Zebras Safari takes care of all transportation, meals, drinks, accommodations and beyond. The scheduling is also very well thought out (not overly planned so as there's no down time, but enough activities planned throughout the day that it feels like you're making the most of the trip). This was also our honeymoon trip, and Jessica & her team planned some beautiful sundowners and private dining experiences after our game drives. The whole crew really went out of their way to make this trip so special for us, and we are so grateful.
This trip is definitely worth the price! The accommodations were some of the best we've been to, and the service is top notch. Staying at a lodge completely immersed in nature (we saw giraffes and elephants from our room and waterbucks and buffaloes from our dining table) while still having access to attentive service, delicious food and beautiful rooms felt out of this world. We felt like we had an authentic safari experience without having to sacrifice on comfort.
We would be remiss if we didn't mention the service and the amazing crew that helped make our safari experience unforgettable (shout out to Damian, Esther, Greg, Wright, Carlos, Adolf, Martha & various others whose names we didn't catch). Everyone we met was extremely welcoming and kind. We especially liked that we were designated a team of staff during each of our stays so you get the chance to build a relationship with each and every one of them.
Last, but not least, the tour itself was insane. We saw so much more than we could ever imagine. We shared some special private moments with the animals which we will forever cherish. Our guide, Robert, was the absolute best. He has an endless knowledge of the animals, the park and Tanzania. We learned so much during our time with him, and shared many stories and laughs as well. He also has the best eyesight in the world. He can spot animals with his naked eye that we can only see with our binoculars.
10/10.
US
Email Heather | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Freddie was an amazing tour guide; very knowledgeable, fun and patient.
Dancing Zebra did a great job organizing our trip!! All the lodges we stayed at were fantastic! The staff was very friendly, inviting and helpful. It truly was an amazing experience.
US
Email Adam + Madison | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievably great honeymoon experience
Our experience with Dancing Zebra was absolutely fantastic. We did a 5 day safari in the Northern Serengeti followed by 5 days in Zanzibar on the beach. Jessica took care of basically everything outside of the flights for us, and set us up for an unbelievably great honeymoon experience. After spending a brief overnight in Arusha at Hamerkop, we went to Lemala Kuria Hills in the Northern Serengeti for our safari. The staff, food, and accommodations were fantastic and we felt so special and celebrated while there. A special shout out to Damian and Godwil for taking such great care of us while we were there. The safari itself was also so beautiful and a true life experience, thanks to our guide Steven. We got to see all of the Big 5 in one trip!! We then went to Zanzibar where we got to relax in beautiful Kilindi. We had a personal butler take care of our every need in a private villa there. It was the perfect combination of action / activity and relaxation. My wife and I cannot thank Jessica, the Dancing Zebra Safari, and the staff at Hamerkop, Lemala, and Kilindi enough for a honeymoon to remember.
US
Email Kathy Dean | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dancing Zebra Safari recommended and planned the most amazing experience ever!
Being on opposite sides of the US was no problem for us as we had zoom meetings and lots of email correspondence with Jessica (Dancing Zebra) prior to our trip. She even took care of issues getting our visas for Tanzania! Omary, Mesuli and the others at our first Lemala accommodations in Tanzania were amazing, always answering our many questions with patience and smiles. Then we took a bush plane into the Serengeti where we were met at the airport by Robert. This man was not only the most knowledgeable guide, but also a genuine and kind person who loved to laugh with us. He was our guide for the rest of the trip and was like family to us by the end of the trip. He always knew the best spots and the best times to see whatever animals we wanted to see on a particular day. Often when we returned to camp and were discussing our daily adventures with other travelers, they rarely had seen half of the amazing things we saw. The 2 mobile Lemala tented camps (Lemala Mara and Lemala Ngorongoro) were in beautiful places with such kind "butlers" who prepared our talking showers. All the Lemala staff at each location was amazing. So friendly, kind, helpful, and ready to do anything to make your visit meet your expectations. My favorite Lemala camp was Lemala Nanyukie Lodge. The accommodations were totally amazing - a 5 star facility in the middle of the Eastern Serengeti! One day we sat on the private deck of our quarters that overlooked the Serengeti watching the baboons playing in a tree. The daily safaris were the highlight of my trip because we always saw wild animals up close and personal. Possibly the highlight of all the animal sightings was when we saw 2 young male lions work together to try to take down a hippo in the Ngorongoro Crater. I was able to video the whole scene. The young lions were unsuccessful but their effort was unforgettable. (I was pulling for the hippo because I really didn't want to witness a kill.) The one thing I would leave off about our trip would be the Olduvai Gorge Museum. It was an awesome gorge to admire but I would rather have had more time in our next location. I guess it did break up the long drive to our final accommodations in the Ngorongoro Crater. On our last day in Tanzania it was wonderful to have a cultural experience in a village with local residents as guides. We rode tuk tuks, visited a local artist co-op and had delicious, authentic local food on a banana plantation. Then we headed to the airport for our long trip home. What a trip! Totally amazing, awesome, and unforgettable!
US
Email Kathleen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dancing Zebra made our safari the journey of a lifetime!
Jessica at Dancing Zebra listened carefully to what we wanted and created an amazing itinerary for our safari. She made recommendations based on her experience and put us in the perfect locations to experience the migration and experience the best of Tanzania. When one our group members missed a flight because of an airline snafu, Jessica and her team were right there to help her book a later flight and arrange transportation to catch up with the group.
Every aspect of our trip (accommodations, transportation, tours, guides) was exactly as described and communicated in the planning documents. The people, food, and accommodations at the Lemala Camps were outstanding. Our guide Frank was incredible. His expertise put us a step ahead of all the other vehicles for the best pictures and views. We learned so much from him and can't thank him enough for making the trip such an unforgettable experience.
I would highly recommend Dancing Zebra Safari and will be booking another trip with Jessica in the future.
US
Email Trish | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jessica at Dancing Zebra is knowledgeable and well connected to excellent operators in Africa.
Our tour set up through Dancing Zebra was excellent. Details of what we needed to take care of were well communicated. Information on each of our days were provided in an organized booklet we referred to often during our travels.
The places we stayed were excellent and our guide was a perfect match for our group. Two of the folks in our group were into photography. Frank our guide is a photographer and understood lighting and the best angles for taking pictures. He also knew animal behavior and often placed us just where the leopard was going.
We had once hiccup with an airline (precision airline) that impacted one of our group. Jessica realtime got her local contacts on board to help work the situation. As it turned out it was my daughter that had to spend a day in Nirobi. This event was harder on me than my daughter . This was the fault of the airline but it warmed my heart that her local contact Veronica kept in touch with my daughter through out the day ensuring she was ok until we linked up together that evening.
I give Jessica and her extended team that supported our tour high marks.
