Dancing Zebra Safari
- Located In:
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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
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Email Heather | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Comprehensive and Quality Service
Dancing Zebra Safari helped us plan and ensure a wonderful experience with the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Rwanda.
There are many moving parts to traveling in Africa and I highly recommend utilizing a travel service like Dancing Zebra Safari to help navigate the details and logistics that are involved. Their local expertise allows you to relax because you know they've thought of everything and you can simply focus on the experience. Once all is confirmed, they provide very detailed information about what to expect, what to pack and what to consider as you're preparing for and executing the trip.
We had a wonderful guide, Jean-Marie, who is a lovely human who was knowledgeable and provided great service. We learned about Rwandan culture and developed a deeper appreciation for the country's history and spirit through the many hours we spent with him. We will never forget the immersive mountain gorilla experience. It was beautiful to witness them in their home and to observe their behaviors up close. Obviously you must keep your distance for a number of reasons, but it's an intimate encounter nonetheless. The staff at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel took great care of us and even provided foot massages and cleaned our hiking boots upon returning from the treks.
A suggestion for consideration is related to tipping. While tipping range guidance is provided and tipping is not mandatory, it's hard to imagine not tipping the locals who work so hard and provide such great care and service. To this end, it would be great if the tipping amounts were determined prior to the trip and included in the overall costs. This way, you don't have to carry a bunch of cash with you and can fully relax. This said, you will still want cash on hand for unexpected needs or unexpected tipping. For example, we weren't prepared to tip the gorilla or monkey trackers.
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Email Ken | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dancing Zebra Safari is the BEST!!!!
I cannot rave enough about Jessica and her team and just how thorough and thoughtful they were throughout the safari planning process and while we were on safari. We returned two weeks ago from Tananzia and my wife and I had the experience of a lifetime - and we owe it all to Jessica, Dana, Edsen and the rest of the on-the-ground team in Tanzania. Honestly, we can't stop telling stories to our family, friends and co-workers - to the point where we are probably getting to be a bit annoying!! :) Also, this is the second time I've worked with Jessica - about 18 months ago she planned a solo trip for me to Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas - which I also highly recommend!!
With this trip, we spent one night at Lion's Paw in Ngorongoro, five nights at Lemala Nanyukie Lodge and two nights at Baraza Resort and Spa in Zanzibar. There were two situations throughout the planning process where we had to make itinerary changes and Jessica and Dana were all over it - super responsive and supportive.
Each day started bright and early - on the road by 6am so we could appreciate the beauty of a Serengeti sunrise - and each day it was absolutely stunning!! Breakfast in the bush was just so cool and we were back to our camp by 1pm for an incredible lunch (7 hours in the bush each day goes by quickly!)....and regarding lunch, well every meal at Nanyukie was incredible! I'm a 'soup nerd' and all of them were just outstanding! The last night I asked to meet the chef because we were so impressed by him and his creations...he actually shared with me some of his soup recipes!! We also asked for local Tanzanian dishes on our last night and they made a feast for Edsen, my wife and me - it was all just wonderful...pilau, wali, ndizi-nyama, etc - all incredible!! The entire camp staff was so welcoming and warm...my wife commented that as much as she loved the safari experience and witnessing the incredible wildlife, what she loved the most were the people she met. They were all so thoughtful and caring -and they were also just fun to chat with...really great staff!!
Now onto Edsen - our driver, guide, caretaker and the man who can spot a cheetah in hiding in the tall grasses 40 yards away - he's amazing!! Not sure how someone can navigate the dirt roads of the Serengeti while keeping his head on a swivel so skillfully...we were in awe. Six days with Edsen went by very fast and we were sad to say goodbye to him - I've had a lot of private guides over years in a number of countries and some were really good, but none of them compare to Edsen. When you book with Dancing Zebra - if don't get the privilege of Edsen being your guide, then you will get Ian and I hear nothing but wonderful things about him too - we met him briefly at camp and he seems like an awesome guy.
The word I constantly use when people ask me about our safari is 'special'. It's so hard to put into words the experience of being in the vastness of the Serengeti and witness its beauty in some many forms and at the same time know you are in such great hands with all staff members and that you are truly cared for...this vacation will be hard for us top! And I'm quite certain we will take another safari in the future - and it will be with Jessica and Dancing Zebra!!! If there is a word to better describe just how much I highly recommend Dancing Zebra, then please insert here! :)
Thank you Jessica, Dana and Edsen, you all made an incredible lifetime experience so very special for Lindsey and me - and we are so grateful!
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Email Sarah Mason | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dancing Zebra was very thorough, truly cares about its clients, and has a passion for Tanzania.
Our experience with Dancing Zebra was fabulous from start to finish! We booked our Tanzanian safari + Zanzibar beach honeymoon through them. The trip was awe inspiring and unforgettable! 10/10 would recommend booking your trip with them. This was our first time to Sub-Saharan Africa, so we were unsure what to expect and how to get around. They made sure we were taken care of every step of the way and there wasn't any guesswork (which was a huge relief). Communication was clear, timely, and thorough. It was reassuring that they booked us at places they had personal experience with and recommend based on their own travels.
Edson, the driver we were booked with, was amazing! We adore him and will ask for him when we visit again. He is a wealth of knowledge, helped us find a good spot for photos, and has a great eye for spotting animals and recognizing the different bird calls.
We opted for more comfortable luxury lodgings, and the value for the pricing was excellent. Each location was wonderful, with meals included and comfortable rooms.
If you want an amazing experience all around and want to work with someone that truly cares and has a wealth of first-hand experience, then do not hesitate to book with Dancing Zebra Safari!
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Email Donna D. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jessica’s knowledge, passion and patience helped provide us a Tanzania Trip of a Lifetime!
Dancing Zebra Safari surpassed our expectations and provided an amazing experience which we will never forget. We began working with Jessica in 2019 to assist us with booking the right locations and route for our adventure through the Serengeti. She came up with an itinerary that would provide us variety, ample wildlife and the Great Migration. Life and the pandemic delayed our trip but, Jessica hung in there with us through re-bookings etc. and we were finally able to travel this year.
Jessica handled all bookings for our 12-Day trip, from detailed daily travel book, visa information, Lodges, in-country transfers, drivers and anything we needed during our stay. I felt we received great advice, recommendations, professionalism and superior service. Communication was exceptional and timely, accommodating with changes and happy to assist in a genuine way. She even arranged a private romantic congratulations dinner for us as we just got engaged to be married. We felt very well taken care of!
We spent time in Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Eastern and Northern Serengeti National Park. Our Dancing Zebra driver, Edson, was very knowledgeable and passionate about the areas and wildlife. He was dedicated to finding every animal we wanted to see and committed to providing opportunities to position us just right for a great experience. He did his absolute best to ensure we saw the Big 5, found cheetahs, lion cubs, and many more. Not only were we lucky enough to witness the migration, we saw 5 Wildebeest crossings complete with Crocodiles!
The accommodations Jessica selected for us were simply amazing, with views, plunge pools, tasty food, great wine, wonderful staff and excellent service. The Lodges and Camps were perfectly positioned for what we wanted to accomplish and absolutely incredible. We could not have asked for anything better.
We had a fantastic trip, I would not change a thing and we are looking forward to going back some day with family. I highly recommend going to Tanzania and working with Jessica at Dancing Zebra Safari for your incredibly well-planned adventure. She is the best!
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Email Amy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dancing Zebra was an absolute pleasure to work w/ & if I'm fortunate to go again it will be w/ DZ!!!
Before leaving for this trip of a lifetime, I was overwhelmed with the feelings of gratitude to be so fortunate and blessed to be able to experience such an amazing opportunity. Dancing Zebra and Tanzania did not disappoint!! I left this Safari and experience with even more gratitude and appreciation then I ever expected. On our drive to the Serengeti airport on our departure day, I couldn't keep the tears from falling as I reflected on my time on safari in Tanzania. Besides the beautiful, breathtaking and unique landscapes and most AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL animals, the people of Tanzania were beyond wonderful! For those who travel, we all know that it's the people that make the place. The welcome, the hospitality, the spirit and the smiles of the Tanzanian people were also a huge part of this special experience. And our most beloved Tanzanian....Ian, our safari guide! We were beyond blessed to have him guide us, teach us and share this experience with us. Thank you Ian for everything!!! We will never, ever forget you!!! You are truly the best! Although everything was beyond wonderful, this would all not be possible if it wasn't for our knowledgeable, caring and hard working tour operator Jessica at Dancing Zebra. Her passion for Tanzania and it's people shine through and her personable and thorough approach let you know you are in great hands. Jessica stuck with us through the trying times of Covid and delivered the most amazing, special and memorable itinerary one could ask for. I wouldn't have changed a thing and if I am so fortunate and blessed to be able to go on safari again, it will be with Jessica at Dancing Zebra. THANK YOU Jessica for your caring touch and your personable investment in making this vacation into what dreams are made of! I will never forget this one!!! MAHALO NUI LOA!!!
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Email Doug F | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you want a fabulous African Safari experience, book with Dancing Zebra!
We just returned from our trip of a lifetime - 3 weeks experiencing the wildlife and landscapes of the Serengeti as well as Rwanda to see the Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys. The entire trip was orchestrated by Jessica Mathews, owner of Dancing Zebra. We met with her, described what we were looking for, and asked her to map out our itinerary. We trusted her judgement and guidance and were richly rewarded! We spent two weeks exploring various parts of the Serengeti and photographing the fabulous landscape and animals. Our guide/driver had 16 years of experience in the Serengeti and considers it his "office". He loves his job and he is a master at it. He knows where the wildlife is, the best times to find them, and the judgement to wait or move on when the situation presents. In one case we spent an hour waiting and watching a leopard as she went from sleeping to her first kill of the morning.
And the tent lodges Jessica arranged for us were unbelievable! Tents in name only, they are secluded, comfortable, spacious..dare I say luxurious? With our own private porch from which to view the wildlife! Food and service were fabulous.
Jessica has built relationships with all the best people and operators in the area. She knows who the best are and only works with them. She travels to Africa regularly to keep tabs on the people and constant changes and has fallen so in love with the country. In fact, she's building her own home in Tanzania.
You won't find anyone with more personal knowledge, connections, and understanding of your interests. Book with Dancing Zebra!
CA
Email Priya | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Reliable, really understood our trip goals, put together the best itinerary, friendly, available
My husband and I used Dancing Zebra Safari to plan an 8 day itinerary in Tanzania. They were INCREDIBLE! The Safari itself was a dream come true - when the wildlife, people, and accommodations. More over, Jessica really understood what we wanted from our trip and planned an incredible itinerary. Through back and forth I felt she really created the perfect trip for us! She was also very accessible leading up to the trip with any questions we had and dealt with a flight delay so smoothly! Also the guide, Thomson was a HUGE highlight - he was so knowledgeable and it was a pleasure to spend so much time with him! We will be recommending Dancing Zebra to lots of friends and family :)
Epic Experience
This was by far the most epic and memorable experience we have ever had. From the planning to executing flawlessly on the itinerary, it exceeded our wildest dreams. From the airport pick up to drop off, they took care of all our needs. We literally worried about nothing! The amenities were five star and the food were delicious. The staff at all the camps were friendly and went above and beyond. Our guide Edson was not only a blast to hang out with but also found us the best animals to see. We are still in awe of this incredible trip. You cannot go wrong choosing Dancing Zebra Safari!
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Email Michelle & Randy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our guide was so well acquainted and formally educated in the wildlife, their habitats and behaviors
Our Africa safari was the trip of a lifetime! We celebrated retirement and while we had traveled extensively during our careers, a safari trip to Africa required special attention and we could not have managed without Jessica’s expertise at Dancing Zebra. Jessica’s many trips to Tanzania gave us great confidence and we relied on her suggestions when planning. She was organized and timely when responding to our many questions. Jessica checked in with us during the trip, which was unexpected but really nice. We also appreciated that the general managers and staff at the different lodges knew Jessica and were connected to her while we were traveling. Jessica prepped us on packing, tipping, visas, the food and the culture. It was all so well organized and exceeded our expectations!
Our safari guide Thomson was awesome. We spent 12 days together and he was so knowledgeable and patient with all the pictures and videos we took. He knew every animal, their habitat and behaviors. Thomson knew where to take us to see the Big 5 and made certain we experienced everything we came to Tanzania to see! We learned so much from him and left with a feeling of awe and education. We even learned a little Swahili from Thomson! he knew when to offer information and when to stay silent and allow us to just take it in. He was very easy to be with.
One of the many highlights of the trip was visiting Rwanda. We visited the genocide museum, the Dian Fossey Research and Conservation Center (watch Gorillas in the Mist) on the Ellen DeGeneres campus and trekked up a mountain to see and “visit” with a family of gorillas! Here too, the guides, porters and trackers were so experienced and knowledgeable. It was a visit that we’ll relive and remember forever! Jessica worked with us on planning all of it and we’d highly recommend Dancing Zebra if you’re thinking about a safari!
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Email KC | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Seamless and smooth safari!
We used Dancing Zebra to book an 8-day Elewana SkySafari in Tanzania. It was truly a well-planned, seamless, VIP experience. I particularly liked The Manor at Ngorongoro, which is an elegant property reminiscent of the posh Air Force Officer's Clubs of the 1930's. The game drives were outstanding, with plentiful up-close wildlife. Dancing Zebra kept us informed every step of the way, including a check-in mid-trip to ensure all was well. I would not hesitate to recommend or call upon Dancing Zebra or SkySafari for their outstanding vacation product!