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 Sarah | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A hand-held, wonderful tour through Tanzania’s wildlife parks
At every step along the way our family of 5 were cared for and attended to, with special attention given to the kids that was so meaningful! The accommodations and the food were excellent, but it was the attentive staff that put it over the top - both at the resorts and while out on safari. We saw SO many animals! My youngest kept a log and had 52 bird sightings alone in our first park area! We saw lions and leopards and zebras and elephants - all within 10’ of our vehicle!!! Tiny pairs of dik-diks and antelope were abundant. Hippos, giraffes, flamingos, baboon troops, a chameleon, warthogs, even an albino Cape buffalo…we saw a ton of animals bouncing on and off roads. Our guides listened to our hopes and then went looking with their experienced eyes and we saw more than we thought we would. Dancing Zebra Safari set us up for a wonderful tour from even before leaving with good advice on what to pack, etc. Our only challenge on the tour was figuring out how tipping works in Africa. The guide we were given did help, but wished we had read it more thoroughly before leaving so we were prepared with more small bills/cash. If you want a wonderful safari, we highly recommend Dancing Zebra Safari to set you up for the trip if a lifetime!
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Email Darren Cook | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible and life changing experience with Dancing Zebra!
I traveled to Tanzania with Dancing Zebra Safari this past February and it was the experience of a lifetime. This was my first journey to Africa and it was unforgettable. My first camp was at Ngorongoro Crater and the time spent there was magical. The next several days where spent in Serengeti National Park. The accommodations at Lemala Endutu and Nanyukie were first rate. The food was exceptional and the wildlife viewing was everything I hoped it would be. As a wildlife photographer…I had hopes of seeing and photographing a wide range of species. The big five (Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant) was on my short list but I was interested in seeing more and did my guide Ian Kiwelu ever deliver. I was thrilled with the number of species we found and photographed. I can’t stress enough how phenomenal Dancing Zebra was in their attention to detail. Everything about my Safari was impeccably managed from the time I touched down at Kilimanjaro Airport to the time I left for home two weeks later. Jessica Matthews was such a pleasure to work with and I’m thrilled to say that I have booked a return trip with Dancing Zebra in 2023! If a once…or twice in a lifetime Safari is on your bucket list….contact DZS!
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Email Eileen & Mel Neville | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Dancing Zebra Safari Company will help you plan the perfect trip to Tanzania
If you are thinking of a trip to Tanzania, wait no longer! Contact Jessica Matthews, owner of Dancing Zebra Safari Company now! She will help you plan the trip of a lifetime! The trip can include not only the best safari, but cultural experiences you will never forget. Tanzania is truly a beautiful country of loving people. And there is no better place than the Serengeti and its abundance of wildlife.
We just got back from our second trip to Tanzania. This time we went to the central Serengeti, and we stayed at a beautiful tented camp in amazing surroundings, ate delicious meals, and had so many wonderful animal encounters. There are many, many large cats in this area, and of course, a multitude of other animals. Just like our first trip to Tanzania that Jessica planned, this trip was perfect in every detail, and everything happened just like it was supposed to without one flaw.
Jessica and Dancing Zebra specialize in trips to Tanzania. Tanzania is Jessica’s second home, and she makes frequent trips each year to this beautiful country. She knows the best places to visit, and the perfect camps and lodges in which to stay. The guides she uses are amazing: friendly, lovely human beings, proud of their native country, know the wildlife and eager to share their wealth of knowledge (animals, birds, and plants) during game drives, and always willing to answer questions. They strive their hardest to make sure you see everything you could possibly want to see and more. It seems to us that they are usually the first to most viewings and are always sharing their found sites with other guides from other companies.
We can’t say enough about Dancing Zebra Safari Company. Jessica is the perfect person to work with in tailoring your trip just the way you want it within your budget. She is easy to work with, always willing to answer your questions, and provides extremely excellent recommendations and service. She tries to make sure that everything you are looking for has been addressed and that you have the perfect Tanzania experience: the safari of your life.
We hope to return to Tanzania again, and when we do, we will call Jessica at Dancing Zebra. We know what a wonderful, perfect trip she will plan for us! Can’t wait until next time.
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Email Steve S. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Our fourth amazing safari with Dancing Zebra. Thanks to Jessica Matthews!
On this trip we went to Botswana and Zimbabwe, and it was originally planned for June 2020, then of course, Covid hit, and countries closed down. We postponed a few months, then had to postpone again, and then again! And this is where it really pays off to have an outstanding travel agent like Jessica Matthews. Every time we considered postponement, we talked it over with Jessica, and she advised, gave us options, and then quickly rebooked everything. And after two years we finally went this June! I should note though, that during the two years of postponements, Jessica quickly booked us on two Tanzania safari’s instead, since Tanzania had less complicated entry requirements. So we did not miss any safaris due to Covid! We actually went on MORE!
This trip was awesome! Jessica has all the connections with the safari industry in Africa to set us up in the best locations. We visited Victoria Falls first, and it was as spectacular as ever. Then on to the 10-day safari in Botswana at 4 different camps. Chobe—Moremi—Savute--Makgadikgadi Pans. They were all excellent. The camp staff sang and danced for us before dinner each night, which led to a very festive feeling, which was quite enjoyable.
All our safari drivers were amongst the best. Very knowledgeable and able to find the animals we were looking for. Highlights would be the four lion brothers eating their buffalo kill for two days, a rare encounter with a pack of wild dogs, a leopard kill, and the cruises on the Chobe River, where herds of elephants come down to drink. Also, the many other lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and all the African animals you expect to see.
Another great feature were the sundowners every late afternoon before returning to camp! That really added to the enjoyment factor.
So this was another great adventure, and we are looking forward to our fifth safari with Dancing Zebra in Sept 2022, and back to Tanzania! Jessica and Dancing Zebra are simply the best at custom safaris!
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Email Alyson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jessica loves Tanzania and is very knowledgeable and thorough when creating custom itineraries.
My husband and I visited Tanzania on Safari for two weeks to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. It was a trip that did not disappoint. We visited the Ngorongoro Crater, the Eastern and Northern Serengeti, and Tarangire National Park where we stayed at 4 different Lemala camps with beautiful accommodations, delicious food and wonderful service. We went on daily game drives with a great guide who knew the territory and shared interesting and informative facts about the animals. We saw so many animals, including several that are less common to find. Our guide had “good people sense” and could pace us according to our energy level on a given day and what we wanted to do. He also had good suggestions for maximizing the experience.
Our favorite animals were the cheetahs, elephants and the famous river crossing of the wildebeests (which we saw twice!).
The only thing we would change about the trip is to shorten it by 2 days. We saw so much during our time that we didn’t need the extra days. Overall it was a once in a lifetime trip we will always remember!
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Email Mel & Eileen Neville | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Jessica Matthews is exceptional and considerate as she listens to help you plan your perfect safari!
How do we begin to describe our amazing 14-day safari adventure to Tanzania planned by Jessica Matthews of Dancing Zebra Safari Company? Perfect!
Jessica is an exceptional woman with whom to work, listening to everything one might want to do in Tanzania, while offering her insights from her numerous visits and connections. Because we had originally planned to go in August, 2020, we had lots of time over two years to have many questions and changes, and each was addressed by Jessica with much patience and understanding. Our safari turned out to be the PERFECT, expertly-planned combination of a Tanzanian wildlife and cultural safari. Every single detail was covered, and there was not the slightest glitch.
When we arrived at Kilimanjaro, we were met by our guide Ian Kiwelu, who looked after us expertly and professionally for the next two weeks. Each evening the three of us planned our tentative schedule for the next day. Ian is an exceptional guide with a kind, loving spirit. With his keen eyes and exceptional knowledge of the bush of Tanzania, Ian made sure we saw everything we wanted to see and more – animals, birds, plants, landscapes. He always made sure we had the best positions for viewing the animals, and he spent as much time as we wanted while he explained so much about the animals and their habits. He truly is the best! He has become more than our guide, as we consider him a friend with whom we have continued to stay in contact.
Our adventures included starting at Lamala Hamerkop House in Arusha, hike to a waterfall at base of Mount Kilimanjaro and coffee farm visits in Arusha and Moshi, Nomad Kuro Camp in Tarangire National Park, Nomad Entamanu Camp at Ngorongoro Crater with a Maasai boma visit, Lamala Tented Camp very near Mara River, Lamala Kuria Hills Tented Lodge, and returning to Hamerkop for one-last memorable day in Arusha basking in our memories and visiting with our new African friends.
One of our highlights was viewing three major Mara River crossings, the first less than a half-hour after we landed at Kogatende Air Strip in the northern Serengeti. Another was sitting in our comfortable 4x4 photographing lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, hippos, African buffalo, etc, etc. Some only an arm’s length away. We even saw a black rhino from a distance in the Crater. Yes, we saw the Big Five, but so much more! Another real highlight was getting to visit with and befriend some of the hosts and servers at our camps and lodges. It was wonderful learning about their homes and families. Because of their hospitality, kindness, and openness, we felt like we became part of their extended family.
The camps and lodges we visited were all exceptional. We were treated like VIPs at each camp whether a mobile camp or luxury lodge. We joked between us that we were sure they must have thought we were someone else, someone really special. The food was delicious, and every meal was exquisitely presented. The chefs were amazing! Several of our delicious meals, breakfasts and lunches, were packed so we could spend most of the day out in the bush. Although each camp was different, whether we had a hand-filled bucket shower, an exclusive outdoor shower, or a glass, tiled-lined indoor shower, every camp -- service staff, food and accommodations -- exceeded our expectations.
Thank you, Jessica, for planning our safari, PERFECT in every way!
Mel & Eileen Neville
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Email Steve S. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tanzania safari
Travel company: Dancing Zebra Safari Company
This was my fourth trip to Africa and the most rewarding. Jessica from Dancing Zebra met with us twice (we live in the same city) and went over all the details and delivered everything on the itinerary, even when she had to do some last minute shuffling around so that we would have a night time game drive. She is very good in planning trips and specific itinerary. She knows Africa, and especially Tanzania.
And Ian, our Guide/driver was excellent. Almost always, he found the animals we set out looking for, even wild hunting dogs, which are very rare in the Serengeti. The Serengeti is huge, but he knows it like I know my backyard. He was giving directions to several other drivers who were lost. He is the best guide I have had in all my trips!
Very happy with Dancing Zebra and Jessica and Ian.
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Email Walt & Carol G | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well planned fantastic safari exceeding all of our expectations
Jessica at Dancing Safari's was fantastic to work with in planning our 4 week trip to Africa. My wife and I, along with another couple, have been trying to plan a trip to Africa for over 3 years. The 4 of us are all experienced travelers in our early to mid 70's who travel 4 to 5 months per year and have travelled extensively all over the world. In recent years we have done Antartica, Manchu Picchu, Galapagos, Brazil, Peru, Turkey, Europe and many other places and are not easily impressed. This trip exceeded all of our expectations and is now our #1 all time trip. We have traveled many times together and have never had problems planning a trip ourselves, however we found planning a trip to Africa to be very difficult on our own. First came trying to figure out: what countries to visit, then when to go (to both see the most, avoid bad weather and avoid the bugs), what types of camps to select, how long to spend at each safari camp, how to travel between camps and how to arrange the entire process with minimum wasted days. We tried working with several travel agents at agencies like AAA and other packaged tours advertising on travel sites like Travelzoo, and other companies packaging small tour groups.
Over the past two years we went to the Los Angeles Travel Show where we conferred with various tour operators. Finally we met Jessica at her both in early 2018. We also met with several other tour operators. After exchanging emails with several of these safari tour operators it was clear that Jessica was both the most responsive and knowledgeable and really worked at understanding what we wanted. Whereas other operators tried to steer us towards their own product Jessica worked at finding something that met our desired experience and budget. Although we wound up spending more that we originally budgeted, we had a truly unforgettable experience.
We selected a trip which included 8 days in Tanzania, 8 days in Kenya, 4 days in Botswana, 2 days in Zimbabwe, and 6 days in Cape Town (our friends didn't join the last 8 days). This length trip required extensive coordination amongst over 10 different lodges and arranging both the the air transportation and all the ground transfers. This included over 22 flights. During the planning stage Jessica provided frequent updates and was meticulous in ensuring that everything was planned correctly. The result was a seamless trip where everything went exactly as planned. We were met at every airport with staff who were always on-time and waiting for us. Luggage was handled for us. Unlike other tours planned by organizations like Tauck and Micato, we had a private tour for the four of us (not on first part in Tanzania where we had 4 others on the private charter airplane, but for Kenya we had the whole airplane to ourselves). Our safari tour vehicles were Toyota Land Cruisers or Land Rovers. Although most operators we saw operating out to the same lodges packed their vehicles with 6 to 9 people, we never had more than the 4 of us. The lodges we stayed at in Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana were all 5* quality. The food, service and staff were outstanding.
The safaris were incredible. By the end of the second day we had seen all the big 5 and so much more. Each new camp kept building on the experience.Out game drive guides were extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating. We were worried that spending over 3 weeks on safari would be too much and repetitive. Not so. Each location was unique and memorable.
As for cost, although it was a very expensive trip, when we compared what we paid with others who went on similar itineraries (Tauck and Micato) , we paid considerably less and got a lot more. Overall we would give Jessica and Dancing Zebra our highest recommendation. Although we went high-end I am sure Jessica would also do a great job for those wanting a lower budget trip.
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Email Renee | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing- best vacation ever. Thank you- Dancing Zebra Safari Co.
Thank you Abdullie for putting an amazing Tanzania Wildlife Safari and Beach Holiday package together. I can’t say enough about what an amazing experience we had on this trip. The safari started in the Ngorongore Region for 3 days, and then on to Northern Serengeti for 4 days. The last 3 days we went to Zanzibar and stayed in a wonderful ocean front villa to relax for the long flight home.
The safari guides were excellent ( Juma and Lorrie) kudos to both of them. Eliya was our excellent personal butler in our luxurious tented camp of &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas.
The most memorable experience: The last day of our safari we finally saw a Rhinoceros and my husband snapped some pictures. We also saw the Big Five and The Great Wildebeest Migration (incredible)
Jessica updated us during the last few weeks before our trip on additional information- Visa for Tanzania, baggage allowance, tipping guidelines etc. I would highly recommend Dancing Zebra Safari Co to anyone planning an African Safari.
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Email Bob and Rita, Whittier CA | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dancing Zebra helped us select , then organized a trip that in all ways exceeded our expectations
When we and the couple we frequently travel with decided to plan a trip to Africa, we contacted Jessica Mathews of the Dancing Zebra Safari Company, whom our friends had met at the LA travel show. Jessica was a pleasure to work with, being very helpful and extremely patient with our initial uncertainties regarding which countries to visit, when to travel and what kinds of accommodations to book.
Once we settled upon visiting several sites in Tanzania and Kenya, plus the Chobe River in Namibia in late September and early October, Jessica efficiently handled all of our bookings, including transportation from each site to the next.
We and our traveling companions needed to make separate arrangements getting to Tanzania where our safaris began, and out of Namibia where the trip ended for us. Jessica had no problem coordinating two sets of rather complex travel plans, ensuring that we were met at each new location by someone representing Dancing Zebra. She also maintained contact with us throughout our trip, to ensure that things were proceeding as planned.
Our safaris took us to Tarangire, Ngorogoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Parks in Tanzania. In Kenya we visited Amboseli, Meru and Masai Mara National Parks, while in Namibia we enjoyed daily river excursions on the Chobe River.
All of our accommodations were of uniformly high quality with friendly staff, very good food and excellent knowledgeable guides, who led on several game drives each day.
We were fortunate enough to see large numbers of wildebeests and zebras crossing the Mara River. Other highlights of the trip were close-up viewing lions, leopards and cheetahs dining on their kills. We even were able to closely follow lions and a family of cheetahs as they stalked their prey. We were also fascinated by the many hundreds of elephants we saw at nearly all of the places we visited. Finally, we left home with little thought of birds, but having seen and photographed such a wide variety of them in Africa, we now have a new-found interest.
We were delighted with what Jessica and Dancing Zebra arranged for us, and will happily recommend them to any of our friends interested in a trip to Africa.