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
Email Heather | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Steven James was transformational for our family’s experience in seeing Tanzania-truly the best.
From the moment we were met at the airport every person made our trip, welcoming, special, insightful, and fun. We were treated to incredible generosity and lavish accommodations, as well as truly meaningful human interactions. We never had to worry about a thing beyond appreciating how much was being done for us at every return. It made seeing the country and meeting the people extraordinary. I cannot say enough good things about Dancing Zebra and in particular Stephen James, for changing our lives. Our family is forever in their debt and inspired by our first visit to Tanzania.
Email Ed and Linda | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Listened and took our thoughts and desires made them into an unforgettable adventure the Serengeti!
Our recent journey to the Serengeti with Dancing Zebra Company was nothing short of spectacular. From start to finish, every detail was meticulously planned, ensuring an extraordinary safari experience.
Our guide, Frank, deserves a special mention for his exceptional expertise. We were amazed by his knowledge of the wildlife. We were thrilled to be able to tell everyone we saw the Big Five. One day in the Central Serengeti, he took us on a day-long adventure to watch the migration, and we topped the day off seeing a leopard with its prey in a tree. Wow, what a day. We had no idea there would be so many different species of birds. It was as if Frank knew every species by heart, right down to their distinct calls. This deepened our appreciation for the Serengeti's rich biodiversity.
Our stay at Lemala Resorts was beyond our wildest expectations. The accommodations were luxurious, yet seamlessly blended with nature, offering breathtaking views from our rooms and the main areas. The staff were remarkable; their hospitality and attention to detail contributed to an exceptional and personalized experience. From delicious meals to cozy, well-maintained lodgings/tents, every element was thoughtfully prepared. We would like to especially call out Adam at Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp and this team, who ensured we had a spectacular lunch on the crater floor. A great addition to your safari adventure. Our stay a Lemala Nanyukie was made spectacular by Wright and Tabitha, to name a few. The sunset during our sundowners there will be forever imprinted in our memories. Our time at Lemala Kuria Hills was awesome because of Seth and Josephine, and the entire team. The private sundowner there was awesome as well. The balloon ride by Serengeti Balloon Company is a must.
To anyone considering a Serengeti safari, I highly recommend Dancing Zebra and Lemala Resorts. The Coffee Lodge was amazing as well, John our water and manager ensured we had a spectacular time. A call out to Thomas, the bartender, who made us some spectacular drinks. The combination of expert guidance, exceptional service, and the stunning beauty of the Serengeti makes for an unforgettable adventure.
Thank you to the entire team for creating such a monumental experience.
Email Kristen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy and delightful from start to finish!
We had an amazing time on safari with Dancing Zebra! Jessica and Abdullie did a great job with the early planning stages - they were responsive to our needs and requests, plus they just seem like nice people. The itineraries are presented in an easy to understand and visually appealing way. Plus, their local connections really help with planning and pricing; they were checking in on the properties and local partners in person while we were organizing the trip, which made us confident in their recommendations. The safari itself was effortless on our end and we ended up really enjoying the itinerary they had recommended. Our vehicle, guide, and lodging were superb! Dancing Zebra checked in during the trip to make sure everything was going okay, but we really had no response other than thank you! I would definitely recommend using them for your safari.
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.
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.
Email Erin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazingly thoughtful and there for us 100%
Quite honestly, I was a little hesitant to book with Dancing Zebra because I had trouble finding online reviews, but I couldn't be happier that I booked our honeymoon through them.
From the very beginning, Jessica was flexible with our budget and needs and gave us an excellent recommendation for a 6-night safari. Every aspect and every quesiton was thoroughly covered by both Jessica and Abdullie. They gave us a full breakdown of what to expect each day from both the driver/tour and the accommodations through both an online portal and a customized pamplet that gave tips on everything from the details of the accommodations to tipping customs to even what to pack for the trip.
We actually ran into a problem with a self-booked flight heading into the safari--the flight had been cancelled without any notification to me or my husband. I contacted Dancing Zebra to let them know, and Abdullie was all over it, even though the flight had not been part of the itinerary that Dancing Zebra had covered. He was able to get in touch with the airline that cancelled and helped to ensure that I was booked on another airline to get to Kilimanjaro Airport to be in time for the start of our safari.
While our guide, Peter, was amazing and knowledgeable throughout the entire trip, the most enjoyable part of our trip was our stay at the Nasikia Naona Moru camp in southern Serengeti. My husband and I were thrilled with how luxurious the tent was (the epitome of "glamping"), but what really made the stay was the staff. They were so kind and thoughtful--I had the flu throughout the entire stay and they made sure I had enough fresh ginger tea to cure an entire family with the flu. The last night we were there, they made us a special dinner outside, underneath the stars. The staff sang and danced us a farewell song and we had such a wonderful time!!!
I cannot thank Dancing Zebra enough for the amazing honeymoon that we had.
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!
Email Brian H. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Planning a safari can feeling daunting, but Dancing Zebra was fantastic and handled every detail.
Dancing Zebra was wonderful to work with. Jessica's knowledge of Africa and Tanzania combined with her attention to detail and desire to please her clients, made our experience a 10/10 from start to finish. Just give Jessica an idea of what you're looking for and she will put together an itinerary that exceeds your expectations.
We did an 8-night safari (Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti), plus 3 nights in beautiful Zanzibar at the end of the trip. Every camp/hotel we stayed at was perfectly suited for our needs with good food, excellent service, and luxurious accommodations. Lion's Paw Camp and Siringit Camp were simply spectacular and I cannot recommend them highly enough. The staff at both places will welcome you with smiles and make sure your every need is met. Our safari guide/driver was Robert and he is THE BEST. There is no one else I would trust more to navigate those confusing, complex bumpy, and sometimes muddy roads of the Serengeti. Robert is a walking Wikipedia page of knowledge about the Serengeti and the animals. He made sure we saw EVERYTHING.
As for Zanzibar, I strongly recommend it as a way to wind down and relax after the safari. We stayed at Baraza and it was exceptional in every way. The spa will change your life. It's hard to imagine a more perfect resort anywhere in the world.
Email Malachy Walsh | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Working with Dancing Zebra Safari was terrific: personal, thoughtful, responsive, great.
It was the biggest trip of our lives, and likely the last one we be able to get both our boys (14 and 17) to take with us as they move on to college. So it meant a lot. And we had tons of questions.
We couldn’t have been in better hands.
Jessica called us right away to talk through what we were thinking about. Her itinerary took us from Lemala’s Hamerkop House in Arusha to Treetops at Tarangire, Crater’s Edge at Ngorongoro, then to Lemala’s Kuria Hills Lodge in the Northern Serengeti and last, a day at the Coffee Lodge in Arusha.
Every place we stayed seemed more amazing than the last and the staff everywhere was so so good.
And better, one of us is a serious celiac (gluten allergy), and everywhere we went the chefs took care to prep meals to accommodate.
Did we see wildlife? Yes, we were fortunate to see all the big 5 (including a long encounter with a leopard at Ngorongoro), but even more fortunate to spend our time with Steven James, a guide who was funny, engaging, and super knowledgeable about what we were seeing. (We really laughed a lot!) A truly good hearted man who clearly loves the world he was sharing with us. A hit with both our teenage boys.
Last, the days we visited the Masai and the city of Mto wa Mbu (River of Mosquitos) were insightful, fun, and world-opening. We appreciated everyone we met — whether in the rice fields (that is HARD work!), the Boma, or the banana plantation (amazing lunch there) — and the way they gave us an idea of every day life in Tanzania. Worthwhile in a deep way.
Jessica, thank you. And thank you, Steven. And everyone who took care of us from the moment we touched ground at JRO to when we left 11 days later.
