Asseri the founder with clients at Ngorongoro
Orongai Africa Safari
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Tourist Board
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $145 to $750 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
ES
Email Sorrell | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an awesome time I have just had and yes it was on a budget!
My sister and I were very nervous about booking a safari and the Orongai (tall sleeping man) staff made it comfortable and and as clear as possible. We booked a private 4 day safari to 3 of the parks and village walking tour and camping. So, camping first (or should i say glamping) compared to an English site was amazing. Raised and sheltered canvas tents with beds about 7-8 feet from each other so you have privacy but you may still need earplugs if you're a delicate sleeper. They shower facilities were good and clean and a wood stove so there was even hot water! Food - DVD was our chef for the tour and we had home cooked food coming out of our ears- i really don't know how he managed to make fresh bread and cakes on charcoal...they were delish! The parks - our driver Franc was the most patient and knowledgeable man who was very easy to get along with and made sure we always felt safe and secure and well looked after. He knew all of the other drivers at the parks and they shared sighting with us and he with ours which meant we saw so many of the animals we had hoped to see. You must remember this is a safari and not a zoo, the animals decide if they want to be close to where the jeeps are allowed to be because they are free...truly free! So go armed with good binoculars if you want to see the rhinos which we managed to thanks to Franc spotting them in the far far distance. We had very close encounters with elephants, lions, hippos, zebras, giraffes, monkeys of all variaties, hyenas, jackles, wildebeest, gazelles, impalas, eagles, butterflies and so much more! Unfortunately not the leopards but that was just they way the cookie crumbled! So if you are booking, all the firms use the same roads within the parks so it is all down to the personal service you receive....and what we received was top-notch!
Email Ferne | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime trip made real!
We booked with Orongai from the uk in March 2018, after much painstakingly researching on the web. There is such a a vast choice of tour operators that it can be very overwhelming!
Orongai offered the itinerary that I wanted, four days three nights with NO Serengeti visit, which is almost impossible! Martha was our point of contact at this stage and he was most helpful in quoting for the set trip as well as possible amendments that I was enquiring about. Sadly my budget couldn't stretch to the latter request but the 4 day trip was reasonable and I was happy with the communication I had received thus far.
I paid a deposit for 50% of the total trip and started planning the rest of our stay in Tanzania.
When the time came I reached out to Martha just to touch base and confirm the final payment and also to check that card payment was acceptable as I don't like carrying alot of cash. He confirmed it was and offered a pick up service which we declined.
On arrival to Arusha I reached out again to arrange our pre safari meet up and again Martha was lovely and prompt with his response. I also requested information on a possible balloon safari as my friends and family had collected some money for my birthday and that was a dream option! He suggested Serengeti for the balloon but I was adamant that it was Tarangire I wanted to fly over. He said we could discuss at the meeting.
We met with Asseri after a little confusion as to where the meeting venue was! He was friendly and accommodating. He pulled out the itinerary and it wasn't what I had booked. It was one that included Serengeti. Fortunately I had a copy of the one Martha had sent me when we first booked. He was instantly apologetic and after conversing with Martha we were able to rectify the problem and we were back on course for the agreed itinerary.
It then came to light that the remaining balance was to be paid in cash, again I explained that Martha had agreed that card was acceptable and that I did not have the cash due to this. Asseri was calm and explained that their PayPal was out of service (no reason given) but instructed us to go to Barclays where the large amount of dollars we wanted would be obtainable. It was Sunday so the bank was closed.
We agreed to meet there in the morning and the final payment could be made before we set off for the Safari.
All the way through this transaction both Martha and Asseri were calm and forth coming with solutions. Being so far away from your home and way of life can be stressful and confusing but they made us feel at ease and placed under a wing!
After meeting in the morning to exchange money, we set off for our first park. We changed vehicles halfway and left our amazing cook to head to camp.
Our guide Frankie was not only full of knowledge and had amazing English skills, he was kind and considerate and alot of fun. He had just come to us from finishing another Safari but was still as enthusiastic and accomodating as if he had had a week's rest!
The experience of the safari itself has left me with little words. I am humbled by the animals and the locations. There is definitely nowhere else like it on earth and I am honoured that I have been able to experience it. I would recommend at least one trip for everyone as seeing the animals in their natural habitat is life changing.
The trip was enriched further by Frank's knowledge and love and respect for the animals and for his clients. He helped us track the elusive Rhino! Amazing!
As for the campsite, we stayed at Haven Nature for the three nights. I don't think that was on the original itinerary but I'm so glad it's where we were based. It was central to all three parks (Tarangire, Ngorogoro crater and lake manyara) and the amenities were perfect for a glamping experience. We had hot showers, electricity and beds! Perfect!
But what made it home for the three nights was our amazing cook Dvd. He fed us like kings! And all from a wood fire! He was hospitable, fun and caring! We must have put on a stone in just three days! Plus he baked us a cake!! He is an amazing baker!
So all in all I would like to thank the entire team at Oronagi Africa Safaris. We had the trip of a lifetime which became so much more because of them!
I would recommend them to everyone!
Asante Sana!!
US
Email Ginger | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
AMAZING Safari!!
My friend and I booked a mid-range 5 day African safari with Orongai and it was truly the best trip I've ever been on! Before the trip, the office staff at Orongai was prompt in responding to our emails and answering all of our questions, as well as tailoring our safari to our wants and needs. When we arrived in Arusha, we were picked up by our driver, Fredrick, who was amazing!! He was our driver and safari guide for the entire 5 days and he was polite, highly knowledgeable, trustworthy, and made our trip really fun! We visited Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater-all absolutely breathtaking! I had seen pictures of these places before, but none of them were as beautiful as seeing it in real life. You really have to see it to believe it- both the landscapes and the animals so up close and personal! We saw cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, gazelles, and many more. The accommodations we stayed at were all very nice tented camps (all with AMAZING views!!) with friendly staff and yummy food. We enjoyed meeting people from all over the world and getting a taste of the local Tanzanian culture! One thing (among many) that we loved about Orongai is that it is a locally owned company- owned and run by Tanzanians! I highly recommend booking with Orongai and hope you, too, enjoy a trip of a lifetime! If I ever make it back out to Tanzania, I will be sure to use them again!
NZ
Email Trevor and Faye Strange | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything we hoped for.
From the first contact and organising of our Safari with Martha, to the Safari itself we are very happy to endorse Orongai Africa Safaris. We had a wonderful experience that was made even more memorable with the experience and friendship of our guide, Goodluck.
US
Email Davin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable safari and amazing experience
My safari with Orongai was literally one of the most magical experiences I’ve had. Everything far exceeded my expectations. The accommodations they picked for us were amazing as well as the safari itinerary itself. We also had the BEST tour guide! Frederick was amazing. Friendly, easy to talk to, and incredibly knowledgeable. If you want to have a truly amazing experience with real Swahili hospitality and know that what you’re paying is truly giving back to the community, book with a Tanzanian owned and operated company! Orongai is the way to go!
US
Email Laura | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect honeymoon in Tanzania
We had an amazing experience with Orongai Safaris and they planned the trip of a lifetime for our honeymoon! Martha was wonderful to work with. She responded immediately to any questions that I had and worked with our budget to create an itinerary that visited all of the places that we wanted to see. Upon landing in Arusha, we were warmly welcomed by a ride service though Martha. The driver was so friendly and knowledgeable that we mistook him for the actual tour guide. We got in late at night and it was already dark. We were tired from our travels and not sure exactly what to expect - strangers in a new place. Martha met us and explained the details of our weeklong tour including accommodations and transportation, as well as all other questions and concerns that came up in the conversation. She made a point of saying how we would become “friends” with our driver, as we would be with him all week, while being very friendly herself - asking us about our wedding, our travels, and making an effort to get to know us personally. We didn’t think much of that as everyone we had encountered to this point had been hospitable and welcoming.
Our tour guide, Andrew, took us to three major stops throughout our week with him. He was friendly and welcoming from the minute we met him to the final hug and handshake at the end. A lot of this trip involved transportation to and from different areas. Our driver broke up the trip by teaching us everything we could possibly want to know: the different areas we were going to, the animals we would see, how the change in season changes animal behaviors, the towns/cities we drove through, Tanzanian culture and history, etc. He made stops at all the major points of interest and identified many great picture spots for us. Throughout the tour, his ability to sense and find animals and behaviors never ceased to amaze me. There were times I felt like he was in contact with the animals as his leading was so accurate. We saw every single thing we asked to see, even a lion hunt, which we were told are not very common. He was also helpful in guiding us through animal behaviors that we otherwise had no clue about, such as where they lived and if they would hunt, move, rest or interact, at times being able to anticipate these patterns before they developed. At the same time, he was always accommodating us - making sure we weren’t too hot or cold, making sure we could go to the bathroom, getting us vegetarian meals, and always allowing us to have a say in where to go or how long to stay in a particular place. Sure enough, by the end of the week, we were sad to go our separate ways from the driver and do feel that we became friends with him. If we were to return, we would specifically request him as our driver again.
The lodging accommodations were incredible, and each place is worthy of its own review. Martha placed us in three completely different places, each with a unique charm and offering of Tanzanian culture and people. We were even upgraded to a nicer place that we had anticipated staying in on the first night of our safari. The one consistency was the hospitality of all the staff we met, so much so that even with the exotic animals and amazing landscape, one of the strongest impressions of Tanzania I am left with is how nice the people were. As I said, Martha made efforts to get to know us personally. The first night of the tour was my birthday and as a complete surprise, Martha informed the staff working at the lodge. During dinner, the staff (every member of the staff) came out in a line, danced through the crowd and sang songs. They stopped at our table when they sang Happy Birthday to me while giving me with a cake with candles on it. The food was great at all three places and each catered to our vegetarian diet with no problem.
At the end of the trip, Martha visited us late Friday night on her own time to check in, see how our trip was, and make sure we had transport to the airport. She greeted both of us with a hug, and at that moment, the “you will be made friends” mentality she introduced to at the beginning of the week made perfect sense. She did a wonderful job giving us a great, unique experience - visiting a variety of locations, staying in great lodges, giving us a great tour guide, and making sure we were comfortable throughout the trip. The trip was priced very well. I would (and already have) strongly recommend this exact trip to anyone, at any age, interested in safari in Tanzania. We have already made informal plans to revisit during the wet season.
Great experience!
We booked the Safari for 5 days to visit Tarangire Park, Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Park. It was a great experience and we are so happy with the company.
We booked a private safari that included a private car, chef and guide. That was a good decision. Both were very attentive to our needs and preferences.
The day before to start the safari, when we arrived to Arusha Airport, a car from the company brought us to the hotel. Afterthat, they came with us to the hotel, where we could ask the last questions before depart the following day.
We chose to sleep in Public Campsites. The Public Campsites are located inside the parks, for this reason you can listen the animals during the night. There the chefs cook and you sleep in tends and sleeping bags. In the Campsites there are toilets and showers, but without hot water. This is the price that you have to pay for sleep in the middle of the park.
During our Safari we could see the Big Five and all kind of animals! Moreover we demanded to our guide to see the sunrise and the sunset and he took us to special sites.
The transfers by car from one Park to another Park were long, but you have another options, like do it by plane.
That was the first Safari and for this reason we had many questions, but the company answered us every questions and the emails.
When the Safari was over, people from the company came to the hotel to do the last feedback and checked that everything was okey. Also they offered to took us to the airport the next day.
That’s a great experience and we are very happy. We could meet other tourists that they had bad luck with their chefs and guides from other companies.
Thanks Orongai for this experience. We will repeat for sure.
NL
Email Kristi T | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent customer service and focused on my personal wish list!
I traveled with Orongai Africa Safari for 2 weeks in June/July 2018. They helped arrange everything on my wish list which included tours and diving in Zanzibar followed by safari on mainland, Tanzania. Martha is fast and thorough in her responses and always worked for my interests versus a set agenda/plan. Her warm personality sets the tone for the company and makes you feel like you are a friend and not just a customer. The logistics of the trip were all organized and at an excellent pace. The vehicles were reliable and perfect for the terrain and a special shout out to drivers Azizi (Zanzibar) and Noel (Mainland) who were friendly, professional and highly knowledgable! I learned so much about local culture and the animals. Accommodations were excellent throughout the entire trip. I could rave on about the trip and everything I was able to do and see! It was a trip of a lifetime and I thank Orongai Africa Safari for arranging all of it. It was everything I wanted and even more. They even surprised me with cake, champagne and beautiful flowers on my birthday! It is the thoughtful approach and personal touches that set Orongai Africa Safari above the rest! I highly recommend you contact Martha and her team at Orongai if you want to experience Africa your way! :)
Email Cesar G | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari with Orongai!
Everything was perfect, Martha answered very quickly to all our questions before the Safari. Once there everyone very helpful and nice. Our guide Frank was one of the best points, he knows a lot about animals and bush in general, so it was great. When we come back we will repeat the experience with Orongai.
AR
Email Emily | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!
Everything was wonderful. We had a really delightful time, highly recommended.