Vimat Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $40 to $910 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
ES
Email Álvaro and Mariona | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES OF OUR LIVES
My wife and I went to Arusha to do a 5 days 4 nights Safari with Vimat Safaris. Since we wanted to live a full experience, we chose a tent safari among the three possibilities (luxury, lodges or tents). We preferred to talk to different local agencies directly instead of doing it in our country because it is much more expensive when you need intermediaries to book it for you. We decided to book the safari with Vimat because of 3 main things: the price, the service and the personnel. Vincent is such a nice person and helps you out with everything you need. In a sign of gratitude, we wanted to post a very descriptive comment, because they are a growing company and it was a bit difficult for us to find some valuable information about them (although everything we found was 5/5).
Reservation -> All the reservation was made via email. It was a fluent conversation and Vincent kindly answered all our questions really quick and adjusted to our need of safari, even though we had to change the dates of our trip. In order to book the safari, they asked us to pay a deposit of 20% in advance. Vimat works with different foreign currency accounts, which makes it easier to do the deposit. We had some issues because of the bank but, thankfully, everything got solved and Vincent was really helpful solving the problem. The most important thing for us was that Vimat only offers private safaris, which in the first place does not seem that important but once you are in the safari, you really appreciate the privacy and space.
Arrival at Arusha -> Vincent was at the airport to pick us up with our guide Rama so that we could meet before starting the safari. They also came with the same car we were going to use for the trip. They drove us to our hotel and helped us with getting a sim card for the safari days. We arranged the meeting for the next day in the hotel to start our safari.
Car -> The car had all the needs to enjoy a full safari experience. It had enough space to bring all the tent accessories and luggage we brought. The seats had such space to be comfortable all day long. The car had an open roof that Rama kindly prepared each day so that we could have a full view of the animals and landscape. The car was equipped with two international plugs to charge our phones and camera.
Tent -> Rama (our guide) and Emmanuel (our cook) built our tent once we arrived at the camping sites. We had two thin yet comfortable mattress with two pillows that made our rest easier. They also offered sleeping bags, but we carried our own. The tent had sufficient space to fit the mattress together with our luggage. It was a really roomy tent.
Food -> Emmanuel first asked us if we had any special allergies or intolerances in order to prepare the menu. Once we arrived to the camping sites, Emmanuel offered us everyday some coffee or tea and some popcorn. Lunch was usually packed to eat at the different parks, and dinner was served at the camping sites. Even though the food was delicious, Emmanuel always made more food than we could eat, maybe it is a cultural thing, but it actually surprised us. He also took care of us preparing two bottles of water per person in the car.
Camping Sites -> The camping sites chosen by Vimat were really nice places in the middle of nature. They all had bathrooms and showers with hot water.
Guide -> Rama was a really nice person and experienced guide in Tanzania. He knew all the places to go and the best ways to get to see all kind of animals. He was very kind and worried about us so that we could stay with the animals we saw as much time as we wanted and trying to look for the best angle to see them and take pictures.
Parks -> In our program we wanted to do Lake Manyara, Taranguire, Ngorongoro and Serengueti. It was perfect because we could see all the different parks very well. However, if we had to rate the different parks, we would say Ngorongoro and Serengueti first, Tanranguire second and Lake Manyara in the last place. If we had known how it was going to be, maybe we would have tried to enjoy one more day in Serengueti because it is such a big area that we could not spot the different parts in only one day.
We hope this will help many tourists to clarify if this is the kind of safari they want to experience. We could not be more happy with Vimat, a really trusty and reliable company which wants to offer the best safari to their clients.
US
Email Patti and Gary | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Far exceeded our expectations
Our first safari experience was phenomenal. I was apprehensive about selecting a safari and feel extremely fortunate that I choice Vimat Safaris. Vincent was quick to respond and help customize our trip. The trip from the beginning was incredible. Our tour guide, Peter went out of his way to create the best experience for us. It is obvious that Peter has a passion for wildlife and we benefited. We were able to enjoy a diversity of lodging experiences including a coffee plantation and luxury tents; all extremely nice. We highly recommend Vimat Safaris.
DE
Email Kirsten | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
best company ever
Was more than 4 times with Vimat Safari. Perfect, amazing support and a very professional driver. If I come back will never go with a other Company.
RU
Email Alsu | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was absolutely wonderful
We are so appreciate Vincent for such a good experience. Everything was excellent from the beginning till the last minute of our journey.
First of all I should say that Vincent was in touch and answered very quickly every time when I sent him messages. He asked what kind of food we prefer, it was important because my husband is vegetarian. He also explained everything in advance and sent to me detailed plan of our next 3 days. He also met us at the airport the day before safari and took us to the airport at the last day.
On the first day of safari early morning our guide Bonfas met us in a hotel. He was very polite and friendly and helped us with sim-cards and hotels during safari. He is really good guide and found the best places to make photos and show us great views. He was really aimed to show us all animals. So we were lucky and even saw Big 5 although the hippo was toooo far and we saw him in glass. I still can't understand how he so him while he was driving.
Four days later after safari Vincent also helped to organize a Kilimanjaro climbing for my husband.
So we really recommend this company and I'm sure that you will have a great experience with Vimat!
US
Email Alma & Edward | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent, professional and personalized service. We will never book with anyone else.
We were very happy with our Safari. Our experience was personalized to our wishes, and Vimat was responsive to any changes in schedule. They were flexible, friendly, and professional. We will definitely go through them again. We were very happy.
RU
Email Timmy | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very very Good!!!
Everything is good. From meeting at the airport to interesting stories about animals and local people! Our guide Piter is the best guide in the world) we saw the big five only in two days. We were at the tarangiri and Ngorangoro. I Highly recommend this company!
EE
Email Ivar | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect safari.
It is difficult to add anything new to the reviews here. Correct and pleasant administration, professional and cordial guide, beautiful and original accommodation. We felt safe and secure throughout the safari. We highly recommend!
CZ
Email Leona | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything went well and smoothly!
We had an amazing time on Safari. Vincent adjusted the program based on our wished, we did both lodge and camping and was great. Our driver Boniface had a perfect eye for the animals and was very knowledgeable! I recommend 100%.
IT
Email Amanda | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable, professional, friendly tour operator
My two parents, boyfriend and my two younger children (ages 7 and 5) enjoyed a eight night northern Tanzania circuit tour in June 2021 and it was absolutely incredible. All of our three lodges and one glamping type camp were over the top luxurious. (Think infinity pool overlooking the open Serengeti.. Wow!)
The owner, Vincent, responded to my emails immediately throughout the entire planning phase and also while we were on safari. I wanted to add another night to the beginning of our trip and it was no problem at all. Vincent also made all the arrangements for our COVID tests needed to fly out at the end of our trip.
Peter was our guide and driver for the entire trip and was fantastic. He was a very experienced guide and knew so much. Also, he was great with my children and my elderly parents. Not only did he know about every single animal, but he knew his birds, which was perfect because my father is an avid bird watcher. Vincent and his company is a newer safari group but don’t be fooled because they know exactly what they are doing and are super professional and helped us at every turn. I learned with all my other safari company quotes that even the more expensive safari groups use the exact same lodging places and the same 4 x 4 Jeeps, but were quoted unreasonably higher. I highly recommend Vincent and Vimat.
AE
Email Dave | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Trip of a lifetime!
We are a family of 4, with 2 teenagers and selected VIMAT at short notice for the 5-day luxury safari. Well, it turned out to be the trip of a lifetime with childhood dreams of the Serengeti being experienced in reality, truly amazing.
Vincent, the owner of VIMAT, responded quickly on both email and WhatsApp and was very helpful in setting up the trip, especially with accommodating last minute changes as we lined up our flights and the connections. We were met on arrival at Kilimanjaro airport and completely looked after until our departure. All the accommodations and arrangements were flawless including the arrangements for pre-departure COVID testing in the middle of the Serengeti. The results were ready within 48hr.
A huge shout out to Peter our guide: He was fantastic! He has in-depth knowledge of the area, an incredible ability to spot game and is like a textbook for bird identification. This trip was more than just seeing wildlife, it was about experiencing the endless Serengeti plains and refreshing our minds. Unlike some tour operators that are limited by a set mileage Peter had free range and this meant that we travelled extensively to areas that were more remote and were witness to some incredible game viewings as a result.
We highly recommend Vincent Matari’s company VIMAT and would definitely use their services again in the future.
