Crater Explorer Tours And Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $185 to $550 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
HU
Email Judith | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable, responsive.
Emanuel was very responsive and reliable. We choose mid-range group safari. Accomodations were good, some quite luxurious, some tented in the middle of the Serengeti. We saw every animals. The only annoying thing was we were put together with tourists who booked with other operators so they had different accomodations and we spent a lot of time transporting everyone to and from their own hotels. I would recommend booking a private Safari with Crater.
Be careful - we were switched company for an inferior tour not what we paid for
Bitterly disappointed - be very careful with this company.
Leading up to our trip, Emanuel was very helpful and responsive and planned what seemed a great 4 day safari trip. A nice route planned to share out a lot of driving with game drives. Early starts at 6.00 which is what we wanted as there’s more to see when doing early game drives. 6-7 hours a day game drive sounded perfect. Nice reviews.
Sadly the day before we started the safari, it all started to go wrong. Emanuel came to our hotel to collect the cash balance due. Then informed us that as he hadn’t sold all places he had moved our booking to another company…. Assured us it would be equally as good. As we were now in Tanzania with no hotel etc we had no option but to accept.
Later that evening he called to say that one of the three couples on the trip were doing a 3 day safari not 4, so to accommodate them the route was changing????
This resulted in the first day no less than an 8 hour drive to the Serengeti to then have 2 hours game drive viewing animals. Not the 2 hour drive followed by 6-7 hours game drive.
We were then dumped at our camp site as they also mixed couples from different accommodations so they had to leave us early to take the other guests to their accommodation.
Day 2 - advertised as 06.00 start and 6-7 hours game viewing. We were collected at 07.45 so missed all early morning viewing. We then returned to the site to collect the chef at 10.30 so less than three hours game viewing. We then drove, flat out, to the next area of Ngorongoro for 5 hours - stopping twice to see some lions and a cheetah. On complaint, we were told that this drive between areas is also game drive??? At speeds of up to 80Kph on dirt roads it’s impossible to view game and take pics etc. we were then dropped at camp site which is just a field (that’s fine as we booked that) at 16.00 and that was the end of the day??
On this route the truck also broke down three times - absolutely no communication from driver as to why or what was happening, another truck actually had to stop and fix the problem as our driver had no idea. These things happen but in the middle of nowhere guests were worried and some communication would have helped. We did ask what was happening and were completely ignored.
Day 3 - Ngorongoro crater we had been looking forward to for a long time. Again instead of the 6.00 start as promised, we started entry into the crater at past 8.00 so missed the early morning action. The worst efforts of viewing possible with some really poor decisions on routes and where to go. To our shock we then left the crater at 12.00, some 4 hours instead of the advertised 6/7 hours, because we had to return to drop off the guests doing 3 days. Another 4 hours high speed drive that they claim was game viewing to drop one couple back.
Our “camp site” this night was not as advertised, it was basically a strip of grass next to a major road in a town!!! Not quite the in park outdoor experience we envisaged.
Day 4 - Tarangire park - we collected a new couple for their first day whilst we were on our last day - this meant expectations were completely different as different parts of trip. We got to the gate at 08.00, then somehow whilst lots of other vehicles entered the park, our driver took an hour to get a permit sorted (no idea why) so we entered the park at 10.00. Pointless as now so hot the major animals were all in hiding. About 5 hours here including lunch again not the advertised 6/7 hours.
Our driver was not a guide. Frequently ignoring questions. Offering no information on animals or areas we were visiting. Spending far too long when we did stop because he was constantly texting or on phone. The power outlets on truck did not work so couldn’t charge anything nor did the cooler as advertised.
I contacted Emanuel after day 2 to try and resolve the matter before the last two days. I was told that the driving to each place is a game drive. Personally I see game drive as viewing animals, taking pictures etc not driving flat out on bumpy roads.
I enquired with our driver to be told I should have booked a different trip and basically to shut up.
On further contact with Emanuel I wax then told to “relax” and “hakuna matata”. Not quite the professional response we wanted having paid A LOT of money.
It is such a shame as this was a dream trip if it had been delivered as promised. I’m sure all of the positive reviews were customers that actually got Crater Explorers and not another company and had other guests on the same trip and accommodation.
In no way should we have been switched to a different inferior company nor mixing of groups with different accomodation or times of safari as the mix doesn’t work.
Then the customer service from Emanuel at Crater Explorers and also the driver from the other company were so poor you cannot believe it in this day.
Please do your research and ensure you will actually be getting the trip you have booked and not being switched around as we were
Email Krzysztof | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An Unforgettable Safari Experience!
Our safari with [Travel Company Name] was absolutely incredible from start to finish! Everything was perfectly organized — from the smooth booking process to the daily itinerary that balanced adventure and relaxation beautifully.
A special mention goes to our driver, who was not only skilled behind the wheel but also deeply knowledgeable about the wildlife and the local culture. His sharp eyes ensured we didn’t miss a single sighting — from majestic lions to playful elephants. He made every moment on the road exciting and safe.
And our cook was outstanding! Every meal was fresh, delicious, and full of flavor — it truly felt like fine dining in the middle of nature. Whether it was breakfast by the sunrise or dinner under the stars, the food added something truly special to the whole experience.
Overall, [Travel Company Name] exceeded our expectations in every way. We came for a safari and left with lifelong memories. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a professional, friendly, and unforgettable adventure in the wild!
Email Ewa | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great, great, great
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We had an amazing safari experience thanks to this wonderful travel company! Everything was perfectly organised from start to finish. Our driver was knowledgeable, friendly, and went above and beyond to make sure we saw the best of the wildlife and felt comfortable throughout the trip. The cook was fantastic — every meal was delicious, fresh, and beautifully prepared, even out in the middle of the bush!
It was truly a memorable adventure, and we couldn’t have asked for a better team. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a professional, well-organised, and personal safari experience.
Email Kasia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience
This was my second time going on safari with this company, and once again, it was an incredible experience! Our guide was so knowledgeable and made every game drive fascinating — we learned so much. The cook was amazing too, always thoughtful and prepared delicious meals every day. This time I came back with my family, and they loved it just as much as I did. We felt well taken care of from start to finish. I highly recommend this company and can’t wait to plan another trip with them!
IT
Email Sabrina | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful safari in Tanzania
We made the safari with Crater Explorer and we had a great experience.
The organisation was very efficient, out driver Charles is competent, very kind and professionali. The lodges very beautiful, confortable and clean.
Emanuel always reachable and available for all the requests.
Tanzania is a wonderful country.
Strongly recommended.
Email Abbas | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great organizing makes the trip successful
It was beautiful safari trip thanks to the owner Mr Emanuel who organized everything and let us see a lot of things in a 4 day trip safari our driver Mr Lawrence was helpful and a good experienced driver .
DE
Email Ina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Mt. Meru Trekking
We booked the Mt. Meru Trekking (3 days). The communication with Emanuel was always prompt and helpful. Our chef on the hike prepared great food for us
The hike itself was challenging but also fun. The problem we had was our guide Mike who started too late on summit day, so that we were rushed to the summit without any possibility to catch breathe or stop for drinking and didn't make it on time for sunrise. And the worst for me was his unprofessional behavior in challenging and dangerous parts of the mountain. But this rate is only because of the bad experience with this particular person not overall with the company.
ES
Email Chema and Noelia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It is a experience you have live one in your life
Our experience with Crater Safari Tours was truly spectacular from start to finish. From the moment we arrived in Tanzania, everything was perfectly organized. Enmanuel took care of arranging every detail for us, including airport transfers on arrival and departure, as well as hotel nights in Arusha before and after the safari, with breakfast included. This gave us great peace of mind and comfort.
The safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro was absolutely incredible. Everything was well planned, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, and the food prepared by Manuel, our cook, was always delicious. We also want to highlight our driver and guide, Charles, who was attentive, knowledgeable, and made the journey even more enjoyable.
The vehicle was fully equipped: we always had plenty of water, and there were charging ports for our phones, which made the long drives much more comfortable. Every detail was carefully thought out to make the experience unforgettable.
In summary, Crater Safari Tours exceeded all our expectations. Thanks especially to Enmanuel, Charles, and Enmanuel (The waitress), who made us feel cared for at every moment. Not only was the beauty of the parks breathtaking, but the professionalism and kindness of the team turned this into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We would 100% recommend them to anyone looking for an authentic, safe, and memorable safari.
NL
Email Zinet | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
Our 5-day Crater Explorer Safari was an absolutely wonderful experience! Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish, which made the trip stress-free and very enjoyable.
Our guide Charles made us feel safe at all times and shared fascinating insights about the wildlife, landscapes, and culture. His expertise turned every game drive into an unforgettable adventure.
The accommodations were comfortable and well-suited for a mid-range safari. Meals were good, and every detail was taken care of so we could simply relax and enjoy the trip. The schedule was well-balanced, giving us enough time to explore the parks, admire the breathtaking scenery, and rest in between.
We saw an incredible variety of animals, including the “Big Five,” and every day brought new surprises. The Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti in particular were unforgettable highlights.
Overall, this safari exceeded all expectations. I can highly recommend Crater Explorer Safari to anyone looking for a well-organized, mid-range safari with top-notch service.