Our Amazing Guiding Team!
Shadows of Africa
- Offices In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $175 to $800 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
SK
Email Ivan from Slovakia. | 50-65 years of age
Excellent services
I took a Kilimanjaro climb this January with Shadows of Africa. While other providers did not even bother with answer to my requests for quotation, SoA staff was always welcoming and ready to provide all information I requested with no delay. My supporting team during the climb lead by Amir as my mountain guide was extremly helpful, ready to meet my requirements anytime. Thanks to them was my successful climb a lot easier.
I highly recommend! Thank you SoA!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thrilling Trip for Young and Old!
While planning a 3-month multi-country trip with my granddaughter, beginning in January, I felt at a loss at where to begin to find a wildlife safari to kick off our trip. Turning to TripAdvisor, I began to read top reviews for Shadows of Africa, so decided to contact them first, expecting to wait a few days for an answer as it was a weekend. The response came within hours from Stacy (in California) and that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship! From then on, all questions and concerns were addressed almost immediately.
Our timing was critical as we needed to be at our first volunteer program within a certain time frame, I wanted to arrive two days early to reduce jet lag, and I wanted to know what would happen after we arrived at an unfamiliar airport. I needn’t have been concerned about any of these things. Stacy assured me that everything could be handled nicely, and she was so right! She made arrangements for us at a clean, comfortable hotel, an airport pickup and drop-off, and made provisions for our extra luggage while we would be on safari. Knowing all that beforehand eliminated a lot of potential travel stress.
As we were checking into the hotel after a morning arrival, we met not only Richard, who would be our guide/driver, but also Natasha, the owner of Shadows of Africa. What a wonderful and personal welcome! We headed to our room shortly after for some much-needed sleep. Richard would be meeting us the following morning for a day tour of Arusha. Stacy had mentioned a possible visit to an orphanage that the company supports, but we hadn’t expected to have the extra day of attention. Richard gave us time at a museum, then strolled the streets of Arusha with us so that we could get a feel for local activity. Even though it took him an hour and a half to drive home, due to Arusha traffic, he wanted us to have a full day. The day included a visit, not only to the orphanage, but also to Natasha’s home for another visit with her. She assured us that we could keep our extra luggage there, which helped us immensely. We felt we were in the hands of friends more than a commercial outfit.
From the time we met Richard, through our day tour, then our 4-day safari, I constantly peppered Richard with questions, not only about the parks, but about life, customs, behaviors, current events, and even personal opinions. Richard always responded graciously, even when felt I was being a nuisance and apologized. Our days were full of wonder as we saw all the beautiful animals, even being within a stone’s toss of 27 elephants crossing in front of us and stared in awe at two magnificent male lions within whispering distance. We saw everything we could have possibly seen. But just as important to me was the chance to exchange thoughts and opinions with Richard, an outstanding host (guide/driver)! The only negative note to the experience was that Godi, our cook, thought we didn’t like his cooking. We could never convince him that our appetites couldn’t handle his overly-generous portions of wonderfully-prepared food.
I have already recommended Shadows of Africa to one of the volunteers at our next destination, and I will continue to do so, every chance I get.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
My husband and I had a wonderful 10 day Safari with Shadows of Africa. The customer service during the planning stages was excellent. Flavia took time to customize the perfect trip for us at a reasonable price. Our guide, Bashir, was very knowledgeable and showed us a wonderful time in the parks of northern Tanzania. Every day we saw something that amazed us! The jeep was comfortable. The accommodations every night were wonderful. We particularly loved the Serengeti Kati kati camps. We will cherish these memories forever! Thanks to the Shadows team!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent planning and wonderful guide
My husband and I had a terrific experience using Shadows of Africa for our recent safari. Jake, Stacy, and Natasa did a great job putting a lot of effort into creating a safari tailored to us. They were very knowledgeable about hotels, tent camps, plane schedules, etc., and they took care to make sure that we felt safe everywhere we went and that our entire trip ran smoothly.
Our guide, Edwin, was extremely knowledgeable and easy going. We appreciated his attentiveness and easy ability to adapt the plan to how we were feeling each day.
Would highly recommend!
Email aussieontheroad.com | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant safari experience
I've recently returned from a four day safari experience with Shadows of Africa Tours. From start to finish my group and I were treated to a flexible and enjoyable trek through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorogoro Crater.
Our group opted to sample a range of accommodation options during the trip, but from the budget to the heights of luxury - it was clear that Shadows of Africa had carefully vetted all lodges & hotels to ensure they met quality standards. Every lodge had WiFi, pleasant facilities, and accommodating staff.
Our driver, Timo, was a font of knowledge when it came to the Serengeti. His keen eyes were a source of wonder for us - he was even able to spot a Serval Cat from a good 500m away! When he wasn't directing our attention to another beautiful animal in its natural habitat, he was quiet and allowed us to chatter away noisily in the back of the car. While Land Cruisers are far from limousines in terms of comfort, we had ample room for ourselves and our belongings, and were grateful for the vehicle once the roads really devolved.
Over the course of four days we saw the entirety of the 'Big Five' and almost every other animal we'd hoped to see, with only the cheetah eluding us. We got some stunning photos of bull elephants, lions, and even a leopard resting post-kill. I couldn't have been more pleased with the sheer variety of animals we encountered.
The pre-trip communication from Jake was great, and it was a real pleasure to get to know him and the rest of the Shadows of Africa team while we were whiling away time in Arusha after our safari. Special mention to the feast that was the packed lunch that Natasha provided for the first day of our trip. More food than I could eat!
The real charm of SoA comes in the fact that they're designing a tour specifically for your group. Even once the itinerary was set, we were free to request later or earlier starts as our mood desired. When Lake Manyara looked like it might not yield great results due to the weather, we were quickly and seamlessly shifted to Tarangire instead. You don't get this kind of flexibility in large group tours.
An experience I'd not only recommend to friends, but one I am likely to repeat someday in the future.
Exceptional
The hospitality on my safari was exceptional and Richard you are so far my favorite guide,I can't wait for a family trip next time around.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Loved it!!
I recently did a Tanzania safari with Shadows of Africa. To say it was amazing doesn't even cover it!! From all the animals we saw (including the Big 5 plus more), to the beautiful landscapes, to the extensive knowledge of our guide, this safari more than blew away my expectations!
We stayed in a different place each night. At each hotel (from budget to luxury) all the food was so tasty and the people were friendly, welcoming, and accommodating.
This is one vacation I will be talking about forever!!!!!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
absolutely amazing!
Recently back from a 2 week trip in Tanzania. I can't say enough good things about my time there. Shadows of Africa planned an absolutely amazing safari and helped put together an awesome side trip to Zanzibar. The entire trip, down to each tiny detail was flawless.
Not only did we see all of the Big 5, but we saw them several times throughout our safari . While having dinner in the Serengeti, we could here lions talking to each other in the distance....truly unbelievable!!!
Our guide was a wealth of knowledge. It was easy to see that he loves his job, and truly has a passion for Africa and its wildlife and culture.
A lot of people say that their african safari was a trip of a lifetime....i can't say that, because it was so amazing, I know I will be going back again. This will not be my one and only time there!
Thank you Shadows of Africa!
US
Email Jenny Nelson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable experience
From my first contact with Stacy, I was impressed by the personal interest and willingness to organize a safari that met our needs. The 6 day safari was unforgettable. Excellent accommodations - the tented camp being a highlight. The people in Tanzania were wonderful. Moodie was an excellent tour guide. Good luck ensured amazing animal viewing but Moodie also knew exactly where to take us. I know there are many safari outfitters but I would highly recommend Shadows of Africa - we became very excited about "our" land cruiser and guide when we saw others - we were the most fortunate.
Excellent treking on Kilimanjaro
Together with my colleagues, we decided to go trekking on Mount Kilimanjaro.
We chose agency Shadows of Africa for our trip organizer and we made the best choice. From start to finish, everything went great. Also very well organized was our second part of the trip- safari.
Based on our experience, I highly recommend Shadows of Africa to anyone who is thinking about going there.