Our Amazing Guiding Team!
Shadows of Africa
- Located 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)
Reviews
LV
Email Margarita | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great 3-day safari
Everything was great from the first day.
We choose 3-Day Northern Circuit Special with accommodation at Ngorongoro O'Ldeani Mountain Lodge (2nights). We were at Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and the real treat - the world-famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Our guide was ERICK MANYECK - a nice person who showed us the most beautiful places and listened to our desires and needs. Recommend! The car was comfortable. The journey was not overly tedious.
Everything was arranged perfectly from the company. Easy to understand plan. No hidden costs. Acceptable transfer rates from airport to hotel (arrived a day before the safari).
O'Ldeani Mountain Lodge was a paradise between safari trips, with 3 meals included (the lunch box that was given to the safari was very good).
A 3-day trip is the perfect to not get too tired.
Thanks, Shadows of Africa and Erick! :)
US
Email Vincent Longo | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most incredible experience - ever!
Just returned home from a 5 day unforgettable Safari experience and can't believe what an amazing time we had. The trip was absolutely incredible and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life as it exceeded every expectation and more. I can't thank Shadows of Africa enough specifically Jake McCormick, Safari Specialist, who helped plan an amazing adventure. Jake was very helpful from the start. He was easy to correspond with, was prompt in response, he pointed out things we overlooked and he made suggestions that he thought were fitting and he constantly updated and emailed detailed descriptions of our trip as we kept amending our itinerary. The best part about Jake was that he never pressured us to do anything as he fully answered all our questions in length and because of his professionalism and knowledge Jake laid the groundwork for an amazing journey so if you are reading this Jake, thank you again for all your help!
While Jake deserves so much credit for handling the logistics and the administrative stuff it was "Dickson" our assigned tour guide who carried out the journey of a lifetime but before meeting Dickson and prior to our arrival I have to admit we were little apprehensive because while everything looked great on paper unfortunately our overall research did reveal a few horror stories such as tourist being denied entry with Visa issues or tour companies ripping off tourist, so, here we were, half way around the world, a few bags in hand, a Tanzania guide book, terrible cell service and all we had was a piece of paper saying we booked a tour with Shadows of Africa and thankfully as promised we were greeted at the airport with a smile and transported to our first destination in Arusha and then the following day we met our tour guide Dickson.
After meeting Dickson we geared up and hit the road. Everything was going as planned. We were very happy. We took lots of pictures along the way and then settled into a 5 hour drive and within an hour we realized that the person driving the vehicle was going to become a very instrumental part of this experience and it turned out we were right. Dickson was a true professional. He's experienced in both game tracking and navigation which is important because you don't want to get lost in the middle of the Serengeti as some guides do. Dickson added his own touch by carefully explaining animals habits and tendencies which was both informative and educational. He was friendly with all the other drivers. All kinds of people took a liking to him which great to see. In the bush, he had a keen eye for spotting Lions and he was always well aware of his surroundings. It was really also great to see that Dickson truly respects the environment and it's habitat and as he is a true conservationist at heart. He's very observant, he's really smart. He takes a lot of pride being from Tanzanian and he really respects when people value and respect his land. Dickson is truly the real deal. Aside from all that the one thing that stands out the most is that Dickson made us feel safe and secure during this adventure because make no mistake a drive to the Serengeti and through the Serengeti is rough, rugged, dirty and raw. The terrain is unforgiving. A true professional is needed. Dickson was a pro. And with that I just want to thank Shadows Of Africa for putting so much responsibility and trust in someone like Dickson as he provided a safe and secure viewing experience. It was the ultimate. Thank you Shadows and thank you Dickson. I just wanna add one last thing, if you're looking for a band new safari vehicle that's air-conditioned and luxury oriented you need not apply but if you're looking for an authentic, vintage, rough around the edges, the real deal experience feel safe to put your faith in Shadows of Africa and request Dickson who's one cool cat.
FR
Email PieroNath | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional teams, Amazing planning, Amazing safari
We had a quite precise idea of what we wanted to do (Serengeti including wildebeest river migration, Tarangire, Ngorongoro), within 6 days.
We contacted ourselves around 20 agencies by email to ask for quotation.
Why we chose Shadows of Africa :
- Amazing reactivity all through the planning process
- One of the only 2 agencies that proposed to call us within short delay of time
- The platform is the best practice we saw for trip planning: user friendly, nice to look at, detailed and precise
- Very easy, friendly and clear discussions while arranging the trip
We also really appreciated to meet with the team before in the office, and got face to face explanations about what to bring with us, what we will see and few recommendations (our planning contact was Marjeta who has been very professional).
About the safari :
The experience has been better than expected.
We are very happy we chose to start by the North Serengeti, then go back, so the hotel got better and better all through the trip. and we had the chance to see many different type of landscapes.
Special mention to the Maramboi Tented Camp where everything was very good and surprising (staff, service, rooms, swimming pool, happy hour, food, animals very near, nice walk near the lake).
Alex (our driver) has been very good, safe and responsive to any our questions or inquiries.
It has been an amazing experience.
The price definitely worth it, and we appreciate the work done to meet all our requirements within affordable budget.
We will definitely recommend Shadows of Africa to our friends who expect to make a Tanzanian safari.
CA
Email Laura N | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Safari and Kilimanjaro Climb
I can't say enough about how great our trip to Tanzania with Shadows of Africa was. From start to finish, everything was handled professionally. Our trip began with a five-day safari in Lake Manyara National Park, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with guide Siriko and cook Silvanos. Siriko was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We still can't believe how he managed to locate those leopards! His easy laugh and laid-back attitude made the experience very enjoyable.
The second part of our trip was the highlight, hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro in seven days via the Machame Route. Our head guide August has been guiding up the mountain for close to 20 years and his experience and calm demeanour inspired our trust. Assistant guide Amiri was equally capable and supportive, often setting the pace for our little group. Our guides and team of 12 porters, cook and server worked hard to make our lives easier.
Last but not definitely not least, we have to mention Natasha and the office staff in Arusha, who welcomed us back, allowed us to hang out at the offices and use the Wifi and loaned us a driver and vehicle for our last day before our evening flight back to Europe. Our trip was nearly over--they didn't have to be so accommodating, but they made us feel like family friends.
We would highly recommend Shadows of Africa for a safari and/or Kilimanjaro hike.
NL
Email Aniek | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!!
Before booking with Shadows of Africa I have looked at several different safari companies to compare what they had to offer so I could make my decision. The reason for choosing Shadows of Africa was their always quick response, they were one of the lowest in pricing but had amazing reviews, not a negative thing to find. And I do not regret my decision at al! We had such an amazing experience!! We only had time for a 4 day safari to see Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, but we have seen so much and it didn't at all feel like long distances of driving.
Our guide Edwin was very experienced, any question we had he could answer it right away. Every animal and bird he could name and he did his best to find all of the big 5 for us, and he did! Not only the big 5 but so many other animals zebras, hippos, giraffe, hyena, jackal, many different birds and other small animals and as a highlight of our trip 5 cheetahs! A mom with her 4 cubs eating away on a thomson gazelle they had just killed. And we were the first ones there!
All in all an awesome safari with a very reliable company! We would recommend them to everyone and definitely use it ourselves again when we will have the possibility to visit Tanzania again!
US
Email Ken Meuchel | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari experience in Tanzania
In short, our safari was a visual extravaganza accompanied by sensory saturation...the trip of a lifetime!
Thanks to my son's suggestion, we went on a father-son safari to Tanzania...something I had long dreamed about but never thought would actually happen. It was a truly amazing experience from top to bottom. Shadows of Africa is a top-notch company that accommodated our every need and was very responsive to our numerous questions and requests. (Thanks Jake & Stacy!) I highly recommend using them for your safari adventure in East Africa.
We quickly bonded with Edwin, our driver-cum-guide, who was terrific in every respect. He made the trip with his affability, local knowledge, driving skills and ability to spot animals we would have never noticed in passing. A real pleasure.
We were fortunate to see the Big 5 plus large numbers of other exotic critters such as giraffes, zebras, ostriches, hippos, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, crocs, baboons, monkeys, mongooses, 13 antelope and many bird species. Also witnessed the spectacular Mara River crossing; the wonders of the vast Serengeti; a lioness stalking/killing a male gazelle & holding it down so 4 younger family members could chow down; a few dozen vultures feasting on a fresh roadside zebra carcass; 18 lions sauntering off into high grass; 2 mature leopards sharing the same tree (mating season); an elephant family taking a river mud bath; a cluster of 16 adolescent ostriches; marching columns of wildebeest/zebras/buffalo; and lots of baby animals. Many of the animals were on or near the road making for great photo ops.
During our 10-day safari in late September, we stayed at several unique lodges and 2 tented camps which added greatly to our enjoyment. The staffs were welcoming, friendly, efficient and helpful. The food, especially the tasty hot soup for every dinner, was a special treat. Assante!
I really enjoyed visiting 3 local tribes and being exposed to the fascinating local culture. Our specialist guides for the day trips were outstanding.
After returning home, I made a lengthy list of my memorable experiences to savor in the future. Thank you Shadows of Africa!!!
US
Email Loretta | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fun, friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, flexible!
From the time we met Stacey and Jake at the Washington, DC travel and adventure show, to the final good-bye at the airport, the Shadows of Africa staff was warm, welcoming, friendly, and willing to answer any question we had! We traveled with six children ranging in age from 22-7, and everyone had an unforgettable time! We chose Shadows of Africa because they could customize our tour, and because we would be by ourselves in the safari jeeps. The personal service, itinerary customization, knowledge of the drivers/guides, and food exceeded our expectations!! Loved seeing how the primitive tribes are still living today, all of the treasured wildlife, and the spectacular scenery.
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
shadows of africa is very nice company
This company is a very nice company, Natasha help me us to book the flight, and give us many idea about our trouble with other agent , the drive Mr B help us to meet policeman , Mr B act as translator, even we back to china, he still try to help us. He has a very good eyesight, he can find special animal in a very far away place, let us find the animal which normal is very hard to find. Especially he found 7 lions and we spend long time there with lions, it was a very nice experience. when in katikati camp, Mr B singed songs for us, we talked near the fire, and look the stars in the sky, it was a special and nice day that will not happen again in my life! all of us aprreciate Mr B given us very nice time there!
i recommend you to choice them, you will not disappointed with them.
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.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
"The trip of a lifetime was a safari with Shadows of Africa," says this cynical traveler.
Was this safari my best trip ever. This jaded, cynical, well-seasoned traveler says a resounding "absolutely!" It was in no small part due to Shadows of Africa. I'm so glad I booked it with them after researching a safari with several companies. I wanted a customized, 4 day intense experience with just a driver and me. Oh did I have one! Natasha, the owner of Shadows of Africa and Richard, the manager, planned and executed every requested detail perfectly. All went smoothly from beginning to end.
A guide-driver, can make or break a trip of this nature. I once had an adventure tour company. I know what to look for. Mine, Moody, was a gem. When we met there was an instant rapport. There was more beyond his prompt nature, extraordinary knowledge of English, flexibility and most importantly, convivial personality. Moody was a combination zoologist-environmentalist-animal lover as far as this retired anthropologist is concerned. He fielded any questions I had about my experiences in layman's language. It enabled me to mentally digest and understand all that I was seeing in the extraordinary natural world in which I was immersed. He had a sharp eye to spot the quasi-hidden animals and lead me to where they were up close. And oh, were they! I never expected to be able to see them in such away. That moved more than my intellect. It reached my soul.
We spent a night at a tented camp in the Serengeti with David, the Maasai manager. Lions, hyenas and elephants were nearby. No worry. It is safe. Here, thanks to booking this place for me, I learned more about the animals than just through seeing them. David could lecture on environmental or anthropological issues about the symbiotic relationship the Maasai have with wild animals as well as their cattle. All live in balance. How the modern world needs to learn how to do that and soon. Elst not do just the Maasai lose their culture, but the animals become extinct and we humans with them.
Thank you Shadows of Africa for helping me realize that more than ever we need to protect these creatures everywhere they still exist. You did it without preaching. It was done through showing me their world in as intimate way as possible. We destroyed their habitat. We need to expand it to save them. For now at least, those which remain are relatively safe at Lake Manyara, on the Serengeti plains and in the Ngorogoro crater. A lion and I gazed at each other at close distance in the crater while he rested. In my mind's eye he mouthed "save us."
There are safaris and there are safaris. You know with whom I'd do a repeat.