Ecological Wilderness Adventures
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2005)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TALA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $2,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Jim Dau | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
On safari with Ecological Wilderness Adventures: Incredible!
Ecological Wilderness Adventures was highly recommended to us by several of our friends who had gone on safari with them. We were told, "You'll see an amazing variety and abundance of birds and wildlife!" I'm a wildlife biologist and have worked with caribou most of my career, and my wife is a retired botanist. We've lived and worked in Alaska for many years, and both of us have seen large numbers of wildlife for decades. But we were absolutely astounded by what we saw in Tanzania! Nothing can prepare you for actually experiencing the richness of Tanzania's wildlife.
Some of the nicest surprises of our trip had nothing to do with wildlife, though. Brian and our guides, Gerald, Martin and Kappia, were 'professionals' in the truest sense. Their understanding of the natural history of Tanzania was deep and broad, and each of them obviously enjoyed sharing their knowledge with us. Martin had worked in Ngorogoro Crater for 30 years before retiring from service. Kappia had been a veterinarian 20+ years before retiring to guide safaris. Gerald has been guiding for years, and his ability to identify birds and spot animals was incredible. Brian, Martin's son and the founder of Ecological Wilderness Adventures, grew up with wildlife and guided for other companies before forming his own company. I've worked with professional wildlife biologists with multiple degrees & credentials behind their names that couldn't hold a candle to the guides on our trip in terms of their understanding of regional natural history.
There were other surprises, too. We stayed at several tented lodges that were beautiful, clean and comfortable. And, Brian's tent camps at Manyara, Ngorogoro Crater and Ndutu were on a par with the best of them. Without exception, camp staff were genuinely friendly and helpful. The food was absolutely great - everywhere! Even the picnic breakfasts and lunches we took during early or extended drives were great! The camps let you hear lions roaring at night and the cacophony of birds calling as daylight broke while providing the comforts of electricity, a real bed and even hot & cold running water - with showers, no less (a bit different from how we camp in Alaska)!!!
We were also struck by the friendliness of Tanzanians in general. Driving between the various parks that we visited could have been just a necessary chore, but the smiles and waves from the people we passed - especially from the children going to & coming from school - made it anything but! And, none of the drivers balked at stopping for a great bird even if we were 'on the road.' Brian scheduled frequent rest stops where we visited with local residents that generously introduced us to their cultures, communities and livelihoods.
Of course, most people travel to Africa to see wildlife, and Ecological Wilderness Adventures will not disappoint you. Each and every day, Brian and his crew did their level best to 'deliver.' A frequent comment during evening supper was, "It just can't get any better than today!" But, the next day, and the next, it did. Brian's company is willing to tailor their safaris to their clients' desires and needs. The trucks were clean, well maintained and specifically set up to provide for viewing and photography. No peeking out of open windows.
You can probably find less expensive companies to book a safari, but from my experience you won't find better value for your buck. Anywhere. I highly recommend Ecological Wilderness Adventures to anyone planning a safari in Tanzania. The highest compliment I can make is that I want to go back!
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50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Informative, Pleasant and safe
Ecological Wilderness Adventures was a great company with whom to book a safari. The internal operations were quite responsive by email, punctual and organized. Our guide, Gerald, was chock full of interesting information as well as an infectious happy spirit. We witnessed many other land cruisers traveling at top speeds, but Gerald was safe and talented at spotting all the animals. They "yum yum" as Gerald called the box lunches were tasty and provided us with more than enough food. An all around great experience!
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65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding trip with exceptional safari operator: Ecological Wilderness Adventures
Preparations for the trip were easy, with detailed itinerary and of what to take with us. The company is an outstanding touring company and its tent camps are first class. The safari drivers were fun and experienced naturalists. Ready to stop, start, and stay as long as we wished. The entire staff was always friendly, helpful, and professional. And the food was delicious. The trip plan was great as it enabled us to see some cultural areas and many more animals and birds than I expected. All accommodations were tops. And the breaks before and after the trip, at a lovely hotel, were much appreciated. I would do the same trip again in a year or two if I weren't so old (80) and so far away !!
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65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The three week photo safari was beyond expectations.
Brian Mengoriki has pulled together a staff of the most personable, knowledgeable and accommodating people one could hope for. Every day, from sunrise until we tucked-in at night, we were entertained, educated and shown things beyond our expectations. With humor and great patience the driver/guides introduced us to myriad bird and animal species. They gave context to the setting of the animals and then the time to watch their interactions and behavior. We were educated about not only the ecological setting of the wildlife but also the social context of this setting through our introduction to several tribes. The camp staff warmly welcomed us back to camp after each enjoyable day and then spoiled us with warm showers, personable conversation, and wonderful meals. We could not have asked for more. Our only disappointment was that of leaving.
Susan and Ron Dearborn
Alaska
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Email Nan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent guides, amazing animals, delicious meals and comfortable accommodations.
My expectations for this safari were high and Ecological Wilderness Adventures certainly met and easily exceeded those expectations. Brian Mengoriki and his guides (Gerald, Martin and Kappia) were knowledgeable about the birds and wildlife and excellent at finding and showing them to us. Moreover, they were charming and a delight to be with. In none of our wildlife viewing and cultural visits were we ever rushed to leave what we were watching and to go somewhere else. All the accommodations were excellent—the tent camps were amazing and comfortable and the staff who took care of us were very friendly and helpful. The food and service were marvelous. Every day was a wonderful adventure—we never knew what we might get to see! I didn't want to trip to be over and would love to go again!
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Email Anne Ruggles | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I felt that I had been dropped into a Hemingway novel
Our trip was extraordinary - even in my imagination I could not have conjured the 3 weeks that we spent with Brian and his crew. The guides did an astounding job of driving, spotting and identifying mammals and birds and in helping us to understand the context of what we were seeing. They were very tuned to what each of us was interested in - birds, plants, ecology, etc. The Camp Staff were miraculous in their attention to detail and the high quality of everything about the camps - exceptional food and accomodations. Everyone was friendly, accommodating, and adaptable. Our three weeks with Ecological Wilderness Adventures was truly like living in a novel!
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Email Mary Lee Tennant | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Excellent Family Safari !!!
Christmas in Tanzania resulted in a trip of a lifetime. Fifteen family members were able to experience a wild life safari of their dreams. Ages 6 to 70 years, enjoyed viewing the hordes of animals up close for ten days in a variety of surroundings. Brian's attention to details was wonderful : a Maiisi Santa serving champange on Christmas morning, breakfasts on the "trail" , stories for the children aound a campfire in the wilds, and always an appreciation of the area and the birds and animals. The meals served in the wilds were excellent , tents were very comfortable and lodges were "first class". Brian and his guides/drivers , Jarad and Francis, were most helpful and catered to our every need or suggestion. At no time did we feel unsafe , in the city or on the trail . We loved our safari . We are ready to go again !!
Fantastic Trip. Exceeded Expectations.
Brian is an experienced and excellent guide. His Land Cruiser was comfortable for our family of four. On our 10 day safari we saw more animals and birds then we could have imagined. Too many lions to count all close to our vehicle. We saw lions and cheetahs hunting. Countless elephants wallowing in the mud and water. Brian is trustworthy and really seems to enjoy his guests. Our 23 year old daughter celebrated her birthday while on safari and Brian made sure it was special. We'd recommend Brian's company to anyone looking for a Tanzanian safari.
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50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Surreal safari
after spending the last 2 years exploring the 7 continents, my final adventure came down to a safari in Africa. I spent months preparing and researching where to go and what to see. Listened to many of my friends from all over the world. The Outfitter that best exemplified my needs and tastes was with Ecological Wilderness Adventures. Spent many phone calls via Skype with Brian to arrange it so that I could spend over 2 weeks seeking the best spots to have a safari. What it all came down to was the quality of the guide and the service he rendered. Without a doubt, in all 4 regions of Africa that we toured, Brian exceeded my expectations. His experience and knowledge surpassed what I thought possible. You know you have e best guide when others are flagging him down asking where he could recommend they take their clients. On one occasion we spotted a leopard- which is my favorite big game animal- walking across the river. Instead of chasing after it like all the other guides, he went off in a different direction. When I asked him why we weren't headed after it like the others, he replied that we were going to where it was headed. Sure enough we parked under a tree 10 minutes before the leopard arrived and climbed into the tree where it had stored it's kill. All the other vehicles had to park behind us as we got the front row seats and best pictures possible. His guiding skills are incredible and the camps on the Serengeti we stayed at were 5 star resorts in a camp out on the plains. The entire trip was way beyond what I had envisioned having done almost everything, now only the best will do. That means Ecological Wilderness Adventures will be the only phone call I make for the next safari.
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65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everyone says their guide is the greatest, but unless they're talking about Brian, they're wrong.
What a fantastic 15 day adventure with Brian and Ecological Wilderness Adventures. He recommended and we tweaked our stays in Tarangiri, Serengeti and the Crater. Here, almost a year later, our memories are sharp, vivid and unforgettable. In large measure, due to the friendliness, knowledgeability and humor Brian shared with us. Animals were fantastic, but the variety and beauty of the birds was astounding. And Brian was our constant, attentive educator and friend. If you safari to Tanzania, go with the best. It will dramatically increase both your pleasure and understanding of this amazing Africa.