Reviews
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Email Jill B | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari Guide Review – A Truly Unforgettable and Fulfilling Safari Experience
First, let me start by saying this: if you’re reading this review, you’re already doing the right thing by doing your research.
My daughter (18) and I went on safari with a dream itinerary:
2 nights in Arusha
3 nights in Tarangire National Park
3 nights in Karatu (near Ngorongoro Crater)
3 nights in Central Serengeti
2 nights in Northern Serengeti
1 final night in Arusha before our departure
The single most important factor in any safari is your guide, and this is where our experience went from amazing to truly exceptional.
The Guide: Joachim
Your guide will either make or break your safari and lucky for you that the owner of your tour company will be your guide! Joachim far exceeded every expectation we had. His combination of interpersonal skills, wildlife-spotting talent, and expert driving was already impressive. But his deep knowledge of ecosystems, conservation, and animal behavior elevated the experience to something resembling a personalized, university-level course in the wild.
I brought dozens of questions with me, some of my own, others from my students and colleagues, covering topics from climate change and conservation to animal adaptations, behavior, reproduction, and symbiotic relationships.. Joachim answered them all with clarity, insight, and genuine enthusiasm. He turned each day into an opportunity to learn, not just see.
Even small touches, like turning off the engine during sightings (even short ones) and preferring to find wildlife without relying on the radio, showed his respect for the animals and his confidence in his own tracking abilities. As a result, we often found ourselves alone at sightings, able to fully absorb the moment without a crowd.
(Side note: If you do end up near other vehicles, please be quiet. Loud voices can ruin the experience for others and the wildlife.)
Arusha Highlights
In Arusha, we visited Shanga, an inspiring community of artisans with disabilities who create beautiful works from recycled materials, everything from woven blankets to glass art. We also shopped at the Cultural Heritage Centre and the Maasai Market, where dozens of stalls offer beaded jewelry, wooden sculptures, and visual art. It’s a great place for souvenirs and to practice your bargaining skills! Be friendly but firm, and remember these two phrases:
Asante sana = thank you very much
Hapana asante = no thank you
Joachim was by our side the entire time, ready to help if we needed anything.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire stole my heart with its majestic elephants. We spent hours watching them drink, play-fight, take mud baths, and interact tenderly with one another. The park is also known for its ancient Baobab trees, which are not only stunning but ecologically vital to the landscape.
Karatu and Community Outreach
In Karatu, our experience went beyond wildlife. In collaboration with Ernest at Foresight Lodge, we participated in a community outreach program, donating a cow to a local family and visiting both the family and their village. We also brought suitcases full of school supplies for a nearby primary school and had the joy of meeting the students there. These experiences added a meaningful human connection to our journey.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro delivered incredible wildlife sightings. Two highlights:
A Black Rhino emerging from dense brush
A dramatic scene with two male lions, 25+ hyenas, and several jackals gathered around a kill
Southern & Central Serengeti
On the way to Central Serengeti, Joachim asked if we’d be open to a detour through Southern Serengeti; a quieter area where guides are allowed to drive off-road. We were in! That decision led to one of our most magical moments: a leopard sighting, all to ourselves. We parked under the tree and watched, from a respectful distance, as the sleepy leopard lounged above. When I return to Tanzania, I’ll definitely include Southern Serengeti for a few days in my itinerary.
In Central Serengeti, we had more unforgettable sightings:
A pride of lions with tiny cubs, eyes wide and curious
A mother cheetah with her cub, spotted on three separate occasions, including one just 200 yards from our tent, bathed in golden morning light
Northern Serengeti and the Great Migration
Finally, the Northern Serengeti, where the Great Migration culminates in the legendary Mara River crossings. It takes patience and a bit of luck, but it’s worth every second. There’s nothing quite like watching hundreds of wildebeest pour into the river, driven by instinct and survival. It’s awe-inspiring and humbling.
In Summary
Joachim truly made the trip unforgettable! His expertise, passion, and integrity brought the landscape to life in a way no itinerary ever could. To anyone planning a safari: take your time, do your research, and don’t underestimate the importance of your guide. Asante sana, Joachim. You made this the experience of a lifetime.
SG
Email Magdalene | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and patient
It was an out of this world experience for us. Our guide was a true lover of nature and photography. With his knowledge of the wild, he could show us the best of the safaris. We saw everything that we could. The Serengeti park was great, and the ngorongoro crater felt magical. Our guide also had a warm and patient personality, and that made our trip one that we would surely remember for a long long time.