Africa Safari Classics

Superbly knowledgeable Safari Expert

We just came back from a life-changing 2-week safari in Kenya and Tanzania. Thanks to Maurice Nzwii, owner of Africa Safari Classic, we went to multiple camps in both Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti, as well as Ngorongoro Crater and finished at Arusha. We consider ourselves discerning and demanding clients who had done quite a few bucket-list type journeys. But nothing prepared us for the majesty of the Mara with the lush expanse of grass dotted with animals. Our driver guide Peter had lots of field experience and was very passionate about the animals.

Our first camp was the epitome of quiet luxury, situated in a shady grove with a magnificent front row view of the Mara River inside the National Reserve. The impeccable service with a nod to bygone British elegance, set an Out-of-Africa kind of tone without being excessive. If we were not anxious to go to game drives, we could just spend hours relaxing on the veranda watching the hippos and crocodiles hanging out on the banks with a nice glass of wine. Our tents were beautiful, and there was a hot water bottle in our bed at night and hot coffee and cookies were brought to our tent 30 minutes before our time for breakfast at 6:30am. What a nice wake-up call. Needless to say, we had seen hundreds of animals in the 2-day stay here.

Just when we thought things couldn't get any better, there was the Naboisho Conservancy. Here, the experience felt more intimate than that found in the National Reserve. The staff were 90% Masai and the lodges there all contributed to protecting the natural environment and the Masai community. The warm welcome and personal touch at this lodge was incomparable. Our every needs and wishes were met with a smile. From the super tracker guide who could find the most dramatic animal interactions to our dedicated server who took care of every meal with a nice smile, we were treated like guests being invited into their homeland. Other special programs include a walking safari, a night safari, and a wonderful bush dinner when a hyena tried to crash the party.

After reluctantly left Naboisho, we crossed the border via 2 bush flights and a bus and arrived at our mobile migration camp in the Northern Serengeti. In this most remote location, we found a perfectly designed and constructed tented camp. Again, the service was impeccable and it offered the feeling of being in the bush. As in all the other safari tented camps, we had to be escorted by a Masai guard with a spear from our tent to the dining pavilion after dark. But this camp was surrounded by tall grass with narrow paths. So, twice a day, before sunrise and after sunset, we had our own little adventures right here at camp. The hyenas wailed all night, and some other big animals were munching right outside. The tents were beautifully appointed and everything was thoughtfully designed. But the most important thing was: we witnessed a spectacular river crossing.

On the way to Arusha, Maurice's Tanzania guide picked us up early and drove 5 hours to Olduvai Gorge Museum where we could find a shady picnic table for lunch and also clean washrooms. Again, this guide Herman was also very experienced. He knew all the best stops for clean washrooms along the long drive, which was very appreciated. We enjoyed the museum a lot. But we needed to get going so we could arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater in time for a Sundowner. The camp Maurice found for us was superbly situated on the rim near the access road down to the crater floor. So, early next morning, we were one of the first vehicles that arrived. It was important because the place could get really overwhelmed by tourists. Against all odds, Herman found us a pair of rhinos.

When we got to our last lodging in Arusha, we just expected it would be a nice place to rest before our flight. But Maurice gave us the last surprise. This Lake Duluti Lodge was located inside a forest reserve. The tropical jungly atmosphere was a nice contrast with the dry and breezy savannah. The general manager came to chat during dinner and proposed a walking tour of their coffee plantation and farm. He ended up spending more than 3 hours with us. We learned about their coffee plantings and farm management. And he took us to the local market and explained things to us. We went back to our room, got freshen up, and were driven to the airport for our international flight.

Overall, we had a challenging itinerary and non-stop actions. We really appreciated Maurice's insights, honesty, and patience that made this possible. After this, we have no idea where else to go to rival this experience.