Safari Multiways Staff at the office in Arusha
Safari Multiways
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- TATO, ATTO & TLTO
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $160 to $900 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Maria | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A poor and frustrating experience!
My honest review of my experience with Safari Multiways.
I was a Canadian long-term volunteer in Moshi, Tanzania. My husband was coming to visit me from Canada so I started to research budget-friendly options for a 4D3N private safari in the northern circuit. I stumbled upon Safari (SM) Multiways as per a recommendation from a board discussion on Tripadvisor; of all the recommended companies it was SM that provided me with the most economical quote. SM does not have an account on Tripadvisor so I instead gathered information from Tripadvisor forums and safaribookings.com. The consensus was that SM is a excellent tour company that you can count on to be reliable, professional, and give you the most bang for your buck.
I was in contact with Victor during the planning stages. Victor immediately left a great impression as he was very professional, pleasant and responsive. The planning experience instilled my confidence and affirmed the great reviews left by hundreds of past clients. Unfortunately, our excitement and confidence was short-lived.
Our itinerary was as follows: 2 days in the Serengeti, 1 day in the Ngorogoro Crater, and 1 day in TP where we could journey home that very afternoon.
SM arranged to pick us up from Moshi at 7:00am to head to Serengeti central. It wasn’t until the day before our safari that Victor suggested we instead stay in Arusha overnight to head to the Serengeti as it is a 6 hour journey from Arusha; if we travel from Moshi another 2 hours would be added to the commute. I wish he suggested this to me earlier so that we could’ve made the necessary arrangements. We had an engagement the evening before the safari so there was no way for us to stay in Arusha the night before. This lack of communication/planning already left a bad taste in my mouth.
We were picked up the next morning by our driver and tour guide, Pius. We knew beforehand that we were not signing up for a luxury vehicle, however, the car was very much dilapidated. Throughout the safari, a few things from the car kept falling off at a time. For example, the window frame (not sure what the technical term for this is) fell off, as well as the bumper – which Pius needed to buy rope to secure back to the car. The seatbelt for one the front seats (which we preferred to sit in as we got a better view being closer to the dashboard) did not work; this is a safety hazard. There were no headrests so we woke up with headaches/neckaches every time we fell asleep during the commutes. Even worse, the car doors did not lock. So, whenever we had to leave the car to eat or use the washroom (with Pius included), I was relying on the good graces of the Lord to ensure no one tried to steal anything from the car. This is unacceptable.
On our way to the Serengeti, Pius asked if we had a lunch box. I don’t know what gave SM the impression that we’d have a lunch box with us as we were being picked up from home, not a hotel. Pius had to stop in Arusha to grab lunch boxes for us – adding 30min to an already long, 8-hour commute to the Serengeti. We arrived in the Serengeti around 4pm. What was supposed to be a 4-hour game drive in the Serengeti (according to the itinerary sent by Victor) turned into a 1-hour game drive as we were dropped to our camp by 5:30pm.
We enjoyed our second day in the Serengeti and Pius worked hard to ensure we saw all the animals we wanted to see. I can say that he was friendly and kind; however, the more time we spent with him, we started to realize that he felt more like a driver than a guide. He knew the names of the animals and birds but did not know anything else beyond that. I wasn’t expecting a national geographic commentary but he did not have any knowledge of basic things like their diet, or general information about their habitat. We were fortunate to see the critically endangered rhino through our binoculars, but when I asked Pius whether the black rhino can only be found in Tanzania or if it can be found in other countries as well, he did not know.
The worst part of our trip happened while we were in the Ngorogoro crater. First off, we didn’t reach the crater until 12pm. I was already worried about lack of time until I learned that the permits only allow 6-hour visits at a time. By 3pm, Pius explained that we saw all the animals we needed to see and there was not much else to see in the crater - and then suggested we head back to our lodge. I insisted that I would like to spend more time exploring the crater (considering we spent a lot of money on our permit) as we wanted to make the most of our time there. By 4pm he began to exit the crater. Therefore, we only explored the crater for 4 hours (1 hour lunch break included). After researching online, I learned that people usually use all 6 hours of their permit to explore the park. Halfway up the crater ascent the car engine seemed to stop working and we were stuck on an upwards slope. I was fearful that the car would break down completely and we would either fall off the ledge or slide backwards onto the vehicle parked behind us. While Pius was getting help from others around him, he did not explain what was happening but looked panicked. Some of the gentlemen helping had to put bricks behind the back tires so Pius didn’t have to keep shifting gears to keep the car in neutral/park. After everything was resolved I was honest with Pius and shared that we did not appreciate not being informed of what was happening at the time. He advised that these issues are common in Tanzania – but can be resolved easily – which is why he didn’t feel the need to explain, but profusely apologized – which we really appreciated.
For our last day, our lunch boxes were forgotten at the lodge. This was really frustrating as we not only had to cut our time in short in TP in order to have lunch in town, but the value and amount of food in a packed lunch box is worth far more than the local restaurant lunch we ended up having in Karatu.
Once the safari ended, I was relieved. It was singlehandedly the most stressful and frustrating vacation I've experienced, and if I were to do it all again, I would not go with SM. In fact, I wish I could do it all again and experience the stunning national parks Tanzania has to offer the RIGHT way! I understand that we went with the most affordable tour company, but when you spend well over two grand on an experience, you at least expect an acceptable level of standards.
Although, our experience does not seem to be consistent with reviews of many happy clients of SM, the cynic in me found that most (if not all) of the clients’ reviews had Amos or Omari as their guide. I tried to look for reviews of Pius and he is mentioned as the “driver only”. Based on pure speculation, I’m inclined to believe that SM may have been “testing the waters” with the knowledge that I’m a long-term volunteer and may not hold the same standards as the wealthy western tourists who often go on these safaris. I think we were given the bad end of the bargain (ie. a battered vehicle and a guide lacking in experience) perhaps as an experiment.
On a more positive note, the accommodation SM chose for our mid-range budget needs were superb (Tukaone in the Serengeti and Eileen’s Trees Inn in Karatu). Also, despite the lack of knowledge and experience, Pius was otherwise really sweet, and even bought red bananas and baobab fruit for us to try during the trip.
With hundreds of TOs in Tanzania, word of mouth is often the most powerful tool for raising the profile of your company. But as it stands, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend Safari Multiways to my large network of expat volunteers, friends, and family in Tanzania.
CA
Email Sabrina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari tour
The safari was fantastic - I ended up with a 10 day safari which included Manyara, Tarangire, Lake Eyasi, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater! From the beginning where I contacted Romeo, he was very helpful to help me put together an itinerary that suited my needs and responded quickly.
The guide, Amos, and cook, Vincent, were also great throughout the entire trip. Amos was fantastic at spotting animals from a mile away, even though it would take me a good few minutes to finally locate what he was looking at! He was also incredibly knowledgeable on all the wildlife, and details on why animals acted one way or the other. In addition to seeing all the animals, he also knowledgeably pointed out so many different birds and their names spot-on. Would highly recommend Amos as a guide!
Vincent, our cook, also made great meals and was always in great spirits. He always asked us if the meals were sufficient and if we had enough lunch to eat for our packed boxes. Would definitely also recommend Vincent!
Overall, had a great experience with Safari Multiways and would recommend the company as a whole!
IT
Email Stefano B. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari Multiways: professionalism and reliability for my first safari in Tanzania
I’ve just came back from a 7 days safari (1-7 february 2018) organized by Safari Multiways.
I discovered this small company by chance in September 2017 reading a travel report published on a photography Italian web site that mentioned Safari Multiways. So I decided to send an email to them asking for a safari itinerary and a quote.
Romeo, the owner, replied promptly to my email and sent to me a tour itinerary at a lower price than all the other companies that I had written to, till that moment.
Since then, I have written many emails to Romeo for several weeks in order to organize a tailor-made safari and he has always been very kind and professional answering to me promptly with clear information that I had asked for.
Defining the details of the tour with Romeo, step by step, email by mail, was really nice and we easily understood each other immediately, although my English is not good.
The final tour was the following: Ngoro Ngoro Crater (1 day), Lake Ndutu (south Serengeti) to see the great migration of wildebeests (2 days), Central Serengeti (2 days), Lake Manyara (1 day).
I payed 30% of the total cost in advance by a bank transfer for confirming hotel reservations and I payed cash the balance at SM office when I arrived in Arusha.
During the safari our driver, Omari, was very professional and skilled in spotting wild animals in the savannah. He answered friendly to all our questions and worked to meet all our requirements. Furthermore, he was used to check the Land Cruiser and clean it inside every morning before leaving the camp and starting a new game drive.
The 8 seats Toyota Land Cuiser was in good conditions and I also really appreciated that it had 2 spare tyres and not just one, as often I saw during others safari in Kenya.
Regarding the accommodations, Rhino Lodge in Ngoro Ngoro and Fanaka Lodge in Lake Manyara were nice and clean, but in particular I liked very much Serengeti and Ndutu Heritage Tented camps. They are really wonderful camps: high standard of services, nice and comfortable tents and delicious food. Really great accommodations.
What else can I add? After 3 safari in Kenya and 1 in Malawi, this was my first safari in Tanzania and I enjoy very much thanks to the professionalism and reliability of Safari Multiways and when I decide to go again to Tanzania I will surely refer to this Company.
FI
Email ,James Strange | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience and best guide ever
I searched the Internet for weeks trying to decided on the best safari that met are needs. As avid travelers we wanted to see as much as we could in the limit amount of time that we had. Romeo made it happen!!!! I told him our travel plan and within a few hours I had the details for a trip of a lifetime.
It is one thing to book the ultimate itenerary but it is another to have a guide that can make it the everything you had ever hoped for. We had such a guide. Amos was the most pleasant , easy going, eager to please person we could have ever hoped for. He was so patient with us as we waited for just the right picture. He always seemed to be at the right place at the right time and we benefited from his sharp eye and keen since of knowing where to go.
My wife writes a travel blog and you can see a glimpse of what we experienced. You can find great pictures and travel advice from this trip and 100's more at kimberlyleupo.com.
Don't waste your time searching anymore. You have, by good foutune, landed on the best safari outfitter in the area. BOOK IT!!!
FR
Email Luis Arias | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Someone we can trust
I traveled with 3 friends to Tanzania and Kenya, and we wanted to do a Safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro not so expensive (budget safari), so we started to do a vast research thanks to the Lonely Planet advices (some really nice agencies but expensive as well) and in safaribookings.com we found Safari Multiways with the best offer (price and quality), so we took contact with them and we always received a quick, kind and clear reponse of all the details that we wanted to know.
So, afte to compared like 10 different agencies or more, we chose Safari Multiways, for the price/quality rapport and we also had a really good feeling with his owner (Romeo).
Once being there, the services were as they describe it, really profesionnal, our guide (Omari) was nice outgoing person, profesional and always care about us to see all the best of the fauna. We really feel that he knows all about the fauna, parks and everything. Our cooker, Popo was really nice also, always with good food.
If I do another safari in north of Tanzania, I will not hesitate to do it with them !
AE
Email Humza | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Memorable 5D4N Safari!
I contacted Romeo from Safari Multiways back in Novemeber about a budget safari for my wife and I, and received a detailed response about the itinerary options. His responses were professional and detailed every time he wrote back, as I did have many questions.
Our 5 Day Itinerary details was as follows:
day1: tour Tarangire park, overnight at a camp near Manyara. Full Board.
day2: transit Ngorongoro to Serengeti, game drive in Serengeti, overnight at central Serengeti. FB
day3: full day in central Serengeti/south Serengeti, back to the camp. FB.
day4: morning game drive in Serengeti, then to Ngorongoro, overnight at Simba camp site near the crater rim. FB
day5: crater tour, back to Arusha. End of safari.
We were accompanied by our guide and chef, who set up the campsite every time we moved, and had prepared delicious meals for us every day. Our guide was friendly and very knowledgable about the animals on our game drives.
The company also arranged airport pick up, hotel transfer and hotel pick up before the safari, and hotel drop off and airport drop off after the safari.
This was our first time in Africa, and we absolutely loved it! It really was an experience of a lifetime, and I do think the company had a lot to do with it. I would highly recommend them.
GR
Email Vangelis | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Original and quality experience of Safari
We are a couple, age 30 years old coming from Europe.Our budget for Safari was 1000 euros. We found online a great review for Mr Romeo's company, we trusted it and we were 100% satisfied by the choice. First of all, we did not share the Jeep with any other group and secondly we had our personal guide. The Jeep was very safe and comfortable to take pictures and watch by binoculars. Our guide was serious and well educated (speaking English very well). Our guide had knowledge of the animal life and the nature not only acquired by books but also by experience. He did not overload us with info. He knew the landscapes very well, which is important to see animals under extinction. He was in contact with the other guides in the parks so that we do not miss any rare animal. He was coming himself from Masai race and he could tell us about people mentality as well. He was on time on schedule. The meal provided during safari was decent. He also suggested some shopping places for souvenirs. The company also helped us with accommondation, although we were free to make our own choices as well. Overall, it is a professional small company run by great staff and we highly recommended to everyone!
ES
Email Angela and Carles | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable and amazing safari experience with Safari Multiways. North Tanzania March 2016 -10 day
We are a couple from Spain and we enjoyed with Safari Multiways a 10-Day Camping Safari around the national parks in North Tanzania (Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Manyara, Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengueti and Lake Natron). Wonderfull places all of them! 100% pure wildlife and african tribes culture
Having compared several offers from different safari companies, we chose Safari Multiways because is a Tanzanian local company based in Arusha and offered us a very good service for a very good price. From the beginning was very easy the communication by e-mail with Romeo, the owner, who answered all our questions and helped us very professionally to create and profile our trip. It was a private safari so it was possible for us to change or adapt the trip according to our needs or likes.
We recommend a private safari also because is much more comfortable travelling with the car. The Land Cruiser 4x4 is very big and strong, so you are plenty of space! Moreover in a private safari is easier establishing a closer relationship with the Guide and Cook.
Our guide Amos was very professional and good at his job as an excellent driver and nature guide. He can see everything!!! He found easily the animals and a lot of fantastic moments we to admire. Moreover he knows and explained us a lot of things about wild animals, birdlife, nature and african tribes cultures.
And what to say about our cook, Moses! I am still missing his delicious meals! He has cooked all the days magnificent soups and meals for us and he has taken care of us very well. In addition whenever we had a few minutes between the hours of meals he offered always us coffee, tea, popcorns... Moses also has a lot of knowledge about wildlife and Natur and always helpt us to check the birds we have seen on his bird's guide book!
For all this reasons we highly recommend Safari Multiways. Very nice and professional people giving their best for us to enjoy the Tanzanian safari experience!
It has been an unforgettable trip and we want to come back to Tanzania!
Asante sana Safary Multiways!
JP
Email Yumiko | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fast and accurate response and kind guide
The tour became an unforgettable memory. When planning the tour, Safari Multiways always gave us accurate and fast responses. They listened to my opinion well and took in it. The route they planned were gorgeous. It was much better than we expected. At first, from the airport to the National conservation Area, we saw people's daily lives. Secondary, from Ngorongoro to Serengeti, we saw beautiful scenery and lives of Masai people. It was really picturesque. The crater was also grand and beautiful. Third, Serengeti plain was so vast and we saw plenty of animals there. The driver was very kind and did his best for us. I really want to come back to Tanzania. And if I come back, I will definitely ask Safari Multiways again.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesone 5-Day Safari!
Before doing the safari we planned everything with the manager of Safari Multiways Romeo, he offered us multiple possibilities to customise the safari and accomodations according to our wishes and comparing different lodges that he proposed.
We had a great safari with the best guide of Tanzania - Amos. His spotting abilities were just incredible. Every day he tried to show us something new but it was a challenge, because we saw almost every species of wild life found in Tanzania, visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Ndutu, vast plains of Serengeti and a descent to the crater.
Our "Old school" Land Cruiser could be more comfortable but did not let us down after more than 1250km of "African Massage" and offroad.
We are very happy that we have chosen Safari Multiways and would recommend it to everyone . The best quality/price ratio!