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.
CH
Email Stef | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful
Wonderful Safari throughout. Organisation with Romeo was very easy and the lodged were beautifully picked. Our guide for the 3 days, Mujidini was very knowledgable, with great english. He was so nice and incredibly patient with Eagle eyes for sure!
Only star that goes away is for the lunch boxes. We are both vegan and both lunch boxes were not vegan but vegetarian. We are paying a lot of Money to stay in those nice lodges, so at least make it work. Again here, our guide was very kind and offered us his vegan part of his lunch box. Thank you again
MY
Email Annie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Satisfied with their services
Our group has 3 to 4 jeeps. The review is based on my experience. Overall services is good. The drivers are good. Their guides didn't explain much about places as compare to guides from other company that I saw. Daily start time should be more punctual. Daily packed meal can be improved, chicken is dry and plain.
SE
Email John | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great safari experience!
We had a great time during our safari. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Safari Multiways was very easy to communicate with and we always got our questions answered quickly.
Email Jan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good value safari trip
We have been to Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire for a 4-day private safari.
(+)
Timely, patient, clear and efficient communication with Romeo in the research and preparatory phase.
Safari started on time as agreed, no time wasting throughout the whole trip.
No additional hidden costs or unexpected extra expenses.
Our guide Amos drove with us all over Serengeti and other parks and we have seen the big five as well as many other animals. Many of them only because of Amos' trained eye.
We were given options as for what we wanted to do, and our choice was accommodated as much as possible.
(-)
The 4-wheel drive was quite old and worn off.
Our guide's English was just OK.
All in all, we consider our safari experience a very good value for the money and we do recommend Safari Multiways for your trip.
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.
Very good safari with Safari Multiways!
Together with a colleague, I had a great 8-days experience with Safari Multiways. During the time of planning, we had an absolutely competent and reliable partner in Romeo from Safari Multiways. It was a big pleasure to communicate with him and to discuss all the details of our tour. Then, we had Juma, a very experienced guide and driver, who gave us lots of opportunities to observe all the animals within the national parks in Tanzania. We could meet also the Big Five. We were accompanied by a very friedly cook, Dogo, who served always very delicious meals. Nothing was missed at the table, it was almost perfect. The only things I would recommend would be to maintenance the car (for avoiding some gear problems) and to buy a newer and maybe bigger tent. Altogether, it was a great and unforgettable time, so I would recommend Safari Multiways, definitely!
ES
Email Marcos | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent 6-day camping safari!!
We did an 6-day camping safari included Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater. if I were to do it over again I'd skip Tarangire in favor of another Serengueti day, The best park for us is amazing. The safari was great we got to see the big five close to our jeep including the rhino.
Romeo is kind, professional and efficient . We worked together to create a custom itinerary that fit our desires.
Although this was not a luxury safari experience nor was it a price as such . We would highly recommend Safari Multiways.
IN
Email Shabbir | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
First safari experience
This was my first safari of my life. I was always fascinated for going on a safari after watching wildlife shows in NatGeo and Discovery. Safari had always been on my list.
I was new to the city and didn't knew where to approach for a safari trip. Then a friend of mine recommended me to go for Safari Multiways for a lifetime experience and truly it was!
The package consisted of two days and three nights package for Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Our first day was a visit to Tarangire National Park. We were greeted by Omari. He was extremely polite and friendly guide. He picked us from the hotel in Arusha. It was a 3 hours long drive to Tarangire.
3 Hours later, we entered Tarangire National Park, the land of Elephants. As safari was in progress, I couldn't believe that it was real. The special moment was the chase!
In day 2, we reached Ngorongoro Crater. It was nature at the best. The best moment was lion passing right beside our jeep. I will never forget this moment in my life!
The hotels and its ambience was excellent. Kudos to our guide Omari for making this safari a memorable one.
NL
Email kees en annet goedhart | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had a great safaritrip, but there some points to improve
The communicatie before we came to Tanzania was good. Paying the bill with their payment system is costly
(10%). You better pay with your own bankaccount.
We did the trip with basic camp. It was very nice to camp in the national parcs, and Fanakacamping was good. Multiways didin't have good chairs compared with other company"s. Also the tents smells stale. Multiways must improve this points.
The Management of Serengetiparc en Gnorognoro crater didin't clean there buidings on the campings very well. It was very dirty. We abhors that. This problem must be solved by the Management of the Serengeti and Gnorognoro and all the safaricompany's from Arusha must tell this to the management. That is the only way to achieve clean buildings.
But the guide of Multiways -safari was our best man. We had the best places to watch the animals. We have seen a lot. We had had a great safari. Also the food was good.