Bright African Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2007)
- Member Of:
- TATO, TTB & TLTO
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $85 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Bright African safaris is tops
My wife and I decided to organize a family safari to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary and at the recommendation of relatives who had been to Tanzania a few years earlier, contacted Msangi of Bright African Safari. That was our first and probably best decision because he organized one of the most spectacular two-week adventures anyone could possibly hope for. The choices for viewing game were all superb yet each was unique with different emphasis on what was likely to be seen. Our guide Athuman was just spectacular. He drove us throughout northern Tanzania and organized our viewing, lunches, and snack-breaks for 9-10 hr days (our choice) over roads with no obvious markers without missing a step. How he navigated was miraculous to observe and while doing so pointed out all the “hidden” oft-times rarely seen, animals we enjoyed. It is no exaggeration to say we observed 50 lions, 10 cheetahs, 4 leopards (which can be particularly difficult to spot in trees), and countless elephants, giraffes, buffalo, wildebeests, zebras, antelopes of at least half-dozen varieties, and ostrich. Rhinoceros were rare because of poaching, but we did encounter a few. My wife and I had been on a superb safari to Botswana 12 year ago. We had nothing but praise for our experience, yet Msangi’s combination of natural parks, land cruiser and guide, tented sleeping facilities with superb food at every stop, could not be beat.
IN
Email Siddhartha | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
When I first decided to go on an East African safari, it was a a huge task to take the numerous decisions and make the plans. I started an year ago and went through tons of online content to put up a rough draft of what I wanted to do. We were a group of 7 people and we contacted several tour operators. Based on the the online reviews and personal interactions, we decided on Bright African Safaris.
Main points in their favour were: 1. Small local company based in Arusha, 2. Top reviews and 3. Agreeing to an itinerary which several companies rejected (will elaborate later). Our main target was the Northern Tanzania circuit. We started from Arusha, then traveled through Tarangire, Manyara, Natron, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and back to Arusha over 10 days. We traveled from 24th May to 2nd June, while the rainy season had just ended. And here was where Bright was a stand-out. We definitely wanted to go to Natron due to it's weird and unconventional nature. Several other companies tried to exclude this even after our repeated requests stating possibility of bad roads. We are glad that Msangi and Bright did not follow suit. For people looking for something other than the standard experience, please visit Lake Natron. It is truly a unique place on Earth. Msangi was very efficient during the email exchanges and also while making the travel arrangements. We opted for budget accommodations and we were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the lodges (maybe the off-season helped). A special mention must be made for Mbalageti Luxury camp. Bright had made all the arrangements so that we did not have to worry about anything. One of our team members decided late to join in and Msangi took care of it in a couple of days, even after all the bookings had been made. So extra points for flexibility.
Now a few words about our guide Osman, although few words would not be enough. From the moment we met him at the airport to the time when he dropped us off, it was a pleasure to have this man in our company during the safari. Extremely amicable, knowledgeable and accommodating, he was ever smiling and helpful. He is a confident and safe driver and is in control even on the worst of roads. As for animal sightings he was very good at spotting them. In the later stages of the trip, we got interested in bird spotting and it was amazing how he knew at least the type of any bird we saw. We saw more than 100 birds and animals in total during the entire trip. Also Osman was very rational in his decisions. He did not promise us the moon and always gave a thoughtful explanation for any question. Even when we were not on safari, we had the license to pester him regarding names of birds or animals.
All the lodges we stayed at were nice and well equipped, some were better than others. Both breakfast and dinner were quite good quality. The lunch boxes were not that fancy and you could customize it to a certain extent at the lodge itself. Overall, it was a highly enjoyable safari with a very nice company and I would recommend it without a doubt to anyone going on a Northern Tanzania safari. Asante sana Osman, Msangi and Bright African Safaris. Hope to see you again.
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Email Krishnan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari experience
We just returned from an amazing Tanzanian safari experience. This was our first trip to Africa and so really did not know what to expect. After speaking with a friend who had done a safari a couple of years ago and from researching online, we finally picked Bright African safaris due to their stellar reviews on Trip Advisor and a few other sites. We were not disappointed!!
Throughout the enquiry and booking process, Msangi (the owner of Bright Safaris) was very prompt and detailed in his responses. The booking required us to make the full payment before the trip - I was a bit apprehensive but it seems to be the norm and based on what others wrote about Bright Safaris, I made the payments. All payments received prompt acknowledgements.
From the moment we were picked up at the Airport by Msangi to the day we were dropped off at the airport by our guide, everything was perfect and happened like clockwork. We stayed at some really amazing hotels, the food was really good, the service top rate and most importantly we had a really good guide, Authman, who made sure we experienced everything an African safari had to offer. We saw all of the Big 5 (including an amazing experience with a pride of lions on the last day), got to interact with the local people and every request we made was adhered to.
At the end of our Safari, we had an extra day before we left Tanzania. Msangi allowed us to keep the car and guide an extra day, at no charge, so that we could do some local sight seeing and shopping in Arusha.
I strongly recommend Bright Safaris to others. We came back to the US with a big smile on our face which is what Msangi promised us. I highly recommend Bright African Safaris.
Email Sian Rhodes | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wild adventure close up and exciting from animals to tribal hunting with a quality guide and cook.
From the very beginning the communication from Bright African Safari was first class, every questioned answered within a day, and changes made upon request. The actual holiday was more than I ever thought it could be. We had such a personal guide that looked after our every need, and he soon became a friend. We had an amazing time seeing loads of different animals. The shear numbers of animals were astonishing and it was magical seeing our guide spot animals from vast distances. His knowledge of all the different species meant that we also learnt interesting facts about the animals. We were lucky to see the big five, but our favourite images were a heard of 20 giraffes running across the plain and the wilder beast congregating at the river Maya. The cook managed to keep my two teenage sons well fed - which is quite an achievement, and they especially loved the home made soup. We travelled to four different national parks, with each one having a different outlook and landscapes. The final destination Tides Lodge recommended by Bright African Safari was perfect ending to a perfect life changing trip. Luxury rooms, paradise beaches with excellent food and service. Thanks to Bright African Safari my family felt as though we had a real taste of Tanzanian life.
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Email Scott and Sheri Waugh | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Dreams can come true
We were pleasantly surprised with the entire trip from the time we were greeted at the airport to the departure delivery . Juma was our guide and he did spend each day working hard to make sure we came home with pictures and stories of our Tanzanian experiences. The accommodations at the various camps were exceptional, giving us the full Tanzania experience. The food and sleeping arrangements were excellent at the various camps, even the 4 flat tires we encountered to and from the Serengeti added to the adventure.
Over all we would give our "Out of Africa" experience an A+. Many many wonderful memories.
JP
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very good and fun experience in Tanzania!
We did 5 days private safaris tour as part of our honeymoon trip to go to Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro with Bright African Safaris. Osman, our guide/driver was a very nice guy and made our trip very pleasant. Though it was a rainy season, the weather was nice and we could see many animals on the ground and on trees. First time to see lions on a tree and leopards on a tree! They provided us with professional, good and pleasant services. They were also flexible in scheduling and the like. (My wife's flight delayed and my wife's luggage did not arrive on time. However, they kindly re-arranged our schedule and we enjoyed the tour very much!)
My y wife and I recommend Bright African Safaris.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
experience of a lifetime
What an amazing experience! From the start of the emails, Msangi (owner of Bright Safaris) was more than patient and helpful with the myriad of questions we had. It is an exclusive tour, just us, not other people. The lodging and staff at all the tent camps along the way were friendly and helpful. Bright Safaris takes care of everything from the moment you arrive at the airport to your return. All you have to do is enjoy the scenery and the 1000's of animals you will see. The guides have an incredible amount of knowlege, information and ability to see animals. We were blown away beyond expectation. You will be glad you chose this company.
Email Murray Price Melbourne Australia | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brights get it right
We had a wonderful experience with Bright African Safaris undertaking a 7 day climb of Mt Kilimanjaro and a 7 day safari that encompassed Tarangire National Park, Ngorogoro Crater and Conservation area, and the famed Serengeti. Brights were incredibly trustworthy, which was a big thing for me undertaking my first African adventure.
We (my 2 teenage sons and I ) felt very safe at all times with our chief guides Habib on the mountain and Othman on our safari, whilst we were still able to experience at very close hand the African culture, lifestyle and of course the abundant wildlife.
We had an unforgettable trip and a huge thankyou to Brights for making it happen.
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35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Safari and Beach Vacation with Bright African Safaris
Our family of four (mom/dad, kids 11/12 years old) really enjoyed our 2 week vacation planned by Bright African Safaris (BAS). Mr. Msangi and assistant Rukia were so helpful and professional in arranging our trip to Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar for a very reasonable and competitive price. Guides Mr. Evans, Mr Steven and Mr Othman were so knowledgable and nice with our family during the entire trip. Check out a more thorough review at TripAdviser.com
What a perfect trip to Africa!!
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A safari trip beyond expectations, for a reasonable price and with a personal touch!
In July 2014 we went to Africa for the first time and made a safari in Tanzania followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar .
We discovered Bright African Safaris on the internet and contacted them, together with a few other organisations, to organize our trip to Tanzania. After a couple of mails we decided to choose BAS for our private safari tour, a decision we surely do not regret!
Thanks to Msangi, chief of the company, and his team our first holiday in Africa became an unforgettable experience!
Msangi did his utmost best to make sure that everything was okay for us and that the whole trip went smoothly. He even came to pick us up personally at Kilimanjaro airport in the middle of the night. He also offered to store our luggage for Zanzibar, that did not go with us during the safari, at his home. After the safari we met him again to give him our feedback and he waved us goodbye at the airport.
We visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. Already the first day in Tarangire NP we saw so many animals that we thought it would be difficult to have such an amazing experience every day, but it appeared that indeed every day was fantastic and every day we saw something special, like for example really small baby lions in Ngorongoro crater.
The lodges we stayed in were all fantastic. Mbalageti tented camp in the Serengeti and Osupuko Lodge Tarangire were maybe the best.
Osupuko is a smaller lodge and therefore the reception and service have a more personal touch. Rooms were great and from our terrace we could even see the animals! We made a morning walk with the local Masai, which was also a nice experience.
We also visited a Masai village near the Serengeti, something we can surely recommend.
Our 2 drivers/guides, Amiri and Rajai, were warm and friendly people, always in a good mood and always on time. They were excellent drivers and even better guides. They patiently explained us everything we wanted to know about the animals and nature in general. They were all the time in contact with eachother and with other drivers over the radio, to make sure that if something special was spot, we could also witness it.
We were travelling together with my brother and his family, nine persons in total. The adults were in Rajais jeep, the five children, ages 12 up to 20, were in Amiris jeep.
The vehicles were comfortable and had charging possibilities.
My brother was also very interested in the birds we saw and Rajai appeared to have a big knowledge about birds as well.
The children were impressed with Amiris knowledge and his capacity to explain everything in an interesting way. They always listened very carefully to him and they admired him a lot. He learned them the jambo-song and even teached them the latin names of some animals and trees.
Amiri as well as Rajai did not only speak English fluently, Rajai also spoke fluently French, Amiri appeared to speak Italian and both of them even knew a couple of words in Dutch.
They did not only do an excellent job as driver/guide, like we said in the beginning they were also warm and friendly people. One day our eldest daughter felt sick and fainted while visiting the Masai village near the Serengeti and Amiri took care of her as if it was his own daughter.
So in short, thanks to Bright African Safaris we had a marvelous journey in Tanzania and we will never forget these wonderful people! If we ever go back, we will certainly contact them again and we would also recommend BAS to anyone considering a safari trip to Tanzania.
Asante Sana Msangi, Amiri & Rajai!!!