35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exactly what I'd dreamt of...
Many safari tour operators have faultless reviews but there was something about Soul of Tanzania’s reviews that stood out. As we write ours now I hope this too will help others decide on SOT. For us this was going to be a once in a lifetime trip, but having had the most incredible experience we cannot imagine never doing this again. For me, this was a dream of more than ten years and with my 40th birthday approaching I decided it was definitely going to happen! I dreamt of being completely removed from the ‘everyday’ world - to feel in the middle of nowhere and be in the presence of some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring animals– and that is exactly what I got. Along with so much more...
From the moment we made our first enquiry with Luis to being dropped back to the airport for our departure in the middle of the night, SoT provided excellent service that just made it all work out so beautifully.
Our guide Heaven was like meeting a long lost friend – we were blessed to spend our time in Tanzania with him. Within minutes of meeting us he promised us one of the best times of our life and seven days later he had given us exactly that. These guides work long days from sunrise starts to enjoying some social ‘after-hours’ time with you in the evening, Heaven continuously wore his captivating smile and was always keen to know your wishes for the following day. He was forever conscious of giving us the best time and getting the most out of each day. His english language and knowledge was excellent. We asked him a 100 questions a day and he would answer them all :) He had a great rapport with all the tour guides we passed and it was great to see them all share knowledge of sightings.
We chose to go in January to coincide with a birthday and did our own research on what would be the best areas to visit at that time of year. We then looked at some of SOT itineraries and worked with (the forever patient) Luis to plan a custom 7 day safari. Luis was always so prompt and clear in his communication and offered us a range of accommodation in our chosen regions, so we really could tailor the trip exactly to our preferences and budget. No enquiry was too much trouble and he went of his way to look into a particular request (liaising with my husband without my knowing to make it happen).
We loved the variety of the itinerary passing through 4 parks - lake manyara, ngorongoro, ndutu and the serengeti. All special in their own way but for some reason ndutu holds a special place in our heart...from incredible sightings that rewarded your patience and the free range nature of traversing the plains, to the tented camp with camp fire and beautiful hospitality to a once in a lifetime sunset and so much more...
All of our accommodation options were excellent and all very different which added to our experience (Lake Manyara Camp, Plantation Lodge, An’gata Camp and Kubu Kubu Lodge). They ranged from luxury to a tented camp and I would recommend choosing a variety. But, I would also whole-heartedly recommend the tented camps and would do it all again in those - there is something about the more "bush" experience and endearing hospitality. All accomodation catered fabulously for our vegan diets – the chefs going beyond expectations and always ensuring we were happy and well fed, which without doubt we were. You may have already read many reviews highlighting the hot lunches – we can certainly vouch for how good these are too. Heaven would lay the table cloth in any given surrounding from picnic bench to the landcruiser bonnet! And serve us a delicious hot buffet lunch, wine and coffee and cookies...what more could you want!
We hadn’t given much thought prior to taking a private tour when looking into general options and providers but are so glad we did. Having the guide, the vehicle and every choice yours and yours only made sure your trip panned out just as you wished, no jostling for space in the vehicle or moving on before you’re ready. Every personal preference and comfort is guaranteed.
You may have noticed we haven’t even mentioned the actualities of the trip (the wildlife, the scenery etc)...that will be there whichever operator you choose... it’s knowing you have experienced all the wonder of this outstanding part of the world in the best possible way and that comes down to who you chose to show it to you. Just do it!
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Priceworthy
I must say this is the best safari experience I have ever had. I have been to many different countries in Africa and in Asia, and out of all my experiences this was the most genuine and held the highest quality of all. Isaac has indeed showed me another Africa, a more beautiful Africa, and for acceptable prices.
Sad to hear that others had a bad experience; are you sure that you did pay to the account in Tanzania, not Kenya? Because it is better to pay to the account designated by Isaac; many places in Africa suffer from corruption, it is better to hear the tour guide out on where to send the money.
If you want the time of your life and see the true Africa on natures own terms, ecobushman is an exellent choice.
AT
Very friendly & professional
The Team is cooperative and flexible to do the best for the customers
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Service, Personalized Itineraries and Great Value - def more than 5*
We thoroughly enjoyed our Southern African adventures. We had a totally customized tour for 15 days through 4 countries in Southern Africa. We enjoyed planning this trip with Darren and Kate. We found them very prompt in answering our inquiries and providing expert advice and guidance. Initially we had contacted them for a 8 day trip to Vic Falls (Zimbabwe) and Chobe (Botswana) for a group of 8. We were so impressed with the types of accommodations, tour options and most importantly communication that we decided to have them plan another 7 days for 4 of us, travelling to Namibia and Cape Town. This 7 day add-on was a late decision and although it was a challenge, especially to get accommodation organized in Namibia where there are very few options (that does not involve pitching your own tent) in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, somehow, the they were able to get us the accommodation and guide arranged for the dates we wanted.
The flexible schedules/options, the accommodations they arrange for us (Batonka Lodge in Vic Fall, Garden Lodge in Kasane, Aus Safari Lodge/Sossusvlei Lodge in Namibia and Parker Cottages in Cape Town), the quality of the service provided by the local guides they work with and the personal service we rec'd while travelling (email check in etc) were definitely more than good value for our travel dollar.
The pre-trip info & communication was exemplary and we really appreciated working with a company that required thorough insurance (medical, trip interruption etc) coverage and provided us detailed itineraries and local contacts for guides and accommodation to use in emergencies and to leave behind with loved ones.
We were very impressed with the local guides they worked with. Ruth/Mortimer in Zimbabwe, Elvis in Namibia and Garth in Cape Town, were all so professional, very experienced and ensured that we were comfortable and well cared for at all times. We appreciated that they were all very flexible with our plans, rearranging itineraries where possible and ensuring that we covered all the things we wanted to while keeping at a pace that didn't feel rushed. Most importantly we felt very safe travelling long distances and to remote areas with them.
We wholeheartedly recommend working with Darren, Kate and the Compass Odyssey team. We know that they will not disappoint!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well organised within our budget and time frame.
From pick up at Kilimanjaro airport to drop off at Arusha four days later, a very satisfying experience. Florent the organiser, Chiba and Lorrie the drivers all very friendly and knowledgeable. The animals were amazing!
No hesitation in recommending Snow Africa Adventures to friends and other tourists.
DE
Wonderful 3-day desert tour!
I had a great time on the Blue Crane Safari Tour to the Namib desert. Eventhough we only had 3 days, we saw so many beatiful things: breathtaking nightskys, wild animals, beautiful sunrise on the top of sand dunes... Blue Crane organised everything - camping equipment, food, entertainment ;) Sammy was a great guide!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Silas was not only driving us around, he made sure we were comfortable, happy and enjoying our trip.
We had a chance to visit Kenya and go on a safari with our driver and tour guide Silas. He took us to different parks in Kenya and he knew exactly where to find the animals once it was too warm for them to be walking or lying around. We even spotted the rarely seen African wilddogs in Tsavo East!!
Silas was also great with our 6 yrs old son. He always cheered him up when he sometimes got tired during the game drives.
Besides, we were also very impressed with the hotels he chose for us. The food, services, the staff and amenities were all great. To add on that, every hotel he booked for us came with something special in terms of the location, room views and the standards.
Silas is very professional and experienced. We will definitely be doing this again with him.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Just Awesome
We did a 7 days tour with RajaTours Tanzania, We really had a great time in our holiday, I can highly recommend them to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Tanzania.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Second safari with Safarihub
We booked our second safari with Safarihub within three years, this time to Kenya. I dealt with Victoria again and all went like clock work. The range of accommodation and safari plans booked was well arranged and exceeded our expectations and was a bit different to Tanzania. Will use them again if we book another safari to Africa.
FI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect!
We wanted just tonsay thank you for the amazing safari in Mikumi park last friday! Everything worked out perfectly as promised and we saw all the animals possible to see!
