BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Family Safari
We had an unforgettable family safari in Tanzania, perfectly organised by Dancing Simba from start to finish. With participants of all ages, the trip was smooth, exciting, and incredibly well-managed.
Our drivers, Eric and Pendaeli, were exceptional — friendly, attentive, and always going the extra mile (literally!) to help us spot wildlife. The vehicles were comfortable and well-maintained, and everything from hotels to meals was well arranged.
The local team in Arusha was also fantastic — always easy to reach and responsive, even when we had last-minute questions or changes. Communication throughout the planning and the trip itself was excellent, which gave us real peace of mind.
If there’s one small area for improvement, it would be to make the guiding a bit more informative in terms of wildlife, environment, and local culture. That said, the overall experience was so positive that we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this agency to others looking for a well-organised, family-friendly safari adventure in Tanzania.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super quick reply cares about your experience takes pride in honest and your request
We had Guide Big Tom super nice Guy seems to know every guide and has the inside track on stuff happening . See the great migration crossing with in 3 hours of being in park . Next days seen lots of cats and all the other of my check list items . Over all was once in a lifetime experience . Would highly recommend this company picked us up at are hotel on time . We had no worries but taking photos and seeing amazing animals .
Company replied asap as I needed a last minute package they got it and fitted my schedule .
I reached out to 3 companies they replied with in 1 hour and was like 11 there time at night . And other companies took a week to get back with me super fast reply time .
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Planned an amazing well organized safari.
Unforgettable Safari with Estleon Travel – 9 Days Across Kenya and Tanzania
We just completed a spectacular 9-day safari organized by Estleon Travel, based in Nairobi. From start to finish, the trip was exceptionally well-coordinated by Ester, our travel coordinator. Our guides — Robinson in Kenya and Eli in Tanzania — made the journey even more unforgettable with their deep knowledge, warmth, and attention to every detail.
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AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK (3 Days, 2 Nights – Ol Tukai Lodge)
We began with a morning pickup in Nairobi and drove several hours to Amboseli National Park. The park greeted us with sweeping views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, herds of elephants including calves, and vibrant wildlife at every turn.
• Lodge: Ol Tukai Lodge is gorgeous. It overlooks open bushland teeming with elephants, zebras, and wildebeest. The pool was refreshing, and the second-floor bar — decorated in a classic East African motif — was a perfect place to unwind.
• Game Drives: We did two drives per day and saw elephants within arm’s reach, lions, hippos, hyenas, serval cats, ostriches, and baboons with babies. Robinson, an expert birder, pointed out dozens of species — flamingos, crowned cranes, eagles, and more — enriching our experience even though we’re not birders by nature.
• Food & Rooms: Meals were buffet-style with good variety, and rooms were clean, comfortable, and refreshed daily.
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LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK (1 Night – Sarova Lion Hill Lodge)
After Amboseli, we made the long but scenic drive to Lake Nakuru. Though the time in the park was short, this is a must-stop if you want to see rhinos, which we did.
• Wildlife: We saw both black and white rhinos, lions, zebra, baby hyena, and various antelope species. Nakuru’s dense forest gave it a totally different, more tropical feel compared to Amboseli.
• Lodge: Sarova Lion Hill was beautiful, with lush grounds, cultural performances, a great buffet, and cozy, upscale rooms. In hindsight, an extra night would have allowed more time to explore the park.
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MASAI MARA (3 Days, 2 Nights – Ashnil Mara Camp)
The drive to the Mara was both scenic and fascinating — passing through vibrant villages, climbing into the green highlands of the Rift Valley, and eventually descending into the iconic grasslands of the Masai Mara.
• Great Migration: We immediately encountered the Great Migration — surrounded by hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras. One surreal moment: picnicking on a hill overlooking the open plains of the Masai Mara, watching the endless movement of the migration unfold below us.
• Wildlife: We saw cheetahs, a leopard, giraffes and baby giraffes, elephants, and zebras by the thousands — all often within yards of our vehicle. The river safari revealed hippos and crocodiles up close.
• Lodge: Ashnil Mara Camp was our favorite. Overlooking the Mara River, the lodge offered magical sunsets and the unforgettable sound of hippos at night. Great pool, welcoming staff, and a fantastic gift shop.
• Balloon Safari: A true highlight — soaring above the Mara at sunrise in a hot air balloon, followed by a champagne breakfast on the plains. Unforgettable.
• Pacing: With nine full days, we chose to skip two afternoon drives (one here, one in Serengeti) to relax and enjoy the pool. It was a perfect balance for us as a family of five. Remember: it’s your vacation — you can choose when to rest or explore.
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SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (2 Nights – Serena Serengeti Lodge)
The drive from the Mara to Serengeti was arduous. Between long distances, border delays, and traffic, we arrived later than ideal, cutting into game-viewing time. If we could do it again, we’d highly recommend a bush flight from the Mara directly to the Serengeti — far more efficient.
At the border, we switched from Robinson to Eli, our Tanzanian guide. Eli was fatherly and considerate, full of knowledge about the wildlife and culture, and always attentive to our needs — from finding snacks to securing clean rest stops.
• Wildlife: The Serengeti did not disappoint. We saw a leopard hunting, elephants, buffalo, and a pride of lionesses with cubs, this time in the grasslands — a magical and intimate sight. We also discovered our new favorite creature: the dik-dik, a miniature antelope the size of a small dog.
• Lodge: Serena Serengeti is perched on a hill with sweeping views of the plains. The thatched bungalows were both charming and luxurious. Great food, excellent bar, and beautiful porches to watch the sunset.
• Drives: We did most morning and evening drives, skipping just one afternoon to relax. The safari vehicles — modified Toyota Land Cruisers — were comfortable, with pop-up roofs for 360-degree viewing. Make sure to bring high-quality binoculars — brands like Vortex (we used 10x50) or Nikon are worth it.
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NGORONGORO CRATER (1 Day)
Our last full day took us to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is truly one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. Standing on the rim, you look down into a vast, self-contained ecosystem that feels almost prehistoric.
• Wildlife: Highlights included a pair of lions defending their kill from a pack of hyenas — an intense and unforgettable scene. The crater is teeming with animals and feels like a final jewel in the safari crown.
• Time: We had about a half-day in the crater; a full day would have been ideal.
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OLDEANI MOUNTAIN LODGE (1 Night – Near Arusha)
Our final night was spent at Oldeani Mountain Lodge, near Arusha. This was by far the most luxurious stay of the trip.
• We stayed in a private bungalow with beautifully appointed interiors, an outdoor shower, and incredible views.
• The lodge had a fantastic pool, beautifully maintained grounds, cultural entertainment, and excellent food.
• It is located outside the national parks, which gives it a relaxed, retreat-like atmosphere for your last night.
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FINAL NOTES & TIPS
• Buffet-Style Meals: All lodges served meals buffet-style, with plentiful and varied options. Dietary needs were accommodated.
• Vehicle Setup: Safari vehicles are 8-seater Toyota Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs. Very comfortable and well-suited to long drives and game viewing.
• Rooming: As a family of five, we opted for two rooms — one for us, one for the kids. Having separate bathrooms made things easier and more comfortable.
• Border Crossing vs. Flying: The road transfer from Masai Mara to Serengeti was long and tiring. If possible, fly between countries to save time and arrive at your next destination earlier.
• Departure Advice: We ended the trip with a transfer back to Nairobi via road from Arusha. If you’re flying home, consider departing from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airports to avoid the long return drive.
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This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Estleon Travel, Ester, Robinson, and Eli made it seamless and personal — we felt both well cared for and fully immersed in the wild beauty of East Africa. Robinson, in particular, was a wealth of knowledge, endlessly patient, and always kind. Eli was calm, thoughtful, and deeply respectful — a guiding presence throughout our time in Tanzania.
We wouldn’t change much… except maybe staying a few more days.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Seamless transition to the Tanzanian portion of our Safari
Seamless Transition to Tanzania with African Savannah Trekkers — A Perfect Second Chapter to Our Safari
We originally booked our entire 9-day Kenya-Tanzania safari through Estleon Travel based in Nairobi, and they handled everything beautifully. For the Tanzania portion of our journey, Estleon subcontracted with African Savannah Trekkers, run by Eli, who became our guide and companion for the final leg of our adventure. The transition between operators was seamless, and the quality of care, knowledge, and professionalism we experienced in Tanzania was truly outstanding.
Eli met us at the border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania after our time in the Masai Mara. While the drive from the Mara into the Serengeti was long and included some delays (common in East Africa), once we were in Eli’s hands, things ran smoothly and felt fully customized to our needs as a family of five. Eli is not only a skilled and experienced safari guide, but also a deeply considerate host — attentive to logistics, sensitive to our pacing preferences, and incredibly informative.
We explored Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and spent a night near Arusha. Eli was a fantastic spotter and deeply knowledgeable about both the animals and their behaviors. Some of the wildlife highlights included:
• A leopard actively hunting
• A pride of lionesses with cubs resting and playing in the grasslands
• Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and countless species of antelope
• The family’s new favorite: the dik-dik, a miniature antelope the size of a small dog!
Eli was also flexible with our schedule. We did all the morning and evening game drives except one afternoon, which we spent relaxing at the lodge pool — a welcome break after so many action-packed days. He always made sure we were comfortable, fed, and happy — from finding great picnic spots to bathroom breaks and snack runs. His presence was calming and reassuring, and he handled every request with patience and warmth.
Our accommodations during this stretch were top-notch:
• Serena Serengeti Lodge had spectacular hilltop views, comfortable bungalows, and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Our final night at Oldeani Mountain Lodge near Ngorongoro was possibly the most luxurious of the entire trip — we had our own standalone villa with outdoor shower and sweeping views.
We spent about half a day in the Ngorongoro Crater, and it was easily one of the most surreal and beautiful landscapes we’ve ever seen. Watching two lions defend a kill from a pack of hyenas was a moment we’ll never forget. We would’ve loved an extra day there — the crater is breathtaking and packed with wildlife.
Eli’s company, African Savannah Trekkers, delivered a truly world-class experience. Though we didn’t originally book directly with him, we’re incredibly glad Estleon partnered with someone of his caliber. Eli’s thoughtful leadership, cultural insights, and dedication to guest experience made the Tanzanian leg of our safari unforgettable.
If you’re booking a Tanzania safari, whether independently or through a larger agency like Estleon, we wholeheartedly recommend African Savannah Trekkers. Eli’s personal touch and deep experience elevated our trip to something beyond a vacation — it was an experience we will carry with us for life!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our guide was very knowledgeable and attentive.
The tour was amazing for the price! We saw tons of giraffes, zebras, lions, hippos, elephants, and more! We even saw a rare encounter of elephants crossing the river. Highly recommended this tour company!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best value for your money!
We had a wonderful Safari experience in Kenya - thanks to 'Ways of Africa'. Our tour covered Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara over 6 days. The arrangements made by Paul Sanare were impeccable and we had a very comfortable trip, despite the hectic schedule. We picked the mid-level tour package, but it felt like a luxury tour. Starting with the personal greeting by Paul and his wife Janet in Nairobi to the warm sendoff over dinner at the end of the trip, we couldn't have asked for more.
A special shout-out to our tour guide and driver, Paul Kimane. He was friendly, courteous and flexible to our schedule. His experience helped us enjoy the safari at each of the parks and we are elated for the full safari experience we had. Not only did we get to see all the wild life listed in brochures, we even got to see a lion hunt as well as a cheetah hunt in action! The wilderbeast migration and river crossing was another highlight.
We would highly recommend booking your tour with Ways of Africa - your perfect hosts in Kenya and Tanzania. I believe they are expanding to neighboring countries as well - watch out for them there as well.
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65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Arusha National Park by Patti
Arusha NP was lush and green and we saw so many animals up close. The park was beautiful.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Patti
The crater was beautiful. We saw a lot of wildlife there including a rhino as that was the only place we saw those since they are protected. We would not have wanted to miss that!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Serengeti National Park by Patti
The Serengeti is how I had pictured Africa. Here it really had the ambiance of an African safari with orange sunsets, dusk with the silhouettes of the acacia trees and the sounds of animals in the distance. At night, the stars were so bright that it felt one could reach right up and touch them. It was so beautiful and amazing.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Tarangire National Park by Patti
This park was not as lush as Arusha NP but the wildlife was easier to spot as a result. So glad that we went to this park.