50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
Fantastic tour, highly recommended. Gaustav our driver was very knowledgeable and made the day so enjoyable. Thankyou so much Gaustav!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
"Incredible Wildlife, Expert Guides, and Seamless Safari Adventures!"
We had an absolutely fantastic experience with Viva Safari — everything was brilliantly organised and ran like clockwork. The entire operation is clearly very professional, with enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable guides who truly love what they do.
Our safari experience included a wonderful mix of sunrise and sunset game drives, bush walks (which were thrilling!), and event meals out in the bush — all of which made the experience feel incredibly immersive. We always knew what to expect thanks to the clear communication from the team, which helped us make the most of every moment.
We stayed at Tremisana Lodge, which is right in the heart of the bush. It was an amazing location — we regularly saw wildlife right outside our accommodation, including lions, hyenas, elephants, and even honey badgers! The camp had a very sociable atmosphere, and the guides were always around for a chat or to answer questions, which made the whole experience even more engaging.
The food was plentiful and of a good standard, and everything was very well catered. If you're looking for great value for money, with the focus firmly on being out on safari as much as possible, Viva Safari is an excellent choice. The guides go out of their way to ensure you see as much as possible, and even the transfers and rest stops were well planned and efficient.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Viva Safari — you will not be disappointed!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The hiking 🥾 was amazing with Solomon adventure
The hike was really great and it was a good value for money
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A truly unforgettable and completely fulfilling safari adventure!
First, let me start by saying this: if you’re reading this review, you’re already doing the right thing by doing your research. I began mine in September 2024, reading hundreds of reviews, reaching out to 15 companies, and even creating a spreadsheet to compare itineraries, accommodations, and pricing. After narrowing it down to six options, I ultimately chose Swala Safaris and I’m so glad I did.
My decision was based on a combination of factors: membership in the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO: tatotz.org), helpful responses on Tripadvisor forums, detailed itineraries, quality accommodations, and above all, responsiveness. From the start, David at Swala Safaris worked closely with me to create and refine an itinerary that matched my budget and expectations. When I received a grant from Fund for Teachers mid-planning, he eagerly helped me expand parts of the trip. David’s energy matched mine, and he was incredibly accommodating and informative every step of the way.
My daughter (18) and I ended up with a dream itinerary:
2 nights in Arusha
3 nights in Tarangire National Park
3 nights in Karatu (near Ngorongoro Crater)
3 nights in Central Serengeti
2 nights in Northern Serengeti
1 final night in Arusha before our departure
David’s planning was top-notch, but the single most important factor in any safari is your guide, and this is where our experience went from amazing to truly exceptional.
The Guide: Joachim
Your guide will either make or break your safari. Our guide, Joachim, far exceeded every expectation we had. His combination of interpersonal skills, wildlife-spotting talent, and expert driving was already impressive. But his deep knowledge of ecosystems, conservation, and animal behavior elevated the experience to something resembling a personalized, university-level course in the wild.
I brought dozens of questions with me, some of my own, others from my students and colleagues , covering topics from climate change and conservation to animal adaptations, behavior, reproduction, and symbiotic relationships.. Joachim answered them all with clarity, insight, and genuine enthusiasm. He turned each day into an opportunity to learn, not just see.
Even small touches, like turning off the engine during sightings (even short ones) and preferring to find wildlife without relying on the radio, showed his respect for the animals and his confidence in his own tracking abilities. As a result, we often found ourselves alone at sightings, able to fully absorb the moment without a crowd.
(Side note: If you do end up near other vehicles, please be quiet. Loud voices can ruin the experience for others and the wildlife.)
Arusha Highlights
In Arusha, we visited Shanga, an inspiring community of artisans with disabilities who create beautiful works from recycled materials, everything from woven blankets to glass art. We also shopped at the Cultural Heritage Centre and the Maasai Market, where dozens of stalls offer beaded jewelry, wooden sculptures, and visual art. It’s a great place for souvenirs and to practice your bargaining skills! Be friendly but firm, and remember these two phrases:
Asante sana = thank you very much
Hapana asante = no thank you
Joachim was by our side the entire time, ready to help if we needed anything.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire stole my heart with its majestic elephants. We spent hours watching them drink, play-fight, take mud baths, and interact tenderly with one another. The park is also known for its ancient Baobab trees, which are not only stunning but ecologically vital to the landscape.
Karatu and Community Outreach
In Karatu, our experience went beyond wildlife. In collaboration with Ernest at Foresight Lodge, we participated in a community outreach program, donating a cow to a local family and visiting both the family and their village. We also brought suitcases full of school supplies for a nearby primary school and had the joy of meeting the students there. These experiences added a meaningful human connection to our journey.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro delivered incredible wildlife sightings. Two highlights:
A Black Rhino emerging from dense brush
A dramatic scene with two male lions, 25+ hyenas, and several jackals gathered around a kill
Southern & Central Serengeti
On the way to Central Serengeti, Joachim asked if we’d be open to a detour through Southern Serengeti; a quieter area where guides are allowed to drive off-road. We were in! That decision led to one of our most magical moments: a leopard sighting, all to ourselves. We parked under the tree and watched, from a respectful distance, as the sleepy leopard lounged above. When I return to Tanzania, I’ll definitely include Southern Serengeti for a few days in my itinerary.
In Central Serengeti, we had more unforgettable sightings:
A pride of lions with tiny cubs, eyes wide and curious
A mother cheetah with her cub, spotted on three separate occasions, including one just 200 yards from our tent, bathed in golden morning light.
Northern Serengeti and the Great Migration
Finally, the Northern Serengeti, where the Great Migration culminates in the legendary Mara River crossings. It takes patience and a bit of luck, but it’s worth every second. There’s nothing quite like watching hundreds of wildebeest pour into the river, driven by instinct and survival. It’s awe-inspiring and humbling.
In Summary
Swala Safaris delivered an experience beyond what I imagined. The planning, communication, and support from David were outstanding. But what truly made the trip unforgettable was Joachim, whose expertise, passion, and integrity brought the landscape to life in a way no itinerary ever could. To anyone planning a safari: take your time, do your research, and don’t underestimate the importance of your guide. If you choose Swala Safaris and have the chance to travel with Joachim, consider yourself incredibly lucky. Asante sana, Joachim. You made this the experience of a lifetime.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Desmond was an enthusiastic and entertaining tour operator.
This was an experience I will never forget, it was absolutely magical and we had so many beautiful experiences.
We didn’t get to see all big 5 even though our tour operator, Desmond, did his absolute best to track them down for us.
It was great that the tour operators could radio each other and communicate when and where they saw animals.
It was worth every penny and the guides were entertaining and so knowledgeable.
Thank you for a wonderful time!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trip of a lifetime thanks to Cate at Reteti
Cate is an excellent planner..she listens to your needs. She responds very fast and also is open to suggestions and criticisms. That makes working with her a real pleasure. You cant go wrong with Reteti
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Out Of Hundreds To Pick From, We Got The Best!
From our first contact with Catherine Edwards to our final farewell from Beatus the owner, it was a perfect experience! My wife and I booked simultaneous adventures with Passionate Guides. A seven day climb of Kilimanjaro for Me and a seven day Serengeti safari for Lynn. Never have I received so much attention on a successful mountain climb! And the safari far surpassed my wifes expectations! Can you say cats, cats and more cats?
And when it comes to the climb be sure to ask for Keddy Nathanael! He, the five porters and cook make you want to come back and do it again! And indeed, we are already considering coming back in 2026 for another safari. BUT, only with PASSIONATE GUIDES!
They specialize in private safaris and mountain climbs for your own personal group. So even if you are only a "group" of one, as me on the climb and my wife on the safari, don't cheat yourself trying to save money by going with an international group of 10 or more. Treat yourself to the special attention you will receive for your own personal group! Their passion creates an unforgettable experience for you and yours!
Thanks again Passionate Guides! We are already passing the word to all our friends. Consider no other!
GR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, fun and knows how to catch the action
Helpful even with a problem we had that was not included in the safari
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, attentive, in a word, perfect!
Erick prepared our 3 days safari on line.
He booked everything for us. A driver came to pick us up at our hotel in Zanzibar to go to the airport. As soon as we arrived in Arusha, Max our guide took us with him in his car and we started the safari. 3 days we will never forget!
Max made sure we saw many animals. He knew where to drive all the time. He could answer all our questions.
We stayed in a really nice lodge where everyone was so nice!
It was our first safari and we would like to come back again.
Magical, stunning, and wonderful!
Thank you Max and Erick again for this expérience!! ❤️❤️❤️
NZ
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable Up and Close, Safe Safaris.
A complete experience reverberating through your every cell. Create the memory of a lifetime. Be excited, thrilled, fulfilled, yet safe not sorry. Do it with Meru Slopes Tours and Safaris. Ohh might I add - more affordable!
