BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Memorable Family Safari with Serengeti Landmark
In early August 2026, our group of 15 travellers, eight adults and seven children, ranging in age from 10 to 74, joined Serengeti Landmark for a nine-day, eight-night tour in Tanzania. The package combined two days of local activities with a five-day safari, airport transfers and overnight stays before and after the safari.
Booking and Organisation
The communication and booking process by email was excellent. Raymond responded quickly to every question and helped us compare the available options. Together, we created an itinerary that suited our group and budget, with a mix of lodge stays and tented accommodation ranging from basic to mid-range.
Materuni Waterfall and Chemka Hot Springs
In addition to the safari, we booked airport pickup and two introductory days of activities near Moshi. Herman was our guide during this part of the trip. He was enthusiastic, welcoming and attentive to the needs of our large, multigenerational group. The visit to Materuni Waterfall, including the coffee tour, gave us a first taste of Tanzania’s lush scenery and local culture. Chemka Hot Springs was another highlight: the clear water and natural surroundings made it a relaxing place to swim, and it was not crowded during our visit. The access road is quite bumpy, but the destination is well worth the journey. We arranged our own accommodation in Moshi.
Preparing for the Safari in Arusha
In Arusha, we stayed at the Tourist Inn Hotel, which Raymond had included in the package. It is a convenient, good-value hotel for the night before the safari. On the first safari morning, three vehicles arrived exactly on time. The jeeps were well equipped, with a refrigerator and power outlets (1 of the 3 cars was not working). There was no Wi-Fi, but we certainly did not miss it. We were able to leave our main luggage at the hotel and take only a backpack on safari, which made travelling much easier.
The Five-Day Safari Experience
Our safari began in Tarangire National Park, where we immediately saw an impressive variety of wildlife. After the game drive, we stayed at Fanaka Lodge, a comfortable stop with a swimming pool for anyone wanting to cool off and relax.
The next day involved a long but scenic drive past the Ngorongoro Crater, including a stop at a spectacular viewpoint, before reaching the entrance to Serengeti National Park. Even during the transfer, there was plenty to see along the road, including giraffes and other animals. The Serengeti itself was breathtaking: vast landscapes, endless horizons and remarkable wildlife sightings. Thanks to our guides, we saw four of the Big Five there, including leopards.
Our two nights at Tukaone Serengeti Camp were unforgettable. Waking up to sweeping views of the Serengeti, after hearing animals nearby during the night, made the setting feel truly special. The camp offered an excellent balance of comfort and closeness to nature, and the food was outstanding.
After exploring the Serengeti, we returned to the Ngorongoro area and spent the night in basic tents at Simba Campsite. This was a completely different experience from the lodges and tented camp, but every bit as memorable: zebras and giraffes wandered close to the campsite, creating a genuine sense of sleeping in the heart of the wild. Nights here can be cold, so warm clothing is essential.
On the final safari day, we descended into the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater floor offered another excellent concentration of wildlife, including male lions and, finally, a rhinoceros, the fifth of the Big Five for our trip. That afternoon, we returned to Arusha, collected our luggage and stayed once more at the Tourist Inn Hotel. The following day, the operator transferred us to Arusha Airport.
Guides and Meals
Our three guides, Herman, Francis and Edwin, were very friendly, knowledgeable and extremely professional. They answered all our questions, whether about the safari or Tanzania more generally, and knew the park routes, wildlife and natural environment exceptionally well. Their respect for wildlife and commitment to conservation added real depth to the experience. We also had a fantastic chef, Elisabeth, who prepared delicious meals throughout the safari.
Practical Tips
• Bring your own binoculars. The animals are often reasonably close, so a basic pair is sufficient.
• Pack warm layers for the evenings and nights, especially if you stay at Simba Campsite.
• The roads can be extremely dusty, so a scarf or face covering is useful.
• Travel with a small backpack for the safari if you can leave larger luggage safely in Arusha.
A Note on the Maasai Village Visit
The only activity we would not personally recommend was the Maasai village visit. Although the dancing and explanation of daily life were interesting, much of the visit focused on selling souvenirs, and the sales approach felt uncomfortable to us. This was disappointing, particularly because we had already paid US$100 per jeep for the visit. Other travellers may experience this differently, but it is worth asking in advance what the visit includes.
Overall Impression
Overall, this was a very well-planned and smoothly executed trip. It offered a rich variety of experiences: waterfalls, a coffee tour, natural hot springs, sweeping savannahs, close wildlife encounters, comfortable lodges and adventurous nights under canvas. The accommodation was better and often more luxurious than we had expected, although this will naturally depend on each traveller’s budget and preferred style. Serengeti Landmark delivered an unforgettable safari for a large group with a wide age range, and we would happily recommend the company and its guides to families and groups looking for a well-organised Tanzanian adventure.
GR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experiences with Blue Monkey Tours
We took 3 activities with Blue Monkey Tours:
1. The five islands tour at Lake Kivu,
2. A visit at a coffee cooperative and
3. A visit to a banana plantation to experience the banana beer preparation.
The tour and activities were so interesting and enriching that became the highlights of our trip!
Our guides, Bosco and Cendrick, are not only friendly and helpful but also very knowledgeable, insightful, punctual and polite.
Thank you, guys! Five stars all the way!
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Recommended tour operator
We had a great safari trip through Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli. We took the budget 6day safari with slightly increased comfort in Masai Mara. Our guide, Kelvin, was very caring and did a fantastic job spotting all kinds of wildlife for us. The camps we stayed at were also nice and comfortable. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and we highly recommend Kelvin as a guide!
SG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Efficient and reliable
Rodgers was extremely helpful and prompt. We were quite dissatisfied with our bookings at Mara Serena. But Rodgers was on top of the situation and acted on our side. Because of his expertise, our difficult experience turned into a positive one! We shall always accompany him on our future trips. We really endorse his services!
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Safari Experience with Kihindo Tours
I had the pleasure of going on a safari with Kihindo Tours, and it was truly an interesting and enriching experience. From start to finish, everything was well-organized, and the attention to detail made the journey even more enjoyable.
A big thank you to Moussa and Saloniki, our guides, who made this trip so special. Their knowledge of the wildlife and the ecosystem was impressive. They took the time to explain animal behaviors, plant life, and how the entire environment works together in balance. Every sighting came with fascinating context that brought the savannah to life.
If you're looking for an authentic and educational safari, I highly recommend Kihindo Tours. Thanks again to Moussa and Saloniki for their passion and expertise!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Efficient and friendly service
Transfers organised really well and Tiyani was a great driver delivering us back to Johannesburg safely after the safari trip.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
PH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Went well above expectations
Suricata Safaris went well above my expectations. My trip became complicated when my flight from Nairobi was cancelled and my baggage was delayed, but Caroline was incredibly helpful throughout. She assisted me with tracking my baggage and quickly reorganized the logistics of my safari around my delayed arrival. I really appreciated how responsive, flexible, and proactive she was. What could have been a very stressful situation was handled extremely well.
My guide and driver, Ecky, was also excellent. He knows so much about the parks, wildlife, and the places we visited, drives safely, and is very sociable and easy to spend long safari days with. He is very chill but clearly works hard to make sure you have a great experience.
I was genuinely very happy with Suricata from start to finish. I would absolutely book with them again, and next time I would specifically request Ecky as my guide. I’ll also be recommending them to friends traveling to Tanzania.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
fabulous safari in 8 days
u know, the animals is not ez to see, but Albert show his professional, any kind of animals has been seen, the big five, ugly five, even two times seeing lions group eating and the two times Leopold, that is wonderful. Really recommend that to ask albert to guide.
so thankful to my driver guides.
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent tour! The guide is professional, attentive and responsible. Great overall experience.
Better to exchange some more local Kenyan currency.