65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Efficiency, knowledge and courtesy: Experience joy with Migration Kili Expeditions and Safaris
I was so impressed by the organisational capacity of the owner of Migration Kili Expeditions and Safaris on my expedition to Kilimanjaro , that I asked him to create another custom-made safari for me in which I not only visited Tarangere , Serengeti, Ngorongoro but saw the Olduvai gorge - the birthplace of humanity. The guides on both expeditions were exceptional : Rogath Ephren Mtuy- who not only holds the world record for ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro and return to Marangu park in 14 hours and 50 min , but is an expert on the local plants and flowers and their healing properties or other uses. Cyprion , my guide on the safari , not only looked after me - erecting tents, managing a superb cook, manoeuvring his jeep according to my whims as a photographer , but had a depth of knowledge about, and respect for all the animals and their way of living and being . Both guides clearly loved their work and their courtesy and charm were outstanding.
As an older lone traveller , journalist and photographer, being explicitly catered to , this experience was way beyond expectations : not just what nature had to offer and my increased understanding and respect for other species, but in my trust of the organiser and guides who showed a responsiveness and intelligence, a depth of caring ,without patronisation , rarely met with in life.
I have written 2 articles for Projects Abroad and Ujumbe Magazine, Arusha - at present on
www.mytripblog.org/pg/bog/laolao
entitled ' TRUST ME TRUST ME : you can travel alone.'
and 'THE WILDERNESS IS THEIR HOME'
They include photographs . Perhaps you would like me to forward you the articles ? Let me know how .
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An absolutely first rate Photographic Tour, a great group and we learnt so much.
Duration: 12 day Photographic workshop visiting the highlights of Namibia (+ one day either side of the tour and 4 nts in St Lucia, SA).
I should start by explaining that I have been on safari tours before with this company and knew the high levels of service that would be provided. Also, I have done a small amount of wildlife photography and although I am happy with it, there is significant room for improvement in all aspects of my photography knowledge. Landscape photography was however something completely new to me and 12 days of complete submersion in this subject was very daunting to say the least.
I should not have worried.
Tailor Made Safaris and their partner company Lime Photo were first rate. The level of tuition was outstanding with Nick and Emil making themselves available to us probably way more than they should have. One catered to the needs of those newer to digital photography like me and the associated software and one to the more proficient guests. "Classroom" theory dealt with Lightroom and Photoshop as well as composition, balance, interest, subject matter and much, much more.
The practical’s covered, star trails by different methods, astrophotography, sun rise, sun set, blue hour, dawn and dusk and obviously daylight shoots as well as covering the elements covered in the theory sessions.
At the start it has to be said that I was completely out of my depth (as perhaps were others) but we were all treated as individuals and it took no time at all for our hosts to gauge out ability levels. Noticing I was struggling without me having to ask for help showed an understanding of guests (my) shortcomings and I was given assistance when needed but was pushed to stretch myself too. My learning curve was vertical; there was no curve, which gives one a fantastic feeling of achievement when good shots are taken.
It has to be understood that this is a work shop; but this is NOT grinding, boring and tedious work. This is enlightening, broadening, exciting and exhilarating work. Yes there are some very early mornings and long days but the rewards can be seen in your photos… No pain, no gain!
The inclusion of the option to take a photography flight over the dunes was outstanding and for many, a once in a life time opportunity. This is a completely different type of shooting to that we had been learning to that point. This is a point and continuous shooting on auto focus style while looking for patterns, composition, balance etc…it definitely got the heart racing. Seeing Deadvlei, Dune 45 and wild Oryx on the dunes from the air was amazing!
Due to the scale of the country and the high number of Photographer Bucket List locations visited, there is quite a bit of traveling but due to the structure of the tour, the transport arrangements, the views and photo opportunities en-route the traveling is easily considered to be part of the experience rather than a chore. If you offer to assist with the driving as I did, it makes the journey even more of an experience.
Due to the traveling, the preferences of the guests, weather and the need to sometimes split the group to get the best from the locations, the tour; and so the timings need to be a little fluid, this requires one to go with the flow and it keeps things interesting. This type of tour can’t be run to the tick of a Swiss watch.
The accommodation ranges from basic but comfortable to Namibian 4 /5 star, the food ranged from marinated fillet steak sandwiches cooked by Nick and Freya under the stars in a stunning national park to good wholesome hotel and/or restaurant fair…I would go for the steak in that location any day!
A few words about my fellow guests, I had a good idea before I left the UK that this was going to be a great tour because of those running it, but without the ladies and gents that attended; their humour, their understanding of limitations in fellow guest’s abilities, their appreciation of the needs of others; their willingness to help when needed and their tolerance of seven other strangers in close proximity for 12 days, this would not have been the outstanding experience that it has been. My thanks to all of them.
All in all… A fan-bloody-tastic tour. Nick with his un-flappable attention to tour detail and logistics, his concern for guests comfort and enjoyment and his calm, always patient teaching method. Emil with his exuberant and ever present photographer’s admiration of every vista that this magnificent country presents to you, his un-ending enthusiasm (even at 02:00) and his phenomenal knowledge of photography. They make an ideal team.
In all my reviews ask “Would I go back?” But this applies to properties and sightseeing tours/safaris, so it’s not appropriate here. So I will ask "Would I book with Tailor Made Safaris for another Photography Workshop?"
Absolutely!
This was a tour of more shooting and more tuition, great coaching, low guest to instructor ratios and first rate sights all at a good value for money. Enjoyment level 10 out of 10.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Time of our life...
We recently booked a 10 day holiday with Gondwana Safaris, including camps in Botswana and the Victoria Falls. We we very impressed how these guys from the word star helped us plan the trip and how well they knew each loaction and camp they suggested. We dealt with Steffi in particular and were met by Mark upon in arrival in Maun. It was a trip of a life time and we saw and experienced all we had in wanted and more. Kwara Camp and the Chobe Houseboat were without a doubt our favorite. We can certainly recommend Gondwana Tours & Safaris to anyone asking.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I couldn't have asked anymore of our guides, they took great care of us and made it hugely enjoyable
Prior to the climb, our guides gave us a very informative brief, explaining the various climates and terrain we would face and how best to tackle them. Throughout the expedition, we were instructed based on their experience which was the best advice I could have had.The entire climb was absolutely incredible and a definite highlight of my life so far. I would push anyone to do it with a tinge of jealousy that they would be about to embark on one of the greatest adventures.
Awesome experience!
There were so many choices for safaris tour operators but we ended up choosing Bright African Safaris because of their promptness to answering all of our questions with details. The cost of for 2 of us for a 7 days private safari tour in September 2014 was very reasonable! We were impressed with them the moment we landed at the airport. Msangi met us at the airport, apologized for not being able to accomodate us at the hotel he promised initially and told us that he had to put us else where. We were happy with that lodging as well as all other lodging accomodations he chose for us. We had Othuman as our guide and he was wonderful as well. We saw so many animals on our trip. There are so many "Oh WOW!!" moments -- ex: being able to see lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalos and leopard up close (less than 5 feet away!!) The only thing we did not see was a rhino but no one else saw one either during the time we went. =) The only thing I wish we did was to add "cultural" part to our tour, so we can taste some of the real Tanzanian foods, instead of Western foods at the lodges. Overall, VERY satisfied with Msangi and his staff!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
EASCO
I was nervous when I got to the Kilimanjaro airport because the phone number I had did not seem to be working. So I was pleased and relieved that a driver, whose name was Cosmas, was waiting for us with a warm smile, a helping hand and bottles of water!
I knew we were staying in Arusha because the overnight multiple flights made it too exhausting to head straight out to the Serengeti. But I had not looked up where we were staying, and so it was a delightful surprise. I had thought we would be staying in a small hotel in town, but we stayed at the Hatari Lodge inside the park, and the lodge and its operators and employees gave us our first impression of what being on Safari is like. And it was hospitality at its best. They met us with warm wash cloths, a deliciously refreshing watermelon ginger concoction, and a friendly explanation that we must close and lock the doors and windows so the monkeys don't come in and steal all our shiny things! In the park, we saw thousands of flamingos, a wart-hog battle, and a walking tour to a beautiful waterfall! Several giraffes greeted us in the morning, munching on trees about 30 feet from out front porch. The monkeys gave us a great show, trying to sneak into the bar, while we were eating breakfast.
The next day Cosmas delivered us to Arusha airport without incident, and we flew on a Cessna Air Caravan over the Ngorogoro Crater to Seronera and there we met James, who was our guide for the rest of the Safari.
James was awesome in every way! We saw all the animals for which the Serengeti is famous and also had the opportunity to take a walk through a small village. Each place we stayed in had its own special charm and the staff always made us feel comfortable and welcome. The food everywhere was quite delicious. Riding around in the Land Rover, free from traffic, seat belts, and surrounded by big open skies and melodious song birds was a delightful, if very dusty experience! I would have hated to have to be seated in a larger tour bus for so many hours a day. Being able to stand up for most of the drive made all the difference to us, and because we were not with others, we could linger longer or hit the road to the next site at will. Also, spending most of the day with James was wonderful as we learned a great deal about the local wild life, a bit about Tanzanian current events, and shared many, many laughs.
If you are afraid of lizards, don't like bumpy roads or dust, and are afraid of getting stuck in mud ruts or having to push a truck for a few steps, then this trip is not for you! We met a young couple who were clearly distressed because they didn't like camping! This made us laugh, because the tent camp we stayed at was so clean, so bug free, had comfortable beds, had indoor toilet and hot shower and had a chef quality meal offered at the end of each day. It's really not roughing it!!! But if you have some adventurous spirit and love the sound of the lions in the distance and the greeting of giraffes and zebras in the morning, then, please, take this amazing trip. And if you can, definitely take it with James!!!
IT
Great!
It has been a great experience. Jeremy was of a super great support. A special thank to Charles and Kapande, two Angels!!!!
US
I recommend Daigle
I took a solo tour of Tanzania's southern circuit with Daigle Tours in July of 2014. Although I was a bit wary of using a smaller tour company, the experience was smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. I initially chose them because they were more flexible, working with me to adjust a set tour to meet my needs. I was picked up by my guide at the airport, taken to 4 lodges that ranged from good to amazing, and dropped off back at the airport. In between, the game drives were awesome, one of the best travel experiences I have ever had. There are lots of safari companies out there, but I can definitely recommend Daigle.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My experience with Chels was excellent. I could not have imagined a better experience
The service was fantastic. I would recommend Chels to anyone wishing to experience safari in Tanzania. The guides and other staff were knowledgeable, friendly, capable, and overall fun to be with
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing game view in Ruaha
We were met by Michael at the Airstrip of Iringa and driven to Ruaha. Michael was an excellent driver and guide. He knows a lot about the animals. It was both fun and interesting to discuss with him the differences between Tanzania and the Western society and culture.
Besides he is very friendly and obliging!
After getting back to Iringa, we were taken by George to Mbeya. He is a very safe driver!
I can highly recommend UB On Safari! Be sure, they want you to live an experience of a lifetime and are happy to make flexible changes if you wish so.