35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Discover the marvels of Ethiopia with a great team
Our trip was amazing. We spent 2 weeks travelling and exploring new places from the North to the South of Ethiopia. Our guides, Mareg (for Addis Abeba) and Abebaw were fantastic: friendly, knowledgeable and at all times committed to making this a wonderful experience. Mareg took us on a fascinating one day tour of Addis which included the Shola market and the spiritual sanctuary on the Entoto Mountains, a marvelous spot of peace and prayer away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
Our guide Abebaw Tilahun was an amazing one: mediator, interpreter, friend. He was always helpful and introduced us to some great culinary traditions of Ethiopia as well as to the important stories and legends surrounding Lalibela, the role of the Christianity and the beautiful wildlife (marabou storks, hippos, crocodiles, flamingoes, egrets, ostrichs, fish eagles, gelada monkeys, Colombo monkeys, and many more). The accommodation we had was generally good or very good, in some cases quite charming! The information provided by guides and operators were always complete and helpful. Last but not least: our drivers too were great: Atakilt was crucial to make it in time to Bole airport and navigating the busy streets of Addis, Abreraw drove us safely in Bahir Dar and the North, in Lalibela we had the friendly Derebe and for the South the amazing Bekele. I highly recommend Simien Eco Tours to anyone who wants to discover such a great and beautiful country. They have the expertise and great people to make this a truly memorable experience.
GR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safe and reliable
Theodore was an excellent driver and delivered a safe and smooth drive to our destination
BR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good service delivery
Punctual and fast shuttle provided by Theodore, from Johannesburg to Kruger Park
RU
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything went ok: good views, lots of animals in national parks
Visited three parks, all different ones. Saw many zebras, thompson gazelles and giraffes. Several big cats were also spotted
NG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good
Theodore is a pleasant and wonderful companion. The pick up was promptly and guided the journey nicely. A very careful driver.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Theodone was very helpful and accommodating
We were picked up at the scheduled time - everything was well organized. Theodone was a great chauffeur. We did two stops underway.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible expirience! We went on our honeymoon and it was the best plan, the best company, and the
We are so grateful to have chosen this trip and to have met Benji; it has been one of the best experiences of our lives. Highly recommended.
TR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Witnessing the Big Five with an Extraordinary Guide
After comparing several safari packages, my friend and I decided at the last minute to book our African adventure with Oldbeast Vacations. We could not be happier with our choice, and we would wholeheartedly recommend this company to anyone visiting Tanzania.
From the very first moment, everything was handled flawlessly. Innocent, our first driver, met us punctually at the airport and even helped us buy a SIM card and exchange money. On the second day, we met our tour guide Joshua and our incredible chef Hamisi. Joshua briefed us thoroughly on our safari itinerary and welcomed all our questions with patience and enthusiasm. He is a walking encyclopedia, with deep knowledge spanning animal behavior, birdlife, and Masai culture. His passion for the Serengeti and Tanzania shone through every single day.
Joshua’s skill and intuition made every moment unforgettable. Thanks to his sharp eyes, extensive network of local guides, and 16 years of experience, we were able to witness extraordinary wildlife moments. From a cheetah hunt in the Serengeti to spotting the elusive leopard on our very last day just hours before our park permit expired, and even seeing rhinos at Ngorongoro, we were lucky enough to experience all of the Big Five on this one safari. Joshua’s expertise in jeep positioning meant we captured countless incredible photos, and his calm professionalism ensured every day was exciting yet comfortable.
The flexibility of our private tour allowed Joshua to make small itinerary tweaks that maximized our experience. Early morning starts, less crowded viewpoints, and his guidance on local markets made our journey seamless and personal. Even when I made a mistake by standing on the back rack of the vehicle in Tarangire out of excitement, Joshua handled it with understanding and humor without letting it affect our safari.
Hamisi, our chef, deserves special mention. His gentle and humble nature combined with his culinary talent made every meal memorable. From freshly baked bread and delicious soups to indulgent desserts and customized dishes for our dietary preferences, every meal was crafted with love. Hamisi’s thoughtfulness, whether offering toppings for peanut butter or creating extra space for us at breakfast, left a lasting impression.
Our equipment and accommodations were top notch. The safari jeep was comfortable and practical, with solar charging for devices and a portable Mifi device. The tents were strong, cozy, and warm even in temperatures as low as 8 degrees Celsius. Campsites were well maintained, with permanent kitchens, toilets, and even limited hot baths at some locations.
Communication with Oldbeast Vacations was smooth and responsive throughout, with Mwanne providing detailed guidance before and during the trip. Even four days after the safari ended, they arranged a free transfer from our hotel back to the airport. The team went above and beyond to ensure our journey was safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
All in all, our safari with Joshua, Hamisi, and the entire Oldbeast Vacations team was a dream come true. We captured countless National Geographic-worthy photos, enjoyed incredible meals, and made memories that will last a lifetime. The attention to detail, warmth, and expertise of everyone involved made this African adventure nothing short of magical.
All I can say is… Oldbeast Forever!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tjiyani is a very friendly, professional, knowledgeable driver.
Excellent service! Tiyani is a safe, courteous, and friendly driver.