PT
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not as great as the first time
Returned to Tanzania after 18 years hoping to recapture the magic. Not quite. The first time was during the Great Migration and it was glorious. Huge herds with hungry predators picking them off. This time in June it rained both days in the Serengeti, there were no real herds, and I didn't see a single kill. It didn't help that my tent was leaky or that our guide was more interested in yelling at other drivers and on his phone than being a guide. The overloaded vehicle didn't help nor did the fact that he seemed uncertain who he was supposed to take on which tour.
Also getting into and out of my Airbnb in the center of Arusha was an adventure in itself because of the awful roads, one of which was blocked, forcing us to reverse a long way.
The one highlight was Zanzibar. I stayed in Kiwengwa at The Kichwa House, a locally-owned place, for three glorious nights. The beach was gorgeous, the locals friendly, the food great.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience between both the guides and wildlife
My wife and I did the safari package with 2 night at umkumbe safari lodge and 2 nights in Kruger National park at skukuza. It was an incredible experience at both sites. With umkumbe being on the Sabi sands game reserve the guides are able to go off-roading and drive right up to animals if they are deeper in the bush whereas in Kruger you do have to stay to the road, however we did see some great sighting in Kruger with lions, elephants, rhino, etc all being very close to or even on the roads. We saw all of the big 5 in umkumbe and and all but leopard in Kruger. The staff was very accommodating and the food was incredible. We utilized the included shuttle service from OR Tambo airport to get to and from the safaris (about 5.5 hour drive) which went smoothly. If we were to do it again I would probably fly directly to skukuza instead but the drive was not too bad. We were on planes for about 19 hours the day before so just a lot of sitting.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
what an amazing experience!
For our vacation to Tanzania we booked a 7 day safari with Safari360 that went to the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Parks. Once we got through customs the trip was an amazing time. Getting a Boeing 787 load of people all at once through customs can take time. Having our Visas before we left was a HUGE help. Lameck our guide's knowledge of the parks was very impressive and he was so personable he became like family before we boarded the plan to come home. Be ready to take 1,000s of pictures because of the scenery and animals are at every turn. EVERY person and I mean EVERY person we came into contact with during our trip made us feel like we were an honored guest and were going way beyond what we expected to make sure we were comfortable and happy. The Arusha Cultural Heritage centre is someplace you'll definitely want to visit if you're in Arusha along with the Arusha Central Market. Our guide arranged for a local (very helpful) to take us to the Central Market and around part of Arusha. One of the nicest places we stayed was Under the Shade Safari Lodge and the Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge was much nicer than a person might expect staying in a tent. It had a full bed, shower & restroom in our tent. We stopped at a Maasai village while on our safari and they showed us around their village even going inside a home & kindergarten school room. We're from America and US dollars were accepted every place we wanted to spend money at. Because the hospitality was so good Tanzania I wish I had taken more $1 bills than I did but was able to exchange $20 for ones at our Lodge. Your probably going to want to get more souvenirs than you think you will. Going back through customs was much easier since everyone didn't arrive at the airport at the same time. This was a once in a lifetime vacation that we want to take again. The people of Tanzania are absolutely amazing and as they told us in Swahili, polepole (polay polay), or slow down and enjoy your time.
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful country with the most impressive wildlife.
We enjoyed lots of scenic places but the most we loved the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Diverse
Tanzanians were very friendly and happy to have cisitors. At nonpoint did I feel unsafe. A safari trip to Serengeti is a must - we spent 2.5 days there and saw so many animals including many cubs and nearly a couple of lion or cheetah hunts. It was amazing! We had a local tour company Suricata that was excellent. We stayed in very nice but locally owned lodging which was amazing - good food, very clean, and staff that were so friendly and helpful. Forest Hill Hotel outside of Arusha was wonderful and peaceful. I don’t think there is anything compelling within Arusha. We also spent teo days at the end of the trip in Zanzibar at the Tembo Hotel which is a beautiful old historic building and perfectly situated for strolling around and beaching. The diversity of people and cultures in Zanzibar was fabulous. Tanzania is relatively stable, safe and very friendly and an amazing experience.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awe-Inspiring Adventure
I recently embarked on the 10-Day "The Best of Africa's Big Five Safari & Zanzibar" program with Amshar Serengeti Adventures, and I must say it was an absolutely incredible journey. From the moment I arrived in Tanzania until the end of my trip, the level of professionalism and expertise displayed by the Amshar Serengeti Adventures team was truly commendable. The safari experience itself was beyond my expectations, with breathtaking encounters with Africa's magnificent Big Five animals. The knowledgeable guides provided us with in-depth information about the wildlife and their habitats, making every game drive an educational and awe-inspiring adventure. The accommodations throughout the safari were top-notch, offering comfort and luxury in the midst of the wilderness.
The second part of the program, the Zanzibar extension, was the perfect way to unwind and soak in the beauty of the Indian Ocean. Amshar Serengeti Adventures seamlessly organized the transition from the safari to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar. The resort they recommended was a true oasis, with pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and exceptional service. It was the ideal place to relax and reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters I had just experienced.
Overall, I cannot speak highly enough of Amshar Serengeti Adventures and their "The Best of Africa's Big Five Safari & Zanzibar" program. Their attention to detail, knowledgeable guides, and commitment to providing an exceptional experience made this journey unforgettable. I highly recommend Amshar Serengeti Adventures to anyone seeking an authentic and remarkable safari adventure in Tanzania, combined with the beauty and tranquility of Zanzibar.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome Viva Safaris
We (I and my husband) had a wonderful time on our tour in South Africa because of Viva Safaris. The only thing we can say, Viva safaris is just awesome tour operator for everything, from day 1 until the until the end of our 6 days tour.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Axis delivered a great itinerary for a bucket list safari
2 person private lux 5 day safari Masai Mara, Naivasha & Nakuru. Our expectations were pretty high and Axis delivered. They held up their end by booking the exact accommodations we requested and followed the itinerary with no shortcuts. Our guide Abdul was awesome and he made the experience. One of the best trips.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great!
Had a fantastic time with Blue Mountain on a 3 day safari to Masai Mara at the beginning of June! Ann in the office was helpful and informative while coordinating the tour. Guide Peter was friendly and knowledgeable about Masai Mara and the wildlife. Would book with them again!
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing week!
We had an unforgettable time and enjoyed every minute of our safari. Our guide Daniel was awesome. His knowledge about the animals and the whole wildlife is amazing. He drove us safely around throughout the whole trip. Everything was superbly planned and organised by Savannah Explorers. The accommodations were fantastic.
Thanks for a 5-star holiday.