50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A trip of a lifetime: Tanzania safari adventures and Zanzibar relaxation
We started 2024 with an amazing 9 day/8 night safari adventure in some of Tanzania's wonderful game reserves and ended with a few relaxing days in Zanzibar.
Preparations:
Maria and Nickson were wonderful to work with as we arranged the pre-trip details. After a few revisions of the normal Lion King packages Maria put together a wonderful adventure safari package that included tent camping in Tarangire and igloos at the Panorama Safari Camp. She made the flight reservations for us from Arusha to Zanzibar as well as all reservations and transportation arrangements in Zanzibar. Nickson then made sure all the trip details were secured and kept us informed of all the preparations we needed prior to our adventure. I felt they both did a wonderful job with communication and making sure the trip was what we were looking for. We ended up with one night in Arusha upon arrival, 3 1/2 days safari, one night in Stone Town and 3 1/2 days on the beach.
The Trip:
Day 1: After the 28 hour trip from the US (auugghh) the accommodations and people at the Arusha Planet Lodge gave us the perfect opportunity to rest up before the real adventure began.
Days 2-5: The next morning we were greeted by Gama, our guide and driver for the next 3 1/2 days. If you ever have a choice, request Gama. I seriously cannot give enough praise for Gama. He was personable, knowledgeable, fun and most importantly, wanted us to have a wonderful experience. After a quick drive through Arusha to pick up supplies and our chef Karim, aka Mr. Delicious (yes, 3 freshly prepared meals a day were part of the safari package), we headed to Tarangire National Park for lunch and an afternoon safari drive. During that initial drive we saw nearly all the African wildlife one could ever wish for, even a leopard. Short a Cape Buffalo and Rhino the big 5 was nearly checked off the first day out. After a wonderful dinner we slept in tents in the national park. Quite the experience to have elephants stomping and grunting and to hear lions roaring not far from the tent. The next day was rainy, but we still did a half day drive and saw the Cape Buffalo (4 of 5 down) and witnessed giraffes fighting for male dominance. Next stop Panorama Safari Camp for two nights in the igloos, very simple and more secure than tents in the park. After a morning adventure of getting stuck in the mud and a subsequent team effort to get unstuck, we made it to Ngorongoro. Driving down into the crater and seeing all the animals in their own ecosystem had to be one of the highlights of the trip. With the late start we saw a number of lions strategically resting up for the evening hunt as well as 7 different rhinos. Big 5 complete. After returning to Panorama for the night we spent part of the next day visiting Lake Manyara before heading back to Arusha for our flight to Zanzibar and the Maru Maru Hotel in Stone Town.
Day 6: After a wonderful dinner (no more Karim to make our amazing food) and a night at the Maru Maru Hotel we spent the morning exploring the spice market and wandered around Stone Town. That afternoon we were driven to the Shooting Star Boutique Hotel.
Days 7-9: Beach time and relaxation. The Shooting Star had nice bungalows with private patios and an infinity pool looking over the beach. Three days of walking the beach and enjoying the coast. It was not part of the travel package, but we did go on a snorkel tour near Mnemba Island and a Spice Tour the last day before heading to the airport for the 24 hr return flight (auughh).
Summary:
What a trip! Lion King Adventures did a wonderful job making this visit a once in a lifetime event. Other than getting stuck in the mud, which only added to the adventure, everything went exactly as planned by Lion King. We could not be happier with the entire trip. If you get the chance, try to get Gama as your guide. He is amazing.
P.S. We have some amazing photos, but after a couple attempts I was not able to upload the pics.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Goes above and beyond so you have the absolute best experience!
I can't say enough amazing things about Lights on Africa. From the moment we landed to our final goodbye, we were very well taken care of. All of our accommodations were wonderful and the staff were so personable. Peniel went above and beyond for our group. Everyone that checked their luggage ended up without it for a minimum of 3 days. Peniel went to the airport every day to pick up their bags and make sure they were delivered as soon as possible. I also can't say enough about how awesome our guides were. I personally had Ray as our group driver and he was absolutely the best. He was always having conversations with everyone in our vehicle, answering any questions we had, very knowledgeable about everything, and always got us the best angles for the best pictures. When anyone, even with a different safari company, had any problems he was the first guy to stop and help. Really a top notch guy! Thank you Lights on Africa for the most amazing experience in Tanzania. I can't wait to go back!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour operator delivered flawless service, creating unforgettable honeymoon memories.
What an incredible experience Discover Africa Safaris provided during our recent honeymoon adventure. From the moment we began planning with your team, to the final moments of our journey, every aspect exceeded our expectations.
First and foremost, the level of professionalism and expertise demonstrated by your staff was exceptional. From helping us craft the perfect itinerary to ensuring every detail was meticulously arranged, we felt confident and well-supported throughout the entire process.
The accommodations selected for us were nothing short of extraordinary. Each lodge and camp exceeded our expectations, offering luxurious comfort combined with breathtaking views of the African landscape. It truly felt like a dream come true to wake up to such beauty every morning.
Of course, the heart of our experience lay in the safari adventures themselves. Words cannot adequately express the awe and wonder we experienced as we ventured out into the wilderness, guided by your knowledgeable and passionate team of guides. From witnessing the majesty of elephants roaming freely to the thrill of spotting elusive big cats, every moment felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Moreover, the attention to detail in every aspect of our journey did not go unnoticed. From the delicious meals served under the African sky to the warm hospitality extended to us by every staff member we encountered, we felt truly cared for and valued as guests.
Overall, our honeymoon with Discover Africa Safaris surpassed all expectations and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for creating memories that we will cherish for a lifetime and for allowing us to experience the magic of Africa in such a profound and meaningful way.
Thanks to Discover Africa Safaris and to Antoinette Booyse.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organized Mount Kenya tour with a lovely team
We had a great time doing the 4-day hike to Mount Kenya. Patrick helped us with everything beforehand and was always quick at answering! He dropped us off at the Sirimon gate where we met with the guide and the porters. From the beginning, everyone made sure we had everything we needed. They told us about the area, cooked delicious meals for us and gave us advice when necessary! Overall a great trip!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They are a professional tour operator
I was lucky enough to have them arrange my tour. They promptly provided me with the quote, so that I could reserve my air ticket according to the final itinerary just in time. The initial travel vehicle was luxurious, and the hotel accommodations were very nice. I had a wonderful trip thanks to their professional work, and I hope they could have more business in the future.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing once in a lifetime adventure with Suricata Safaris
We had an amazing 6 day private safari trip with Suricata Safaris. Couldn’t have asked for a more experienced and fun guide. We had Ezekiel who is able to spot animals from a mile away and went out of his way to make sure we saw plenty of wild life. We saw 31 lions, 8 cheetas, 3 rhinos, 1 leopard and many more. Food was delicious and plentiful. My favourite accomodation was the Suricata Bome Lodge. It was new and beautifully designed. Highly recommend going with Suricata Safaris!
FI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This safari is good for nature lover, like camping and if you are traveling with low budget.
Safari was amazing experience. Our driver James had 20 years experience so he knew where to go and did everything that we could see all possible animals. The chef Ibrahim was so kind and made tasty food everyday in modest conditions. The tents were okay, but mattresses weren't that comfy and sleeping bags should be updated. There also were no pillows. Almost everything went good but sometimes we didn't get enough information and we needed to ask things many times. And sometimes the schedule of the day wasn't clear for us. Even though we got help when we asked something from Vicent who was from the company. He picked us up from the airport and let us leave our backpacks to the office during safari. If you manage without comforts this could be your safari.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing! Naseeb knew all of the best places and where to go.
Naseeb is very knowledgeable and knows just about everything in Uganda. The service was great and always on time. This was one of my best trips and it was definitely on the cheaper side compared to other companies. I will definitely use Naseeb Safaris again.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trust Ecological Adventures for your safari
This was the second safari we have been on with EA….the first being in 2008. Brian Mengoriki and his staff know the land, the animals, birds, flora and the relationship between. And this knowledge is used to give an excellent trip.
Our safaris with them were a blend of luxury camps and mobile tented camps…blended together and each suited for the local environment.
This is a family business that you can TRUST to give you a memorable safari that you will want to repeat….we did