US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Enchanting
Whether this is your first or fiftieth safari, do yourself a favor and choose Real Africa. Simon and his team took me and my father on a seven-day camping safari through Moremi and Chobe National Parks. It was our first safari and we could not have had a better experience. Botswana has some of the most beautiful landscapes and incredible animals this world has to offer: Simon is the man to show them to you.
Simon is an excellent guide: he knows so much about the land and the animals of Botswana and it was obvious to us that he appreciates them deeply. He is eager to share the glories of his country. He is also a talented tracker, and even seemed to sense animals before they stepped out of the bushes or swept down from above. As he is an avid photographer, he knows what makes for a stunning photo and frequently stopped to point out a piece of beauty we had not seen. Has a great sense of humor, too.
There was no hiking involved on our trip. All was seen from the back of a shaded and breezy Land Cruiser. Simon was happy to stop on request so we could take photos or stare at some new marvel. He halted at mid-afternoon for tea and biscuits – and a stretch of the legs.
If you choose the camping route, which I heartily recommend, be aware that this is not rough camping. All the work that was to be done was done for us. We slept on comfortable cots, had a private outdoor latrine, took bucket showers, and ate like kings. Simon had a team of two guys who set up and tended the camp while he took his guests on game drives. (These two were also some of the friendliest and most considerate men I have ever met.) One of these guys is a trained cook, and everything he served was absolutely delicious. We fell asleep each evening to the sounds of wild night noises and woke each morning to the Southern Cross in the sky.
Do bring some soap for washing. If you don't wish to pack sunscreen and bug repellent, you can buy them in town before heading into the bush.
Safety was never a worry. No weapons were brought on the trip: almost all the animals shied away from the Land Cruiser. For those that didn't, Simon knew them well enough to know what to do to get out of a scrape. At night the guys set up several spotlights that shone out from the camp, and that was enough to keep the animals from wandering among the tents.
Simon was very communicative with us before the trip started and was happy to answer all our questions. He also checked in after our trip was over to see if we made it safely home. He has treated us like friends from start to finish.
Real Africa sets the standards for service and delight. I highly recommend it.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A beautiful country with stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and welcoming people.
What a wonderful experience! We spent 7 days in the bush and 5 on Zanzibar island. The national parks in Tanzania were amazing and each brought a special aspect to our overall safari experience. We went to Tarangire, the Serengeti & Ikona Wildlife area, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara with a professional driver/guide. We were fortunate to see so many animals (Big 5) in their natural habitat. The camps were comfortable and took "glamping" to the next level! The hospitality was evident throughout and safety was always strictly adhered to.
Travel within country was easy but their systems are still a bit behind as everyone on our flight experienced delayed luggage upon arrival to Zanzibar.
The beach resort allowed use to recoup after the safari and provided a relaxed setting. Recommend you take small us dollars for tips, mosquito repellent (40%deet), and sunscreen.
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
We had the "4-Day Midrange Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari". It was all in all amazing. We were taken good care of from the beginning to the end.
We saw a lot of animals and even rare ones. Our safari driver, Hassan, was really nice, took his time and understood what we wanted to see etc. Also, full of knowledge and could answer all our questions.
All the accommodations were great.
We were very happy with going in February because it is not high season, so not that many safari cars around as in the high season (June-Sept).
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful scenery, food , game and accomodation
My wife and I spent 3 days in Kruger. We saw the big 5.
The accomodation and food at the camp was excellent. The safari guide was knowledgeable about animals and plants. We visited Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay Swellendam and Hermanus, all well worth a visit.
Our trip was organised by Greatest Africa who took great care over all aspects of the visit.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Gentle, charming, authentic.
We had four stops in Tanzania: two nights in Dar es Salaam, two nights in Stonetown, three nights in the Nyerere game reserve, and three nights in Paje. They added up to a fascinatingly varied experience. Tanzania, as we had been warned, is a poor country but with almost no violence or aggression. We did not have contact with anyone who was not friendly or helpful. There was none of the persistent and aggressive begging we encountered in Nairobi. Western observers might think that Tanzanians could do more to help themselves, by clearing up the mountains of litter everywhere, for instance, but their society seems to work for them. All four of the hotels we stayed in had very high standards and were immaculately run. They were very much part of the positive experience. The weather (and even the seawater - a big plus in my eyes) was intensely hot but somehow that was part of the overall picture. I cant speak more highly than to say that we are already looking at flight schedules to see if we can return at the same time next year.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tanzania is a Country of Many6 Contrasts
I ventured to Tanzania to work with a NGO and develop a proposal to help build sustainable food security for women and youth.
The countryside is impressive as is the work ethic of the people. I was especially intrigued by the customs and the value placed in livestock ownership.
I toured most of the country and am fascinated by its true potential to become a major African nation.
Travellers should bring an extra article of clothing to leave behind. It will be really appreciated by a recipient.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredible trip to Tanzania
My wife and I always wanted to take a safari to see African animals in their natural habitats. After extensive research to determine whether we go to Botswana, Kenya, South Africa or Zambia, we decided Tanzania had the largest concentration of animals in all of Africa in the smallest geographic area, it was easy to decide on Tanzania. We then researched safari tours of all types, and again, comparing many different companies' offerings, we determined that the tour offered by Lion King had an excellent 8 day itinerary which not only included lots of animal watching, also included nightly stays at tent lodges that were all amazing. We booked the tour, and went in January, when the temperatures are cool. Everything that the tour promised was exactly what was delivered. The safari was incredible. The tent lodges were like 5 star hotels with incredible views. Our tour guide and driver, in a very comfortable Toyota Land Cruiser, was could not have been more friendly and knowledgeable of where the animals would be. My wife and I are in our 70's, and we had no problems with this trip. The people of Tanzania, without exception, were kind, caring and wonderful to be with. Eight days of sunny days with about a 70 degree high. What are you waiting for? Go to Tanzania and have an experience you and your spouse, friends or kids, will never forget.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Kruger National Park by Thomas Ward
Everything you wanted to see in Africa is here.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Mikumi National Park by V.P. (Vince) Mayne
Near the end of the dry season, most water holes attract few animals.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very friendly and informative
It was a lovely experience. The tour driver was very friendly and informative. Me and my friends learned some new things on this tour and we're very happy for it. The tour driver was able to describe what we saw and answered our questions intelligently.
We were very happy with the experience and will definitely do it again. Thank you
