SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Superbly organized safari and Zanzibar holiday
Our family of 5 (children aged 21,18 and 15) went on a 15 day tour in Tanzania with 5-day safari and a Zanzibar stay, organized by Tanzania Roadside Expeditions. We chose to book directly with TRE, rather than going via an agency where we live (Sweden), for two main reasons: higher flexibility and lower cost. (This was also after recommendations from a former tour organizer in Sweden who used to rely on the services of TRE for their safaris)
Communication during the planning process was smooth - Paul, the managing director - was always quick to iterate and take our requests into account, where we had any. For example we wished to add a hiking day and Paul suggested a Kilimanjaro day trip which we added to the program (this, for instance, was not possible with the Swedish operators I also discussed with)
We made the booking in January 2020, and were supposed to travel in June that year. Shortly after our booking, Covid hit and we had to reschedule everything. Here the company was very professional and easy to communicate with and typically replied to all emails within the day. We ended up re-scheduling two times before we finally could go through with the trip in december 2021.
Upon arrival, we were met at the airport by our guide, James, who was with us during the mainland stay (first 7 days). The safari program was very well organized. James was very knowledgeable with 12 years experience as safari guide, and expertly guided us to through Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro and was able to answer all our questions. During five days we saw countless animals - including all of the big 5, hordes of wild beast and zebras, giraffes and elephants. We even witnessed a chase where three lionesses took down a zebra right in front of our vehicle. All in all I must say it even exceeded our (high) expectations.
Our tour also included a day hike on Kilimanjaro (up to 2700m, accompanied by a mountain guide), before we transferred to Zanzibar. In Zanzibar we stayed in Stone town, where we also had a guided tour, and stayed on two resorts on the east shore.
Logistics of the trip was smooth - our safari guide and the safari vehicle (a Toyota Landcruiser) took us everywhere from arrival in Arusha until departure to Zanzibar. In Zanzibar the operator had arranged for a driver to take us conveniently between our destinations on the island.
Quality of accomodation was overall very high. The different lodges we stayed at during the Safari were all well run, clean and comfortable. This also included two nights in a tented camp (with in-tent shower/bathroom) in Serengeti. The Zanzibar arrangements also lived up to our expectations, in particular Tembo hotel in Stone Town and the Spice Island Resort which were truly excellent.
All in all we are very happy with the decision to let Tanzania Roadside Expeditions arrange our Tanzania holiday, and I believe we got good value for our money. Compared to some offers we got from Swedish agencies, our trip was both more extensive, more flexible and much better priced.
I would not hesitate to recommend Tanzania Roadside Expeditions to anyone considering a Tanzania holiday.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Extremely impressed with the knowledge and passion of my safari guide! Outstanding experience!
Amazing safari experience from the beginning to the end. Antony was very responsive and flexible while I was planning my trip. My guide picked me up on time at the hotel in Nairobi and it took us about 4h to reach the park. We stopped along the way to take pictures of the Great Rift Valley.
I stayed at Basecamp Maasai Mara, which was perfectly located as it is on the border with the park. We didn't have to go through any gate in the morning... we could just start the game drive directly from the camp, which was great. I was hesitating with another camp, but Antony convinced me to choose this one because of the location and he was right!
The game drives were amazing... Henry (my guide) has 19 years experience as a guide. He asked me right away what were my objectives with this safari. I explained that I was a leisure photographer and that I was particularly interested in big cats. He found a young leopard walking around the bushes within 15min of us entering the park... That was just the beginning. In my 4 days there, I can't count how many cheetah's, lions, hyenas and leopards I've seen... It was unbelievable. My guide was so knowledgeable with the behavior and habits of these animals that he knew exactly where to look for them. Many time, he was able to predict what they would do, so he would position the car so that I could be ready to take the best pictures... It was really amazing. In addition to this, he was always in touch with other guides around us (through radio or cell phone), and they would call each other as soon as they would find something...
I talked to other visitors at the camp, and I could tell that my guide was far above average... All the other people I talked to didn't see as many animals as I did, and their guide didn't share as much with them about the animals and their behavior. A safari is an expensive trip, so you can't compromise on the quality of your guide... That's what makes the difference between a good safari and an amazing safari...
I forgot to say that my guide was also very helpful with the covid test I had to do prior to returning back to Nairobi for my international flight.
In summary, I'll definitely come back to Maasai Mara (maybe for the great migration next time) and I'll make sure to book it with Tazama Africa Holidays... The quality of the service and the knowledge of my guide were just outstanding!!!
PL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream of Safari turned into reality
7-Day Premium Luxury Tanzania Safari All-Inclusive.
We spent with my wife a wonderful time experiencing the Safari time. Special thanks to Ms. Pendo who is not only a saleslady genius but also an excellent advisor for tailoring our trip, especially but not only by adding an unforgettable the balloon flight. Same to our guide Mr. Goodluck, who shared with us his enormous knowledge and safari experience, presented a high level of organizational skills and hospitality.
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The most kitted out Land cruiser, captained by a genuinely friendly and knowledgeable tour guide
I organised my proposal with Ronald our tour guide. It was done on the Mara during sunrise, we witnessed 4 cheetah kill a wilderbeast 5 minutes before I proposed. I can never thank him enough for showing us magic in the Mara.
I have done hundreds of Safaris.. this was the best landcruiser I had been in, the Guide was very knowledgeable about world affairs, wildlife, different cultures. He was such a pleasure to be around, he recommended a brilliant camp for us to stay in. You can have guides who don't genuinely care about the experience as long as you see the animals you want. Ronald genuinely cared that we were having a good time.
The service at the camp was better than several 5 star hotels in Europe that I have stayed in. The food was spectacular and you woke up to Giraffe and buffalo walking in front of your tent at sunrise.
You will be pleased with the quality, professional and highly personalised service offered here.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable. Kind. Accommodating.
True to their word, they promised a fantastic safari and delivered! Tarangire and Ngorongoro were exquisite. The guide knew exactly where to find the animals, and allowed me to set the pace of the trip. 5/5 stars
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing, Available, Great Advice, Flexible with trip changes
We had a GREAT trip with Duma Explorers. Stacy helped us plan an amazing trip. She was always available and helpful with her advice. Because of the Covid pandemic, there were a number of changes to our travel plans and Duma explorers was always able flexible and accommodating with our changing plans.
Our guides were excellent through the safari. We were lucky enough to see a lion kill a warthog - that we named Joel. We also spent some time with a cheetah and her cubs . We saw a Zebra being born and wildebeests everywhere.
They also assisted us with travel within Tanzania to Zanzibar and Mafia Island where we swam with the whale sharks. A once in a life time amazing experience. We stayed at Pole Pole based on Stacy's recommendation - It was great.
I would unequivocally recommend Duma Explorers for your safari and travel needs in Tanzania.
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The operator is professional in all his work.. from booking to service provisions
I with my partiner choose a 3 daya package, visiting the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro. I liked the way the tour operator communjcated with us, before, during and after the trip. We had updates/debriefing in evert step we had to take. The staff were friendly and made us feel at home. Our tour guide, Dullah (Abdallar) who was our driver also was very good, knowledgeable of the wildlife and places and and very friendly. Our Chef, Emmanuel was an excellent cook. The meals he prepared made us feel at home away from home. I will definetely recommend the Tour operator to all friends intending to visit Tanzania
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
BEST AFRICAN SAFARI
My experience with Zohar couldn't have been more AWESOME. We decided to plan this trip very last minute due to the Omicron variant. All flight to Africa were canceled at first, and just one week before we went, the ban got lifted. Once we got notified we contacted Lilian, and she responded super quickly, making the planning of this trip super easy. Everything went smooth, the hotels were awesome, specially the one in Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara. Food for the picnics was great, maybe the breakfast boxes could vary a bit, but other than that, everything was GREAT.
The best thing of our trip was our driver, Solomon, THE NICEST guy and best driver we could have asked for, friendly, he knew what he was talking about regarding the animals, he made the impossible for us to see the Big 5 (which we did), and his sight, man, his sight was better than an eagle's ! He could spot animals in the most remote places!!
The only thing I would have changed in out trip, would be that instead of a 5 day safari I would have done 8, a lot of bumpy roads concentrated in 5 days was a bit too much, specially staying in such beautiful hotels, we would have liked to maybe enjoy a bit more time in the hotel, as we got there in the evening and left at 6 to our next destination.
Thank you Lilian and Solomon for making out trip so special.
Hopefully we see each other soon!
:)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mandela was outstanding and a credit to the company, his knowledge is terrific.
Me, my sister and my mum went on a 5 day camping safari with Suricata Safaris. The night before, at the gateway lodge, Hilary came to visit us to ensure everything was sorted and at the end, Ali and his brother (our final driver) came to see us to ensure we were happy with everything which was very courteous. During the trip, we had Mandela who was terrific! He was a 10/10 guide. His knowledge is outstanding, a safe driver, and very friendly and genuine. Our cook was Tito and the food was absolutely amazing. He takes a lot of pride in his work, as they all do, and the we all really enjoyed the continental style food. He catered well for 5/6 vegetarians in the group. We had things like pizza, rice, vegetables, salad, potatoes, pancakes, grilled meats were available, spaghetti, and much more. At Twiga lodge, our first and second nights stay, there was a pool which was nice to cool down after a long day as well as a mini supermarket/shop just outside which was good for snacks during the safari tours! At Simba campsite A, there was lots of zebras and buffalo surrounding the site. At the other campsite, in the Serengeti, we had hyenas round us at night too! (In the bushes, but we could hear them). The tents were comfortable, just as you would expect for a tent and a roll mat with a sleeping bag and pillow. Lots of toilet breaks too which was great. Mandela was great at finding us all of the Big 5 and we had the best time. I would absolutely recommend Suricata Safaris. AMAZING.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trip of a lifetime!
Enjoyed everything from start to finish. I loved the variety in all the parks, no place was the same and this meant we seen so much beautiful scenery and animals. Mandela and Tito looked after us soo well- a full day sightseeing was not complete without the amazing food we were provided. We would definitely do this tour again and recommend to all