35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very nice safari in Tarangire
All was fine and I saw more animals than expected, thanks!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Hakuna Matata- no worries everything was perfectly well organised.
Communication during the planning stage was great. Every issue or concern I had was addressed either on the phone or via email. Cuan was always honest and willing to discuss options and because of his experience, was able to make sound recommendations.The service was very good and we could set off on our safari with confidence.
The accommodation was excellent, surprising that such high quality establishments and services could be found in such remote locations. The only concern was that the Farmhouse at Ngorongoro Crater (although an excellent establishment) was quite a distance from the crater so it took a good hour or more driving to reach it on the morning of our safari.
All the safaris were excellent and each and every driver we had was extremely knowledgeable, interesting, friendly and easy going. This made each safari so much better. We were fortunate enough to see lots of different animals and birds and our guides were very accommodating so we could get the best possible view and have time to take plenty of photos. The highlight was seeing the great migration with thousands of wildebeest in the Masai Mara.
Each game park we visited was interesting and rewarding - offering something different in each place, so couldn't really say that one was better than the other - we enjoyed them all. The downside was the long, slow, dusty roads between places which meant we had very full days and little time to relax on arrival to the lodges. I guess that this is unavoidable when trying to fit in visits to lots of places in a limited time.
The hospitality and service at each hotel was excellent and so nice that the staff were very friendly and always willing to talk to us. So good to hear their stories. I felt that maybe the tipping is getting a bit out of hand and there is a growing expectation to tip for every service supplied.
In conclusion, we were thoroughly satisfied with the organisation of our trip with African Ubuntu Safaris and everything seemed to "spot on". We had no concerns whatsoever and would wholeheartedly recommend them to other travellers.
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommend Kennedy
Kenny(Kennedy) picked us up at the Airport and took us to our Hotel. Next day Kenny drove us to the Elephant Nursery, Giraffe Centre, then suggested that we had time to go to Karen Blixen's Estate. Which we did and would recommend to anyone. He was a lot of fun and knows his stuff. Kenny also recommended a couple of great Restaurants which we enjoyed.
Val his wife came along to meet us, which was lovely.
Thanks Kenny for such great knowledge and service, you made our short stay in Nairobi very enjoyable.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience
We enjoyed the trip of a lifetime with soul of Tanzania! Everything from the communication, organization, pick up, lodges, camps and satisfying meals were more than expected. Our guide Fred was one of a kind, friendly, competent with eagle eyes that could spot all the wildlife and has amazing driving skills in the bumpy roads. We liked also he thoughtful analyzation of the situation where the animals are, how and why they behave this way in this moment.
Our itinerary was for full 6 days safari (Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro). Everywhere we had top friendly service and high quality meals. although we went mainly for standard choices, can’t even imagine how could it get better than that. We stayed in Simba lodge (afternoon swim with elephants in the background was a moment to live by). Escarpment Lodge in Manyara had 5 stars service and room, absolutely recommended. In Serengeti we camped in Pumzika, in the middle of the wild where Hyaena were passing by and we heard lions at night!, though here we couldn’t charge our devices (for that the full equipped safari jeep saved the day). In Ngorongoro the camping in Tortilis was my favorite, wished we stayed longer.
Fred took us also to a real Masai village in the town “mosquito river”. Was also very unique and heartwarming experience. We went for souvenir shopping in the last day in 2 different “negotiable” shops which we were also happy about.
We would also like to thank Aziz for the joyfully last day. He picked us up from the airport the first night, and in our last full day in Arusha, he took us to Moshi village, were we had the most scenic hike to Kilimanjaro waterfalls, followed by lunch prepared by SoT and then the lovely visit to the Banana/coffee plantation where we made our own delightful coffee in such a cheerful atmosphere.
Im recommending SoT to everyone i know. I never had a vacation in my life where i felt so happy, so safe, satisfied, full belly, amazed everywhere i looked. My phone can agree with +2500 photos i took in one week! The sweetness and the kindness of the Tanzanian people was heartwarming.
US
Johnnie makes every safari an ineffably beautiful, enriching and spectacular experience!
GREAT - everything was well-executed and lived up to expectations, and even exceeded them.
ES
50-65 years of age
Dream come true
It has been incredible to enjoy seeing wild animals leaving free, as if time had stopped there (for europeans as me).
The scenery, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, etc... it's something I will remember forever, and that must be protected.
People in Tanzania are very kind, and always smile, showing that are not neccesary lots of things to be happy.
The journey, safari and extension to Zanzibar has been perfect. Soul of Tanzania taylored it according our indications and with our amazing guide Ayoub we enjoyed every moment and minute of it.
The experience in the safari watching animals in their natural environment it's unforgetable.
I will recommend everybody, if can afford, to enjoy this authentic travel in space and time, now that it is still possible, and assuring that you won't regret.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent experience--look forward to doing it again !
Everything was absolutely superb, most enjoyable and faultless.
Had taken 5 grand children ages 16 to 19. Each and everyone of them came back with precious memories.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Adventure of a lifetime! Arusha - Lake Manyara - Ngorongoro - Serengeti - Mara River - Zanzibar! :D
I booked this trip from the UK through Regional Tours; Maturaf was my contact in Tanzania. The planning process was not entirely smooth as communication is difficult at times. Maturaf is very busy and is sometimes difficult to reach via WhatsApp but does eventually get back to you. We managed to put together out itinerary via email. Matura was very helpful and I found him to be the most flexible safari tour operator. Our driver was Hassan who is a young 29 year old gentleman with 6 years of game driving experience.
The itinerary above thankfully worked out very well for us. This was an anniversary trip which started from the UK. We flew to Dubai and stayed there for a few days to break up the journey and give us a chance to relax whilst knowing that there was a stark difference to our holiday setting on the horizon which added a further element of excitement.
We flew in to Mt Kilimanjaro airport from Dubai, the flight landed at 4am and we were met promptly by our driver Hassan. We were then taken by road to The African Tulip Hotel in Arusha. We took a full day of rest before starting our safari the following day. I would highly recommend this as it gives you the chance to gear up for safari without feeling drained from the outset.
Arusha is a small town with a few hotels, I felt the main attraction for Arusha was its location as a respite following a long flight. Arusha is around 1 hour drive from Mt Kilimanjaro airport. We did go out during the day towards the clock tower but we felt the locals were a little overbearing, one local walked with us the whole way, although he was friendly it was difficult to enjoy the walk as a couple.
African Tulip hotel is a perfect place to stop and wind down, it has more than enough facilities including great staff, Anthony was great as well as Anoop the hotel manager, he was kind enough to upgrade our room to a larger suite with balcony.
Our next hotel was Ngorongoro wildlife lodge. The view from each and every room and the main hotel balcony is phenomenal. You see the whole of the crater beneath you and I would recommend one night here which is enough to enjoy the dinner and views with early morning for sunrise watching the clouds roll over the hills into the crater. Everyone is on safari mode and there is a real sense of adventure.
The bathrooms in the lodge are a little small and basic but they are sufficient. The power goes out between 11pm and 5am but this wasn’t a problem for most people as safari timing is usually: sleep at 10-11pm and wake up at 6-7am throughout your whole safari.
It got very cold at night but the hotel was kind enough to supply us with a fan heater which we used to really warm the room up before power went out.
The next hotel was Serengeti Tortillis camp. This was our first time in tented accommodation and it was a great experience. The tent is spacious and has all the amenities you need. The staff were very friendly and attentive. A hot shower has to be requested and is ready in 5 minutes. I felt this type of accomodation was the best way to experience the Serengeti.
Our next hotel was Mara Kati Kati tented camps. This is a mobile camp which follows the great migration. This was very similar to Tortillis. The staff were friendly and food was well prepared by an on site chef. The only negative was that during the shower there is a member of staff stood outside the tent topping up the water when you ask for it, each top up doesn’t last long so that didn’t give the best privacy.
Sunset by the dining area is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Serengeti.
Our final stop was Warere beach hotel in Zanzibar. I truly felt this was the best hotel in Zanzibar. This was purely because it felt like a safe, relaxing haven. We did venture into Nungwi where the majority of hotels are but it was far too busy, there were too many locals trying to sell their tours or goods and too much of a party vibe.
Zanzibar is the perfect location for a wind down post safari and warere is the place to do this. They looked after us really well, they even set up a private honeymoon dinner by the pool and gave us another room for a late checkout.
Good luck and safe travels!
RU
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful places, beautiful nature, rich wildlife, nice people
My journey lasted almost two weeks, including Zanzibar, safari in several National parks in mainland and trekking in Usambara. To organize the trip, I turned to several companies and guides, all of them left the best impressions, which I've already shared in special reviews. This journey was one of my most memorable. Among all those who helped me in organizing it, I express my gratitude to the site safaribookings.com, which was very useful in establishing contacts and negotiating.
SG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A great tour and an excellant guide
We joined the 4-Day Safari to Kruger National Park via Panorama Route. Our guide, Hoppy, is friendly, courteous and very knowledgeable. We were lucky to see the BIG 5 on this trip. The air-conditioned van was clean and exceptionally comfortable especially in the cold mornings. The whole tour including the drives, accommodations and meals was well-arranged and good. We highly recommend Wildlife Safaris (Pty) Ltd and Hoppy.