ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well educated in the areas we visited.
Biggie (Steve) was recommended by our son who lives in Tanzania. My husband and I felt so comfortable with Steve as our guide. Every question we asked was answered in a way that which taught us so much about the animals and land we were in. His knowledge of the Masai people has made me more curious and I find myself reading books about the history of the Masai and Tanzania. Accommodations on Safari were beyond our expectations.
PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari experience
It was one of the best decisions to book my safari experience with Soul of Tanzania. I have sent several enquiries to best safari tour operators and from the very first contact with SoT they made the best impression. First of all they have provided a selection of accommodations from different price ranges, they were always very responsive and answering all my questions with patience.
Second of all they have asked whether I would like to select a specific tour guide based on customer review. I was lucky enough to select Nico who was always very helpful, had tremendous knowledge about the animals and had good relations with other guides, which is very helpful for finding the best spots. Nico is also a very good driver which is really important on the bumpy African roads. Nico made almost everything that I could cross out from my bucket list the Big 5.
Third of all, SoT offers many small details that make the safari once in a lifetime experience. They are the only tour operator offering hot lunches with ice cold wine, the car was spacious, clean and had a power adapter so that my camera batteries were always full.
Finally, the camps and lodges Soul of Tanzania have recommended were more than exceeding expectations.
So I would definitely recommend Soul of Tanzania as tour operator.
TW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
With great service and hospitality, this tour operator is your only and best choice!
The tour guides will give you a thorough explanation on everything about Africa, and will try their best to serve you an unforgettable experience. For example, the memories of great food, accommodations, and safari are still deep inside my mind. I really have a great time while staying in Africa!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Terrific tour of Uganda with Encounter Africa Safaris!
Terrific tour of Uganda with Encounter Africa Safaris! Would recommend and would absolutely travel with again. Driver was friendly, on time (which is a rarity in Africa) and very knowledgeable about the region. He was incredibly flexible and accommodating. I really enjoyed the chimpanzee and gorilla tracking - thanks for a great tour! Excellent and prompt communication throughout the booking process.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do your own research
The main lesson I learned having booked a Tanzanian trip with EA is do your own research too.
When we arrived in Arusha, the accommodation was well below average. We have traveled all over India and are familiar with accommodation in an under developed country, however, this was quite shocking. We managed to upgrade to a nicer room at no extra charge, courtesy of the hotel.
We decided to travel by road throughout our trip so we could see the countryside, however, the vehicle was a rust bucket. The air con didn’t work and we were unable to close our windows for protection against the elements, mud and tsetseflies. The car seats had no cushioning left which, given that most of the trip was off road, made for an extremely uncomfortable ride. It also felt like the shock absorbers were shot too. The vehicle had done in excess of 380,000km all of which were off road. We all ended up with sore backs as a result. Just to note, some of the game drives took over 6 hours with no toilets around. It’s ok for guys, but I wasn’t comfortable going behind a bush for rest stops. It’s not something you are told prior.
A big part of our trip was to see the migration of the wildebeest. We had been warned by other travelers that the migration was delayed and all the animals were still at the Wester Corridor, so we should tell our driver so he could make alternate arrangements. He was very reluctant to do so. By the time we got to camp, the wildebeest has just started to arrive, but the other big animals had not. We spent hours and hours each day for nearly three days searching for signs of lions, elephants and other large animals. We finally insisted that we move to where other travelers had advised us to go. Reluctantly our guide agreed. We managed to see leopards, lions (many), hippos, crocodiles, wildebeest, zebras, hyenas many different antelope, all in one day. However, because of this earlier reluctance to move, we only managed to stay overnight. It was wonderful and we wanted to stay longer, agreeing to pay the additional costs associated with it. It was refused and we ended up moving very early the next day to stay at a hotel, which was not ideal. Another 10 hour drive in a sub standard vehicle.
Our driver could not be contacted the next day so we missed out on the morning game drive. So we spent over 24 hours in a hotel room. Not what you want when you pay big $$ to see wild life.
After missing out on seeing the migration, it was extremely disappointing that we were forced to leave the one place that had all the action we were searching for.
There were many enjoyable moments and the guide was extremely knowledgeable and a superb driver. Just make sure you do your own research. Check hotel reviews. Ask about the age and condition of the vehicle you will be traveling in. It will make all the difference when traveling through this stunning country. Africa is amazing. The people are warm and welcoming and the animals are breathtaking. It truly is an experience of a lifetime.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A really great experience we wouldn’t hesitate to repeat.
We had a great Safari experience with Mohammed, our tour guide. The landscapes are obviously beautiful and Mohammed made sure we saw an amazing range and abundance of wildlife. He was very knowledgeable and adapted to our group preferences. He was also great company! Our chef was also great, providing a variety of good food and packed lunches, and making us extra banana fritters when we said we loved them. We liaised with Humphrey prior to arrival who was very helpful organising airport transfers and providing extra information. We stayed at a lovely campsite in little huts, an unexpected luxury! All in all a great experience we wouldn’t hesitate to repeat.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best African Safari company ever
Thank you so much Karibu Safaris for the wonderful experience, my friends and I really enjoyed your services,your hospitality is the best ever. We really had great fun in the Mara and Hell's gate. Can't wait to experience another amazing safaris with you guys
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding Trip to Game Park
Our half-day trip to the game park was perfect and our driver John was very knowledgeable and professional. We highly recommend African Hagyko Safaris and would use them again!
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable operator with excellent guides
We went on a safari in northern Tanzania with Benson. It was simply great. Peter, our guide was very knowledgeable and service minded. He went to great lengths to get the best sightings. We were lucky to see a herd of wildebeest cross the mara river. Along with dozens of other wildlife spectacles. The accommodations were great as well. Mid-range to luxury tented camps in the middle of the bush. It was an unforgettable trip. I would recommend Benson to friends and family any day.
