CY
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Tapestry of Tanzania: A Maasai-Inspired Safari Adventure
Our 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari was like diving into a living painting, where nature herself wielded the brush, creating a vibrant masterpiece of wildlife and landscapes. The excitement was palpable as we set foot into the heart of Tanzania, ready for an adventure that promised not just a safari but a deep dive into the soul of this extraordinary land.
The first day in the Serengeti felt like opening a long-awaited gift. The expansive plains seemed to stretch endlessly, and our safari vehicle became our magic carpet, whisking us away to encounters with the wonders of the wild. Zebras and wildebeests, like lively strokes on the canvas, choreographed their migration, captivating our senses. Spotting lions napping under acacia trees and cheetahs scanning the horizon brought the scenes from wildlife documentaries to vivid life. Our guides weren't just experts; they were passionate storytellers, adding depth to the Serengeti's narrative with their tales and insights.
Yet, the true enchantment unfolded when we stepped into a Maasai village, a cultural gem nestled within the vastness of the Serengeti. This wasn't a rehearsed tourist show; it was a genuine cultural exchange. Dancing with the Maasai, immersing ourselves in their traditions, and sitting around the fire sharing stories made us feel more like cherished friends than distant observers. The Maasai's genuine warmth and hospitality transformed our visit into a heartfelt connection, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
Evenings in the Serengeti were a magical affair. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a celestial canvas. Gathered around the campfire under a canopy of stars, we recounted the day's adventures, the sounds of the wild providing a natural soundtrack. The crackling flames seemed to echo the distant roars of lions, creating a symphony that resonated with the heartbeat of nature.
The journey continued into the Ngorongoro Crater, a hidden Eden often hailed as the "eighth wonder of the world." Descending into the crater felt like stepping into a lush paradise, where wildlife diversity reached unparalleled levels. Observing elephants, rhinos, and lions against the backdrop of the crater's greenery was nothing short of surreal. Each animal played a vital role in the ecological tapestry, contributing to the delicate balance of life in this natural amphitheater.
What truly made the safari exhilarating was the unpredictability of nature. Witnessing the Great Migration was a highlight, as thousands of wildebeests and zebras moved in a synchronized dance across the Serengeti plains. Heart-pounding moments, like a leopard gracefully descending from a tree or a group of elephants crossing our path, added an extra layer of excitement. It wasn't merely about ticking off a checklist of animals; it was about sharing moments with these creatures and feeling a part of their world, even if just for a fleeting moment.
As we bid a reluctant farewell to Tanzania, the memories lingered like a familiar melody. This safari was more than a visual spectacle; it was a tribute to nature's wonders and a celebration of the enduring spirit of the Maasai people. Our hearts left Tanzania, but the warmth of the people and the awe of the wildlife stayed with us. and teach us words like "Asannte Tanzania, for a safari that touched our souls and painted everlasting memories on the canvas of our hearts."
AT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Taking the time to arrange itinerary, accommodation, and a guide to meet our demands & expectations
We used Blue Crane for our visit in 2016. When we decided one trip to Namibia was not enough, we contacted Derek again; there was no need to 'shop around' as the service was exceptional, and the prices then, as now, provided exceptional value for money. Emails and calls are always promptly responded to, and our suggestions, changes or general questions are quickly answered.
On this visit, we wished to travel north from Windhoek, across the Zambezi/Caprivi region, to Victoria Falls, through the Okavango and back to Windhoek. Derek continued with waitlisting us for our desired accommodation and arranged fly-in and boat-in transport to off-the-track lodges. We had, except where the isolation offered only one hotel standard, exceptional quality lodges and hotels... and the food? Fantastic. Everywhere.
But of course, it was about the culture and wildlife, and here Namibia really shines!
It was a significant advantage to have a private guide the whole trip, hearing the names and behaviours of the wildlife and history, geology, and geography of Namibia from a true local, our guide, Me-Gusto, who also attended to all the logistics around our daily life.
Derek ensured we did not visit 'commercialised' cultural tourist events, choosing by-and-for locations, including the Living Museum of the Ju/'Hoansi-San. Similarly, we stayed (yet again, it is an unforgettable location) at Africat Foundation's accommodation, Okonjima Lodge. In addition to the range of free-ranging animals sighted there, including leopards and cheetahs, we were blessed to see herds of buffalo, elephants, crocodiles and hippopotamuses (my personal highlight) at Serondela Lodge.
Botswana was a new territory completely, and the Okavango did not disappoint. Our stay at Hyena Pan was 5-star, with only some slight irritations with the local guides (Me-Gusto could not escort us on this part of the stay). Leaving Botswana for the dunes and Sossusvlei, a breathtaking balloon trip over the desert (with Namib Sky, who have their own charitable foundation and support local artisans and school children), before leaving Windhoek after a fulfilling 21 days of touring.
As a final note, we had special needs on the trip, and as 'seniors', our pace may be somewhat slower than others may choose to travel. Derek took all this into account and was very patient with the numerous changes to dates, duration of stays, and even the number of passengers: we were ultimately joined by family from Australia, which meant changing the trip to ensure they got to see sights we had experienced before.
Blue Crane Safaris Namibia offers set package tours, and I am sure the same care and attention we received would also be offered to those clients.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good driver ZIGGY . Is the tour
quite Good the mailing .
Bad Camp (public) the first 2 days .
Don’t change the program the day of the tour (the tour operator) . Is an advise.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and reliable safari. business
An incredible journey unfolded as I blended seamlessly into the natural environment and diverse habitats during my visit to various parks. Each park featured its distinct landscapes and wildlife, providing a unique experience and witnessing all the majestic animals of the Big 5 on African safaris added to the enchantment. Our guide, a genuine person, maintained a positive attitude and carefully crafted every detail, enhancing the overall adventure.
(automatic translation from French)
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
An amazing 5 day trip with Mandela and the Chef Salim. They were absolutely friendly, shared their knowledge and made sure we were pampered. I can only recommend this company for your safari.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
We choose suricata for it's great reviews and wasn't disappointed. They where very flexible on the organization very reactive to answer our questions. All the staff is very professional and nice.
The tour was amazing dispite the storme we saw so much buty that's the parcs has to offer thanks to our guide Mandela.
During the five days the food was amazing thanks to Salim and his team.
Thank you Suricata safari and all your team for this memorable experience.
NL
Great safari
It was a great experience. The guide elias was really great and told us a lot about the animals. The campsites were also good. The chef also did a good job
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A trip that you will remember all your life
One of the most beautiful trips of our lives, the organization of the trip was perfect. Accompanied from arrival until return to the airport and told throughout the journey by the guides, they made us discover the culture and beauty of their country.
We thank John for the organization, Alex Fred Iman Salu and all the others who guided us through this journey, for their kindness and dedication.
We recommend 100%.
Jeanne and Eléa
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Solid organization for Kenya!
I had an extraordinary experience with Francis on our 6-day safari trip, covering Masai Mara, Naivashi, Nakuru Lake, and Amboseli. Our adventure on 10/10 exceeded expectations, thanks to Francis's excellent service.
Throughout the journey, we were fortunate to witness a diverse range of wildlife, making the safari truly memorable. The Masai Mara, Naivashi, Nakuru Lake, and Amboseli locations provided stunning landscapes and unique animal encounters.
What elevated the experience even further was the comfortable van that Francis provided. The well-maintained and spacious vehicle added a luxurious touch to our safari, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.
I must admit that I can't imagine how the trip would have gone without Francis. His knowledge and expertise were invaluable, and his presence greatly contributed to the overall success of the safari. I highly recommend Francis for anyone looking to embark on a safari filled with wildlife, stunning scenery, and unmatched comfort.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable experience thanks to amazing service and organization
We had an amazing experience with booking our safari through Nkollo Tours! We chose a 5 day safari to Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire with two nights in a lodge and two nights camping. Throughout the whole booking process, Allan was always very easy to reach and super helpful with any questions we had. When we arrived at Kilimanjaro two nights before the start of the safari, we were picked up by driver Benson who offered us a warm welcome to Tanzania. Allan himself visited us the day before our safari at our lodge as well to brief us on the details of our safari, which we really appreciated and showed great customer care. We loved every minute of the safari experience since the tour operator organised everything and made sure the tour went smoothly which made us feel very relaxed and enjoy ourselves throughout our experience. Also, the guides did a great job and made sure we saw lots of animals and the food offered in the tour was amazing!
