An encounter with the Hadzabe and Datoga people, the last bushmen in Tanzania, view wildlife in the vast plains of the Serengeti, and be dazzled by the historic and alluring spice island of Zanzibar.
Overall operator rating 9.7/10 from 19 trip reviews
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My customized 13-day trip in Tanzania was absolutely amazing!
From breathtaking Ngorongoro hiking to a taste of Kilimanjaro and local village visits, it was truly a life-changing experience.
My driver and tour manager went out of their way to accommodate my whims and made sure that my stay in Tanzania was a pleasant one. Unfortunately I fractured my ankle during one of the hikes I took, but I was taken to the hospital immediately, and taken a great care of.
I would definitely recommend this operator to anyone who's looking for a tour that's much more than just game drives.'
We went on a two day walking – canoeing trip in Arusha National Park. The tour operator also made hotel arrangements for the first three days we were in Arusha.
They stayed in contact for 11 months via email. The person I was in contact with Elifasi and our guide, Apolo Kihwil, meet us at the airport took us to our hotel. On our rest day we visited a school at our request and not part of the paid itinerary this was on their time.
Our guide Apolo was the best we had on our entire trip. He was informative, friendly and had a great sense of humor, we were rewarded with a dream trip my favorite giraffe and several at a time the last bunch we counted eleven, baboons, wart hogs, black and white monkeys, hundreds of thousand of lesser and greater flamingos on big Momella Lake he provide delicious lunches and was infinitely patient while we took photographs.
I would not hesitate to use them on my next trip to Tanzania and would request Apolo as our guide.
We had a most wonderful holiday in Kenya and Tanzania.
They looked after us very well and we were very satisfied with their service. The service provided value for money. The only comment we would make is that the email from them gave us the impression that we would be staying in a lodge but when we arrived we were in a tent. We were satisfied with the tented accomodation, however it could have been made clearer in the original email that it was tented accomodation.
The staff were very kind and helpful.
Tour Operators Reply:
Thank you for the client's feedback and contructive comment/suggestion. We are glad that they were very satisfied with the service we provided to them, despite their impression that they would be staying in a lodge instead of tent.
As per the first enquiry which the clients sent into our company, she stated that she will prefer to stay in Camping “Accommodation Preference: Camping” and the price given to them was based on Camping accommodation, and these was stated in the itinerary that “Dinner and overnight at the camp”
However, there was typing error at the end of the itinerary which indicates Lodge accommodation instead of Camping accommodation.
We will try our level best to make sure that this mistake will not happen again.
After having a wonderful safari in southern Africa organised through your webiste, we decided to return again to Tanzania after 45 years.
We booked a 19 day safari to visit six game parks...Selous, Mikumi, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangari.
Our guide/driver, Hurumu, met us at the Dar airport and drove us to a hotel for our day of jet lag recovery. We drove to Selous first. We're not strangers to East Africa, having first arrived in 1963. By far, Hurumu is the best guide that we've ever had. He was extremely knowledgeable of wildlife, has great game eyes, a good conversationalist, and was very caring for all our needs. He understood our physical age limitations (74) but was not at all solicitous. Cool water was always available. Hurumu had the ability to always get the Toyota into position for the best photograph.
We made our initial contact the operator in 2009. Elifasi, in the office, worked with me to create the itinerary. He also was most helpful. While at Selous we requested an itinerary change. Elifasi made the changes without a problem.
The entire safari was most enjoyable and problem free.
The best of Kenya & Tanzania and they made that experience a reality. They were always on time, concerned about our well being and would without any reservations recommend them! The scenery and game viewing were all memorable and expectations met. Organizing the tour was also without any hassle
I went solo, a 50 something white woman, and me and _______ (I forget his name), rode around for 5 hours. It was a unbelievable experience.
He was a wonderful guide, I called him the "Mayor" because everybody knew him! He was so popular everywhere we went that I felt completely comfortable, safe, and like an invited family friend.
He showed me 3 or 4 neighborhoods, I met coffee makers, chapati breakfast cooks (had breakfast there with a Masaai family who stopped by!), a traditional herbalist (where I learned the treatment for meconium aspiration, I'm a perinatal pathologist!), herbal pharmacist (where I saw that fenugreek seed is used to facilitate delivery with prolonged labor), local market, fabric seller, and had a delicious lunch at an outside Swahili restaurant. I played with kids, talked with everyone, and really got a great sense of the community.
My guide also is very active in local projects and inspired me to help with a bridge rebuilding project he is spear heading. The bicycle riding was easy and really the only way to get around in these neighborhoods. It was by far the best experience I had in Dar, and one of the best I have had in my many travels in East Africa!
We could not have asked for abetter way to end our incredible adventures in Tanzania. We saw everything and did everything we could have ever imagined. From the big game watching in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara, to ascending the highly active volcano next to Lake Natron, it was all so unbelievably incredible. A total dream come true!
Our guide Huruma had he most expansive breadth of knowledge of the natural environment, he was a pleasure to talk to. He was also extremely flexible with us as lans often changed for various reasons, but ALWAYS for the better. Huruma made us feel safe and comfortable the whole time. Alex our cook as wonderful as well making sure we had the best quality meals possiblemade from the freshest ingredients.
Choosing a safari operator is tough, but I will just say that I will always recommend these guys. They are very professional and will do everything to make sure you have the best trip possible. Thanks again for our lifetime memories. We will be back, so you will hear from us again.
Thanks Elfasi for all your time, flexibility and support in orchestrating this dream trip.
I would without hesitation recommend this operatorfor any Kilimanjaro Climb attempt and most certainly would suggest that you ask for Florence and his team.
I am reasonably confident that should you be looking for other adventures in northern Tanzania that you give them a try
I am happy to inform you that I was really happy with their services they provided me.
A special thanks and recomendation to the manager Mr Elifasi who was very helpfull. He really did his best to make our stay a nice one : he came with the driver to the airport to pick us up, as well he came along as well to drop us again. He was very invloved and met us various times in the hotel, even onces on a sunday evening.
His guides were very profesionall and friendly. We did not reach the summit of the Kilimanjaro, but we definately can look back to a very nice time, a big part of this was due to the smooth organisation of the operator.
I had a REALLY enjoyable cycle tour with Mejah. It was one of the highlights of my stay in Tanzania and a wonderful way to end my trip.
Mejah's vision for both cycling and encouraging entrepreneurialism in Tanzania are an inspiration. I discovered a lot about parts of Dar Es Salaam that I would never normally be encouraged to visit and I also learnt more about Tanzanian culture and attitudes. Mejah's concern for local people, businesses as well as environmental issues was encouraging and very close to my own interests and concerns.
I really hope that you can encourage and sponsor more of this kind of tourism.
When I come back to Tanzania, this is precisely the kind of thing I would be looking for.
12Next
Itinerary
Trip Information: Unquestionably this is the trip of a lifetime. An encounter with the Hadzabe and Datoga people, the last bushmen in Tanzania, view wildlife in the vast plains of the Serengeti, and be dazzled by the historic and alluring spice island of Zanzibar. This is Tanzania at its best!
Note: We do not place groups together. This way you are ensured the full attention of our guide, but with the added knowledge of our guides’ experiences. It also means that we can start the tour on the day you prefer.
ITINERARY:
ARRIVAL DAY Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Meet and Greet at the Airport with our driver guide and transfer to Arusha for dinner and overnight at Meru Simba Lodge.
Meals: Half Board Accommodation: Meru Simba Lodge
Day 1: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK After breakfast pick up from Meru Simba Lodge drive to Lake Manyara National Park for game viewing. At around 1230hrs you will stop for picnic lunch. Thereafter lunch proceed with game viewing in the Manyara Park. In the evening drive to your lodge/campsire for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Full Board Accommodation: Octagon lodge /Budget Camping (Twiga Campsite)
Day 2: LAKE EYASI Drive from Manyara to Lake Eyasi with your lunchbox to served at Eyasi. Check in at Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp. After checking in, it is time for briefing on activities and schedule. After briefing, visit the Datoga blacksmiths. Learn how to make jewelry, arrows, tools, etc. Visit the Datoga family group. Tour traditional homes, grind maize, build livestock hedge, talk with women (through translator), and learn about traditional dress. In the evening return to Kisima Ngeda for Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Full Board Accommodation: Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp
Day 3: LAKE EYASI Morning, gather honey with the Hadzabe men. Up to 4 miles walking over rough terrain required. Return to Kisima Ngeda for Hot Lunch. After lunch, Relax around lodge, then walk to Lake Eyasi, visit fishpond, climb kopje behind lodge. In the evening return to Kisima Ngeda for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Full Board Accommodation: Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp
Day 4: LAKE EYASI Morning gather honey with the Hadzabe men. Make poison for arrows; learn how to shoot arrows and make fires. Return to Kisima Ngeda for Hot Lunch, after lunch rest and relax at your lodge.
Meals: Full Board Accommodation: Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp
Day 5: LAKE EYASI - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK - After breakfast transfer to Serengeti national park with lunchbox and game viewing en-route. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge or Campsite in Serengeti.
Day 6: FULL DAY IN SERENGETI PARK - After breakfast continues with morning and afternoon game viewing in Serengeti National Park. Take a picnic lunch at Seronera and there after lunch continues with game viewing. In the late evening drive back to your lodge /campsite for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: OLDUVAI GORGE - After breakfast, with packed lunch and game viewing en-route drive to Ngorongoro Olduvai Gorge, the archaeological site. Picnic lunch to be served at Olduvai Gorge. Thereafter lunch you may visit Maasai Boma (Optional). Dinner and overnight at the Lodge /Campsite in Ngorongoro.
Day 8: NGORONGORO CRATER - After breakfast descent into the crater for full day tour around the unbroken caldera that encloses the wildlife. Picnic lunch at Ngorongoro picnic area near Hippo Pool or Lerai Forest. After lunch proceed with game viewing in the crater. In the evening ascend the crater and drive to Tarangire for dinner and overnight at Lodge /Campsite.
Meals: Full Board Accommodation: Tarangire River Camp /Budget camping (Tarangire Campsite)
Day 9: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK - After breakfast go for morning and afternoon game drives in Tarangire national park. Hot lunch at the Lodge or campsite. After lunch you may proceed with game viewing or start the journey back to Arusha for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Half Board Accommodation: Impala Hotel
Day 10: ARUSHA to ZANZIBAR - By Flight (Precissionair) departs Arusha at 1100hrs and arrive in Zanzibar at 1215hrs, meet & greet at the airport with our representative and transfer to your hotel in town for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Half Board Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel
Day 11: Excursion in Zanzibar In the morning after breakfast pick up from your hotel for any of the TWO tours mentioned (Stone Town Tour, Spice Tour, Prison Island Tour and Jozani Forest Tour). You will have to choose only TWO activities among the mentioned activities in the bracket. Note that; Dolphin Tour can be arranged on request.
In the evening drive back to your hotel in Town for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Half Board Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel
Day 12: STONE TOWN to KENDWA - After breakfast pick up from the hotel in town and transfer you to the beach hotel in the Kendwa, Nungwi Area for leisure and overnight.
Day 15: ZANZIBAR - KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JRO) - HOME - Pickup from your BEACH hotel and transfer to Zanzibar airport for your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in connection with your departure flight back home.
End of Tour
PRICE:
Option 1; USD $4,025 per person - Budget camping accommodation on wildlife safari, Tented Camp accommodation on Cultural Tour at Lake Eyasi and Hotel accommodation in Zanzibar.
Option 2; USD $4,879 per person - Lodge accommodation on wildlife safari, Tented Camp accommodation on Cultural Tour at Lake Eyasi and Hotel accommodation in Zanzibar
Price Above Includes: - Domestic Flights; Arusha - Zanzibar - JRO - All Parks entrance fees - Accommodation and meals as stipulated in the itinerary - Transport on a 4wd vehicle with a pop up roof for easy viewing of animals - All airport transfers - Two activities in Zanzibar - Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport - Service of professional English Speaking Driver Guide - Service of professional Cook for budget camping safari option - Activities as shown in the itinerary
Price Above Does NOT Include: - International Flights to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (Tanzania) - Hot and cold drinks - Extras at the lodges/hotels i.e. telephone, laundry - Tip to the driver guide - Tip to the cook (if budget camping safari) - Sleeping Bags - we can arrange hire of this (If budget camping safari) - Hot Air Balloon Ride over Serengeti (Can be arranged at extra cost of US$499 per person) - Passport and Visas - Items of personal nature/use - And all not mentioned on the itinerary
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