180 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Arusha.
Mr & Mrs S
Teddington
"My Oct 2019 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 3 Oct 2019 and 17 Oct 2019
"A fabulous experience - I was visiting some places again after 46 years away and for my wife this was her first visit to the country. Everywhere the people were friendly and helpful; they really made the trip (together with the marvellous animal sightings!) and it was noticeable how much they appreciated and responded to my rather 'rusty' attempts at Swahili.
We have nothing but praise for Nomad and its staff; everyone was great and it is impossible to single out anyone in particular; without exception they were all extremely friendly and helpful.
The programme put together worked wonderfully- a great start at Machweo and a mid-holiday break at the luxurious Gibbs Farm in between some fabulous safari camps with variety at each of the locations of wildlife and scenery.
Everything worked like clockwork, with one exception. We were unfortunately misinformed about the flight departure from Lake Manyara airstrip meaning we wasted 2 hours hanging about at the airstrip, whilst we could have enjoyed a relaxing and full breakfast back at Gibbs Farm rather than the rushed early morning departure.
One thing we would have liked to see in all Nomad camps was a detailed large-scale map of the NP/NCA (such as produced by Survey of Tanzania, or a google earth print) so as to better understand where we had been!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
We have nothing but praise for Nomad and its staff; everyone was great and it is impossible to single out anyone in particular; without exception they were all extremely friendly and helpful.
The programme put together worked wonderfully- a great start at Machweo and a mid-holiday break at the luxurious Gibbs Farm in between some fabulous safari camps with variety at each of the locations of wildlife and scenery.
Everything worked like clockwork, with one exception. We were unfortunately misinformed about the flight departure from Lake Manyara airstrip meaning we wasted 2 hours hanging about at the airstrip, whilst we could have enjoyed a relaxing and full breakfast back at Gibbs Farm rather than the rushed early morning departure.
One thing we would have liked to see in all Nomad camps was a detailed large-scale map of the NP/NCA (such as produced by Survey of Tanzania, or a google earth print) so as to better understand where we had been!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Michigan
"Our 5th safari"
I visited Tanzania between 12 Sep 2019 and 29 Sep 2019
"We have used Expert Africa for all of our trips and have never been disappointed. They provide expert guidance on chosing camps that suit us, as they know the types of camps and locations that we will enjoy. They have often given us new places to consider and their recommendations have been excellent.
A traveler should keep in mind that animals move about and you can't be assured of finding everything in one area. On this trip, we traveled to the eastern Serengeti and to Ruaha and the Selous in the south in order to find a variety -- more lions in one area, more elephants in another, for example. We had excellent sightings in each area." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Tanzania safari
A traveler should keep in mind that animals move about and you can't be assured of finding everything in one area. On this trip, we traveled to the eastern Serengeti and to Ruaha and the Selous in the south in order to find a variety -- more lions in one area, more elephants in another, for example. We had excellent sightings in each area." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr Steve
Hope Valley
"Tanzania 2019 review"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 10 Sep 2019 and 28 Sep 2019
"An excellent trip that lived up to expectations. It was well planned and well thought out. Our only slight reservation was the Coastal Aviation detour to get from Tarangire to Ruaha, which took a lot longer than scheduled."
Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Sisters
London
"My Sep 2019 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 7 Sep 2019 and 20 Sep 2019
"It was great trip.
We felt it was in the right order too, starting in Arusha, moving on to the Crater via Manyara, and then the 'real safari' in the Serengeti and Ruaha.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No it was all really great and went very smoothly. Everything went to plan.
Maybe a mention should be made of the Tsetse flies in the Ruaha bush in case it was a deal breaker for some people!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
We felt it was in the right order too, starting in Arusha, moving on to the Crater via Manyara, and then the 'real safari' in the Serengeti and Ruaha.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No it was all really great and went very smoothly. Everything went to plan.
Maybe a mention should be made of the Tsetse flies in the Ruaha bush in case it was a deal breaker for some people!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs D
Hampshire
"A very enjoyable trip to Tanzania"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 31 Aug 2019 and 15 Sep 2019
"This trip to Tanzania for a safari followed by time relaxing on Zanzibar, was a long-planned trip for my brother and I, and our wives. My wife and I had previous experience of safaris, but my brother did not, so I felt the pressure of "getting it right". We decided to plan it with Expert Africa following a previous very successful trip planned with their help, and I am delighted we made that decision. A meeting with Expert Africa's Olivia helped her to perfectly judge our requirements, and the result was a highly successful holiday that exceeded all our expectations."
Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs A
East Lothian
"Brilliant first safari - thank you Expert Afr"
I visited Tanzania between 3 Aug 2019 and 11 Aug 2019
"I had refused to do a long haul flight since our honeymoon 30 years ago. My husband was not convinced about going on safari but wanted us to go because he knew I would love it.
Expert Africa were brilliant at asking what would make the trip fantastic for us and what would make it bad. Their planning and advice meant we had the most mind blowing and amazing experience. We stayed in Arusha two nights, Little Oliver's in Tarangire two nights, The Highlands in Ngorongoro for two nights and Lemal Kuria Hills in Northern Serengeti for three nights. Everywhere was great and there is nothing we can fault about the camps, the service, food wine and outstanding hospitality.
Our eyes were wide with wonder from the moment we left the airstrip at Tarangrine airport and saw beautiful birds and incredible wildlife so close. Obviously we experienced a lot and so some experiences were better than others for us. The hospitality and exclusive feeling of Little Oliver's plus our brilliant, knowledgeable guide meant our time in Tarangire really stands out but that is very much a personal comment and does not mean the other camps and game drives were not brilliant.
Needless to say Duncan enjoyed the safari tremendously and I simply loved it!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Expert Africa were brilliant at asking what would make the trip fantastic for us and what would make it bad. Their planning and advice meant we had the most mind blowing and amazing experience. We stayed in Arusha two nights, Little Oliver's in Tarangire two nights, The Highlands in Ngorongoro for two nights and Lemal Kuria Hills in Northern Serengeti for three nights. Everywhere was great and there is nothing we can fault about the camps, the service, food wine and outstanding hospitality.
Our eyes were wide with wonder from the moment we left the airstrip at Tarangrine airport and saw beautiful birds and incredible wildlife so close. Obviously we experienced a lot and so some experiences were better than others for us. The hospitality and exclusive feeling of Little Oliver's plus our brilliant, knowledgeable guide meant our time in Tarangire really stands out but that is very much a personal comment and does not mean the other camps and game drives were not brilliant.
Needless to say Duncan enjoyed the safari tremendously and I simply loved it!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dip & family
Cardiff
"Northern Tanzania Safari"
I visited Tanzania between 29 Jul 2019 and 10 Aug 2019
"Excellent safari, we did the whole of northern Tanzania circuit. We really enjoyed every bit of it.
Credit to Expert Africa for organising such a lovely trip for us." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Credit to Expert Africa for organising such a lovely trip for us." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr. I
London
"Southern and Western Tanzania Honeymoon"
I visited Tanzania between 26 Jul 2019 and 13 Aug 2019
"My wife and I loved every minute of our honeymoon. It could not have been better.
Jessica Plumb listened to what we were after - I preferred more rustic places away from the crowds but close to the wildlife and my wife wanted certain comforts (eg flushing toilets!) - and the camps delivered this perfectly. We both loved it. The order that we did the trip as well was perfect as each camp got better and better along the way as we gradually went more and more remote." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a Tanzania safari
Jessica Plumb listened to what we were after - I preferred more rustic places away from the crowds but close to the wildlife and my wife wanted certain comforts (eg flushing toilets!) - and the camps delivered this perfectly. We both loved it. The order that we did the trip as well was perfect as each camp got better and better along the way as we gradually went more and more remote." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Marilyn & Duane
CA
"Excellent trip, well organized, great guide"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 26 Jul 2019 and 16 Aug 2019
"A long trip, which cover. Overall key to success was our driver/guide Felix. An excellent spotter with terrific knowledge of the parks. We were very lucky to be with Felix for 10 days.
We thought all our lodges and camps were fine. Tarangire Safari Lodge was our overall favorite with great location and comfortable basic room. Nomad Serengeti Camp was the best camp, but also quite expensive. You do get great service for the money.
Animals and a sense of central Africa are why we went. Our hopes were well met. Every day was a new adventure.
There were no logistical problems, everything happened as planned. We simply had to be ready to get up and going early every day to see as much as we could.
Thanks for arranging such a great trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: One suggestion about dinners. Only Nomad Serengeti Camp offered a communal dining table for dinner. We would have like that option at every camp. Our fellow travelers seemed to be a folks we would have like to get to know a bit better." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
We thought all our lodges and camps were fine. Tarangire Safari Lodge was our overall favorite with great location and comfortable basic room. Nomad Serengeti Camp was the best camp, but also quite expensive. You do get great service for the money.
Animals and a sense of central Africa are why we went. Our hopes were well met. Every day was a new adventure.
There were no logistical problems, everything happened as planned. We simply had to be ready to get up and going early every day to see as much as we could.
Thanks for arranging such a great trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: One suggestion about dinners. Only Nomad Serengeti Camp offered a communal dining table for dinner. We would have like that option at every camp. Our fellow travelers seemed to be a folks we would have like to get to know a bit better." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Dr C
Chicago
"My Jul 2019 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 15 Jul 2019 and 21 Jul 2019
"We had a wonderful time in Africa and look forward to returning soon!"
Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
180
reviews of Arusha by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Where to stay in Arusha
Our suggestions for places to stay in Arusha
Rivertrees Country Inn
Set within lush grounds, the peaceful and relaxing Rivertrees lies between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport: ideal at the beginning or end of a safari.
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Coffee Lodge is a neat, comfortable lodge, right on the highway, close to Arusha Airport. It is a convenient stop for a night.
Onsea House
Onsea House is a small, family-run guesthouse on the outskirts of Arusha. The rooms are quite simple, but service and food here are good.
Airport Planet Lodge
Airport Planet Lodge is a new hotel located close to Kilimanjaro Airport, making it ideal for a short stay before or after your international flight.
Katambuga House
Katambuga House is a smart hotel on the western side of Arusha, an hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro Airport and 10 minutes from Arusha Airport.
Machweo
Machweo is a nine-room lodge on the outskirts of Arusha. The rooms are large and stylish, and the service and food here are very good.
Kia Lodge
Kia Lodge is a simple, country-club-style lodge situated close to the buildings and runway of Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Hatari Lodge
Hatari Lodge is designed around a bright, fun 1960s retro theme and is a relatively high-quality base to explore Arusha National Park.
Mount Meru Game Lodge
Mount Meru Game Lodge, near Arusha, is a good spot to stay en route to northern Tanzania's most famous safari areas.
Legendary Lodge
Legendary Lodge is boutique luxury lodge, perfect for an indulgent overnight stay at the start or end of your safari.
Arusha Serena Hotel
The Serena Arusha Hotel is a comfortable hotel close to Lake Duluti. It makes a good stopover before or after a safari in northern Tanzania.
Twiga Lodge
Twiga is a Tudor-style lodge with welcoming owners, country-style gardens and a viewing platform looking onto Arusha National Park.
Siringit
Siringit Kilimanjaro Golf Safari Retreat is a six-bedroom villa offering a luxury stay in complete privacy on a championship golf course.
