Tanzania: reviews from our travellers

"Ruaha has a lot to offer in June which is a transition month between the dry and green seasons and as such is chilly in the mornings and evenings but lovely and warm during the day.

While game is a bit more difficult to see at this time, nevertheless it is far more abundant in the Mwagusi area rather than in the Jongomero area.

Of the two camps Jongomero is more luxurious and while its isolated position means there are no vehicles from other camps, this isn't the most important criterion for a true wilderness experience. For those who prioritise guiding and camp atmosphere (together with essential comforts) Kwihala offers a better all round wilderness experience, more fun and better value for money" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari

"This was yet another great trip with Expert Africa. You are our Go To travel company.

It was great to be back in Tanzania and we split our time between the Selous and Ruaha. We chose to stay in just two camps and that paid off as we got to know the staff and the areas a bit better. The camps complemented each other well - Sand Rivers is more obviously luxurious while Mwagusi is very comfortable but keeps a welcome sense of the bush and the 'old days'.

We went at the very beginning of the dry season - the up side was there were fewer guests there; the down side was the bush was still very green and dense so our guides had to work a bit harder to find the game - but we saw loads!

Expert Africa, you maintained your usual high standards and everything ran smoothly. Thanks again!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep going! Keep specialising in Africa. Keep a real range of camps - the basic and the old-fashioned are an endangered species these days." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"My trip was incredible. If I had to do it all over again, I would not change a thing. If I ever get a chance to go to Africa again ( I really hope to!) I will absolutely use Expert Africa and Elizabeth Chapman to help me with my planning and booking again!

I am 110% satisfied and will recommend you in Canada!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"We had an amazing trip that we will never forget!

It was a trip of a lifetime and we greatly appreciated all of Liz's help in making it happen! Liz was very professional and gave great advice." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari

"Excellent" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"Inevitably it was a bit of a ‘whistle-stop’ tour as we covered a great deal of ground; however all the travel arrangements were quite excellent and our thanks must go to Richard Trillo of Expert-Africa for his advice and organisation; to Gaig Leshan Safaris for all their help; to Asilia Africa; and not least to Alex Hunter at Ol Pejeta for all his kindness and hospitality.

Without exception the management and staff wherever we stayed were friendly and helpful, the food was excellent, whilst the standard of diver/guides was of the highest order.

All in all this was an outstanding trip in every respect. Thank you." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari

"I arrived in Ndutu the day before Valentine's day and was picked up by my guide at the air strip. I was a little concerned that I wasn't going to the right camp as all the guides approached people saying just the name of the camp they were from. I thought I had got it right, but I wasn't sure. I would have felt more relaxed if the guide had addressed me by name.

We set off straight away for a game drive which was brilliant after being cooped up inside small aircraft for about 4 hours. I was asked what animals I would like to see and my request to see a cheater was met. A nice surprise on the way to the camp was that we stopped in the middle of nowhere to celebrate a 60th birthday with champagne and cake and other camp guests. This was a great way to break the ice and meet fellow campers. The staff were very attentive, topping my glass and plate up as soon as it was empty and bringing me a blanket when they saw I was shivering a little. I enjoyed a pre dinner drink around the camp fire and then dinner under the stars. I was little anxious on retiring to my tent that I would be cold as the temperature had dropped and the wind was getting up and I had not brought pyjamas or any thing warm. So I was delighted when slipping in to bed to find a hot bottle which kept me as warm as toast.

The next morning I was awoken with coffee and heart shaped biscuits and a greeting of 'Happy Valentine's day'. It was 5am and the sky was star studded, it was mesmerising. We set off to the hot air balloon site, but as the sun began to rise so the fog descended. I was devastated when our pilot told us we would not be able to take off and he would have to cancel the flight. Then after 10 minutes or so hanging around despondently he shouted out 'all aboard' and we were off gliding higher and higher in to the sky, the fog of just minutes before a distant memory. The visibility was amazing. We saw some wild life, but just the feeling of floating in the sky over vast expanses of nothingness was incredible.We were in the air for an hour and a half and then landed to be offered cold champagne before moving on to our breakfast spot. A temporary kitchen had been set up in the middle of nowhere and our table laid under the shade of a tree. We were offered tea or coffee, fresh fruit juice, a selection of fruits, freshly baked bread and a full English breakfast plus more champagne nicely chilled.

Once breakfast was over I was transported to join the rest of my group and although a little disappointed that I had missed seeing the birthing of many baby wildebeast, was consoled when we stumbled upon the migration, thousands of wildebeest as far as the eye could see. think this was my best Valentine's day ever. I would say to those travelling alone that although many people think of safaris as being for honeymooners they are perfect for single travellers. You never feel alone, you are treated like royalty and in the intimacy of the jeep all barriers are broken down.

The next morning I had one last short game drive before catching my flight, I had no particular expectations, it was just nice to be out in the wild a few hours longer. Then an amazing thing happened, we came upon a lone baby wildebeest, only hours old with low life expectancy as easy prey for lions and cheaters. It attached itself to our jeep for protection and together with two other jeeps we tried to lead it to the safety of a herd of adult wildebeest. It followed behind us skipping and jumping, running fast until exhaustion took over and it all but gave up. We stopped to allow it to rest and got out of the jeep for a couple of minutes to stretch our legs. The little calf come up to me and began nuzzling my leg and butting me. At that point I knew if we didn't save it I would be heart-broken.

We set off again, and then, in the distance, like coming upon an oasis we saw a small herd of male adults with one female. What happened next I will remember for ever. The herd saw the calf and lifted their heads standing stock still and alert, then in unison they began to canter towards the baby, surrounding it with the protection of their bodies. It played with the male adults butting them and being pushed over and then suckled on the female. We had done it- the baby was safe.

I can without doubt say this has been the experience of a lifetime. If I were to give any advice at all to any one venturing on their first safari, it would be to have no expectations, don't go looking for anything in particular, just slowly meander through the bush, enjoy the wide open spaces and any animals you come upon and wait for the 'wild' to surprise you. I didn't see a 'birthing' but what I did see and experience was unique and unforgettable.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I think clients should be told about the possibility of cold mornings or evenings and encouraged to bring something warm.

I think, for the inexperienced, it would be helpful if the guides explained what animals were typical for the time of year or for the park and made suggestions. I was at one point with a group who just wanted to see elephants, so we set off at top speed looking, unsuccessfully, for them and went speeding past cheater that no on but I saw." Read full review: 2 nights in Africa; 2 on a Tanzania safari

"The whole trip was well organised, especially with having to relocate due to flooding.

We enjoyed the company and expertise of Chris Fox and his team, making it very personal." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Tanzania safari

"Wonderful!! Chris and his team at Expert Africa are always brilliant - there is always someone in the office who has visited the places we want to visit and can give in depth information and advice. Thank you Ellie for all your help and advice and, also, Liz who took over whilst Ellie was on Honeymoon and had to sort out last minute changes when one of our chosen camps was closed by unusual weather conditions.

Just one very slight niggle - getting the Tanzanian visas on arrival in Dar proved to be a bit of a nightmare. There is no organisation resulting in passports for each member of the group being returned haphazardly one taking over an hour to handed back .TAB ( that's Africa baby!!)

We think that it is definitely worth the extra expense of applying for the visas in U.K.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep up,the good work!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Tanzania safari

"From the time i first spoke to Eleanor our trip was amazing. Her advice was absolutely spot on for our requirements and our 8 year old son had the time of his life.

The professionalism of everyone who looked after us on this trip has been commendable and especially Dennis our guide who suffered our poor British humour for 3 days. He gave us the most wonderful experience and was just a joy to be with everyday.

He was a superb off road driver and the animals and sights in in the bush he showed us were unbelievable. He also shared such valuable information re the animals and how they live that it was just fascinating. Our 8 year old never once complained re sitting in a jeep for 5 hours so that just shows how interesting he was.

Breakfast in the bush was also a fabulous experience. Sitting at a table in the middle of nowhere listening to hyenas! Wow! And what wonderful food.

A spectacular trip! Thank you.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep doing what you are doing.

I have recommended you to all of our friends and will definitely be using you again for our next African holiday." Read full review: 4 nights in Africa; 3 on a Tanzania safari