Tanzania: reviews from our travellers

"We had a great trip, but there were a few things that could have made it even better.

The cancellation of the British Air flights to Dar turned out to be a bigger headache than we anticipated. Kenya Air service was not very good and the extra stop and layover time in Nairobi was frustrating. If others are going to Dar I'd suggest looking into other options.

We chose to be driven to Selous rather than fly. But that took 2 long days (7 hours in the car each day). When we arrived in Selous others told us that they often drove to Dar on a different road in about 6 hours. We would have missed Mikumi NP, but there really wasn't enough to see there to justify the longer drive.

We were really disappointed in Jongomero, although others there were very pleased with it. The upscale facilities, pool, etc. were enough to satisfy others (many who seem to be booked into a Siwandu/Jongomero/Ras Kutani trip), most who seemed to be on their first safari. We selected Jongomero because of the great guiding on walks that was supposed to be there. But that guide (Molly) had left. Game there was very skittish and vehicle-shy. After a fantastic 3 days at Kwihala, Jongomero was a real letdown. We took a chance on the place, knowing that Molly had left after we booked it. That turned out to be a mistake.

But on a positive note, our 3 days at Kwihala and 4 days at Chole Mjini were absolutely spectacular and the memories from there are what will stay with us from this trip." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"Thank you again for a brilliant honeymoon. We really enjoy our holiday from start to finish. You really took the stress out. Of organising a holiday where we stayed at several different places so we could just relax." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday

"A great holiday from Expert Africa. We received wise advice, prompt and efficient service and a good price.

Liz quickly picked up what type of holiday we wanted and identified an itinerary that was right for us. Thank you." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Overall we had a fantastic trip and felt well looked after.

However there were a few points in the planning that could have been better explained or handled by Expert Africa;

1. On our safari we were unable to see the Wildebeest migration because it was too far away from Sopa lodge where we stayed for 3 nights. When we planned the trip we believed we were close enough to see the migration. If we had known Sopa lodge was so far away we could have spent 1 or 2 nights there and some the other nights in the Western Serengeti near the migration.

2. We booked our flights through Flight Centre but as Expert Africa had also quoted for the flights we had a double booking on our account which caused our actual flights to be cancelled and so had to be rebooked. We had hoped that this had been sorted out before we left but infact we had trouble checking in to both the outward and return flights, and were held up at check ins for 30 mins or so while the airline verified our tickets.

3. See Unguja Lodge feedback re windy season in Zanzibar." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"Our only issue was on arrival at Dar airport where we had to let Coastal aviation know that we had arrived. Other companies had arranged name boards and took their guests through to the domestic terminal." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"I had a private driver called Ayoub for 9 days.
He was exceptional, I have done about 15 safari holidays and he was the best
The game viewing was outstanding.
I chose middle range lodges as I was out in the 4x4 from dawn to dusk.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The book on Tanzania and the travel guide that Expert Africa sent to me was not expected and was a nice touch" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"This was an excellent trip that was tainted at the end buy some communication issues by/between staff about departure times to the airport.

This did cost us each about $550 US dollars in extra transport and meant we miised out a days sight seeng etc in Nairobi. (and spent more time in airport laounges etc)" Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"The break was exactly what we asked for. It was top quality and we fully enjoyed it.

Very happy customs at a good price." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Safari was very good and memorable" Read full review: 4 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip was fantastic on every front. Everything went like clockwork, we had nothing to worry about except enjoying ourselves. The three camps were stayed in were all excellent in terms of facilities, catering and staff. I could not fault Esto, our driver/guide at all. It was the best game viewing holiday I have ever had and our family of 5 did not argue, get bored or grumpy once!!

The only thing that did not quite go as planned was that I had asked for a birthday cake and Olakira camp and this did not happen. However, the camp manager at Dunia, Richard, somehow learnt that my husband had a birthday and produced an absolutely delicious cake, delivered with pomp and ceremony by the whole camp staff on our last night of the holiday and it more than made up for the Olakira slip up.

The best game viewing area was around Olakira and it was even better that were could drive off road in that area to get right in amongst the herds." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari