201 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Arusha.
Dr N
Virginia
"My May 2012 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 31 May 2012 and 14 Jun 2012
"My experience with Expert Africa was completely positive. Everything on the trip happened on-time and as-promised. The camps and hotels that I used were likewise accurately represented in every way, so there were again no surprises. The communication in planning the trip was really excellent and extremely helpful. I would recommend Expert Africa to any traveller to Tanzania.
I chose to make my trip early in the season (arriving around June1). I knew that the game viewing would potentially be better later in the season when more of the water sources had dried up, but wanted to travel before the dry season became too advanced and everything really dried out. My assessment proved correct, but I have no real regrets about the timing of my trip.
However, most of the camps were just opening, with various "start-up" issues (changing staff, finding where the animals were hanging out, etc.) and animals would likely have been better acclimated to the vehicles in another week or so. A week later might thus have been better timing for the trip, but hardly a major issue." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
I chose to make my trip early in the season (arriving around June1). I knew that the game viewing would potentially be better later in the season when more of the water sources had dried up, but wanted to travel before the dry season became too advanced and everything really dried out. My assessment proved correct, but I have no real regrets about the timing of my trip.
However, most of the camps were just opening, with various "start-up" issues (changing staff, finding where the animals were hanging out, etc.) and animals would likely have been better acclimated to the vehicles in another week or so. A week later might thus have been better timing for the trip, but hardly a major issue." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr P & Ms T
Ottawa
"Tanzania safari"
I visited Tanzania between 18 Sep 2011 and 1 Oct 2011
"The trip was fantastic from start to finish. Dealing with Expert Africa, on the phone and via email was easy and efficient. From the minute we arrived in Kilimanjaro airport until the time we were delivered back there at the end of our stay, the local guides and tour reps (Asilia) were friendly, efficient, reliable and competent.
The locations, itinerary and planning were excellent. While two of the game parks (Ngorongo and Lake Manyara) were not as interesting (not much game, limited size) they were suitably short in duration. The more interesting parks (Tarangire and Northern Serengeti) had been allocated much more time and delivered a much more exciting experience. The accomodation was all excellent - the complaints we had were to do with our mental comfort level (or lack thereof!) in the more luxurious &Beyond camp. It was excellent, just not what fit our personalities.
The experience was more than we had hoped for and exceeded our expectations. It was truly memorable and we would not hesitate to recommend Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Knowing which locations offered free drinking water and laundry and which ones charged extra would be helpful." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
The locations, itinerary and planning were excellent. While two of the game parks (Ngorongo and Lake Manyara) were not as interesting (not much game, limited size) they were suitably short in duration. The more interesting parks (Tarangire and Northern Serengeti) had been allocated much more time and delivered a much more exciting experience. The accomodation was all excellent - the complaints we had were to do with our mental comfort level (or lack thereof!) in the more luxurious &Beyond camp. It was excellent, just not what fit our personalities.
The experience was more than we had hoped for and exceeded our expectations. It was truly memorable and we would not hesitate to recommend Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Knowing which locations offered free drinking water and laundry and which ones charged extra would be helpful." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
Georgia
"Overall, a very good experience!"
I visited Tanzania between 17 Sep 2011 and 28 Sep 2011
"I don't know about all the trip elements that our party lead planned with Expert Africa regarding the parks to visit, the side trips, and lengths of stay at each camp; however, after visiting the camps and parks, I would say that this could have been planned differently given the time of year. For example, 4 nights in the Tarangire with 2 nights of fly camping was too long. Three nights would been sufficient and 1 night of fly camping. Camping out is highly overrated after having done it so much in one's youth. The Ngorongora could have been skipped at this time of the year. The crater itself was a hughand windy dust bowl. We spent a day in Lake Manyara. What is there that the Serengeti doesn't have, other than blue monkeys and a rain forest? There is no lake to see, except at a great distance.
We met a number of tourists during the trip and they all said that the most memorable parks were the Serengeti and the Masa Mara. Bottom line, I believe there is where our trip should have focused on as first time visitors to Africa.
The Serengeti was the highlight of our trip." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
We met a number of tourists during the trip and they all said that the most memorable parks were the Serengeti and the Masa Mara. Bottom line, I believe there is where our trip should have focused on as first time visitors to Africa.
The Serengeti was the highlight of our trip." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The P family
Italy
"parks and zanzibar"
I visited Tanzania between 12 Aug 2011 and 25 Aug 2011
"Enjoied it a lot, all the family liked it"
Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Good
Mr & Mrs L
Sussex
"A lovely holiday"
I visited Tanzania between 31 Jan 2011 and 12 Feb 2011
"We saw so many amazing animals and were given a friendly welcome throughout.
Our own arrangements at the end of the holiday made us realise that a permanent camp in the Serengeti rather than the mobile camp we chose at Olakira would have been a more satisfactory option, particularly as the Ndutu area was so busy with other safari goers. When discussing Kusini with you as an alternative at the planning stage, this aspect was not pointed out. As it happened the Migration had moved closer to Kusini (Maswa area) away from Ndutu but we were not offered the opportunity to drive out in this direction, despite staying for four nights at Olakira." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Our own arrangements at the end of the holiday made us realise that a permanent camp in the Serengeti rather than the mobile camp we chose at Olakira would have been a more satisfactory option, particularly as the Ndutu area was so busy with other safari goers. When discussing Kusini with you as an alternative at the planning stage, this aspect was not pointed out. As it happened the Migration had moved closer to Kusini (Maswa area) away from Ndutu but we were not offered the opportunity to drive out in this direction, despite staying for four nights at Olakira." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs P
Surrey
"Overall"
I visited Tanzania between 10 Jan 2011 and 29 Jan 2011
"We had a great time and it was everything we expected that it would be. Ellie was so helpful in the booking process and answering my questions.
We loved Tanzania and we agreed that the safari here was better than other countries we had visited. Our driver from Asilia (Albert) was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was always prompt and the vehicle was always spotless.
We undertook a couple of trips with Wayo at the Serena Hotel at Lake Manyara:
1. The night drive into the park made us feel very special as we were the only people in the park on that night. I love the expectation of what you might see and this is what anyone who does this trip needs to bear in mind. It is highly unlikely that you will see Lions and whatever you do see unless you have a very good camera and are very quick at taking the picture you won't be able to do this. So it's best to just sit back and enjoy the trip. We saw different notcturnal animals - porcupine, genet, hippos feeding, bush babies etc.
2. Whilst we enjoyed the bike ride, there are a few factors that anyone doing this needs to think about. It was about 30km and whilst a lot of it is down hill the hot wetaher can take it out of you so take come water (we weren't offered any by Wayo, although our Driver gave us some) and plenty of sunscreen, a hat etc. The bikes are ok, but the seats are a bit worn and uncomfortable (we were talking to the guy who took us and he told us that they wanted to order the gel seats but had to get these form Europe). I had thought that the visit to the village was going to be about meeting people who lived and worked there - we actually visited a curio shop. We then biked into the park and down to the lake and then back up to the village where our driver met us. So overall we enjoyed it but a few things to consider for anyone else.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I really can't think of any." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari
We loved Tanzania and we agreed that the safari here was better than other countries we had visited. Our driver from Asilia (Albert) was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was always prompt and the vehicle was always spotless.
We undertook a couple of trips with Wayo at the Serena Hotel at Lake Manyara:
1. The night drive into the park made us feel very special as we were the only people in the park on that night. I love the expectation of what you might see and this is what anyone who does this trip needs to bear in mind. It is highly unlikely that you will see Lions and whatever you do see unless you have a very good camera and are very quick at taking the picture you won't be able to do this. So it's best to just sit back and enjoy the trip. We saw different notcturnal animals - porcupine, genet, hippos feeding, bush babies etc.
2. Whilst we enjoyed the bike ride, there are a few factors that anyone doing this needs to think about. It was about 30km and whilst a lot of it is down hill the hot wetaher can take it out of you so take come water (we weren't offered any by Wayo, although our Driver gave us some) and plenty of sunscreen, a hat etc. The bikes are ok, but the seats are a bit worn and uncomfortable (we were talking to the guy who took us and he told us that they wanted to order the gel seats but had to get these form Europe). I had thought that the visit to the village was going to be about meeting people who lived and worked there - we actually visited a curio shop. We then biked into the park and down to the lake and then back up to the village where our driver met us. So overall we enjoyed it but a few things to consider for anyone else.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I really can't think of any." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Michigan
"Tanzania comments"
I visited Tanzania between 9 Oct 2010 and 23 Oct 2010
"It exceeded our expectations! Our trip was absolutely wonderful. The planning was flawless, and every detail was taken care of.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
A little more guidance on tipping would be helpful. While we asked for and received specific guidelines on amounts for the staff and the drivers, we were unaware until we arrived that separate (and fairly substantial) tips for butlers and trackers were also expected. We had calculated our expected total cash needs, and then doubled that figure when planning how much money to take, and we were glad to have the excess with us. Your notes to travellers could indicate that in some camps, these additional staff members may also be deserving of tips." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
A little more guidance on tipping would be helpful. While we asked for and received specific guidelines on amounts for the staff and the drivers, we were unaware until we arrived that separate (and fairly substantial) tips for butlers and trackers were also expected. We had calculated our expected total cash needs, and then doubled that figure when planning how much money to take, and we were glad to have the excess with us. Your notes to travellers could indicate that in some camps, these additional staff members may also be deserving of tips." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs A
Edinburgh
"a great trip"
I visited Tanzania between 29 Sep 2010 and 16 Oct 2010
"The trip was fantastic with only a few minor quibbles - see previous pages. It was very expensive but definitely worth it.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
not really" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
not really" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs P
Otley
""
I visited Tanzania between 22 Sep 2010 and 1 Oct 2010
"We went to Tarangire in 2002 and chose a return trip for 2010 because we enjoyed it so much. We were not disappointed.
2 days in Manyara and 4+ full days in Tarangire is a good balance.
When asked about their private guide, these travellers commented:
Martin was an excellent driver-guide.
Martin Mollel was our driver/guide for a week so was indispensable for a good holiday. He showed just the right conbination of knowledge, skill, efficiency and friendliness.
He made the holiday a real pleasure and we would recommend him warmly to other visitors.
Gwyn [Ed:m one of the travellers.] was interested in birds and he went to great lengths to find and identify any birds we came across. We knew little Swahili and he taught us a lot more." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
2 days in Manyara and 4+ full days in Tarangire is a good balance.
When asked about their private guide, these travellers commented:
Martin was an excellent driver-guide.
Martin Mollel was our driver/guide for a week so was indispensable for a good holiday. He showed just the right conbination of knowledge, skill, efficiency and friendliness.
He made the holiday a real pleasure and we would recommend him warmly to other visitors.
Gwyn [Ed:m one of the travellers.] was interested in birds and he went to great lengths to find and identify any birds we came across. We knew little Swahili and he taught us a lot more." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
Stanford
"Expert Africa was very helpful"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 14 Sep 2010 and 27 Sep 2010
"Very helpful in planning the trip. All arrangements went well."
Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
201
reviews of Arusha by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Inspire meWhere 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.
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.
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.
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.
Hamerkop House
Located halfway between Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha, Hamerkop House is a small, peaceful stop either at the beginning or end of a safari.
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.
