Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater

"A "very satisfactory" rating does not do justice to this superb 10 night, 4 centre Northern Tanzania safari put together with suggestions from helpful Expert Africa staff.

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience which was so different to previous and equally superb Expert Africa holidays in Botswana and Namibia and our own explorations of South Africa some years ago. We would recommend this time of year for such a safari, as there were no more than a handful of vehicles around the parks within eyesight at any one time, and even in the Ngorongoro Crater we were pleasantly surprised to be able to find our way to parts where we were totally on our own.

The trip was all the better for having the consistency of our superbly professional guide, Ayoub, for 7 nights in 3 camps. On our departure, he asked us to be ambassadors for Tanzania and spread the word what delights the country has to offer as a safari destination. We could not agree more and would recommend this circuit to anybody who likes to explore Africa either for the first time or for a return visit." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"Everything worked smoothly" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Our trip as a whole was superb, with some unbelievably fantastic animal sightings ! We saw all the things we had hoped to see, such as the jackals killing the baby impala, the tree lions and elephant encounter, the vast numbers of wildebeest plus much, much more. We had some stunning sightings of birds, e.g. a Kori Bustard displaying.

Another bonus was the glorious view of Kilimanjaro at Tortilis Camp.

All the places we visited offered something different making our trip interesting and unpredictable as regards the animals.
We also met some wonderful people at each of the Camps/Lodges and our guides were superb and extremely knowledgeable.

Our trip was superb, fulfilled everything we had wanted and has given us some fantastic memories with over a 1000 photos. This was undeniably a trip of a lifetime !" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip was put together perfectly and at each juncture, the part awaiting us was exactly what we needed/ wanted to compliment the last and maintain variety. We were so impressed with the quality of the &Beyond destinations in particular- they really are a cut above- so slick. But saying that, Beho Beho was such an incredible experience, the whole Selous felt manicured it was all so perfect. Ellie has just been amazing throughout and the guidance in putting together such a trip of a lifetime was invaluable. We're not sure that we will ever top this trip. But then again, that's the sign of the most perfect honeymoon..." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall the trip was great.

Some gliches. Lots of traffic from Zanzibar because of arriving evening last day of Ramadan. Luggage broken into and things stolen from luggage at Nairobi airport. No museum visit at Olduvai gorge and no lunch provided last day of safai as outlined in itinerary. Lots of flight delays. Last Masai village visit we felt extorted for the suggested donation of $200.

However, this was the best trip we have ever taken and we travel extensively. Thanks again to the staff of expert Africa for matching us up once again with a like minded couple whose company we enjoyed and for providing a TRIP WHOSE WONDERFUL MEMORIES WILL LAST ALL OUR LIVES. We hope to do a 3rd trip with your company." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall we had a great trip. Special thanks to our guide Ayoub who was with us up to and including Dunia - he was knowledgable, friendly, helpfull and even spoke Spanish which made things a lot more relaxing for Mila.

Ngorongoro was spectacular with early morning mist later giving way to brighter weather, and many interesting game sightings.

After an interesting side-trip to Oldupai Gorge, we entered the Serengeti which was really beautiful. The early rains meant it was already quite green. We saw quite a lot of game, especially from Dunia, including a lot of the migration. Quite large herds of wildebeest were already moving south through the central Serengeti.

Only one small negative point about the first part of the trip. The vehicle did not have a pop-up roof, as we had been told, but instead one that had to be removed and put back. This could have been more of a problem than it was, as only on the last day at Dunia did we have strong sun - the rest of the time with this vehicle it was fairly cloudy.

When we got to Olakira we were afraid there might not be any wildebeest left north of the Mara river. However no sooner had we got to our tent on arrival when we had to literally "scramble" to the vehicles to race to a crossing which was taking place just in front of the camp. Later we saw two more crossings during our stay. In one of these we followed a large herd for some time as they moved along the river bank. Occasionally some would go down to the waters edge, only to go back again up the bank. Finally they decided to stop teasing us, and all charged across the river right in front of us." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip was fantastic and a trip of a lifetime. We will have so many memories of the wildlife and Tanzania. Many thanks to Ellie for arranging the trip and giving guidance and recommendations as to the Camps and itinerary.

We should also like to recommend our guide Albert who we had for 8 days, who was very personable and extremely knowledgeable and made the trip so enjoyable.

We were probably slightly disappointed with Zanzibar as a place to visit and if we were arranging the trip again might go for the mainland coast or go for one of the other islands." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"We had the most wonderful trip and saw so much more than we ever expected. We particularly enjoyed living in the tented accommodation being surrounded by nature and learning so much about the wildlife. This was largely due to the skill of the guides, notably Silvanus who drove us around and acted as our guide for several days in different locations of Tarangire, Lake Manyara and The Ngorongoro crater. His knowledge was amazing and his patience with two novices was truly boundless.

We like to mention how impressed we were with the safari outfit used by Expert Africa and would highly recommend this company to anyone. Their operations were run smoothly and efficiently with a constant desire to improve their services and environmentally friendly camps even further. Their training policy and opportunity for further development seemed to be very much appreciated by their employees. All their staff were happy and proud working for them which we felt speaks for itself.

The balloon trip over the Serengeti at dawn was an unforgettable experience, which we would highly recommend. The pilot was very experienced and his expert handling of the balloon allowed us to fly extremely low. Gliding across the Mara River and seeing the sun rising over this amazing landscape was truly magical.

Zanzibar offered a completely different type of holiday. We were especially interested in the history and culture of the island. The 'Princess Salme' tour was particularly fascinating and took in several different experiences: a very informative visit around the Mtoni Palace given by the project manager of the restoration project, followed by a Dhow trip, a coffee ceremony as well as a fascinating spice tour led by a guide with real knowledge of the subject and finally a delicious meal provided by the plantation owner. We would highly recommend it as it is designed for very small groups and provides a real insight into what made the island what it is.

A special mention should also go to Nick at Unguja Lodge who is a very competent and professional diving instructor who enabled me to fulfil my long held wish to complete my diving certificate.

Expert Arfrica did deliver exactly what we had asked for in our original brief and more. They enabled us to choose companies and lodges, etc which benefit their local communities and this had been one of our priorities. It also allowed us to see some very well run local projects during our travels which are all equally worth while supporting in the future.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

A suggestion might be that while on safari, to consider having a day in camp to digest what had been experienced. This could take the form of a walk with guides followed later by an evening drive. Having some time to just sit in front of our tent for a few hours and to watch the wildlife from there or reading a book was rather enjoyable especially after several days of non stop action. We think people should be made aware of this option." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"This was our seventh safari trip to Africa (all arranged by Expert Africa!), but our first trip to Tanzania. We had very much hoped to see a crossing of the Mara river by the herds of migrating of wildebeest, and we were fortunate to do so. A lasting impression is of the huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes and elephants that we saw both in the Tarangire and the Serengeti.

All the arrangements worked perfectly, and we enjoyed our trip very much indeed.

Two general comments regarding safaris in Tanzanian National Parks:

(a) the need to be back in camp before sunset does not allow for the sundowners in the bush experience that we have enjoyed in other African countries, such as Zambia;

(b) in our view, the open vehicles available at the camps, are essential to enjoy a true safari experience. As Tanzania does not allow open vehicles outside of National Parks, many guests 'safaried' in closed vehicles, having driven from airports / other National Parks." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari

"Thanks Expert Africa for arranging all the logistics - seamless. We didn't have to worry about a thing.

&Beyond group were the best." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari