Tanzania: reviews from our travellers

"Having waited for our son to be 12 so that we could take him on safari, when it actually came to it I was worried it would not live up to my expectations and that I might resent the huge amount of money we spent. Happily it did and I don't.

We had a fantastic two weeks, the two lodges (Manze and Impala in Tanzania) contrasted in style, terrain and game viewing. I was really pleased that the Selous Reserve offered the choice of game drives, boat trips and walking safaris and feel we would have been a bit jaded had there not been that variety.

Tanzania is a good to choice if you want a bit of beach time and I was especially please that we elected to go to Mafia rather than Zanzibar. A lot of other travellers went on to Zanzibar, but on Mafia the ex pats from Dar es Salaam rated our choice the better one.

I was really impressed with how everything went without any hitches. I'm sure this is no small part down to the background work and research done at EA. When time is limited you don't want to put up with the things that are usually part and parcel of travel in developing countries and that was what I was hoping to avoid by booking through a specialist agent. The time spend finding out our requirements and expectations meant that it was no accident taht everything went so well.

Your expert advice was worth every penny." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"Nothing much to add to all the comments here. We all enjoyed the holiday throughout. Such a range of experiences!
I think overall the standard of accommodation at Selous and Pongwe was 'under=-sold' and the quality of the food was higher than we expected.

Only thing we didn't think was worth it was trip to Prison Island, which we organised ourself- but it was quite an overcast and choppy day so we ducked out of the snorkelling which might have added to it.

Also I think the advice against taking travellers cheques should be rather more strongly stated; although we were able to cash them directly for dollars in Stonetown we did have to do a bit of shopping around and quite a high commission rate. I'm not sure we would have any success with sterling.

Suggestions for improvement:

Nothing to add to the various comments above. We will certainly speak positively of Expert Africa and recommend to anyone looking for a similar experience." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"We couldn't have asked for a better holiday - both on safari and in Zanzibar.

Suggestions for improvement:

If only Expert Africa dealt with the rest of the world!

It was a pleasure to deal with Eleanor and her knowledge of all aspects of our holiday was spot on. Every single transfer went to plan, all on time, and the accommodation at all the venues was exactly as she had described it to me.

It was Eleanor's suggestion for us to spend 3 days in Ruaha and we wouldn't have missed it for anything.

Thank you." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Staying at three seperate and different sites was the perfect way to get a wide spectrum of experiences. An excellent balance of comfortable facilities and excellent food with a feeling of excitement and really being out in the African bush.

Exceeded all expectations - the staff at all the camps were fantastic, the variety ofgame and birds we saw amazing.And I left knowing this was the best holiday I could have had. Especially pleased as travelling with two children (9 and 11) and they were constantly thrilled and excited by each new experience and never once complained about sitting in cars, funny food or not seeing something -

Thoroughly recommended and thanks for the expert advice that enabled us to enjoy it so much.

Suggestions for improveent:
Not really - had to phone for clarification about what currency to take but otherwise was totally satisfied." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall we were very pleased with our trip,
Our Guide on the Safari, Nuru was absolutely brilliant, he had so much knowledge and didn't have to rely on the CB or following other people around to find the animals. The way he was able to spot some of them was unbelievable. Also he had such a knowledge of all the small animals as well, always showing the animal afterwards in the books he had and always correct on their name as well.
he looked after us from the moment we landed to the time we took off for Zanzibar. We were very lucky to have some one like him.

The accomodation was very impressive overall considering the general standard on view. Was really impressed with the quality and variety of the food as well.

Tanzania is such a lovely country and would love to visit it again some time in the future.

A big Thanks to Claire & Ann who helped us out in preparing for the trip that were always very helpful when dealing with them." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"Absolutely fabulous.

High expectations given Steve's major milestone, met in every single way. A perfect excuse to come back for the Migration.

We would recommend the combination of Rwanda and Tanzania to anyone. It is eminently do-able.

Suggestions for improvement:

None - excellent as usual. Intending to remain one of your many satisfied regular clients. Thank you so much." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"Expert Africa live up to their name :)" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall this was one of the best vacations I have ever had.

No major complaints.

The ExpertAfrica staff was a pleasure. Ellie provided recommendations and booked a great trip.

While she was out of the office, Ann Lederman helped with some last minute details. Then, when our flights were screwed up and we arrived in Dar a day late, Ann re-worked our itinerary quickly and saved the trip!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari

"We'd done a big trip to Tanzania with you 5 years ago. This one to new corners of Ruaha and Selous was just as good!

Your recommendation on the order of the camps - starting with Mdonya and working up to Beho Beho - was spot on. Trips to Tanzania (especially if you include Beho Beho) are not cheap, but well worth it. The logistics worked well, with Kearsley and Coastal doing there bit. We've rarely been back to the same camp twice but we did it with Mwagusi - and it remains our favourite of the 3 we visited this time.

We had been a bit worried about the new information about the Health Desks at Dar and the need to show your Yellow Fever certificate. You gave us some helpful info on your own experiences. And - after all that - we were never asked for the certificates! I think it would have been different if we were going to Zanzibar or coming from Kenya.

Many thanks - and look forward to travelling with you again." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"Everything that Expert Africa arranged was done efficiently. All the transfers were on time and we were kept informed at every transfer.

Thank you for making our holiday a magic experience." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari