Tanzania: reviews from our travellers

"Everything went according to plan and both my partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Tanzania.

If anything we stayed too long in Zanzibar but this was dictated by our international flights arranged by us.

We would have no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa to our friends and family who may be considering a similar excursion.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, none" Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zanzibar holiday

"This was a very enjoyable trip.

It was good to experience different areas and to experience land and water safaris.

An added bonus was a wonderful few days in Zanzibar.

Expert Africa provide a great service. Knowledgeable, professional and friendly staff and a very competitive price." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a wonderful trip with many momentous adventures but quite a lot more tedious jeep rides than we had bargained for, especially in the Kenya portion where the distances between camps was several hours on washed out roads only to find out when we arrived that the next activity would be a jeep ride! This was disappointing as I had been quite clear that that what I was exactly what I was trying to avoid.

The biggest issue was that Olivia had not made clear to me the consequences of the rainy season. I thought it just meant that it would rain a bit during the day and we would get wet, something I don't care about. What it really meant is that the bush would be so green and thick that animals would be extremely hard to see, that water would be so readily available everywhere that animals would be widely dispersed across hundreds of thousands of acres, and therefore hard to find, that the bugs would be fierce. and that the normally rough, bumpy roads would be so deeply rutted and washed out hat driving was bone crushing. And, as I noted in my comments about Sarara, some activities such as the Singing Wells, were not possible. No one can control the weather but if I had known what the rainy season was really like I don't think I would have taken the chance of traveling in the shoulder season. Since we were the only guests at a number of places, i felt everybody else had gotten the memo except us!

Also, some of the logistics could have been worked out better. Though the three Samburu camps look equidistant on a map, in fact it made no sense to go to Saruni Rhino last instead of Sarani Samburu, which is quite close to the airstrip.By going there last, it added another 2 and a half hour jeep trip on washed out roads to get back to the airstrip we had just come from two days earlier.

Finally, we were never told that the trip from Saruni Rhino to Plantation Lodge would be over 10 hours. We were shocked to discover on arrival at Kilamijaro that our jeep ride was over 4 hours. I can't believe there was not a scheduled or even charter flight from Kili to Manyara. In any event, no one told us about the length of the trip and we had no food from 8 AM till 6:30 PM expect for the driver's small pack of Pringles. I expected better attention to logistics.

With the exception of Stone Town, all the places we stayed were great. I just wish we had done the trip a different year when we could have done it at the right time." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari

"Overall we had a fabulous holiday in southern Tanzania - 4 days in Ruaha (Ikuka) followed by 3 nights in Selous (Siwandu) with a night either side in Dar. The two parks provided a wonderful contrast from the dry plains of Ruaha dotted with acacia and baobab trees to the the green riverine forest of Selous with its lakeside location. On balance we slightly preferred the luxury and glorious setting of Ikuka, but Siwandu was still very comfortable. Both camps provided fantastic and different animal sightings.
We haven't been to northern Tanzania but understand that southern Tanzania, Ruaha in particular, is an unknown gem.
Olivia did a really excellent job of arranging our holiday, patiently juggling arrangements to suit and answering all my questions. All the arrangements worked perfectly. There was always someone to meet us at the correct time and place. We would most definitely recommend Expert Africa and consider using them again for another holiday to Africa." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"The Safari exceeded our expectations entirely.

It was an incredible experience with our 3 young children (9,7,4). The 7 day itinerary was perfect, and glad we got to spend 3 days in the Serengeti (our favourite of the 4 parks). We didn't feel rushed at all, or pressured to see animals.

Our driver was fantastic. He drove safely and was knowledgeable, and passionate about his job. He was patient and great with the kids. Also the vehicle was in great condition (better than almost all others we saw) which helped make it comfortable.

The lodges were great, really comfortable without being over the top luxurious." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Perfect holiday and thanks to expert Africa for the expert knowledge!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"A fabulous experience - I was visiting some places again after 46 years away and for my wife this was her first visit to the country. Everywhere the people were friendly and helpful; they really made the trip (together with the marvellous animal sightings!) and it was noticeable how much they appreciated and responded to my rather 'rusty' attempts at Swahili.

We have nothing but praise for Nomad and its staff; everyone was great and it is impossible to single out anyone in particular; without exception they were all extremely friendly and helpful.

The programme put together worked wonderfully- a great start at Machweo and a mid-holiday break at the luxurious Gibbs Farm in between some fabulous safari camps with variety at each of the locations of wildlife and scenery.

Everything worked like clockwork, with one exception. We were unfortunately misinformed about the flight departure from Lake Manyara airstrip meaning we wasted 2 hours hanging about at the airstrip, whilst we could have enjoyed a relaxing and full breakfast back at Gibbs Farm rather than the rushed early morning departure.

One thing we would have liked to see in all Nomad camps was a detailed large-scale map of the NP/NCA (such as produced by Survey of Tanzania, or a google earth print) so as to better understand where we had been!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"I loved it. A trip of a life-time.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I think your services have been amazing. I have recommended your firm already to a friend !" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari

"This is my second Expert Africa safari and it could not have been any better. All expectations were met, the camps excellent, the access to animals for viewing beyond dreams.

Richard is incredibly knowledgeable, extremely helpful and 100% committed to planning a perfect trip. I never felt pressured to select certain camps, just really enjoyed working with Richard and letting him suggest an itinerary based on what we wanted to see and experience! He was diligent in finding camps for our group of 6 and arranging the trip in order to visit different areas with a wide variety of wildlife.

The first hand knowledge of the EA staff cannot be surpassed. A top notch company!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari

"A memorable trip indeed !

We have wonderful memories, in spite of the disappointment in Mafia because of the weather.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Your organization was perfect. We don't know how you could possibly improve it." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari