Tanzania: reviews from our travellers

"The entire trip was impeccably organised by Expert Africa. Travellers should be aware that they do not book international flights or arrange travel insurance. End July/August is a splendid time to go on safari in Tanzania; we came across no mosquitos and few Tsetse flies. The three lodges we stayed at were each very different in feel and location and this made a fascinating two week safari with four nights at each lodge, followed by a week in Zanzibar. With two game drives a day one is often out in the bush for up to 12 hours a day and one has to be prepared to be in the jeeps for this length of time, as the opportunities for getting out are very limited because of safety. The bush is, of course, wild and the going often rough, so first time safari goers need to be prepared to be thrown around in jeeps (but with seat belts!).

The game viewing at this time of year is magnificent and we saw several crossings of the wildebeast in the Mara river, quite a few prides of lions in the Ruaha, including the full pride of 13 at one point and two close up sightings of an entire pack of wild dogs at Beho Beho. Three separate leopard sightings in the Serengeti were very special.

Zanzibar is the ideal place to wind down after a safari but one needs to choose one's hotel carefully according to what atmosphere and recreations one wants. Near Stone Town, or not, swimable beach, or not, isolated or not. Some of the taxi and shuttle drivers can be quite on the wild side, but it is the nature of the island!

Our expectations were more than fulfilled on this magical trip." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"This was our 4th visit to southern/eastern Africa, and although each trip has been different and wonderful, this was probably our best trip yet.

The highlight was our time spent at Kichaka in Ruaha, since walking safaris are our favorite activity. Owner/Guide Andrew Molinare (Moli) gets rave reviews, and deserves every one of them.

We visited 5 parks and camps, with significant travel distances involved. Expert Africa did a fantastic job coordinating all the internal flights with Coastal Aviation, and everything went extremely smoothly." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari

"We all agreed that this was the best holiday that we had ever had. Even better than our honeymoon! A fantastic holiday to have with teenagers and we were surprised with the number of familiies that we saw.

Although we were busy on safari, the holiday still felt relaxing as we did not have to think about or do anything. All our needs were taken care of.

There was something for everyone on this holiday and all enjoyed the birds, scenery, butterflies, stars and crabs as much as the big game. All lodges were outstanding, although different and we definitely needed the four days on the beach after the safari to relax.

The only issue we encountered was Kearsleys not being at Dars airport to collect us and our very expensive phone call to them. They did respnd quickly to our call though." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"This was a most enjoyable safari.

The 4 day stay with Kichaka principally involved walking. This was balanced by 3 days of more luxurious living in Jabali Private House.

This combination served our family group well, it being a mix of those who have been on many safaris and one who was new to the experience. All the guides and staff that looked after us at both operations were excellent.

The holiday was a great success." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip was great. We saw many different animals. David, the guide, was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly.

I was a bit disappointed that even in the middle of the Serengeti there was internet access. I had hoped to escape the internet. There may be a market for lodges and camps that don't have internet." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 1 on a Tanzania safari

"We love wildlife safaris, and this Selous/Ruaha venture was no exception in most aspects.

The overall efforts from Lyndsey at Expert Africa meant that the whole itinerary unfolded as planned - no hitches. She provided all of the necessary information from London to us in Oz. for me to feel confident of the outcome.

Our experiences in both Selous and Ruaha were what we had hoped for in respect to the vast wilderness feel to both regions, the variety of vegetation and topography, as well as the absence of hordes of other safari vehicles. We were a little disappointed that due to several factors ( maybe vegetation cover/animal numbers of some species) we didn't locate wild dog, cheetah or leopard in either location. We've never based our trips on seeing particular wildlife because often it's more luck than anything, and no one factor can change this.

The camps chosen were equal to anything we had previously encountered, and would recommend both Impala and Mwagusi.

Overall a great trip." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"This past trip to Africa really gave me a new perspective on what the northern part of the Serengeti has to offer. There is a particular beauty and wildness in this part of the park which I enjoyed. Lemala Kuria Hills camp was so comfortable and the setting so beautiful, I enjoyed every moment that I was there and truly bathed in the privacy that I had with the location of my tent.
On the game drives you could see that there was so much food and space for the animals and therefore the herds were much larger than what I have become accustomed to in the Serengeti. For instance, I would see herds of 50 to 70 topi, hundreds of Thompson gazell, large harems of impala; it was spectacular." Read full review: 4 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari

"Great with the disappointment of no diving in Zanzibar" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Great Trip with a good mix of safari, beach and town.

Seemed the timings were just perfect thanks to your advice! Safari was so well organised could relax and enjoy ourselves.

So glad we included seeing stone town to break it up slightly and the beach recommendations were just what we needed!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Everything was great, wouldn't have been able to do it without you!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a fabulous honeymoon and really appreciated Claire's expertise.

We have already recommended Expert Africa to 3 people since returning home. Thank you!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari