Tanzania: reviews from our travellers

"I am very happy with my trip , I wish to thank Jessica and Eleanor for making it possible in so very little time." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"The biggest issue with comfort for the trip was that we were given an older vehicle which is quite uncomfortable from the beginning of the trip until we reached Kivu lake. At Kivu Lake, three days into the Rwanda part, I let Expert Africa know about my concerns regarding the possible safety issues of the vehicle as well as the comfort issues. I had an almost immediate reply from Expert Africa who contacted the tour organizer, Primate Safaris in Rwanda. They met us the next day with a new vehicle for the rest of the trip.

The entire planning of the trip took multiple conversations and emails with the Expert Africa team. They were extremely helpful and worked with us until we found a trip that we thought would meet our desired experience. I believe we had seven iterations before finally choosing the last one.

I would have mixed feelings about going during rainy season again. It was less crowded, which was quite nice. A few plans did get rained out or had to be changed.

The few hotels we stayed at in between various parts of the trip were used only for several hours and simpler, less expensive accommodations would probably have sufficed quite well.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We did not seek other quotes for the trip.

Our previous trip to Zambia with Expert Africa impressed us so much, that we only used them to arrange this tour for us. It was a good decision." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Rwanda safari

"Not long enough!

We had a fantastic time and can't wait to return to Africa and its precious wildlife.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"I look forward to my regular forays into Southern and Eastern Africa, a passion I've been pursuing for over 30 years and where I normally enjoy every last minute of my stay. So it pains me to state that, despite the high quality of all the arrangements: camps, transfers, internal flights, this was one trip I did not enjoy.

The reason was the infestation of tsetse flies through the Lake Manyara/Tarangire/Serengeti area. These are not just a nuisance; they are a major problem, turning every game drive into a very painful and distressing endurance test. Totally impervious to any kind of insect repellent, swarms of tsetse flies descend upon people persistently biting at will on both uncovered and covered skin. Yes, they bite through your clothes, too. I ended up with my entire skin a mass burning welts - something that went from simple discomfort to sheer pain, only temporarily relieved by spells under cold showers, and eventually, towards the end of my trip, by some anti-histaminic pills and cream provided by the manageress at Lamai Serengeti.

I was not warned of this, something I find disconcerting from an outfit that advertises itself as Expert Africa and provides specialist consultants for each area. Surely clients are entitled to expect full and honest advice?" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"We had an amazing time. It was the holiday of a lifetime for us.

Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, keep up the good work, we'll be back!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"I was able to research our trip with the help of your excellent website and conversations with Lyndsey and book a holiday which exceeded my expectations. I was keen to avoid crowds at safari camps and therefore avoided the Serengeti and crater and choose Ruaha and Selous. Both were fabulous and we enjoyed visiting at this time of year when the areas were so green and lush. Ruaha with its baobab trees was particularly beautiful. We also enjoyed the contrast of Selous with the river and lakes and the option of boat safaris to see crocodiles and hippos.

I was pleased to have had 2 nights in Stone Town. What a fascinating town. We booked a historic tour for 8.30am before it became too hot and found our guide well informed. The last 3 nights at Mtembwe Lodge were wonderful. The place was paradise and we really didnt want to leave. All in all a super holiday.

The only plan I would have changed would have been to have stayed 3 nights at Ras Kutani instead of 2 nights, as the journey seemed too long from Dar es Salaam for just what ended up to be one whole day there as we only arrived at 6pm and had to leave at 7.30am. The hotel was good but we couldn't really appreciate it in the time allowed." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"Considering all the details involved in booking this trip, I was extremely satisfied from my initial phone call, to the day I returned home.

I think Justin returned my calls and replied to my emails within 10 minutes, and there were a lot of them! And thanks for procuring the binocs! The trip he planned turned out as perfect as it could be. The Rhotia Valley stay was really a genius choice. As a physician, I bonded with the owners and was invited to join them for meals so we could continue our conversations. I expect to have an ongoing relationship with them, and hope to return.

I see no place to comment specifically on my guide, so I’ll do that here. Nathoo was incredible. He knew every plant, animal, constellation. I had my Swahili lessons while driving around. There can’t possibly be anyone better!

I would say this trip exceeded my expectations, and was worth every penny.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, I don’t!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a wonderful time overall and met some very interesting people.

We would have no hesitation in doing the same trip again, but I don't think we would take in Mafia Island. I think it's just us - we've outgrown just going to the beach. If we were planning this again I think we would stay an extra night and chill out at Beho Beho (in fact, Beho Beho offers far more luxury than Pole Pole and was much more comfortable) and then maybe a day at Oyster Bay in Dar before coming home." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari

"Our trip was amazing. We went to 4 of the 5 countries of East Africa. Saw the gorillas in Uganda, swam with Whale Sharks in Tanzania, climbed Kilimanjaro, kissed giraffes at Giraffe Manor, and had the best safari experience at Laikipia and Masai Mara!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari

"The advice I received from Expert Africa was extremely useful in enabling me to choose two contrasting park/game reserves and the right accommodation for my needs. It was particularly helpful to have advice on the best places for a solo traveller. I was also grateful to have been advised to get a visa beforehand as I noticed other travellers were forming a lengthy queue while I breezed through immigration. All the transfers went smoothly and the staff from Coastal Aviation were friendly and helpful.

During the low season in which I travelled the Selous was abundant in plains game, particularly new born animals. Predators were not so easily found but the guides were skilled enough to track them down. Ruahah had so many elephants with herds up to perhaps 100. There were plenty of elephants a few weeks old. Good sightings of cheetah and lions.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Of the eight nights of my trip I spent seven of these as the sole guest. Obviously this had advantages but as a solo traveller I would have liked to have been able to meet other safari guests. The staff at the camps went out of their way to make me welcome so there was no chance of feeling isolated. Not really something you could resolve !

At both camps it was commented that Expert Africa was one of the best Africa tour operators." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari