Tanzania: reviews from our travellers

"We were very happy with most of our safari, Lake Manze camp excepted, and very happy with how Claire from Expert Africa helped us decide on places to go and the general organisation of the trip. Everything 'happened' as arranged and expected and that is not always the case in Africa so full marks to Expert Africa.
As seasoned African safari goers the Southern Tanzanian circuit was new to us but met our expectations with excellent game, wonderful bird life and beautiful locations in Ruaha and Selous.
If there was any blot it would be that being close to beach resorts means that you get a number of first time safari goers whose interest is superficial and where the safari is bolted on as some sort of exotic extra to a beach trip that is the tourist's main interest and some of the camps cater to this level of tourism. Selous tourism has evidently expanded in recent years and we fear that this will lead to safari tourism in the way some Northern Tanzanian (Ngorongoro) and Southern Kenyan (Mara) areas cater for" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"Please see the comments already written, A Fantastic time and we can't wait to revisit!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Having only had this trip with you, the experience left nothing to be desired." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"It exceeded our expectations! Our trip was absolutely wonderful. The planning was flawless, and every detail was taken care of.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

A little more guidance on tipping would be helpful. While we asked for and received specific guidelines on amounts for the staff and the drivers, we were unaware until we arrived that separate (and fairly substantial) tips for butlers and trackers were also expected. We had calculated our expected total cash needs, and then doubled that figure when planning how much money to take, and we were glad to have the excess with us. Your notes to travellers could indicate that in some camps, these additional staff members may also be deserving of tips." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari

"The holiday was amazing!

Everything went like clockwork and I couldn't fault the organisation of anything.

Ellie, thanks for your super organisation too. I know you worked hard to get us the package we wanted!
The book you sent was really helpful and we used it alot

I would recommend expert Africa to anyone wanting a safari holiday!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, I can't really think of anything, our experience was very positive and we would be happy to use you again in future" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Why go anywhere else, our only comment was that La Gemma is far better than Breezes." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zanzibar holiday

"The trip was fantastic with only a few minor quibbles - see previous pages. It was very expensive but definitely worth it.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

not really" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"In general the trip was brilliant. All went to plan so well done Expert Africa.

We do this sort of thing every 2 to 3 years so we will be in touch next time.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I could not fault anything. The wrong place in Stone Town was my fault for turning down the Serena Inn." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday

"For us this was a short trip - 6 nights in the bush - but without doubt one of the best we have ever had." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Going to Ruaha first was better in terms of internal flights (especially for someone who gets travel sick). If we had realised how far away Jongomero was from the plains in Ruaha, we would have done two camps here instead of in the Selous (as these are all close together). This meant that we did not get a chance to see cheetah, which I had specifically enquired about. This in addition to our experience at Selous Impala camp, slightly marred our experience, but in general, it was as we expected.

There were no night drives in the Selous, contrary to what I was told.

There is apparently now an early morning flight to Dar from Selous which connects to the BA flight, obviating the need for an overnight stay in Sar.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

More detailed brochure" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"Our trip went without a hitch as it did 2 years ago. We love Tanzania and it's people and it was wonderful to return. We can't wait to go back.

We travelled with Expert Africa previously and because of their efficiency, personalised service, knowlege and preparatory information as well as their competitve pricing. We returned and we were not disappointed.

There was one part of our trip that we would change and that was the trip to Lake Manyara. After Selous it felt so crowded and more like being in an open zoo than on safari. It was so disappointing and we perhaps would have been better just going to Bourganvillea Lodge for a relax and a dip in the pool that afternoon." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari