Reviews of safaris to Nyerere National Park

"Overall, our experience was excellent. The problem with the Precision air times did mar our relationship with expert africa at the time, but now we feel that they did pretty much everything they could to ensure we had the holiday we wanted.

Someone at Expert Africa (not Peter) asked if we had ever been to Dar es salaam when trying to make us feel that another night there was ok, but it is still not somewhere we would choose to spend any time. This person also said that we would "only" be missing dinner at Impala camp, whereas in fact we missed an afternoon activity, dinner, morning activity and breakfast as well as being in a beautiful place. If that person can compare the two places then I wouldn't want to go on holiday with them!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a great trip. Everything worked very smoothly.

Four days at each Safari lodge was probably about right (although we were sorry to leave on both occasions) Fundu was lovely, and a day in Stone Town was a great way to bring the trip to a close.

What pulled it all together so well were the people who looked after us. The European managers seemed to be doing a great job and the Tanzanian staff - chefs, waiters, guides, escorts - were without exception attentive, charming and ever willing to do anything to make our holiday more enjoyable.

Suggestions for improvement:

None. We think you guys do a pretty good job" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Tanzania safari

"It was a varied and interesting trip that we throughly enjoyed. The level of detailed planning from expert Africa was one of the keys to the success of this trip. They really did construct the holiday very much with our needs in mind. Also the quality of their ground arrangements meant that any small glitches never became a problem.

Suggestions for improvement:

We thought everything was well handled and the key was the level of local knowledge by the staff at Expert Africa. This I believe is very important." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Overall we had a fantastic trip. It was everything I was hoping for and more. To see the animals living freely in their natural habitat was simply wonderful. Lake Manze was a great camp and perfect if you want to experience just a taste of a safari. We stayed for 4 days which was actually plenty of time to see all the animals and go on all the different drives.

We were glad we could recover at Mchanga Beach lodge though because being on safari can be quite tiring. It was nice to just sleep, eat and relax for a few days before heading home.

I only have one criticism of Lake Manze. When we arrived at 6.30am we had just flown overnight from London to Dar El Salaam. We didn't really sleep on the plane so were very tired when we finally reached Selous National park at 10 am. Instead of being taken directly to the camp we were told we had to wait until 12 noon to also collect another couple. They therefore took us (and another couple who were with us) on a short game drive before we drove back to the airstrip to wait for the other couple. In that time they could easily have taken us back to camp but obviously decided not to (probably to save petrol?)

By 12 noon we were all starving and then it was another hour to Lake Manze. By the time we arrived at Lake Manze I was far too hot and we were both really burnt. (We both had to stay totally covered up for the whole time we were at camp.) I also ended up feeling quite ill and had to lie down for the rest of the afternoon. I missed out on the late afternoon champagne reception at the Lake and also went to bed early that night which was New Year's Eve. Now I am not totally blaming this incident for the fact I felt so ill in the afternoon. However on top of the lack of sleep and the fact I had a cold, I do feel that waiting around so long before getting back to camp was the "last straw." In the future I really think they should get the guests back to the camp as soon as possible so they can rest and freshen up.

In terms of using Expert Africa - I found them to be excellent. It never occurred to me to arrange such a trip over the internet and the phone but it wasn't a problem at all. I think the website is superb and the independent reviews really give you a good idea of which trips to do and where to stay to suit your budget. I made a number of calls to the team and Ellie answered all my questions thoroughly. It was also really nice to chat through my trip with her when we got back. It was clear she is committed to making sure my feedback is relayed back so that future experiences can be even better.

I did a lot of research when looking into this trip and I can assure you that in my experience Expert Africa offered us the best trip at the best price compared to many other companies." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari

"Probably my best ever holiday and must return to see the places in the dry season for a different experience." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"OUR trip exceeded all our expectations.

All arrangements were faultless, the people delightful and we had a trip of a lifetime. If money were no object, I would return very soon!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"Whenever we met anyone who had used Expert Africa, their comment was invariably "Wasn`t Ellie wonderful?"

I thought the whole trip had been brilliantly organised and all the information I had been given befrehand was accurate.

Suggestions for improvement:

No particular thoughts, I`m afraid. A very satisfied customer!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Tanzania safari

"We have had a marvellous holiday which went according to plan. Whenever we arrived at a new destination there was always someone to meet us and the whole experience was completely hassle free.

We were both very pleased we had been advised to go to the Selous and both the camps we visited were absolutely perfect for us. The only mistake we made was in deciding to stay at a beach resort for 4 nights. We are much happier where there are interesting places to potter around and we are keen to try and learn about the places we are visiting.

I think Ellie understood our requirements very well: she did not mind how many times we asked her opinion and never failed to answer our queries.

We used Sunvil last year to go to Chile and Argentina and are pleased that we had the same high standard of service again this year." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"A perfect combination of activity and relaxation - we couldn't have asked for more.

Expert Africa were really helpful when our BA flight was delayed - much appreciated." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"The Expert Africa website is a great starting point - it is rare to get so much information including honest assessments from EA about the lodges. The in depth practical information is very useful.

Ellie could not have been more helpful and friendly. The lodges that she suggested for us were perfect - she really listed to what we said about the type of holiday and accommodation we were after. We spent a lot of time talking through the pros and cons of different venues and it was refreshing to speak to a tour operator who would give you their own views.

We had a fantastic time and can't thank Expert Africa enough for all your help and careful planning!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari