Reviews of safaris to Ruaha National Park

"# Please also refer to our 14 June letter to Ellie and Liz, with our Expert Africa experience to that date. [Ed: See below for extract from this letter.]

# Thank you both for arranging a faultless trip which was close to perfect. We are already looking at a future trip and will keep an eye open for further news of Coastal's new KILIMATITI Camp that we understand is currently being built near the Olduvari Gorge.

Asante,
Brian and Colin

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

# tipping safasri camp staff - please see earlier comments on Mdonya page. We feel very strongly that the tip box is the best solution so that all the camp staff share in the guests tips. Not all guests had had the benefit of Expert Africa's comprehensive literature so it is important that the camp managers gently weave in the tip box solutioin into their welcome briefings.

# we were very pleased to have arranged to overnight in Dar before going on safari. Indeed several of the Manze guests (not Expert A clients) were quite envious as even though their BA flight arrived on time, they apparently found the process of changing terminals, sorting out baggage to store etc etc somewhat stressful in order to make the 8.30 flight to Selous. Clearly there are cost implications but perhaps worth considering sowing the seed of overnighting to future clients? The point was underlined as the inbound BA flight on 23 July arrived some 45 minutes late, which meant a huge challenge for Coastal if there were any clients booked on the 8.30 Selous flight?

# day in Dar - the pre-booked car proved to be a wise decision. In particular, we were very impressed that our Kearsley driver was well briefed and had a copy of the suggested itinerary that we had shared with Liz and he was a useful mentor when buying presents. We eventually found 'Wonder Workshop' and although they had just closed, we were made very welcome - thanks for the recommendation. Also, we recommend lunch on the balcony of the Karamba Cafe, Sea Cliff Hotel - G&T's and a superb seafood platter overlooking the Indian Ocean was a great scene setter for what proved to be a superb safari." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"Many thanks to Expert Africa for good advice and arranging a truly superb trip to Tanzania. A great place to bring teenage children.

We will certainly be back to Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"I count myself as very lucky for having been able to take this trip to Rwanda and Tanzania. Both countries are so beautiful, and it is a profound spiritual experience to see nature in such raw form.

From a practical standpoint, everything went smoothly, and from the moment I boarded the BA flight to Nairobi, I didn't have to give a thought to logistics, and was just able to relax and focus on the trip. This was my third trip with Expert Africa and I can't imagine using another travel agency. I really trust Expert Africa and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"THis was the second trip we did with Expert Africa and they could not have been better! Ruaha is marvellous park.

Ellie and Liz spent a lot of time discussing with us during the planning of the trip and they really know every single camp and place.
When BA went on strike they rebooked us (Actually they were holding seats for us anyway) on KQ and managed to even change the internal flight to Ruaha from one airlne to a different one so that we "missed" only 2 hours. This was impressive as we met other people who were stuck in Dar for hours.

All the camps were exactly as they said and we could not ask for more. We enjoyed this trip very much and we are already dreaming about the next one!
Thank you so much!!!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We realised in this trip how important the skills, experience and qualifications of a guide are. Maybe you could add more comments on the guiding team in each camp or mention in some way where they focus on guiding. Pietro and Molly must be among the best ones as their knowledge is impressive. We are 2 small animal specialists vets and we asked lots of questions and they were just great!
(I know there are already some comments in some camps but I could not find any other suggestion and the website does not allow me to submit with this field empty!)" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip to Tanzania went smoothly without a hitch and fully met with our expectations, thanks to the organisation from Expert Africa (They live up to their name).

I have compiled a travelogue which details the trip in full and this can be found on my website.

www.photosnapshot.co.uk.

Take a look, you may find some useful information, especially if you are planning a trip to this vicinity.

Would I travel with this company again - of course !


Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None that I can think of - Thanks again Expert Africa" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall, a good combination 5 Nights in Ruaha and 4 Nights on Mafia. Would definately consider going back to Ruaha at another time to see it in the dry season.

My generic comment about the trip was Ellie at Expert Africa. She provided excellent advice, information, suggested itinaries, alternative and answered a number of silly questions. In fact when BA cancelled our flight back from Dar es Salaam, she even contacted us to see if BA were sorting it out and we were being looking after. we then had a number of text (SMS) exchanges as she check status, etc.

Apart for the BA issues above, everything worked out exactly as planned, being met and escorted between each transfer point.

I would definately consider using Expert Africa again (especially Ellie) and no hesitation recommending to friends, etc.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I would recommend reviewing you entries for Kwihala as the basis for the camp seems to be changing. In particular I understand it will no longer move and that the Bucket showers will be replaced by a normal shower.

The brochure, made me think where we might go, the web site help narrow down the options and Ellie provide the detailed knowledge and advice to finalist the trip including quotations. All elements were intrical and the speedy, informative response of Ellie was a key factor in choosing to book with Expert Africa. I did contact 3 providers with my initial ideas and Ellie initial response was by far the best." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"The combination of Safari, Ras mbisi on Mafia , Ras Kutani and coastal /precision flights alongside me booking Kilwa and the Old Boma in Mikindani meant we had a perfect mix of wildlife, relaxing, adventure and luxury!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Try to branch out on totally safe resorts. The ras Kutani 's of this world whilst definitely luxury sometimes feel like you are in a western bubble. Obviously you are appealing to clients who want this on the whole but it seems that some of the less well trodden paths would benefit from excellent travel agents.

I thought Expert Africa provided a reassuring and knowledgeable guide whilst arranging our trip. Thank you." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 3 on a Tanzania safari

"very please to have taken the advice given by Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Do think of other airlines apart from BA" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a wonderful safari in Tanzania and as usual returned home wanting to go back to Africa again.
The lodges were just as described in your brochure and we were extremely lucky with the game that we saw.
We wanted to see Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dogs and saw all of these and more.

Thank you very much to Ellie for her help and advice and patience with us changing our minds on a number of occasions before finalising the holiday.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I can't think of anything!!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"10 out of 10

We loved every bit of our time in the bush - wish it could have been a lot longer - we didn't really need a night in Dar at the end however.

We'll be back !

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep up the good work" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari