Reviews of safaris to Ruaha National Park

"We really feel we had the best honeymoon we could have done, and are so glad we chose Tanzania, and Expert Africa to help us achieve this. Ellie really listened to what kind of an experience we wanted, all her recommendations were true to what she'd said, and suited us in terms of what we'd asked for, and our budget.

Going on safari is expensive, and we were initially quite taken aback at how much it does cost - however we could both see where our money had gone in terms of accomodation, food, guiding and ambience of the places we stayed. I don't think you would get that at bigger camps or on a more budget trip, so we were glad we balanced the safari part with the beach part - it's good you can do this.

It was a great choice to visit both Selous and Ruaha as the terrain is very different, and so was the difference in how close you could get to the animals - the ones at Selous, especially zebra, were more skittish than at Ruaha due to it being a game reserve as opposed to a national park.

We would definitely use Expert Africa again - we're already dreaming about coming back during migration to the Lamai wedge! and have already recommended you to some of our friends wanting to go on safari.

Thanks for getting things right for us, we had a great time in a beautiful and friendly country.

Suggestions for improvements:

Nothing we can think of!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"Nothing much to add to all the comments here. We all enjoyed the holiday throughout. Such a range of experiences!
I think overall the standard of accommodation at Selous and Pongwe was 'under=-sold' and the quality of the food was higher than we expected.

Only thing we didn't think was worth it was trip to Prison Island, which we organised ourself- but it was quite an overcast and choppy day so we ducked out of the snorkelling which might have added to it.

Also I think the advice against taking travellers cheques should be rather more strongly stated; although we were able to cash them directly for dollars in Stonetown we did have to do a bit of shopping around and quite a high commission rate. I'm not sure we would have any success with sterling.

Suggestions for improvement:

Nothing to add to the various comments above. We will certainly speak positively of Expert Africa and recommend to anyone looking for a similar experience." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"We couldn't have asked for a better holiday - both on safari and in Zanzibar.

Suggestions for improvement:

If only Expert Africa dealt with the rest of the world!

It was a pleasure to deal with Eleanor and her knowledge of all aspects of our holiday was spot on. Every single transfer went to plan, all on time, and the accommodation at all the venues was exactly as she had described it to me.

It was Eleanor's suggestion for us to spend 3 days in Ruaha and we wouldn't have missed it for anything.

Thank you." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Staying at three seperate and different sites was the perfect way to get a wide spectrum of experiences. An excellent balance of comfortable facilities and excellent food with a feeling of excitement and really being out in the African bush.

Exceeded all expectations - the staff at all the camps were fantastic, the variety ofgame and birds we saw amazing.And I left knowing this was the best holiday I could have had. Especially pleased as travelling with two children (9 and 11) and they were constantly thrilled and excited by each new experience and never once complained about sitting in cars, funny food or not seeing something -

Thoroughly recommended and thanks for the expert advice that enabled us to enjoy it so much.

Suggestions for improveent:
Not really - had to phone for clarification about what currency to take but otherwise was totally satisfied." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"We'd done a big trip to Tanzania with you 5 years ago. This one to new corners of Ruaha and Selous was just as good!

Your recommendation on the order of the camps - starting with Mdonya and working up to Beho Beho - was spot on. Trips to Tanzania (especially if you include Beho Beho) are not cheap, but well worth it. The logistics worked well, with Kearsley and Coastal doing there bit. We've rarely been back to the same camp twice but we did it with Mwagusi - and it remains our favourite of the 3 we visited this time.

We had been a bit worried about the new information about the Health Desks at Dar and the need to show your Yellow Fever certificate. You gave us some helpful info on your own experiences. And - after all that - we were never asked for the certificates! I think it would have been different if we were going to Zanzibar or coming from Kenya.

Many thanks - and look forward to travelling with you again." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"Everything that Expert Africa arranged was done efficiently. All the transfers were on time and we were kept informed at every transfer.

Thank you for making our holiday a magic experience." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"We were very happy with the organisation and reality of the trip. Everything went smoothly and there were no snags. Timing for each section was good and at no stage did we have to rush to make a deadline. All staff that we dealt with throughout the holiday were efficient. Many were exceptionally friendly and made us very welcome.

Being a bit of an animal enthusiast, I do think it is important to stress that certain species are unlikely to be seen. I was disappointed to be told that certain species were not found in the locality of the camps despite assuming from comments in the guide that they were around ie Roan, Sable.

Having said that, there was plenty of game, and for safari newcomers, more than enough species to keep them happy.

Suggestions for improvement:
We have had two excellent trips with your company in the last two years. Both were competitively priced, superbly organised, and delived more than was promised. Ellie is a gem who updated us at every opportunity and who provided me with specific information on the two camps that we visited as she had been to both herself. Her level of knowledge was far higher than that we have experienced from reps of other companies and,as we have now been on safari eight times, we are really impressed.

Your website is the best around for imparting information and I like the visitors comments and general organisation that it contains.
Could I suggest that you update your info about cameras in the travel book you issue. More info about digital cameras, suitability for getting batteries charged, size of memory cards, dangers of heat and dust would help a lot of first time safari travellers.

In general though, carry on with your excellent work." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip was unforgettable. We felt our itinerary was perfect with just the right amount of time in each place. We were overwhelmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people wherever we went which added enormously to the enjoyment of our time in Tanzania. It is certainly a country I would like yo go back to.

We felt Claire/Expert Africa did a fantastic job sorting our holiday and preparing us for the trip. We were really impressed with how smoothly it went considering how much we moved about." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Fantastic" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"Claire Scott organised everything. It met all of my expectations. Mdonya was a little disappointing but not a disaster. Beho and Mwgusi were all I expected and more. Try them!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari