Reviews of safaris to Tarangire National Park
128 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Tarangire.
Ms TG
London
"Pining for what could have been..."
I visited Tanzania between 14 Feb 2018 and 24 Feb 2018
"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
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
Overall trip
Poor
Drs C & C
Hove
"My Nov 2017 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 16 Nov 2017 and 29 Nov 2017
"The trip was fabulous.
The staff at expert Africa gave us good advice about where to go and made the planning straightforward.
Going to three different camps allowed us to see animals in different landscapes.
Because we went to two Nomad and then a different company camp there was a lot of disappointment about not staying with Nomad. This however was a good idea as the food is quite similar at each camp and you might get bored of it!
The driving distances in the northern circuit aren't that large and it may be that a combination of driving and flying would result in greater exposure to the countryside.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really it was all great. We will be ringing you to go again next year!
I guess as a first time safari-gooer I didn't really realise how close we would come to the animals and how we would feel part of their world (them looking at us as well as the other way around!) The joy of seeing the cycle of life that plays out each day is an unforgettable experience!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
The staff at expert Africa gave us good advice about where to go and made the planning straightforward.
Going to three different camps allowed us to see animals in different landscapes.
Because we went to two Nomad and then a different company camp there was a lot of disappointment about not staying with Nomad. This however was a good idea as the food is quite similar at each camp and you might get bored of it!
The driving distances in the northern circuit aren't that large and it may be that a combination of driving and flying would result in greater exposure to the countryside.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really it was all great. We will be ringing you to go again next year!
I guess as a first time safari-gooer I didn't really realise how close we would come to the animals and how we would feel part of their world (them looking at us as well as the other way around!) The joy of seeing the cycle of life that plays out each day is an unforgettable experience!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr & Mrs B
Altrincham
"Twelve amazing days. We'll be back"
I visited Tanzania between 2 Oct 2017 and 13 Oct 2017
"This had been intended to be a once in a lifetime trip, and we were happy to spend the money we felt would ensure a great time with a reputable company. Expert Africas advice and planning, coupled with the sheer professionalism and expertise of Asilia exceeded our expectations by a country mile. To be also paired with a guide for the whole trip who was experienced, vastly knowlegable and also an all round great guy was icing on the cake.
Apart from not seeing an Aardvark !, we saw everything we could have hoped to plus a whole lot more. All accommodation and staff was excellent and food and drink throughout was superb. Even afternoon downpours on our last two days could not dampen our spirits. Result..it wont be a once in a lifetime trip. Kevin informs us we need to return in March at some time and promises a completely different experience. We think we need to book him in advance !
Shirley has also decided she needs to stay at every camp Asilia manage. Simply amazing.
We've been about and done some great things but this was the best thing we've ever done.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
If theres anything I certainly cant think of it. Faultless. The whole trip fely blessed
Even the planes (QATAR by the way.. another Olivia brainwave) ran bang on time, and three of the four weren't full (I know even you guys couldn't influence that)" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Apart from not seeing an Aardvark !, we saw everything we could have hoped to plus a whole lot more. All accommodation and staff was excellent and food and drink throughout was superb. Even afternoon downpours on our last two days could not dampen our spirits. Result..it wont be a once in a lifetime trip. Kevin informs us we need to return in March at some time and promises a completely different experience. We think we need to book him in advance !
Shirley has also decided she needs to stay at every camp Asilia manage. Simply amazing.
We've been about and done some great things but this was the best thing we've ever done.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
If theres anything I certainly cant think of it. Faultless. The whole trip fely blessed
Even the planes (QATAR by the way.. another Olivia brainwave) ran bang on time, and three of the four weren't full (I know even you guys couldn't influence that)" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Miss RK
USA
"Magical time"
I visited Tanzania between 30 Sep 2017 and 10 Oct 2017
"It was a most magical and amazing time.
We saw all the Big 5 and very close, a crossing and much more. We saw everything we had hoped for. When booking a trip, be sure to tell your agent what you must see and hope for.
The only thing I wish is I added a few days to visit Zanzibar as it so close.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Overall, everything Claire Scott had suggested with the camps and safari itself was spot on. It far exceeded our expectations." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
We saw all the Big 5 and very close, a crossing and much more. We saw everything we had hoped for. When booking a trip, be sure to tell your agent what you must see and hope for.
The only thing I wish is I added a few days to visit Zanzibar as it so close.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Overall, everything Claire Scott had suggested with the camps and safari itself was spot on. It far exceeded our expectations." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ashkan S
USA
"Best vacation ever."
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 23 Sep 2017 and 6 Oct 2017
"Had a wonderful time.
The best part of the stay was our safari. Our safari guide, Banana, was wonderful. We saw so many animals and events with him. He was also informative and informational without overloading too much, and was very sensitive to our individual needs.
Would definitely recommend him as a safari guide for our friends and family. He definitely made me want to recommend Asilia to others who plan on traveling to Tanzania. Overall, had a wonderful time with this tour company in Tanzania." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
The best part of the stay was our safari. Our safari guide, Banana, was wonderful. We saw so many animals and events with him. He was also informative and informational without overloading too much, and was very sensitive to our individual needs.
Would definitely recommend him as a safari guide for our friends and family. He definitely made me want to recommend Asilia to others who plan on traveling to Tanzania. Overall, had a wonderful time with this tour company in Tanzania." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr S
Burke
"My Sep 2017 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 18 Sep 2017 and 27 Sep 2017
"Expert Africa was quite helpful and knowledgeable in helping with our planning. I believe we got very good advice in planning our trip, including decisions on depth vs breadth, Central vs Northern Serengeti, preferable places for bird watching.
Later, when one of our party dropped out, and we had to substitute another, the change was handled quite smoothly.
Asilia, the operator has a great reputation in Arusha, and it is obvious why. The vehicles are great - our guide, Harry was professional, and very experienced. He didnt break any rules chasing sightings, or harassing the animals." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Later, when one of our party dropped out, and we had to substitute another, the change was handled quite smoothly.
Asilia, the operator has a great reputation in Arusha, and it is obvious why. The vehicles are great - our guide, Harry was professional, and very experienced. He didnt break any rules chasing sightings, or harassing the animals." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms G
Sarnia
"A dream trip to Africa"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 15 Sep 2017 and 28 Sep 2017
"Our trip to Africa was a dream come true. It was better than I had anticipated. Staying at Lamai Serengeti was the highlight of our trip.
My husband and I do like to be active, so in retrospect 9 days of game drives was too much for us. Our backs were hurting us from inactivity. I, unfortunately, had not realized, that, of course, we wouldn't be doing much walking within our camps, due to the proximity of wildlife. We did do one walking safari, which was great. We had a second opportunity for a walking safari, but this was at Oliver's Camp where the tsetse flies were brutal, so we declined that opportunity.
As well, the drive down to the crater each day in Ngorogoro was not fun. Extremely bumpy and unbelievable dust. I guess in retrospect I should have asked more questions before we chose our camps. I am a "water girl" - we live on a lake and I am used to humidity, but not at all accustomed to extreme dry and dusty conditions. I just felt terrible the whole time I was at the crater.
Also, some days it was a little much to do a game drive upon arriving after a couple of flights. Travel days - in Africa, even though the flights were short, were tedious days as there was always a lot of waiting around. For instance, we would leave the camp at 8:30, perhaps an hour drive to the airport, then the flight wouldn't leave until 11am, etc." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
My husband and I do like to be active, so in retrospect 9 days of game drives was too much for us. Our backs were hurting us from inactivity. I, unfortunately, had not realized, that, of course, we wouldn't be doing much walking within our camps, due to the proximity of wildlife. We did do one walking safari, which was great. We had a second opportunity for a walking safari, but this was at Oliver's Camp where the tsetse flies were brutal, so we declined that opportunity.
As well, the drive down to the crater each day in Ngorogoro was not fun. Extremely bumpy and unbelievable dust. I guess in retrospect I should have asked more questions before we chose our camps. I am a "water girl" - we live on a lake and I am used to humidity, but not at all accustomed to extreme dry and dusty conditions. I just felt terrible the whole time I was at the crater.
Also, some days it was a little much to do a game drive upon arriving after a couple of flights. Travel days - in Africa, even though the flights were short, were tedious days as there was always a lot of waiting around. For instance, we would leave the camp at 8:30, perhaps an hour drive to the airport, then the flight wouldn't leave until 11am, etc." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R
Aberdeen
"My Aug 2017 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 2 other countries between 30 Aug 2017 and 17 Sep 2017
"Yet again Expert Africa lived up to their name by setting us up with a great trip.
We enjoyed every part of it and frequently thought the next day could not be as good as the last. However it always was. Thanks to Ellie for developing the itinerary for us and thanks to James setting it up." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
We enjoyed every part of it and frequently thought the next day could not be as good as the last. However it always was. Thanks to Ellie for developing the itinerary for us and thanks to James setting it up." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr F
Edina
"First safari"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 13 Aug 2017 and 24 Aug 2017
"This was our very first safari, and it was an incredible success...We loved every bit of it...
Everything extremely well organized, no surprises, great locations, fantastic game drives, smooth transportation between the camps..
Everything was exactly as James had explained us it would be. James helped us pick locations and activities that we loved, hard to come up with anything other than glowing compliments
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
no... we loved your service. Will definitely use it again for our next safari!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Everything extremely well organized, no surprises, great locations, fantastic game drives, smooth transportation between the camps..
Everything was exactly as James had explained us it would be. James helped us pick locations and activities that we loved, hard to come up with anything other than glowing compliments
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
no... we loved your service. Will definitely use it again for our next safari!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms J
USA
"My Jul 2017 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 23 Jul 2017 and 31 Jul 2017
"Wonderful experience. If I were to do it again I would skip the crater and go to the Masai villages.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nope! It was great!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nope! It was great!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
128
reviews of Tarangire by travellers since August 2007
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Where to stay in Tarangire
Our suggestions for safari camps in Tarangire National Park
Oliver's Camp
Oliver's Camp is a small, intimate, luxury tented camp in a great location in northern Tanzania's Tarangire National Park.
Kuro Tarangire
Kuro Tarangire is a stylish tented camp, located in a quiet and remote area deep in Tarangire National Park.
Little Oliver's
For a more private version of its sister property, Oliver’s Camp, Little Oliver’s offers high-quality guiding and tented rooms.
Tarangire Safari
Functional Tarangire Safari Lodge is one of Tarangire National Park's larger lodges, on a prime central site overlooking the river.
Lemala Mpingo Ridge
Lemala Mpingo Ridge is a stylish camp in Tarangire National Park, with a beautiful location and elevated views over the park.
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tarangire Sopa Lodge is a large, comfortable, family-friendly hotel in Tarangire National Park, suitable for travellers on a budget.
Swala Camp
Swala Camp is a stylish camp for exploring the southern Tarangire, either with a private driver-guide, or using the camp's vehicles and guides.
Tarangire Treetops
Tarangire Treetops is a lovely, high-quality lodge on the outskirts of Tarangire National Park, offering game drives, night drives and safari walks.
Chem Chem
Chem Chem is a luxury tented lodge on a private concession between Lake Manyara and Tarangire national parks.
Olkeri Camp
Olkeri is a comfortable tented camp, located in the Randilen Wildlife Management area, bordering Tarangire National Park; ideal for those looking for pristine wilderness.
Kirurumu Tarangire
Kirurumu Tarangire Lodge is a simple, small, tented camp positioned just outside the northern boundary of Tarangire National Park.
Maramboi Tented Camp
Maramboi Tented Camp is a family-friendly tented lodge located between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park.
Nimali Tarangire
Nimali is a small camp built in contemporary style on the outskirts of Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania.
Forest Chem Chem
Located in the Chem Chem Concession and close to Tarangire National Park, Forest Chem Chem is a high-quality tented camp which is booked on an exclusive basis.
Little Chem Chem
Little Chem Chem is a stylish option near Tarangire National Park, offering real relaxation combined with a variety of safari activities.
