Reviews of safaris to Tarangire National Park

"We had a wonderful experience overall. Please see my individual camp reviews for more detail.

The highlight was definitely Greystoke Mahale - if you can possible find a way to go there, do it! Our other experiences had high points and low points, but it was a great adventure overall and we were very pleased with the logistics and coordination by Expert Africa." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari

"Our trip was incredible! Our first time in Africa and our first trip of this extent and we couldn't be happier. We had the perfect combination of safari, tent, beach, hotel and enjoyment.

We thought Tarangire National Park was the most amazing place for a game drive. The elephants were everywhere!! We particularly enjoyed the night game drive and the seclusion of our camp.

We weren't thrilled about Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara. Lake Manyara seemed like a petting zoo compared to Tarangire and the crater had tons of animals but took so much time to get into and exit out. We didn't like the closed safari vehicles which you have to have in both places and the distance from the animals in both wasn't as fun.

The Serengeti is a MUST stop! We got to see the crossing about 4-5 times which was breathtaking. The camp was unreal and everybody should experience a mobile camp bucket shower :) The staff at both tented camps were out of this world.

We looked Asilia!! They were truly unbelievable. The staff was so reliable, intelligent and just fun to be around. We felt completely at home with them and safe. It was so great to work with them!

We loved visiting the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick's elephant orphanage. They were both unforgettable and moving experiences. We learned so much and have a huge appreciation for the work both places are doing for these animals. We also visited Mamba Village (crocodile place) and we were not fans of this at all. It was more like a zoo. Animals were captured and brought into this village to be looked at by guests. We saw injured ostriches and camels with mussels. Not a great experience.

After having such incredible experiences during safari, we were so exited to spend time in Seychelles relaxing. Although the islands are beautiful, they were too secluded for us. We found that the islands didn't have much to offer for activities or enjoyment. We left the hotel every night for dinner which was good, but the taxis were VERY expensive so that was disappointing. The highlight of Seychelles for us was scuba diving. We loved it so much we went 2 days in a row. We had a good time relaxing by the pool and taking in the breathtaking views of the beaches. I don't know if I think the amount of travel to get to Seychelles is necessarily worth it but it allowed us our layover visit in Kenya and we really enjoyed that.

Elizabeth is so great to work with, she made the planning promise seamless! I actually had fun picking out the destinations and accommodations. Ellie also was great in Elizabeth's absence. She helped us with our very minor issues while we were in the Seychelles. Both ladies were extremely responsive and helpful. Expert Africa is a superb travel agency, I hope to use again and I will recommend to all of my friends and family. Thank you for giving up the honeymoon of our dreams!!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a wonderful time on safari in Tanzania - first off, a huge thank you to Liz Wollen. She truly was the mastermind behind our itinerary and every lodge, logistical element and detail was 100% on point. Each day was a new and wonderful experience, and we are grateful to Liz for helping us plan an amazing adventure.

Our trip was also made spectacular by our fearless guide Nathoo Rafiq- we were so lucky to be paired with him. He's a gem - so knowledgable, kind, smart, patient...

Our only regret is that we couldn't have stayed longer- next time!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Liz really knew Tanzania like the back of her hand - she gave us honest information and advice as we were planning the trip. She was extremely informative and thorough, and we had total confidence in her planning and suggestions.

We usually plan trips ourselves, so having someone else deal with the nitty gritty was actually tough for us, since we actually enjoy doing that part. Liz put up with all of our questions and ideas and research, but did the heavy lifting. The trip went off without a hitch, which is a huge compliment since there truly were a lot of moving parts.

We could not be more thankful to her!!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip exceeded all of our expectations.

There were no "glitches" whatsoever. The recommended lodges and camps were wonderful, the timing and execution of every aspect was great. We were completely satisfied with the recommendations and service given to us by Expert Africa.

You cannot plan a trip to Africa being assured of seeing all of the wildlife you would like to see - you are at the mercy of nature! We were very lucky. We saw more animals than we ever dreamed of.

We have been to some amazing places around the world, but we will remember our trip to Tanzania as being one of our best experiences ever!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No suggestions, we were very impressed with the team at Expert Africa. We worked with both Elizabeth Wollen and Eleanor Dunkels and they were both very helpful.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No suggestions, we were very impressed with the team at Expert Africa.

We worked with both Elizabeth Wollen and Eleanor Dunkels and they were both very helpful." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"We had planned it as the holiday of a lifetime and it proved to be exactly this, just perfect.

The arrangements were flawless from start to finish

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, and I will certainly recommend you to anyone travelling to Africa, we will certainly come back again" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"As a "once in a lifetime", the gorilla treks were incredible even if they were hard work. One of the things I really liked about Rwanda was driving in the countryside, seeing how Rwandans live. Normally on a safari, you fly into your destination airport and then "hop" to your National Park so don't get the opportunity to see the real country. That difference made this trip really interesting.

The Serengeti was a real pleasant surprise. Beautiful countryside and plenty of great game. After the lack of elephants in the Serengeti, it was a pleasure to see so many in Tarangire, but due to the repetitive nature of the game drives and tsetse flies, I can't imaging wanting to return.

All in all a memorable trip." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall the trip was great.

Some gliches. Lots of traffic from Zanzibar because of arriving evening last day of Ramadan. Luggage broken into and things stolen from luggage at Nairobi airport. No museum visit at Olduvai gorge and no lunch provided last day of safai as outlined in itinerary. Lots of flight delays. Last Masai village visit we felt extorted for the suggested donation of $200.

However, this was the best trip we have ever taken and we travel extensively. Thanks again to the staff of expert Africa for matching us up once again with a like minded couple whose company we enjoyed and for providing a TRIP WHOSE WONDERFUL MEMORIES WILL LAST ALL OUR LIVES. We hope to do a 3rd trip with your company." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip was fantastic and a trip of a lifetime. We will have so many memories of the wildlife and Tanzania. Many thanks to Ellie for arranging the trip and giving guidance and recommendations as to the Camps and itinerary.

We should also like to recommend our guide Albert who we had for 8 days, who was very personable and extremely knowledgeable and made the trip so enjoyable.

We were probably slightly disappointed with Zanzibar as a place to visit and if we were arranging the trip again might go for the mainland coast or go for one of the other islands." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"We had the most wonderful trip and saw so much more than we ever expected. We particularly enjoyed living in the tented accommodation being surrounded by nature and learning so much about the wildlife. This was largely due to the skill of the guides, notably Silvanus who drove us around and acted as our guide for several days in different locations of Tarangire, Lake Manyara and The Ngorongoro crater. His knowledge was amazing and his patience with two novices was truly boundless.

We like to mention how impressed we were with the safari outfit used by Expert Africa and would highly recommend this company to anyone. Their operations were run smoothly and efficiently with a constant desire to improve their services and environmentally friendly camps even further. Their training policy and opportunity for further development seemed to be very much appreciated by their employees. All their staff were happy and proud working for them which we felt speaks for itself.

The balloon trip over the Serengeti at dawn was an unforgettable experience, which we would highly recommend. The pilot was very experienced and his expert handling of the balloon allowed us to fly extremely low. Gliding across the Mara River and seeing the sun rising over this amazing landscape was truly magical.

Zanzibar offered a completely different type of holiday. We were especially interested in the history and culture of the island. The 'Princess Salme' tour was particularly fascinating and took in several different experiences: a very informative visit around the Mtoni Palace given by the project manager of the restoration project, followed by a Dhow trip, a coffee ceremony as well as a fascinating spice tour led by a guide with real knowledge of the subject and finally a delicious meal provided by the plantation owner. We would highly recommend it as it is designed for very small groups and provides a real insight into what made the island what it is.

A special mention should also go to Nick at Unguja Lodge who is a very competent and professional diving instructor who enabled me to fulfil my long held wish to complete my diving certificate.

Expert Arfrica did deliver exactly what we had asked for in our original brief and more. They enabled us to choose companies and lodges, etc which benefit their local communities and this had been one of our priorities. It also allowed us to see some very well run local projects during our travels which are all equally worth while supporting in the future.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

A suggestion might be that while on safari, to consider having a day in camp to digest what had been experienced. This could take the form of a walk with guides followed later by an evening drive. Having some time to just sit in front of our tent for a few hours and to watch the wildlife from there or reading a book was rather enjoyable especially after several days of non stop action. We think people should be made aware of this option." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"This was our seventh safari trip to Africa (all arranged by Expert Africa!), but our first trip to Tanzania. We had very much hoped to see a crossing of the Mara river by the herds of migrating of wildebeest, and we were fortunate to do so. A lasting impression is of the huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes and elephants that we saw both in the Tarangire and the Serengeti.

All the arrangements worked perfectly, and we enjoyed our trip very much indeed.

Two general comments regarding safaris in Tanzanian National Parks:

(a) the need to be back in camp before sunset does not allow for the sundowners in the bush experience that we have enjoyed in other African countries, such as Zambia;

(b) in our view, the open vehicles available at the camps, are essential to enjoy a true safari experience. As Tanzania does not allow open vehicles outside of National Parks, many guests 'safaried' in closed vehicles, having driven from airports / other National Parks." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari