Travel reviews by Lauren from California

"Mt. Meru Game Lodge is the perfect place to hang your hat after a long flight to Kilimanjaro.

The food was very good, employees were extremely friendly, and the grounds were beautifully manicured. The room was nothing fancy, but clean, with a comfortable bed and quiet location. Waking up in the morning to colobus monkeys in the trees was wonderful, and the breakfast was tasty.

I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again at the beginning or end of a safari."

"Oliver's Camp was the first stop on our safari circuit, and it did not disappoint. The location deep inside Tarangire was perfect, as it meant privacy and nobody else around.

The room was fabulous- the definition of safari chic. Olivers has gone to great lengths to give guests an authentic camp feel without sacrificing creature comforts- details like hidden outlets in the rooms, indoor and outdoor showers, bathrobes, really comfortable beds and pillows, etc. The room was amazing, but we didn't spend much time in it, since we were always out exploring.

We can't recommend highly enough the walking safari- Chris was our leader, and he's personable, witty, and he knows his stuff. Asilia would be wise to keep him around! Shout out to Victor as well, the ranger who kept us safe. Game drives here were fantastic, with great wildlife spotted on each drive. The night drive (also led by Chris) was fantastic, and we saw some great animals on that drive (hyena, cheetah, serval, genet, elephants, dik-dik) as well as wonderful star gazing. The walking safari and night drive aren't to be missed at Olivers.

Regarding the food, Oliver's did not disappoint. There was plenty of it, it was tasty, and nicely presented. We also enjoyed the evening cocktails and campfire. Every single person working at the camp was friendly, welcoming, and extremely helpful. All in all, we were very sad to leave here and hope to one day return."

"The setting of the Rhino Lodge is idyllic, at elevation and surrounded by lush, green trees. The cool air was a nice change, and having to wear a jacket at night felt great after warm days and nights elsewhere.

The managers of the lodge are extremely welcoming and friendly. The rooms are spacious and clean, with brightly colored blankets and nice patios overlooking water buck and even marabou stork. The bathroom was extremely basic- nothing was wrong with it, but it could've used a bit of bleach, and the hot water came and went depending on how many other guests were using it. This wasn't a big deal, however, as we got 2 really good nights sleep here and loved the setting.

The food is what sets Rhino Lodge apart- it was buffet style, so there was always something for everyone, and it was really tasty. The picnic lunch that was packed for us was our favorite of the trip, and beat out picnics from other more "high end" accommodations.

I was sorry to leave here, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a stopover that is pleasant and as a bonus, budget-friendly."

"I was most excited to visit Namiri, and I was not let down. We traveled with a group of 4, and everyone enjoyed this camp very much. It has perfected the definition and execution of "safari chic"- think Ralph Lauren meets Restoration Hardware gone glamping.

The tents were appointed in a way that was truly special- fluffy duvet, hot water bottle in the bed at night, luxurious throw on the bed, bathrobes, outdoor shower... Staying here was a real treat, and an experience I will not soon forget. The outdoor shower had a clear view of African buffalo, and while showering outside seemed like a good idea, the cold wind turned the experience into a quick yet entertaining one. Being woken up to tea and biscuits in the morning was a great way to start the day.

We loved the staff at Namiri- special shout out to Blessed and Alex, whom we were lucky enough to eat dinner with one night. Hearing their stories of growing up in rural Tanzania was so interesting, we could've talked for days! Everyone at the camp was wonderful and exuded friendliness and hospitality.

The food at Namiri was outstanding- how the chefs prepare such delicious meals in the bush is incredible, and we appreciated everything from the delicious starter soups and homemade bread to the wonderful curries and salads.

Bush tv and cocktails were awesome, we truly felt like we were the only people for miles around.

The wildlife at Namiri was fantastic- this is big cat country, and the lions, leopards, and cheetahs did not disappoint. We did a walking safari which we highly recommend, as you see, feel, and hear the animals and landscape in a way you just can't inside a vehicle.

Overall, an enthusiastic endorsement of Namiri Plains- wouldn't hesitate to return."

"Ubuntu was the camp we were most nervous about, because it's a mobile camp that seemed to have the fewest creature comforts. Well, we were wrong, and had nothing to be concerned about- Ubuntu was an experience enjoyed by our group of 4. In fact, it was our Uncle's favorite camp of the entire trip!

The tents were well appointed and very clean, and it was incredible to us that even tho the camp doesn't have running water, the ability for us to take a hot shower and have flushing toilets was amazing. The staff was truly on call to be sure you could take a hot shower, use the bathroom sink, etc. We all felt like the staff at Ubuntu worked the hardest in the sense of providing a comfortable experience-- they heated the water and poured it into the buckets and faucets, they cooked food in the middle of nowhere in an amazing bush kitchen, etc. All camp staff worked hard throughout the trip, but Ubuntu staff set themselves apart making a comfortable experience while being truly off the grid.

Meals were delicious, and in fact our favorite meal of the trip was at Ubuntu- a roasted white fish with a delicious sauce. We are still talking about that fish!! Wildlife in this part of the Northern Serengeti was outstanding, with a wildebeest crossing, lions, leopard, and excellent birding.

The sunrises from the tent were the best we had- they have the tents perfectly positioned, and this was an incredible start to each day.

One sidenote that I know is addressed in Ubuntu's on site booklet-- we wish the camp would stop using firewood from the area immediately surrounding your camps. We enjoy campfires, but we’d give them up in a heartbeat to help preserve microhabitats.

We hope to return to Ubuntu one day, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others!"