p.1 #2 · Trusted Safari Operators in Tanzania / Kenya
Mark, we went to Tanzania several years ago. As it was our first trip to any place in Africa, I did a lot of research on companies. The two best companies I found through that research (which included contacting companies with questions) were Africa Adventure Company and Access to Tanzania. There was little to choose between the two but ultimately we went with Access to Tanzania.
The two most important things, to me at least, are the guide and the vehicle. The guide was amazing. He knew where to look and what to look for (we joked he could spot a fly on a rump from 100 feet away). He also understood enough about photography to know where to position the vehicle for great photos. There were four of us in the vehicle (in addition to the guide/driver); two of us "serious" photographers and two spouses that were less so but still took photos. We could take photos out the side as well as from the top, with bean bags provided by the company.
The food was shockingly good considering we were out in the wilderness. Even the basket lunches were great. We stayed in a few different tent sites. To hear animals moving around, lions grunting and hyenas outside the tent was an incredible experience.
Our guided tour took us to Arusha for one day (it was OK), and then through Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro and Serengeti NP. The only "negative" to the whole experience was, when it was finished, we wished it could have been longer.
Our guide's name was Willy. From what I can see online, it looks like he is still with the company.
p.1 #3 · Trusted Safari Operators in Tanzania / Kenya
I've used Good Earth Tours several times, very reliable and reasonably priced. Check their website, they have a representative in the US but are from Arusha.
p.1 #4 · Trusted Safari Operators in Tanzania / Kenya
Most appreciated !
EverLearning wrote:
Mark, we went to Tanzania several years ago. As it was our first trip to any place in Africa, I did a lot of research on companies. The two best companies I found through that research (which included contacting companies with questions) were Africa Adventure Company and Access to Tanzania. There was little to choose between the two but ultimately we went with Access to Tanzania.
The two most important things, to me at least, are the guide and the vehicle. The guide was amazing. He knew where to look and what to look for (we joked he could spot a fly on a rump from 100 feet away). He also understood enough about photography to know where to position the vehicle for great photos. There were four of us in the vehicle (in addition to the guide/driver); two of us "serious" photographers and two spouses that were less so but still took photos. We could take photos out the side as well as from the top, with bean bags provided by the company.
The food was shockingly good considering we were out in the wilderness. Even the basket lunches were great. We stayed in a few different tent sites. To hear animals moving around, lions grunting and hyenas outside the tent was an incredible experience.
Our guided tour took us to Arusha for one day (it was OK), and then through Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro and Serengeti NP. The only "negative" to the whole experience was, when it was finished, we wished it could have been longer.
Our guide's name was Willy. From what I can see online, it looks like he is still with the company.
p.1 #5 · Trusted Safari Operators in Tanzania / Kenya
Thanks !
Bobg657 wrote:
I've used Good Earth Tours several times, very reliable and reasonably priced. Check their website, they have a representative in the US but are from Arusha.
p.1 #6 · Trusted Safari Operators in Tanzania / Kenya
If your budget allows, I recently spent 7 days in the Serengeti and Dancing Duma, a luxury tented campsite co-owned by David McKay (McKay Photography Academy). We also spent a day at the Crater and in transit from Arusha. The co-owner is Leonard Tembo who worked for years with Thomson Safaris which only does TZ and is top-notch. Leonard has Brielle Safaris as his touring guides and uses wonderful people.
You may think staying in one site overnight is limiting. It was not, with abundant finds and unlimited driving. Food was fantastic, guides were great, vehicles are well maintained and at least one is totally new.
p.1 #7 · Trusted Safari Operators in Tanzania / Kenya
sbeme wrote:
If your budget allows, I recently spent 7 days in the Serengeti and Dancing Duma, a luxury tented campsite co-owned by David McKay (McKay Photography Academy). We also spent a day at the Crater and in transit from Arusha. The co-owner is Leonard Tembo who worked for years with Thomson Safaris which only does TZ and is top-notch. Leonard has Brielle Safaris as his touring guides and uses wonderful people.
You may think staying in one site overnight is limiting. It was not, with abundant finds and unlimited driving. Food was fantastic, guides were great, vehicles are well maintained and at least one is totally new.
p.1 #8 · Trusted Safari Operators in Tanzania / Kenya
In TZ I have seen mostly pop ups I find them great
Surface to rest bean bags, protection from dust, rain as needed
I was there last August
In dry season the open vehicles had to suffer
p.1 #9 · Trusted Safari Operators in Tanzania / Kenya
Of course can have advantages but generally I prefer to shoot lower to the ground
sbeme wrote:
In TZ I have seen mostly pop ups I find them great
Surface to rest bean bags, protection from dust, rain as needed
I was there last August
In dry season the open vehicles had to suffer
p.1 #11 · Trusted Safari Operators in Tanzania / Kenya
Many thanks, I know Andy, great guy. Just luxury isn’t a target for me on this trip, as already going with kids in April (in fact thanks to help from Andy), I’m looking to go solo on this trip and keep it simple with just a good guide and a basic, tented camp
Mark
dclark wrote:
Went on three safari's with Andy Biggs. Photographers only. Pretty luxurious accommodations. https://www.andybiggs.com/
