Affordable Migration Safari from June to October in Tanzania (HerdTracker)

It was an amazing experience. We were worried about lodging and game drives but it turned out that Bianca did an amazing job arranging everything for us. I would highly recommend Bianca and Discover Africa if you ever decide to do a Safari.

First safari for us – 3 days in Arusha, 2 Tarangire, 2 Ngorongo, 4 Serengeti and 6 in Zanzibar.

We found the choice of potential locations, accommodation, routes etc almost bewildering at first. Matthys at DA carefully sought to understand we were looking for and came up (after a couple of face to face discussions and several emails) with a suitable schedule

Pre and mid trip communication was excellent. The DA portal is very detailed and comprehensive and the app was very useful on a day to day basis once we arrived in Tanzania.

The recommended accommodation and transport was mostly superb, only issue was transferring from Kogatendi to Zanzibar where a supposed direct flight was in fact 2 flights with a 2 hour delay on the second, meaning we arrived in Zanzibar around 4 hours later than planned. We understand this happens quite regularly in the bush so not a big deal.

My wife was unfortunately taken ill during the trip (not attaching any blame to any lodge or hotel, these things can happen any time). An initial doctor visit was very well handled by our first guide (en route from Tarangire to Ngongoro), and after a slight recovery she again went downhill when we in the Serengeti. Between Matthys from DA and our driver in Zanzibar a hospital visit was pre-arranged when we arrived and the recommended hospital was excellent. The camps in Ngongoro, Serengeti and the hotel in Zanzibar really couldn’t have done any more to make sure she was as comfortable as possible.

The accommodation was fabulous in all locations and the two guides/drivers absolutely exceptional. All arrangements went as planned and everyone we encountered were so friendly and helpful. Despite the illness disruption we saw many amazing things, too many to list here,

Would very happily recommend DA and use them again.

We booked a safari with Susan and as it was something I have been eagerly anticipating most of my life, we opened the budget strings a little. If we were going to do it once, we really wanted to get it right and make sure to make the most of it. We were still blown away. Although we have been home for a couple weeks, it still hasn’t really sunk it what an amazing experience it was. Susan set up an incredible itinerary, covering both Tanzania and Kenya during the wildebeest migration. Stayed a two five star camps, Taasa Lodge and the Soroi Luxury Migration Camp and both were better than we could have even hoped. The animal experiences were incredible, staff were unbelievably friendly, food unreal. Just a great family experience.

When there were little hiccups, and there are bound to be, Susan promptly responded and sorted it out. She was great. Would recommend her to anyone looking for a trip of a lifetime safari!

Using Discover Africa was a great decision. Their website had plenty of details and pictures to explain and show what they were offering. The various safaris listed had prices listed though they were from the previous year but it did give me a ballpark figure that allowed me to make a more informed decision. Also, when I finally did contact them about the trip, I got a timely reply and was set up to speak with Megan who would arrange the trip. She was very informative and listened to my requests regarding the trip (travel style, animals I wished to see). Fortunately, I was flexible with my dates and Megan was very good at coordinating my final date choice. Megan was very good at keeping me updated on my trip status and answered any questions I had before the trip (most communication was through email).

Considering what the final price was, in the end, I felt it was an excellent deal. All staff (driver-guide, lodge staff) were extremely friendly and helpful. Our guide was knowledgeable and experienced but fun as well. Being a single traveler was not a problem, and in the end, it worked out perfectly with the other 5 members of my group. And turns out the other 5 members were friendly, intelligent and fun as well, we got along very well.

FYI: I chose the 10-day safari going through Tanzania and Kenya

In planning for a trip one year out, I ‘interviewed’ US, European, and African travel companies.

Matthys of Discover Africa listened to what I wanted to accomplish for the group of 10, was willing to make changes and make better suggestions than the ones I had, and did so at a price point that could not be beat. That was all pre-departure.

Once the trip started, Matthys’ knowledge of his country and his understanding of our group and my desires as a group leader, showed up in the stunning lodgings he selected (locations, services, and amenities), the activities he had planned and suggested, and his partnership with Ilios as a guide and transport service in many of the places we visited.

I was the only one of the 10 who had been to Africa and because of the professionalism, creativity, and individual attention that Matthys gave to us, the others are all ready to return with friends and families – and to use the excellent services of Discover Africa. Many thanks, Matthys and team!