Cultural and Unplugged Safari in Tanzania

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

I chose Discover Africa for a tented camp Safari to accommodate my family of 5. We wanted the trip to the Serengeti to coincide with the Great Migration.

Matthys offered several options and his itinerary was perfect. All five of our Tanzanian Safari accommodations were unique and exceptional. The Safari guides were family friendly and informative. The Safari vehicle was comfortable and easily accommodated our family and all the seats offered exceptional views. Our guides traveled well off the beaten path to provide unique opportunities.

On our 9 day Safari, we were even able to to spot an elusive leopard and a wayward rhino. The Discover Africa guides were very experienced and could answer any question asked. Both guides were friendly, polite and fluent in English. The experience in the luxury mobile Safari camps was unique. You could hear the noises of the lion, wildebeest and hyena at night. The food was excellent at all of our five accommodations.

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!

Our trip was arranged by Carel Verhoef at discoverafrica.com and was perfectly organised.

We flew into the Masai Mara from Nairobi and all flight connections and transfers were arranged for us and went like clockwork. Carel was also very generous with his advice having lived in East Africa for some years – he is a mine of useful information.

My wife and I have had this trip to see the wildebeest migration on our bucket list for some time and we decided to go this year to coincide with our wedding anniversary. For that reason we were looking for something special yet reasonably priced and Carel helped us find Mara Ngenche. What a spectacularly good choice that was.

We stayed for 5 nights the camp and were extremely well looked after. The staff are fantastic. Our waiter, Steve, learnt what food we liked and didn’t like and was always on hand with a glass of wine and also taught us some Swahili! The Masai guards who escorted us to & from our tent especially Musanga, Karbolo & Lindeni were always on hand, very polite and interesting. Almost everyone speaks excellent English.

The game drive vehicle that we used was completely open at the top and sides and was very comfortable. We had some fabulous sightings with Joseph, our very experienced driver/guide. He was excellent at anticipating the animal’s movements to ensure good photos. In one afternoon we saw the Big 5 and on another occasion 4½, as we could only see the leopard’s tail that time.

The position of the camp on the confluence of two rivers was so relaxing and we often sat on the deck watching the 30 or so hippos all day, even though they didn’t move very much. Breakfasts and lunches were served under the trees beside the river. Dinner, served in the restaurant, was four courses and was beautifully prepared and presented.

Overall, it was a fantastic trip and the staff at Mara Ngenche made it more than special. When it came time to leave, my wife cried because she didn’t want to go. Of all the holidays we’ve had over the years, this has been our most memorable.