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Tanzania FAQ
Tanzania Testimonials (and favorite moments and stories)
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Our guide was more than fantastic. To be honest, he was more than we could have ever asked for. Not only is he very knowledgeable about the animals, but very very welcoming, and friendly, he went above and beyond what was required of him. He was fantastic! He would communicate with other drivers and would help us to see the best possibilities on the safari and he was just FANTASTIC! Even at the lodge he seemed to be apart of the family so to speak and had a good time with us. He joked with us and was very open. Asante SANA SANA SANA!! I speak for everyone on the trip.
The amazing lioness who walked right down the road towards our vehicle and brushed up alongside us and kept walking. and the Two male lions sleeping right on the side of the road! the Crater was unreal! Saleh, our driver, even had us close our eyes on our way down the crater at one point so when he told us to open them we saw the beautiful crater down below! It was sooo amazing! Also we saw a Cheetah facing off with the animals as he was planning his route to prey on the smaller animals, crouched in the grasses and once in a while moving about to get closer and maneuver his way. Also HavenNature (the tenting lodge) was soo much fun and soo awesome!!!
Chelsea
Canada
2-day safari
The kilimanjaro trek was incredible. My guide was professional and always friendly, the porters and cook were great, and I had a fabulous time. My guide Fred was great - as I was a single hiker, he always made me feel comfortable, and taught me a bit of swahili. He even carried my day pack on summit day, and once when it rained, he insisted on hiking next to me holding an umbrella over my head - I really enjoyed hiking with Fred. Meeting up with Barbara in Moshi was really nice too! My flights and transfers were flawless. My communications with Barbara and other staff before the trip were great - I felt like whenever I had a question and emailed it to AWR, I got a response immediately, which I really appreciated.
Hilary
Hamden, Connecticut
8-day Lemosho Route trek, summited on February 28, 2010
This was one of the best adventures I have ever been. As you know Robin, I had a flight issue in the end. I appreciate everyones attempt to help with such short notice. I was able to work in out at the Kilimanjaro Airport and made it home just fine. Kajelli our guide was absolutely the best. Everything he did for us was to make sure that me made to the top. Every porter was also grand the whole way. Every request was met. Barbara was also awesome. Our trip would not have been the same had she not been there. We all contributed to our successful trip, but she helped in ways that none of us anticipated. I had stressed to her to make it even clearer to take the tip guide with you and the time for tipping would be at the last camp. When she pooled all of our money and handled how the tips were given out, we were all thankful she was there. Maybe we would eventually figured it out, but none of us had the guide on the trail with us. i found out later that I did, but didnt realize it. The way barb is finding out how AWR can do with eco tours, how much more support can be given, was impressive. I am still corresponding with her as she remains in Tanzania. thank you so, so much for everything. It was a fluke how I even got to know about AWR, but as fate would have it, I have to say it couldnt have been better. One more suggestion. If it hadnt of been for Lucy ordering a toilet, we would have all been vomiting after using the field toilets. I am not sure that is stressed enough either. Perhaps I didnt read hard enough. I went over the sight many times though and dont remember anything........ I could go on and on, so I will close this by again saying thank you for the wonderful experience and hope to do more with you.
Dean
Madison, Ohio
6-day Machame Route trek, summited on January 16, 2010
We had an incredible time in Tanzania, and really enjoyed ourselves. The trek up Kilimanjaro proved to be more difficult than anticipated only due to the weather (rain for 2 days), but we made it up to the summit. The safari was the highlight of the trip. We saw the top five, our accomodations were outstanding, the ballon ride was excellent, but our guide Wambura was THE BEST!!! He over exceeded our expectations with his service, knowledge of Tanzania, and made the safari a real enjoyable time for both of us.
Meeting people from around the world on the Kilimanjaro trek and on safari. I can't say enough about Wambura. Listening to him tell us stories of his previous safari trips, Tanzania history, all about the animals, etc etc....we miss him already! One porter named Nuru (hopefully spelled correctly). He served us food, brought us hot water, helped us with our tent when is was getting really wet from all the rain, but stepped up big time in helping me clean my boots when I had a mishap involving stepping in an old outhouse pit at one of the camps on Kilimanjaro....He was always there to help. if we needed anything.
Barry
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
6-day Machame Route trek, summited on November 15, 2009
We found Adventures within reach only after a previous tour company cancelled on us. They took care of us and really helped us to have what turned out to be the trip of a life time. The experiences we had we many and varied and it was the first trip I had been on that felt like I real adventure. We loved it. We were able to do so many things its hard to sum up in a single telling. Everything from viewing Mountain Gorillas to hunting with the bushmen. Our mock hunt for the tourists turned out to be a real hunt and so we ended up joining them for a breakfast of squirrel and morning dove. At Amboseli we sat at night and sang Kenny Roger's songs with the local Masai, whilst sinking a few Tusker's (the local beer) We were fortunate, and this is the luck of the draw to be in the right place to see things we only thought we would ever see on Wildlife documentaries. We saw lions looking for lost cubs, Cheetah hunting, A zebra taken by a crocodile, lions feeding and mating. Cheetah with cubs and the list goes on. I would do it all again in a heart beat Thanks AWR
Anthony
Queensland, Australia
8-day safari
Outstanding trip. I cannot say enough good things about the team that helped me reach the summit. Kabatsa my guide was an invaluable resource. He was simply outstanding. While my fitness is of a high standard, it is largely due to Kabatsa's professionalism, close monitoring of my well being and climbing ability, as well as his route selection that allowed us to pass every climber who started out before us allowing us to claim first summit of the day on October 13th. Support from chef Mohammed with excellent quality and huge quantity of food as well as support from porter Alisa was also very good. The experience on the mountain was truly exceptional.
Chris
Canterbury, New Zealand
3-day Mt. Meru trek, summited on October 12, 2009
Our guides for both Kilimanjaro and our Safari were awesome! Getting to know Freddy and Tino and a few of the porters through out the trip was great. The food was amazing, and everyone went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable, safe, and happy. The day we came down from the mountain was my boyfriends birthday. We went out to dinner with our guides, cook and porters, and they arranged for a birthday cake that they had the waitress bring out at the end of our meal. They all stood up and sang happy birthday - it was fabulous. Francis, our safari guide was amazing. He had an amazing talent for being able to spot animals, sometimes by just being able to see ears poking up above the grass 300 yards away. He was incredible knowledgeable about animals and behaviors. It was a fantastic learning experience, and we got to see so much more than we ever expected.
Here are our two favorite moments:
Watching a lion hunt a group of gazelles. She missed on her first attempt, and then a reed buck spotted her and alerted all the other gazelles to her presence.
Watching elephants fight -Getting to know our Kili guides. They were fantastic! On summit morning, at about 1:00 or 2:00AM both Freddy and Tino were singing in swahili on our way up the mountain. I don't know what they were saying, but it was comforting and joyous to hear them as we were walking in the dark. The whole trek was amazing, but when we got into the van to drive from the Mweke gate back to Moshi, and they put in a CD of swahili hip-hop, everyone was singing and dancing in their seats - it makes me smile every time I think about it! And the day that we came off the mountain was my boyfriends birthday. We went out to dinner with our guides, cook, and porters that night, and they had arranged for a birthday cake, complete with candles and them singing happy birthday. The cake was dry, "Hapy" was misspelled, and my boyfriends name was misspelled, but it was the best birthday cake ever!
Rebecca
Seattle, Washington
7-day Machame Route trek, summited on October 6th, 2009
6-day safari
We had as awesome trip. Guides and porters were excellent. Our main guide Fredie spoke very good English and was a great motivator for my daughter. The best part was hugging and congratulating my 13 yr daughter on top of Kili. She was very happy and proud of herself and it is something she will carry with the rest of her life!!
Brian and daughter
Morrison, Colorado
6-day Rongai Route trek, summitted on August 18, 2009
Was a bit surprised how well the whole trip was organised. Every thing was in place and the guides and porters were so nice. Always on time when it comes to preparing our food, our onward journey from camp to camp, carrying our stuff when we insisted on doing it. They were really nice. Advantures Within Reach made all these possible. Everything was well in place, the hotel accomodation the trek itself. I will surely recommend AWR to all my friends.
Kwadwo
Edinburgh, Scotland
5-day Marango Route trek March 8, 2009
It was an amazing trip! Our guide and assistant guide took very good care of us and allowed me, the slow one, to keep at my pace without feeling rushed. Laughing at their stories and jokes, made the scaling of the Great Barranco wall so much easier. I was very grateful at Azizi for not giving up on me on that 8 hour summit push and letting me get up there! been very personable and helpful! Thanks for making this trip truly a trip of a lifetime!
Favorite moments: While on safari, I would have to say seeing 4 lionesses move stealthily, try and hunt down a wildebeast during sundown was exceptional. Although they didn't get them this time, just seeing them in action was amazing. Also, catching the lions mating by the side of the road on the way back was a surprise. Now we know why lions roar!
Enrico
New York, USA
7-day Machame Route trek, summited on March 16, 2009
5-day safari
Beyond all expectations! Great Guide, Cook and Porters. Fantastic experience. My guide was excellent, very experienced. The cook made incredible soups, the food was very good, always too much. The porters all were very helpful and made things easier for me.
Favorite moment: On the ascent toward Uhuru we saw a shooting star over the peak. The night was crystal clear and we made it to the summit just before the sun was rising. Beautiful!
Stephen
Virginia, USA
6-day Rongai Route trek, summited on March 18, 2009
The guides and assistant guides were exceptional. All were on time and no "hitches".
Favorite moment: Father & son walking arm in arm for last 30 yrd to summit of kili - it doesn't get any better than that! Quite an emotional celebration!
Gene
Colorado, USA
6-day Marangu Route trek, summited on February 21, 2009
5-day safari
Exceeded expectations! I was very pleased with the professional manner of Adventures Within Reach. We were catered to the entire time we arrived at the airport to the time we were dropped off to the airport at the end of the trip.
Favorite moment: I was able to walk arm in arm with my 67 year old father for the last 100 feet ascent to Uruh Peak. With the help of our guides pacing my dad and watching his fluid intake, they were able to make sure he had a safe and successful summit completion.
Andy
Colorado, USA
6-day Marangu Route trek, summited on February 21, 2009
5-day safari
Met and exceeded expectations. AWR really had great service. We were very, very happy. And the guides were so kind. I got sick summit night, and they were so kind and gentle with me, helping me, being patient with my pace, etc. They enhanced the trip so much.
Favorite moments: One night at camp, we joined the "Congo line" of porters and guides dancing and singing in Swahili, with all the hikers gathered around laughing and watching. Getting to the top, after struggling every step of the way on summit night. Watching the sun rise on a crystal clear morning. Wow!
Courtney
Washington, USA
7-day Machame Route trek, summited on February 3, 2009
5-day safari
The Kili trek was exceptional, with attentive guides and helpful porters. Our porters brought warm water to me for washing everyday. That was a nice touch.
We often took our table and chairs out from the mess tent for a picnic. Although cold, it was lovely to be eating in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. 'Barranco Wall' was exciting to climb. The guides stood on the ledges as we walked past and prevented us from falling. Nice guys... My guide carried my pack from Stella's Point to the top for me. It only had water in it but it seemed to be 100lb weight that prevented me from climbing. He saw me struggling and took it. Nice guy!
Eenee
Georgia, USA
7-day Machame Route trek, summited on February 3, 2009
The trip was amazing! I had such a wonderful time, it was well organized from the start. Before I even left, Adventures Within Reach staff were a dream, working with our itineraries, helping organize our trip, and overall an excellent resource. We were picked up in Moshi, even when we had difficulty with our flight being delayed, everyone was so accommodating. Excellent customer service! The guides were so professional, as well as the porters, and kitchen staff. We had a problem with a hotel reservation and it was dealt with in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend your company to all my friends.
Keri
Busan, South Korea
7-day Machame Route trek, summited on February 3, 2009
5-day safari
The Bristol Cottages is a well-run establishment with the friendliest, most helpful personnel - maids, waiters, front desk. Our guides and porters were helpful and patient, always ready to do whatever we needed. The daily hikes were hard but invigorating and beautiful. Our cook made awesome soups!
Favorite moment: The porters as a group sang to us as we hiked to one of the higher camps, followed by high-fives all around! It made us feel as if we'd conquered Mt Everest!
Nancy
6-day Rongai Route trek, summited on January 24, 2009
4-day safari
Thanks again Adventures Within Reach! You helped us organize the trip of a lifetime especially for my 75 year old dad who made it to Rhino Point (Mt Meru).
The care and patience that the guides from the outfitter showed with my young nephew and niece and my 75 year old dad on Mt. Meru was beyond the call of duty. I went up Kilimanjaro last year and I didn't expect the summit night on Meru to be as hard and spectacular as it was. All eight of us arriving at saddle camp after a long "pole pole" day was amazing.
Rob
Ontario, Canada
3-day Mt Meru trek, January 1, 2009
4-day safari
The excellent communication with the AWR website and their email response to questions. The food was the BEST camping food ever, even better than most of the food we had later in our post trip. Our cook was AMAZING!
Favorite moments: Tons of dust; bumpiest roads ever; friendly people who work so hard to make your trip a success. It feels like walking to the moon on the summit night. An amazing emotional experience!
Erica
Wisconsin, USA
6-day Rongai Route trek, summited January 12, 2009
The trip was amazing!!! Our cook was outstanding! We had our best food on the mountain by far. It was so unbelievable what he was able to do with our food on a mountian. Our guide was great!!! They were all friendly and were quick to help us learn their language. I could not have had a better experience!
Favorite moments: I really liked our dinners with our guide and our waiter. We would ask how to say different things in Swahili and they were always quick to grab our pen and paper and write them down for us. It was awesome!
Brian
Texas, USA
7-day Machame Route trek, summited December 21, 2009
5-day safari
Both the climb and the safari were amazing. For Kili, we had an awesome guide, and a great supporting crew. The food was excellent and service top-notch! For the safari,Our guide did a great job of spotting wildlife - very impressive!
Favorite moments: Finding adventure chairs at rest breaks; teaching Aziz how to play cribbage; porters singing songs on ascent morning - really helped to push me up the mountain.
Kerstin
Iowa, USA
6-day Machame Route trek, summited January 3, 2009
5-day safari
It's great that AWR has good relationships with a reliable manager onsite in Moshi. We never could have negotiated such quality assurance. When things went wrong upon our arrival (airport trouble), AWR was 100% part of the solution.
Favorite story: I bartered with a Maasai boy through the car window for a necklace.
He: Two for $10.
Me: No.
He: Come on.
Me: Only one then.
He: One for $5.
Me: No, but how about my Obama '08 button?
He: Obama? Real? Merikani?
Me: Yes.
He: Button and $3.
Me: No.
He: Button and $2?
Me: No.
He: "Two things. Two things."
Me: (digging in my pack, I hold up a carabiner and click it.)
He: Yes! We exchange goods. He holds button to chest on red/blue cloak, like this? I nod. As we pull away he is clicking the carabiner open/closed, deciding what to use it for.
Elizabeth
Massachusetts, USA
6-day Marangu Route trek, summited January 1, 2009
4-day safari
Our team of guides and porters was amazing. Dickson did an excellent job at knowing facts and encouraging us along the way. He also interacted very well with us and seemed to understand our culture as Americans. His understanding helped.
Favorite moments: Hiking for hours and chatting with our guide. Thinking that on Stella point I wanted to fall asleep on a rock and die. Getting down to Marangu gate knowing that I DID IT!
Melanie
Pennsylvania, USA
5-day Marangu Route trek, summited January 3, 2009