Client Testimonials

First, let me thank you for all your hard work. The safari portion and everything in Tanzania went off without a hitch! I think Zara really knows there stuff there. 

The Gorilla trek was great too. So after the gorilla trek, we saw a family of 10. We had to track quite a ways to see them, but it was fine. We are adventurous and had all the right gear... gloves, rain jacket, bug spray, etc. We were very rushed coming back and left right after we got back to the Bandas (not even time for lunch or a shower!!). That was around 4 pm....... We always cram as much in as possible. But, logistically, this was just crazy. So, I'm not sure if there is anything you can do ..........Once we hit Tanzania, everything was smooth sailing.

So, the safari was great. It was nice having meals included during this portion. The lodges were absolutely amazing. Way nicer than we thought we were going to get. We were actually almost embarrassed, staying in such fancy accommodations. It was well worth the upgrade. We met some folks that did the camping and they were a bit disappointed in the public tent camps, but we met a group of Spaniards that did the permanent camps and they really enjoyed that. Anyway, we were amazed at all the lodges. The Lake Manyara Hotel is super nice and beautiful grounds. The Seronera is undergoing some renovations and will be even more spectacular, but we really enjoyed sitting out by the outdoor bar/pool area and looking out on the Serengeti. One evening, about 4 giraffes walked by... amazing. We didn't really have any down-time at either of those places. The one place we did arrive early was the Ngorogoro Crater Wilderness Lodge. I wanted to go for a walk or hike or get some exercise e, but really, since it was at the crater rim and gated off, we ended up jogging around the parking lot. The game drives were fabulous, but no chance to move around or exercise there either (I thought I was eating healthy, avoiding desserts, and eating mostly veggies, etc. but somehow I managed to gain 9 lbs in 2 weeks....). First thing this morning, I rode my bike 14 miles. Gotta get back on track!!).

We saw the Big 5 and even saw 5 hyenas stalking a lone wildebeest. I'm glad we didn't see a real kill. I KNOW it happens, but I don't necessarily need to witness it firsthand. We did see some vultures devour a gazelle carcass in about 3 minutes. Ugh. We also saw a cheetah, loads of elephants, hippos, zebras and giraffes (my favorite!). The Rhino were far away, but we saw them in the Crater, and that was super!!

The spring lands are also a super set-up. They have everything organized perfectly. When we checked in, they told us to meet for a safari briefing at 5 pm and we got our departure time for the next morning. Had breakfast, met our super driver named Emmanuel, and hit the road. We stayed there again on the last night before heading to the airport for Zanzibar. We stored some bags and unnecessary gear in their lockers, which worked out great. I packed pretty light anyway, but it was nice to leave our hiking boots and other stuff behind.

Zanzibar was great. I loved Stone Town and I did a 2-tank dive on the East Coast, near Matemwe. I can't remember the name of the atoll. But it was super. Greg rented a moto-scooter and did some sightseeing on his own. He had to "make friendly" with two separate police officers along the way. Apparently, there was a 'problem' with his international driving permit that was arranged by the rental agency. Instead of "going to court" he was able to get on his way, by paying some shillings to the nice policemen... haha!! Whenever he told that story to any other travelers, they all had the same story. Didn’t matter what they were doing wrong, if anything, they just paid the money and kept going!!

It was nice to have free time in Zanzibar and the Tembo Hotel was awesome. When we were at Bwinde, someone said, "oh no, you must go out and stay on the east, where the beaches are nice" but I think we had more fun in Stone Town and just taking little trips to the beach. We explored different restaurants and drank wine overlooking the city or the water (The Africa House was a great spot for that!!). Of course, it was Ramadan, so I didn't wear any of the shorts or sleeveless tops I brought specifically for Zanzibar, but it all worked out. We didn't eat lunches to be respectful of their customs, but were famished by sundown and found some really great menus.

So, anyway, all in all, it was a super trip. We did enjoy the Gorillas and I think it was actually one of the highlights for Greg. (He really didn't want to go and get the extra visa and shots, etc., but now that he did it, he raves about it).

You were awesome getting everything set up, and I do appreciate your expertise. Just let me know if I can return the favor!

Doris
Aug 2009