Noel made our experience in Tanzania with Access 2 Tanzania an incredible adventure. He was very patient with all of our questions, knowledgeable about the animals and plants and, because he valued accuracy, thorough in his occasional search for correct identification, open to explaining his culture, able to take friendly ribbing, hospitable, and funny, as well as careful and respectful in his driving habits. We were very comfortable with his following the law about not going off-road through the bush; however, we saw other guides who had no compunction about flaunting the rule: one driver chased a cheetah mother and her cub through the high grass so that his clients could get a better look at them! Noel was also very open to our inquiries about how and why he became a guide, his family, and his daily life. He was certainly someone with whom I was happy to spend 12 hours a day. At the end of the trip we practically viewed him as a son and he addressed me with the same respectful greeting that he would his mother.
“I had a fabulous time! My guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. He accommodated my requests but also used his experience to gently nudge me when he knew better viewing opportunities would occur. I really appreciated that so that I got the best overall experience. I was pleased with the accommodations as well. I was also able to learn a bit about how other companies operate with freelance guides so that made me appreciate Access 2 Tanzania’s business practices even more. I feel good that my money went to an ethical company that also gives back to the communities.”