We may have had the best guide in the entire country—David is truly exceptional. With over 22 years of guiding experience, 18 of which have been with A2T, his knowledge and expertise are invaluable on a trip like this. There were numerous occasions when he would drive past an animal, making us wonder why, only to position us perfectly for a close encounter as the animal walked right by.
David consistently ensured we had prime viewing opportunities because he instinctively knew the animals’ routes and behaviors. Despite his extensive experience, it was heartwarming to see his excitement for certain encounters, often pulling out his “baby” (his camera) to capture moments alongside us.
He treated our family like his own, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout our journey. For instance, he surprised my sons with Tanzania soccer jerseys, which they absolutely loved. David was always attentive to our needs and preferences, ensuring our satisfaction at every turn.
Beyond his exceptional treatment of tourists, his interactions with park rangers and fellow guides showcased his impressive networking skills. He constantly engaged with others, sharing stories and information about wildlife sightings, which greatly benefited us.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have had David as our guide, and we’ve already told him that we look forward to seeing him again in a few years. He is truly awesome!
“Every detail was meticulously planned and perfectly suited to our needs. It was obvious that Karen paid careful attention to how we prefer to experience travel and matched us with a guide who perfectly suited our style. Barney was incredibly professional and let us set the tone and pace. He is an outstanding guide in so many ways; he quickly read us and we bonded immediately. Throughout the journey it was obvious that Barney is well respected by the other guides and they often follow his lead because he knows where to go and how to find the animals. He is also an incredible photographer–I got to a point where I just handed him my phone and he meticulously captured our trip. With no exaggeration, our 8 days with Barney were life changing and we think of him each and every day.
While we requested clean and comfortable accommodations with private baths, every place we stayed far exceeded our expectations. Nyikani and Mara Mara were the standout favorites. I have spoken with folks who were unsure and had reservations about the food that would be provided. We ate incredibly well–food was more than plentiful, very good to extremely delicious, and the soups were the best I have ever eaten. Service was consistently exceptional.
Honestly, we can’t say enough positive things about our experience and have been recommending Access 2 Tanzania and Barney to all we can.”