Our guide, Nasibu, was so much more than we ever expected or even realized a guide could be—just incredible. He went above and beyond in thoughtful, personal ways to make our trip not only special, but also comfortable and perfectly suited to us.
Nasibu is kind, smart, and genuinely funny. His depth of knowledge about the wildlife, landscapes, people, and history of Tanzania truly enriched our experience. He knew the names and behaviors of every animal we encountered and shared interesting facts and stories that made each sighting more meaningful.
But what really blew us away was his ability to spot wildlife. It bordered on unbelievable. We’re still not sure how he managed to see lions camouflaged in tall grass and much more. His eye for movement, shape, and color was something we came to rely on—and marvel at. He didn’t just spot animals; he anticipated them based on various factors. He knew where to look, when to pause, and how to position the vehicle so we had the best viewing experience, often with no other safari vehicles in sight.
His experience in the parks really showed. Even in the vast, seemingly endless Serengeti, he always knew exactly where we were and how to navigate the terrain. We felt completely safe with him, whether on well-worn tracks or venturing through bush and brush in search of something special.
One of the biggest surprises of a safari is how much time you spend with your guide. With Nasibu, that time became a highlight in itself. We laughed, learned, and shared unforgettable moments—and by the end, it truly felt like we were traveling with family. It was hard to say goodbye.
“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.”