Tanzania Captured Our Hearts

I think it is really hard to see all of the things a guide does for you on safari until you stop and think and just reflect on that day’s events. I will say that Wilfred is a master of all things seen and unseen. It is obvious he is skilled at getting us from one place to another (he never did tell me how he knows which roads to take through the Serengeti -there are no road signs!), he can conjure a lion or two around any bend in the road or a python in a tree hiding under a nest, he can answer a thousand questions about animals, birds, people, culture, food, language and anything else you can think of (he also has a well-read animal book he isn’t afraid to share) and he advises on planned start times and activities like a pro. But it’s those little things, the more subtle things that really make a trip become a true experience. The way he helped my daughter into the jeep each morning, shutting the door to make sure she was secure; the firm but gentle reminder not to stray from the jeep to ensure we didn’t get eaten by lions; managing all of the lunches and breakfasts with just the right things we liked to eat; the bush lunch he orchestrated just to surprise us (it brought tears of joy to my eyes); the way he introduced us to people we might not have had a chance to meet; the phone calls to the properties ahead of our arrival so we would be greeted by one, two, or many smiling faces; his discreet way he would advise us on cultural behaviors – helping us to be comfortable and respectful of those around us; and the way he engaged with each of us individually and as a family – my children absolutely loved Wilfred. The guide makes the experience and when we think of Tanzania we will always think of Wilfred.

Thomas P. (USA)

October 21, 2024

“Top notch! Everything was well planned. The lodging was amazing. My favorite was Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. It was located about 8000 feet in a very lush forest, constructed of river rock and polished African hardwoods – absolutely beautiful! The website pictures of all the places we stayed looked nice but the actual experience of staying at these places was well beyond expectations. Whenever we went to a new destination there was always some one to greet us, take us to our hotels, airport, etc.
Access 2 Tanzania attended to every detail including all the arrangements for our post-safari extension to Zanzibar. The hotels provided great breakfasts and dinners and even the boxed lunches we ate out in the “bush” were pretty decent. Our guide, Maningo, was excellent. He truly wanted all of us to have the best African experiences. If we ever travel to Africa in the future, Access 2 Tanzania will be our first choice.”