In June of this year, (2010) my wife and I had an incredible experience on our first trip to Tanzania, Africa on a Photo Safari.

To start with, our flights were good - although long from the west coast of Canada. Our baggage arrived with us - a good omen for the rest of the trip!

We went on a 12 day driving adventure that included several national parks including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and also the Ngorongoro Crater. We chose a local (African owned) independent company based in Arusha called "Warrior Trails" and we were not disappointed. Their professionalism, client service, attention to detail, knowledge and friendly attitude made the trip thoroughly enjoyable, educational, and FUN! We were very fortunate to have both a guide in training as a driver and a very experienced guide to educate and entertain us. They both had a great sense of humor!

We stayed in a variety of accommodations including tent camps, hotels and lodges, each offering a unique experience. We were very well looked after. For example, we were assigned a room at the rear of one of the facilities, far from the amenities and the view, our guide "strongly suggested" a room change on our behalf - much to the chagrin of the desk clerk. As a result, we had a great room with a view, close to the restaurant, pool - and bar.

We had the opportunity to experience some of the African culture including a visit with an authentic Maasai family at their remote Boma as well as a visit with students in a very impoverished primary school and a good sized farming village. These were life changing experiences that have caused us to re-evaluate our priorities and assess how we can help support them in our small way.

Overall, we had great food, great (comfortable) weather and a whole lot of fun. We were cautioned to have warm clothes for the Crater - this turned out to be very appropriate advice! It did get a little chilly - even for us Canadians!

Our objective was primarily to see wildlife - which we did in abundance! The only member of the big 9 that we did not see was a leopard.

We would not hesitate to recommend Warrior Trails to anyone considering a safari adventure and we plan to return in the near future ourselves.

Sierra, Thank you for the update. Which area did you enjoy most? Most itineraries seem to be weighted to time in the Serengeti vs just 1 or 2 days at the crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire. What was your breakdown per area and how would you change it if you could do it over?
Thanks

Hi Sierra,

Glad you had a great time on your trip, it sounds awesome! Our Kenya outfitter subs out to Warrior Trails, and we had the pleasure of doing the Tanzania protion of our safari with them in May 09 - I agree a top notch, fabulous company!

But what I am really writing about is to invite you to the Pacific Northwest GTG (get-to-gether) that we are hosting on August 28th! From your posting it looks as though as you may be here in Vancouver, or close? I will top the thread with the invitation that is on this site, and my email is:

Lynda D Swain at telus dot net

(no spaces, periods or dashes)

Please come & join us!! So far we have about 12-14 people - all Afree-kah enthusiasts with many stories & photos - or for those that haven't been - many questions for those of us that have!

Sierra, wonderful to hear of your trip. Althought a bit selfish on my part, would like to hear more about the trip (where you stayed,commentary on what you saw by park or area, etc). And, have you decided about a return trip? And, yes, what would you have done different if within your ability to have made a change?
Report/feedback such as your is one "fix" that keeps some of us going.
Thanks in any case. Dick

I wish we had Africa G2G here in South FL!