Kenya & Tanzania Adventure

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 44 reviews.

Roger Westerman

KENYA & TANZANIA ADVENTURE

Written March 2013
Wow I've done a safari and road trip - 2400 kilometres - in Africa. Zanzibar is a brilliant place for a beach holiday - loads of white sand and turquoise ,warm sea. The African sunsets and night skys were worth the trip in themselves. And that's before you get to the animals. And Kilimanjaro. I walked up the first stage of the mountain. Through rainforest. Uphill. Over very rough ground. Nearly killed me but I got there. We had to leave Kenya in a bit of a hurry because of fears of post election troubles. In the event nothing materialised but good to know that Exodus was looking after our wellbeing. Camping wasn't much of a hardship though I'd definitely recommend paying the single supplement. The campsites ranged from well organised with a bar, to a fenced field with a guard with an AK47, to a night in the wilderness in the Serengetti where you have to have your wits about when you get up in the night. Erecting and dismantling the tents was hard work at first but we soon got the hang of it, helping each other. There were 6 of us. The group worked well and we had lots of fun. The transport was fit for purpose with cool box, freezer, power sockets for UK plugs. It was comfortable enough. If group numbers meant you were restricted to just one locker each, there wouldn't be much storage space. The food is fine , given that it's cooked on just a couple of gas rings. There's plenty of opportunity to buy booze, though do plan ahead.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Close encounters with the animals.
Camping in the wilderness under the night sky.
Cocktails on the beach in Zanzibar
What did you think of your group leader?
All the crew were first rate at their jobs. Many thanks to Ben the driver, Ken the cook and Lelei the guide.
Local guides were used from time to time and these were all professional quality
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There were relatively few mosquitoes during early March. No one was badly bitten.
Pay the single supplement. 2 people in a tent would be a squeeze.
Contrary to Exodus paperwork ,you don't need a photo for a Tanzanian visa. It costs $50 and they don't take other currencies.
Apart from that ,you could take your cash in Sterling. That saves changing your money twice, into dollars and then into Kenyan and Tanzanian currency. An ATM card would be handy for when exchange places aren't available. - e.g sundays or where there's a huge queue in the only bank in town.
The beach hotel in Zanzibar gave a poor exchange rate. Change your money in Stone Town before you leave for the beach.
There are opportunities to do a bit of handwashing, now and again. Give clothes away as you go. They'll be gratefully received.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is an exciting trip. An adventure. Quite leisurely, apart from Kilimanjaro, but you know you've put in some long hours on the bus. Don't bring too much stuff.
I'd echo other comments on these pages about the apparently needless, and very lengthy journey, to Tanga on the penultimate day on the mainland. A flight from Moshi to Zanzibar is available for not a lot more than the Tanga - Zanzibar fare.
Lesley Lewis

KENYA & TANZANIA ADVENTURE

Written February 2013
Would have been much more enjoyable if we could have cut out long, dusty journey to Tanga and flown from Moshie to Zanzibar. This would have allowed us one more day to explore Serengeti. Would have been less tiring if we could have camped in same place for a few nights and explored in different directions from base.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
See the hippos play in the pool
Saw black rhino and leopard.
Awesome sunsets
What did you think of your group leader?
O.K. but could have been more helpful with information about where laundry services were being offered.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for long, dusty days spent in a truck having an "African Massage" i.e. roads are very bumpy and full of craters.
Be prepared for early morning starts and not having much time to write a journel until the very end.
Be aware that you are on the move nearly every day and become very adept at pitching and packing up tent!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Trip notes were questionable esp with regard to sleeping bag, at Feb/March departure time a 250 season bag (with liner) is more than enough.
Helen Carson

KENYA & TANZANIA ADVENTURE

Written February 2013
Good trip though not 'Amazing' as it could have been.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The black rhino in Ngorongoro was really great to see, especially since there aren't that many of them left. The leopard cub in a tree was an unexpected (but very welcome ) viewing. The end of the migration in the Serengeti was one of the sights that I wanted to see and I was not disappointed.
What did you think of your group leader?
She was alright but not in any way exceptional.
When I asked why all the wildebeest we saw in the Serengeti were males she came up with some weird and (not so) wonderful explanation that all the females died giving birth!!!!! If that was the case then who raised the calves?? Surely the species would die out within a few years. My theory - while not neccessarily correct - that the females followed on when the younsters were a little stronger made much more sense.... She was good at spotting the animals as we were driving along but not always so knowledgeable when questions were asked.
Also we were not made aware of where and when we could do laundry until we specifically asked to be told at every opportunity.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't stick too closely to what is said in the trip notes as they are not always correct. Do take mossie repellant, toilet rolls, a blowup pillow, binoculars (though you don't always get chance to use them due to the constant movement), a camera with a good zoom - I took a compact with a good zoom and it was perfectly adequate - you don't need to tote along massive lenses, a good head torch is essential and spare camera batteries as you can't always charge them, though most of the time recharging is available on the truck. Also make sure you have a good memory card or two as you will take hundreds of pictures and you don't want to be running out of memory or battery at that vital moment.
You don't need a 3 season sleeping bag as the trip notes say but a good 2 season with liner is perfectly adequate. Also it does not get too cold in the mornings or evenings requiring coats etc but you will need a good fleece to ward off the chill on occasion though one is all you will need. It doesn't matter whether you wear bright colours or not as you are in the truck for pretty much all the game viewing, and besides, all animals except for birds, fish and apes are colour blind.
You do not need to search out biodegradeable hand washing deregent with you as you don't really get the chance to do any washing and I just did mine in the shower with me. Likewise with shampoos - there are shower blocks everywhere so you do not have to get your water from rivers or lakes (even if these were available which they are not). A sun hat to me is an absolute must as the sun is very hot when walking round local markets. A large sarong or equivalent is a good idea as there is often nowhere to get dried after your shower so I just wrapped myself in my large sarong and went back to my tent to get dry instead of trying to hop about on one foot getting dressed in the cubicle while not getting your clothes wet.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A good trip that could have been an excellent trip if not for a few changes. The day spent travelling to Tanga was a total waste of a day and the campsite was a dump when we got there. It would have been much better to have flown from Marangu straight to Zanzibar, having an extra day either in the Serengeti or on Zanzibar and if it cost a bit more for the flight then fine. The money would have been well spent instead of spending 10 hours getting bumped about on what passes for roads and having a rubbish campsite at the end of it all !!!!!
Also a more knowledgeable tour leader would have been good. On the other hand the driver (Boniface) and cook (Esther) were great even if the meals did get a bit repetative after a while. (Rice and veggies in a tomato sauce twice in one day ??) I know she had limited resources and under the circumstances did a good job.
On the whole, the trip was worth doing to see all the wildlife that I would not have otherwise seen and the camping was an experience not to be missed but I'm not sure that with the present Itinerary and trip notes that I would recommend it, Though if these were altered/updated then definately do it - you won't regret it.
Diane Armitage

KENYA & TANZANIA ADVENTURE

Written October 2012
The trip was a one in a lifetime trip. Each day was filled with activities or travel. My favourite part was the game drives though Zanzibar was amazing and I needed the rest after all the travel.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most inspirational part of the trip was the trip to the Serengeti. One day wasn't enough though and it felt very rushed getting through the park in time to camp and then having to leave by lunchtime. Another day would have been greatly appreciated.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mose our group leader was totally amazing and supportive. He knew his information and had everything covered. A great guy.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I would advise potential travellers to be aware of how much travel was involved. Also to bring spare batteries for their cameras as oppertunities to charge cameras are intermittent.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would recommend that Exodus changes the iterninary to stay another day in the serengeti and to fly directly from Arusha to Zanzibar. We saw nothing for the two days after Arusha and the constant travel was a waste of time.
Deron Henry

KENYA & TANZANIA ADVENTURE

Written October 2012
This holiday was a holiday with a difference, nothing that I have ever experience before but it was fantastic. I did enjoyed the moving around bit, and camping out in the various camp sites. The crew members were so efficient thats made a big difference as well. Seeing all the animals topped it for me absolutely brilliant.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Well its really hard to say because every moment of it was inspirational. One of the optional activities that I did in Tanzania was going for a walk through the local community to see how they live and how they do stuff. We also visited a school which was really lovely.
Driving through the safari and seeing all the wild animals in thier natural habitat not influence by humans was unbelieveable.
For me also just being in africa was inspirational enough for me. Zanzibar was lovely as well sand and sea can't top that. Overall a brilliant trip money well spent.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader was great, Moses was is name. He worked hard to satisfied all our needs and quickly to resolve any problems are issues that occured. He was so patient and tried to accommodate us so that we could see and take pictures of things we wanted. He also knows alot about the animals and the history of the countries we visited. He also made us feel safe and comfortable throughout our time there which was a big part of why I personally enjoyed the trip. I also have to mention his team the driver and the cook they also did a fantastic job.
I have no complains, all I have is praises for the group leader and his team.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
My advice to potential travellers have an open mind and enjoy the experience. If you have never been on a holiday like this before its different but enjoyable at the same time. Just keep an open mind.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you should ask me the question if I would do it again.. My answer would be most definately! Thats what else i would like to had.
Kate Gregg
KENYA & TANZANIA ADVENTURE

Written October 2012
The most amazing trip. The trip offers amazing safari, beautiful scenery, real variety and just an overall brilliant holiday You see so many aspects of Africa. Very very special and I loved every minute of it.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were many highlights for me on the trip but a few stand out to me:

the vastness and beauty of the Serengeti - words can't describe how amazing it is. I have done quite a few African safaris now but the Serengeti is the king of all the African NPs in my opinion. Camping out in the bush as amazing - and the stars at night...simply wow!
The drive from Kenya to Tanzania through the gorgeously lush and green tea plantations. I was transfixed!
Zanzibar - picture postcard beaches, amazing sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Gorgeous place - everyone must go!
all the different people you meet on the trip - from the amazing crew to the incredible African people.
What did you think of your group leader?
Moses was the best tour leader I have ever met on a trip like this. He was faultless. He did everything he could to make sure everyone enjoyed the trip, nothing was too much trouble. He worked hard to ensure we all got something amaxing out of our time in Africa - from pointing out things to educating us on history of the places we visited and about all the wildlife we saw. He is an absolute credit to Exodus.
The crew overall was fantastic and took great care of us all - so special thanks to George and Kennedy too. Thank you!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you read the trip notes and bring all the essential items! Try and resist the temptation to upgrade to rooms - the camping is great fun! There are long drives on a few days but there is lots to see so sit back and enjoy! Mosquito repellant essential and also think about bringing spare camera batteries and lots of memory!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A great trip to see lots of different aspects of Africa - from traditional safari to seeing things off the beaten track (like the village walk in Mt Kili). It is a very well organised trip and I have some great memories to treasure. I know a few people have mentioned this but I think Exodus should consider ditching the final days drive in Tanzania to Tanga to enable one further day in the Serengeti to the group can fly to Zanzibar from Arusha or Mt Kili. Apart from that a faultless and brilliant holiday.
Iain Gordon-Ingram

KENYA & TANZANIA ADVENTURE

Written October 2012
Brilliant trip, amazing opportunities for seeing wildlife, and a great way to get under the skin of East Africa. Be prepared for some long (but not uncomfortable) journeys, but they are really worthwhile as you see so much of Africa while travelling through the countryside. An experience that will be with me for a very long time.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Two real highlights and one slight disappointment. We did a safari on foot in Lake Nakuru National Park, which I will never forget. We got amazingly close to lots of diverse wildlife, and there really is nothing quite like creeping amongst the trees and suddenly coming face-to-knee with a giraffe! Very knowledgable guides kept us safe, and knew where every single buffalo was before we had even noticed one of them. The second highlight was definitely the Ngorongoro crater. I won't spoil it for you... You just have to experience it for yourself - Comletely mind-blowing! The disappointment was not being able to do the balloon safari in the Serengeti. There's only one company operating balloons, and they only take 32 people per day. So, your chances of doing it are very slim, which isn't clear from the trip notes.

Another really great thing about this trip is the sheer amount of "typical Africa" you see. If you've been put off by the amount of driving described inthe trip notes, then I would encouage you not to worry. There is one 10-hour-ish journey, but there's so much to see and you get an excellent view being so high up in the truck.

What did you think of your group leader?
Moses was very knowledgable, spoke almost perfect English, and was very friendly and helpful. He went out of his way to ensure everything ran smoothly and was always willing to answer questions. You can't ask for more really.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't bother taking a mosquito net. You'll want to be in a tent for privacy in the campsites, and for safety (from wildlife) when in the Parks. The tents are completely mosquito proof. However, Deet is your best friend, and if you don't stink of it, particularly during the evenings, expect to be bitten! Take US$ as $50 bills as the exchange rate is better in Tanzania. (Sterling exchange rate is poor, and forget travellers cheques.) You must have a single $50 bill to buy your visa to get into Tanzania; smaller notes are not accepted. Everyone will tell you to get a spare camera battery, and don't ignore them! Power is intermittent and the supply on the truck has limited capacity. There is a strict 15kg weight limit on the flight to Zanzibar, which isn't in the trip notes. We had to pay for excess baggage, but it was only a few dollars. If you're not that keen on camping, don't worry! Most nights you can upgrade to a simple room with a proper bed for around £10. A good headtorch is essential, as you may want to scan around for eye-shine before emerging from your tent at night!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Relax and have fun! As soon as you get used to the African pace of life and way of thinking, you'll have a really good time. This is a great way to see Africa, and the opportunities to see wildlife won't disappoint. You get really good views from the truck because it's so high off the ground, which is a big advantage. We saw so many lions, we almost gave up stopping for them! I guarantee you will see some amazing things, and probably not what you expect. The diversity is astonishing, especially travelling through so much countryside.

Do as many of the optional activities as you can. The majority of our group did most of them, which meant they worked out a good bit cheaper and they were mostly excellent. The only things I wouldn't bother with were the snorkelling, and particularly fishing, trips on Zanzibar. These involved far more time travelling on a small wooden boat in choppy waters than time spent snorkelling or fishing, which was a shame. However, as I said, all the other activities were excellent and well organised.

There is a night in Tanga towards the end of the trip. Frankly, Tanga has little to offer tourists, although it is an opportunity to sort out your belongings before heading to Zanzibar. It's a shame this night couldn't be swapped for an extra night in Serengeti as flying from Kilimanjaro airport would avoid the long road journey to Arusha. However, that's a minor quibble and certainly doesn't detract from an otherwise excellent trip.

The time spent on Zanzibar at the end is a great way to relax before returning to the "real world", and the beach hotel in the north has just the right compromise of comfort and relaxed atmosphere. All in all, a highly recommended holiday.