Holiday review by Janie Highland
Name: Janie Highland
Date of trip: 13/07/2016
Number of people: 2
Visiting the school, meeting the headmaster and visiting the children in some of the classes was an experience I will not forget. The children were lovely and sang for us, in the end we all joined in too. Climbing on top of a kopje at Olduvali camp and watching the sunset. The amazing Ronjo camp in the wilderness of the Serengeti. Seeing elephant families up close. Watching the adult male lions walking in the Savannah. Seeing 2 male hippos fighting in a lake at a picnic stop. Having a pair of lions walk by our jeep and decide to shade from the sun by lying next to it literally feet from us. Going on a early morning walking safari at Grumeti Hills with a lovely Masai guide and ranger, then having breakfast in the bush. Getting up early to see the sunrise. I could go on .... there were so many amazing sights.
Tribes Overall:
It was an amazing experience. We loved the country and the people we met were so friendly and welcoming. We saw some wonderful wildlife and enjoyed watching them in their natural habitat. Would thoroughly recommend the safari experience. We had been to Zambia 5 years ago and had a 3 night safari which was wonderful and I did wonder whether Tanzania would be as good but it definitely was!
Tribes Service:
Sinead Bailey was our travel co-ordinator. She was knowledgeable about Tanzania and very helpful. She always answered any questions we had very promptly. We have been really impressed with Tribes and would definitely use them again. The service was really impressive and we felt that Tribes is an ethical company. We've noticed you also organise trips to climb Mount Kilimanjaro so if we ever decide to try it we will contact you without doubt!
Guides:
Our guide Evod Matei from Tanganyika Expeditions was an exceptional guide. He was very knowledgeable about the wildlife, habitat, the Masai tribes and the country itself. His driving was a very good standard and he looked after us extremely well. He was always happy to give us various options for each day's activities and really put himself out for us. He took us to a local school near Bashay Rift Lodge so we could give some clothes we had brought over. We had a lovely visit to the school and met the children which was a joy. We got to know Evod very well and hope to be in touch with him again. He was probably one of the nicest people I have ever met.
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
It just made you realise what a beautiful country Tanzania is and what it has to offer. We will tell friends about it in a very positive way. There is poverty there, like a lot of places in Africa, but the overall feeling was that the country and people were lovely and it was a magical place indeed. We are hoping to help raise money to put towards funding clean water wells in some of the villages.
The places you stayed

Bashay Rift Lodge
Tanzania
Very welcoming after a long journey. The swimming pool is very nice and clean with a wonderful view. Our lodge also had a stunning view from the verandah. Appetising, well cooked food, with the vegetables sourced from their garden.

Olduvai Camp
Tanzania
Loved staying here. What an experience as we were in the middle of nowhere with just miles of sand and savannah and huge boulders. Two wild jennet came to watch us having dinner. Food very good too.

Ronjo Camp
Serengeti National Park
This was really in the wilderness! You could hear the hyenas calling all round you during the night. Very comfortable tents. I was a bit concerned with this camp as I thought it might be a bit basic but it was very comfortable and was probably one of my favourite camps. Good fun sitting round the camp fire with a sundowner.

Maweninga Camp
Tanzania
Nice tents and good food. Lovely experience to see the sunset seated on cushions on a huge boulder.