Bush and Forest Explorers | Bush & Forest Camps |Tanzania Sustainable local Safari Experts — Local services in Arusha

Here's a detailed breakdown of my 3 days safari experience with this company. The Positives: One of the most compelling aspects of this tour was its excellent value for money. Joining a group significantly reduced the cost, making it a very competitive option. I was also genuinely impressed to learn of the company's affiliation with a charity school, which I had the privilege of visiting – a truly heartwarming initiative that adds significant value beyond the safari itself. The accommodations provided for both nights were surprisingly good. The tented rooms were exceptionally spacious, each featuring two bedrooms. The food, both at the lodge and the picnic lunches, was consistently very good and exceeded my expectations for a basic safari package. Our guides were consistently friendly, polite, and gentle. Crucially, the group I joined was fantastic. Their positive attitude and camaraderie significantly enhanced the overall experience, especially during the challenging moments.

The postive: Despite the comfortable accommodation, we experienced continuous power cuts. This wasn't an isolated incident, with other groups confirming similar problems from the previous day. This meant frequently waking up without electricity, making it impossible to charge devices and challenging to navigate rooms in the dark. Bathroom and shower areas were entirely without lights, making nighttime use difficult and uncomfortable. A more significant concern was the persistent lack of hot water for showers. On the first day, my shower was cold, a common complaint among other guests. Despite assurances that the issue would be resolved, the second day's shower was only "not very cold" – certainly not hot. After a dusty and often chilly safari day, a hot shower is essential for comfort. Regrettably, some group members opted not to wash for three days due to this issue, which is simply unacceptable for a paid safari experience. While our guides were undoubtedly gentle, their youth and apparent lack of experience were noticeable. Compared to guides from other safari vehicles, ours appeared significantly younger and less seasoned. Their English was quite basic, limiting their ability to communicate effectively or provide in-depth explanations about the wildlife and local flora. A knowledgeable guide is paramount to truly elevating a safari experience, and this aspect was unfortunately lacking. The safari on the second day was the major disappointment of the entire experience. We were scheduled for a "full-day" safari, yet we only had approximately three hours of actual game drive time, starting as late as 1 PM. This was a significant missed opportunity. An early morning start would have maximized our chances of wildlife sightings and allowed for a much more fulfilling and comprehensive experience. While we were informed of merging with another group of four (not five, as turned out) on the second day, the vehicle, designed for seven, was fitted with an additional seat to accommodate eight people. Furthermore, the car had required repairs the night before our second day. Incredibly, the same mechanical problem recurred on our way back from the safari to the lodge, leading to a breakdown with all eight of us inside. While breakdowns can occur, the fact that the prior repair was clearly insufficient was concerning. What followed the breakdown was, frankly, disorganized and deeply unsettling. We were randomly transferred to different cars without any clear explanation of our destination. After a long drive, we were left at a random bar for two hours with no communication from anyone, including the tour organizer, despite attempts by group members to reach him. We finally returned to the accommodation at 9 PM, with no apologies or calls from the tour organizer. It was only due to the exceptionally good camaraderie of our group that we managed to take this "disaster" in stride. A less understanding family or group would undoubtedly have been far more upset and likely would have requested a partial...

We did the 3 day safari with Bush and Forest and it was an amazing experience. From the start, the team was professional, punctual, and very attentive. We visited Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara — three very different but equally stunning parks. One of the highlights was seeing all of the Big Five (yes, including the rhino!), along with countless other animals in their natural habitats. The wildlife sightings were unforgettable, the guide was knowledgeable and passionate, and the camping experience was comfortable and well-organized. Everything ran smoothly, and we felt safe and well taken care of throughout the trip. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an authentic and well-planned safari...

The wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park was breathtaking. We were lucky enough to see the Big 5 in just 3 days of safari. Kizumba Camp, where we spent 2 nights, is beautiful and we felt right at home. Unfortunately Bush&Forest failed to arrange our transportation to another camp. In general, we highly recommend a safari in Tanzania and especially Kizumba Camp and Tarangire...