Suricata Safaris — Local services in Arusha

My boyfriend and I planned this trip to Africa in 3 months without a traveling agent, one thing we knew for sure was that we wanted to do a Safari. So, when the time came to do research on which one we would select, I'm not gonna lie it was a bit stressful because we did not know much about Safari tours. The 1st one to come up in Expedia and TripAdvisor was Suricata Safaris, and the name was quite catchy to me. I quickly read about it and also the reviews and was VERY happy, but my boyfriend suggested that we kept looking... Just in case... The day came to select one company, we researched and read reviews for 5 different ones, then 3, then 2, You know which one we chose.

We communicated with the marketing person via WhatsApp Halima was VERY fast at answering all the questions we had, and accommodating our requests, making us feel secure about this whole thing.

Things we were looking for:

Secured transportation to and from the airport.

A group tour- (Because we thought that private was just gonna be boring and we love meeting new people, which ended up being the most gratifying thing because our group was full of beautiful, sweet, amazing people from all over (which is a plus because you learn of other cultures, places and even make plans to visit them)).

A secure place to sleep

Included food and water

An English speaker knowledgeable tour guide (Rocky was our and we LOVE HIM).

We chose Suricata Safaris because we felt it has all of the things we were looking for.

Everything was GREAT, from the driver picking us up at the airport when we arrived taking us safely to our hotel to the dropped off on time so we could catch our flight back to BEAUTIFUL ZANZIBAR.

The tour itself was pretty AMAZING! We stayed at super comfortable lodges, met incredible people, and had DELICIOUS food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) most of them provided to you. The food provided to you is cooked by a Chef and is very well prepared for the tour. At the time of lunch, the food will still be warm and also tea and coffee will be provided to you.

You can choose between camping tents or tented lodges. We went with the lodge because we wanted to sleep comfortably knowing that days were going to be long and tiring. Our Favorite was the Suricata Boma Lodge, EVERYTHING about this place is perfection. I will leave another review just for this place.

Our driver for the 5 days was Rocky, I can not say enough about him! Super fun, cool, patient, and very knowledgeable about animal species, age, and relationships. He took his time to let us take pictures patiently and took extra time to find animals like leopards who are hard to find, but at the same time, he kept track of time. He entertained us with his kind and fun personality and made sure that we were all doing well.

EVERYTHING was time to perfection every single day! We arrived at our destinations for the night on time to shower and enjoy a nice dinner and wine (the tented lodges have bars equipped with good liquor, wine, and beers).

To conclude, it was the BEST experience of my life!!! I took so much from Africa, from this tour and the Majestic Animals that I was able to see! I couldn't contain myself a couple of times and I let it out! It was all happy tears; you feel so connected with nature, the animals, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and the people.

We'll be back Africa Pole Pole!

Asante Sana, Suricata Safaris &...

Suricata Safaris: 5-Day 5 Star Safari with Damian Our 5-day safari with Suricata Safaris was absolutely unforgettable, and a huge part of that experience was thanks to our fantastic guide, Damian. We visited four incredible parks: Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Serengeti (for two days), and Lake Manyara. From start to finish, every moment was filled with awe, adventure, and comfort.

The Safari: Each day was a new adventure, as we explored diverse landscapes, from the vast plains of Serengeti to the lush beauty of Lake Manyara. The wildlife sightings were beyond our expectations—Damian's expertise ensured that we saw everything, from the Big Five to more elusive species, and we were able to observe them in their natural habitats. His knowledge of the parks and animals was second to none, making every animal encounter even more fascinating. What stood out was his deep understanding of the Masai culture, which added a rich layer to our trip. He shared insightful stories and traditions of the local people, making our safari not just about the animals, but also about understanding the land and its people.

Damian: The Heart of the Experience: Damian was the key to making our safari so memorable. He was patient, attentive to our needs, and genuinely passionate about the places and creatures we visited. As a group of seven, we were able to easily communicate with him, and he made sure to cater to everyone’s interests. Whether it was stopping for the perfect photo, expertly planned coffee break, explaining the behavior of a herd of elephants, or sharing a local tale, he always made us feel like we were part of something special. His driving skills were incredible too—his smooth handling of the terrain, especially in the more rugged areas, kept us comfortable and safe throughout.

Accommodation & Food
: The lodges we stayed in were nothing short of stunning. Each one provided a perfect balance of luxury and immersion in nature, offering stunning views, great amenities, and the kind of service that made us feel completely pampered after a day of exploration. Suricata booked all the accommodation including their Boma Lodge and alternates such as Ngorogoro Coffee Lodge and Ang’ata camps. Definitely book the lodge accommodation you won’t regret it. The food was another highlight—every meal was freshly prepared and bursting with flavor, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Lunch was freshly prepared every day and was delicious, it was always a surprise what we were going to be eating but the food always hit the spot. Edward from Suricata was our contact for booking the trip and communication was perfect and always quick to reply. The Suricata team were so helpful in assisting in travel, clothing and airport transfers. The team arranged our hotels in Arusha before and after the safari.

Overall Experience: Suricata Safaris delivered on every front. From the seamless planning to the exceptional driving and knowledge provided by Damian, this safari was everything we hoped for and more. The wildlife, the scenery, and the cultural immersion were unmatched. If you’re considering a safari, I highly recommend Suricata, and especially Damian, who truly made our experience extraordinary. We left with full hearts, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Tanzania. Thank you, Suricata Safaris, for an adventure...

My wife and I just returned from a 5-day safari with Suricata Safaris for our honeymoon, and we can honestly say it was the most incredible experience of our lives.

We explored Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, and each park offered something truly special. The vast herds of elephants in Tarangire, the golden plains of the Serengeti, and the wildlife-packed crater were just some of the highlights. There was always something awe-inspiring around every corner, from the smallest critters to the "Big Five" in all their glory.

The accommodation at each stop was absolutely stunning-beautiful, comfortable, and set in perfect locations with fantastic views. We especially loved the intimate feel of each lodge, and it was the ideal atmosphere for a honeymoon. Every place we stayed had a unique charm, but they all shared the same exceptional standard of service and attention to detail. When booking, I would 100% recommend spending the extra bit of money for the lodges, it added an extra level of luxuary to the trip!

The food provided throughout was delicious. Every meal was a treat; fresh, delicious, and made with local ingredients daily. Whether it was a hearty breakfast before a day of game drives, a packed lunch on the Serengeti, or a candle-lit dinner under the stars, the food was always top-notch. We even had a chance to try some local dishes, and it added an extra layer of immersion to our safari experience. However, what truly made this trip unforgettable was our guide, Damien. He didn't just take us to the parks; he made the entire journey come alive. His passion for the wildlife, his deep knowledge of the region's ecosystems, and his ability to spot animals from miles away were mind-blowing.

But beyond his expertise, it was Damien's warmth and care that really stood out. He felt like more than just a guide-he was a friend, always making sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. His driving skills, particularly in the sometimes rugged terrain, were exceptional, and we always felt safe and confident in his hands.

Damien went above and beyond to personalize our experience, even adjusting the itinerary slightly based on our interests and ensuring we got the most out of every stop. We can't thank him enough for making our honeymoon feel so special and for sharing his love of Tanzania with us. He truly made the trip what it was.

The communication with Suricata was perfect from start to finish. Edward from the booking team was always on hand to answer any questions we had and give advice when we needed it. Speedy communication through WhatsApp made the process so easy. Mr T was also very helpful when we arrived in Arusha, making sure everything was in good order and helping us check into our hotels, book airport transfers etc.

If you're looking for an unforgettable safari experience, we highly recommend Suricata Safaris. With their amazing team, expert guides like Damien, and exceptional service, you can't go wrong. This was an experience we'll...