Shaw Safaris - Day Tours
Shaw Safaris - Day Tours
4.8
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Arusha, Tanzania
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.8
45 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
1
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Dawie B
Cape Town, South Africa58 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
We recently rented an old Land Rover from Shaw Safaris and relied on their assistance to make bookings for our visit to Ngorongoro Crater. Overall, it was a friendly and good experience, though there were some aspects worth noting for future travelers.
The Land Rover, as expected, was old and rickety, embodying the charm of an old-style self-drive safari. It was noisy, the ride was rather hard, and the seatbelts barely worked. While this added to the nostalgic feel, it also posed some inconveniences, such as the inability to lock the vehicle securely when shopping. A padlock for the back would have been a simple yet effective addition.
We were also given a map that, unfortunately, was falling apart. A bit of cellotape could have helped keep it intact for better usability. These minor issues aside, Shaw Safaris delivered on their promise of a unique safari experience with friendly service and support.
While we enjoyed the charm of the classic Land Rover, next time we might look for a newer rental to ensure more comfort and modern conveniences. Despite this, we appreciate Shaw Safaris for their dedication and service.
The Land Rover, as expected, was old and rickety, embodying the charm of an old-style self-drive safari. It was noisy, the ride was rather hard, and the seatbelts barely worked. While this added to the nostalgic feel, it also posed some inconveniences, such as the inability to lock the vehicle securely when shopping. A padlock for the back would have been a simple yet effective addition.
We were also given a map that, unfortunately, was falling apart. A bit of cellotape could have helped keep it intact for better usability. These minor issues aside, Shaw Safaris delivered on their promise of a unique safari experience with friendly service and support.
While we enjoyed the charm of the classic Land Rover, next time we might look for a newer rental to ensure more comfort and modern conveniences. Despite this, we appreciate Shaw Safaris for their dedication and service.
Written January 5, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeidiV
15 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
This is a very late review due to our travels but we have to tell you about Shaw Safaris! We travelled for 10 days with one of their vehicles with roof tent in December/January and loved every minute. What makes Shaw Safaris so great is Erika and Paul. As soon as we met them we felt like we were meeting friends. They are so welcoming and kind. We spent Christmas Day with them at Twiga lodge and it was a Christmas to remember. Boxing Day we set off on our adventure after a very detailed briefing about the car and the route/campsites etc. having never driven a landrover I was apprehensive but all went perfectly thanks to their organisation. This really is a once in a lifetime experience. Being that close to nature and camping in some incredible parks is so special. It is very different to travelling in africa with a guide which we have experienced many times but it gives you the freedom and more excitement of what you might find. I hope one day to visit Erika and Paul again and not forgetting their wonderful team who they treat as their family which was great to see. It was clear to see that they are valued members of the community.
Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!
Heidi and Ross
Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!
Heidi and Ross
Written June 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas B
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We rented a Defender for a 12 day self driving safari.
We had a lot of fun during our safari. It was quite adventerous, I can very much recommend doing it this way and not be bored doing it with a driver in their new climatised LandRovers like most do.
I assume the defender we got was around 30 years old and very picturesque. Don't expect AC, radio, rev meter or even instrument lights, however you get gear reduction and diff lock. Although old we had no major problems with the car.
The defender came with a very good fridge, safe, good electrical plugs, chairs, table.
What we did not like was that there was way too much equipment provided, I think we had 12 boxes with camping and repair equipment that almost filled our whole boot. We also had problems with the gas cooker as there was no windshield to get our meal cooked.
Erika did all the entrance tickets as well as the bookings of the campsites in the national parks which worked well. I thought it could be a problem to get a place (if you book in Botswana you need to book half a year before ) but Erika did it just when we arrived, so you can get your flights and then settle your detailed plan.
We had a lot of fun during our safari. It was quite adventerous, I can very much recommend doing it this way and not be bored doing it with a driver in their new climatised LandRovers like most do.
I assume the defender we got was around 30 years old and very picturesque. Don't expect AC, radio, rev meter or even instrument lights, however you get gear reduction and diff lock. Although old we had no major problems with the car.
The defender came with a very good fridge, safe, good electrical plugs, chairs, table.
What we did not like was that there was way too much equipment provided, I think we had 12 boxes with camping and repair equipment that almost filled our whole boot. We also had problems with the gas cooker as there was no windshield to get our meal cooked.
Erika did all the entrance tickets as well as the bookings of the campsites in the national parks which worked well. I thought it could be a problem to get a place (if you book in Botswana you need to book half a year before ) but Erika did it just when we arrived, so you can get your flights and then settle your detailed plan.
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will1226
East Greenwich, RI19 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Self drive safari is an unparalleled adventure and the operation at Shaw Safari’s makes it easy and fun. They have thought of everything you need to make your trip a success. Their vehicles are battle tested and their routes put you in the heart of Tanzania’s most spectacular natural environments. If you’re lucky enough to stay with Paul and Erika at the Twiga lodge for an evening you will be treated to a family like environment amidst their spectacular scenery. We visited 3 national parks and one conversation area on our trip and saw everything we could possibly have wanted to in terms of wildlife. The public campsites are safe, comfortable and provide all the needed amenities. The food provided by The Shaw’s was fantastic and required only a quick reheat. This trip exceeded my expectations in every way!
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dan smaridge
1 contribution
Oct 2020
Paul and Erica were a absolute delight and the level of service, thought and care they have put into their company is second to none. Everything was thoroughly explained to us before the trip via email and when we arrived we were made to feel highly welcome and showed around our future home for the next few weeks. If we were to have an issues (which thankfully we did not!) Paul & Erica were only a phone call away. All in all we had a fantastic trip and could not recommend Shaws Safari enough. If you are looking to do a safari in Tanzania use them!!
Written November 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jean marc B
Paris, France21 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
We are a family of 4 .We had our trip organized by Erika. The first night on our way to Tarangire Park it took us hours to find the tented camp - supposedly very easy to find and end up in a village where we hired a motorcycle taxi : it was already night. The place is in the bush (very nice by the way) http://www.whistlingthorncamp.co.tz/maasai.htm but hard to find :no self driving there. We had no GPS location.
The trip by itself went smoothly and no particular mention about self-driving which I would recommend bearing in mind you need to check the car every day.
People is very nice everywhere.
Select a Land Rover rather than a Toyota. About Shaw Safari we met minor problems with the car : not important but the fridge never worked and takes the place of a guide ,most recommended in the Serengati.
Our car was well equipped with tools , 2 spare-wheels, jerry-cans for diesel : great as we ran out of diesel as the gage did not work properly....We already noted when leaving the tank was not full. Add a leaking transmission we tried to have fixed and this will be all about the car. Disappointment comes from the manager , knowing it took us hours to find our first place to stay and other troubles described above; I was quite astonished to be presented a bill for ~50$ for drinks (2 nights)...minutes before we leave. Beware : you are welcome as close friends offered with insistence something to drink and you get it on the bill including the beer my son shared with the owner...Wine during dinner,refills if any, etc..I am glad we turn down an offer for an after drink !
I paid the bill deducting these extra expenses. I would not have mentioned this if I would have received a reply with some sort of apologies but nothing came despite 2 messages. We met an other couple who also met troubles with the fridge and lost the food they had for camping. Not such a problem for us as we did not camp.
worked . I was never offered to be reimbursed for our own spending with car.
I will add the satellite phone was instead a regular mobile but worked perfectly
Hope this message to be helpful.
The trip by itself went smoothly and no particular mention about self-driving which I would recommend bearing in mind you need to check the car every day.
People is very nice everywhere.
Select a Land Rover rather than a Toyota. About Shaw Safari we met minor problems with the car : not important but the fridge never worked and takes the place of a guide ,most recommended in the Serengati.
Our car was well equipped with tools , 2 spare-wheels, jerry-cans for diesel : great as we ran out of diesel as the gage did not work properly....We already noted when leaving the tank was not full. Add a leaking transmission we tried to have fixed and this will be all about the car. Disappointment comes from the manager , knowing it took us hours to find our first place to stay and other troubles described above; I was quite astonished to be presented a bill for ~50$ for drinks (2 nights)...minutes before we leave. Beware : you are welcome as close friends offered with insistence something to drink and you get it on the bill including the beer my son shared with the owner...Wine during dinner,refills if any, etc..I am glad we turn down an offer for an after drink !
I paid the bill deducting these extra expenses. I would not have mentioned this if I would have received a reply with some sort of apologies but nothing came despite 2 messages. We met an other couple who also met troubles with the fridge and lost the food they had for camping. Not such a problem for us as we did not camp.
worked . I was never offered to be reimbursed for our own spending with car.
I will add the satellite phone was instead a regular mobile but worked perfectly
Hope this message to be helpful.
Written September 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angélica B
San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico26 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Shaw Safaris is a great way to experience fully and safely the best game parks in Tanzania. We did a self-drive 6-day camping safari and all worked out really well. Its not the first time that we have done safaris or been in African parks or lodges but Paul and Erica Shaw made all the difference. Communication prior was very clear and useful. They advised us on our priorities and tastes and very easily we booked with them.
We stayed at their beautifully gardened, good taste place. Both welcomed us personally, with drinks and tasty food. Their warmth and experience gave us the feeling of being with friends from the first moment. Our room at Twiga Lodge was very comfortable and spotless. Highly recommended to stay in Twiga lodge the nights before and after the safari to recover and relax as if you were at home again.
Paul gave us the briefing on the Land Rover and camping equipment with patience and valuable tips. During the 6 days the car ran perfectly. It was equipped with everything that we needed or imagined will need. We were provided with maps and Ericaś itinerary was a success. We followed Erica´s suggestions on details where to go, how to plan the visit to the enormous parks and her timing recommendations, and we felt confident without a guide or being part of a herd of tourists.
The plus was that Paul and Erica customized our safari because we asked for a cook and this was the best part because camping requires a lot of logistics and work to put everything in order before nightfall. Nicholas, our private cook, surprised us with wonderful and tasty menus and his ability to clean up and plan the next meal without any problem showed knowledge and understanding. It was a pleasure to have him with us.
We are very thankful to Shaw Safaris for being our guides and hosts to Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Arusha and Manyara Lake national parks. We certainly are hoping to repeat the experience with them.
Written January 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rene
Germany6 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
We rented a 4 x 4 Landrover at Shaw Safaris in February 2018. It was a fantastic time - 14 days driving through the nort of Tanzania. Spectacluar, marvellous. Erika and Paul are very "sweet". We get helpfull informations about our trip before starting. And the Twiga Lodge - closed to the Arusha NP - ist very nice.
But as we started the gas tank wasn’t full as promised. 50 Liter miss we noticed at the first tank stop. At the 3rd day of driving we had our first repair of the car. The clerk of Shaw came to us, changed all filters and after 6 hours we could sleep in the roof tent. 2 days later we lost 7 liter oil - in Serengeti. Two connecting pieces of the pipeline weren’t firm. I paid for 8 liter oil and the repair. At the next day we had the same problem as at the 3rd Day - in Serengeti. Paul was very helpfull and we get a repair of the car in Seronera with the information it could be happen again every time because of a lot of dust in the tank. Paul promised that not. After 4 days it happened again - in Arusha. We get a new car - a Toyota Hillux. It wasn’t so nice as the Landy. We didn’t enjoy it. The tent smelled unpleasant. And the car was under-powered. Our last 2 days we stood at a lodge closed to the Kilimanjaro because of the car. It remains a dull peculiar flavour because we paid for one repair of the car and lost totally 1/2 driving day in Serengeti. And the last 3 days we hadn’t the car we paid for.
But we saw many animals and we enjoyed it so much. So maybe we come back some day.
But as we started the gas tank wasn’t full as promised. 50 Liter miss we noticed at the first tank stop. At the 3rd day of driving we had our first repair of the car. The clerk of Shaw came to us, changed all filters and after 6 hours we could sleep in the roof tent. 2 days later we lost 7 liter oil - in Serengeti. Two connecting pieces of the pipeline weren’t firm. I paid for 8 liter oil and the repair. At the next day we had the same problem as at the 3rd Day - in Serengeti. Paul was very helpfull and we get a repair of the car in Seronera with the information it could be happen again every time because of a lot of dust in the tank. Paul promised that not. After 4 days it happened again - in Arusha. We get a new car - a Toyota Hillux. It wasn’t so nice as the Landy. We didn’t enjoy it. The tent smelled unpleasant. And the car was under-powered. Our last 2 days we stood at a lodge closed to the Kilimanjaro because of the car. It remains a dull peculiar flavour because we paid for one repair of the car and lost totally 1/2 driving day in Serengeti. And the last 3 days we hadn’t the car we paid for.
But we saw many animals and we enjoyed it so much. So maybe we come back some day.
Written March 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tim881
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Jan 2017 • Couples
My girlfriend and I planned and greatly enjoyed a 14 day self-drive safari with the outstanding help of Erika and Paul. Erika patiently e-mailed back and forth with me for weeks to help me plan the perfect itinerary for us. We settled on a five park excursion visiting Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, & Lake Manyara. We chose to camp for 2-3 nights at a time, followed by a night in a lodge or tented camp. It was a great way to alternate adventure & solitude with a taste of the luxurious safari experience. I had been concerned that maybe we were being too ambitious with our schedule, but Erika's recommendations were spot on. Trust her advice! The vehicle, equipment, and Paul's explanation of how it all worked were top notch. We stayed in Twiga Lodge both the night before and the night after our trip, and they are fantastic & engaging hosts that made us feel a part of the family. The lodge itself and the grounds were beautiful and worth every cent. This was no "out of a box" safari like most of the others you see advertised. A self-drive safari with camping may not be for everyone, but if you are the adventurous sort, and get along with your travel mates, it will be one of your "trips of a lifetime". Thank you to Paul, Erika, and the friendly people of Tanzania!
Written August 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
markahendricks
Baltimore, MD7 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
"I felt the rains down in Africa"
Well, actually, we felt only one short rain in the Serengeti but I can't get the theme out of my head (we listened to the song before departing Twiga Lodge). My wife and I wanted to go on an adventure through East Africa, and, through Shaw Safaris, we did experience adventure and more. First- Paul and Erika operate the impeccable Twiga Lodge. It is THAT awesome. Comfortable, beautiful (with the best view of Mt. Meru), delicious food, and friendly staff. Afterwards. for almost three weeks we self drove through the East African bush. Paul and Erika make sure to give you proper training and a starter pack full of camping food. To say we had the experience of a lifetime is an understatement. Now here's the thing- this is East Africa, not a theme park, which means sometimes things can happen that you do not intend to on your travels through the bush. Paul and Erika are just a call away but sometimes you are gonna have to think on your feet (and they'll prepare you for that too). Going out on your own allowed us to experience the flora and fauna of East Africa in ways you can't imagine if instead you stayed in lodges and hired a guide. It is breathtaking, it is wild, it is the best. Camping on top of your Land Rover to the sounds of the bush is an excellent way to fall asleep. Finding that leopard on your own, with no other vehicles around you, is incredibly satisfying. This is East Africa at your own pace. You can only do that with self driving. It is the best thing my wife and I ever did (besides getting married!). Cheers to Shaw Safaris!
Well, actually, we felt only one short rain in the Serengeti but I can't get the theme out of my head (we listened to the song before departing Twiga Lodge). My wife and I wanted to go on an adventure through East Africa, and, through Shaw Safaris, we did experience adventure and more. First- Paul and Erika operate the impeccable Twiga Lodge. It is THAT awesome. Comfortable, beautiful (with the best view of Mt. Meru), delicious food, and friendly staff. Afterwards. for almost three weeks we self drove through the East African bush. Paul and Erika make sure to give you proper training and a starter pack full of camping food. To say we had the experience of a lifetime is an understatement. Now here's the thing- this is East Africa, not a theme park, which means sometimes things can happen that you do not intend to on your travels through the bush. Paul and Erika are just a call away but sometimes you are gonna have to think on your feet (and they'll prepare you for that too). Going out on your own allowed us to experience the flora and fauna of East Africa in ways you can't imagine if instead you stayed in lodges and hired a guide. It is breathtaking, it is wild, it is the best. Camping on top of your Land Rover to the sounds of the bush is an excellent way to fall asleep. Finding that leopard on your own, with no other vehicles around you, is incredibly satisfying. This is East Africa at your own pace. You can only do that with self driving. It is the best thing my wife and I ever did (besides getting married!). Cheers to Shaw Safaris!
Written October 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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