Wayo Africa
Wayo Africa
5
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About
Wayo is the only company to offer incredible multi activities and walking safaris to totally private areas with Northern Tanzania and the Serengeti. They also and have a collection of Luxury ‘Green Camps’ and ‘Walking Camps’ in Manyara and the Serengeti. The real USP for Wayo is their access. As they train the park Rangers, they have got special access to walk in areas such as black rhino zones in the Serengeti which is a total privilege and one of life’s great experiences! Walking with the migration is incredible. They also offer canoeing, mountain biking, cultural experiences and a treetop walkway.
Arusha, Tanzania
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Travelers' Choice
2024
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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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5.0
185 reviews
Excellent
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CategoryFive Kaiju
Vancouver25 contributions
Sep 2019
It's been 1.5 years since our trek in the Serengeti with Wayo, and I say sincerely that I think about our safari weekly, still (note that we were there in September 2018). We were a group of 5 guests, with experienced guides Jean and Prim, as well as a few other folks connected to Wayo. We had a ranger (Deyo) in attendance for the entire trek. Before embarking on our walking safari, Prim took us on a game drive where we saw hippos, elephants, baboons and various other wildlife up close. Subsequently, we walked for 8 days (usually between 13 to 17 kms/day), starting at a permanent camp and working our way roughly northward, if I recall correctly, to another semi-permanent camp. Each night, all the camping materials were taken by vehicle to the next campsite and set up for us, with a hot shower prepared, and a beautiful meal prepared and served by wonderful and congenial Wayo staff (Vincent, Pahlka, et a.). The wildlife was ASTONISHING. Wildebeest by the 1000s, wild elephants, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, baboons, impalas, dik diks, Thompson gazelles, cape buffalo, warthogs, lions, hyenas, vultures...I could go on and on. Prim and Jean were exquisitely knowledgeable about the fauna and flora, and answered all our questions with patience, and kept our safety foremost. They approached the trek with a blend of humour and seriousness. One day, we came upon a poachers' camp, abandoned just minutes before we got there (2 unfortunate topi were the prey). Another day, we sat quietly, eating lunch, observing a group of male elephants at a watering hole. Magical. Staff went far above and beyond helping us troubleshoot. But in addition to the wonders we saw, heard, smelled, and touched, there was also an inner journey taking place. Imagine walking where your ancestors of 150,000 years ago walked. We used to live in harmony with the magnificent balancing act of life and death in the Serengeti, and it was sobering to realize how de-natured and alienated from the biosphere my life is, living in a big city in North America. It was a comfort somehow to be so confronted with life and death, every day on our trek. Natural and normal. I returned to regular life, but implemented a daily meditation practice I've stuck with, I've walked in the local forest almost every weekend, and I will be leaving a career that no longer speaks to me. These have been profound changes that I attribute to our time in the Serengeti, and for which I am very grateful to our hosts. On our last night, watching the sun set and moon rise at the same time, looking out from some warm rocks over the wildebeest and zebras, I promised myself I would come back to the Serengeti. I will choose Wayo to guide me again when I do.
Written February 24, 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.
AJS
Montenegro14 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We recently spent 2 incredible nights at Wayo’s Green Camp in Manyara NP.
This location is exceptional - at the base of a series of waterfalls coming off the Rift Valley Escarpment.
The camp consists of a number of large luxury fixed tents with great amenities, a private outside toilet and shower with hot water and a communal tent to relax in.
The guys running the camp, Vincent and Nuru, were excellent. We were fortunate to be the only ones staying for the 2 nights so they changed our meal locations all the time - from lunch under a boulder at the base of the waterfall to our final dinner being in the waterfalls as the sun set!!
There was a high water level in the lake and the waterfall due to exceptional rains this year which meant the canoe trip was a bit of a bust but this is an amazing place to stay if you are heading to Manyara NP.
Sitting in the camp and having elephants, buffalo and troops of baboons close by and dipping into the waterfalls for a refreshing fresh water pummeling will be a lasting memory of an amazing 2 day / night experience!
This location is exceptional - at the base of a series of waterfalls coming off the Rift Valley Escarpment.
The camp consists of a number of large luxury fixed tents with great amenities, a private outside toilet and shower with hot water and a communal tent to relax in.
The guys running the camp, Vincent and Nuru, were excellent. We were fortunate to be the only ones staying for the 2 nights so they changed our meal locations all the time - from lunch under a boulder at the base of the waterfall to our final dinner being in the waterfalls as the sun set!!
There was a high water level in the lake and the waterfall due to exceptional rains this year which meant the canoe trip was a bit of a bust but this is an amazing place to stay if you are heading to Manyara NP.
Sitting in the camp and having elephants, buffalo and troops of baboons close by and dipping into the waterfalls for a refreshing fresh water pummeling will be a lasting memory of an amazing 2 day / night experience!
Written November 4, 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.
Bob A
Burnaby, Canada5 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
Our Wayo Africa Serengeti safari was amazing! Wayo has several green camps (glamping) throughout the massive park so you stay very close to the animals in their natural environment. The sunrises and sunsets are unforgettable, the migration is humbling and will affect you in a very positive way. We saw dozens of animals and bird species. The guides are very experienced, your safety is imperative as is the safety of the animals and the environment. Often in the Serengeti we were the only vehicle/people I could see in any direction. Camps were awesome, comfortable, yes a shower could happen daily, food was superb. Note: Wayo is the only safari co that has permission for their guests to hike with guides in the park. That was fantastic to do 15km through the Serengetti to meet up with the other guides and vehicles where cocktails, snacks and a sunset awaited us. I highly recommended Wayo!
Written March 16, 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.
DeeFry
Seattle, WA482 contributions
Sep 2020
For a nice change of pace, we canoed on Lake Manyara with great guides, Zaki and Peter. It was fun and relaxing, even though we didn't see any wildlife while canoeing. After the canoeing, our wonderful Gosheni guide William, had set up a picnic lunch for us to enjoy.
Written October 13, 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.
Francesco
8 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
I contacted Wayo Africa to arrange a family safari for our group, consisting of two families with four adults and three children aged 7 to 9. The main reason to choose Wayo for us was their ability to provide activities other than game drives during our safari. We did the treetop walk in manyara as well as the bike tour with local lunch in Mto wa Mbu. Our bike guides - Simon and Protas - were great and kept the whole group safe and enthusiastic about it. The food was great, too
**Travel Planning and Support**
Eliza, our travel designer, was exceptional in her support. We had numerous discussions to perfect the itinerary, and her expertise, patience, and assistance were invaluable. She delivered an unforgettable experience filled with cherished memories. I highly recommend working with her!
**Guiding Experience**
Our guide, Rajab, was instrumental in maintaining a positive atmosphere. He drove safely and even assisted less experienced drivers. Rajab was fantastic with the kids and provided us with excellent views of the wildlife and landscape. His careful and resourceful nature allowed him to accommodate changes and requests seamlessly. Thank you, Raj!
**Trip Highlights: Wayo Green Camps**
- **Manyara Green Camp**: This camp is breathtakingly beautiful. Vincent and his team were welcoming and great with the kids. The food was outstanding, including delicious Italian dishes in the forest. The newly renovated tents are cozy, featuring a motorized roof for stargazing. We enjoyed a night game drive with close encounters with lions and a honey badger, and during the day, we witnessed four lions catching a buffalo.
- **Serengeti Green Camp**: Situated deep in the Serengeti wilderness, this camp is both comfortable and well-equipped with excellent food and attentive staff. The team spent hours teaching bow techniques to the kids. We had great views of the crossing and the migration, as well as a nice guided bush walk close to the camp. Special thanks to Irene and her team for making our stay memorable.
I hope to return to Tanzania in the future, perhaps for a fly-camp trek with Wilderness/Wayo Africa.
**Travel Planning and Support**
Eliza, our travel designer, was exceptional in her support. We had numerous discussions to perfect the itinerary, and her expertise, patience, and assistance were invaluable. She delivered an unforgettable experience filled with cherished memories. I highly recommend working with her!
**Guiding Experience**
Our guide, Rajab, was instrumental in maintaining a positive atmosphere. He drove safely and even assisted less experienced drivers. Rajab was fantastic with the kids and provided us with excellent views of the wildlife and landscape. His careful and resourceful nature allowed him to accommodate changes and requests seamlessly. Thank you, Raj!
**Trip Highlights: Wayo Green Camps**
- **Manyara Green Camp**: This camp is breathtakingly beautiful. Vincent and his team were welcoming and great with the kids. The food was outstanding, including delicious Italian dishes in the forest. The newly renovated tents are cozy, featuring a motorized roof for stargazing. We enjoyed a night game drive with close encounters with lions and a honey badger, and during the day, we witnessed four lions catching a buffalo.
- **Serengeti Green Camp**: Situated deep in the Serengeti wilderness, this camp is both comfortable and well-equipped with excellent food and attentive staff. The team spent hours teaching bow techniques to the kids. We had great views of the crossing and the migration, as well as a nice guided bush walk close to the camp. Special thanks to Irene and her team for making our stay memorable.
I hope to return to Tanzania in the future, perhaps for a fly-camp trek with Wilderness/Wayo Africa.
Written September 25, 2024
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.
Tom B
Hong Kong, China149 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We were recommended by a friend to use Wayo. It didn’t disappoint and would recommend to anyone. Superb in all facets.
Our guides were all PASSIONATE about what they did. Infectiously so. They would be as excited as we were about seeing the wildlife, deeply knowledgeable and also went out of their way to try and give us the best experience. Thank you Emanuel, you were a star.
The camps are great. Eco-conscious yet very comfortable. The Wayo camps in particular bring you very close to nature. Wayo Green Camp in Lake Manyara is stunning. Beneath a waterfall, surround with the sands of a seasonal stream, where you sit by the fire, eat, see the wildlife. The partner camps share a similar ethos and are also excellent. Very comfortable.
The staff across all camps were incredibly kind and couldn’t have done more. Lovely people who we loved spending time with, were so interesting to chat to and such great hosts.
Finally, we had the luck of spending a couple of evenings with Jean, the founder, who really summed up the ethos of what he has built. Lovely guy, takes care of his staff, trains them superbly well, so they love him back, very conscious of the footprint his camps have and the important message they leave with visitors. He personally couldn’t do enough for us also. Thank you Jean. We look forward to watching your next TV show.
Superb. Would recommend WAYO to anyone who travels to Tanzania.
Our guides were all PASSIONATE about what they did. Infectiously so. They would be as excited as we were about seeing the wildlife, deeply knowledgeable and also went out of their way to try and give us the best experience. Thank you Emanuel, you were a star.
The camps are great. Eco-conscious yet very comfortable. The Wayo camps in particular bring you very close to nature. Wayo Green Camp in Lake Manyara is stunning. Beneath a waterfall, surround with the sands of a seasonal stream, where you sit by the fire, eat, see the wildlife. The partner camps share a similar ethos and are also excellent. Very comfortable.
The staff across all camps were incredibly kind and couldn’t have done more. Lovely people who we loved spending time with, were so interesting to chat to and such great hosts.
Finally, we had the luck of spending a couple of evenings with Jean, the founder, who really summed up the ethos of what he has built. Lovely guy, takes care of his staff, trains them superbly well, so they love him back, very conscious of the footprint his camps have and the important message they leave with visitors. He personally couldn’t do enough for us also. Thank you Jean. We look forward to watching your next TV show.
Superb. Would recommend WAYO to anyone who travels to Tanzania.
Written July 30, 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.
Gridpal
Meerssen, The Netherlands4 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Our Safari was booked with Wayo Africa by Explore Tanzania NL
Everything was well organised and met with our expectations.
A safari guide can make or break your experience.
The guide we had, definitely made ours!
Iddy Simba was our guide and driver during the 11 days of our safari in several wild parks inTanzania.
He turned out to be a friendly, easy going, good humoured and knowledgable guide and an excellent driver.
His knowledge about the wildlife, birds and vegetation of Tanzania is uncanny and very broad, particularly considering his young age.
He not only knows where to find the animals and what they are named, but also told us everything else he knew about them which was very informative and interesting.
Apart from all this we would like to mention that his easy going and very pleasant personality and his disarming sense of humour made our safari in Tanzania a memorable one.
We hope he can realize his dreams and wish him all the best in future.
Everything was well organised and met with our expectations.
A safari guide can make or break your experience.
The guide we had, definitely made ours!
Iddy Simba was our guide and driver during the 11 days of our safari in several wild parks inTanzania.
He turned out to be a friendly, easy going, good humoured and knowledgable guide and an excellent driver.
His knowledge about the wildlife, birds and vegetation of Tanzania is uncanny and very broad, particularly considering his young age.
He not only knows where to find the animals and what they are named, but also told us everything else he knew about them which was very informative and interesting.
Apart from all this we would like to mention that his easy going and very pleasant personality and his disarming sense of humour made our safari in Tanzania a memorable one.
We hope he can realize his dreams and wish him all the best in future.
Written February 21, 2024
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.
Mark M
Granite Bay, CA4 contributions
Aug 2022
I do not understand why I could not get a response to multiple requests to book a walking safari. Everything I read led me to believe this was a premier company now leading walking safaris in the Serengeti.
It is so hard to find authentic walking safaris in Africa anymore. We were so excited to hear about Wayo Africa. I sent in an inquiry and received an immediate response. I replied with our dates and have never heard back. I have sent several emails asking for feedback with no response.
Maybe they only want to work with tour operators. That is fine with me but please let me know. My wife and I have traveled extensively in Africa and have never been ignored by any company. Since then, I have contacted ATR. They are amazing and responsive.
The lack of any response should worry any traveler in Africa. All is good until something goes wrong on a planned safari. I have zero confidence Wayo Africa would be there to support you.
I do not write negative experiences. The complete lack of response is unacceptable.
It is so hard to find authentic walking safaris in Africa anymore. We were so excited to hear about Wayo Africa. I sent in an inquiry and received an immediate response. I replied with our dates and have never heard back. I have sent several emails asking for feedback with no response.
Maybe they only want to work with tour operators. That is fine with me but please let me know. My wife and I have traveled extensively in Africa and have never been ignored by any company. Since then, I have contacted ATR. They are amazing and responsive.
The lack of any response should worry any traveler in Africa. All is good until something goes wrong on a planned safari. I have zero confidence Wayo Africa would be there to support you.
I do not write negative experiences. The complete lack of response is unacceptable.
Written August 31, 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.
Dear traveller,
Thank you for flagging this with us. We have had issues with our contact form on the website over the past 2 weeks - sincere apologies as this issue has only been flagged to us over the past couple of days. We would love to help you experience the wonder of a walking safari with Wayo so thank you for reaching out - hopefully our web issue won't put you off. Please contact me on catherine@wayoafrica.com
Kind regards
Written September 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellie T
16 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
My husband and I arrived in Arusha for the first day of our honeymoon and wanted a taste of local life. We arranged an Arusha cultural city experience and whilst the activity itself wasn’t worth the $70 per person cost, what made the tour exceptional was our tour guide, Protas. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable of the local area and of Africa’s history as a whole, he was attentive and catered the tour to our requests. He made us feel extremely safe, and was clearly passionate about what he did.
If you are considering this tour, I’d recommend requesting he host it.
If you are considering this tour, I’d recommend requesting he host it.
Written August 11, 2024
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.
Sophia & Sten
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
I cannot say enough good things about WAYO. Catherine from the team at HQ helped us with everything to create the perfect trip, and Joseph our tour guide was wonderful. He drove us around for 8 days, was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, personable and we feel that we made a friend for life. The wayo camps are in the most incredible locations and they do everything to make your experience perfect from start to finish. They have thought of everything. The guys running the camps are kind, sweet and caring and took care of us. The beds in the camps were real beds and more comfortable than any beds in the lodges. They manage to create so much comfort even in the walking camps. A five star dinner experience at every meal, under the blue skies, trees and stars. I cannot teccomend this enough, it was the trip of a lifetime.
Written July 4, 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.
vishal k
New York City, New York
Hi there, i am interested in this 10 day safari. Could you provide me link to where i can find info on this?
Written November 14, 2021
Hi!
I would like to know your honest opinion about doing a Safari during April?
Does it rains a lot at the point we wouldn't enjoy it?
Thanks!
Written February 5, 2019
We've used Wayo Africa in the past as well, and were delighted. We're having some trouble getting in touch with them. May I ask who their US agent was that you used? Thanks!
Written August 8, 2017
Lauren Smith was my contact there! Lauren [at] wayoafrica
Written August 9, 2017
If I'm interested in going to Tanzania for about two weeks what kind of vaccinations would I need to get ? And what essentials medications should I take on the trip? Thank you
Written May 26, 2015
Hi Bob, thanks for the great review. We are happy you enjoyed the safari. Jean
Written March 9, 2015
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