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+1
We had the most incredible time with Sima Safari! From beginning to end we could not fault them. Having spent 2 weeks in Zanzibar, we decided to extend our stay for an additional 5 days so that we could do a safari on the mainland. After some extensive research, we settled on Sima Safari as the best option for us since their reviews were excellent and they were incredibly accommodating when we spoke to them via WhatsApp. They listened and offered us a trip which suited our budget, the time we had and our goals (to see the big 5 which of course was not guaranteed!). Sima took care of everything: Zanzibar hotel to airport transfers (to and from), the flights to Arusha/from Kilimanjaro airport (we arrived and left from different airports due to flight times), our transfer to the safari accommodation, the accommodation itself and all meals/refreshments. The only time we had a slight reservation was when we were asked for the safari payment up front. This was to secure the flight and the only reason it was necessary was due to our late booking. I don't think they would normally request this but even if they do, their driver collected the money from our hotel and we received our flight information within 3 hours so no harm done! Do not be concerned if this happens to you, Sima is a very honest and respectable company and there is no need to worry. When we were met by our driver and tour guide, Emmanuel, we were shocked and excited to learn that the car was booked only for us and so we had a huge truck with refreshments, plugs to charge electronics, wifi and an open top to ourselves! This was a huge advantage and we were over the moon. The drive to our accommodation (Marera Valley Lodge) was around 3 hours and we passed through many small villages on the way which was interesting with Emmanual answering all of our questions along the way. The lodge itself was out of this world; huge outdoor pool (warning: unheated!), big wooden cabin giving it a cosy feel with large bar and dining room. Our room was incredible with a huge modern bathroom, two giant double beds and a balcony which overlooked the farmland surrounding the lodge. We were blown away! The food both nights was fantastic, if not a little too much, as it incorporated around 4 courses (bread roll, small appetiser, soup, buffet main and dessert). The restaurant also prepared our lunch hampers which consisted of curry and rice, and fresh fruit. The first day was spent at the Ngorongoro Crater and we had the most incredible day driving around the Conservation Area. We saw elephants, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, gazelle, hippos and ostrich. We were also lucky enough to have a male lion walk right alongside our car as we drove and there were two lionesses and their cubs who were also very close by. Black rhino, who are very rare, were abundant on the day we visited and we managed to see 7 of them throughout the day! They were rather far away but Emmanuel had binoculars for us both so we could watch them. The second day was spent at the Lake Manyara National Park which was a different landscape altogether being dense forest alongside the lake. We had an incredible encounter with a herd of around 20 elephants who surrounded the car but took little notice of us. We also saw giraffe, impala, warthogs, baboons and various types of bird however the most exciting part of the whole day was when we caught a glimpse of a leopard. Emmanuel heard through his radio that one had been sighted and so rushed us there so we wouldn't miss it! This was the final member of the big 5 we had needed to see and we were so lucky to have seen it! Just another example of Emmanuel going above and beyond for us! Our whole experience was down to Emmanuel! He had all the answers to our questions and was such great company to both of us! I had mentioned during safari that I would like to buy a book on African mammals and he remembered this on our way to the airport and stopped at 3 different book shops so that I could find the right one. A genuinely kind soul with a passion for safari. Thank you Emmanuel and Sima Safari for memories we will never forget!…
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Date of experience: December 2020
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Jambo! We did a safari for our honeymoon to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, and Lake Manyara which was absolutely amazing! It has always been a bucket list moment and the memories we have will stay with us forever. It was very easy to book this trip and Sima Safari took care of everything so all we had to do was turn up and enjoy it! The transport, lodges, food, safari was all perfectly set out for us. We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Sima Safari who organised it for us and especially our guide Emmanuel. He was friendly, knowledgeable, funny, and made the whole experience amazing for us. We can't thank him enough for everything that he did for us and we hope to come again in the near future and have him as our guide again! We saw all of the big 5 animals and countless others during our trip. We also met so many lovely people who made us feel at home and we can't wait to come and do it again. Asante Sana :) Shafiq & Aisha…
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Date of experience: November 2020
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Review of: Safari Packages and beach holidays
We booked just a few days in advanced 3 safari days and 4 days in Zanzibar. Sima safari toke care for everything, all we needed to was to come. All lodges and hotel were first class, Emanuel our safari guide was awesome! We managed to see all five big. We also recommend Sima safari blue trip in Zanzibar, we had a great time and great food. Good value for money :)…
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Date of experience: October 2020
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Just completed a 9 day safari in Tanzania plus additional 5 days in Zanzibar. All was coordinated by Sima Safari. Everything worked like clock work. The lodges booked were amazing. Sima's guides were fantastic. We did the trip as a self driving tour. The jeep provided was flawless. Highly recommended booking with Sima Safari. …
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Date of experience: September 2020
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+1
Best organizations by Sima Safari Lodges, cars local drivers of the first class.We passed a 8 days without any problems so we can enjoy Complete from the amazing nature.
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Date of experience: August 2020
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