Before You Arrive

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Pony Bonnyman 
 
August 31, 2026
 
 
 Verified 
An utterly fantastic experience
I engaged Nyamera Treks and Safaris on the recommendation of a very large, well-respected African tour organization that felt Nyamera would meet my needs. They definitely did. I let them know I would like to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and do a fairly extensive safari to follow. From the very first communication, Gift Living (co-owner with George Temba) was swiftly responsive and informative to my many questions. Unlike many people, I arranged this trip in less than two months, but the company made it easy for me. I stayed two nights in a modest hotel (by my request), and did some low-key acclimation walking for two days. Do take time to take the waterfall and coffee making tour on one of your pre-hike afternoons, if you can. Once I met my Kilimanjaro guide, Jackson, I had access to his expertise and guidance. For example, he determined that I would need a heavier jacket and mountain pants, and accompanied me to a place that rented to me for a very reasonable fee. I am a fast climber with lots of experience up to 14,000 to 14,500 feet. With acclimation in mind, Gift set me up for a seven-day expedition. I thought this was probably too slow for me, but I understand the need to err on the side of caution. Thankfully, Jackson recognized my fitness and abilities, and we ended up summiting and exiting the park after just three and a half days (first day was a half day). I really appreciate the trust in me and willingness to be flexible according to my abilities. As I'd anticipated, my skills and fitness carried me fairly easily to base camp (Barrafu) 15,000 feet. Jackson and I summited, stayed up top, and made it back to base camp in 8 hours. The climb from base camp to Stella Point is very, very steep and challenging, given the continuously dwindling air supply. I found the last 6/10ths of a mile to the top also very slow and grueling; there's not much air at 19,000 feet! We left the summit and went all the way down to exit the park in late afternoon. The guidance and skills of Jackson were outstanding. The food and meal service were excellent; my only caveat is that there was much too much of it, for me! That's much better than not enough, of course. I couldn't ask for a better Kilimanjaro experience and I applaud the whole team for making it happen. ~~ On Safari, I flew to the northern Serengeti from Kilimanjaro airport in Arusha. I expected a slow introduction to the wildlife, but in just the first afternoon my eyes were stuffed with incredible sightings. Thinking back, it almost seems as if the wildlife was wall-to-wall in the northern Serengeti. George accompanied me with Peter, the guide. Peter was deeply knowledgeable about not just the wildlife, but the ecosystem, geology, politics and other factors that make Tanzania's parks so special. The central Serengeti was not as densely populate with wildlife, but if anything, the show was better. Ngorongoro Crater was much the same, and allowed me to check the last animal off my list of hoped-for sightings, both black and white rhinos. The final day's short drive through Tarangiri National Park gave me the opportunity to see some animals I didn't even expect to see, such as mongoose. The accommodations at safari lodges were spectacularly luxurious, clean and stunningly beautiful. I have literally never traveled in such posh circumstances. If I have any advice, go with another person! I loved the lodges and town hotels, but it would have been even more fun with a companion. Be advised that in between "game drives," there is a good deal of commuting on wash-boarded, dusty roads between regions and lodges. Again, having a companion or two will serve you, making those hours pass more swiftly. As I suggested to George, I do wish there were a "tips included" option for safari and Kili packages both. I of course loved the friendliness and helpfulness of all staff, porters, etc., and I fully wanted to compensate them generously. That was, for me, somewhat confusing. I had to visit ATMs several times, and I was never really sure of appropriate tip amounts or protocols for whom I should be tipping, and for what. Again, this is not about me not wanting to tip generously, but rather about my stress at not really knowing how best to do that. A friend told me that cruise ships often offer a "tips included" package, whereby the clients pay up front, and the company handles distribution. I think this would be most welcome, except perhaps tipping main players such as guides. I came to feel like I'd made swift friendships on the climb and safari, especially with Jackson, George and Peter. They all worked hard to ensure I had an incredibly memorable experience and I cannot recommend Nyamera highly enough. To reiterate my few suggestions: * Travel with at least one companion * Expect some long days in transit * In the absence of a "tips included" policy, I would suggest bringing at least $2,000-$3,000 in cash to cover the myriad tipping situations you will encounter. And talk to previous travelers to learn more about how they handled gratuities. Overall, a fantastic experience. Thanks to everyone at Nyamera!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Sol G 
 
July 8, 2026
 
 
 Verified 
The best safari experience ever
We had an amazing experience with Nyamera Treks & Safaris. Their service was excellent from start to finish, and they were always attentive to every detail. The entire team was kind, professional, and made us feel very well taken care of. Our guide was truly the best, knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about making the experience unforgettable. We highly recommend them!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Tamara V 
 
June 27, 2026
 
 
 Verified 
Lifetime Safari
Our safari exceeded every expectation and was truly the trip of a lifetime. Our guide was exceptional—extremely knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly skilled at spotting wildlife. Thanks to his expertise, we were able to see all of the amazing animals we had hoped for, including multiple leopard and cheetah sightings, which is incredibly rare. One of the highlights of our trip was witnessing the Great Migration, an unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever. Beyond the wildlife, our guide taught us so much about Tanzania, its people, culture, and traditions, making the journey even more meaningful. From the very beginning, we felt genuinely cared for. The entire team treated us like family and made sure we were comfortable, safe, and enjoying every moment. We couldn't have asked for a better safari experience and highly recommend this company to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sunshine323835 
 
June 13, 2026
 
 
 Verified 
Serval Wildlife
I traveled from the United States to Zanzibar, Tanzania, in June and booked a trip to Serval Wildlife through Nyamera Treks and Safari. Gift was incredibly patient throughout the planning process, as I frequently changed my mind between visiting Serval Wildlife and the Serengeti. Each time, he promptly updated the itinerary and provided pricing for the different options. Despite the time difference, his responses were always quick, professional, and detailed. The quotes and itineraries he provided were well organized and professionally presented, which gave me confidence in the booking process. Gift arranged all transportation for my husband and me, from Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro, to Serval Wildlife, and back to our hotels. I was very nervous about paying upfront, but Gift reassured me every step of the way by using secure payment methods and providing receipts for every transaction. Everything was handled smoothly and professionally, and I truly appreciated his excellent communication, patience, and attention to detail. I would highly recommend Nyamera Treks and Safari to anyone planning a trip to Tanzania.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Nilan G 
 
March 9, 2026
 
 
 Verified 
Memorable Family Safari highly Recommended
Our 5day family safari with Nyamera Treks and Safaris was an unforgettable, From the moment the trip started, everything was perfectly organized and the team made us feel welcome and safe. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and nature. He helped us spot incredible animals Seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, and so many other animals . The accommodations were comfortable, the food was great. The company really understands how to create a safari that is enjoyable for both adults and kids. This trip gave our family memories that will last a lifetime. If you are planning a safari in Tanzania, we highly recommend Nyamera Treks and Safaris for their professionalism, friendly service, and amazing safari experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Nesta O 
 
August 10, 2025
 
 
 Verified 
Book with Nyamera!
I am a teenager, so I am writing from a young perspective. Our experience in Tanzania was awesome, from the animal experiences to the tribal ones! But, what made it most special where our guides, George, the owner and founder of Nyamera, and Hussein our wildlife expert. Anything we asked to see, they would find for us! We spent 2 hours watching a lioness hunt. In the beginning of the trip I told Hussein that one of our guides earlier in the trip found a chameleon in the dark. So, on our very last day we pull over onto the side of the road and he comes back with a chameleon on his finger. We were all in shock, as I had said this as a joke, but if you really want to see something Nyamera will try their very hardest to find that for you. If you have any desire at all to go to Tanzania, then book with Nyamera!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Vanessa K 
 
July 25, 2025
 
 
 Verified 
Older Couple – Slow Pace, Big Comfort
We are both in our early 60s and were looking for a trip that didn’t feel too rushed. Nyamera Treks and Safaris helped organize a safari that suited our pace. The guide always made sure we had time to stretch, take photos, and never felt hurried. The lodges were comfortable and had everything we needed. Seeing the animals in the Serengeti was a dream come true, and we especially enjoyed watching the sunset over the savannah. It was calm, quiet, and truly special.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Vetmcc 
 
July 23, 2025
 
 
 Verified 
Great Introduction to Tanzania Felt Welcomed from Day One
This was my first trip to Tanzania and my first safari ever. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was warmly welcomed and guided throughout. The driver picked me up on time, explained what the day would look like, and made sure I had enough water and snacks. The scenery was stunning – endless open landscapes, acacia trees, and animals I’ve only seen in books. The guide didn’t just show us the animals; he told stories and gave context, which made it more meaningful. I left with a real appreciation for the country.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Gregory O 
 
July 21, 2025
 
 
 Verified 
Personal seven day Safari and tribal experience
George and the crew at Nyamera are the best! The personalized care that they gave myself in my family was unmatched. The personalized touch we were able to put on the trip, as well as their personalized touch made it an unforgettable trip. They really took the time to make sure that every little detail was taken care of. George, Hussein, and the rest of the crew have become family.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Nancy S 
 
June 11, 2025
 
 
 Verified 
Nyamera is the BEST!
When I first reached out to Nyamera, I was concerned our Tanzanian trip was in jeopardy because based on conversations I had with other operators, we couldn’t afford to do all the things we wanted to experience. I was immediately put at ease by the owner’s amazing communication skills and his abilities to get everything we wanted on the itinerary within our budget. His follow up and organization was always very clear and we landed at Kiliminjaro Airport ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Our trip could not have been organized any better. Our guide was incredibly experienced and knowledgeable and showed genuine concern for our happiness. All the lodging was unique and comfortable and the meals exceeded our expectations. Our guide went out of his way to make sure we experienced all the wildlife sightings we desired. Lions in trees and posing on rocks, cheetahs with babies and carrying a fresh kill. We watched a lioness stalk a herd of wildebeest for 2 hours. We chased the migration and saw huge herds of wildebeest and zebras. Our minds were blown every day! We also had interactions with the Masai, Hadzabe and Dagota tribes which we highly recommend. And, don’t miss the forest walk at Lake Maynara, it was epic! We sang songs together in the Land Cruiser and learned about each other’s families. We arrived as clients, but we left as friends. This trip changed us. It bonded our family and it was worth EVERY penny. Do not hesitate to book with Nyamera! We will always arrange our Africa travel with them and recommend to all our friends and family as well!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 28 reviews