One Week in Olduvai Gorge

I have been to Tanzania one other time so I am confident in saying that based on my two experiences, Lights on Africa by FAR EXCEEDED my known expectations. Just WOW, from the minute I arrived to the minute I left, well I did not want to leave. Peniel greeted my Group and made us feel so welcomed. The accommodations were SO fantastic, including the food :) but I must say that my Driver; Ray made my trip incredibly memorable. His many years of working in tourism contributed to the wealth of knowledge Ray has for the hidden trails in each park! Not just main roads but what tree is known for lions. Where the likelihood of seeing a Cheetah and where to find them! Ray knows the terrain of each park, has fantastic knowledge of ALL the animals including birds. We were the same 6 people in his Jeep the entire time, we asked a LOT of questions. Every one was answered thoughtfully, and gave us a sense of 'all knowing' and his mechanical ability!!!!! The terrain is oftentimes deep mud, sandy, water, very rugged and touch but Ray knew which way to steer and how to mitigate our ride, not to mention being the AWESOME DRIVER he is, he always (ALWAYS) stopped to help pull another driver out. I cannot say enough kind words or express gratitude to everyone at Lights on Africa, I felt like I was leaving family when the last wave was waved. I can only look forward to a third time to your beautiful country and know who I will be using; LIGHTS ON AFRICA.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Kate

I can't say enough amazing things about Lights on Africa. From the moment we landed to our final goodbye, we were very well taken care of. All of our accommodations were wonderful and the staff were so personable. Peniel went above and beyond for our group. Everyone that checked their luggage ended up without it for a minimum of 3 days. Peniel went to the airport every day to pick up their bags and make sure they were delivered as soon as possible. I also can't say enough about how awesome our guides were. I personally had Ray as our group driver and he was absolutely the best. He was always having conversations with everyone in our vehicle, answering any questions we had, very knowledgeable about everything, and always got us the best angles for the best pictures. When anyone, even with a different safari company, had any problems he was the first guy to stop and help. Really a top notch guy! Thank you Lights on Africa for the most amazing experience in Tanzania. I can't wait to go back!

Working with Peniel and Anton was an excellent experience. Lights on worked with us to create a life time experience that we were looking for. Lights On Africa’s flexibility with arrangement was second to none. We were looking for an exceptional locally owned and operated tour company, we found it with Lights On Africa. With a nontraditional Maasai owner and local guide with over 10 years of Tanzania travel experience, they delivered on every front. Lights On worked with us to provide a taloyored experience, and didn’t try to upsell us. They didn’t try to push us into a “cookie cutter” package. The local understanding of migration and seasonal ebbs and flows was instrumental in the best experience of our lives. They adjusted some excursion and activities to adapt to what and where things were happening. They continuously communicated with us to maximize our experience.
We traveled from the United States to Tanzania for a three week experience, and although some our travel plans included locations outside of most Safari company’s locations and scopes Lights On Africa provided all of the local transportation needed to get there and back again.
We have a taste for true cultural experience, Lights On Africa worked with local persons in Dar Es Saalam to provide us safe first hand experience at what would have otherwise been a stressful and unpleasant experiences. It was very comforting to know that we had Lights On Africa keeping an eye on us, but not being overly obtrusive or controlling.
Anton’s incredible driving skills, attention to changing weather conditions and knowledge of the land saved us and a few others from spending hours and overnights stranded in the “LandCruser”. It was very comforting knowing that our guide was the sage that other guides turned to get them out of trouble.
Lights On Africa’s expertise and local knowledge put us in the right places at the right times. We were able to witness and experience so much in the time we had it is still overwhelming. The personal, not jammed in with dozens, experiences and Lights On Africa’s attention to us has left us with a life experience, not just a vacation.
We have been to many places globally for work, vacation and cultural experiences; hands down Lights On Africa was the best company that we have worked with. If you are looking for an awesome individually tailored Tanzania experience talk to Lights On Africa.

Whether it's Kilimanjaro, Meru, or Ol Doinyo Lengai, Lights on Africa masters mountaineering adventures. Their expertise and support ensure safe and memorable climbs.

Lights on Africa is not just a fantastic tour operator in Tanzania!
when I read their first review I thought this lady is exaggerating! I was worried all the way from Dubai to Tanzania because I wanted my family to have a great vacation ! I didn’t know them and it was after reading thousands of reviews of different companies and tour operators that I decided to go with them

Let me tell you about it , we are a family of 5 , we have 3 kids , 15 years old girl , 13 years old boy and the little one is 7

Lights on Africa is owned and operated by a real Masai , what does this really mean ?
He was born , raised and started the business from the heart of the most amazing countries to do Safari in
Peneil ( the owner ) knows what to do and where to go to get the best Safari experience in Tanzania
Seriously, I thought Kenya is the best place for Safari but I was wrong , Tanzania has the biggest safari parks with a real chance to see the big five and really enjoy the weather and the people
The food is also very good , and Peneil the owner and the founder made sure that our dietary requirements are met

I remember one of the hotels we stayed didn’t pack us a good lunch so he made calls and our next meal was amazing , but really why choose Lights on Africa

1- Peneil ( the owner ) very friendly and you can talk to him directly
2- group of tour guides that has been doing game drives for more than 10 years , our guide Anthony was amazing and the kids loved him , so you are on safe hand all the time , believe me it’s important in the wild to feel safe
3- choices of hotels and lodges , Peneil knows every single one and can recommend the ones that fits your budget and time
4- he is very patient and easy to talk to and mostly available 24/7 to answer any questions
5- They are not the cheapest but also not the most expensive , you get what you paid for and you will be happy
6- big part of the money you pay will be deviated to support orphan education in Tanzania so it’s also a good cause

Now more good stuff

Choose the fly in drive out option ,

why ? You will arrive in Serengeti ( largest park ) and you will be relaxed and start early to see all the animals , you also will have time to see the great migration so stay another night in Serengeti, it’s worth it

We stayed in Baobab camp which is in the middle of the Savana , experience that will change your life , staff are friendly and very nice , take a jacket as it’s gets really cold in the morning and late at night

We also went to the crater in NGorongoro ( I hope it’s the right spelling ) one night and then to Tarangire home of the Masai , but be aware of the Tsi tsi fly , use insect repellent and try not to get bitten allot ( really don’t worry it’s very safe )


Travel between July and August and return From Arusha to Zanzibar for your beach holiday , I will write about the beach holiday in another post as this one is dedicated to Lights on Africa

Thank you Peneil and Lights on Africa for making our journey memorable and enjoyable , I made a friend as well and a brother ! Thanks for everything

The trip was fabulous in terms of locations and accommodation. The in particular Serengeti is breath-taking with its vastness and plentiful animals.
I felt that the itinerary was a bit too crammed. we were constantly driving and arriving at our accommodation just before dinner. I would have preferred to have a couple of days where we had 2-3 hours "relax" time at our accommodation, to take in the environment and just enjoy being there.
The tour leader was very experienced and knowledgeable and it showed - we saw so much thanks to him.