We planned our trip to Tanzania late last year with our itinerary and accommodations. After sending our plan to several companies, we compared prices, communication, and overall responsiveness. We chose Meru Slopes, who not only helped us refine our itinerary but also made all the necessary bookings. From the moment we were picked up at the airport to the end of our journey, everything went smoothly.
This was an absolutely perfect and joyful trip, and a significant part of that is thanks to our incredible guide, Samwel. Over ten days, he helped us achieve nearly all the wildlife sightings we had dreamed of before coming to Tanzania. Samwel would discuss with us which animals we aimed to see in the different national parks or areas, using his 16 years of experience and sharp instincts to lead us to find them. We were thrilled to witness the Big Five, observe seven river crossings in just two and a half days—two of which were on a mega scale—and countless lions, including rare moments of feeding, hunting, and even a private sighting of an adorable lion cub. We also had close encounters with the leopard, 3 cheetah brothers, and many more.
Samwel’s extensive experience allowed him to often predict the movements of the animals, enabling us to outmaneuver other vehicles and secure the best viewing spots. What impressed us even more was that, despite his years of guiding, Samwel remained passionate and enthusiastic. He would engage us in conversations about local culture, history, and animal behavior. And whenever he suddenly accelerated and became serious, we knew something exciting was about to happen and prepared our cameras. One of the things we appreciated most was Samwel’s respect for the wildlife. No matter the speed of the vehicle, he drove steadily and carefully, ensuring that our presence did not disturb the animals.
He also communicated with us in advance about the next day’s departure times, park exits, and special timings, ensuring our itinerary ran like clockwork. Even small requests, like watching the sunset at a particular hotel, were perfectly fulfilled.
Meru Slopes and Samwel made thorough preparations for our trip. The food was good, and the vehicle was in good condition. No matter how dusty the previous day had been, the car was always spotless inside and out the next morning. Samwel provided us with fresh bottled water daily, and the car was always stocked with Coca-Cola, beer, wine, and more.
This trip exceeded all our expectations, and we highly recommend Meru Slopes and Samwel to anyone planning a safari in Tanzania.