christineljoyce
19 Aug 2025
If you are researching a safari company- I recommend you stop here and book Safari Soles as soon as possible. Though I had been on safari several times previously, this was my first time traveling with my young family. I did a tremendous amount of research before coming back with my husband and two sons (6, 9) and this trip far exceeded our expectations. I first wanted to ensure we were using and supporting a local company (Safari Soles is exclusively owned and run by Tanzanians), and then scoured reviews. I cannot imagine there is a better choice out there than Safari Soles.
From the very beginning, Happiness, who organized our safari, was incredibly responsive, answered the 100s of questions I asked, and offered lots of expertise and advice when I suggested possibilities that she knew would not lead to the best experience. She was honest, prompt, patient and very knowledgeable. She was also able to help connect us with a local charity to support.
Then there was Chief, who picked us up and spent a day guiding us in Arusha. He was so wonderfully kind and helpful. He made my children laugh, made us feel safe when driving around. He guided us through Shanga, then suggested some local shops when trying to find football jerseys and he also suggested and then took us around a local market which was an unforgettable experience and showed us an authentic taste of Tanzania. I could not recommend him more highly and suggest you ask for him if you are looking to spend some time in Arusha.
The most incredible part of our trip however, was the opportunity to meet, learn from, and be guided by Simon “The Safari Monster.” By the end of the week he felt like a part of our family. His kindness, warmth, incredible knowledge and ability to answer every single question we had, his patience with our children and his ability to track and find animals for the most perfect up close experiences was beyond what we ever could have imagined. If you want a once in a lifetime safari filled with memories you will never forget, I would recommend you ask for Simon (and rearrange your dates if he isn’t available!).
He taught us Swahili, he taught us about Tanzanian life and culture, he shared his family with us. He has a profound respect for nature and the animals he has dedicated his life to studying. He was able to help redirect and engage our kids if they got upset, he made them feel comfortable and confident. He cares so deeply about his clients and ensuring they have the best possible experience and he loves his country and his profession so much you leave feeling like you experienced far more than safari. You get a true sense of what a welcoming, spectacular country Tanzania is. Safari Soles, and especially Simon, gave us a week of memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. It’s also worth noting that Simon is an incredible photographer and took stunning photos that he shared (including some wonderful shots of our family!) which allowed us to just enjoy the experience without worrying about taking pictures.
We will never forget the awe on our son’s faces, or the number of times they said “this is incredible.” They rated this trip a one million out of ten and we couldn’t agree more. Asante sana Safari Soles, Happiness, Chief and Simon.
it was perfect the guide was fantastic he explained everything we needed to know about Serengeti, I really wish to go back in Serengeti again with Egreat safari they answered every question we asked about our trip.