After much searching for a safari in TZ., we contacted 'Best days safari' and from the first email contact to the last email, everything was perfect. We were staying on Zanzibar so needed transfers and flights, we were given private transfers from our hotel to the airport and return, flights from Zanzibar to and from Arusha, private transfers from Arusha airport to our overnight hotel stay in Arusha. We were told to be up, dressed and ready to leave for Tarangine National park at 7:30. At 7:30 our driver and guide was there waiting for us in the lobby. A very polite introduction from Jackson our guide and we were loaded up and off. The truck was very clean and comfortable. Jackson gave us an en-route commentary, pointing out numerous places of interest and and any local wildlife we came across. The drive to Tarangine was soon over and we entered the park. Within minutes Jackson had found and pointed out a Bushbuck and shortly after we came across Wildebeast and Zebra herds. After another few minutes Jackson had managed to spot a Giraffe that was laying on the ground sleeping ( if it wasn't for Jackson's keen eyes we probably would have missed it), during the rest of our day we managed to see quite a few elephants, lions, ostriches and loads of birdlife, the highlight being a pair of Lesser Kudu. Our first night was spent at Octagon lodge, a very comfortable, eco-friendly lodge. The food there was outstanding and plentiful. We used the bar in the evening for a cold beer or two, which were very reasonably priced. Next morning we were up early to gain an early entry into the Ngorongoro crater, it was well worth the effort! within minutes we were treated to a huge adult male lion, followed by Black rhino's, hippo's, wildebeast, Zebra, Gazelles, antelopes, hyeana's and lots of different bird species, all identified by Jackson for us. Breakfast was in the park, a pre-packed meal from the lodge. Then it was time for more wildlife!! after lunch and another drive it was time to return to Octagon lodge. A shower and another wonderful evening meal was followed by a lovely evening chatting with Jackson. Day 3 saw us packing our luggage into the back of the truck and a short drive the Lake Manyara national park for a fantastic day seeing Baboons and other primates, lions, elephants, giraffes, numerous birds species, hippos, gazelles, antelopes and more. It was then back to Arusha airport for our flight back to Zanzibar.
We have used numerous guides and guide companies in various places around the world, but 'Best days safari' were probably the best we have used, they certainly live up to their name. If you do decide to book with them, ask for Jackson, you won't regret it, he is such a polite, knowledgeable, approachable and funny guy, he's a real credit to Best days.
We had an amazing time on Safari with Beat Days Safari. Everything from the hospitality of our guide Isaac to the communication with the amazing Yuna we couldn’t have wished for a better experience. The tour was very special and all the accommodation and accompanying amnesties were exceptional! Thank you!!