We had a short timeframe for a visit to the game parks in Tanzania thus selected MERU SLOPES for our budget three day camping safari departing from Arusha. Geofrey was excellent at communicating with us via email in a very timely manner and answered all our questions or confirmed all was on schedule. Everything he told us was followed through without a glitch and on time.
We were picked up on arrival at the Arusha airport by our safari driver and taken to our hotel that was not affiliated with the company. So nice since were were strangers to the area and country.
Promptly the next morning, as scheduled, we were picked up to start the three day safari. After stopping to pick up another couple to make a total of 8 in our group, 4 in ours, 2 newlyweds and the driver and cook, we headed towards Serengeti. We stopped for a short while at their outfitting station to pick up the camping gear and other needed supplies that were loaded in and onto the top of the truck.
The truck was the standard used in the business, a Toyota 8 seater with a pop-up roof and opening side windows. The seats for comfort were adequate with enough legroom. Being that the roads were quite rough throughout the trip once entering the parks, we were provided camp pillows to use as a cushion between each of us as needed mainly between the metal wall of the truck to provide a nice soft buffer as we bounced about.
Our driver stopped whenever requested for photos and answered all our related inquiries about the animals, people and country. Our cook provided adaquate and good meals for, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everyone was impressed that he even baked donut’s and rolls from scratch over a camp fire that tasted rather good. We had plenty of water or soda on the trip that was provided though not cold. In the Ngorongira camp ground we could buy beer and snacks in the dining building. All campgrounds had a cooking area for the camp cooks, an eating area for the campers and a restroom/bath house. All were adequate.
What was even more surprising is that we had internet access in the truck the entire trip which came in handy on our phones.
There were also a couple of outlets to charge up needed cameras and phones but best to make sure you have a proper electrical adapter as required for outlets in Tanzania.
The gear provided for camping was basic, a sleeping pad, pillow, sleeping bag and a sturdy canvass tent with ample room for two. It seemed most all the other companies camping in the same area had the exact same tents. The tents were set up and taken down by our driver and cook of which unfortunately their names escape me at this time.
We were on safari during the end of the dry season thus dusty roads but no mud or bugs to speak of, though we took malaria meds to play it safe.
We saw plenty of wildlife, the big 5, though the rhino in Ngorongoro crater was way off on a hillside. Plenty of elephants, lions, giraffes, Cape buffalo, zebras, cheetah, hippopotamus and plenty of hyena, wildebeest, wort hogs and many different kinds of antelope types. Our best viewing turned out to be in Serengeti verses the crater which surprised me.
Our safari was in late September and though it was very comfortable during the day temperature wise, at night, especially at the campground on the ridge at Ngorngoro crater, it got a bit chilly, especially when the wind came up.
Useful items to bring: a warm jacket in the late season, a flashlight thus not to run your phone battery down as most use their phone for photos and to look for animals typically grazing in the campground after dark like Cape Buffalo as we found outside our tent, a small towel for washing up and showering in the campground, flip flops to use in the shower or to go to the restroom at night and for use in your tent, toilet paper, decent pair of compact binoculars, lens cloth for camera cleaning, outlet converter and a few snacks to munch on as needed. Also bring along some shillings and US $$ as they come in handy for buying snacks at the park entrance or souvenirs from shops or the Maasai people you will encounter along the trip. We stopped in a Maasai village between Serengeti and Ngorngoro crater of which I was not to keen on at first but glad we did in the end as I learned a lot about their culture, bought a few souvenirs to support the community along with the entry
fee that the chief collected for their village. He stated the funds are used for buying water from the deliver truck and other necessities for the village that I take for granted at home.
All in our group were in their mid 60’s where most in our campground were under 30 but we faired very well and three days of safari was a great experience and an adequate time that we spent in the truck and camping.
I would recommend Meru Slopes Safaris to anyone that’s looking for that type of a safari experience. We booked directly with them on their website after a failed attempt through Orbitz. Just be sure to always reconfirm reservations as it’s a good practice whether for accommodations or excursions.
Have safe and fun travels!
Wow, what an experience! I'd highly r
recommend Meru Slopes for an incredible African safari!!
They were prompt picking us up at the airport & dropping us back ( no extra charge) even though we stayed at a hotel other than theirs.
Our guide & cook were both amazing. Floren made sure we saw the big 5 & answered all our questions. He was very knowledgeable & met all our needs. Bugar our cook did a fantastic job as well, fixing us three hot meals of their local cuisine per day. Always smiling & very helpful.
This was a once in a life time trip for us
but if I were to do it again I'd use the same outfit.
Floren & Bugar thank you so much!!
Could not have asked for a better safari experience! The organisation, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm of Meru Slopes’ staff was unreal throughout the entire weekend. Myself and my friends (group of 10 altogether) had a brilliant time and even got to see he big five within the first two hours of being in the Serengeti. The staff were so attentive to detail and made special efforts for us to see animals that are rare to come across on safari (eg leopard and cheetah).
The tents and camping facilities were good and reliable and the food was amazing. Our chef, Moshi, went above and beyond to cater to myself and one of my friends as we both have allergies, and we truly did not have to worry about a thing the entire weekend.
Genuinely so happy with the experience and would definitely recommend Meru Slopes to anyone booking a safari in Tanzania.