5 Days Camping and Big Five Safari in Tanzania

"Our mission was simple: arrive in Arusha and scour the streets in search of a good budget safari operator. We talked to many operators but none could offer us other people to share the costs with except Meru Slopes. We discovered them through a tour on the street and were apprehensive to go into their office but I'm sure glad we did. It's located within the Arusha Tourist Inn on the main road. Emmanuel was our point of contact and he was very professional, honest, and caring. They were organizing trips leaving the next couple of days that had vacancies. He was thorough in explaining to us the schedule and what exactly was included (no hidden fees or additional costs). The price was good and we felt comfortable enough to sign up for a five-day safari. Afterwards, he even showed us a really yummy local place to eat. My partner's birthday happened to fall during the safari and so I asked Emmanuel to pass on a little cash and message to the cook to see if he could help me organize a cake and candles for that day. He didn't let me down and the birthday celebrations went smoothly."

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"The actual safari was amazing. The driver, Ziggy, was great; very popular with all the locals, smiley, easy-going, professional, funny, and a good driver and laser-eyed guide. The cook created good plentiful dishes for all of us. The vehicle was similar to all the other off-road vehicles and sat up to seven guests. Our group of six decided to rotate seat rows which I found very fair and the way to do it."

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"My favorite was Ngorongoro for the shear concentration of animals and being able to spot the infamous black rhino. Serengeti was great as well. We got to see the great migration as well as many lions, cheetahs, and leopards. We were so lucky and got to see everything that we wanted. The only thing I would've changed would've been to do Lake Manyara first (if at all, as opposed to last) and then Tarangire, Serengeti, and finally Ngorongoro. Because if you do Manyara last like we did, it's just not exciting unless you're a bird-person."

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"The sleeping situation was totally fine, if not exciting at times. Sunbright had permanent tents for lodging and it was comfortable with the Wi-Fi (which didn't work most times), electricity, beds, mosquito nets, and en-suite bathrooms. Camping in the Serengeti was fun with all the animal noises outside your tents. Ngorongoro's campsite on the crater rim was a bit chilly but not as cold as I had imagined. It was more beautiful than anticipated so that was a good surprise."

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"Overall, Meru Slopes was great. I have no complaints and only praises for them. I totally recommend booking your safari with them. If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask me."

TripAdvisor website, edited

"Geoffrey was very professional and responsive among all the tour operators I contacted before the trip so I decided to safari with them. Everything went seamless from the pick-up to the trip. My airline lost my bag on the way to Tanzania so I had to be on a safari without my bag. It could have been a very unpleasant experience but Geoffrey contacted the airline on a daily basis on my behalf while I was on safari, and my bag was waiting for me at the end of the trip. I appreciate Geoffrey and the Meru Slopes staff for this. "

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"He also arranged a taxi to Moshi which was my next destination. The safari trip was amazing. Although one thing I noticed was that the drivers are working for multiple companies and you may end up sharing a jeep with other folks booked with other companies. Things happen with drivers that can be out of the tour operator's control but Geoffrey was responsive and put effort to make my trip pleasant. I would strongly recommend Meru Slopes to others."

TripAdvisor website, edited

"I recommend Meru Slopes Tours for a really great safari, and for a great price! Our trip was a five-day safari in Tanzania, where we camped for two nights and actually stayed in permanent tents with attached bathrooms and showers for two nights, which was an upgrade from what we were quoted. The food was really great, and it was fantastic to get a warm meal at the end of the day. Our guide, Estome, was very knowledgeable, and spent as much time as we wanted viewing the animals. We also saw the Big Five, not guaranteed of course, but a great bonus for us. We had an amazing time camping at the top of Ngorongoro, and it's pretty surreal to be sleeping next to god-knows-what animal walking around your tent. It's truly incredible (and safe, don't worry)."

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"The company was great and with the transfers and the hotel stay (Arusha Tourist Inn, a very decent hotel for sleeping), it was a smooth experience and a great deal. They also helped us organize a duo taxi trip and hike to see the waterfall, which was above and beyond. We basically used the Arusha Tourist Inn just to sleep at, but it was a decent and clean hotel, better than I thought it would be. Geoffrey was always prompt in email correspondence, which put me at ease, and answered all my questions. Be sure to ask him anything you are uncertain of. The company is very eager to please, and wants to make sure you have a good time. That was definitely felt from our experience with them."

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"Breakfast and dinner were generally quite filling, lunch was a packed lunch, more of a basics situation but decent, and there was a variety of samosas and breads. Dinner was really great and we were impressed with Tanzania's system for safaris. There were many people getting similar safaris through other companies that were spending much more money."

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"Things to know but not related to this tour company: The road to Serengeti is bumpy and very dusty. It can be helpful to have a hat and coverings so you won't be so coated in dust. Ngorongoro could get quite chilly so keep that in mind when packing. Pack toilet paper and comfy clothes for post-safari. "

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"I really can't imagine getting a better deal and I highly recommend this company for a budget safari. I was a little concerned when booking a budget safari but, to be honest, I wouldn't change a thing. Don't hesitate, it's such a great experience and a great deal!"

TripAdvisor website, edited

"I was in Tanzania to do a five-day safari with Meru Slopes. I must say it was perfect. They picked us up at the Nairobi airport, we stayed at their hotel (quite nice) the day before and on the last day which was included in the price. The guide was a very passionate guy with great knowledge of the animals and the area, the cook was also great (cooked very tasty food). We saw the Big Five! We had no problems with the accommodation. Actually, on the first night, the "tent" was a bungalow and there was a swimming pool at the park. It was a dream trip and Meru Slopes made it real!"

TripAdvisor website, edited

"I was a woman traveling alone and would highly recommend Meru Slopes Tours and Safaris. Emanual organised all my tours, picking me up and delivering me back to my hotel, as well as helping me with any other needs I had. I felt safe at all times and enjoyed everything he organized for me. The safari was wonderful and I particularly enjoyed two village stays he organized. First was in a Maasai village which was so different from any experience I've ever had. Two Maasai men picked me up from my hotel and took me by bus, walking, motorbike, and further walking to the village. They explained all aspects of the village life and the village family, though not speaking much English, welcomed me and treated me with much love and respect. The second village was very different from the Maasai village but also a wonderful experience where I made close connections with a number of people. I experienced a village funeral of a young girl, went to a church service, and took things to enjoy and share with the children. Once again, everyone welcomed me and treated me like I was special. All in all, I had a wonderful time and would recommend a village experience for everyone as well as a safari."

Meru Slopes Tours and Safaris Facebook page, edited