"Benson Safaris: Thrilling Adventures Await!"
Benson Safaris Tanzania
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Member Of:
- TATO, TTB & IGS
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $4,292 to $20,603 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
DE
Email Peter Kemnitzer & Susanne Moll - filmmaker and photographer | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Refueling our souls on safari with Benson's
We were now already for the second time on the road with Benson Safaris (first time in 2019). It was not only about landscapes, animals and impressions. The special challenge: We shot professionally. This only works if safari guide and photographer/filmer form a perfect team. In both cases we were lucky to have Peter as our guide. Very quickly he understood how we think and what we need. Peter's profound knowledge of the Serengeti and the crater gave us lots of great opportunities for sightings and he made (almost) every wish possible with a lot of commitment. Also vehicle and organization of Benson Safaris are perfect. We always felt safe and cared for. Our son learned a lot including some Suaheli. If you wonder when to visit the Serengeti, now is the time, as not too many people were around. We will be back again with pleasure!
CA
Email Chloe | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Better than I could ever imagine!
My boyfriend and I went on a safari with Benson Safaris this past February. From the moment I inquired with them I knew I had to book with them. They were very responsive from the beginning and made sure we had the perfect 7 night itinerary. we had an amazing guide, Amini who was so friendly and knowledgeable throughout our entire trip. The accommodations and food were beyond what we could imagine. I am so grateful to have gone with such a great company. I highly recommend going with Benson Safaris and asking for Amini. Thank you for an incredible adventure!
Email Devon | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic time in Tanzania.
My husband and I went on an 11 day safari with Benson Safaris. We had a fabulous time! For my first contact with the Benson company to the very last, they were friendly, warm, competent, and professional. We were very well taken care of and never felt unsafe, even though at times we were 5 feet away from Lions. The hotels and tent camps they chose were wonderful. Best of all was our guide, Amini. He did a fabulous job and took great care of us. We had a lot of fun with him and he kept us organized and moving ahead. We saw more animals and then we could even imagine! This is a wonderful company and I highly recommend them. I think that if you choose the Benson company, you will be very happy!
Email Devon Rubin | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great time in Tanzania
For my first contact with Benson Safaris, we were met with a friendly, competent, responsive and organized company. Our driver/guide, Amini, was the best. He kept us on track I made sure we saw as many animals as possible, and we saw a huge amount. We always felt safe and taken care of and enjoyed his amiable personality and his knowledge about wildlife. Benson and Pendo in the office were also delightful. This company wants to make sure that you have the best possible time in Tanzania and I think they met that goal!
Email Toni Wheeler | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
This Christmas trip for my entire family was the most unbelievable experience we could have ever!!
My husband and I went on a Tanzanian safari 15 years ago. I have wanted to take my family since then. This year over Christmas we finally did it! I started planning 13 months ahead and found Benson Safaris. The price for 8 days was reasonable for what we wanted to do and see. My 5 children,their spouses, my 10 grandchildren(ages 5-22) My husband,myself and my sister(23 in all) left on Dec 21st to head to Africa! Our main contact with Benson Safaris was Pendo. She is a beautiful, knowledgeable, kind, helpful, amazing woman!! During the planning year I had so many questions and she patiently responded as quickly as she could. When we arrived in Kilimanjaro our 4 drivers were waiting for us-Joshua,Freddy,Amini and Liberatos. They were all fun and very well informed about history,wildlife, traditions, and more. We were in Tarangire NP, the Serengeti,Ngorongoro Crater,Lake Manyara NP and much more! If you can believe that 23 people ranging from 5-75 could have a flawless 8 day trip to Africa you would be totally correct. Benson Safaris booked us in the most beautiful tent camps We could have ever imagined! All had infinity swimming pools, beautiful rooms-all with spectacular views, incredible dining. The Tanzanian people are so kind and friendly!!! This was such an awesome trip for all of us. The wildlife viewing was so amazing!!!!! I think between us we took 10,000 pictures-We saw every animal that we wanted to see and about 25 we had never heard off. I wish I were more eloquent in trying to describe our experiences but since I'm not you"ll just have to be content with AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!!!!!!!
Email Vladimir Kogan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip!
Our family of 5 traveled to Tanzania for two weeks. We visited Tarangire, Serengeti National Parks, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manayara and Zanzibar. It was an unforgettable trip, which was arranged through and organized by Benson Safaris Tanzania, and to which we are so grateful for making it a remarkable and memorable adventure. Starting with Pendo, who was very patient and helpful in accommodating our ever-changing plans and schedule for the trip, and the owner of the company, Mr. Benson, who greeted us when we arrived, to our very knowledgeable and friendly guides Amini (during our safari trips) and Taib (our Zanzibar adventures in Stonetown, spice plantation, etc.) Our entire trip and all the tours were amazing, it was a life time experience, and we are very thankful to Benson Safaris Co. and all the people we met.
Email Roopesh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Pretty good, but not excellent
I selected Benson Safaris because i was looking for a local safari guide vs. using the ones affiliated with the US. i thought that they would be more economical. I asked a friend what he used, and he told me it was Benson Safaris. I selected the Luxery tent and lodge and i thought the price was better than if i had selected the one from the US. I give positive stars for all the good things they did. Pendo was quick to respond, which i liked. The positive stars are for all the things that they did good, as one would hope for. I'm cutting off some stars because I had indicated I was very interested in the Great Migration. I had actually wanted to see the river crossing,but i guess i didn't spell that out. When my friend told me he used Benson Safari, I went directly to their website. Their website does not have an option for choosing the Northern Serengeti Trail where i found out that was where I would see the River crossing. I only found out after the tour that option was available in this Safaribookings.com. I think that its silly not to have that option in their own website, which was where I went to directly. Otherwise I would have gone to Northern Serengeti to see the river crossing, which i really wanted to.
I also wasnt happy that after I made selections on the lodges, after making payment, i am told that they are booked, and i have to pick alternate lodges. The alternate lodges were good; but their locations were not as good as the original ones. And only after i reached Africa did that dawn on me. Location, location, location. For example, I had been told reservations were going to be made for Kubu Kubu; but after payment, i was told that place was booked, so i would be reserved for Lahia Tented lodge. It was under the same ownership, and the quality looked the same, so i said ok. Only during the tour did i realize Kubu Kubu was in Central Serengeti, which was where most of the big cats were. We lost a lot of time driving to Lahia. I was quite disappointed that we did not get to see much of Central Serengeti. My children had really wanted to see leopards and cheetahs. We saw one leopard. We did see a lot of lions (but that was mostly in Ngorongoro). Our jeep broke down in Serengeti too + got stuck in the mud. But i won't make much of an issue of that, because that was just bad luck. I liked our guide and the owner and the staff, but I wasnt able to get the experience i was looking for.
I went with my wife and 2 kids (9 yrs and 6 years). We were given double rooms but they were huge. Like I indicated above, we booked luxury lodges. Each room were huge. We only used one room.
The following is not really a review of the safari guide, but of the optional package selected. I had also gone to Oldovai Gorge, but I don't think it was worth the money. Also, it took away time. Also night time safari in Lake Manyara, didn't really think it was that great. We saw a hippo, some birds, a chameleon, some monkeys, but nothing great like a lion, etc. Even the day in Lake Manyara wasn't great. Didn't see any lions in mountains, etc.
My main disappointment is that due to the website, I didn't go to see the river crossing even though I had said I was interested in the great migration. And the time in Central Serengeti got limited due to various reasons, and therefore my kids didn't get to see leopards and cheetahs. One leopard. No rhino. I had gone to Tarangire Park, Lake Manyara Park, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
But I did give positive stars for quick communication; wanting to do the best; getting to see lots of lions in Ngorongoro crater; lots of elephants, and zebras, and wildebeests, and other animals.
DE
Email Tanja | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A terrific experience
As women we wanted to travel by ourself in an African country. We were very skeptical as to whether Tanzania was the right choice.
We have written a request to the team of Benson Safaris Tanzania, which replied within 24h. Presumably we as clients have been exhausting because we have asked many questions: For the safety of the country, if we can travel as women by ourself, if it dangerous to go for safari as women and so on.
Today we can say that Tanzania is a truly peaceful and fun-loving country, poor as well. We have made 14 days safari and then flew to Zanzibar for 6 days.
In the 6 days Zanzibar we did a great spice farm tour and had a great yoga hotel in the north (Nungwi). Benson has chosen a wonderful hotel with 2x daily yoga offerings and meals right in front of our rooms.
Our guide on the safari was Joshua, who brought a lot of knowledge about bird species, land and animals. All our questions could be answered and he had great experiences from the wildlife and safaris, which he shared with us.
We found the people of Tanzania very eager to learn about our culture and country and we felt particularly comfortable being cooked African "Mama Lunch" for us from an African village woman.
All our prejudices about the country have not been confirmed, we felt safe, were always well accommodated and nicely received.
The team of Benson Safaris Tanzania we met in Arusha for a dinner: We wanted to take a "reparation" for our many questions and get to know the person behind the scenes. The staff is handpicked from Benson hiself and all are local people working for Benson Safaris Tanzana. Benson gave a special job and with it an opportunity for his life. That’s why we would always travel with a local owned company because they are knowledgeable for their country as well.
Our driver Zablon was a really authentic and true experience in Africa: He was funny and really friendly when he picked us from the airport and made the Arusha City Trip with us as well. Once you are in Arusha you should have a coffee in Africafé and some Mandasi as well
NL
Email Jasper | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable experience with river crossing and very friendly, competent guide.
We started our 5 day journey with a tour around the beautiful lake Manyara in Lake Manyara National Park. Here we saw our first baboons, pumbas and many birds e.g. flamingos. We then headed towards the Ngorongoro Crater where we encountered bigger wildlife like elephants and we were very fortunate to see a black rhino in the distance. The first evening we stayed at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge with a breathtaking view over the crater. A very nice accommodation with great dinner and breakfast. The next day we had a very long drive to the north of the Serengeti. Along the way our guide Peter told us a lot about the park and the animals living in the park. Here we saw our first zebras, wildebeest, antelope, giraffes and lions. After a long drive we arrived at Mbugani Migration Camp in the dark. We were welcomed by the friendly staff of the camp with cold beverage and warm meal. It was a great experience to sleep in big tents where you can hear the Serengeti come to life at night. The next morning we woke up with a herd of zebras and elephants in front of our tent. After a nice breakfast we went for a day trip to the river Mara near the Kenyan border. On the way to the river we saw enormous herds with thousands of wildebeest and zebras. After waiting for a few hours at the river we we lucky and a large herd started crossing the river. A humbling experience. On the way back to the camp we had another surprise, a leopardess with her cubs. The cubs playing in the long grass while the mother was eating a wildebeest she stashed in a tree. The fourth day we had another beautiful game drive heading to our last destination, the Serengeti Tortilles Camp, where we saw buffalos and cheetahs. And while we we having a nice cold beer in the lounge tent a hyena walked through the camp! All in all the safari was an unforgettable experience.
Email Mary Burmeister | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organized
Everything was perfect. Peter was an attentive, knowledgeable guide. We particularly appreciated his respect for the animals and the environment -- and has eagle eye vision! We were very happy with our time with him and impressed with the quality of service with Benson, and all the hotels/camps that were lined up for us. Thank you very much! We will be sure to recommend your company to our friends and contacts.