Serengeti Smile Team
Serengeti Smile
- Office In:
- Size:
- 50-100 employees (Founded in 2020)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Tourist Board & AMREF FLYING DOCTORS INSURANCE
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $2,770 to $20,777 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Rehan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari, Great guide, Great agent, Great Organisation
The Serengeti certainly lived up to its reputation and Deo, our guide, from Serengeti Smile made sure we got the most out of it and always had a smile throughout the safari.
I booked this safari with Baraka. He was patient and informative. After the safari, because I was so impressed with their reliability, communication, organisation, 5 day safari, jeep, guide, accomodation, food etc, I used them to book our airport transfer and a trip to the waterfalls and hot springs.
I booked a mid range 5 day safari for my family, adults and 3 teenage boys, starting in Tarangire, followed by 2 nights in Serengeti, then Ngorongoro and finished up with Lake Manyara. This was our first safari and we wer absolutely blown away. As a testament to how good it was, none of the 3 teenage boys used their phones throughout the safari apart from in the evenings to view the photos and videos and to share it with their friends. Deo was amazing at finding all the animals and he always managed to position the jeep in the best position. He was kind and patient and struck a good rapport with the boys and whole family. Its really important that you have a nice guide, because you are with each other pretty much from 7-7 every day! and we felt very comfortable with Deo.
We managed to see all the big 5 including the very rare Leopard and Rhino and not only that, we saw them in action. We saw a leopard sleeping in the tree with a kill perched higher up. We were lucky enough to see the leopard wake up, climb the tree and eat the kill! We also saw elephants knocking down trees. We also saw a lioness feeding and playing with her cubs. The highlight was when we were driving home to our accomodation in the Serengeti, it was late and the sun had just set so no-one else was around, and Deo spotted Zebras...he slowed down to show us and the spotted a zebra lying down roadside directly next to the jeep. We panned to the right and a lioness was there, eating its prey which itnhad probably caught 30mins before. Under the supervision of Deo, who was ready and waiting to close it if necessary, I opened the jeep roof and had a stare down with the lioness and then watched her devour her prey. We were literally right next to it and you can even hear the crunching in the video footage. It was absolutely amazing.
If, like me, you were
- debating whether its worth going on safari, having been on safari now, I can tell you... without a doubt its worth it. You will have many unforgettable moments. I think we were extra lucky but even if you dont see the animals in action, you have many memorable moments.
- If you were cautious about the tour agents, don't be...Serengeti Smile was amazing
- if you were debating 1 night or 2 in serengeti...do 2, its worh it...sleeping in the Serengeti is great. We heard a lioness roaring in the night. We woke up in the morning to see gazelles and Zebras migrating. The accomodation was sensational and although we we're slightly unlucky because hot water was not quite working, none of us minded becaue food, hospitality and accomodation was great.
- if you were debating whether to do a shared or private safari, id definitely recommend private so you can be yourselves and spread out in the jeep as well
- if you were debating 4 or 5 days, I think either is fine. We had already seen all the key animals by the end of day 4, but we were lucky
- its nice to do different parks, because it mixes up the scenery and landscape and environment. Id recommend dropping lake Manyara or doing it first (not last) ... whilst its ok and you do see a few key animals like Zebras, giraffes, elephants...having been spoilt with an abundance of them in the Serengeti, it's a bit of an anti climax. Fine for day 1 but not the most exciting on day 5.
Overall, highly recommended safari and agent (Baraka) and guide (Deo)
Email Mayura Patel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Libe greets with a smile & converses with in depth knowledge about the culture, foods, animals
Libe is patient & knowledgeable in all the the places we visited from culture to foods to animals and much more. We enjoyed every aspect of our trip especially his patience so we could see as many animals as possible even the black rhino in Gorongoro. And mostly connecting with him and his life during evening meals and throughout our journey. Such a lovely lifetime memory and experience for my family. We all love Libe for his love of his lands and people.
Email Kaajal | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This safari experience was a life changing experience with an incredibly knowledgeable guide.
I cannot recommend this safari experience more! We were so impressed with how organized everything was. The safari and animals were of course amazing but our guide, accommodations, and food made the trip so memorable. Our guide Libe, was a wealth of knowledge, passionate about wildlife, and navigated the terrain incredibly well. He made our experience unforgettable. Our accommodations were clean and really great; we especially loved Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp where the food was awesome, staff was welcoming/caring/made us feel safe, and wildlife was close by. The food at all our accommodations and lunches on the road were also fantastic. Overall this experience was really great value for the money and Eliad, our trip organizer was really awesome at answering all questions in detail and quickly from the time of booking to the end of the trip.
Email Avni | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Libe is knowledgeable about all the animals and land. He gave us an unforgettable experience.
We had the most incredible safari experience, all thanks to our amazing guide, Libe. From the very start, it was clear that Libe is not only extremely knowledgeable about the animals and the land, but also truly passionate about what he does.
He made sure we saw all the animals we hoped for, and many more. All while sharing fascinating information about each one. He explained their habits, behaviors, and fun facts that made the experience even more engaging. His deep respect for the wildlife and his ability to spot and track animals was very impressive.
Beyond the game drives, everything about the trip was top-notch. The lodges and campsites we stayed at were very comfortable, well-maintained, and perfectly located. Each place had its own charm, and we always felt well taken care of. And the food is absolutely amazing! Every meal was delicious, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the trip.
If you’re looking for a safari that combines adventure, education, comfort, and incredible hospitality, this is it. We can’t recommend this company, and especially Libe highly enough. A five-star experience all around!
Email Tony | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Unforgettable Safari Adventure in the Serengeti with Serengeti Smile!
We wanted to experience the renowned sun-baked plains of the Serengeti, with sweeping vistas, thriving wildlife, and breath taking sunsets. Serengeti Smile promised an adventure of a lifetime, but the reality was even more extraordinary than our highest expectations.
We selected a private, tailor-made, 8-day, Great Migration Tour Safari, culminating at the Mara River Crossing in the Northern Serengeti. The trip took in Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti, Seronera, Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park. From the moment that we first enquired with Serengeti Smile to the end of our trip everything was fantastic!
The highlight of any safari is, of course, the wildlife, and the Serengeti delivered in abundance. Over the course of several days, we were privileged to witness a dazzling variety of animals in their natural habitats. Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide seemed to have an uncanny instinct for locating even the most elusive creatures, but more about him later.
We counted 48 different animal species that we saw, including the Big-5. Prides of lions lounging after a successful night hunt, their cubs playfully tumbling over each other; leopards and cheetahs lying in the tall grasses, scanning the horizon; herds of elephants lumbering peacefully across the savannah, giraffes grazing elegantly on the acacia trees, and zebras moving in perfect synchrony, their stripes creating mesmerising patterns against the golden landscape. Perhaps the most unforgettable moment was witnessing the Great Migration: thousands upon thousands of wildebeest and zebras, while crocodiles and vultures lay in wait. Hyenas, warthogs, hippos, countless deer and gazelles, birds, etc., etc.
Our lodgings perfectly balanced comfort and authenticity. The tents and lodges were beautifully appointed, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Waking up to the calls of roaring lions, distant hyenas or the gentle trumpeting of elephants felt magical. The accommodations were both eco-friendly and luxurious, with every detail designed to enhance the sense of immersion without sacrificing comfort. The staff at each camp were equally impressive, greeting us each day with warm smiles and thoughtful gestures that made us feel at home in the heart of the wild. Meals were a delight: fresh, flavourful dishes enjoyed under the starlit sky, with the sounds of the nocturnal bush drifting on the breeze.
One of the highlights of our trip was our driver/guide Godlisten! He was truly outstanding and elevated this safari from remarkable to outstanding with his professionalism and passion for his job, the area, and his country. He shared facts, information about animal behaviour, tribal traditions, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem. His respect for the land and its creatures was evident in every aspect of our journey, from the careful navigation of the trails to the quiet reverence when observing a rare sighting. Every question was met with patience and enthusiasm, and his eagle eyes ensured we missed nothing, no matter how well camouflaged. He was a great guy and if we were to go on another safari we would want him to be our guide.
We cannot recommend Serengeti Smile highly enough. Our safari surpassed every expectation; it was not just a holiday, but an amazing adventure.
Thank you!
Passionable, nice man
Everything is arranged well, food, hotel,views are very good, the path they planned is perfect
CN
Email hu | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Feast of Wilderness and Luxury Beyond Imagination
Before setting foot on the mysterious and untamed soil of Tanzania, I carried boundless longing for the African savanna—yet also a trace of anxiety about every link of the upcoming safari. From the very first contact with Serengeti Smile, however, all worries dissolved. What followed was a full-spectrum, immersive, top-tier safari in which every detail revealed professionalism and dedication, allowing me to feel the unique magic of Africa in depth.
Ground Operator: Serengeti Smile
Seller: Jeremiah
While I was still planning, Serengeti Smile’s pre-sale service made a deep impression. The sales staff demonstrated exceptional expertise: they knew Tanzania’s national parks, wildlife behaviour, optimal viewing seasons and local customs inside out. According to my interests they tailored a detailed, logical itinerary. Their replies were so fast I almost forgot the time difference; every exchange felt like a spring breeze. Visas, packing lists, on-the-road advice—however small, they answered everything patiently, building my confidence and anticipation long before departure. During the trip, we had a scare: we left our wallet in the lodge safe. By the time we realized, we were already a hundred kilometres away. After contacting Jeremiah, he immediately called the lodge, confirmed the wallet was there, and got back to us within an hour. We collected it on our return to Arusha—an episode that showed just how professional and caring they are.
Guide: Domi
Once the safari began, Domi proved nothing short of brilliant. Like a walking encyclopedia of the East African plains, he had every animal’s habits, habitat and migration pattern at his fingertips. While tracking wildlife he remained totally focused, missing nothing. The moment he spotted a target he piloted us close, quickly yet safely, so we could watch creatures in their natural state. Professional as he is, Domi is also hugely personable, sharing stories and anecdotes that bound us emotionally to the land. Mid-drive he would buy us ice-cold Cokes; under the scorching sun that sudden chill dispelled all fatigue and felt like the care of a friend. His driving is superb—whether in muddy marshes or over rugged hills he threaded the vehicle smoothly, delivering us to every park on schedule and ensuring we missed none of the action.
Accommodation:
This safari overturned every cliché I had about “camping in the bush”. Serengeti Smile’s choices—tented camps or lodges—are benchmarks of quality and comfort. In the Serengeti camp I stepped into a spacious, bright tent complete with a soft bed, immaculate bathroom and—miraculously—24-hour hot water. After a dusty day among wildlife I could wash it all away, then lie listening to night-time insects and distant animal calls, feeling perfectly at peace under canvas yet wrapped in modern convenience. Buffet meals were a revelation: fresh ingredients, abundant choice, from authentic Tanzanian flavours to international western dishes, every plate perfectly cooked and served by smiling staff who never let a water glass stand empty.
Vehicle: Toyota Land Cruiser
On safari the vehicle is everything. Serengeti Smile provided a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser—hard-riding outside, spacious and comfortable inside, seats superbly supportive even on all-day drives. A fridge and air-conditioning kept us cool and energised; chilled drinks were always ready. Clever storage meant cameras, binoculars and snacks were within easy reach. Each morning Domi inspected every detail—oil, tyres, shock absorbers—spotting and fixing potential faults before we rolled. Not once were we delayed by breakdowns, though we often saw other groups stranded at the roadside—a clear testament to Serengeti Smile’s mechanical vigilance.
Safari Experience:
The climax, of course, was encountering the Big Five. Under Domi’s guidance we roamed the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, following the trails of legend. We watched lions lounging beneath acacias, their manes glowing in the sun; elephant families parading across the grass, calves trunk-curling in curiosity; leopards draped over tree limbs, rosettes melting into dappled shade; buffalo herds marching in dust-clouded phalanx; and the critically endangered black rhino, a lone armoured ghost on a crater-floor salt flat. Every meeting was electric. Domi anticipated behaviour and positioned us for the best views and photographs, letting us capture moments we had dreamed of for years.
Looking back, Serengeti Smile delivered an unrivalled safari: flawless pre-sale service, a guide who is both scholar and friend, accommodation that pampers without losing the wild, a vehicle that never faltered, and wildlife encounters that will blaze in my memory forever. This was far more than a holiday—it was a baptism of the soul, a reminder of nature’s grandeur and of the professionalism and passion that people can bring to it. I have already resolved to return, and when I do, Serengeti Smile will again be my only choice.
CN
Email Yeye | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Serengeti Smile offered excellent communication and professional guide, making our safari enjoyable.
Our 7-day safari with Pius was truly unforgettable. From Arusha to Tarangire, through the Central and Northern Serengeti, and finally to Ngorongoro, every day was filled with incredible experiences. Pius was always polite, graceful, and attentive to what we hoped to see. Thanks to his sharp eyes and patience, we spotted all of the Big Five—including the rare black rhino! He even found us a leopard family and guided us to witness the breathtaking wildebeest river crossing. We also saw a cheetah family from a distance, which was still amazing to witness.
Pius made sure everything went smoothly and that we felt comfortable and cared for throughout the journey. His professionalism, kindness, and genuine love for nature made the trip perfect from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide—thank you, Pius, for giving us memories we’ll cherish forever.
CN
Email Flamenco | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The service is both considerate and professional.
First of all, the guide Pius was very professional and meticulous. During the 7-day trip, he showed us all the animals and explained a lot of animal knowledge and the local customs of Tanzania to us. The overall itinerary was very reasonable and we were all very happy. Secondly, the customer service Jeremiah responded very quickly, basically answering all our questions and providing many suggestions for our trip. Finally, we would like to thank the Serengti smile for providing such an amazing trip for us.
CN
Email lemon | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It is a reliable travel agency and all the arrangements are very reasonable.
Aminiel is a very reliable tour guide. He showed us the wildebeest crossing the river and the leopard that we wanted to see. It was a wonderful journey.