"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:
- $4,325 to $20,761 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Julia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Company did ok but guide was disappointing
I communicated via email with Benson on a 1-week itinerary for me and my 3 children and he presented a comprehensive mid-range safari package in a timely manner. Everything went well until we started out with our private guide. Logistics were smooth with one exception that was clarified with a quick call to Benson. Otherwise, the guide was obviously more interested in chatting with others on his 2 cell phones and car CB than in providing information to us, his clients. Some of the communication was between guides sharing animal sightings in the area and there was no shortage of those the guide pursued but there was more than one case of me seeing an animal in a place that required backing up and the guide disregarded my request. This was my 3rd time on a guided safari but my childrens’ first and they missed out on so much, even with my advocacy. I prompted the guide several times to provide information - differences in species, etc. - and answers were one or two sentences at best. It got to the point at one meal where, after loudly reminding my daughter that using electronics during dinner was rude and unacceptable, I had to ask him to put his cell phone away minutes later. He never asked what kind of animals we were interested in, never pulled out a field guide, and offered very little personal insight. I felt like my family was a load to be transferred between locations rather than a family who had crossed half the globe to appreciate his homeland. We met other Benson guides who showed far more interest in their jobs (and us) so I think we got the guy who’d grown tired/bored after 15 years of guiding. One other minor thing: Benson claimed he would come by to meet us which he never did. The week was good in the sense that the animals are everywhere in the parks, camps and food were good and we didn’t have any catastrophes but I know the trip would’ve been MUCH better with a different guide.
Reply from Benson Safaris Tanzania
Posted on Jul 9, 2018Hi Julia,
Thank you for your review and feedback. I am very disappointed to hear about your Guide behavior.
I have chosen all of our Guides myself so this is very bad feedback and will be investigated. All of our Guides are very experienced and familiar with international standard and we always get a great feedback from guest.
We welcome all feedback and I real appreciate you taking the time to tell me. I can tell you this will be dealt with right away.
Kind regards, Benson Benard (Owner)
CH
Email Nico | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our honeymoon could not have been more perfect.
After reading Benson’s reviews on this website, we contacted him about a two-week honeymoon in Tanzania (one week Safari, one week in Zanzibar at the beach). Benson responded within a few hours with two different offerings, each containing additional options we could pick. Although he is specialized in Safaris, he managed to organize a very beautiful hotel in Zanzibar, too.
After discussing some details with Benson, we booked our trip nine months ahead and payed a deposit. Benson sent the confirmation that he received money, which is a very good service, as it was not an insignificant amount.
Our plane landed in Arusha with almost 3 hours delay, but the driver, Zablon, had been waiting for us that long. He was very welcoming, helped us with the baggage and gave a quick and funny introduction to Swahili while driving us to our hotel.
On the next day, Goodluck, our safari guide and driver for the upcoming week picked us up. While driving to the first national park, we realized that we forgot our wallet (money, credit card, bank cards, identity card) in the hotel safe. Within an hour, Benson himself went to the hotel and looked for it. He kept it in safe custody for some days. This is exemplary for Benson’s commitment to his job. Thank you very much!
Goodluck showed us around the national parks with great knowledge about the animals, plants and the history of the country. He drove very securely and listened to the ranger’s radio to know where to look for animals. Without him, we would have passed a lot of animals without notice; he has really good spotting capabilities. Goodluck let us as much time as we liked to observe the animals and did not hurry from one spot to the other. We enjoyed that and often saw lot more as other tourist groups stressing around to mark the “Big Five” with a tick as fast as possible.
The jeep was designed for 7 people (+ driver), so the two of us had plenty of space. We were provided with cold water, cola and other drinks all the time and there even was a (good) binocular we could use. Extra cushions helped to soften the “african massage” on dirt roads.
All the hotels somehow knew that we were honeymooners and gave us their most beautiful rooms with very romantic flower decoration. We were really amazed!
After the safari, we flew to Zanzibar for another week. Again, we were picked up at the airport. The next day, we had a very informative tour around Stone Town before we were taken to our hotel at the east side of the island. For this drive, we met Taib from “Authentic Zanzibar Tours & Safaris Ltd”. He was contacted by Benson to care for us while in Zanzibar and he did an excellent job. Taib told us so many things about politics, the ups and downs of the country and generally about life in Tanzania. With Taib, we did day excursions to the Spice Farm, Cheetah’s rock and Jozani Forest.
To summarize, we had a perfect trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar. We are really glad that we booked our trip with Benson and can highly recommend it. He and his crew cared about us very well! Thanks again!
FR
Email Hubert Jobbé-Duval | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Flawless experience for our honeymoon
When I started to look for a Safari, I contacted many agencies based in Arusha. Of all the offers I received, the one from Benson Safaris caught my attention because of how compliant it was with my initial request. Pendo, the manager I spoke with, was able to give me valuable advices on how to improve my safari and still stay on my budget.
The safari itself was amazing. They took care of everything, including getting in touch with an orphanage where we wanted to make a donation.
Thanks to our french-speaking guide, Frank, we saw more wildlife than we could ever have dreamed of. The big five of course, but also dramatic scenes of hunting along the Mara River and deep inside the Serengeti. We might had some luck, but the experience of our guide and his ability to spot animals was impressive.
About the comfort you have nothing to worry about, the vehicle was equipped with many power plugs, we had more drinks than needed, and breaks were organized on request.
I would strongly recommend Benson Safaris to any person willing to discover all the wonders Tanzania has to offer. Everything was perfect !
BR
Email Diego Aranha | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything Perfect
We stayed 8 days and 7 nights with the Benson team. Our guide Joshua had extensive knowledge of the routes, animals, good direction, really knew what he was doing. It was an unforgettable trip, everything went as planned.
Highly experienced tour operator - we are so happy to have booked with Benson!
The best guides we could ask for in our first trip to beautiful Tanzania! We hired Benson Safaris for (1) a 5-day safari and (2) a 3-day Mt. Meru trek. From the moment we arrived in Arusha to our airport drop off for Zanzibar, we were taken care of by Benson’s team the whole way through.
We were picked up on arrival into Arusha by Zablo and transported to the Ilboru lodge…where Benson was there in person to go over the details of our trip. The very next day we were picked up by our Guide – Peter – for the next five days to the Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorogoro and Lake Manyara parks. Peter was extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
After our safari we were then picked up (again from Ilboru lodge) by Shaban and his team of ~4-5 porters to climb Mt. Meru over the next three days. This entire team again was very friendly – and patient! – with us throughout the entire climb. We felt very safe and in good hands for the duration of the trek.
In summary, Benson Safari is an excellent tour operator with some of the best guides that we’ve ever travelled with!
DE
Email Heike | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
My dream came true with Benson
We had planned and booked a private trip with Benson.
On the Lemosho route to Uhuru Peak.
Everything went perfectly from start to finish: Benson tailored the tour exactly as we had hoped.
Communication from Germany was flawless; last-minute requests were always answered promptly and very kindly.
The team on the trek was welcoming and always in good spirits. We felt well cared for; we lacked nothing.
Of course, a tent isn't a luxury hotel, but the team did everything they could to ensure our comfort. I can't fathom how the cook managed to conjure up such delicious meals under those conditions.
On summit day, the weather was extremely bad: it snowed, and we battled our way to the top for nine hours. The guides led us safely to the summit. They lovingly encouraged me whenever I was about to give up.
I'm at a loss for words to express what a magnificent experience it all was. I am grateful for the wonderful collaboration with the entire Benson team.
This was already the second trip we've taken with Benson. In 2024, we spent 10 days on safari with him. And should we return to Tanzania a third time, Benson will again be our contact.
BR
Email Josie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredible experience with a small downside
Our 7-day adventure was truly unforgettable, featuring waterfalls, ponds, lakes, a safari, a hot air balloon ride, and even flights and boat trips. The highlights of our safari included Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, and Northern Serengeti, which were absolutely breathtaking.
Benson Safaris did a fantastic job organizing the entire trip and making sure everything went smoothly. A special thanks to Zablon, our tour guide, who was more than just a guide—he was an adventure partner! He was kind, attentive, and instrumental in ensuring we saw the Big Five, along with countless other amazing animals. We celebrated together, shared meals, and enjoyed beers under the African sky. It was a fantastic experience, and Zablon played a huge role in making it special.
The only downside was the flight from Serengeti (Seronera airstrip) to Zanzibar. Despite our early planning and multiple communications well in advance, the flight tickets were purchased too close to the departure date. As a result, we had to take three separate flights on the same day, instead of the direct flight we had hoped for. This added unnecessary stress and made our journey to Zanzibar more tiring than expected. We essentially lost almost an entire day in transit, which was frustrating, especially after such an exciting safari.
But all in all, it was an incredible trip. The minor flight issue didn’t overshadow the incredible experiences we had. Highly recommend Benson Safaris for anyone looking to explore the wonders of Tanzania!
AT
Email Claudia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
unforgettable adventure, made even more memorable by the impeccable organization and the outstanding
I recently had the privilege of experiencing a private safari in the Serengeti, and I can honestly say it was an unforgettable adventure, made even more memorable by the impeccable organization and the outstanding service provided!
From the moment I was picked up, everything was taken care of seamlessly. The transportation, tours, and hotel arrangements were all perfectly organized, allowing me to simply enjoy every moment without any worries. I even forgot which day it was 😁
The hotels we stayed in were fantastic, offering a comfortable and luxurious stay after long days of exploring the stunning wilderness.
A special shout-out goes to my tour guide, Zablon. He truly went above and beyond to ensure I had the most incredible experience. His knowledge of the Serengeti’s wildlife and environment was unmatched, and he made sure I had front-row views of all the incredible animals the park has to offer. Zablon’s passion for the land and its creatures was evident in everything he did, and he ensured that every moment of the safari was filled with awe and excitement. Thanks to him, I was able to witness some of the most breathtaking wildlife moments, from lions to a family of elephants passing by, cheetahs with their cubs…
If you're looking to immerse yourself in the magic of the Serengeti, I highly recommend this experience. Zablon and the entire team provided a top-tier adventure that I'll cherish forever ❤️
Email Mercy Misoi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
He was excellent and very professional who knows his job very well with good customer services.
A unique adventure.
The Benson safaris Tanzania are good time keepers. Arrived at pick up point Holili at exactly 7am ready to manoeuvre the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro at the Marangu kilasiya falls. Trekking down hill was a scary but adventurous. Enjoyed the view and the cold waters of the falls.
Thereafter, another interesting site to visit was the chagga caves where the history of the chagga community is unfolded.
The best experience was the chemka spring where the foot massage was out of this world expert 🤣.
Kudos to the Benson safaris for the tour and excellent customer service.
Benson safaris ensured we were safe and both within the hotel room and without.
God bless Benson safaris.
Email Elizabeth | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable moments with BensonSafaris Company
I recently had the pleasure of traveling with Benson safaris Tanzania on a safari adventure to Tanzania and it was truly an unforgettable experience .
Honestly,the team in charge was very professional and their communication prompt and clear making our adventure smooth and stress free.
Their service exceeded our expectations.They were warm and incredibly hospitable and we felt taken care of through out the trip.
We felt supported at all times something that is very reassuring when traveling in a new country.The pick-ups and drives were very timely and well coordinated.
This tour was worth every single cent and it matched the incredible experience we had from start to finish.
We visited some of Tanzania's memorable places :Kilasiya waterfalls,Chagga ancient caves and Chemka hot spring which enriched our entire experience.
I absolutely loved the experience and would definitely do it again with Benson Safaris Tanzania.
If your planning a trip to Tanzania don't hesitate to book with Benson Safaris Tanzania and experience the magic for yourself!
