Deeper Africa Avis 257

Our safari experience was extraordinary, and so much of that was thanks to the incredible team at Deeper Africa. From the earliest planning stages, they were thoughtful, responsive, and incredibly thorough. Every detail was carefully addressed, and we always felt supported and confident that we were in good hands. Once we arrived in Africa, that level of support continued throughout our time in both Tanzania and Kenya. The absolute highlight of our trip, however, was the care and companionship we received from our two guides. In Tanzania, we had the great fortune of traveling with Ammy, an incredible guide and a truly wonderful human being. He is kind, warm, thoughtful, and deeply passionate about what he does. Ammy went above and beyond every day to make our experience special and comfortable, sharing his knowledge generously and showing us things we never imagined we would see. Just as meaningful as the wildlife was the time spent with him — he made the journey unforgettable. In Kenya, we were guided by Bernard, a wise and soulful man whose knowledge of the animals, his country, and his people seemed limitless. His deep understanding of the land and its wildlife added a profound richness to everything we experienced. Together, these two remarkable guides turned an already amazing trip into something truly extraordinary. We are deeply grateful for the care, professionalism, and heart that went into every part of this experience. If you are considering a safari, we cannot recommend this team highly enough.

Deeper Africa curated and outstanding African Safari through Kenya and Tanzania where we witnessed close up the wildlife of the African Savanna. The camps chosen by the staff were outstanding with fine service, gourmet foods and exquisite wines. We were treated to visits to Masai villages thoroughly immersing us in the local culture and customs. Every aspect of the trip was carefully coordinated and managed by our dedicated personal guides in close cooperation with the Deeper Africa staff. If you are thinking about an Africa trip, do yourself a favor and booked with Deeper Africa.

Nine of us embarked on a 16-day adventure in Tanzania — six nights in Zanzibar and ten nights on safari across four distinct regions. We turned to Deeper Africa to plan and execute most of the trip, beginning more than a year in advance. Their support from start to finish was outstanding. The guides they promised would be “great” exceeded even our highest expectations — they were superb and essential in making this one of the greatest travel experiences of our lives. Deeper Africa handled all logistics in Tanzania: guides, lodging, internal flights, ground transportation, visas and travel insurance, luggage storage, meals, and activities including a balloon safari. Everything ranged from excellent to perfectly executed. As with any complex trip, a few minor issues arose, but Deeper Africa responded quickly and professionally each time. We recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone seeking a safari of a lifetime.

Bueno excelente

The safari was beautifully curated to Tanzania and Kenya with wonderful lodges and unique experiences. Our guides were personable, highly knowledgeable and shared insight and their passion.
Karen and Jackie spent the time to understand our hopes for safari and truly delivered.

Friends recommended Deeper Africa and we chose them after much research and four other proposals. The extensive pre trip prep from Karen & Wil really did prepare us for our 10-day safari in Kenya and 4-day stay in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The safari could not have been more perfect, from the variety of excellent accommodations to the well organized travel to three ecosystems, it all came together beautifully. Two highlights:
-Our guide David! He is a true gentleman, professional yet warm, extremely knowledgeable, and deeply caring about the animals and conservation. He was so very patient with my need to take endless photos with a new huge lens, and as a photographer himself was sensitive to getting different angles and helping me capture that perfect moment. We were fortunate to have him for the entire time at all locations. He provided an atmosphere of safety along with all the excitement.
- The game drives were extraordinary. Folks back at the camp were envious of our many first day sightings and every day out was an adventure. We loved the visits to the rhino and chimpanzee sanctuaries, the hot air balloon ride, meeting Craig the famous Tusker, and the peaceful beauty of the sundowners.
Zanzibar was both relaxing and bustling, and rich with history. The Kenyan and Tanzanian people were so warm and generous and all in all it was a fantastic, once in a lifetime experience !

Sultan, our guide. Accommodations, animals, the people. Deeper Africa is a tremendous organization. Every aspect was well worth the price.

Exceptional!

Deeper Africa put together one of the best experiences I have ever had. They got us our own private guide who was passionate about the animals and so knowledgeable. Every little detail of our two weeks in Tanzania was covered and everyone took wonderful care of us.

We recently returned from a trip to Africa including 9 days in Tanzania and 3 in Kenya. Deeper Africa was key in making this bucket list trip for our family an experience we will never forget. They carefully listened to our desires and needs and developed our itinerary accordingly. Our accommodations were wonderful and we were prepared for what to expect, pack, tip etc.
One of the best things about our trip was our Safari guide Malaki. He anticipated our interests and shared an incredible amount of knowledge about the animals, ecosystems, and cultures of the peoples in each of the areas we visited. We were never rushed and as a result I believe we experienced things that others may have not had the opportunity to do or see!

We recently completed a 12-day safari to Tanzania and Kenya. Deeper Africa did a phenomenal job of helping us plan and prepare for our trip. And once we got to Africa, every detail was executed flawlessly. They listened carefully to our wishes and helped guide us through the entire process.

Our guide and driver Malaki was outstanding. He was extremely knowledgeable about the animals and their behaviors as well as the ecosystems we visited. We were especially appreciative of the time he spent during some of the encounters. I felt like we saw more than some others as we settled in and let situations develop. Malaki truly made a difference for our trip!

First time traveling to Africa on a safari. Deeper Africa was recommended by a friend. From detailed information prior to leaving, to every staff person connected with Deeper Africa it could not have been a more amazing trip! In particular, David, our impressive guide, made the trip spectacular! His knowledge of the animals, calm demeanor and wonderful stories added an unexpected depth to our journey. Thank you Deeper Africa for making a once in a lifetime trip all that and more!

Our guide, Max, was amazing. Extremely knowledgeable and a great person. Everything was taken care of for us. When I wanted to change a birthday celebration, it was handled flawlessly.

Where do I even begin? Karen Zulauf and Jackie Cuyler crafted a once in a lifetime experience for my family. Our entire trip through East Africa lasted 3 weeks. We started our adventure in Kigali where we visited the hotel the movie “Hotel Rwanda”was based on and the Genocide Museum. We then made our way to Virunga Lodge where we experienced the gold standard of hospitality. Each room was the equivalent of a cottage, and the staff ensured we were well taken care of at all times. The lodge told us that the dinners were communal, and we were not sure what to expect, but I’m glad to say that the dinners were one of the best parts of the experience. We met an eclectic bunch of people, and the conversations were on another level. If the lodge was the appetizer, the Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park was the entree. Our group of 7 was assigned a medium level trek to visit one of the 24 Gorilla families that are habituated to humans. The trek itself was strenuous and took us an hour and a half to complete, but seeing Gorillas literally 5’ away from you in their natural habitat is a truly extraordinary sighting. What made this leg of the trip was having Abiaz as our guide; he was absolutely delightful. We had nearly every lunch and dinner with him during our stay in Kigali.

We then made our way to Ngorongoro. We stayed two nights at the Wilderness Collection’s Craters Edge where we were given a room that provided picturesque views of the crater and had proximate access to the crater itself (think a 15 minute drive). In the crater, we were greeted by a plethora of animals such as Lions, Buffaloes, Elephants, Wildebeest etc. A core memory was having lunch near a lake teeming with hippos.

Our next stop was the Serengeti. How did we get there you ask? We arrived there in a bush place which was a first for all of us and was an experience by itself. Whilst here, we experienced the Great Migration on two separate occasions - on the second occasion, we saw an hour and a half of nonstop wildebeest and zebra crossings. We also saw a Cheetah Hunt which included the stalking, killing, and the devouring of the animal. Finally, we participated in a Balloon Safari that was topped off by a bush breakfast. The Kuria Hills Lodge, where we stayed, was divine. The rooms were spacious, food excellent, views breathtaking, and the staff hospitable. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Our next stop was the Julius Nyerere National Park where we stayed at Beho Beho. This park was nowhere near as busy as Ngorongoro and Serengeti. We spent 4 nights here, and if I were to describe our stay here in one word, it would be exciting but tranquil. I say it was tranquil because we didn’t feel the urgency to go on game drives because Ngorongoro and Serengeti provided us with ample game viewing, so on a few days, we said no to the morning game drives and relaxed at the lodge. And interestingly enough, we saw plenty of wildlife from our room. Now, why was it exciting? It was exciting because we got to do a walking safari where we literally walked into the bush with an armed guide and ranger to view game and saw a Bull Elephant and fresh tracks of a lion; and a boat safari where we viewed ample crocodiles, hippos, and birds from the confines of a boat on Lake Tagalala.

We ended our trip on the island of Pemba in Zanzibar. We spent a couple of nights in Stone Town. While there, we got to tour Stone Town, take a Dhow ride during sunset, and participate in a spice related cooking class. After that, we spent a couple of nights on Pongwe beach before we concluded our trip.

This whole trip could not have been done without the exhaustive efforts of Jackie and Karen. They were both incredibly knowledgeable and meticulous. But that’s not what stood out. What stood was that they were extremely likable and offered advice in an unassertive way; this approach was valuable because it allowed us to tailor the trip according to what we wanted. I couldn’t recommend the Deeper Africa team more.

Our guides were so knowledgeable and friendly that they made the experience outstanding. Deeper Africa put together the whole experience. We worked with a budget and got the experience of a lifetime.

First-class experience from start to finish… truly exceptional service. We hired Deeper Africa six months prior to our departure to Tanzania. Every aspect of the pre-trip planning was meticulously organized. The apprehension we felt about flying to Africa and embarking on this journey vanished completely after three planning sessions via Zoom with Karen. Deeper Africa took care of all the details, ie… packing lists, visas, tip charts, daily agendas, flights and lots of TLC. We felt thoroughly prepared for the adventure ahead.

Upon our arrival in Kilimanjaro , we were greeted by two exceptionally knowledgeable guides who took us on a remarkable 10-day safari. Their expertise in animals, birds, flora, fauna and local culture proved invaluable throughout our journey. They were not only friendly but also incredibly skilled guides. The vehicles were clean and safe, and they ensured that we ventured deep into the bush, where we witnessed an abundance of incredible wildlife. Their demeanor and humor made the experience even more enjoyable. The camps we stayed at were absolutely incredible and the food and local beverages top shelf. Deeper Africa planned and provided a once in a lifetime trip for our family. if you are thinking about a safari to Africa i would highly recommend deeper Africa, without hesitation. You will be thankful you have them on your side!

GREAT GUIDES!!!!! GREAT ACCOMMODATIONS!!! GREAT STAFF AT CAMPSITES!!! AFRICA

This was my 3rd African safari, my second with Deeper Africa. I intend to go again in the not-so-distant future, and I will only go with Deeper Africa.
I can't say enough about the people who work for DA. From the minute you call their office in Boulder until you arrive back home, your welfare, comfort, and enjoyment are their primary concern. Their staff is not only knowledgeable about the accommodations but sensitive to your requirements for a trip of a lifetime, as well as any special needs you may have, be it dietary or physical accommodation or simply whims!
When you get to your first destination you are enveloped with respect, care, and the knowledge that your guide is not only a professional in their field but is intent on making this experience not only educational but an absolute ball! It becomes difficult to wipe the smile off your face and your guide mirrors that smile as if they are having as much fun as you.
In February of 2023, I went to Kenya and Tanzania with a friend, and we used Deeper Africa. We were so pleased with our camps and lodges but even more so with our guides. So, when I decide to go back this past May, I asked and received our guides from 2023, Bernard in Kenya and Ammy in Tanzania.
Both of these men are amazing in their own right, but I can't say enough about Ammy, who has an infectious laugh and endearing personality. I taught myself some Kiswahili before the trip and Ammy became my unofficial tutor. We now text in Swahili!

Strangely, or not, when I arrived in Kenya and in Tanzania, I felt that I was home. As I write this review, I feel a bit homesick! I think I must have left a part of my heart in Africa. I need to go back to find it!

We are recently returned from a marvelous safari to Tanzania. We landed in Arusha and recovered from the long journey for a few nights. Then we experienced Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Park with visit to Olduvai Gorge. We then traveled by bush plane to Serengeti and back to Arusha for our 10 days safari. We saw marvelous sights, had great weather and no mishaps.
A large part of our successful, once in a lifetime, adventure is clearly attributable to the thoughtful, expert and detailed trip organization by ‘DEEPER AFRICA’ run by Karen Zulauf out of Boulder, CO. Her depth of African safari knowledge and superb organization ensured a great experience. Karen was a pleasure as is her staff. Communication was easy and always helpful. As to staff, working with Jackie Cuyler was always professional, detailed and eased our travel angst.
A highlight of the trip was our guide, Malaki Lukumay. His deep knowledge and appreciation of the wonderful Tanzanian history, fauna and flora greatly enhanced our safari experience. His driving skills were amazing as we traversed the often-rugged national park dirt roads. However, more than these attributes, it was our pleasure to grow in admiration of this gentleman. He was attentive, kind, friendly and had an easy sense of humor. He has obvious pride in his accumulated skills and pride in his culture as a Masai. He infectiously shared his great pride and admiration for Tanzania with its immense natural gifts.
Without hesitancy or edit, I would strongly recommend Deeper Africa to see and experience the marvels of an Africa safari.
Jim and Barbara

Deeper Africa listened to our vacation interests and skillfully arranged a 3-stop safari in Botswana that exceeded all expectations. (Four people in our group always in our own jeep.)

Wildlife all around the tests, great guides, exceptional food, lovely campfires under a full moon.

Rra Dinare, Kwara Camp and Ngoma Safari Lodge, each unique and wonderfully managed by Tiny, Eddie and Moreiri respectively. They accommodated special food and other needs and even managed a surprise birthday celebration. They also told personal stories and explained local customs and culture.

The guides and trackers in each camp were impressive and intrepid...knowing just when big cats had passed through based on their tracks. Their expertise and confidence helped increase our own knowledge of animal behavior and the interconnectedness between plants and wildlife. What an adventure!

Our trip was capped off by a trip to Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls..one of the seven wonders of the world and quite a spectacle. We stayed at the spectacular Victoria Falls River Lodge with its unbeatable view of the Zambezi River, outdoor bathtub, lovely staff and food. We had a rare and memorable opportunity to touch and feed elephants at the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary. Our guide, Lewis Mangaba, helped us feel comfortable in a busier, urban location.

Thank you, Deeper Africa, for your attention to all details. 10 our of 10.

We entrusted Deeper Africa to plan our custom trip of a lifetime to see chimps and gorillas in Uganda and wildlife of all sorts in the Serengeti. The Deeper Africa team exceeded our every expectation.

What sets them apart? First, owners, Wil and Karen have a long time connection to Africa. They have visited, toured, inspected, walked, hiked, drove and flown throughout the countries they service and revisit them on a regular basis.

Second, they have excellent guides who are with you for your entire trip (within a country.) We felt privileged to have Abiaz share his native country of Uganda with us. His relationships and connections at the national parks enabled us to trek with the best rangers and visit the animals at the best times.

In Tanzania, Baraka, "the encyclopedia" knew SO much about every animal and bird we saw. Over our nine days in Tarangire, Ngorongoro and western Serengeti we saw 64 different species of birds, and over 30 mammals and reptiles (including the big 5).

During the course of the 18 days we were in Africa, we saw the value of using Deeper Africa to plan our trip over and over again. We saw travelers who were dropped off at the park stations and handed over to other guides, safari groups of 10+ people traveling in a safari vehicle where people could barely move, people whose agents booked them into remote or far away accomodations, people frustrated with poorly thought out itineraries, and travelers who had to drive for a full day to get to their next location because their agents didn't know about bush flights.

When you choose Deeper Africa for your trip you will be fully taken care of from your first contact with them until you return and everywhere in between. We highly recommend them.