How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Henry and his colleague Enok made the trip for us. They worked tirelessly to smooth over the minor problems that cropped up, drove carefully and safely for hours at an end and spotted and identified the wide range of wild life that we encountered. In short, they were great.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

This is not a tour for the feint hearted. Although not very strenuous it does involve some long drives on poor and mud roads - the clue is in the title - Remote Ruaha and Selous. It did mean that we has an insight into Tanzania that could not have been obtained by flying into the game parks on light aircraft.

Do you have anything else to add?

We really enjoyed that food and accommodation. Sitting on our private veranda watching the hippos and crocs in the river as the sun set behind was magical. Our visit to the highlands to see the tea plantations revealed the contrast between the different regions in Tanzania. We were also moved by the amazing work being done during our visit to the Orphans in the Wild. We were also glad to have the opportunity to dive on the coral when we were in Zanzibar. A truly terrific holiday!

Trip highlights would be sitting on the bar stools watching Hippos and Elephants walking through the camps. Also the first class service of the local guides. (RUZ- 19th September 2009)

The standard of accommodation on this trip is superb, particularly Ruaha & Mikumi. I liked the idea of travelling by road to the parks rather than flying as we got glimpses of the real Tanzania-for this reason the night in Iringa is also well worth the slightly lower standard of hotel. It was also inspiring to see the various projects that Explore supports in action. However do be prepared for some rough roads. Transport is in Land Rovers where the only air conditioning is the windows. This was no issue for us but depending on the group size the vehicles maybe somewhat cramped. One further word of warning. These parks are less visited and the animals are rather less used to vehicles than, say, the Serengeti so it can be harder to find the 'exciting' stuff but if you are patient it will come. We have been to Africa five times now and we'd never seen snorkeling elephants, or lions fighting over a kill. Nor had I seen wild dog before. Selous is one of the top places in Africa to see them and we were fortunate enough to find a resting pack and observe them on our own-no other vehicles!! Highly recommended for any wildlife lover. (RUZ- 21st August 2010)