We got a recommendation from a local to decide for focus in Africa / Nelson and booked a 5 - day Safari to almost 3 national parks.We paid a good price after negotiation and learned from others in the group that they paid almost same after their negotiation.The safari itself was breathtaking. We saw all of the Big 5 and as well all with baby!Our driver - Clifford - was very experienced and friendly. We had also rain during our trip - roads were moody and bumpy but he took it with confidence. We felt secured.Peter our cook was also a nice guy and took care of us with delicious meals cooked on a gas cooker like quiche.We slept two times in small huts and two nights in tents directly in the national park.giraffes were crossing the camping side one evening.One of the nights in the tent was uncomfortable due to heavy rain at night - but we survived.Nelson also organized a pick-up service for me from the airport and back to it. I appreciated it a lot.I would recommend to choose Nelson / focus in Africa for Safaris!

Amazing experience. Everybody was profesional and nice. The places where I slept were amazing, from the hostal of the first day until the camping in Serengeti. One Life time experience. 100% recommended

The safari with Focus in Africa was the highlight of my trip in Tanzania. Everything was perfectly planned and very well organized. I did a 4 days safari, exploring Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro and we made the most of every single day from sunrise to sunset. All the team are very friendly, reliable and serious so that we can have a memorable trip. I can only recommend to travel with Focus in Africa. Asante Sana !

Focus In Africa was the best option that we could ever booked. The price was the best of them all, our guide George and the cheff Salim were always looking for us to enjoy as maximum as possible the experience. They explained to us curiosities about the animals we were looking at. Also they were able to answer all of our questions… Definetely we will repeat with them as soon as we have the oportunity.Thank you guys!Andres and Laura.

In terms of safari, you get what you pay for. It is no more no less than a budget safari. The guide is a driver and not a guide. No explanation and no information. Car broke 3 times and driver had to repair it. It made us loose at least 3-4 hours during the trip just waiting. Food is okay and rooms are what you paid for.What made me really upset is that I booked a 3 days safari safari through my hostel for a certain amount. I confirmed my booking and paid what I had to pay. 1 day before departure (at 7pm), the agency called my hostel asking me to pay extra 15% and left me with 2 clear choices. Either I pay the extra or I do not go, even though I had already paid what was due. My hostel managed to Negociate “only” a 7% increase. Which was already a scam and purely non professional. When I have done the safari, I realized that the other team members paid 10% less than what I did.Focus in Africa clearly tried to take more money from me knowing I had no choice. Moreover, they use “charity” to do business which is clearly a big lie.You can clearly get the same value for money with more honest and serious agencies. I clearly do not recommend them.

Everything went amazing well, I can only recommend it, once in a lifetime experience! We saw all the animals real close! I would definitely do it again!

I have used Focus In Africa twice now to climb Mt Kilimanjaro with large groups. The trips are very well organised, the food is fantastic and the guides are extremely professional. We had 100% success rate on both trips which is a big achievement for any operator. I also used Focus In Africa for safaris and again, this was very well organised. Throughout my dealings with Focus In Africa I found them to be very helpful and quick to respond to any queries. I would highly recommend Focus In Africa for any of your African adventures.

In September 2015 we (my wife, my step-mom and me) spent wonderful 4 days on safari in Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngoro Ngoro. The safari was organized by Focus in Afrcia, a non-profit organization working mainly on improving of Tanzanian educational system. One of the ways of gaining funds for this purpose is organizing of safaris (and also Kilimanjaro trekking and climbing but we didnt do it). Nelson, the owner (or manager) of the foundation is smart, perfect English speaking person who knows his business and do not waste time for unnecessary things - either e-mail correspondation or arranging details already in Tanzania was quick, concrete and didnt bear any unexpected problems. So, from the begining: we were picked-up from Kilimajnaro Airport by a driver who took us to hotel in Arusha where we spent a nice afternoon with some cold beers what was the best thing that we could expect after a long journey. Nelson came to the hotel, spent with us about 30 minutes and explain all details about the safari. What was maybe not very nice was the fact that he asked us to pay the rest of total amount (we sent 25% in advance) already in the hotel a day before departure for the safari itself so we had no occassion to see his office or the jeep we were supposed to go with or anything that would give credibility to Nelsons words. As we travel a lot and have some experience in paying in advance we kindly refused to pay in hotel and finally meet Nelson again next morning and gave him money after meeting our driver Brison, checking the car and so on. So, we depart from Arusha about 10 am and started the safari.1) Accomodation - First night in Country Lodge - perfect. Second night in Angani Tented Camp - very simple but also perfect, especially the elephant walking around the camp when drinking beer in front of the camp (btw - no bar or restaurant in the camp - we brought some beers and snacks from beyond the Serengeti). Staff in the Angani Camp was horrible but believe me - during safari nothing is able to spoil your good mood! Third night in Ngoro Ngoro Wildlife lodge - perfect. Nothing to add, organization was fantastic.2) Meals - generally very good but breakfasts in Tanzania (its not Focus in Africas fault, wherever you go in Tanzania, problem is the same) are very, very, very simple but when check-out from hotels we were given lunch-boxes which was in general good. Dinners both in lodges and Angani Camp were absolutely fantastic. So, however meals are good and enough, its good idea to have some snacks like rice wafers. Water is provided by the company.3) Driver Brison - if there were something that might be improved in our safari it was Brisons attitude towards us. Hes a very young, nice but really not-involved guy who was a really good driver (we felt safe whole 4 days even on very difficult roads in Serengeti) but not a guide. We didnt wait him to be very talkative or involved in our matters but he didnt show any initiative, seemed to be bored all the time and during stops he couldnt take his eyes off his mobile phone. I must admit that when we asked some questions about wildilife, animals etc. he gave us response so I suppose he has very wide knowledge and especially in this context its a really big pitty that he doesnt want to share it with tourist. What was good - after 2 days of admiring zebras, gnus and all the horse-similar animlas which are fantastic but after seeing hundreds of thousands of them you may get used to it, Brison realized that wed like to see big cats and took us to places where they really were! So, I think Brison has a potential but still need experience and and shall try to be more open towards travellers.To be honest - he did well all the cars staff - we had a flat tyre twice and despite the fact that our car was not equipped with a large jack (what was Nelsons oversight I think) Brison changed the tyre within 15 minutes.4) In general -the safari arranged by Focus in Africa is absolutely worth to be recommended, it was one of the best travel experiences in our whole life!

I have been apart of the community projects that Focus in Africa supports. They really make a difference in the local community directly to the orphans, widows, AID/HIV patients and street children. Focus in Africa is owned by Nelson, a native Tanzanian, and his family who together employ and supports over 30 families. Many safari companies are foreign-owned and thus all the profits are taken over-seas. This type of safari company is what allow Tanzanians to gain their own financial independence, to free themselves of the cycle of foreign aid and NGO donations. I highly recommend booking your safari with this company for these reasons.

I am a public health student doing an internship in Africa. I chose the organization focus in Africa. The coordinator of this is Nelson Mbise and he placed me in his hostel named Lionsgate.In the beginning he seemed very nice and communicated a lot but after I paid, that changed. I had questions about health preparations that ended up not being answered. On top of it, I received a scam email from Nelsons email account asking me for money. Luckily I was in contact with a girl who was staying at the hostel at that time. I asked her about this and she talked with Nelson about it. She apologized and told me someone had hacked Nelsons account, he though didnt contacted me to apologize or anything. Shortly before my departure I received a similar email again asking for money... and again I contacted the girl because I did not receive responses from Nelson. Only after I told her that I need to hear from Nelson, he apologized.Once I have arrived in the Hostel l was welcomed by Iddi, who is working for Nelson. Nelson was often not available to talk, in a grumpy mood or he saying inappropriate things to the female volunteers. He told one of the girls who was only 18 years old, that she should come in his room at night if she feels lonely or cant sleep.The hostel is not at all what it looks like in the pictures of their website. If you want to read why you shouldnt stay there check my review on the Hostel.Nelson also offers safaris. I wanted to do a safari with him and I put down a 150$ deposit for it in September. In October the only safari available was on weekdays which was not compatible with my work. He could not guarantee another group for me so I asked him to refund me. It took three weeks as he has just spent it and was therefore not able to pay it back and then tried to rip me off by giving me less back than I paid him. He spends most of the money on drugs and alcohol and is regularly high at the hostel. In that state he is not willing to help with anything, my water ran out one night and he just told me the pump was broken, while in truth all he really had to do is get up and turn it on.While I stayed in the hostel someone has stolen money out of my room. Nelson apologized and promised to give it back to me. When I asked him about it, he said he is still investigating and never gave it back to me.Even though Nelson is advertising that the hostel has Wi-Fi, it has not been working, because he didnt pay for the bill. The food at the times when I stayed at the hostel alone is horrible and definitely not worth the money. It might just be plain spaghetti. Nelson has people working for him that he does not pay, so they rely on the volunteers buying them things or they will highly overcharge you on day trips.It is more than likely, that you will stay at this place alone as not many other people come through, and if they do, they leave quickly because of the bad conditions. There is never any toilet paper available.The work at the hospital was just bad. I was placed in the treatment center for HIV. They dont do HIV prevention as I was promised. I told Nelson I want to switch the placement and do something relevant to my school education. He did not like that and told me I should stay at the hospitalOne doctor at the hospital was trying to teach me how to draw blood from HIV positive people. Mind you I am not qualified for that job nor has it anything to do with my studies.At the hostel, I was told that this is public health and I just need to pull through. Nelson also told me to lower my expectations as there have been many public health interns before me. The description of the job I applied for included working in the fields educating People about HIV. Non of this even exists. I tried to do it but nobody working for Nelson even knew what I was talking about. The organization was not helping me at all. I even paid to go to the airport myself, because I did not trust Nelson with it.

Not an organisation to be trusted. Not a worthwhile charity project, but more front for Nelson Mbise to cream money off tourists. Booked a safari with them in November, paid twice as much as I should have (dont pay more than $300). All I got was Nelsons mate in a borrowed jeep. Was a joke. Youre better off going with a proper tour company - dont trust these small town crooks.

We just got back from a six-day Kili, Machame hike. Everyone made it in our group of five. We couldnt have done it without Festo and the rest of the crew. The cooks fed us like kings. The porters were taking care of our groups every need along the way. The assistant guides kept our enegry level up, and Nelson was always quick to respond to our questions leading up to our arrival... Focus in Africa though was incredible and should be at the top of any list of best outfitters.Jason

Dealing with Nelson and his assistant Heather was a breeze and I would recommend them to all my friends.Traveling is intended for some to expand one’s horizons and foster cultural change. Well my horizons were literally expanded when summiting Kilimanjaro on August 28th and seeing the moon-set and the sunrise simultaneously. Landing at Kilimanjaro International (JRO) at 9 p.m. before starting the Lemosho Route the next morning was probably not the best of ideas, but sleep is for the dead. Upon meeting our driver and being taken to the Outpost Lodge in Arusha we were warmly greeted by our main guide with his soon to be signature smile, Babaluu. I challenge you to find a better guide. We were told to be up and ready by 9 a.m. the next day.Upon getting onto the bus and meeting the remainder of the crew along with the fantastic assistant guide, Zige (SP?), who insisted we call him ‘Andy’ instead learning bits of Swahili along the way from the whole group. Zige was a legend on the mountain and there was not a soul who did not know who he was. He always looked to be sauntering around but would make a break neck pace look comfortable and relaxing. ‘Hakuna matata’ was his statement of choice and at first it was funny but it transformed into this reassuring subconscious thought.I won’t bore you with the details of the trek, food and accommodations were fantastic. Listen you all sleep on the same exact dirt; you don’t need to pay for the more expensive trips. This is the one to do.On the way down we were asked if we wanted to go on a safari in Arusha National Park as well. At first I was hesitant because it is not what we came here to do, but I am glad that we did. We were able to see an elephant right when entering the park as well as giraffes 10 feet away from the vehicle. Driving through the park it seemed that all this property was designed by humans with how dramatic the change of biomes were. Truly fantastic, yielding a diverse amount of species.Onto the next 5 summits!

Experienced a trip to the amazing Ngorongoro crater.Was looking to drive down from arusha when fortunately Focus in Africa tours hooked us up.Had an early morning drive down to the crater from Arusha.Amazing journey with an equally awesome driver as our guide.It was an experience that i will cherish.Visiting the 8th wonder of the world..it truly is a world of its own.The Masai way of life coupled with the wilderness of the crater was something one should experience to the fullest.The game drive in the crater was what i was looking forward to the most and I was able to get some great shots with my camera in there.Totally worth it.Must say the tour company made it really convenient as i had a plane to catch that very evening from Kili.Thanks guys for the memories.Cheers!

I have been keen to make that trip of a lifetime. It was a great success!all contributory factors blended together. Earths Edge/Focus In Africa has highly qualified guides an crew who led us us straight to the Summit, Uhuru peak, always with a smile and a helping hand. Babalu,Zacharias, Matata and Co. were most efficient in their work. Wonderful weather and a great team spirit contributing to the success. Go for IT!

..I always like to help others since I am orphan my mom left me when I was very little boy my father died soon after my moms death ..Abstract volunteers helped me since there until now I am university students in the same way I am interested to volunteer to any situation by using my physical and mental energy

Great experience, perfect management

Fantastic

Great Safari with with Focus In Africa. We ran into someone else who didnt have good comments about their safari but they were really wrong. We had great food, great weather and saw all the animals while on safari. There were hot showers available at most of the camps we stayed at with and good facilities. This was a great trip for us Nelson Mbise was an excellent point of contact for our safari and you would do well to contact him regarding your safari.

The 4 days safari were great and a nice adventure. We were a great group (D, A, CH & RUS) and saw so many animals and enjoyed nature. Habib is a very experienced guide. He guided us safely through the national parks of Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro by jeep. William spoiled us with his fine food. The overnight stays at the campsites were very relaxed and well organized.The nights before and after at Hostel Lionsgate were a nice complement and warm. The airport shuttles are convenient.Everything was well organized by Nelson and it worked. Thank you... asante sana everyone.

Focus in Africa is a serious agency to carry out your safari. Nelson is very professional and gave me all the details to make the safari go as smoothly as possible. Support upon arrival in Arusha, I slept in Nelsons hostel at Lionsgate before starting the safari the next day. Habib our guide is very professional with good eyes to observe some big divers hidden in the distance. Our cook was also top notch. I recommend Focus in Africa for your safaris.

A quality game drive! With a driver and a super cook! I recommend it with your eyes closed!Nelson and his family are really very welcoming! An unforgettable experience

First of all wow... that was a great experience from beginning to end and I can only recommend this 4 days 3 nights safari. The impressions of the crater and the Serengeti are mega.our driver/guide (Clifford) was considerate and very responsive to our needs (stop here stop there). He was also an experienced and cool driver. The road conditions are partly adventurous.Our chef Peter conjured up 3 vegetarian meals for us every day... it was really delicious. Camping is just camping. It is what it is. The huts the first night were good and there was even a warm shower. The animal world, which is actually what its all about, was breathtaking... our driver always knew where we had the best opportunity to see the entire animal world.I would always recommend this tour and it is affordable for all budgets. Airport transfer is also included which makes everything very easy.Thanks to the teamNelson, Clifford, Peter👍🏻🙏🏻

We got a full safari for the lowest price. The guide Peter Omari was a professional with an eagle vision, excellent knowledge of the area and animals, and a photographers flair. The car was a little old, it pierced the wheels a couple of times, but everything was eliminated quickly. We were delighted to have the opportunity to warm up while helping the guide. The talented chef Prospa introduced us to African cuisine. Difficulties in such an adventure are quite possible, one must be prepared to meet them. Awesome trip! Thanks to Nelson and his company!