In researching ethically responsible tour operators, I found Tanzania GET (green eco tours) Safaris and it was the best decision for me because the guides are Tanzanian and they work directly with local communities to improve the relationship between wildlife & locals.Reginald Victor Runyoro (Operations Associate) was my guide and tailored my itinerary (especially after I asked if we could skip the reptile part of the trip), he offered Lake Manyara. What I particularly appreciated with Mr. Runyoro was his professionalism and honesty ; at no point did I feel he was simply looking to make money. He neither rushed me for payment nor did he attempt to “up-sell” any additional services.My budget was USD3,000 and he accommodated me even including a variety of lodging: we self camped (1st time in my life), then we had upper midrange “glamping” with a lodge big enough to house 3 adults (my lodge overlooked Lake Manyara with wildebeest and pumba (warthogs) just outside of my patio.We had a personal chef for the 1st two nights, then afterwards food was included at our lodgings. They also prepared packed lunches for us.The game drives: for me, I was less concerned with spotting the Big 5 and more interested in just being in nature (of course, I was super excited to see a lioness hunting, elephants grazing, giraffe, baboons, impala, zebra, all kinds of colorful birds, even saw leopard turtles).I could write for days on my experiences.Highlights were abundant. One of the most impactful was meeting Seriamu, an Enduimet Maasai warrior who shared with me about his family (wife & two little ones), their traditions and how the woman selects her husband 👍🏽.What I very much appreciated was not having the locals “perform any dances” as I did NOT come to Tanzania to have tribe members (or other locals) out on a “show” for my benefit. Rather, my desire was to positively impact, to connect and share laughs & smiles as well as to lend some financial support.On the day we left Enduimet, two Maasai women from Seriamu’s area came to sell their jewelry, of which I selected a beautiful beaded black, red & white bracelet. Knowing that it’s important to acknowledge each individual I asked their names, and asked them which they would recommend and complimenting them on their artwork as well as on their beauty (the Maasai truly are gorgeous).Different from just having game drives, Mr. Runyoro mixed up the itinerary to include a stop at Chemka Hot Springs where we spent a few hours , then got caught in a rainstorm. It was all part of the fun as we chilled out with locals & visitors alike.Another difference was we had a bike tour with a local guide who took us to visit banana plantation, rice plantation and a local beer joint (where I must add, the owner is a local woman).For those looking to truly experience local culture while respecting & positively impacting local communities, give Mr. Runyoro and his team a shout. I highly recommend these guys.Ahsante sana.

Its so amazing and Beautiful