JACBEN EXPEDITIONS LIMITED

Jackben Expedition Limited was started by a team of safari professionals in Tanzania who love the country’s wildlife and landscapes. The founders had experience working in the tourism and safari industry and wanted to create a company that helps visitors enjoy Tanzania’s natural beauty in a safe, honest, and unforgettable way. They began the company with the goal of sharing Tanzania’s wildlife, culture, and adventure experiences with travelers from around the world. The idea was to offer personalized safari tours, mountain adventures, and cultural trips that make guests feel connected to nature and local life. Over the years, Jackben Expedition Limited has grown by focusing on good customer service, knowledgeable guides, and tailor-made safari packages. Their mission is to give visitors a great safari experience while supporting conservation and local communities in Tanzania.

One day in Serengeti National Park, our guide noticed some animals acting nervous. He told the guests to stay quiet and turned off the engine. After a few minutes, a lion suddenly came out of the grass right in front of the car. The guests were shocked and excited. Our guide said he knew something was coming because he watched how the other animals were behaving. That moment showed how experience makes a big difference on safari.

During one safari in Serengeti National Park, one of our guests suddenly felt very sick because of the heat and long travel. Our guide stayed calm and acted quickly. He gave the guest water, helped them rest in a cool place, and contacted our office team immediately. We arranged transport to the nearest clinic and made sure the guest received medical care. While this was happening, the rest of the group was also taken care of so no one felt stressed or confused. The next day, the guest felt much better and was very thankful. They said what meant the most was not just the help but how calm, caring, and organized the team was during the problem. For us, safari is not only about wildlife. It is also about taking care of people when they need us most.

Northern Circuit#

Lake Manyara National Park

Mid-Range

• Manyara Wildlife Safari Lodge – Good value, just outside the park in Mto wa Mbu, comfortable cottages and tented chalets with scenic Rift Valley views.

• Sangaiwe Tented Lodge – Elevated on the escarpment above Lake Manyara, raised wooden-deck tents, pool, and beautiful views.

• Lake Manyara View Luxury Tented Camp – Bridges upper-mid-range; small scale, intimate, and great escarpment setting. Luxury

• Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (andBeyond) – Tree-house suites in the forest canopy inside the park; intimate, immersive, and exclusive.

• Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge – Perched on the escarpment with panoramic views of the park and lake.

• Escarpment Luxury Lodge – Spacious chalets with private decks overlooking the lake, excellent service and ambiance.

Tarangire National Park

Mid-Range

• Maramboi Tented Camp – Elegant tented camp between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, great views, pool, and relaxed atmosphere.

• Tarangire Safari Lodge – Classic lodge with views over the Tarangire River; elephants often visible from camp.

• Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (Tarangire Area) – Raised tents with lake and park views, stylish and good value. Luxury

• Tarangire Treetops (Elewana Collection) – Tree-house style accommodation among baobabs, high comfort and views.

• Nimali Tarangire – Contemporary tented luxury lodge with excellent service and private decks.

• Chem Chem Lodge – Boutique property on a private concession between Tarangire and Lake Manyara; exclusive, serene, and ideal for slow safaris.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Mid-Range

• Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge – On the crater rim with incredible views; solid comfort at a reasonable rate.

• Rhino Lodge – Just outside the crater rim; cozy atmosphere, great value, and easy access to the crater floor.

• Tortilis Camp Ngorongoro – Comfortable tented camp on the rim offering great access and a natural bush feel. Luxury

• Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (andBeyond) – Opulent design, outstanding service, and dramatic crater views.

• Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp – High-end tented camp close to the crater entry road; excellent for early game drives.

• The Highlands Ngorongoro (Asilia Africa) – Unique domed suites set on the slopes of Olmoti Crater, combining luxury and adventure.

Serengeti National Park

Mid-Range

• Seronera Wildlife Lodge – Well-located in central Serengeti; convenient base for game drives year-round.

• Tortilis Camp Serengeti – Comfortable tented camp with great access to migration routes and wildlife areas.

• Kati Kati Tented Camp – Mobile tented camp offering excellent mid-range value and proximity to migration zones. Luxury

• Lemala Nanyukie Lodge – Spacious suites with plunge pools; modern design, exceptional service, and prime location.

• Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti – Classic five-star lodge with luxury amenities, spa, and watering hole views.

• Sayari Camp (Asilia Africa) – Luxury camp in the northern Serengeti near the Mara River, perfect for migration crossings.

Southern Circuit#

Ruaha National Park

Mid-Range

• Ruaha Hilltop Lodge – Just outside the park, with sweeping views, friendly service, and good comfort.

• Mdonya Old River Camp – Rustic but authentic tented camp inside the park, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.

• Mwagusi Safari Camp – Long-standing camp known for excellent guiding and riverbank setting. Luxury

• Jabali Ridge (Asilia Africa) – Top-tier lodge built into a granite outcrop, infinity pool, spa, and unmatched views.

• Kwihala Camp (Asilia Africa) – Intimate luxury tented camp with strong guiding and wilderness feel.

• Ikuka Safari Camp – Boutique hilltop camp combining style, comfort, and exceptional scenery.

Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)

Mid-Range

• Selous River Camp – Affordable tented camp on the Rufiji River; relaxed atmosphere and boat safaris.

• Africa Safari Selous – Great value lodge with tented rooms and cottages close to the main gate.

• Rufiji River Camp – Comfortable and scenic camp with both tented and stone chalets, offering river views. Luxury

• Sand Rivers Selous (Nomad Tanzania) – Premier luxury lodge with open-fronted rooms overlooking the Rufiji River.

• The Retreat Selous – Ultra-luxury suites, private plunge pools, and personalized service.

• Siwandu Camp (Selous Safari Company) – Spacious tents, refined service, and classic safari elegance.

What I Look for When Recommending a Lodge#

• Location & Wildlife Access: Proximity to wildlife-rich areas, minimizing drive time.

• Comfort vs Value: Quality facilities suited to the client’s budget and preferences.

• Service & Guiding: Knowledgeable guides, personalized attention, and warm hospitality.

• Atmosphere: Lodge character — from rustic bush camps to modern luxury.

• Sustainability: Support for conservation and community initiatives.

• Client Fit: Matching lodges to traveller type — families, honeymooners, photographers, or adventure seekers.

Favourite Kilimanjaro Routes#

1. Lemosho Route (7–8 Days)

Why it’s a favourite:

• Best combination of scenic beauty, gradual acclimatization, and summit success rate.

• Approaches the mountain from the western side — quieter for the first two days and joins the Machame Route near Shira Plateau.

• Excellent variation in terrain: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacier views. Highlights for clients:

• Panoramic vistas on Shira Ridge.

• Chance to acclimatize with “climb high, sleep low” days (especially around Lava Tower).

• Ideal for first-time trekkers who want a comfortable but challenging experience. Key Campsites:

• Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree) – First night, lush forest.

• Shira 1 & Shira 2 Camps – Expansive views across the Shira Plateau.

• Barranco Camp – Iconic setting beneath the Barranco Wall.

• Karanga Camp – Crucial acclimatization stop before summit night.

• Barafu Camp – Base for summit push.

2. Machame Route (6–7 Days)

Why it’s a favourite:

• The “Whiskey Route” — very scenic and challenging, with strong acclimatization opportunities.

• Excellent choice for fit clients seeking a classic, social Kilimanjaro climb.

• Route layout follows “trek high, sleep low” pattern, helping adjust to altitude. Highlights for clients:

• Trek through all major vegetation zones.

• The Barranco Wall adds an exciting but non-technical climb.

• Balanced duration and cost compared to longer routes. Key Campsites:

• Machame Camp – Start of moorland zone.

• Shira Cave Camp – Expansive plateau views.

• Barranco Camp – One of the most photographed spots on Kili.

• Karanga Camp – Great acclimatization stop.

• Barafu Camp – Staging point for Uhuru Peak ascent.

3. Northern Circuit Route (9 Days)

Why it’s a favourite:

• Longest route on Kilimanjaro — best acclimatization and least crowded.

• Circumnavigates the northern slopes for panoramic views of Kenya and the plains below.

• Highest summit success rate of any route (over 90%). Highlights for clients:

• Ideal for serious trekkers who want a quiet, remote experience.

• Time and route structure allow excellent adaptation to altitude.

• Visits some of Kili’s less-travelled camps, providing solitude and exclusivity. Key Campsites:

• Shira 1 & 2 Camps

• Moir Hut Camp – Good acclimatization day hikes available.

• Pofu Camp – Beautiful views across northern slopes.

• Third Cave Camp – Peaceful overnight stop before summit approach.

• School Hut or Kibo Hut – Final camp before summit.

• The stillness just before dawn on the ridge.

• The crunch of fresh snow underfoot after a storm.

Serengeti National Park

• Moru Kopjes

• Seronera Plains Tarangire National Park

• Tarangire Riverbanks

• Kitibong Hill Lake Manyara National Park

• Treetop Walkway

• Rift Valley Viewpoint Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Ngorongoro Crater Floor

• Lerai Forest Arusha National Park

• Momella Lakes

• Mount Meru Crater Rim