Awards and Testimonials
Recognition
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The Luxury Safari with the Private Island
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Chosen by Exclusive Resorts® to operate their 2011 Once in a Lifetime Tanzania vacation series
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Elite Traveler – The Top 101 Hotel Suites in the World 2011
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Worth April/May 2012 – Top 10 Island Getaways
Visit our Press Page to see what’s been written about us.
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Thank you so much for an INCREDIBLE experience… I feel like I have been away for a month, not 15 days… The trip was so diverse and gave me a real taste of Tanzania – I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Memories for a lifetime.
I will be sure to recommend you and your company for anyone wishing to head to Africa…
Here are a few of the photos I took.
Katie
Images from Katies fantastic Safari
"Our trip has been wonderful.... more than we could have ever wished for in one trip. Glad we had Tom along to keep us in line and impart his knowledge. Our drivers were great , but much more enjoyable with Tom directing them in Swahili. Thank you so much for coordinating everything. We will return to the States to encourage others to make this trip and book through Firelight.Cheers!!!"
Marylin
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“Back home in the UK after our holiday of a lifetime with Tanzania by Firelight. The three base holiday was a wonderful way to spend our two weeks away. The Serengeti was magical with accommodation and food being first class. Our brief stay in the Katavi Reserve gave us a very different view of Tanzania with our surroundings being very lush and green. Then on to Lupita Island – what can I say. It was just the most luxurious place on the planet. Four days of total relaxation, swimming and excellent food and drink. Would love to do it again.” – Peter H., United Kingdom
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“Our journey started with a bang as we drove under a large tree filled with sleeping lions with full bellies after their morning feast.” – Ken H., Palo Alto, CA
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“Your trips throughout the national park will surely be unforgettable. What amazed us the most was that you feel like being part of the park – animals don’t shy away as there are so unbelievably few tourists around. It felt like around every corner a new herd of exotic animals was waiting.” – Florian S., Berlin, Germany
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“Nothing compares to cocktails out on the boat as you watch the spectacular sunset over Lake Tanganyika.” – Lauren M., Columbus, OH
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“The food was amazing — 4 star restaurant quality. And the staff, WOW!!!! They were always willing to serve whatever you requested.” – Jay C., Dallas, TX
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“The food left me craving for more, the attention to detail and service went far beyond my expectations (for someone who has been in the hospitality business for 25+ years, that is top of the line service and training)…” – Bob J., Washington, DC
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“My wife and I went a little different with our honeymoon and could not be happier. Everyone goes to Hawaii, but Tanzania is so much more special. In the middle of doing some safaris, we went to Lupita Island and could not believe the beauty and service we experienced. We’ve stayed in 5 star resorts, but the service on Lupita completely outshined anything else. From the morning delivery of coffee, to the evening bed turn-down or drawn bath (with rose petals and our favorite wine) under the stars we could not have been more pampered. All the activities were well planned and there were tons of surprises. A private beach massage by Angela was perfect along with the dinner on our private deck. The Firelight team know how to make the perfect vacation. Thanks so much for a wonderful beginning to our marriage.” – Jay C., Dallas, TX
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“What a great way to start our family reunion safari than in rustic yet elegant canvas tents pitched in the amazing Serengeti. Our journey started with a bang as we drove under a large tree filled with sleeping lions with full bellies after their morning feast.” – Ken H., Palo Alto, CA
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“Tom – we just got back to Dallas after our two week honeymoon with Firelight. WOW!!!! The safari was so much more than expected. The biggest problem I have now is that [my wife] will expect me to provide these types of vacations all the time. I guess we’ll just have to come each year for our anniversary.” – Jay C., Dallas, TX
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“We went last summer – most amazing trip ever!! Using ‘Tanzania by Firelight’ was the best choice we ever made! Our family is still talking about it and can’t wait to go back.” – Charline D.
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Fran Holloway, travel consultant, Rudi Steele Travel, Dallas, TX: ” OMG! (and I don’t use this lightly), I just spoke with my client. He is still “in the glow” of an amazing trip and honeymoon. Thank you to both of you for really stepping up to the plate and giving them a honeymoon beyond anything that they could have dreamed of. He was wary at first, but has just had the trip of a lifetime. I really appreciate everything you did to make this happen. You are the best!”
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Condé Nast Traveler magazine, HOT LIST 2008: “On a remote island in Lake Tanganyika, with its own airstrip, Lupita Island provides the ultimate in seclusion….Many of the wonderful staff comes from neighboring islands.”
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The Guardian newspaper, London, regarding Lupita Island: “I am in awe of the space and lack of walls, our cottage is entirely open-sided with high thatched ceilings, and just immensity, water and nature facing us.”
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Global Artichoke website: “Lupita Island is a seemingly magical oasis of sophisticated pampering in the very middle of the Dark Continent. Safari-hardened souls having graduated in the Serengeti, brave the wilds of Katavi before washing up in the lap of luxury on this beautiful lake.”
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The Independent newspaper, London: “Last December, a sublime lodge opened on Lake Tanganyika, its 14 open-sided villas offering fabulous furnishings and views.”
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See what our guests are saying about us on TripAdvisor!