It Started in Africa
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- IATA, TATO & TALA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $550 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Derek Morgan | Experience level: first safari
Experience of a lifetime!
What an amazing experience! I did a 5-day safari with my girlfriend through Ngorongoro, Manyara and Serengeti back in March and it was unreal. I also added on the balloon tour, Masai village visit and an additional 5 nights in Zanzibar at Amaan Bungalows.
I'll start off with our arrival into Kilimanjaro Airport. We had some issues getting our passport at the airport (entirely our faults). Prior to traveling to Tanzania, we had spent several months outside of the US so did not have US Dollars to pay for the passport fee. Shouldn't have been a big deal, as they have an ATM at the airport, however, the ATM was not working. So, this left us stuck at the airport with no way out. Once our guide from It Started in Africa arrived at the airport, we explained our predicament. The guide, along with another staff-member, made plans to transfer money and pick up the cash we needed for our passport fees at a nearby bank. I don't know what we would have done without them! They were extremely nice and couldn't have been more helpful throughout the whole ordeal. Africa travel tip: Always have US Dollars, don't expect ATMs to work even at major international airports.
On to the safari! What an awesome 5 days! We ended up doing a private camping safari, as a group safari was not available when we went. Our guide and cook were both great. Upon arrival, we mentioned that we were interested in trying more of the local food and they both made arrangements to pick up additional food on our drive from Arusha. They even stopped at a Masai village to pick up fresh goat for us! Our guide was very knowledgeable and experienced. He was able to answer all questions that we had and really made the trip what it was. 5 days was plenty of time for us. It was great to get to see the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Manyara in such a short time. Manyara is very small and won't take long at all, however, it's a great starting point for the safari. Serengeti is obviously the main attraction and will not disappoint. We went to Ngorongoro on our final day and it was also amazing. You'll see a lot of the same animals, plus Rhino if you are lucky. However, you'll be able to get much closer to the animals in the crater as opposed to Serengeti. That was the real plus to me! Also, we would definitely camp again. All of the campsites have nice facilities and the experience of sleeping outside under the stars in the Serengeti is something you don't want to miss.
Now to the add-ons that we did. The hot air balloon was well worth the extra cost! Our pilot was super friendly and knowledgeable. Seeing the sunrise from the balloon really offered a different experience that you can't get from the ground. We didn't see a ton of wildlife, but the view of the sunrise was what made it worth it. You'll also get a champagne toast and excellent breakfast after landing.
We also did the Masai Village visit. I didn't find this overly impressive, probably because I had spent 2 months living in an African village in Ghana prior to the trip. The whole ordeal just felt too touristy for me, as it should I suppose. For people who have not been to Africa or have not experience life in an African village then I'm sure you would enjoy it.
We finished off our tour of Tanzania with 5 nights in Zanzibar. Let me preface this by saying we are not huge beach fans. Not sure why we thought it was a good idea to spend 5 nights there! Amaan Bungelows are very nice for the price. The beach is nice, but be prepared to fight off the throngs of people trying to sell you stuff. They will follow you every where on the beach and even yell at you while you are enjoying your meal from the nice covered patio at Amaan. I am usually pretty good at ignoring these people, politely telling them I am not interested and moving on. However, they probably annoyed me more here than they have anywhere else I have traveled. There are a lot of nice activities to do while you are in Zanzibar though, like diving, snorkeling, spice tours, etc. We did not take advantage of any of the activities as we were towards the end of our African travels and were on a tight budget so I can't speak to the quality of them. It also rained every day while we were in Zanzibar. It was never a complete washout, but still it rained a lot. You may want to watch the season that you are going. I probably wouldn't go in rainy season. As far as It Started in Africa is concerned though, we had a pleasant experience with our driver who transported us between the airport in Zanzibar and Amaan Bungelows.
I hope this helps folks who are looking to travel to Tanzania. I would love to go back one day and will definitely look to It Started in Africa when I do. Overall, it was an amazing experience that everyone should do at some point in their lives. Welcome to adventure!
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unique experience
We did a safari in June and visited the major parks ( Tarangire , Ngorongoro and Serengeti ) . We spent 4 incredible days. The guide was attentive , super informed. The lodges suggested by Louis were even better than expected. We recommend !
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Email Julie Matteis | 35-50 years of age
Outstanding
We really enjoyed our trip to Tanzania. The operator and guide were fantastic and the itinerary was very well planned and optimized. Our accommodation in tented camps was just perfect with a mix of comfort and wilderness. Everyone was pleasant and very nice to us. Guide knew all about animals and Tanzania history. Thank you it started in Africa!
FR
Email Chloé | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Just what I expected and more !
I discovered this young company totally out of random researches and consider myself lucky ! My trek to the Kili was fantastic (Rongai route). I was really well taken care of by Sylvia before and after Kili (she picked me up at the airport with Martin ; they drove me to my couchsurfing adress, picked me there the next day, took me back there after the trek...). As for the trip itself I couldn't dream of a better one especially thanks to my my guide, Ernest, whom I found absolutely delicious, nice, careful and professional. I really enjoyed my week in his company and since he speaks good English we had great discussions all the time.
Concerning the preparation, Joao (mail contact) was a delight and always ready to give all the informations you might need (and even more sometimes). I highly recommand this young company, and also to check out the homestay experiences they offer aswell (I stayed as a volunteer in Majoe village). Thanks guys !
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Email Cheryl Early | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro climb with It started in africa
party of 5 hired It Started in Africa for trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Organization was excellent, food was great (some members had some restrictions, vegetarian or gluten-free), staff was nice and cheerful, wouldn't make it to the top without their help and songs :) Fantastic Experience
JO
Email Samer Ghanem | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari in 2014
A bit of a late review but needed to share. I decided to go with this company after the quick answer by emails and professional phone calls to discss itinerary. My experience with It Started in Africa was an excellent one. As mentioned in many reviews, Joao is a fantastic customer support manager and had all the patience in the world to answer my queries, time and time again. The prices of this company were very competive and lower than most of the reputable companies I contacted. Not the cheapest overall but certainly not the most expensive.
The safari was spectacular, the wildlife itself does most of the work, as do the humble and lovely people of Tanzania. Our guide Deogratius was young but very experienced and turned our safari into a fantastic adventure. His knowledge of animals and birds was outstanding and his eyesight was nothing short of impressive. He would id every bird and animal on the spot.
The vehicle (Land Cruiser) was comfortably enough for the rough roads, which are very bumpy and dusty. It never had any issue apart from a flat tire on the 4th day which is normal. I can tell they clearly look after their vehicles and maintain them well. We had an inverter in the car to connect our electronics which was fantastic.
IL
Email Gali Benshimol | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Why you should go with It Started in Africa
Impecable service and support in the planning of your safari. We had an issue during the 4th day of the safari which, though I prefer not to share the reasons, made us consider cancelling the safari. I texted Baraja in the head office and was surprised by their response. When we arrived in the camp that night, an entire new action plan was organized and the issue was solved completelty beyond my wildest expectations.
I wouldn’t choose another company because I know it is a local company and the direction, staff and team are there for you, in case of something wrong happens, they will react immeadiately and fix any problem you might have. And that’s what you want from a tour operator.
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fly-in Safari in Lemala Camps
I did a fly in safari with it started in africa. They did not provide their services as it was a fly in safari, so lemala camps were handling everything. But regarding the it started in africa team and customer support, everything was brilliant, smooth and fast. Definitely recommended
CH
Email Eline Biehler | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ngorongoro Day tour
Had an amazing time with my family in the Crater. I had a free day in Arusha between two conferences and went on a safari with ISIA. Mr. Baraja greeted me in this office and we had amarulla together before the tour :) The safari was top notch and we managed to see most of the animals except for the leopards. I will come again with more time for sure.
NL
Email Floris Lignac | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing time in the Serengeti
We had an amazing time in the Serengeti using the services of It Started in Africa. Great vehicle, they gave very good binoculars, the guide, Mbise, was very nice and excellent driver.
The accommodation in the park was also fantastic, we stayed in Serengeti Heritage camp, and it felt genuine, authentic but extremely comfortable, remote and with lovely staff. Amazing camp for a safari with animals around the camp everywhere.
All in all, a perfect safari.