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 Chava Laub | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Customizable, easy communication, reliable and great value
I went with It Started In Africa because a friend recommended this tour company to me. I did research on my own as well and reached out to many companies. Honestly, ISIA was the easiest to communicate with and plan. I was very happy with my mid-range safari I had and the price for what I got was unbeatable. Every question and concern I had was answered promptly. Their advice was valuable.
I was a solo female traveler that has never been to Africa and was a bit hesitant on safety. Never did I have to worry about my safety when I was with this tour company. I arranged for Airport pick-up and drop-off, which was smooth. My safari guide was the one to pick me up and drop me off.
Erasto was a great guide. He really made my trip very memorable. He was also my good luck charm as I got to see the Big 5 in both the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. He was very knowledgeable about the animals, plants and culture. On my first night in he made sure I was able to eat as my accommodations wasn’t able to prepare anything that evening as I arrived very late. He made sure I got to see everything I wanted and I was happy throughout the trip. His tips really helped with my time in Tanzania. Before we embarked on the safari he took me to a local grocery store to buy snacks and treats I wanted. I miss our fireside chats with Konyagi and every time I see a giraffe I think of his favorite “models.”
I loved all my accommodations I stayed at. I honestly wish I had a longer safari now because I wish I had more than one night at each place because each place was incredible. All the food at each location was delicious, and staff were kind and helpful.
I plan to use ISIA again in the future, this time I need to add Zanzibar to the trip and stay longer.
IT
Email Marta | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A safari to remember
Before settling for It Started in Africa I did a lot of research. The company was suggested by a friend, but I wanted to be careful in my planning and make the best quality-price ratio for such an important trip.
The turning point for me was the caring and helpful attitude of Bernard, the owner of the company, through the stages of the planning. We exchanged almost 50 emails in 5 months and I always received a quick and kind reply.
We chose a Five Days Safari with one day in Tarangire, one day in Ngorongoro Crater and 3 days in Serengeti. Since the Serengeti is immense, we thought of moving to Serengeti North for one day in the hope of seeing the animals crossing the river. Unfortunately, we were not warned that the journey from the Central Serengeti to the North would last between six and eight hours, spent entirely on the main road without taking advantage of the game drives.
The day after we decided to return to Central Serengeti earlier and after we explained to Aaron and Elia (our driver and guide) that we weren't pleased with how the last day went they did everything they could to make our safari the best experience possible. Elia and Aaron were super helpful and accommodated all our wishes: we followed only game drive routes to go back and saw beautiful settings and a lot of animals!
At the end of the safari, we saw 4/5 of the Big Five!
A special mention goes to our trip to Mataruni Village. On our first day in Tanzania, we arrived at 1 pm at Kilimanjaro Airport. They came to pick us up and organized a trip to the village, famous for its waterfalls and coffee plantations. Our guide was Abdul, the main organizer of the trekking on Kilimanjaro: he gave us a warm welcome to Tanzania and after the trip drove us to Arusha to start the safari.
To conclude, my advice is to read a lot about the places you want to see, and the best routes for the period you are planning to go and not be shy about asking a lot of questions.
I recommend this company. They are small but nice, the lodges and camps were very good and the price was competitive compared to others with the same offers.
Thanks It Started in Africa: it was truly an amazing experience!
