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
Email Sophia Aussie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do not book!
I many problems with this operator. The guide asked me to pay entry into a park then later again w a hotel booking I already paid for which totalled $500usd. I think they hope we feel bad and then let it go. I luckily didnt carry mich cash on me and refused. There was messing abt and possibly no hotel stay. I stood my ground and demanded reimbursement for the amt owed. I was also taken on a shonky coffee tour not like described but by 2 rogue kids.
I was in tears fighting them 2 hrs before my airport transfer and ended up arriving to the airport w 30mins to go.
From my Tripadvisor review i was contacted by numerous people who were swindled their deposit. The company went down, changed names then restarted again under it started in africa.
After my review they offered me monetary compensation to take my review down. I refused. Then coincidentally my tripadvor account kept sending me emails that i wanted to reset the password. Im not accusing anyone of hacking but it was interesting times.
I was emailed by Bernard to review my trip again so they could use it for other travellers. Hope this finds everyone well as a clear warning! I do not advise putting any deposit into this company. Other tours exist so research well and contact the reviewers
Email Jo Tarwell | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Experience in Safari with ITS and amazing first Time in Africa.
Just before the lockdown due to COVID 19; We had the best time in Safari and visit to Zanzibar-Thanks to Itstartedinafrica.com
We are very happy we had a chance to travel before two months of lockdown, the safari went very well and we enjoyed the beginning of the calving season. Our guide had loads of experience and was good at sharing with us his knowledgeable of the wildlife. Throughout the booking, the company was very helpful in explaining different levels of safari, accomodation and comfort.
I was very inquisitive and I got clarifications, the owner attended us personally and explained every little details we asked of and his guides and cooks are very hard working. They made me and my husband enjoy our safari and we were treated with utmost kindness and shown their beautiful country and experience their culture. They organised visit to local villages and we engaged with the locals, such a good experience and would highly recommend. Advise for fellow travels is that don't chose economy safari but expects luxury safari service. The company offered us three choices and we chose luxury safari which meant we stayed in 4star hotels with high security and modern facilities as opposed to camping in tents.
Enjoy your safari.
ES
Email AGUSTIN | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Danger of robbery, low reliability
We made a one week safari in December 2019 with this agency, 2 adults and 4 children. The quality of the different services was acceptable except for the age of the vehicle and the poor reliability of the information offered by e-mail when making the reservation. In our case, the "peculiarity" of the trip with 4 children and the need to ensure their well-being and safety was emphasized. Although we were repeatedly confirmed that everything was safe and according to the needs of children, the result was that what had to have been a dream trip became a nightmare. This agency does not care or take responsibility for the safety of its clients during the trip and as a result of this lack of responsibility they attacked us at knife point when we were with 4 children. The feeling of insecurity in areas outside the national parks resulted in the fact that we could not enjoy the hired trip. From what we have been able to find out, it is an agency that strives to provide rapid responses in the bidding phase with competitive prices, but once you are on the trip completely neglect the clients and their needs, being the most serious and dangerous the fact that they cannot ensure their safety. I would recommend being very careful with this agency, especially if you intend to make a trip with children. In case you have the trip hired, I would recommend having emergency telephone numbers for the Spanish consulate, as well as contracting private insurance with good coverage.
FR
Email Rem Sigutta | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Worth Trip
We went for Ngorongoro Crater safari for a day. We saw different wildlife species like rare black rhino, bull elephant and many more. The trip was well organized and they did what they had claimed. Thanks It Started In Africa for such a beautiful trip.
AT
Email Kanser Kolin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Lifetime Safari Experience
My 6 days safari trip was well organized and maintained. The guide was well experienced and helped me in every way. The food was also very delicious. I had a wonderful experience. Kudos to the service of It Started In Africa!
Email Melanie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Stole our $4000 deposit and still waiting to hear back! DO NOT USE THEM!
We planned our honeymoon to Tanzania and after paying a $4000 deposit we were told corrupt people within the company stole money. Apparently they filed a lawsuit and Baraja has been telling us the money will be returned to us but now my emails have not been replied too. I cant believe they are still operating when they owe people SOOOOOO much money. Avoid this company at all costs as it could have ruined our honeymoon.
CA
Email Kim | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It is hard to believe this company is still in operation!!
This company stole thousands of dollars from my family. We prepaid for our safari vacation. Just before arriving we were tiled they were bankrupt. No one picked us up at the airport. Hotels were reserved but unpaid. And they were untraceable at their office in Arusha or by email. There is no way they should be allowed to operate. They are a criminal organization. Stay far away.
QA
Email Tracy | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They take care of us from the time we land at Kilamenjaro to when they wave goodby -unbelievable
From the first conversation with Bernard for the trip planning to the last animal sighting with our guide Isack, It Started in Africa Tours made this trip, "The Trip of a Lifetime". The game drives, Bush camps, Lodges, cultural tours and knowledge of the animals and the land, nothing could have been better. Food was great, service in all of the camps was wonderful. I would recommend It Started In Africa to anyone who is looking for a Safari experience that will be talked about for years to come.
KR
Email Mathew | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well organized, accommodating, knowledgeable and fun
We went safari through northern Tanzania with It Started in Africa. During the planning, It Started in Africa was helpful and always quick to reply to our e-mails and many requests. All the details were taken care of for the safari from the pick up at the airport in Kilimanjaro to dropping us off at our next destination in Kenya. The safari itself was amazing - we saw tons of wildlife and, thanks to the sharp eyes of our guide Isack, we witnessed a cheetah hunt a gazelle up close. Just incredible. It was the trip of a lifetime for us and we will always remember it fondly.
Email Anthony Kaye | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Still waiting for my refund
It Started In Africa abruptly cancelled my tour a year ago and I am still waiting to refunded US$4,250. Bernard Baraja claims the company is still operational. While in Arusha last year I lodged a claim against ISIA with the Tanzanian Police Department tourist policy department, and also attended the Tanzanian Tourist Board office, which has a thick file of complaints against ISIA for misappropriation of customer funds amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am resigned to never seeing my money again -- this is a warning to all potential customers.