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
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Once in a lifetime trip
We did a safari with It Started In Africa and everything was wonderful. We saw an unbelievable amount of animals and were taken care of extremely well. We had constant support and advice whilst we were booking our trip (thanks to Joao) and they did everything they could to accommodate our wishes, even taking us to visit the boy I sponsor for no additional cost at the end of the safari. The car was reliable, the food was good, our guide Isaac knew everything there is to know about wildlife and we saw so much of the land and culture. The highlight was the tribal visit, the company does a lot of good locally as well. Thanks so much It Started in Africa!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great and kind attention
We spent 5 days around Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro with It Started in Africa. Everything worked as a clock, they were on time for every pick up at the airport or lodges. We chose level A accommodation plus level B in Ngorongoro. It was a good selection of place, and it is totally worth the extra money we spent.
The attention from the moment we requested information through email (Joao always answered back in less than 2-3 hours) until they left us at the airport the last day was really good.
The guide and driver (Simon and Zaire) had a wide knowledge about the area, animals and plants (plus an amazing sight that helped us to spot those), which enriched our experience. Very helpful and friendly.
We totally recommend the company.
If you are planning to go in the coming months and doubting because of ebola, from our experience we can say that is not a real threat.
JP
Email Hiroto Watanabe | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great people, amazing mountain
We climbed Kilimanjaro during a break from our volunteering in Northern Tanzania. We were a group of 20 or 21 and we all got to the summit. Can't explain the feeling. I come from Japan and Mount Fuji is a completely different experience. It made me feel like I can challenge my fears. The organization of the tour was perfect, great guide and great people in this company helped us with everything including the price.
Fantastic Kilimanjaro climb with It Started in Africa
We had really a great time in Tanzania, safari was absolutely perfect but the biggest adventure and most amazing time for us was the Kilimajaro climb. At the National Park gate it was told us, that my son, Laborc Gellért SZEMETI is the youngest one, who ever climbed Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route. (He was born 11.10.2002 so he was only 10 years old when he reached the summit in July 2013)
We were very satisfied with the company and arrangements. I would like to highlight, that we were even surprised, how efficiant their staff were, when my friend's mobile phone was stolen (after the Kilimanjaro trek by a porter from another company), so they could find it and my friend got it back after our safari. Staff was really friendly and helpfull, food was great, everithing was ok.
I would like to highlight, that we were satisfied and happy.
The Kilimanjaro experience was really good for my son. Especially thanks for your guide and of cours, the whole team, including Mr. Limo, who was very kind with us. Greetings to him as well!
Thanks again & I wish you and your team members all the best!
ES
Email Roger Birch | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wow, great Safari, great experience!!
Not ever having been to Tanzania on a safari before I didn't know what to expect so this holiday trip was a new experience. The company we booked with, "It Started in Africa", was completely upfront and instantaneous with all information requested. Thank you Joao.
I travelled with my wife, 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. This was an ideal number as we all fitted into one vehicle. We decided to do the budget camping and were not disappointed at all.
The people on the camp site were all very helpful and friendly. The tents and sleeping bags were clean and comfortable, even when we awoke to see and hear zebras munching the grass all around us!!
Our driver / guide Dickson, could not have been more helpful and so keen that we had the opportunity to see all the wild life. His patience was great as we kept asking for more time to take pics etc. He had a great knowledge of the, trees, flora and fauna and was eager to discuss each in detail as required.
Our chef Pasco, was amazing. The quality and quantity of food produced was beyond expectation. The flavours and variety of the cooking was great considering the very limited amount of cooking facilities he had. He even produced two birthday cakes adorned with candles baked in the middle of the Serengeti National Park!!
A trip to a small Maasai Village (non commercial!!) was an education in itself. I am sure our grandchildren were more surprised than we were in how the Maasai live. Well worth it.
Foe me, the 5 days, 4 night camping was probably enough for one safari.
We were very lucky to see 99% of the animals we had hoped to see but as our guide said, every time he visits the parks you can be lucky or unlucky - it's not up to them (the guide), its depends on nature!
As promised all the facilities were great, the vehicle with great viewing possibilities and good binoculars to appreciate the wildlife.
Although the company is probably small in comparison to some others, they could not have been more knowledgeable and helpful even providing transfers to and from the airport.
Thank you very much, Joao, Dickson and Pasco.
AR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
just amazing!
It is hard to start with such a grateful review, but as soon as i close my eyes and think about everything, since the guys picked us up, until the moment -the very sad moment- when we say goodbye at the Arusha hotel, I remember how amazing, perfect, well organized and simply unforgettable was this experience. Because, for us, it was more, much much more than just a safari. The places we've been, the things we've seen, and more important, the people we've met - and by this I of course mean Isaac, Eliudi, Mandi, Loy, (and João, even when we haven't actually met) - made a lifetime memory of this trip to us. Specially since we had the biggest expectation about this, cause of the time we needed, the money we spent, and the long distance from home.
But from the very first moment, to the last one, this guys gave everything, EVERYTHING, in order to make us feel like royalty. And how much we learned with Isaac, who easily could be a teacher, showing during the whole trip that he is more, way way much more than just a driver. Or the soup that Mandy made, the very best that we both have ever tried. And everything was like a fairy tale, where even the weather (which i assume you don't control) couldn't be better.
We saw every single animal, even the hard ones, that one can't expect to see. A lot of times each. The pictures were amazing, and every single person that saw them, told us that it must been the most unbelievable trip in the history. And they committed no mistake...
I am a very very lucky person who has been traveling around the world for the last ten years. Europe, America, Asia, Oceania... and now Africa. I've been to Africa a year ago as well, but just South Africa. And I can say that never, never, in the tons of excursions and day trips I took, I've met such an experienced, will to teach, and good person as Isaac and his crew.
We also want to express how considered he was while being in the parks, letting us take all the pictures that we wanted, and never saying no to anything, just helping, teaching and having a big smile on his face, always ready and prepared for us, for make us feel -again- like we rule the parks!!!
I would also like to let you know that, the schedule of the safari, was just perfect. How much time per park, or how long to stay there, was just the time we needed. not more, not less. And Loy, at the office, did his part, and was always ready to help us, and he did, and literally save our lives when he could change our flight tickets to Zanzibar, paying with his own money for the charge.
So I think that you cannot be more proud about the people that you have on this firm. AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND FOR EVER... THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful team, excellent service!
I visited "Taste of Africa" Safari in March and I have nothing negative at all to post about this tour company. They were all wonderful and helpful during our arrival in Arusha, the safari, and helping us to purchase bus tickets and leave for the return home.
US
Email Kevin Howard | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
They always go the extra mile.
I was quite worried on the difficulty of planing our trip from the United States with a tour operator from Tanzania. Mr. Joao Oliveira from It Started in Africa immediately made our worries disappear. He always answered our questions within hours if not minutes (I have one request answered in 30 seconds). We also speak on the phone for more specific clarifications I needed. From the first contact until leaving Tanzania, this tour operator always went the extra mile to make sure they could accommodate all our needs. Pretty much everything exceeded our expectations from the quality of the guide, accommodation, wildlife seen, the beauty of the national parks, etc.
Would definitely recommend and will use again in a future opportunity that I hope comes soon.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thanks for this inspiring tour
It Started in Africa made our friends last minute tour to the Serengeti perfect. We were able to book the tour with them departing in just 2 days. We saw the big5, had great binoculars, the vehicle was really nice, the staff (Simon and Zaire) were always laughing with us and teaching us stories about africa and the wildlife. It was really hard to say goodbye and after visiting so many countries, this was the most special tour I've had the pleasure to make.
FR
Email Vijay Ck | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
life changing experiences in the Great Plains!
ISiA provides quick and timely replies and advise pertaining to your needs. I chose to go with this young upstart because of that and i wasn’t disappointed. I had an excellent adventure and ISiA provided for the best safari experience complete with a knowledgeable guide. The local staff went out of their way to be of assistance, especially when i had to find an ATM in Arusha town. This company also gives back to the local community in terms of supporting various charitable causes. I will definitely engage ISiA again as i plan to return to beautiful Tanzania, very soon
Suitable for Solo, couples, Friends and Family (Teens), but i’m sure things can be worked out for business and family (young children) travellers, as i have complete trust in the Management.