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
IE
Email Niall | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful week of Safari in Northern Tanzania
My wife and I took the 7-days/6-nights safari option with It Started In Africa, and we have a wonderful experience! The safari was great - we got to see so much wildlife - and our guide, driver and cook were excellent. We found everyone to be very friendly and helpful. The itinerary was very good, with lots of different things throughout the week. We really enjoyed the various game drives, but I think the visits with locals (banana plantation tour) and meeting the people near Lake Eyasi (especially hunting with the Hadzabe people) were real highlights!
Thank you for helping to make our trip special.
IN
Email Gopika | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had a perfect safari holiday!
It started with the communication over mail with Joao, who was always quick to respond and accurate in giving information. The safari was tailored to my requirements and Joao was very helpful in putting it together to fit my budget and time.
We spent 6 nights and went to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Serengeti Mara . Our Safari was wonderful and everything went as planned without a hitch, so thank you for that. All the accommodations recommended and booked were very good and the service everywhere was beyond expectations. Our driver, Ileya, was well informed and had answers to all our questions. He had keen eyes and was a great spotter. I would definitely recommend him as a driver / guide. We got to see all the ‘Big 5’ - and it was all very exciting.
Only a few minor complaints: when we reached Arusha, the office was so small and cramped there was no opportunity to sit down and plan out or discuss details of the trip before setting out.
The Land Cruiser we had was a bit rattly and the interiors were shabby - in need of refurbishment. Considering the number of hours one spends in the car, it becomes an important point to have a comfortable and clean vehicle. My suggestion is to also have a cooler in the car so that water and drinks can be chilled.
But over all everything was just right and I thank It Started in Africa for making it a great holiday!
Email Christina Herman | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great and unbelievable experience.
I traveled with It stated in Africa tour company . I believe that it was a travel of a life time. The guides are beyond my expectations. They speak fluent English, they knows each and every thing about what you would like to know about animal and the nature as whole. I recommend this company 100 percent. Do not miss to enjoy the nature of Tanzania.
LU
Email Janina Schrader | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Suberb
After some months on a RTW tour I am finally home and can say easily the safari in Tanzania was, hands down, the best experience of this round the world tour. Thanks to it started in africa excellent guide and mother nature work, we were able to see the big5 and much more animals, and even hunts. All the staff was very very nice to us. The Serengeti is one of the most surreal places on Earth, I can't imagine being so in tune with nature like here.
In Serengeti we stayed in Serengeti Heritage camp, a tented camp which I believe is quite new and was stunning, one of the highlights of our safari for sure. I will never forget how many animals we could hear from inside our tents.
FR
Email Louis Pierre | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top of the world
After 2 years of planning, our group of 20 persons from a local marketing company in Bordeaux finally made it to the top of the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It would not be possible if it was not for Mr. Gama from It started in Africa who spent months answering our questions and fine-tuning our itinerary. He even managed to put a one day tour visit to Ngorongoro which was absolutely out of this world and completely unexpected.
On the ground, the kilimanjaro team was exactly what we could hope for: Educated, professional yet cheerful, motivational and with fantastic stamina. They were the main reason for our success. This was one of the best weeks of our life and the feeling of accomplishment is unforgettable.
US
Email Colleen Werther | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It Started in Africa delivers
Amazing trek in Mount Meru for a group of 5 organized by it started in africa. Since first email to leaving the country we always felt welcomed and all the staff (office , guides, emails) were always very warm to us and helped us with all our inquiries and requests in a timely manner. FInally we reached the top of this beautiful mountain which was a challenge not possible without this beautiful people. We will never forget you guys and will come back to climb the Kilimanjaro.
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.
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!
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.
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.