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
NO
Email Magnus | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experiences with It Started In Africa.
We were four friends who went to Tanzania. We heard with several safari companies, but ISIA was the one with the best offer, and also most flexible for suiting our needs. The communication was also top notch, with great and fast answers!
We were all very satisfied, for several reasons:
- We did see all big 5 and generally a lot of animals and beautiful landscapes
- Our guide, Martin, was very observant
- We really enjoyed the meals, both breakfast, lunch and dinner
- It was a great experience to camp “in the wild” in the middle of Serengeti
- They were so helpful on buying us drinks during safari
- One of us needed a SD-card, and the guide did everything he could to help us finding one
We would definitely recommend ISIA, thank you.
ID
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an experience - and yes, we saw the BIG-5+
Me and two girlfriends had a fantastic time on the safari with ISIA back in April 2014.
Though, it was a rainy season but the the experience was remarkable!
We had blue skies and mystique-foggy scene at the same time, which were so fantastic for photographic captures!
The safari experience was a marvellous one!
From Tarangeri, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, including the Maasai Village visit.
Johnson as our guide is very professional, and most of all, focus on what we wanted to see (and yes, we saw the Big-Five!), even though we were kind of giving up to search the Rhino at the last day, but John kept insist to look for it!
One time, he pointed out on the hunting of 12 Simbas to a poor Impala from a distance and that was an exciting moment, especially our car was the only one there, after a while of course others followed:). Also, we had a chance to witnessed the killing of Zebra by female Lions and then followed by the crocodile who was waiting in the pond and out to enjoy the leftover. What a good-eye of John and what a fun game-driving!
The Ang'ata Luxury Camping is one of our favourite as we were outdoor surrounded by spectacular view of Serengeti. Next time, I wish to stay longer or at least one more night/day in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
The guesthouse people are also were very nice and friendly. They made sure our stay was comfortable and feed us very good meal, from the funny Chef, Pascal! :)
Anyway, I can keep on and on about my wonderful experience, but in short ... yes, I want to express my BIG thank you to ISIA and all the staff for giving us good advise, guiding, patience and best service.' Terima kasih', or Asante Sana, in Bahasa Indonesia!
I linked some of my pics in dropbox to share with you... feel free to use them. Also, fyi, I will write an travel article about Tanzania and ISIA on my blog www.liburing.com, hopefully by end of this month or the latest mid July. I will share with you when I posted. Once again, I thank you all!
Cheers!
Nova
MY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Magical Place
The safari could not be more perfect. It was such a magical place and I will never forget all the memories and feelings I had while driving in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. I managed to see the big5, including a lion hunting and killing a Zebra, while in the Serengeti. Saw several leopards in trees. Saw cheetahs with their cubs (18 in total), crocodiles, many hippos and big herds of elephants. Ngorongoro Crater is a true wonder of the Earth. The safari was awesome. Thanks so much Baraja, Joao and Loy
PT
Email Joana Coutinho | 20-35 years of age
Great experience
My husband and I have done a Safari with It Started in África and loved it. We wanted to do a 7 day Safari in serengeti and ngorongoro crater and then go to zanzibar. Everything went perfect since our guide and cook picked us up from our hotel in arusha. We did 1 day at lake manyara, then 4 day at serengeti national park and finished at ngorongoro crater on our way back to arusha again. We stayed in tents all the 7 nights, and being my first time camping, i actually didnt felt bad at all. The tents were good, spacious and our sleeping bags confortable.
Our guide, Samuel, had lots of experience and he knew all the birds and other small animals. We really liked him, and we were very lucky because we had the chance to see the big five, which, as he told us, may not be very easy. And they also provided us with binoculars, which was very useful when you can only see an animal several meters away from you. We also did an extension to ndutu to watch the great migration. There we could actually watch animals more closely, and we had the chance to watch a herd of lionesses hunting a zebra.
The overall experience was great, we loved the safari, loved our guide. The company matched our expectations, which were very high, since it was the trip of our dreams. Joao was very helpfull, always helping us and answering our questions and doubts, and Baraja too. We would definitly come back with It Started In Africa.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional team, friendly and high concern for customer satisfaction
We spent one month in Tanzania over Christmas (2013) and New Year (2014) and organized everything through "It started in Africa'". We had a truly marvellous time! They planned an amazing 6 days/5 nights safari where we visited Tarangire, Lake Mayanara, Serengeti and N'gorongoro. Dickson, our guide was of great assistance in providing great information and allowing us to see the Big 5 admits numerous other animals. We also did the Kili climb via the Lemosho route which we strongly recommend as it is less crowded and allows more time to enjoy the mountain. Rama and his crew were very obliging; with Julius (assistant-guide) we managed to summit for sunrise on New Year's Day. My wife made it in 4h30 and I in 6h00. Finally they coordinated everything both around Arusha and in Zanzibar. A young and promising agency which should strongly be considered for any trip in northern Tanzania
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect service and tour
After several safaris in Africa, I can say that Serengeti is the most incredible park I've ever visited. Easily! It Started in Africa were the ones responsible for making our visit to this park unforgettable and their service was absolutely top notch. I have nothing to complain about. They were always interested in what they could do to make our trip more enjoyable. Chris (the guide) was funny and new so many little stories and curiosities about each animal or bird.
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.
Email Deblina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari of a Lifetime
It Started in Africa is a local, boutique safari operator and I found them after nearly 3 months of researching various operators for our planned Serengeti trip. They offered complete transparency and flexibility in planning of the itinerary based on our budget and available days and gave us hotel/camp options across the price spectrum for each location. They were patient and prompt with numerous emails, queries and changes esp the one-man wonder Bernard K'angoma. The safari itself was impeccable with a lovely big safari jeep all to ourselves and an experienced safari guide Erasto who ensure we had wonderful sightings of the Big 5 along with countless species of birds and animals. All the camps were lovely and we even got a free upgrade at Serengeti to the Intimate Experiences camp. Food was delicious, homestyle and hearty. The hotel in Arusha on our way in and out, Onsea Lodge was a wonderful little haven though their spa could do with better functionality and staff. But their food and service were impeccable. If you are planning a safari to Serengeti and want a personalized quality trip that doesn't cost the earth you should definitely consider It Started In Africa
LU
Email Jerome | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience
We had a great time in a 6 days safari in Arusha region. The trip organisation was smooth thanks to Bernard, he answers our questions quickly when needed. Bernard recommended to us nice places to stay on safari nights.
Martin was the best driver we could imagine to have. He knew every corner of all parks we visited, always found us the best quiet spots to watch animals and he took very good care of us. He was very friendly and it was a pleasure to spend these days with him and share a beer together in the evening. Many thanks
Email Kit | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful time in Safari and Mt Kilimanjaro
We joined the safari tour "Migration Footsteps" for 8 days and also climbing mount Kilimanjaro via Machame Route for 7 days. We had a very great time and unforgettable experience.
For safari brought us to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The Guide is very experienced and share a lot of knowledge about the animals, plants, environments etc. We managed to see most types of animals we wished to and even able to watch the wildebeest river crossing! He can always make the good location and angle to see the wildlife. We did the wild camping during the nights and the tent is always well set up for us to rest. Food cooked by the chef is great and yummy.
For climbing mount Kilimanjaro, the crew is really great again. The guides always assist us to get over all the difficulties everyday and we finally managed to reach the top – Uhuru peak! Again everything are well set up in the campsite and the food is always well prepared timely and deliciously.
Before, after and between the 2 tours, It’s started in Africa also well arranged all the transportation and accommodation which let us get ready and rest nicely.
Overall, I am so glad that I chose It’s started in Africa for this trip. I highly recommend it to everyone who is thinking about a trip in Tanzania!