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
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unique experience
We did a safari in June and visited the major parks ( Tarangire , Ngorongoro and Serengeti ) . We spent 4 incredible days. The guide was attentive , super informed. The lodges suggested by Louis were even better than expected. We recommend !
US
Email Derek Morgan | Experience level: first safari
Experience of a lifetime!
What an amazing experience! I did a 5-day safari with my girlfriend through Ngorongoro, Manyara and Serengeti back in March and it was unreal. I also added on the balloon tour, Masai village visit and an additional 5 nights in Zanzibar at Amaan Bungalows.
I'll start off with our arrival into Kilimanjaro Airport. We had some issues getting our passport at the airport (entirely our faults). Prior to traveling to Tanzania, we had spent several months outside of the US so did not have US Dollars to pay for the passport fee. Shouldn't have been a big deal, as they have an ATM at the airport, however, the ATM was not working. So, this left us stuck at the airport with no way out. Once our guide from It Started in Africa arrived at the airport, we explained our predicament. The guide, along with another staff-member, made plans to transfer money and pick up the cash we needed for our passport fees at a nearby bank. I don't know what we would have done without them! They were extremely nice and couldn't have been more helpful throughout the whole ordeal. Africa travel tip: Always have US Dollars, don't expect ATMs to work even at major international airports.
On to the safari! What an awesome 5 days! We ended up doing a private camping safari, as a group safari was not available when we went. Our guide and cook were both great. Upon arrival, we mentioned that we were interested in trying more of the local food and they both made arrangements to pick up additional food on our drive from Arusha. They even stopped at a Masai village to pick up fresh goat for us! Our guide was very knowledgeable and experienced. He was able to answer all questions that we had and really made the trip what it was. 5 days was plenty of time for us. It was great to get to see the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Manyara in such a short time. Manyara is very small and won't take long at all, however, it's a great starting point for the safari. Serengeti is obviously the main attraction and will not disappoint. We went to Ngorongoro on our final day and it was also amazing. You'll see a lot of the same animals, plus Rhino if you are lucky. However, you'll be able to get much closer to the animals in the crater as opposed to Serengeti. That was the real plus to me! Also, we would definitely camp again. All of the campsites have nice facilities and the experience of sleeping outside under the stars in the Serengeti is something you don't want to miss.
Now to the add-ons that we did. The hot air balloon was well worth the extra cost! Our pilot was super friendly and knowledgeable. Seeing the sunrise from the balloon really offered a different experience that you can't get from the ground. We didn't see a ton of wildlife, but the view of the sunrise was what made it worth it. You'll also get a champagne toast and excellent breakfast after landing.
We also did the Masai Village visit. I didn't find this overly impressive, probably because I had spent 2 months living in an African village in Ghana prior to the trip. The whole ordeal just felt too touristy for me, as it should I suppose. For people who have not been to Africa or have not experience life in an African village then I'm sure you would enjoy it.
We finished off our tour of Tanzania with 5 nights in Zanzibar. Let me preface this by saying we are not huge beach fans. Not sure why we thought it was a good idea to spend 5 nights there! Amaan Bungelows are very nice for the price. The beach is nice, but be prepared to fight off the throngs of people trying to sell you stuff. They will follow you every where on the beach and even yell at you while you are enjoying your meal from the nice covered patio at Amaan. I am usually pretty good at ignoring these people, politely telling them I am not interested and moving on. However, they probably annoyed me more here than they have anywhere else I have traveled. There are a lot of nice activities to do while you are in Zanzibar though, like diving, snorkeling, spice tours, etc. We did not take advantage of any of the activities as we were towards the end of our African travels and were on a tight budget so I can't speak to the quality of them. It also rained every day while we were in Zanzibar. It was never a complete washout, but still it rained a lot. You may want to watch the season that you are going. I probably wouldn't go in rainy season. As far as It Started in Africa is concerned though, we had a pleasant experience with our driver who transported us between the airport in Zanzibar and Amaan Bungelows.
I hope this helps folks who are looking to travel to Tanzania. I would love to go back one day and will definitely look to It Started in Africa when I do. Overall, it was an amazing experience that everyone should do at some point in their lives. Welcome to adventure!
US
Email Amanda Rowe | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
What an adventure!
Booked a last minute safari with It started in Africa shortly after landing in Kilimanjaro airport coming from Victoria falls. From a Saturday afternoon they could organize a 7 days safari for 4 persons starting 2 days later (Monday) and with a level of luxury accommodation I could never have expected (gorgeous tented camps from a group called Lemala). The vehicle was amazing with large windows and very smooth. We had two pairs binoculars(Olympus I think) which were a great bonus.
The driver Samuel was what we needed: Professional but cheerful, great driver and with an amazing eyesight. We had amazing discussions about interesting wildlife facts like the reason one leopard was afraid of some birds that were making some strange noises. he was really knowledgeable.
We saw all the big5 during these days and we spent most of our time in the Serengeti (Central and North). Nothing to complain about. Everything was 200%. Highly recommended.
AE
Email Nicolas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kili + Safari with IT
I did the Machame Route up to the Kilimanjaro + a 4 days Safari with It Started in Africa.
I recommend this company to everyone who wants a personalized/private tour/trek at competitive rates.
Kilimanjaro Trek - The team going up the Kili was very professional, the guides/assistant guides were 2 great knowledgeable/funny guys (trust me, I ask a lot of questions). They were always there to assist me. It was an amazing experience.
Safari - The Guide/driver was a great guy once again. He knew all the good spots. Was a memorable experience.
DE
Email Carsten Aranda | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Five stars
It started in africa were extremely helpful during the planning of our tour, always with great advices, suggestions and itinerary revisions. Our vehicle was in great shape, and did his job well on the rough roads. Driver was brilliant and we created a great bound. I didn’t want to say goodbye and go back to my urban lifestyle. He found more animals than all the four of us together and he was driving :) he stayed with us until the aircraft departed from Kogatende airstrip in Northern Serengeti.
TR
Email Deniz Sahin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bucket List experience
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has always been something I dreamt about doing. Not for the views, for the beauty of it but for the challenge. I am currently on a stressful situation in my life, both personal and professional wise, and felt this would be the time to fulfil and go after that dream. To prove myself I am strong enough if I care, to prove I could climb with my own legs, the tallest Mountain on Earth. The experience was fantastic, a lot thanks to the tour operator which made my fears and anxiety go away and provided a great service both in communication and in the actual organization of the trek, including the feeling of security, responsibility and cheerfulness I always felt from everyone.
It was probably the most difficult thing I've done in my life but if it was easy it wouldn't have meant something. Do it once in your life and scratch it off your bucket list.
Simply couldn't have been better
The great service started with the booking process which was quite slow from our side as there were a lot of things we wanted to know and complications with dates. But every time I contacted them I would get a reply back either within a few days or the next day at the latest. This certainly inspires confidence that they will be as efficient with the actual safari.
And we were not disappointed. I'm sure all the guides are good but our guide Deo was fantastic. Each morning before breakfast he would check the vehicle over to make sure everything was ready for us. He is so knowledgeable about the wildlife and also had plenty of books for anything he didn't know, which wasn't much. He also told us all about the culture and way of life in Tanzania and was great company on the trip. He is very conservation-minded and is conscious that the wildlife must not be disturbed by inconsiderate actions.
The food was also excellent, so all in all I would highly recommend It Started in Africa.
AE
Email Usef | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
9 day full North Tanzania Safari
Great people, very good communication by email, Jaou was very very helpful as I felt My eyes are already in Tanzania before going there. Small example I wanted to book 2 nights in Lake Manyara but later thanks to Jaou its just a 3 hour safari, not worth more
NL
Email Marcel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great, super ans wonderfull
It was a wonderfull experience we really enjoyed our stay in the parks.
The driver and guide Nikolas was great.
He made our holliday.
He knew fast what had our attention.
So we did see a loth of wild animals, but also three tribes!
Visited a school, hospital and….his family.
Thanks to him it was an unforgettable experience.
Marcel Wallage - Netherlands
BR
Email Wilson Araujo | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Superb experience
Since first contact to the end all the staff were always very helpful and gentle. I had a great, amazing experience in both the 4 days safari to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro and the one day hiking in Kilimanjaro. Friendly guides and cooker. Very good vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser with open roof). Finally, when I had an unexpected situation, manager Silvia met me at the hotel and helped me to find a flight. And for brazilians there are people who speak Portuguese! I recommend going to Tanzania Parks with It Started in Africa.