Lion King Safari Guides
Lion King Adventures
- Offices In:
-
Canada
United States
Switzerland
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $1,115 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Nick | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lion King Adventures - Top of the Pecking Order!
We are completely new to the whole Safari experience, having talked about it for years. Our honeymoon was the perfect excuse to indulge. A little research online yielded that Kenya / Tanzania were both good options for September when we wanted to go away, and provided the opportunity to witness the great migration and crossing of the Mara river. We read that Tanzania may be a little quieter than Kenya, and saw the opportunity to visit the Serengeti, so we contacted a number of companies to enquire about options.
Lion King provided us with a selection of options for different tours of different lengths, which was very helpful in understanding the expected cost for the experience. They were vey helpful in customising our trip to add a walk in the foothills of Kilimanjaro and then onto Zanzibar for some R&R. They were also sympathetic to keeping within our budget, in stark contrast to some other providers who charged significantly more. Massive thanks to Pendo for answering all our questions kindly as we tweaked the programme before booking to include a walk in the foothills of Kilimanjaro and a few days in Zanzibar after Safari.
We paid by credit card and incurred a small fee for additional payment security. If we booked again I would probably make a direct transfer having been before.
Prior to arrival, we received a final more detailed agenda, allaying any fears about collection from the airport, transport etc. This all went very smoothly. Recommend applying for VISA online to skip the queue for forms on arrival at Kili airport.
After a day to rest at the lodges we were collected by our guide Yusuph who confirmed the agenda and we set off in our Toyota Land Cruiser. The vehicle was comfortable, well equipped (fridge, some drinks etc.) Note that all vehicles seen on safari were land cruisers of the same variety. We noted Yusuph was also well equipped with tools for maintenance - a critical safety requirement we noted some other providers didn’t have as the odd spanner was lent along the way to others.
Our Safari included Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, NGoroGoro crater and Lake Manyara areas. We were very fortunate and saw the big 5. Highlights included a lion stalking prey, a cheetah at full speed chasing Zebra, monkeys playing… It was the experience of a lifetime, and we are incredibly thankful to the team for making it happen, and especially to Yusuph for sharing his knowledge about all things safari including game, birds, flora and forna and also answering our questions along the way about life in Tanzania and teaching us a little Swahili along the way. We made a good little team working together to spot animals which made the whole experience even more rewarding.
Accommodation throughout included a mix of lodges, including 2 tented lodges which were the highlight for us. Having no idea what to expect, each ‘tent’ is generously proportioned with a king size bed, normal toilet and hot shower. At night the team escort you back to the tents after dark with communication via 2 way radio, ensuring you are kept safe from the animals that roam after dark. We heard wilderbeast, hyena, and lions nearby in the night to name a few.
The food in these tented lodges was excellent and we were also provided with a substantial lunch every day which was eaten in dedicated picnic areas throughout each of the parks along with a glass of wine. Note that these parks also have toilet facilities at regular intervals throughout.
So, if you are on the fence about safari - book it now with Lion King! Our conclusion is that spending 25% more with other providers would’ve still landed us in a land cruiser in this beautiful part of the world.
Email Becca | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a life time, fully recommend Lion king adventures!
We just finished our five day safari with Lion King Adventures and our guide Mwita truly made the experience unforgettable.
This trip was a dream come true- not only did we get to see the big 5, many of them up close many times, our guide Mwita truly made the experience. He grew up in the Serengeti and it is clear he feels at home there. He would get just as excited as we would about animal spottings which made it feel even more special.
He has an amazing ability to spot animals from far away all while driving along the park roads and then is able to find a closer position to get the best views. He has an in depth knowledge of all of the animals and it felt like we had our own encyclopedia in the car. Mwita went out of his way to make this a trip of a life time and if you have the chance to request him as your guide I would highly recommend doing so.
We did a 5 day safari visiting Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and ending in lake Manyara. I worked with Godwin and Pedro to adjust the typical 5 day safari slightly so we could stay two nights in the Serengeti which I would recommend- you have some early mornings but having a full day to enjoy the Serengeti and relax at the lodge in the mid afternoon made it all worth it. Fully recommend booking with Lion king!
CA
Email Daniel Simpson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
It was an exceptional experience in more ways than one. We saw so many animals and the beautiful African landscape. Our Guide, David, knew all the good spots to go to, and knew how to have fun while we were searching the game. David is also an exceptional barista for those afternoon coffees!
The accommodations were fantastic and the Tanzanian people are so friendly and welcoming, we truly felt at home wherever we went.
We highly recommend Lion King Safari!
US
Email Brenda | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic and organized safari
I first heard of Lion King through very good reviews, and I read a lot of them! I wrote to the company to begin inquiring about a trip, and immediately Godwin responded. We began emailing about different potential trips. He was always prompt and answered all my questions. Soon into this process, I asked him to give me three names of other people who had recently traveled with him that I could call for references. I talked to three different people at length about their experiences. All had incredibly good things to say about their trip with Lion King and with their guides.
Godwin continued to answer numerous emails as I had many questions. We chose the mid-range option. I had asked about some alternative hotels because of the other peoples’ experiences. Godwin was helpful to price these out and explain to me the benefits of the route that he had originally proposed. Although they would have put in other hotels had we requested them, we eventually just went with the first set of recommended hotels for this itinerary. That was a very fine choice. We had very good experiences in all of the hotels and tented camps that we were in, and service was top-notch in all of them. The tented camps in the Serengeti felt to us like the classic African experience. We loved these nights and enjoyed hearing the animals right outside of our tents.
Godwin continued to be patient with me as I finalized our itinerary because I wanted to also climb Kilimanjaro. He was again patient with me as I tried to figure out the best way to send payment. Once we had done this, we were turned over to Anna, the logistics person. Anna was just as helpful and I enjoyed our communications. She was prompt to answer my continued emails. The company was especially kind to us because they arranged an early check in for my husband and a separate transfer for him, because he was arriving early in the morning as I was still finishing my Kilimanjaro experience and arrived at a different time. This was most appreciated!
We have just finished this wonderful safari, and I can say that it has met and exceeded all of our expectations. Our guide Mwita was an excellent driver. This is important on these difficult roads and with the many hours you will spend in the vehicle. He kept our vehicle clean and restocked it with drinks every night. He did a lot of behind-the-scenes work to make sure everything went smoothly. He was very patient and was willing to wait while we were viewing certain animals to see if they would move to a better area to see them and/or wait for certain hoped-for behaviors. Due to this patience, we were able to see lions mating. We also were incredibly blessed to see the wildebeests crossing the Mara river on two different occasions in the north. Mwita sat with us as we waited and waited while the animals ran back and forth across the river. Other companies moved their vehicles while we stayed put. And where did those wildebeests eventually cross? Right in front of us! In the afternoon we waited for hours for a third group to cross, staying until the last possible minute. While that group didn't cross, the 12-hour day was a testament to Mwita's patience. We saw hundreds of thousands of animals and all of the big cats several times. Both my husband and I were amazed by the number of animals we saw.
All the food was excellent, from the buffets at the hotels and tented camps to the hot lunches we were sent with every day. (In fact, I'd recommend pacing yourself so you don't gain several pounds like I did!) Depending on where we were, our guide would stop either at a picnic area or simply in the national park and we would eat in the vehicle at a good view point. In Tarangire national park, we ate in our vehicle while looking outside at a huge group of elephants sucking water out of a seemingly dry pond!
Our first night in Arusha, we met some young travelers who were on Safari with a different company. When we ran into them a couple of days later, they were unhappy because they had been promised a certain hotel in the Ngorongoro crater area that they were not taken to. I was confident that we would not have any of this funny business with Lion King, and we did not. It was a seamless and wonderful experience and I would not hesitate to recommend this company.
CA
Email Meliane | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip ever
The Safari was well organized. Outstanding service. From the beginning with Anna, when we got pick up at the airport and a special mention to our guide Gilbert. Everything was perfect. I traveled all around the world and this is the best trip ever. If you want to be first row and have a memorable experience , book with Liom King Adventure. You will not be disappointed.
Email Helen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience thanks to our guide Peter
Best guide, best driver, most knowledgeable wildlife expert… there is not enough superlatives to describe how Peter “the professor” have been constantly trying to make us live the best and most unforgettable experience.
We always felt safe in the vehicle, Peter understood what we wanted and would always try to make us happy and comfortable. Whether that be by predicting the animal behaviour and getting us the best views of hunts, kills and cubs or talking in the van and over dinner about our different cultures.
Everything was thought about from airport pick up and drop off, lunches, accommodation to drinks and to timings and itineraries on each day.
Couldn’t recommend this company and Peter our driver more highly- do not hesitate to book with Lion King.
Email Faizan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent 5 stars service.
It’s been an amazing tour in Tanzania. Lion King team is very professional and they know how to pleased their customer. The price is excellent and it’s a value for the money. Their price is affordable and you get what you paid for!
Put your guide is excellent! Enock is very professional and knowledgeable. No task that he can’t handle and he look after us very well. I felt very comfortable and safe through the journey.
Accommodation selection is brilliant! Service is top and food is delicious! You don’t go hungry in Africa!!!!
The whole experience very enlightening and I highly recommend the team. We already planned for our trip for 2024!!!!
US
Email Nanouche | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous experience with Gilbert as our guide
One of my friends wanting to go on a safari, did extensive research and found Lion King Adventures, a local agency, which was an important factor. Together with Anna, they organized a fabulous all-inclusive safari for our group of 5.
We were extremely lucky to have Gilbert as our guide and driver and we could not have had a better one. Gilbert knew all the good spots, when and where to go and what was a good time to leave. All this while being respectful of the wildlife and the environment, which we really appreciated. Gilbert was kind and discreet in taking care of us and managing the difficult roads and having the “African Massage” be as smooth as possible.
What an extraordinary experience, thank you Gilbert for your contribution to making this such a memorable trip.
CH
Email Michal & Jiri | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible experience
We spent 4 days in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. I have to admit we might have been a bit lucky, but we literally saw everything just within the first day -> 3 lionesses killing a buffalo, crocodiles eating a dead hippo, pride of lions with 7 cubs walking a playing right next to our car and so much more... Really amazing experience made even better by our knowledgeable guide Gilbert. Highly recommended.
US
Email Lisa & Andre | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gilbert in the BEST Guide/Driver and Lion King Adventures is the BEST tour company. Go with them!
Lion King Adventures was wonderful!!! Anna took care of everything until the point when Gilbert met us for the start of our Safari. She handled everything seamlessly and the value for the mid-range safari was excellent. The best part though was Gilbert!!! He took care of everything and make sure we saw ALL animals including a Rhino and her baby! We had a Cheetah climb on our Land Cruiser and then watched as it stalked and take down a Grand Gizzel, watched a Hippo fight right in front of us, 3 Wildebeest Migration crossings, lions mating, Leopards in trees with their kill, too many Giraffes, Zebras, Elephants and other animal to name!! Everything ran so smoothly, and Gilbert is an expert at spotting the wildlife and makes sure we saw them up close and personal!! Accommodations were wonderful and the food delicious!! Use Lion King for your safari and ask for Gilbert to be your guide/driver. You will have a wonderful safari experience!