Asseri the founder with clients at Ngorongoro
Orongai Africa Safari
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Tourist Board
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $145 to $750 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
PT
Email Joao | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Asseri is an excellent guide!
I traveled in Tanzania in 2016, with other company but Asseri was our guide, and he was very professional, knew a lot about the wildlife, always doing his best for us to see all the animals. We had a great time with him!
DE
Email Elfriede Tychsen | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari through Tansania with a perfect giude
We went two times with Assere Nniko for a safari from Kenya through Tansania. We visited Arusha- and Mount Meru National Park, went to the stunning Ngorongoro Carter and finaly to Serengethi Nationalpark, especially Lake Ndutu. We had a wonderful time there and we stayed in wonderful lodges. All was perfect organized.
IT
Email Simone&Martina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
GREAT EXPERIENCE WITH ORONGAI
Our Safari with Orongai in Kenya was a wonderful experience.
We planned it and organized it in less than 10 days together with Martha, who was always very quick in answering our emails.
We picked the “7 days Safari” in Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru and Masai Mara; then we made a little modification on the accommodation for the last 2 nights, because we wanted to spend them in a tented camp (with an extra cost); this changing in the program caused a little problem at first: Ann did not quite understand well what we wanted and there was a problem with payment balance; Ann was not reachable and We could not get any answer, so We started our trip from Italy wondering if everything would have gone well; everything was fixed when we arrived in Nairobi with Martha (she waited for us at the hotel even if it was late in the night), who gave us back the money that we paid for our 2 nights in the tented camp, which Ann did not managed to organize.
The Safari tour is organized perfectly and in the most smart way, letting you discover the marvel of Masai Mara at the end of the trip, so that also the other National Reserves (which are wonderful itself) can be fully appreciated.
All the accommodations are very nice, clean and in proper order, giving you the sense of the African atmosphere.
(Maybe the first lodge in Amboseli was on a lower level compared to all the others, but still fair)
Last but not least, our guide: Kevin.
He has been the greatest guide!! Always on time, always ready to explain us something, whether it was about animals, nature or African culture.
Great animal spotter and a very nice guy.
We really enjoyed our experience with Orongai Africa Safari and we would recommend it to whoever wanted to make a Safari tour in Kenya.
Asante Sana Orongai!!
CA
Email Jenna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
No issues here
A friend and I took part in the 6 day northern circuit camping in late May 2019. Booking our trip was easy, and Orongai was always quick to respond to any questions or concerns that we had.
Our guide, Freddie, was great too. We spent many hours with him and were never bored. He always kept us entertained with his singing and whistling and it helped the driving pass a little quicker. During the game drives, he always ensured that we got a good view of the animals and a good spot to take photos.
Our chef was DVD, and he was great as well! We never went hungry, and we always had a great selection. His antics and quirky personality were something to look forward to for every meal. We miss DVD and Freddie dearly and wished they could have accompanied us on the rest of the trip!
The tent was good quality. The foamie mattresses were alright (not great), but definitely the same quality as the rest of the tour companies. Some of the camp sites were a little disappointing (we had to wait for water to be turned on at the first one because they apparently didn't expect us to use the sinks or showers) but still better than we expected before we started the trip.
If you are thinking of a safari, you would not be mistaken to choose Orongai. The price of tour is great, and the trip itself was phenomenal. Unlike some other reviews on this site, we did not have any issues with money....what we were quoted is what we paid. Just make sure, if you are going to Ngorongoro Crater, to pack some warm layers as it gets very cold.
IT
Email LUCA | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fast to reply, good service, something to improve
We booked this trip from Italy before August. Honestly, price was fair and very competitive with respect other ones. We booked a 5 days safari with Italian guide, 2 nights in lodge and 2 nights in tented camp. Arrived in Arusha they asked us to postpone of 1 day the trip because Italian guide wasn’t available, we had flexible schedule so no issues, but... Accommodations were good, but we discovered only once there they changed to 1 night in lodge and 3 in tented camp.. at the same price.. anyway simba B camp at the border of Ngorongoro park was awesome. The guide mudy and the driver frank were very good. They offered us the taxi from Arusha to Kilimanjaro airport for the inconvenience during the safari.
US
Email Ja | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome guide and driver!
Our Safari tour took us to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, lake Manyara, lake Natron. We added a morning and took a four hour hike at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Our driver and guide, Good Luck, was our good luck! He is very knowledgeable. We saw so many animals, elephants, giraffes, Buffaloes, rhino mom and baby, many lions, zebras, leopard and cheetah, hippos, many more, big and small. It was an incredible experience that we will not forget.
The communication could have been better. We booked the tour and settled on the itinerary, cost, route and accommodations. The night we arrived, the order had changed, as well as the accommodations. We preferred the original order because we added one night on the end because it was our favorite place. The tour operator upgraded one night which was good. However, at two other places, we were not told of the change until we drove up and did not recognize the place from the websites that we had previewed. We very dismayed that one of these was the last place that we especially wanted to visit. The last place was nice but our tent was broken into while we were sleeping and our iPhone and camera were stolen. The accommodation owner was very helpful.
All in all, we saw everything we wanted and hoped to see, including a Bush dinner and night drive. Serengeti was the best. Awesome experience!
PL
Email Mariusz | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Africa is not Europe, you will love it or hate it:)
1. We had our 3 weeks trip to Kenya organised by Orongai in cooperation with Bonfire. We visited Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Diani Beach.
2. Our first an owerwhelming experience: Africa is not Europe or US. Things work differently, and you must accept it or your trip will be ruined.
So for the things we were surprised with, and which could ruin our trip if we did pay too much attention to it:
- changes in the itinary which were not consulted with us. This was the major annoyment, but since we were 3 weeks in Kenya after a week we were used to it. To be fair: we had a hotel for each night, the hotels were between 3-5 stars, we had our Full Board meals, water and our guide to help us. The itinary kept changing from the first day till the last one, but we did not inquire why. Since everything was going rather more than less according to plan we were happy. However, for 80% this will be unacceptable, and Orongai must change its approach if it wants its customers to be satisfied.
- the car: at first we felt that the car is a mistake - a very old Toyota. We have seen a number of newer and better cars on the road and for the first few days we were a bit upset. However and it is a big however, the car was very comfortable. When you are on a safari you will get dirt, you will be tired of the road, you will want to just throw you things wherever you want to: this car was very good for this, and quite frankly, we think that for this trip it was much better to have it than a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser.
- hotels on the Diani Beach - don't expect that a 4 star hotel in Kenya is really a 4 star hotel. But it's not Orongai fault.
- Terms and Conditions, Agreement, Invoices..... well this is Africa, don't expect any of this, we had seen and signed none. However, the trip cost almost exactly the same amount as indicated when we booked it. No hidden costs or tarrifs. Find me a European tour operator which does that:)
- One more set back - for 22 out of 23 days our car was always on spot when we needed it. It is a pity, on the last day somebody forgot to arrange our transport to the airport (sic!):) It cost us 30 USD, but we made it:)
3. What was amazing and why we loved it:
- The driver: a real game-chaser + Formula 1 master. I could never have expected that a car may go to and through places and things ours did. We would only hope he spoke better English. But except this, he did an amazing job.
- Communication: Martha was always there to help us. Sometimes the issues needed time to be resolved, but all of them were and that's what counts.
- The trip: well planned. Animals amazing, parks even better, weather - Kenian:)
- Safety: from time to time, we noticed that safety is an issue in Kenya. All of our drivers/guides were very vigilant for any suspicious behaviour and did not allow anything bad to happen to us.
- All the things we described in point 2, for as constituted a specific "African flavour" - and this is a part of the experience. It was our first time in Africa, and it exceeded our expectations. We are happy that this was a case and not the other way around.
4. Conclusions
- first timers in Africa, we have no comparison.
- Africa is not Europe. This is why we gave Orongai 4 stars. If the trip was done the same way in Europe by a European tour operator we would rate it 3.
- our best advice: when things don't go the way you planned, try to relax and go with the flow:)
5. Tips and tricks
- Safari: buy yourself a good pair of binoculars 40x40 or 50x50. Its much more important than a photo camera. In other case, don't go at all.
- If the sacurity in your camp say you are forbidden to go out of the tent at night - they are right. You're lucky if it's only a Zebra feeding grass next to you tent and not a Hyena or 10 of them.
BR
M&M
ES
Email Alba Juberi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
We booked the Safari for 5 days to visit Tarangire Park, Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Park. It was a great experience and we are so happy with the company.
We booked a private safari that included a private car, chef and guide. That was a good decision. Both were very attentive to our needs and preferences.
The day before to start the safari, when we arrived to Arusha Airport, a car from the company brought us to the hotel. Afterthat, they came with us to the hotel, where we could ask the last questions before depart the following day.
We chose to sleep in Public Campsites. The Public Campsites are located inside the parks, for this reason you can listen the animals during the night. There the chefs cook and you sleep in tends and sleeping bags. In the Campsites there are toilets and showers, but without hot water. This is the price that you have to pay for sleep in the middle of the park.
During our Safari we could see the Big Five and all kind of animals! Moreover we demanded to our guide to see the sunrise and the sunset and he took us to special sites.
The transfers by car from one Park to another Park were long, but you have another options, like do it by plane.
That was the first Safari and for this reason we had many questions, but the company answered us every questions and the emails.
When the Safari was over, people from the company came to the hotel to do the last feedback and checked that everything was okey. Also they offered to took us to the airport the next day.
That’s a great experience and we are very happy. We could meet other tourists that they had bad luck with their chefs and guides from other companies.
Thanks Orongai for this experience. We will repeat for sure.
Nice holidays with Orongai Africa company
Tanzania was a fantasy location for me quite a while. The wild beasts are so impressively astounding to pull in me.
Our visit guide Asseri was exceptionally proficient and knowledgeable about all that we encountered. Likewise, He also takes us deliberately, treat us like a genuine family. We sensed that this trip was amazing and had a great experience in viewing passionate Africa. On the whole, it was an unforgettable trip with Orongai Africa Tours.
CA
Email Michele | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
16 Day Kenya-Tanzania Solo Safari - Exciting to Say the Least
16 days with 8 different accommodation spots and a border crossing, there are bound to be a few things that might go off the rails. I would suggest anyone undertaking such a challenge have an open mind and be able to roll with the punches. I did a lot of research prior to booking my Safari with Orongai and in the end, they offered the best value for what I was looking for; a mix of luxury and tented accommodation with a full itinerary. First what needs to be noted is Orongai is relatively new to the Safari tour industry, but the Founder, Asseri is not. As such, they are continuing to learn and grow. If you are looking for that PERFECT nothing better go WRONG experience, then I recommend you pay the $10 to $15k US per person and book with a company that has been around for 30 years. If you are looking for value and won't get absolutely rattled if things don't go 100% according to plan, then you will have the trip of a lifetime like many others have indicated in their reviews.
Like a few others, I had changes presented to me upon arrival in Nairobi that had not been communicated prior to leaving Canada. I addressed the lack of communication with them in this regard and we came to a mutual agreement. Like some others, I too had accommodation changes that I was not expecting. Again, I stressed the importance in communicating changes to their clients prior to them arriving for their Safari - no one likes surprises, especially if they are going to be perceived as negative.
So here's my adventure:
- I arrived in Nairobi to learn my luggage did not. Martha and Asseri delayed departure for my Safari while they tried to figure out how they could retrieve my luggage once it arrived and get it to me while I was on the road. They helped make arrangements with the hotel, etc. They didn't have to - they didn't lose my luggage, the airline did. I was 5 days without my luggage!
- As a single female, they were concerned with pairing me with a young, male guide. They hired a new guide/driver that was supposed to be more experienced. James turned out to be friendly enough and very aggressive when it came to maneuvering the safari vehicle into position for the best wildlife shot. I got the best photos and did not have a professional camera with a 2 foot long lense. The downside was James' english was not very strong and he was not as outgoing and personable and I would have liked. An outgoing, personable driver with a good sense of humour was part of the criteria I requested for my Safari. As I was travelling solo, I needed to have a driver that was willing to engage. He also ended up taking more risks then he should have with the vehicle; taking short cuts that were not authorized by Orongai.
- Due to 'confusion' with regards to my itinerary my driver chose to skip taking me to the Nakuru Rhino reserve/drive and I missed out on seeing any Rhino's on this trip; a big disappointment for me. To make up for this, Asseri had my driver take me to Naivasha where I was treated to a private boat tour on the lake at Orongai's cost.
- Asseri met me at the Kenya/Tanzania border to take me to the Serengeti for 2 days. Crossing the border, and getting another Visa is quite an undertaking and to have the assistance and support to be guided through that process by him was very helpful and appreciated. I was hosted by Steve at the Kati Kati Tented Camp right in the park - it was amazing.
- Most of the lodges and tents that I stayed at, although there were some changes were quite nice.
- The biggest concern with accommodation was in Nakuru where I was placed at The Legacy Hotel; a hotel, not a lodge or a tented camp. In the middle of the night a man entered my room with a key. I suspect with the intention of stealing from me; as he had a key, he must have been an employee, but I will never know as he took off before anything could be done. I addressed this with Martha who addressed it with the hotel. The result is Orongai will not be placing any clients in that hotel in future.
- My driver made another unauthorized deviation near the end of my trip on the way to Mombasa. Because of this, Asseri again paid to have me taken on a private 5 hour tour through Mombasa to make up for it.
- The end result is 'James' will not be hired for any future safari work with Orongai
Communication, communication, communication. It is key, especially with a trip that was as complicated as mine was. And remember, you aren't always going to have internet or wifi access when you are out on Safari - be prepared for that.
Orongai is new, they are continuing to learn as they continue to grow; this is to be expected. They did their best to make right the things that went wrong; that is all you can ask of any company. Even with the few bumps in the road along the way, I had a fantastic experience - something I will never forget, and I now have friends in Arusha; Martha and Asseri.
If you are planning a 5-7 day Safari, you will not be disappointed like the many others that have posted reviews. If you are planning a Safari that is longer and has you moving every day or two to another location, be prepared for some hiccups along the way.
I definitely recommend them. Just confirm your itinerary prior to leaving your country of residence.