20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
From the beginning to the end, it was an awesome moment !
The safari was well planed ! All the accommodation was great ! Ayoub, the guide was at any moment here if i need anythings ! He know all you have to learn about animals and nature of nationals Park ! He also have lot of humour !
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Agent didn't book our accommodation then lied about it. Also flight booking error
Honestly disgusted with the service. I feel scammed. Agent forgot to book our accommodation. Though was told she needed an additional deposit early to book accommodation!!
All of a sudden wasn't contactable. So at 5pm we were left to find new accommodation in a foreign place. Spent hours driving around trying to find somewhere. We called and called. Even the operating agent. No one could get hold of her. She then emailed at midnight saying she'd told me a week before saying they were fully booked. This was a lie. All our correspondence was via email and nothing was there. When I said the Hotel said they were never contacted and they only became full the day of. Her story changed the next day when I asked for evidence it was a new story and excuse. Then the worst part is that she refused to refund what we'd paid out of pocket. Despite already paying for accommodation. She didn't want to reimburse us for the night stay that we were forced to pay for. I had to threaten to report her to the tourism board.
Also she booked our flights too early. We had to leave the safari at 2pm instead of 5. Got to the airport 20mins before take off. So stressful and embarrassing. The 4hour drive back was so dangerous because the poor driver was trying to get there on time. He did it in 3 hours instead!! Driver asked her to changed them but she Wouldn't rebook flight as she said she wouldn't get her money back for it. So unprofessional!
Also itinerary was a lie. You don't get the meals promised. Only one lunch was provided on the first day, though we paid for 3 meals and drinks for two days . She should be ashamed to call this a service. Such an expensive experience to be ruined by our agent. We pay for a stress free experience. It was anything but. Also turns out we were overcharged in comparison to others on the trip.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lordi was knowledgeable, caring, organized, and fun!
We were thrilled with our safari experience. The company planned the park visits well to accommodate travel time & time needed to fully enjoy the park, and we met with a representative from the operations team on our way to the first park to set expectations, answer questions, and discuss the itinerary and any changes we might want to make last minute. For example, we switched our first and last parks due to what time we would arrive based on how the day was going; this allowed for more time at the larger park and avoiding the hottest part of the day when fewer animals might be active.
Our guide was very personable and stopped to get us some fresh ginger for a cold I was trying to get over which was very thoughtful - you could tell he wanted us to have the best experience possible. We did not feel that there was a set route or timing at any park; we were able to explore and drive to where the animals were, pause when we needed to, and take as many pictures as we liked. Lordi made an effort each time to ensure we had a good view of the animals and would not have any vehicles in the background of our photos which was a very nice extra touch. He even planned our lunch stops so that we could enjoy our meal alongside giraffes one day, cheetahs another, and elephants a third.
Communication was strong with no language barrier, the accommodations were very comfortable, and we never had concerns for safety nor service level. Everything was tailored to how we wanted our safari experience to go, and we learned a great deal about animals, the Maasai tribe, and life in Tanzania. Finally, the vehicle provided ample shade, beverages, and there were charging stations so we never had to worry about running out of battery while we took pictures of the countless animals we saw.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
How to feel a deep connection with wildlife
We visited Madikwe and our experience was beyond words. The feeling of connection with wildlife without feeling like we are disturbing the animals or inducing new behaviors due to our presence meant a lot to us. Seeing them in their environment, living side by side and drinking side by side (zebras, impalas, …) by the pond in a tranquil and placid way was spectacular. Seeing lions and cubs was quite an experience too!
South African open skies offer a lot to enjoy at night when you just lift the head up and contemplate stars.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Friendly and flexible
The tour to Masai Mara was an excellent opportunity. I loved the serene environment and goof communications from Jonam. They constantly checked on us and that made me feel good. I will definitely travel with Jonam again.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service. Attention to details.
I always wanted to go to a safari, and I knew it was going to be good. But I never thought it was going to be so awesome. Benson (our guide) went above and beyond to make sure we were able to see as much as we could during our time. He stopped for anything that we asked for, he knew the place and the animals like the palm of his hand. Always explaining the plan and what to expect. Also unexpected: The food was so delicious!!.
Safaris? Tanzania must-read Classic Tours review.
INTRO: Marvelous 4-day affair with nature. I doubt that there is another outfit out there, capable of topping what Tanzania Classic Tours can and I'm sure delivers on daily basis!
THE TEAM: Leo - knowledgeable and extremely tanacious guide and driver, who will not rest until he puts a check mark next to every entry on his daily wildlife viewing list. Bariki - back up driver, equally expirienced guide, story teller, entertainment and chow supervisor. My wife - fine lady appreciating every moment of our trip twice, but not slowing us down. Julia - back seat driver, celebrating her Sweet Sixteen, safari theme. Me, a guy who's responsible for this review... "the shooter".
PRO-PHOTO GEAR: The only two cameras I used, (please see pictures below) were: iPhone 12 and 13Pro, no "long lenses". It's an important fact, so you can get a sense of proximity to animals.
Julia kept taking FujiInsta prints.
I CUT TO THE CHASE NOW: There's no point in writing about Africa's Big 5 and listing species, as we simply saw it all. Leo's tanacious nature came to play here.
SURPRISES: One... the accommodation, full blown royal treatment at the camp. Heated tent, hot water, shiwer, bathrobes, etc. Wifi capable of FaceTime calls. Light sleepers out there - not a single generator sound, solar panels throughout the compound. Please see pictures for details.
EXTRAS: On the way back, a must see/stop - Maasai Village visit. We couldn't ask for a more momorable welcome ceremony. Pics included.
SUMMING UP:... you won't be disappointed!
TECHNICAL SPECS:
- We flew into and out of Kilimangaro Airport, taking a short break from vacation on Zanzibar. While visiting from US, we were already well rested, jetlag was not an issue.
- Visited: Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks.
- Vehicle: Toyota Landcruiser It seats 7 vs. only 3 of us. The numer of occupants plays a role as a cost factor.
- Keep in mind that Suenos Camp, where we stayed, is one of many in Serengeti, make sure to ask about details and plan ahead in case you have any specific needs.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amaizing
It was a perfect trip. Our guide gave us a lot of information during the journey and always looked out for our safety. They are highly recommended. Thank you very much!!!!!!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience in Tanzania
This was one of a kind safari and we thank Ozon Light Tours in Tanzania for this great Lake Manyara experience. Thank you, Isa!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organised, fun and informative
The tour was well organised. They delivered on everything they promised. It was great value for money, and Dennis our guide was very professional, helpful and knowledgeable.
Dennis managed to show almost all rhe animals in the Masai Mara.
We would recommend them to anyone wanting a great safari experience.