US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonder-filled adventure in Tanzania
The idea for a safari began when my wife received a brochure from her undergraduate college of a school-sponsored trip to Africa. She was surprised to learn that I was agreeable to go on a safari. After reviewing several companies online, we quickly decided on Safari Infinity because of their excellent response to our inquiry. Lucia was quick, informative and detailed in her responses. She was patient and understanding in answering our many questions and helping us design a trip that met our desires.
The safari itself was extraordinary. Lucia and Simon met us at our hotel in Arusha to preview the trip. We spent a relaxing day in Arusha to recover from our long flight. The day included visiting a local orphanage and shopping at an outdoor crafts market. Our Safari included visits to several national parks and a wilderness area, each with its own distinctive geography and assortment of wildlife. Kelly, our guide was remarkable in his knowledge of animals, the landscape, African culture, and information about the different tribes. His English was excellent and we had many enjoyable conversations. His ability to spot wildlife was uncanny. Among the highlights of the trip was seeing a mother lion nursing 3-week old cubs, a mother cheetah sharing a kill with baby cubs, and leopards hunting. We saw 20 cheetahs, a smaller number of leopards, rhinos, hippos, and more lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife than we could count. Our accommodations in tented camps were always comfortable, the staff friendly and helpful, and the food good. We ended with two wonderfuL days at a luxurious organic farm in the highlands. Before we left, we recapped our trip with Lucia and Simon who met us at our hotel. As I have shown pictures of our trip to friends, colleagues, and family, almost all of them have the same comment-"the trip of a lifetime." It truly was. My wife and I have traveled abroad extensively over the past 46 years and have dealt with many excellent travel agents. Lucia and Simon are among the best, if not the best. If we return to Africa, and I hope we can, they will be our first choice to arrange the trip.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari experience with Kilitreks and Safaris
We made a last minute decision to try a safari. Friends of friends suggested Tanzania and Kilitreks and Safaris. We especially welcomed the quick response to our initial enquiry which continued throughout our communications with them. We were amazed when everything fell into place so quickly and smoothly and started our journey to Tanzania very excited. Our plane was late but Alex (the boss) and our guide warmly welcomed us. Settling into our huge 4X4 vehicle we were tired but looking forward to seeing our first glimpse of Africa.
We stayed mostly in safari lodges which were bright, cheerful and very comfortable. We wanted to go out of our comfort zone and try a tented camp for one night. Very glad we did. What a wonderful night game - trying to guess which creature made which noise and then seeing the dawn break on to amazing scenery (we did have a good sleep in between).
Our guide had a brilliant sense of humour, was very knowledgeable and also seemed to know where to find our favourite creatures (including watching a dung beetle at work) lots of lions, wildebeest and everything else besides.
For us it was one of the best holidays we ever had. Thanks to Kilitreks and Safaris for perfect organisation, an excellent guide and for choosing for us such beautiful places to stay.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Other Outstanding Safari
We flew into Nairobi in March this year for a safari in Tanzania. We stayed at the Fairview Hotel, a lovely setting where you feel like you are in the country, not in a large city.
We had a private transfer organised by EASTCO to Namanga. One of my travelling companions wanted to buy Kenyan cricket jumpers for his sons, so Amina, who travelled with us to the border with her driver, organised to take us to a Nairobi shopping centre. When we finally set off for Namanga we were caught in Nairobi’s traffic jams! Our driver set out to avoid this by driving down the back streets of Nairobi. It was amazing, busy colourful markets , small tin shop fronts, lunch being cooked up by side of the road for passersby. A great start to our day.
We were met at Namanga by EASTCO and after quick customs formalities we were on our way to Arusha. The first thing I noticed this time was how green the country side was. I have travelled to Tanzania several times before but this was the first time in March after some rain.
We spent the first two days around Arusha, shopping! I noticed how many more motor bikes there were now. A great sight: Masais in their traditional shukas zooming around on motor bikes.
Then we went to Arusha National Park looking for colobus monkeys. It was green and lush, a lovely way to start our safari. We ate lunch from our lunch boxes at a picnic spot at the top of the hill and watched the rain clouds moving across. We saw flamingos in the lakes, zebras, buffalo, giraffe ,bush buck, duiker and many baboons of course.
As we were heading out through the forest, our last chance to see the colobus monkeys, we were not disappointed. In a clump of trees beside the road we saw at least ten colobus monkeys moving amongst the branches.
Next day we headed to the Ngorongoro Crater. The countryside once again was so green, the young Masai goat herders stood out wearing their red and blue shukas, a special sight. On the way we stopped at Mto wa Mbu , where we wandered around, bought some bananas and some Masai shukas. They make great gifts and my daughters use them as picnic blankets.
We spent two nights at the Wildlife Lodge on the edge of the crater. I was looking forward to the lovely view of the crater from my bedroom window which I enjoyed so much last time. On our first night here, we had three buffalo munching on the grass right outside our bedroom windows.
We spent the whole of the next day in the crater. My travelling companions did not want to leave the crater till the gates closed. The crater was so picturesque, so green and there was much water around. We were looking for rhino and we saw five not too far from the road.
As we had asked for the full day in the crater we were able to enjoy the beauty of this remarkable place and its varied wildlife, on most occasions without any other vehicles around. Later in the afternoon many more vehicles arrived for an afternoon drive.
As we were heading to the gate of the crater, one of my companions, always on the look out for animals, spotted a serval cat . This was his ninth trip to Tanzania and this was the first time he had seen the serval cat - it just added to our fantastic day.
Next day we drove to Ndutu, we were advised by EASTCO this was the best place to see lots of animals as it is just after calving season. They were right!
Of all my safaris I have never seen so many animals as this time.
We stayed in a tented camp site for two nights . The first night we had zebras wandering through our campsite. In the morning as I was having my hot shower I looked over the canvas wall of my bathroom and saw a lone zebra checking out what I was doing. The next night we had many wildebeest wandering for several hours through our camp. Everyone should camp for at least one night to experience the animals in this kind setting.
On our first day driving through Ndutu I was amazed at seeing so many wildebeest with their young, as well as zebras also with their young. We stopped at Ndutu Lake for more than a hour watching a line of wildebeest with their young crossing the lake. They were grazing on the bank of the lake and when each ones turn came to cross the lake off they ran with their young behind to join the thousands of wildebeest on the other side of the lake. As we watched we wondered if some of the very young would make it across the lake. Some calves had difficulty so their mothers turned around and they returned safely back to the bank. An incredible sight, difficult to capture in a photo but a wonderful memory.
We also saw a herd of about 100 elephants making their way to a watering hole nearby.
Our guide Bernard parked at the side of the path the elephants were taking. Within minutes there was a group of at least 12 vehicles around the elephants. They parked in front of the elephants.
Maybe radios should be banned! What happened to the adventure of looking for animals yourself. One my travelling companions would yell out to Bernard our guide,” STOP”, checked with the binoculars,” NO, NOTHING, KEEP GOING”.
Then next day not far from our campsite we found a pride of 8 lions. As we were observing these lions we noticed we had a flat tyre, much to the distress of Bernard as he had to change the tyre within close proximity to the lions. We removed his bag from the front seat and opened the door for a quick jump in if necessary. So as we kept our eye on the lions for any movement Bernard nervously changed the tyre. Fortunately they were all well fed and were content to just laze in the morning sun.
I read many complaints about vehicles and flat tyres. My husband recently travelled in outback Australia up the Birdsville Track, five flat tyres later! All part of the adventure.
We then headed to the Serengeti plains. The wildebeest were just heading to the edge of the Serengeti and as far as I could see in every direction there were thousands of wildebeest. The grass was quite long so it was a little more difficult to spot animals. As we had seen many more animals than we imagined we would we were able to relax and appreciate the vastness of this amazing place. We did see many eland in the distance .
We were on a mission to find leopards and cheetahs. We found two leopards in trees, the tails hanging down from the branches a dead give away!
Then we came across a cheetah with five young sucking as she lay in the sun. As we were enjoying this unique experience along came the vehicles, the radios were calling! Many drove and sat far too close to the cheetah, once again a great photo opportunity and happy tourist but not enough respect for the cheetah family or other tourists.
We were staying at Seronera Wildlife Lodge, another favourite. On our way to the lodge we passed a hippo pool with many hippos giving a great photo opportunity.
As we headed out of the Serengeti the next day , Bernard never stopped looking for lions ,cheetahs and leopards around the many kopjes while keeping an eye on the clock as we had to be back at the gate on time.
We came across two very shy African wild cats, a very rare sight.
Just as we thought we had seen it all, on a nearby kopje we saw a group of lions, a mother and five cubs relaxing in the sun . Below by the road there was a male lion keeping a very careful watch over his lioness. A great way to leave the Serengeti and yes we made it to the gate with 5 minutes to spare!
On our drive we stopped at Mt Wa Mbu, we bought bananas and sat in a local cafe and soaked up the atmosphere.
We spent the next two nights at Boundary Hill Lodge, a very unique lodge. We drove through Tarangerie National Park and saw many giraffes ,a male lion virtually straight away and many, many other animals. On our second day at Boundary Hill Lodge we had a most relaxing time enjoying the privacy and wonderful views from our rooms.
As we drove back to Arusha we stopped at the Kisongo market . So many people, so colourful, so many food products to buy. We asked Bernard if we could stop at local restaurant to try a local lunch, so we stopped at Makuyuni and tried the local lunch nyama choma, roast goat and banana.
Just outside Arusha we called into the snake farm and also visited the Masai museum, both well worth a visit.
We had a most amazing and memorable safari.
EASTCO were extremely good, were very flexible and were happy to accommodate all of our requests.
I was impressed with Bernard our guide with his fantastic knowledge and his genuine concern and interest for his environment.
MX
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tomodachi Tours really made the difference
I went to Tanzania last July, Tomodachi Tours really made the difference on my trip as they tailored my last minute trip by my own, and i was so lucky to be with such a nice small group.
I took the Safari to Tarangire, Manyara Lake and Ngorongoro Crater, the hotel that I stayed overnight was great, excellent ambience and food, the owner's from South Africa.
I loved Tanzania not only the Safari, the beaches, the magical Zanzibar and the people.
Review about Buffalo Springs National Reserve by Tom Vohya
You only pay one park entry fee for Buffalo Springs, Shaba and Samburu National Reserves, although they are separate parks. It's $70 for non-residents, Ksh1,200 for residents and Ksh500 for citizens
We drove around for 2 hours in the afternoon and saw 3 lions (1 about 10m away from us!) and a cheetah, as well as many giraffes
Review about Aberdare National Park by Tom Vohya
We drove through the Aberdare National Park from Naivasha en-route to Shaba. It is stunningly beautiful! Incredible views and lush vegetation. There are several waterfalls to see. We stopped at Karuru Waterfall. You can walk about 15mins down a path to get to the viewing point. It is breathtaking - water plummeting down from 700ft!
The best place to see rhinos in Kenya
It took us about 15mins to get to Solio Ranch from our accomodation at Sandai Farm. The park entry fee is expensive - $80 per person for non-residents, Ksh2,000 for residents and Ksh1,000 for citizens - but well worth it! Rhinos are almost extinct, but there are more than enough of them in Solio. We decided to self-drive in our 4x4 without taking a guide (but we bought a map for Ksh1,000), which worked well. There are clear paths to follow and the map is quite detailed. We were able to drive up really close to herds of rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, oryx and gazelle. We also saw several families of warthogs trotting around and a jackal.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent trip
My girlfriend and I booked a gorilla trekking and Queen Elizabeth Park game trip with Cycads. Everything was handled flawlessly. Our knowledgable and friendly guide Ashadu was a very safe driver and always on time. We booked the deluxe accommodations - which only cost a little more than the budget places - and were rewarded with the most spectacular views either one of us have ever seen from a hotel we were staying at. Halfway through the trip we decided to add chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge in QENP (highly recommended) and this change in the itinerary, which added an extra day, was handled without issue. Overall great company, definitely check them out.
BG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellend organized time and we enjoy every minute
Everything was perfect. In case of need we could have a support from the officce. And we asked all the time is everything ok. Very polite people and excellent profecionals.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great team and efficient service
After countless efforts to find accommodation in Victoria Falls, Falcon Safari came to our rescue and helped book us suitable accommodation in no time. The elephant ride safari and their cruise is not to be missed for anything. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any traveler.