IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best Safari in Tanzania
Tarimo has been very kind and patient to answer to all my questions and doubts.
He wasn't able to organise a group so we have joined another group Wanyama Safari, the driver and the cook were very kind.
We have seen almost all the big 4 expect the rino.
If I have the possibility I will come back!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
ClassicJourneys made our visit to Kenya safari so easy
Classic Journeys was absolutely fantastic! Our experience to the Safari couldn’t have been better as they are just so professional and the services we received were way beyond our expectations.
They made the whole trip so easy and worry-free for us. I’ll start with the communications with Classic Journeys. The sales director, Elvis, was extremely responsive and accommodating on our requests and frequent change of travel dates. We booked the tour 2 weeks prior to our departure date and yet, he managed to get us a very good package with amazing “camps” and “lodges”. The communication on both email and WhatsApp were very easy and quick. Our expectations were properly managed and directions were clearly given (including what to expect when in Kenya, shots to take and etc).
Properly packed with the instructions (we packed a lot of items we didn’t end up using, because Kenya’s infrastructure and etc were way better than we expected), we were ready to go. Upon landing in Kenya, we were picked up by the customer representative, Chris, and also our tour guide, Sammy. Shortly after, we were on our way to our first camp on the 4x4 pop up van (quick note, van works ok on paved, concrete roads, but the SUV does make a difference on game drives). Sammy was extremely knowledgeable about not only the animals themselves, but also about anything related to Kenyan economy, education, politics and etc. He had answers to all of our questions.
After around 4 hours of car ride, we were at the Sweetwater Serena Camp. Oh boy, we were completely blown off with how beautiful this camp was, and the room (tent) was tastefully decorated. Everything you would normally need is there, except hair dryer (since most camps use power generator, they typically aren’t able to support high power consumption electronics). After a nice lunch, we were set off to go for a game drive at 4 pm. On the very first day, we were so lucky as we already saw 4 of the big 5s (elephants, rhino, buffalo and leopards). Sammy kept communicating with his peers and making sure that we get to see the animals we wanted to. Sammy explained thoroughly about the animal’s behaviors, habitat, and local weather etc. After 2 hours of game drive, we went back to the camp feeling extremely satisfied with the animals we saw. A word about Kenya weather in mid August, it was around 80 degrees and sunny during the day, but temperature drops to mid 50s in the evening. It was perfect for sleeping and chilling by the camp fire.
The next 8 days in Kenya was more of the same, but we were so amazed with how scenic Kenya actually is, and all the animals we saw and learned. We saw most animals that we wanted to see (Big 5, giraffes, etc), and also part of the wildebeest/zebra migration. In addition to that, we were extremely impressed with how simple, honest, friendly and pure the Kenyan and Masai people are. For this reason alone, Kenya is worth a revisit in the future again.
All in all, our experience in the Kenya safari couldn’t have been better, and we attributed all that positive experience to ClassicJourneys and its well-trained staff. Thank you, ClassicJourneys.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience from start to finish
Thank you so much to Taz and the Benson Safaris Tanzania team for their support. The experience was really great especially for the time constraints in executing the trip. Taz was communicative and very supportive and thorough. I would highly recommend.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good and professional safari
We did a 7 days safari visiting Masai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha and Amboseli and we enjoyed a lot specially Masai Mara and Amboseli as these 2 parks are a top for doing safari. Our guide was Aron and we can only say kind words, first about his knowledge of the parks and let us enjoy phantastic days. He manages always to have a good location to see animals, and through his long experience we learnt a lot not only about predators, also birds, and animals behaviour. The experience was amazing and in case we come back to Kenya we would like Aron as our guide.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Superb Safari Tour!
What a trip of a lifetime this was! We’ve been on the 9 Day Uganda Adventure tour and I cannot praise it enough! We had the best of accommodations, the food was delicious everywhere we went and every day was a different adventure in itself. We got to see the chimpanzees and gorillas from up close in their natural habitat, of course and been on amazing safaris that made us get a true taste of Africa and Uganda in particular. Many thanks to Anthony for the great organization of the tour and for his availability and swiftness in replying to my inquiries! Not the least, special shout out to Chris (one of the best guides I’ve met so far) – excellent driver, super accommodating with our requests, knowledgeable and responsible at all times. I highly recommend this tour and Chris most of all!
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania Specialist accompanied us throughout our trip
Long before we left, Tanzania Specialist provided us with all the information we needed for a pleasant stay in Tanzania; first for the safari and then for a few relaxing days in Zanzibar.
Upon arrival in Kilimanjaro, we were expected and dropped off at our lodge. Although the time was late (11.30 pm), we had dinner before resting.
The next morning, our guide perfectly francophone and even Francophile took care of us for 3 days of safari.
A very attentive guide to our wishes, cozy lodges and comfortable made this stay wonderful.
For the record, I forgot my phone in the taxi that took us to Arusha airport. I noticed one hour before takeoff for Zanzibar. The Tanzania Specialist organization went out of their way to get it back a few minutes before boarding.
Upon arriving in Zanzibar, we were picked up and taken to our hotel. Ditto for the return to Stone Town.
Thanks to Tanzania Specialist for whom the customer is king.
GA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exhilarating experience!
After some online research, got in touch with Albert who planned our whole trip (Nairobi- Masai Mara- Diani beach) without any sweat. Right from arrival at Nairobi airport to our last drop at the hotel, Albert and his team made sure we never faced any difficulties. The stay at the Camp near Masai Mara and the beach resort at Diani were equally amazing.
Very professional!
Special mention to our Safari guide George Otieno for taking care of us during the ‘bumpy’ safari drives mornings and afternoon. The best experience was of course watching the Big 5 up-close and the wildebeest migration. George knows his way around the park and made sure we didn’t miss any sightings.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service by Alex.
Communications with Alex from African Welcome Safaris has been smooth to the day i depart for Singapore for Johannesburg. Alex has been patient and extremely helpful and with the budget provided to him, he manage to secure 2 nights Kruger, Rhino Post and 2 nights at thornybush accommodation. Both are different in terms of the safari game experience. Service etc. shuttle service / transport / accommodation from the day i arrived at Tambo airport to the last day spend at the safari has been first class. It has truly been a memorable and excellent experience. Good Job Alex!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Safari. Fantastic company
Its very rare to find a company with only good reviews but S.O.T lives up to its 5* rating. From day one finding out about S.O.T to the end of our holiday, everything was perfect. I had never heard of S.O.T before I booked with them. I read reviews about them on the internet and decided to contact them. I sent an email asking about Safari packages and was contacted by Sandy (Journey Designer) in a couple hours. We sent several emails back and forth trying to plan the perfect Safari. My wife and I made several changes to our dates which wasn’t an issue with Sandy as she was always very happy to help and find use the best package. We finally decided on the dates and Sandy tailor made a 5 day Safari for us.
I have to admit I was a little nervous when i had to make a wire transfer for a large amount of money to a company I have never dealt with before or spoken to on the phone only via email, especially it being in Africa (no offence). But YOLO. Sent the payment and within a couple days Sandy emailed me to let me know my payment was received and our holiday was booked and everything was in place for our arrival.
And so our holiday began. What can I say. The Safari was perfect. From the second we landed to the last day getting dropped off back to the airport. Everything ran like clockwork. We needed not worry about a thing. Edward our safari guide picked us up from our hotel in Arusha the next morning and the Safari started. Edward is a fantastic guy, he was always happy to explain things to us while on game drives, made sure we had the perfect views of all the animal and explained things to us on the move. Always went out of his way to make sure we got the best Safari experience. It was a pleasure spending 5 days with Edward we enjoyed ourselves very much. We saw pretty much every animal we could see apart from the Rhino’s and Edward did try his best to find them but as it was the dry season and windy and dusty he explained they might be hiding due to the dusty mornings. Best thing we did see was a Cheetah eating its kill. Up close and personal was great (we could hear the bones of the Thompson cracking with every bite).
The lodges and camp we stayed in during our Safari was incredible. If you’re doing the Serengeti make sure you stay at the Chaka Camps!!! What an experience.
Thank you all at S.O.T especially Sandy and Edward. We will never forget our trip to Tanzania!!!!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Bush feeling in Sadaani park
We did a 3- Day Safari to Saadani Park with Selous Ngalawa Camp starting from Daressalaam.
The booking was really easy, Donatus was quick to respond to our questions, but the organization of the tour was a little bit chaotic. In the end we didn't mind because everything was very good.
In Saadani Park there are not as many animals as in other parks. For antilopes it was very good though, we even saw a duicker. And we enjoyed the beautiful nature. The beach is really wonderful!
Our driver Msese was very nice, he is a good and experienced driver and knows the Saadani Park and its animals very well.
On the last day we asked to make a stop over in Bagamoyo. This was no problem for him, so we had the chance to visit the very interesting historic german fort.
The highlight of our tour was the camp where we stayed. It was newly opened, just outside the park and the owner Alan and his friend Richard made everything to make us feel welcome there. The food was delicious and we especially appreciated the toilet in the tent. Alan took us on a boat trip on a river with los of hippos and he even made a spontaneous walking safari with us. The Camp is situated nicely in bushland, so we felt close to nature there.
All in all, we recommend the safari to anyone who wants to enjoy some real
bush feeling not too far from Dar es salaam (around 3 hours drive).