CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience from start to finish!
Deciding where to go and what to do on your first safari can be an overwhelming experience. I began my research here on Safaribookings.com and tried to narrow down the options. I wanted to do a gorilla trek but also a more traditional safari. I kept coming across great reviews for Matoke tours and finally dropped them a line. Ilse very patiently answered my many questions and helped me design my perfect first trip to Africa. I won't lie - I was concerned about working with a tour operator who was so far away - what if something went wrong? What if it didn't live up to my expectations? I didn't need to worry. Every driver, every flight, every meal, every accommodation was perfect and well beyond my expectations. Connections were absolutely on time, service was outstanding and the one time I did have a small concern, I was able to contact Ilse directly who resolved this small issue right on the spot.
Do not hesitate to use Matoke tours if you are thinking of any of their destinations - they will help you design a trip that suits your needs perfectly. I really can think of no way I would have been any happier with their service. I am ever able to return to Africa, I would definitely ask for their help again!!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the most fantastic trips we have ever taken due in large part to John Cooper's organization.
This three week trip was more than we could have expected. Pre trip communications were wonderful and well prepared us, answering all of our questions and more. The trip was organized to give us a magnificent variety of places with a perfect blend of accommodations and experiences. John Cooper seemed to anticipate what we needed before we did. Enjoyed all the places we stayed. People, sights, animals, food - all memorable. We haven't stopped talking about it.
Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Time conscious and very friendly to work with. Not even a minute did I lose in the entire trip .My w
I first used Amazing Expedition when my wife and I were going for honeymoon. They advised me in good time and booked for me travel and accommodation in good time. I was never inconvenienced at all. It still remains my choice. I encourage anyone to use Amazing Expedition at any time and you will be happy during your travels .
CN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Better then expected
I have traveled around more than 50 countries except African since I was not sure if my health good enough and safety issue. But the travel to Kenya is much better than my expected. The organizer (agent) and driver (guide) are very professional, and provided excellent services. I have sheared my photos with friends and strongly recommended to my friends.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari in Tanzania
We spent 7 amazing days of Safari! It was an awesome experience, the organisation was perfect, we are really happy! The Safari team made everything possible to allowed us to see the big fives and many other amazing wild animals. We had lovely memories of Tanzania to go back home.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
With our limited time, this was a very well planned, very well guided few days
We were tight on time and had to squeeze this trip in with a visit with our daughter. ETrip was flexible and responsive. They planned and executed a great 4 days for us. The camp and lodge were perfect for our needs, budget and desired atmosphere. Our tour guide/driver was extremely knowledgeable and patient. What a great driver! We loved the accommodations, the vistas, the sightings of every animal we could have dreamed of seeing. We had a great time and learned a lot.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extraordinary 3 generation safari experience
Lucas is an exceptional guide/planner. We were a group of twelve spanning the ages of 13-73. Lucas was a master at moving us around and making sure that we saw all that we could see. He was incredibly aware of the range of needs and interests and without fanfare made sure that we all had an incredible trip.
Lucas runs a small safari company. Its very different than what it looked like the larger companies provided. He was able to change our itinerary quickly and fluidly and invisibly to us. It felt like old-school guided tourism. No industrial scale hotels, no bureaucracy, just a well planned and flexible experience.
His knowledge of the animals and their environment provided great perspective and lessons none of us will forget.
I cannot recommend him and his company (carnivore safaris) highly enough.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best value and great service but please check your transfers to avoid mistakes
We went on a private tour (2pax) with Sunset Africa in early Aug 2016. We used the 12-day package as a base and customized it.
We had a good experience liaising with the company. Godfrey the manager is very prompt in replying to emails. He also was upfront about the increase in cost due to the government's increase in taxes, and his increase was reasonable because he didn't apply the 18% on the entire cost of the package, which some other companies did.
For the safari part of the itinerary, we stayed in a mix of small hotels (in the city), lodges and tented camps (fully equipped with sink, toilet bowl and shower). All the meals that were stated in the itinerary were provided and all the pickups went smoothly, with the drivers waiting for us upon arrival. We did not have any dispute with the company at any point regarding what was included and what was not.
Our guide during the safari, Benedicto (Ben) was great. He really went out of his way to make sure that we spotted the big 5 (especially the rhino which was not easy to spot), and he never tried to slack off and end the game drives early even though he was clearly tired from a long day of driving. He is also a great conversationalist and very well informed! The vehicle used is a land cruiser with a roof that can be opened.
The experience in Zanzibar was also good, though I would suggest that unless you really like beach activities, you might not need to stay for that long at the beach hotel. We also arranged a spice tour and island tour on our own with a local company without problems.
The only word of caution I have is that you need to check your travel tickets and dates very carefully because we had some mistakes with ours. We got Sunset Africa to book our domestic flights as well as ferry tickets for us, and they booked the wrong date for one of the flights. Fortunately we spotted the mistake before we left for Tanzania so they could change it. Another slight hiccup was that when we got to Zanzibar, we found that the guide there did not know he was supposed to book the ferry tickets for us, so it was lucky that we happened to check with him so he could follow up on the necessary in time.
Overall, it has been a very good experience travelling with Sunset Africa. Their strength clearly lies in the wonderful safari guides they have and in organising the safari parts of the itinerary. They are also the best value for money that I have found. I would recommend Sunset Africa for mid-range luxury at reasonable prices.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Life-changing!
We cannot express adequately the extent to which we are grateful to E-Trip for this life-changing experience. Ben and Aurelie were incredible in their communications. Ben even visited us when we arrived in Arusha, and before we departed for Zanzibar (in the Airport). Our trip was custom tailored to our interests and we traveled in an amazing Safari vehicle equipped with electricity for charging our cameras and even wi-fi (when there was reception). We had a wonderful guide who was so talented, and so knowledgeable. We are glad to have some wonderful new friends. We cannot recommend them enough!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service is guaranteed even for various budgets.The staff have visited the places recommend
Excellent service and recommendations even when we changed our minds so many times there was always a ready alternative or positive suggestions. Highly recommended.