US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic family safari - with Safari Infinity
Booking a safari in Tanzania is quite a challenge since there are so many safari companies to choose from - so having said that, we had requested quotes from many places and the reason we chose Safari Infinity was their prompt replies and turn around times to answer our questions, and they were able to get us reservations at the camps and lodges that we wanted (even though we were booking all this at the last minute). We definitely made the right choice! They stayed in touch through out the entire week ensuring we were enjoying the trip and even tried to acommodate changes that we wanted to make at the last minute.
To summarize, there were 7 of us on safari - 2 Grandparents, 2 parents and 3 children (ages 9, 5, 5). We had the option of either booking 2 vehicles or to squeeze in to 1. We opted to travel together in 1 vehicle - mostly because we thought it would be more fun that way, although, on the days we had luggage (going from camp to camp) it felt a little cramped.
Our driver/guide - Tumaini was excellent. He went the extra mile to get us to see animals that were on our priority list (he knew just where to go and when to go - we just had to trust him!). He was very knowledgeable- especially when he was grilled with hundreds of questions by our 9 year old! He did his best to ensure our comfort during the safari - and with 3 kids in the car, we always had a clean vehicle every morning. His driving skills were excellent - not only at getting us out of a muddy river bed for example, but also maneuvering so that we had the best view of the pride of lions enjoying a kill, when there were at least 15 other cars all trying to get to the front!
We started our tour in Arusha for one night, then on to Tarangire for half day, and then to Ngorongoro (& Beyond Ngorongoro Crater lodge) for 2 nights, Pioneer camp for 2 nights (central Serengeti) and then Bushtops (northern Serengeti) for 2 nights. The only thing we would have changed is to either skip Tarangire or to spend a night in Tarangire. With young kids, we started off on the 1st day with about 6 -7 hours in the car which was just a little too much and we were not able to enjoy the fabulous facilities at the & Beyond Ngorongoro crater lodge.
All in all, a very enjoyable safari and would definitely recommend Safari Infinity to anyone looking for something out of the ordinary!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience
Our tour was an amazing experience and most aspects of it were excellent. The taxis to and from the airport, drivers, and flights to and from Kilimanjaro were all fine. The Tarangire Safari park, the Serengeti and Ngorogoro crater were amazing and beyond my expectations. We saw the ' big Five' as well as many more animals. Both hotels, one a lodge and one a glamping experience were excellent, the staff welcoming and service outstanding,the food in both places really good . The picnic lunches every day were delicious, varied and generous. I loved the glamping it was an amazing experience!!!
Our main concern and disappointment was that the Land Roverprovided by East West Safaris broke down twice during our tour. Once at twilight where we had to be left on the side of the road and were fortunately rescued by a kind gentleman who took us to our lodge in Zaratu.
The second time was on the plains of the Serengeti in the middle of nowhere. Our driver had to fix the faulty fuel pump himself which, thank god he did. What we would have done otherwise I have no idea!!! We had two young children and were confined for at least an hour.
We were very concerned that the vehicle was not to safari standard and are critical of the company not the driver, who under the circumstances did well to fix the problem.
We noticed that other company guides and drivers were provided with a uniform to wear, such was not the case with East West Safaris . We would recommend that the company provide uniforms. Lack of seat belts and any cooling method didn't meet our expectations.
Despite our experience with the Land Rover and safari company it was an unforgettable experience.
US
Mr. Ernest Chiwanga, at Worldwide Safaris Tanzania, a most exceptional guide.
I cannot write a review about Worldwide Safaris Tanzania LTD because I have not, as yet, been able to take a safari with this company. I have, however, had the good fortune to be on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip in July, 2014 in Tanzania with Mr. Ernest Chiwanga, one of the leaders and guides for our group of 10. I have stayed in touch with Mr. Chiwanga since my 2014 trip and learned that he is now leading safaris with Worldwide Safaris Tanzania LTD and had his first group last month. They were lucky people to have Mr. Chiwanga as their guide! He is an extraordinary person, very knowledgeable about Tanzania and very interested in the animals of his country. He was a wonderful guide and a very nice person too. I do hope, someday, to be able to make another safari in Tanzania with Mr. Chiwanga through Worldwide Safaris Tanzania LTD as I know it will be a very rewarding experience. I fell in love with Africa on my 2014 trip (my first trip there). The people who made my trip so interesting, like Mr. Chiwanga, the unique places we visited and the beautiful animals and birds we saw made it a trip of a lifetime for me. My only fear is that continued poaching I read about almost daily will kill off all of the beautiful elephants, rhinos and other animals in Tanzania and throughout Africa and then there will be little reason to visit that wonderful place. Sincerely, Jacquelyn Wilson
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They're experts and it shows
We used ATI to organize a 12 days self drive tour in Namibia.
During the planning process, Corinna (our agent) was patient, respectful and provided many good suggestions based on my comments, questions and feedback.
When we met her in Namibia, she was equally thorough and gave us all the information we needed. There was a lot of useful details, such as a highlighted map, a local charged cell phone and insurance info.
All the places she recommended were excellent.
We had a stress free holiday with all the adventure we were looking for but without any bad surprise.
I would use them again and would not hesitate to recommend them
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro
We have just returned from Tanzania, where we spent 4 weeks and definitely the safari organized for us by Lights on Africa Destinations was a highlight experience of this trip.
Before we arrived in Arusha we arranged everything online and naturally we had millions of questions, asked about every detail and we received all the answers we asked for! Everything was organized for us, including the accommodation in Arusha, where Antonio, our guide, was waiting for us at the bus station. The safari itself was a wonderful and unforgettable experience! We were taken care of in a very friendly and professional way. Antonio, the guide, answered all our questions about the animals, was open to all our expectations and listened to our every need. Benson, the Stomach Engineer :), was a great cook, we loved the food he prepared for us.
All in all, I strongly recommend Lights on Africa Destinations company, they are truly professional and very friendly, and the safari was worth every penny we paid.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Never shows up on time
I was very disappointed with Falcon Safaris. When I booked these activities I was under the impression that Falcon Safaris worked closely with our concierge at the Royal Livingstone. Every voucher slip that we had told us a time to be ready, and we were always ready at that time. Unfortunately Falcon Safaris was always at least 45 minutes late. It literally happened 4 times. The concierge was always in disagreement with Falcon Safaris and I felt that we paid the price. Would not recommend Falcon Safaris to other guests of the hotel.
US
65+ years of age
South Africa/Tanzania trip July 2015
The reservation was with Great Safaris and was the easiest, most complete, best value safari we have ever has
with an Africa Tour Company. We have been sending people to Africa for more than twenty years, and this was the smoothest reservation with the absolute best documents from any tour operator.
Will definitely use Great Safari's again, and recommend them to all of our interested clients.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Much more then ever expected
I was more then a little hesitant to send money to Africa for a private safari until I spoke with Shaun Taylor, owner and guide extrodinaire ! I went on what I saw in the reviews and they are SO RIGHT ON. Shaun provides a service that goes over and beyond a safari guide. He answered all my crazy questions and his sense of humor is wicked ... which went along great with our group. This was to be a bucket list trip and it was much more then that. The serene accommodations, the five star chef (Lindsay is a culinary genius) and Shaun's amazing guiding skills make this trip unforgettable. His knowledge of the "bush", the animal calls, their behaviors, and his tracking skills made the trip so much fun. Shaun is the "google" of the bush ... you have question, he has the answer. You arrive as a guest and you leave as a friend and family member. I'm already trying to figure out when I can go back "home" to South Africa.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
wonderful experience to the summit of Kilimanjaro and 4 day safari-tour
Our family (2 adults 50+ and 4 students 18-26) did a 6 day Kilimanjaro expedition and a 4 day safari tour with Ilmaasai. Both experiences were very positive. The safari guide knew a lot about the national parks and wildlife. The cook served fine and large meals. Reliable, medium sized local tour operator.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
excellent!
perfectly arranged safari tour, excellent guide and beautiful places to stay off the beaten track.