CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome first safari with Benson Safaris
I had randomly picked about five six safari operators and fired off emails inquiring about tour we wanted to do. Within couple of hours Benson responded with details of the safari they offered. As we were party of four living in three different continent, Benson was extremely patient as we coordinated the details of our safari.
We were met at the airport by Sara and Zablon and transferred to our lodge. Sara answered questions that we had regarding the safari. Ringo our guide/driver/mechanic was fun and knowledgeable. Our accommodation throughout the safari was excellent. I highly recommend Kati Kati tented camp experience. If you love being in serene and tranquil place and feeling of being close to nature than Kati is for you. Seeing a hyeana prowling through the camp and waking to the calls of zebra in the morning is an experience. The staff at all the accommodations was polite and helpful. The soups made by the chefs are something to brag about. We were lucky to see lion drinking water, zebras, hippos, elephants, giraffes and herds of zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles. seeing Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater makes you realize this natural habitats are wonderful places on this earth.
Before travelling I had asked Benson about what types of clothing to take and he recommended taking warmer clothes for the evening and early morning was helpful. The lodges and camp catered to our vegetarian meals very well. In fact the lunch packs contained varied and more than enough food for each person.
Tips: Binoculars and zoom lenses for camera a must. Both my husband and niece found that they needed eve higher range zoom lenses for their camera then what they had. If you like to run and plan to do that then do inquire if the lodges are situated in area where you can do that. Our lodge in Arusha was up on hill with a road that was not finished and not suitable for running. If you wish to walk and explore the area then like my husband befriend one of the staff at the accommodation who will show you around. My husband enjoyed walking almost 8 kilometer around Arusha with a young hospitality trainee at the lodge.
Note: if like me you are interested in helping out any charitable organizations while you are in Arusha or other area it is best to inquire ahead and find out what they need. We had taken pens, crayons, books and paper that we were able to give to a orphanage that had actually come with a van full of kids to the crater. Also most of this lodges are associated with local NGOs and can provide opportunity to visit the schools, orphanages etc to see how they function. Lastly do visit Benson's Facebook page as that is how I discovered that Benson himself is involved in teaching soccer to the children around Arusha.
I know we had a lifetime of experience with Benson's and would not hesitate to recommend them or use the again in the future.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My vacation in Kenya and Tanzania with African Habitat Safaris
An interchange pace-up and long drives across Kenya and Tz border proved to be a tour of a lifetime on its own,With much appreciation to African Habitat Safaris neo skilled tour operations. I must admit not getting exhausted but always yearning for next day of the excursion lookinh forward to what kind of surprises comes next admits it all. I got more surprised by the kind of modern tour operation depicted by Rachael, I am excited i was a part of the neo- touring experience that i look forward to once again.
Despite the mistimed tour in the Serengeti upon anticipation of the wild beast migration, Maasai Mara in Kenya was a consolation enough to make my vacation count.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Great Introduction to Uganda
I had a fantastic time with MJ Safaris Uganda. This was my first time in Africa and I cound not have had a better experience. James was extremely knowledgable and fun and also an excellent driver...which on some of those mountain roads you need to be! I highly recommend MJ Safaris to anyone wanting an amazing trip to Uganda. I can't wait to go back!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
First of all, right from the start Kerry was amazing to work with in setting up our family tour.
We were able to be in touch with Kerry as un-expected issues came up as we were on the tour and she worked with us to sort them out. The places she choose for us to stay were excellent with wonderful service and amenities. The guides were knowledgable and easy to talk with and provided so much history along with visits to historic and political sites. Our safari at Mohlabetsi was fantastic and was a perfect ending to our two week tour from Cape Town, Johannesburg /Soweto and Kruger. I highly recommend Pembury Tours for a perfect tour company to work with. Thank you for this incredible service.
PT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!
Great first time safari, very nice people, very friendly and always willing to help, special thanks to Tom!
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My first time in life time to visit Africa
This vacation was a dream come true for me...and Zanzibar cholo tours & safaris did a great job of making it happen! They responded very quickly and completely to our requests for information. They were extremely helpful in helping us design the trip we wanted within our budget and they came through beautifully on everything that was promised! Our guide was amazing, extremely knowledgeable, great fun, and he took great care of us every moment of our 12 days on safari and Zanzibar ! Our cook was wonderful as well...and he makes the best soup ever! We were well-fed and well cared-for every step of the way from the moment they picked us up at the airport to the moment they dropped us off. It was an amazing vacation! Thanks so much Nassor ! And thank you to your amazing team for an experience I'll never forget cholo
Experience level: over 5 safaris
Experienced a lot of good things with MJ Safaris
My husband and I really had fun with MJ Safaris. The service is superb, we got the best customer care. it was so lovely whereby we had to add in somemore extra days because of the care they showed us. We never wanted to let them go.
We promise to recommend you to our friends, please keep it up.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trip of a lifetime
Amazing Trip, The Masai Mara is definitely a bucket list item for everyone. The trip was great, and African Mosaic Tours took care of all the details, making for a wonderful trip, we had great guides, good food, good accommodations, and transport was all taken care of. No need to worry about anything.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Timely and professional experiences
Professionalism to the dot, I have learnt that my Country has to this far built a Standard foundation to follow in the footsteps of the developed world, given the treatment and hospitality I experienced on my last visit
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Hallmark were accommodating with our requests. More insight into our tour would of been helpful.
1. Our guide Anothony was an okay guide but not very accommodating at times. To start, he invaded our privacy at Lewa after the night before (our 1st night on tour) he made bad remarks about the company and that he personally wouldn't stay there as they were set in there ways & not accommodating to other safari companies like Hallmark. The next day he informed my husband & I that he was coming with us for the 2 days. I asked him why & how? He told me he told Lewa that we wanted our guide to join us. this wasn't the fact all. Quite the opposite being frank with you. We paid the big bucks so we could get a different perspective from another guide & also have our own privacy for the next 2 days. He came with us on our game drives as well after we requested we get at least one game drive on our own to enjoy the expeiernce one on one with our guide. 2/ After requested from the start our planning with Levis that we wanted to do the Hells Gate. Anthony was not thrilled he had to take us there after our night in Nevashahs. We informed him days out that's what we wanted to do. We ended cycling the Hells Gate which in fact was a highlight for us & declined going on the boat ride to see the hippos. 3/ Our last leg of the trip - Rwanda was in fact organised by Magic Safaris, not Hallmark Planners. this was not mentioned to us at the time of booking. however, our guide was outstanding!! 4/ Overall, we are glad we paid the extra $'s to have most of our game drives in a four wheel drive truck as to a van with various guides. Having the same guide & van for the entire trip would of been terrible. 5/ Apologies on being so direct, however it is best you know as I am in business myself & would like to be informed rather then not so it doenst happen to somebody else. Anthony didn't do himself any favours by bad mouthing another company to us, especially on our first night after shouting him a drink at Opejeta for his B'day on our arrival. His attitude did not sit well with us, especially after just meeting him. He did in fact apologise after our 2 days there that he was wrong with his judgment. Lewa was outstanding & highly recommend it. 6/ We felt secure with our booking having Safari Bookings as the reprensative of the company & made the booking so much more reassuring. 7/ Also a note, we never received a questionnaire at the end of our trip with Anothony, hence me informing you. Magic Safaris on the otherhand did. I highly recommend them & will to others.