20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organised, friendly staff
Overall a very good experience and would recommend the company.
Took a 5 day Tanzania private tour during start of June 2016
Maturaf got in touch with us 1 week prior to the trip to confirm our flight timings etc (booking was done in April). Staff was present at the airport to help with the immigration, followed by pickup from Alex who outlined the tour while driving us to Arusha. He was very friendly and explained all the key points quiet well.
Our guide (Didas) was quiet experienced (more than 15 years in the job) and was honest about the possibility of seeing animals (he told us on day one that all the big herds have moved on and hence its all down to luck to see the main wildlife). While we were initially disappointed, we appreciated his honesty and were lucky enough to see substantial wildlife.
The accommodation provided was as stated in the itinerary and of excellent quality (in particular the tent inside Serengeti). The itinerary was very well structured and covered the major parks in a reasonable time frame.
SK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience of Nairobi national park
I visited the Nairobi national park, and the visit was great, I got to see plenty of giraffes, zebras, antelopes, a rhino and a hippo. Unfortunately, no lions, but according to the guides I was lucky to see all the other animals anyway. I was travelling as a woman on my own and had some worries about travelling only with a male driver, so the company offered a female guide for a very reasonable price. The driver was a very nice guy and after all there was no need to be worried. Both the driver and the guide were very nice, on my way back they took me to a souvenir shop in a parking lot somewhere in the city, which I would have no chance to visit on my own.
The only thing that I really did not like was the fact that the car came to pick me up 2 hours later than agreed. They texted me the driver did not wake up and so had to find another one. Generally, early morning is the best time to see animals in these parks and I missed this opportunity. Still a good experience, though!
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly recommended!
For anyone interested in a genuine safari experience look no further. We (a Swedish family of four) left Botswana with fantastic memories thanks to Sage, Tula, Moses and Lee. Super-nice guys to be around. Prior expectations were high but they were all met 100%. Everything perfectly organised from start to finish. We were treated to a well thought-out programme during our five days in the bush. The tents very comfortable and the superb food a far cry from what we manage when tenting on our own here in Sweden. Liked the way BT had planned the trip. It involved a crescendo of experiences. After the long plane journey we started off with a slow and serene mokoro-trip and ended up 5 days later in the game-filled and scenic part of the delta called Khwai. Game-drives with Sage constantly rewarding due to his deep knowledge, respectful attitude towards the animals, patience in answering our questions and friendly demeneour. Add to that a good sense of humour and an eyesight that dumbfounded us time and time again. So let me end where I started: Highly recommended!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Safari - Absolutely recommendable!!!
My safari at Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorogoro Crater with friends was awesome. Apart from seeing the big 5, experiencing the impressive Tanzanian nature and getting an adventurous feeling, it was fun being around with our guides Freddy and Adam. Both are so welcoming and really know the corners to go. Good job! Working as a volunteer in Tanzania I know, how important the support of vulnerable groups is. Shemeji-Safari is giving part of its profit for education and trainings for Maasai women, which made me feel even better during my safari. All in all we had gorgeous days and we definitely would book them again!
Awesome!!!! It was really a beautiful experience,looking at beautiful scenery, esp the mountains,etc
Communication was excellent, Fredrick was always available n fast at replying emails not to forget the driver he was so excellent
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best holidays ever...and we will for sure come back
Our entire Safari-tour was a fantastic outstanding experience that we never will forget in our lives. We even had the “must come back” feeling at the end of the tour, and we will do it. All was very well organized, from the beginning and we always felt safe and comfortable. From the first contact with Roger, we felt the professionalism and the service orientation with an amazing quick answers that made us feel at ease at all points. Great job Roger!
We spent two weeks in Botswana, first part was a fly-in safari and the second part a mobile safari. We loved both amazing experiences... but must said that in the mobile safari we felt much closer to the Bush. The guide and staff were amazing knowledgeable of the nature.
Thanks to Roger and the Safari Lifestyles team for having made this holiday trip a real adventure and outstanding experience, we recommend them without hesitation!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
i would hope to think that david and sam get paid better then i think.... they were lovely
the service was superb.....the safari was fantastic..... my daughter and i were the only ones on the safari so we got treated like queens.... if you use this company ask for sam and david.... they rock.... we left them a very large tip each because i dont think that they make the money that they should....
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Experience at Pilanesburg National Park
We arrived at the airport and were met by Dennis, who, throughout the whole tour, was incredible. He drove us to our lodge, entertaining us with stories throughout the journey and giving us a real insight into real South African life as we travelled towards Pilanesburg.
We arrived at the park and were given the option of a guided (by Dennis) drive tour before sunset. Despite travelling from the UK all day and the long journey, we were anxious to go on safari. On our first drive, we saw a huge Bull elephant and the elusive Leopard. Dennis seemed genuinely awestruck as he explained that the Leopard was so rarely seen! it was a pleasure to get to know him throughout our tour. He was completely happy to answer any questions and nothing was too much for him. We were treated to sightings of four of the big five (did not see the water buffalo) on our 4 day safari. I would unreservedly recommend this company and Dennis as an option for any Safari in South Africa. It was manageable and close enough to Johannesburg for our relatively short time in SA. Keep doing what you're doing!
thank you so much,
Jeremy and Laura
US
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable stay
Like a home away from home. Amazing staff, delicious food, comfortable rooms, and an breathtaking view of the savanna within feet of the cottages.