US
would come back any time
We had a very well organized trip with a combination of various flavors of lodges and approaches to getting to know African Animals. All places were very friendly and welcoming. The timing was good and the 2 guides were very knowledgeable and great to be around.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A whole disaster and very terrible experience - watch out with this agency! Not trustful at all
We found Mercury Tours on Safari-Bookings and Ndamungu (tour operator) seemed to be nice and helpful. We were having email contact for about two weeks in which Mercury Tours explained the Program in detail and gave us all information etc. In November 2016 we booked the 7 day safari with him (Selous-Mikumi-Ruahu Safari) to start on January, 1st 2017. We transferred half of the money to Ndamungu in November (1330 Dollar) and agreed to pay the other half directly to the tourguide when the safari would start. Ndamungu confirmed that the tourguide would pick us up at 8.40AM in our Hotel. Well, we were all excited to start the Safari and on January, 1st we waited to be picked up in our hotel reception. Unfortunately, no one from Mercury Tours appeared, so after 30 minutes waiting, we called Ndamungu. He said, that the driver had an "accident" and would come within 20 minutes. Unfortunately, this was not true. We waited for hours, calling Mercury Tours several times and Ndamungu said the guide could come very soon and hung up on us with no more information. So, we ended up waiting for about 4,5 (!) with another disappointment. Ndamungu confirmed in November that our driver would be our guide at the same time and would speak English. The person who picked us up just spoke barely English and had no idea of our program and where to go, so he had to explain him everything. Above all, he forced us to pay him 200 dollar otherwise he wouldn't drive us and explained us the actual guide was waiting for us at the camp. Well, we were very angry at the time, but paid him and hoping that the real guide would actually speak English and we could finally start our safari without more stress and headache. When we arrived at the camp, unfortunately no guide was waiting for us. The driver and Ndamungu explained, the guide would come the next day but this was another lie. The next day, the driver was gone without saying a word, no guide appeared and we were left alone literally in the bush. The people at the camp were really helpful and called Ndamungu serval time, but he just switched off his phone. Nothing was organised, nothing was paid for us. So, we lost 1530 Dollar and didn't receive anything for it. We went for a game drive with another guide but had to pay all by ourselves. Our safari was a whole disaster and tomorrow we are heading to the police and embassy here in Tanzania to report on this. Luckily we have all confirmations made by Ndamungu. So be very careful with Mercury Tours and Ndamungu - they are criminals.
US
We love Johnson!
We have used Eastern Vacations every year we've been to Kenya. The staff is always pleasant to be around and very knowledgeable when we go on safari. Johnson, our bus driver is always great to be around. I would highly recommend doing business with this company. You won't regret it.
US
Unbelievable Time in Uganda/Rwanda!
I could not be happier that I followed the advice of the other reviews and chose to travel with Africa Adventure Safaris! Anna was fantastic in her communication and ability to customize an itinerary to my liking. Patrick, the driver/guide, was top notch. I was amazed by his knowledge and instantly felt comfortable traveling with him as a solo traveler. This company was extremely professional and personal from the early planning stages through my return home. Choose Africa Adventure Safaris and you are in for a trip of a lifetime!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari for Great Price
My two friends and I were looking for a budget safari but we still wanted to go to the best parks and see all the animals. We ended up going with Northern Masailand Safaris because Henry, the owner, was persistent and a good businessman. He matched and even beat other quotes we received from other companies. He set us up with a group who were already planning a safari during the same time, and was very flexible with our needs. We visited the top 5 parks in Tanzania in 5 days, and even saw the Big 5 in the first three days! While I originally wanted to spend more time in Serengeti, it was fun to see a different terrain every day. (although, if you have more time, I would recommend more time in Serengeti) We had a fantastic time and loved our guide, Saleh and the cheft, Faraj. We have no regrets and have great memories and pictures to remind us of an awesome safari!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime
Jambo! We used Beacon Safaris for our 10 day Kenyan safari in late December 2016, and it was the best vacation that we have ever taken. From our first online contact with Beacon Safaris, Robert was always there to quickly answer our questions and offer suggestions. He put together a custom safari that covered a varied mix of luxury tent camps and luxury lodges in several national parks and reserves. He also made recommendations about optional adventures not normally included in the standard package. These included a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, a walking safari on Crescent Island, a biking tour in Hells Gate, and a balloon ride in Masai Mara. The highlight of the trip was Eustus, our driver and guide. He began and ended every day with a handshake greeting and big smile. He was always customer focused and intent on making it a trip of a lifetime. He laughed at our jokes and comments even though he had probably heard similar lines dozens of time before and he made us feel special. He could spot animals more than several hundred yards away and even though he consistently put us in a position to get the best views and pictures – we always felt safe. Partly due to luck but mostly due to Eustus’ tracking expertise, we saw the Big Five several times on our tour – in fact, throughout our day in Masai Mara, we were able to get within a few yards of each one of the Big Five multiple times. What great pictures and memories! Eustus was an expert on the animals, the habitat, and the history of the region. He also informed us about the customs, politics, and economics related to Kenya. If you have a chance to choose your guide, make sure that Eustus is at the top of your list.
IL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great service while booking, very kind and experienced driver and guide and a good chef
we booked out tour at Shabani's office at Arusha a day before we left to the 5 day safari.
the procedure was fast and easy, they took care for all the logistics.
and the price was fair.
the safari itself was an unforgettable experience. we saw all kinds of wildlife and we were in a spacious jeep.
our guide was awesome! we had a great time with him :)
HK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our Tanzanian Honeymoon Was Perfect
We have organized our honeymoon with Benson Safari and they have been always responsive and considered in the reservation process. They went the extra mile to take care of us, helping us to craft the perfect itenerary for us adding and removing based on our request.
Our guide, Jeff, was amazing. He could answer all my question about geology, geography, migration, wildlife managment, animals and birds. He also answered all of my question about trees as well. Not only a perfectly rounded guide but knowledgeable on all grounds.
He spotted the big five and two cheethas. Caught a group of lions by looking at one beta male, and understanding the roaring heard the previous night was a warning from the alpha male. Then saw the group at over 500 metres distance.
We also asked him to take us out for a local dine and a lesson of learning and discovery and it was great.
Memory of a lifetime and great experience.
FI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unique experience
We spent three nights in Mikumi National Park. The driver Adam was excellent. Thanks to him we were able to see 4 out of Big five, only rhino was missing, since those are found only in Ngorongoro. We saw dozen lions, about 20 elephants, almost 100 giraffes, over 100 buffalos, about 10 hippos and crocodiles, and one very rare leopard lying up in the tree. Thank you Malengo Tours.
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was a well organized adventure trip! Our whole family enjoyed the safari game very much.
We were impressed by the different staffs we had to handle with. They were all very kind, serving persons. We enjoyed also the big knowledge of our guide and his friendly caracter. It was nice to come home to Africa.