AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had to get the bus back
First I would like to point out that out driver was Brilliant the whole way through. He could not do more to help us (his 7 month pregnant wife picked us up from DAS bus station to take us back to our hotel.
Booking was very easy and effective, the booking agent came to our hotel on the morning of pick up to collect the money from us (I think it is expensive, especially with the quality of car we were provided with).
The car was ancient (it never made it back from the trip) we got a flat tyre 2 hours into the journey (fine, it happens) then another few hours in, the car breaks down and take 2+ hours to fix (meaning the journey ended up taking 10 hours to reach the safari).
Lunch on the way to the Safari (not the modern looking stop) was lovely. It was a traditional buffet lunch.
The hotel at the safari was basic but clean and quite close to the Mikumi National park.
The safari was a great experience, our guide was knowledgeable and made the safari a lot of fun. The guys could not explain things enough and went out of their way to make sure we saw as much as possible.
Unfortunately, our trip back was a disaster!!
Our car broke down again in pretty much the same spot it had been fixed the day before. Except this time we were taken to the local mechanics place (off the main road) and were left in the car for 3 hours only to be told it would be $90 USD to have someone else drive us back or we could get the bus or wait another 4 hours for another car to pass on its way back to DAS.
We were not offered any refund from the company and I suspect that much of the cost of getting us back fell onto our driver (not the company we had paid $400USD EACH to). Both these point I find unprofessional and unacceptable. Only when we demanded did the company offer us a 'free' taxi back to the airport the next day'.
So all in all our experience was tainted (but not completely ruined) by poor quality transport provided by an expensive safari provider!
I hope the driver was not punished for the mishap (I suspect he was).
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best part of safari is the guide
I compared about 10 different safari operators and I picked Siku Njema because of Benson's willingness to work closely with me to plan a customized safari. Each time I sent a list of questions he carefully answered each one and this made me feel comfortable as we developed a plan. In addition to seeing Amboseli, Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks, Benson added the following based on my personal interests: Masai Village, Kinondo village, primary school and sacred forrest, David Sheldwick elephant orphanage and drive through Mombasa. In addition to learning about the animals of East Africa, I wanted to learn about the people. I'm glad I chose a Kenyan guide who could translate Swahili and who could also engage deeply in conversation about our similarities and differences. Additionally, we lost our luggage and Bencon took us shopping to replace what we lost and worked every day toward recovering it for us. He just took care of us, whatever the need. I found this safari to be the most competitively priced while still staying in comfortable accommodations and I believe we got much more out of this experience than we would have if we had gone with a larger, more expensive tour operator. I added an extra person to the safari at the last minute and Benson was willing to make that happen at an extremely reasonable rate. It felt great to support someone who is self-made and had the courage to start his own small business. The smallness provided the flexibility we needed to truly make this experience our own. I can't imagine a safari without Benson leading the way.
NL
A great experience again !
This trip was again a great experience with Tailor Made Safaris. The accomodations, vehicle, safaris and guides of Tailor Made were well organised again. We visited Drakensbergen, Ithala, Mkuze, St. Lucia, Hluhluwe and Kruger National Park. In Thendele Camp - Drakensbergen and Ntshondwe – Ithala the view from our lodge was incredible. The whole journey we have seen a lot of wild animals and birds. The service is excellent. It is realy a tailor made safari !
US
You want to use this company!
If you are traveling to Tanzania to do a Serengeti safari and use a company other than Lights on Africa, you are missing out on an incredible and unforgettable experience! Peniel and his various guides are very knowledgeable and friendly. My brother and I went on a safari in the Serengeti by way of Ngorongoro Crater. We were astounded by the number and quantity of animals that we saw in both places! The proximity of the jeep to the animals was unexpectedly close! We had lunch (excellent food thoughout the trip) next to elephants and breakfast near the wildebeests during their great migration.
Peniel was very accommodating of our desires and worked to make our itineary exactly how we imagined (even adding a few days for us on Zanzibar). He even provided us with some great surprise dinners when we were in country. We took a chance booking our adventure through Lights on Africa as it is not a typical "big name" tour company, but we were not disappointed in any aspect of our travels.
NL
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thirdtime with Simba
This year it was the third time I travelled with Simba. The first two times I booked in Holland and the last straight with Simba. In Holland they have a complete journey and its not easy to chance things as I would. I travel alone so easy to make little chance. The last time I booked straight via internet . Because I cannot walk very good there where special whishes from me. I try to make my own journey with whishes and sent it to them. I know that there are things that maybe is not possible if you cannot walk very good. Together with Arif (and I hear later my guide, same as the other 2 times) we made the trip. Every time an ok from Tz or me and than we had all ok. The trip was more than marvelous. Have been everywhere I like to come, saw so many animals too, in all different ways. Alive and also dead, vultures and hyeans eating a zebra, but also that a little wildebeest is born and after 13 minutes, the little one can walk, more than amazing. . But also visit Detoga and Hadzabe tribes.
For next year, 2016, I like to see the migration at Maasai Mara and again we made together my trip, also again with my whishes. I cannot wait till july, But the program is so nice again, it wil be amazing again.
If you travel alone or you have whishes, they can make it for you and you have the time of your live.
I can give only 5 stars but 10 is better
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great 5 Day Camping-Safari with friendly and fun guides
We booked our Safari (for 2 person) from home. Therefore, it was really great that Jessica, who works in the office, replied us quick and in detail and answered all our questions. Even during our safari she checked on us via phone calls to hear if everything was alright.
Our Jeep was really new and super clean and the tents were cozy and good against the cold during nighttime. Food during all 5 days was delicious, fresh (we even stopped at local women on the market to buy vegetables) and always more than enough! Our cook was very friendly and managed cooking even in the full kitchens of the campgrounds.
Our guide/driver Sam was always good for a joke and gave us some background information about the animals and other things. He informed us every evening about the next days plan and had a chat with us in the evening.
During the Safari we saw a lot of animals! Especially, because Sam was listening to the radio announcing where animals were. Due to his experience we were at the right spot all the time. He also always kept appropriate distance to the animals so that they are not disturbed.
So we had a great time! :-)
The only thing to critics are the stops at various souvenir shops on the way to the parks. (But every tour company does them). This was annoying but could be used to stretch legs and go to the toilet.
IL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
fantastic!
Recently returned from safari in Tanzania with my mother. From the start Brian at EWA answered every question within hours and planned our trip perfectly as per our requests. our guide, Amiri, was fantastic - friendly and funny, knows every animal, bird, plant and insect in Tanzania and is also a great driver!
The camps were great - comfortable, clean and beautifully located with amazing staff and chefs.
We got to see everything we hoped for and then some (we planned our trip according to the wildebeest migration). Amir was extremely sensitive to our needs and we were treated like royalty.
We will definitely use EWA next time we are in Tanzania!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
3 Day Masai Mara safari
Jacinta at Breezy Tours was very accommodating. She always responded to emails promptly. The accommodation in Masai Mara was comfortable and the safari was excellent, we saw The Big 5, which was very exciting. The only issue was pick up was late. However we still got to do everything included in the safari. Jacinta met me in Nairobi on the last day and stayed with me until it was time for me to go to the airport (about 4 hours)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gorilla trekking - Bwindi
Richard organised my Gorilla permit for me and I had a driver from Gatatu Safaris for the day of my safari. Richard responded to all emails promptly and was very accommodating to budget and dates. My driver Dale was friendly and safe. I would, and have, recommended Gatatu to friends. I paid for my permit via a bank deposit, Richard acknowledged the money was received and arranged my permit with no problems.
US
Phenomenal safari led by best-possible professionals who truly know and love the animals!
Amazing Safari - focus on the animals, led by knowledgeable, kind guides.”
I very highly recommend a safari led by the Bekker brothers - particularly if you're interested in seeing and learning about the incredible animals in Kruger. Bernhard and Hennie Bekker will make this an unforgettable experience for you given their tremendous knowledge, enthusiasm and kindness.
Visited September 2015