20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great 100%
Great service, great safari, great food and hospitality, great everything. First time doing safari and we are 100% satisfied with camp lilac mikumi. Starting from the customer service app where we received all the help we needed, to the kindness of every single person of the camp. Would recommend to everyone
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They are communicative, reliable, affordable, and friendly operator that made my experience perfect!
Real review from a young Midwest couple - BEST TIME EVER WITH THE AMAZING SAFARI GUIDE PUIS!!! If you are lucky enough to have a chance to travel to Tanzania, use Serengeti Smile! Hopefully you are lucky enough to plan the trip with Albert and have Puis as your guide, seriously we can’t get over what an outstanding man Puis is! This 10 day package is perfect for young couples, a group of friends, family trip, or work or school event! If you wanted to make your stay more romantic or adventurous, Albert was very communicative and easy to work with. He upgraded a few of our stays to make the trip work for us! Asked about food allergies/ preferences, was on top of updates and sending them out, and so kind and understanding.
Trip planning:
So my husband and I researched safaris in Tanzania for a bit, we wanted something with safari and beach in Zanzibar! We sent interest to a few companies on safaribooking that made sense for us and Albert, our direct contact, was persistent in a very HELPFUL way. He was a pleasure to work with and to be honest, he made our trip happen in a VERY short notice since we were so back and forth on where we wanted to go. He was able to find alternative stays with short notice since everything was booked and was very communicative through email. We had a driver waiting for us no problem at 3 AM, in Kilimanjaro ready to take us to our first stay and we booked the trip two days prior. I know it’s what we paid for, but we CANNOT get over how kind, calm, and understanding everyone was. I felt so safe and trust this company, Albert, and Puis tremendously.
Lodging/ Food:
For lodging we stayed at Arusha Animal Planet Lodge, Marera Valley Lodge, and Safari View Camp (our favorite), for the safari portion. The first two stays were so nice in their own right for obvious reasons, amazing views and great food, but the tented camp was easily the best… we were in the middle of Serengeti, you could hear everything, see nothing, you were really just out there with the animals. The staff was so kind, welcoming, and seriously best food of the trip. No joke, the chef here is legit. The camp was so peaceful and relaxing, we had the best time.
When comparing to other groups especially during lunch and cruisers we’d say it was pretty comparable. At the end of the day, you spend most of the safari in your cruiser with your guide (puis is the best)… They were very comparable. The cruiser had plenty of room, charging, cold bottled water, open windows, and roof that opens. A Toyota Land Cruiser to be extract, pretty standard, everyone had them. Every morning, I was impressed to see Puis had a clean fresh car for us to start everyday, it gets very dusty after a long day of driving. He also always had a boxed lunch for us/ made sure we were fed. The main difference was some groups brought their lunch in proper picnic boxes and had proper silverware… for us, personally we thought that was a bit much. We were very happy with our delicious boxed lunch, we’re in the jungle with wild animals, having a proper meal feels like a bit much but to each their own. To emphasize, that was the biggest difference between us and some other groups. I’m sure if you really wanted that, you could get it but I find that a bit unnecessary. Puis joined us for all of our delicious meals, he’s great company!
Safari Guide: we’re making a whole section for Puis because we don’t deserve him. Talk about an outstanding gentleman! Our first night was rough, we came in early in the morning exhausted, our plan was to meet for breakfast at 8:30 and go on safari… well we accidentally slept until 10, we ran out of the room feeling terrible hoping our guide was still there… Puis was patiently waiting for us, asked if we were ok and completely understood our situation and insisted we go eat something before going on the road. Not once did he make us feel bad, instead wanted to make sure we were okay. The next day I was feeling sick, as I always do when I travel, he kept checking in, making sure I didn’t need the doctor or medicine. We felt so safe the whole time we were with him. Not that you shouldn’t feel safe here, but more because we felt taken care of because he cared about us and because he knows where to go and who to ask for support. Moreover, we noticed Puis is friends with just about everyone everywhere. I swear, anywhere we stopped he had a friend there, it was awesome because he is clearly a local, and we thought that enhanced the experience. Most importantly, Puis knows what he’s talking about. He was very informative of sharing his knowledge of the animals, landscape, and the people. We learned so much from him and had fun in the process. We managed to see all of the Big 5 and plenty of other big and small animals! We are going to miss him and we’re so lucky to have gotten a guide as cool as him! A huge part of positive experience is because of him and we’re so thankful!
Last thing, I know in the states everyone is scared of getting scammed, Serengeti Smile was absolutely not, quite the opposite.
I hope this review was helpful, highly recommend booking if you have not already!
SG
Outstanding Safari Experience!
I recently had an unforgettable experience (26-31 Oct 24)with Wild Kruger Travel , made even more special by the outstanding travel expertise and personalized touch provided by Mr. Johan. From the initial planning stages,
Johan provided prompt responses to all our questions, ensuring we felt confident and well-prepared for our trip. His attention to detail truly stood out, and he went above and beyond to make our experience special.
Upon arrival, Johan arranged to meet us in person, warmly welcoming us and ensuring we had everything we needed. He even surprised us with a thoughtful gift, adding a personal touch that made us feel incredibly valued. Throughout the journey, the arrangements were seamless, allowing us to fully enjoy the beauty of Kruger without a single worry.
One of the highlights of our trip was the game drive led by Mr. Andre Joubert, an expert guide thoughtfully arranged by Johan. Andre’s knowledge of the area and wildlife was impressive, enriching our experience with insights and close-up views of the stunning wildlife. His passion and professionalism made the drive feel exciting and safe, enhancing our appreciation for the landscape and its animals.
This trip was seamless, exciting, well-organized, and full of memorable experiences, all thanks to Johan’s exceptional planning and the expertise of Wild Kruger’s team. If you’re looking for a travel company that will make your journey truly special, I highly recommend Wild Kruger Travel and especially Johan and Andre for their remarkable service.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Pick this company!
I could not be more happy with my choice using Above Safaris for my Kilimanjaro adventure. I was very specific about the dates for my travel because my trek was centered around my 50th birthday. Carrie, one of the company owners, was extremely helpful every step of the way even when I was a high maintenance client with many questions and thoughts. First, it felt wonderful to go with a woman owned business (her husband a local is the other owner). Second, Carrie truly cares about the community and staff and pays her people a fair wage and doesn’t keep all the earnings for herself. She is adamant about ensuring her team shares in the success of the company. I paid more than most because I was specific about dates. Carrie tried to save me money by asking if I wanted to join other groups with different days, but because my birthday I stuck to my choice. My guide Barnabas has been leading trips for over 12 years in the mountain. I was in extremely capable hands. The chef, waiter and porters he picked couldn’t have been kinder, more supportive and wonderful. This team helped make my dream to summit possible. When I wanted to give up, they cheered me on. We adjusted routes, wake up times while on the mountain all in the interest of ensuring I would make it and much to my own surprise, I did! I am forever in debt to this company and these people and they will always be in my heart given everything mentioned and more. Thank you Above Safaris!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience with a Top Tourguide!
My partner and I had an amazing 5 days on this safari in Tanzania. We were mesmerised with the scenery, the animals are the breathtaking things we have seen. Our tour guide Floridi was exceptional, his knowledge was another level. He knew everything about the places where we went to, not just the big 5, but even the little birds you could see around. He was with us from dawn to sundown making sure we had the best experience. Upon our return we heard from other travellers that some unfortunately did not have the best experience due to their tour guides not been sufficiently knowledgeable, trust us as for Floridi - you wont regret it. We will come back with our little one once she is a bit bigger, truly an experience you don’t want to miss 😍
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable Masai Mara Adventure: A Journey Through Stunning Wildlife
Embarking on an 8-day journey with Africa Barefoot Safari to Masai Mara was truly an experience of a lifetime. From start to finish, the trip was beautifully managed, ensuring every detail was taken care of seamlessly. Our guide, Patrick, was nothing short of amazing. His extensive knowledge of the wildlife and the Masai Mara ecosystem enriched our experience immensely. Thanks to Patrick, we had the incredible opportunity to witness some of nature's most majestic spectacles: observed multiple lion prides, including a thrilling moment of a lion eating its kill; giraffes against the horizon, a breathtaking sight that felt like a scene from a movie; leopards and cheetahs in their natural habitat; and close encounters with zebras and elephants. The accommodation was extremely comfortable, providing perfect immersion in nature. Each day was highly customizable, allowing us to tailor our activities to our interests and pace. Whether it was an early morning game drive or a relaxed afternoon by the camp, every moment was crafted to perfection. Africa Barefoot Safari delivered an unforgettable adventure that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a unique and enriching wildlife experience. The combination of expert guidance, stunning wildlife sightings, and authentic accommodation made this trip truly exceptional.
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Amazing Safari Experience With an Exceptional Safari Guide!
My parents I travelled to Tanzania in October 2024 with Uzuri Safaris. it's a 10 days Safaris + Zanzibar trip.
Planning our itinerary with Steven was straightforward and went smoothly at every step. With his help, we were able to change some itinerary and hotel we like the best.
Or guide, Salim, we were extremely nice and experienced. He put in a ton of effort to find all of the animals we wanted to see and show us incredible views. We spent pretty much all day every day driving around looking for the best sights. overall, it's an amazing journey and lift experience. Thank you Uzuri Safaris.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Safari Experience with Ramble Africa
I recently embarked on an incredible 8-day safari through Kenya, expertly organized by Ramble Africa last October. From the initial planning stages to the final day, Paul, the owner, was incredibly responsive and patient. He customized the itinerary to my preferences, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience. Not only that when we left a jacket in one of the hotels, Paul made sure to get it back and return it to us before we left Nairobi! His amazing customer service and warm, helpful manner were such a pleasure throughout the trip and beyond :)
Our guide, Victor, was a true gem. His sharp eye and deep knowledge of the wildlife, geography, agriculture, and history of the region made each game drive an educational and exciting experience. Thanks to his expertise, we were fortunate to witness all five of the Big Five (some multiple times).
Our safari began with an exciting game drive in Nairobi National Park. We were amazed to spot various wildlife, so close to the city. We also visited the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre – interacting with orphaned elephants and gentle giraffes was such a heartwarming experience.
We then proceeded to the Maasai Mara National Reserve - the vast savannah plains, teeming with wildlife, were breathtaking. One of the highlights of the trip was undoubtedly the hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara. Watching the sunrise paint the sky with vibrant colors and witnessing the wildlife from a bird's-eye view was simply magical.
We also had the opportunity to visit a Maasai village, where we learned about the rich culture and traditions of the Maasai. Interacting with the locals and gaining insights into their way of life was a truly enriching experience.
At Lake Nakuru, we had a change of landscape and scenery, witnessing a variety of wildlife, including a rare sighting of a rhino.
Lake Naivasha offered a serene boat ride, where we encountered numerous hippos and a diverse array of birdlife. We also enjoyed a walking safari, allowing us to observe various antelope species up close.
Our safari concluded with a visit to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds. We had incredible opportunities to photograph these majestic creatures against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
I cannot recommend Ramble Africa enough. Their commitment to providing personalized service, a knowledgeable guide, and unforgettable experiences sets them apart. If you're planning a safari to Kenya, I highly recommend choosing Ramble Africa as your trusted partner.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Right on time every as promised, very professional and nice.
Africa Marvel tours is a very adequate Safari Tours Company. They help swiftly, and can easily adapt if necessary. We were to be picked from two locations and joined in Tsavo East. The drivers, Lydia and Keith were really nice and cheerful. We enjoyed the stories of Keith during the safari, explaining the animals and birds, he has a lot of knowledge and is good company. Lydia brought us from Tsavo to Mombasa, a very joyful nature and safe driver. We were in excellent hands!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Alex is an outstanding guide who turned each day into an adventure!
We had an unforgettable 12-day safari in Tanzania with our family. Our guide, Alex, was absolutely fantastic! His knowledge of the wildlife and nature made the experience truly special; you could tell this is his true passion. It was amazing how he could spot animals from a great distance and knew exactly when to stop so we could admire them. Sometimes we were driving fast, and then we’d suddenly stop because Alex had spotted something far away – incredible! We highly recommend this safari to everyone. Alex is an outstanding guide who turned each day into an adventure!
