IL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Successful 5-day safari with Bright African
My daughter and I chose Bright Safaris, Tanzania for our first ever safari experience. We were not disappointed. It is a small local company owned by Msangi. He always answered our emails promptly and clearly suggesting different itineraries and accommodation according to our budget. He also sent us contact email addresses of previous customers from whom we acquired positive feedback. Once dates and the itinerary were settled we had to secure the trip by sending a small deposit, which made us a little nervous. All was well though and he confirmed receipt with the remainder to be paid in cash on arrival. We were met at the airport by our guide Othman who was an expert driver and a guide so full of knowledge of the animals, culture and terrain. He had the sharpest eyes and good humour. We felt safe and well looked after. He was punctual and kept us to our itinerary. No time was wasted. He made a big effort for us to see and get safely close to the migration of the Wilderbeast, cheetahs, leopard, lions and birds. We were accompanied by a cook named Rama who was fantastic. We are vegetarians and Rama's skill was clearly evident with the soups and dishes he served using local produce. As we chose the camping budget option, Rama worked under difficult conditions from 04.30am preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner to a high level. On our last day he surprised us with a bottle of "champagne" which was a lovely surprise. The campsites were basic but clean. Only two of the three that we stayed at had hot shower water, but we were warm in our tents and slept well. We were supplied with a torch and binoculars, but you might want to get another torch. Also - make sure to bring some warm clothing as during September it can get quite cold at night. Msangi answered emails from our worried family when we were out of range of cell phone reception explaining that all is well. Msangi met up with us before our departure to ensure that all had gone well and our smiling faces showed it had. Highly recommended.
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
You can't miss it in life
Excellent! They serve you from the heart. It totally a lot more than what I paid. It is not something about money, is the experience you gain in life.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
NEVER CHOOSE CROCODILE RACERS
Back from a "3 days/2 nights" in the Mara, we were wondering if it was normal that:
- when we ask us be ready at 7 am to be picked up by our driver in Nairobi, we leave Nairobi at 10am, after 3 different places waiting for something we don't want to explain to us,
- when we are supposed to be maximum 8 in our van, we spend the 3 days at 9 pax including a 6-month baby crying, the other people paying 360USD pp (70 less than us) for exactly the same prestation + water included in their package, not in ours (they also told us they were very angry because supposed to be 6 Max in the van for this price...)?
- when we are supposed to arrive "on time for lunch" at Maasai Mara, have a rest and make our 1st game drive around 4pm, we in fact arrived at 4pm at the camp (after an awful lunch in a self service on the road) and entered Maasai Mara at 5.30pm (30 minutes game drive!)
- when it is question of coming back to Nairobi, then, our guide proved us he can be on time: Considering leaving the Maasai Mara, it was impossible to wait a minute more in the camp, whereas making us wait 3 hours on the first morning did not necessitate any explication or excuse...
Crocodile answered they were "very much apologetic on what took place", and "wish you had chosen a private safari".
Obviously, " it is not practical to offer any commercial refund".
If you're planning a trip to Mara or Amboseli, you'd better choose Sun Splash Safaris, you'll get what you pay for (and for really cheaper) with a real organization (been to Amboseli with them).
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience- one day safari
We only had 5 days to spend in Tanzania, but wanted to do many things. Mwajabu helped us organize a one day safari. Many companies don't offer one day safaris but Mwajabu was flexible and helped us make this happen. Not only did she arrange the safari, but she provided a pick up and drop off to and from the airport at no extra cost. Our driver for the safari was prompt to pick us up in the morning. He was very kind, friendly, and helpful. He made us feel comfortable. We drove about 5 hours to Mikumi National Park where we saw giraffes, zebras, baboons, impalas, gazelle, elephants, and hippos! We were at the park for about 5 hours. We drove back the same evening and were able to sleep in the vehicle as the seats reclined all the way back. We only have good things to say about Mwajabu and her staff. Mwajabu was quick at responding to any emails I sent her. When we met her in person, she instantly made us feel at ease. She is very friendly and warm. She went out of her way to make us have an enjoyable trip. We can't thank her enough. I highly recommend her company.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Very Best of the Best
I climbed Kilimanjaro on the Rongai route for my 70th birthday along with my son-in-law in 2007. Frank Mella was my guide. I climbed far more slowly than the others, especially on the trek from Kibo to the crater. I spent 13 hrs on this segment of the climb. Frank stayed with me every step and put his heavy jacket around me every time I stopped to insure that I did not get hypothermia as it was extremely cold. I owe him my life to Frank for the success of making it to the summit and for carefully monitoring me physically to be sure that I was in no danger.
I've been of safari with Frank's company on two occasions: Once in 2009 with a colleague and once in 2014 with my wife. Both safaris were outstanding. In 2009, we went on a camping tour and enjoyed it immensely, and in 2014, my wife and I stayed in lodges or camping facilities on the preserves. As this was my wife's first safari (she loved it and enjoyed the lengths that our driver [David] went to for us to see the big five and many other animals, and for our comfort in staying in outstanding lodging, camping facilities and eating excellent cuisine. These were my fourth and fifth safaris (one other in Tanzania and two others in South Africa and Botswana). The two safaris with Kilene Savane LTD were by far the best I ever have been on. Only the highest rating possible traveling with Kilene Savane, either climbing and/or on safari. There is an old saying, once you've been to East Africa, you will always return. I've found that to be true, and if you climb and/or travel with Kilene Savane, it will guarantee that you will return to this most beautiful, wonderful and hospitable country.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tailor Made Safaris organized a wonderful trip to St Lucia, Mavela, Battlefields and Drakensbergen.
Everything was very good organized, so there where no problems at all. All of us where very enthousiastic about the tours, the guides, de game drives and the B&B's, guesthouses and lodges. We will recommend Tailor Made Safaris to our friends when they lik to visit South Africa.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jobovic gave us the safari experience we imagined and more!
My husband and I arrived in Johannesburg with high expectations for our first African safari and I'm pleased to say that Jobovic Safaris far exceeded our expectations. During the booking process, Piet answered all of my questions in a timely manner and adequately prepared us for our trip. Once our tour began, it did not take long before we knew Jobovic Safaris would live up to its promise of warm hospitality, lots of adventure, and fun-filled days. Piet and Bryce make such a great team and always ensured we were happy, comfortable, and well-fed every step of the way. Piet is a wonderful driver and Bryce is a very knowledgeable tour guide. Plus, their passion for Africa's wildlife and culture shines brightly. We learned so much from them and appreciated every opportunity to partake in African traditions, such as a traditional Braai with pap and chakalaka. I simply cannot say enough positive things about Jobovic Safaris and would highly recommend booking with them. By the end of our trip, my husband and I knew we wanted to return someday and that is all because Piet and Bryce made our first experience so very enjoyable. Thank you, Jobovic Safaris, for an amazing trip with unforgettable memories!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly recommend!! A+++
Right from the start, the communication between myself and this company was outstanding. The consultants English was highly satisfactory, and return time via email was very speedy. Everything that needed to be known was written nice and clearly for me to understand. They were helpful, friendly and genuine.
This company organised everything for us that we needed ie airport transfer, hotel, full board etc which made the organising process much less stressful. This carried right through to the end of the tour - no stress at all because they took care of our every need. I dealt with Chris and Tolbert in particular, thank you guys so much for everything you did for us, you went above and beyond!
Will definitely return one day to do it all again!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great 4 days Masai Mara + Nakuru Safari
My wife and I have recently participated to the 4 days Masai Mara + Nakuru safari. It was an amazing experience and we got to see and experience lots. I highly recommend Terminal Tours who have been welcoming and very helpful throughout our stay. Nelson and Tatania took care of us from A to Z arranging airport pickup, stays and hotels etc. The safari drivers we got to travel with were top notch too. James and Martin shared with us their knowledge of Kenya and its wildlife and made sure we see and experience as much as possible. Thanks to them, we noticed a wilder beat crossing and once in a lifetime experience when a crocodile caught a wilder beast live... Amazing! I also recommend the visit to the Masai Village, really worth it and must do! Lodging at Rhinos camping site was great/clean/fun/exotic. Mind that the food was very average but hey that is to be expected when going for a budget accommodation. On our way to Nakuru, we spent an afternoon in Nivasha, a beautiful lac/wildlife and went on a boat ride, worth taking. The hotel at Nakuru is descent with wifi access, much needed after a couple of days in the wild. All in all, great experience with very professional and welcoming team. Thank you Nelson, Tatiana, James and Martin for great memories and looking forward to our next visit :-)
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magnificent mobile safari due to excellent staff and authentic experiences for a fair price.
Our family of four including two young adult sons, aged 19 and 21, thoroughly enjoyed our brief immersion in the Botswana bush. Naga Safaris accommodated our scheduling needs taking full advantage of our six day excursion with morning and afternoon game drives that provided close encounters with a wide variety of wildlife. KG was a most excellent guide as he is terribly knowledgeable and fully prepared for any challenge. He is a wonderfully gregarious personality who tells a great story. He also read our family well and was comfortable with quiet time for reflection and recuperation. The rest of the staff was professional and hard working and made our experience completely enjoyable.