IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari and saw tons of wildlife but operations need some work
3.5 stars - Overall the tour was great. If you are looking for a budget safari this is for you.
Pros
- saw loads of wildlife
- tour guides David and Evans were helpful and informative (Evans especially)
- accommodation was clean and very comfortable
- food was very tasty
Cons
- the tour charged us a 5% FX fee which is outrageous (extra 25 USD)
- long periods of driving with no breaks or snacks (6/7 hours)
- we had to ask for bathroom breaks
- couple of other hidden charges that weren’t clear (bicycles in hells gate were extra and so was Masai Mara village tour)
- hot springs were in our itinerary and we never went
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Expected more
I selected Thompson Safari for a Kilimanjaro Lemosho route summit, largely because some colleagues recommended them. All said- I would recommend considering other more reasonable alternatives. For sure, their team got us to the top, but the pre-event US based staff was lackluster at best. Delayed - if ever- responses that fell so short as to make me search the web for answers rather than engage them. Great in-country staff but clearly there were others, higher energy, and as it turns out far more reasonable for the same outcome.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They were welcoming and open.
My 3 days at Diani Kenyan coast were fantastic, I enjoyed alot in terms of food,beaches and historical places. African Vulture Safaris did a tremendous job in planning everything. I'm looking forward for another round with you guys.
IR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
is responsible
I enjoyed this tour, and will choose them if I come to Kenya again
MA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great, with the ride guide!
I went on this trip as a solo traveler, which was a great choice for me because everything was pre-planned. I had a generally fantastic time and saw some amazing sights and animals! Overall, I am very happy with my experience!
My only feedback, and why I'm not giving 5-stars, is because my guide was knowledgeable, but hard to understand and communicate with. He sometimes seemed a bit harsh in his tone and when it's just the two of us for 7-days, it would have been nice to have a more personable host. Also, there were times when he didn't know what was scheduled and this led to uncomfortable situations; for example, I had booked a walking tour at Lake Naivasha and the guide didn't know about this, until he was putting me on the boat. This lack of knowledge led to me taking the walking tour in flip flops instead of close-toed shoes (I still have scratches on my feet) and I was carrying a heavy bag. Additionally, the vehicle was not what I expected; very old and uncomfortable.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Group tours include many changing itineraries and the require flexibility
Karibu Safaris was responsive in the lead up to my tour and picked me up on time.
One thing I wish I knew beforehand is that a "group tour" includes people from different travel agencies with different itineraries. I thought it would be a group of people with the same itinerary, sharing the same experience. However, we would sometimes have to drive people out of the way so they could meet their next driver, or wait around so we could pick-up new people. I wouldn't have minded this if I had known ahead of time. Also, every time we asked our driver/tour guide questions about the itinerary he would get very annoyed. It wasn't until the last day I realized he didn't know the answers either! I wish he had just told us what was going on - it's not his fault the agenda kept changing.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thank you for the greatest guide
First and foremost. We had an amazing guide. experienced Moses is very very knowledgeable in his field. He has a history of many different adventures. He answers any and every question you might have. Guide on the scale 1 -10. Moses is 11. The vehicle left something to be desired. Windows require a power of an ox to open. Seats are what they are and tent camps however talked up are uncomfortable. Hot water bottles needed and was placed in bed to warm you a bit so you don’t freeze. All in all with exception of our glories guide, we payed too much for what we got. They sometimes think that American dollars are on even par with Tanzanian shillings. Don’t drink in safari camps. Each shot of vodka leaves you wanting to stop drinking for ever by its size. The art of a cheat. Single shot is no shot. The smallest in the world. And I’ve seen the world. Short and sweet !robbery.
Tanzanians are fast business companies.They will slow you down. Hard working People are honest tough,and truly very hard working for small money. Your tips are supposed to compensate there starving wage.the companies are not ashamed to tell you how much to tip, and that’s not jut a pitons,on daily bases mind you. You are pinned against hard,hard working man and women however you look at it.
Safari is a swim where only fitest can survive
And your wallet will be victimized in no time.
Thank you to the greatest guide ! “Moses”
Moses is the best
Forget the rest.
FI
Nice safari, tour guide was not the best
You get what you pay: amazing safari with beautiful landscapes! Saw so many beautiful animals, dream come true! I attended alone as a woman and I felt safe the whole time. It was very easy to communicate with them in advance via email.
However, I would maybe choose another tour operator since my guide was not the best. Our car broke down during safari and the guide was not that informative about the situation. He didn't listen my hopes (only thing I asked was that could we be back at the hotel 5 pm, didn't work....). I think for over 400 euros you are supposed to get what you ask. Btw, I asked these beforehand via emai and then they said that 5pm is just fine, just communicate with the guide but that's not how it went...
All in all, there are many tour operators and all of them offer the beautiful scenery and animals so you are gonna get better guide somewhere else. :/
RU
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
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It seemed to us that the work of the guide-driver was poor. There was so much more to see. Vrlitel was very slow. He took a lot of our time, which cost a lot of money. Yes, this is one of the inexpensive companies, but that doesn't mean the tent has to smell like cat urine.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Everything was good except accommodation.
Food was excellent. Tourist van and the driver was also excellent. Driver was very friendly and professional. At night national electric supply went off, total dark, too hot. Staff were very friendly, tried to give solar connection but failed. Air cooler in the room did not work, after requesting, staffs could manage fan but too small. We could not sleep, coz too hot. Most of the time, staffs disturb us for fixing AC, but no result. Other than accommodation, everything went very well.