CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Super company! Super holiday!
We found Makasa via google amongst other tour operators. I contacted several of them (about ten) and Makasa was the fastest, most reliable and efficient in responding. Also, they were not only fast but to the point, they completely understood our needs and requests and wishes. We also skyped and Selma really took time to assure she understands us (family of four with two fairly young boys) in order to prepare our dream holiday. And what else can I say? She achieved it to the fullest!
We would also like to particularly thank our guide Victor who analyses very much how his customers are, what they want, what they like and (re-)acts accordingly. He was good fun too! I am sure there are many other good guides at Makasa but we were very happy with Victor.
I would also like to mention something "basic" which however is not always done by other companies: Makasa is one of the few that I have seen that never had any issue with the car. They service the cars like crazy!! Sounds norma, but it is not! We saw so many with punctures, shocks were gone or other things that can really ruin or at least delay your safari and you do not want that. It is as simple as that. So, we found that Makasa was slightly more expensive than others, we also found it was worth it to the last penny, because it meant safety, security, efficiency, reliability and above all a great holiday. Thank you Selma and Victor!
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Animals to see everywere
We had a excellent adventure with Gofan, They were polite and helpful from my enquiry by email to meeting at the hotel and then on the safari trip. The camp site in the safari was exactly like the advert they sent and photos and the driver did everything he could to find all the animals we wanted to see and to get has close has possible. On way home some one bumped into the back of us, which wasnt our drivers fault but the company sent a car straight away and drove us back. Were both very experienced travelers and wood happly recommend them for a fare price and a exciting trip.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It Started in Africa - 5 Stars! Maasai Mara, Kenya
After weeks of research my best buddy I decided to book a private safari through It Started In Africa. Why? Pretty simple: Helder and the entire crew were very professional, responsive and informative. The transaction was very smooth, once we got to Nairobi, Kenya, the hotel pick up was on time, and the logistics and our itinerary was crystal clear and very well set up. The camp we stayed at (for 3 days) was very clean, safe and they delighted us with the most delicious food. The Maasai Mara itself it's one of those things that every person should experience at least once in their lifetime. This is the first time I write a review online ever, but my experience with It Started in Africa demanded it. If you are reading this and you are unsure whether to book a safari through It Started in Africa, I assure you; you will not regret it at all and you will have an amazing experience just like we did. All the best you guys!
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond our dreams! Insightful, professional, organized and thoughtful.
From the beginning Chris managed to pinpoint what we might be looking for and the very next day we received a virtual itinerary of what our trip would look like. It was impressive and we knew it would be wonderful. I sent lots of questions to Chris prior to our trip and he patiently answered all of them. The binder we received was well organized and left nothing to chance. All of our guides met us exactly as was planned and they were welcoming. We loved that Chris used local African people to guide us. Our trip was to Joburg, Victoria Falls, and Safari in Botswana. We travel a lot and this was the best. We felt safe and well informed. The Delta Safari Camps in Savute, Xkanaka, and Xyugana Island in Okavango were lovely beyond description with the perfect balance of relaxation, beautiful natural surroundings and luxury. Our experiences in those camps will delight us forever. The people, nature and animal connection has touched my soul and awakened new understandings. I will forever be grateful to Chris and Safari Partners for being so interested in making our trip to Africa perfect.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Tarangire National Park by Nicole
We saw our first lion here and we had stunning views from our lodge. The elephants visited the camp in the evening and early morning in front of the tent. You definitely need to stay here for 2 nights (Tarangire River Lodge)
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Serengeti National Park by Nicole
The amounts of wildebeasts and zebras was striking. Many leopards and lions
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Nicole
The density of wildlife was overwhelming and seeing two rhinos was the highlight of that spot.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Arusha National Park by Nicole
It was a good way to start the trip but not the best park. Many giraffes which gives the landscape a very prehistoric look.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It is hard to imagine that such places still exists coming from the western world
I saw all the big five and all the rest in big quantities. The sceneries were breathtaking. It was quite wet, humid and cold at times. You really need warm clothes. Accommodation was very good, but I also choose to stay in mid-range to luxury accommodation. Food was good most of the time. The guide was very knowledgeable, good company and always in a good mood. He was also an excellent driver and gave us always a feeling of safety. The absolute highlight was Ndutu and Serengeti amongst the other highlights.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dependable from start to finish: professional, safe, knowledgeable. Excellent taylor-made itinerary.
Excellent tour company with customer satisfaction guaranteed as promised. 10-day safari included 5 national parks. Good pace and price range to fit our budget. Excellent, very knowledgeable guides who spoke clear English. Very safety conscious and polite. Many animals seen from close range, especially in the Maasai Mara at this time of the year. Ngorongoro Crater was almost empty due to lack of food at this time of year. Plan your safaris with the migration in mind. The crater was still a great trip as it is a unique opportunity to be inside this crater. Must be experienced if you are in this area! Constant communication received by email from the Tour operator, Peter. Very reliable. I highly recommend Gosheni as they can taylor make a safari to suit your budget, interests, time, etc. If you want to visit parks in both Kenya and Tanzania, you might want to ask Peter from Gosheni to price out a flight from one National Park in Kenya to another national park in Tanzania to avoid the long day of driving from one country to the next. We drove from the Massai Mara to the Serengeti Lobo Lodge and it took 7 hours. There are numerous airports in both of these national parks so if you are on a tight schedule, flights are recommended to maximise your time. Next time, I will fly from the Maasai Mara to the Lobo Airport located in the northern part of the Serengeti. Not expensive either!