US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Second Safari with Maasai Magic Safaris
This was my second trip with Maasai Magic Safaris and everyday was like it was preplanned for us by Disney. Being a photographer I was real happy with their newly purchased Landcruisers that are configured with photographers in mind. Setting for four, the vehicle allowed us to move around without getting in each others way. Many times on safari you seem 6-7 people jammed into a vehicle and I couldn't imagine traveling this way. Gabriel was our guide again and he is so full of information on animals and knows their behavior, almost predicting what they will do next. His customer service and attention to detail is top notch and he understands the needs of customers.
The tour itinerary was perfect in every way as well as the accommodations, especially the Kitela African Spa Lodge, which was a favorite.
Thank you Maasai Magic Safaris for another wonderful lifetime experience.
CZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice experience
I was on a business trip in Nairobi and contacted them after deciding that I would try to stay over for the weekend for a short Safari. The good reviews I could find here were key to pic “simba paka safaris” as a choice and it was a very good choice indeed.
I got all the information I requested and arranged the trip based on my needs. They offered me what was more suitable for the time I had in Kenya and my interests. Very personal and friendly contact at all times.
The experience was really good. Driver/guide was very nice and professional. He tried his best to make the experience enjoyable and although a couple of times we were already back to the lodge he turned back to spot more animals (a rhino which is actually difficult to spot).
The lodge included in the package for the overnight stay was great and people there very nice and friendly.
I can only have good feedback for this experience. The only downside is that it is a bit short, if you have the time I recommend you to go for a longer trip. But if you're limited in time as I was and want to enjoy Masai Mara as much as possible this trip is perfect and will fulfill your expectations.
Thanks simba paka safaris for everything
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Detail oriented professionals, who made us feel taken care of, at the right price.
For my 50th birthday my family and I traveled to Tanzania for a combination of Humanitarian efforts and Safari. All of our arrangements were made by Born Free Safari, a US based company.
I wanted to visit a few orphanages while there, and their contacts in the area, arranged for visits to two local orphanages which matched the criteria I had in mind. This experience, added so much more richness to our already awesome trip.
The Safari, was truly amazing and I might be biassed, but I was convinced we had the best guide, Martin the Lion whisperer!!
It was very reassuring to be in such a remote part of the world, and feel that all details were handled and you are taken care of.
A few weeks before the trip, we received a comprehensive package, which included detailed daily trip itinerary, luggage tags, notes with contact info. to be placed inside our luggage in case our bags got lost, a list of animals to expect to see, a notebook and pen to write down our memoirs.
I can't thank Born Free Safari enough for making this trip of a life time so much more memorable.
With much gratitude,
Shadi
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing time...highly recommended!
We had an absolutely amazing time on our 5-day / 4-night private safari. Kioko was a phenomenal guide--very knowledgeable about the wildlife, the country, the culture, etc., and also very flexible in the schedule and amenable to our interests. The booking process was seamless, and the parameters of the safari we were quoted were exactly as they played out.
In our safari we saw Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakaru, and Masai Mara, and each offered something special...from the massive herds of grazing animals against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, to the birds, baboons, and lions (3 large males within 10 feet of us!) in Nakaru, and of course, to the massive variety of animals (hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, more of all of the above) in the Mara. The lodging was very comfortable and the food was excellent (and plentiful) at each of the locations that we stayed at. We really have no complaints and are already thinking about another trip to Kenya.
Thank you Kioko, Noah, and Wildebeest Safaris for an amazing time!
Still out of pocket
We had a good, and bad experience with Tembea. Despite paying 50% of our fee more than 3 months prior to travel, we found we had no bookings for our intended itinerary when we arrived in Tanzania in July this year. They appear to have cash flow problems, and only booked when we arrived with the balance of our fee. Luckily it was not peak travel time, and we were able to get into all but one of our intended lodges. However, in Ruaha, we had to pay again for 2 nights as the money transfer had not arrived from Kenya to Tazania, and we are still USD1000 out of pocket, 4 months later.
The safari, and driver were excellent, but not knowing if accommodation was going to be available as promised was a big disappointment, as was the extra cost. I would be very wary using them again, particularly in peak season.
excellent organisation and fantastic experience
Right from the very first moment of contacting Martha at WWS, all our queries and questions were answered swiftly and in detail. I largely used this company because of their fantastic reviews and the trip certainly lived up to expectations with Phillip as our wonderful guide. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending a trip with WWS.
GA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Seeing it all!
Trips without Borders helped create the perfect safari. They came to see me in my hotel a few days before I went on safari just so that they knew where I was staying and there would be no delay on the departure day. The safari itself was smooth and without problem.
The drive down was very safe despite the sometimes chaotic Kenyan roads. We stopped for a view of the rift valley and arrived at the Lodge in Masai Mara in time for lunch. I was staying at Old Moran Tented Camp and it was really pleasant with friendly helpful staff.
There was a short safari that first evening and I was very happy with the amount of wildlife we saw. But this was nothing compared to the full day safari that followed. I saw and was able to photograph almost every animal possible including lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, giraffes etc. Ben, the driver, knew just where to look at any given hour during the day.
He even knew a great spot on the banks of the Mara for a mid day picnic.
The trip back was also smooth and timely.
I would highly recommend that you use Trips without Borders - Francis will organise a great trip.
EE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a wonderfull experience!
My husband, friend and I have just returned home from a three week holiday in Kenya and Uganda. It was amazing experience and we could see so much animals. All the lodges was nice. A big thank to Mr. Otieno and very very big thank to our driver-guide Mooses, who made the best for us.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service
I loved how welcoming and helpful the staff were towards us. We got to see all the big 5 animals and the meals provided were excellent. I would definitely recommend this company. The only thing I would say is that if you are particular about your sleeping arrangements, you should opt for the luxury accommodations. The budgeted tents were fine, but I realized that I don't actually like camping lol
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The architects of our truly memorable Africa experience
My family & I had the most incredible trip to Tanzania & Kenya and we have Chalo Africa to thank. We are extremely picky about where we stay, what we do and the overall experience and this has sometimes made our holiday planning hard for the travel agencies we talk to. Right from the start Smita & her team were very helpful - gave us great advice and took onboard our specific requirements. In the end the plan they out together for us was absolutely fantastic - the places they booked us into, the instructions left for our care at those places and the overall tours were impeccably managed. Africa is spectacular anyway - the way our tour was put together with so much personal care made the vacation even more so for us.