NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful weekend with safari and volcano trek
We were a group of 10 people with very spesific demands for our weekend. They were all met, and more! Knowledgable guides, good chef and sweet Godfrey all came along, and took great care of us. I would recommend them to anyone - was so incredibly pleased with our wonderful weekend in Lake Mburo and Mgahinga National Park. The trek up Sabinyo is AMAZING, But requires a certain fitnesslevel and if you're not used to great heights - take a day or two in Kisoro first to get acclimated.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Kilimanjaro hike and safari honeymoon
We decided to go to Africa for our honeymoon, we knew we wanted to climb Kilimanjaro and do a Safari. I was originally overwhelmed with all the tour options. I decided it would be best to support an African company, and this turned out to be one of the best decisions we could have ever made. Tanzania Expeditions, exceeded our expectations at every opportunity.
Prior to making our trip to Tanzania, Justin provided us with packing lists, and helped prepare us with the necessary paperwork and medical advice. His email responses were always timely and thorough. He also was able to put us in contact with his American partner, who I spoke to on the phone and was reassured about all the details of the trip.
They met us at the airport, loaded all our luggage for us, and the driver told us about the area, and answered our questions all the way to Justin Mtui's (owner of Tanzania Expeditions) hostel. We arrived at the hostel and enjoyed a beautiful view of downtown Arusha. Justin was friendly and the accommodations were good. He made us breakfast, and we were able to appreciate some of the culture over breakfast while, he got the water ready for us to have hot shower! He helped us to see the downtown and do some shopping before heading out on the climb.
We did a 7 day climb on the Lemosho route. Every part of the climb was awesome, the porters were so helpful, our guides were caring and made sure that we were not only comfortable but having fun throughout the excursion. And our cook was like being at a restaurant for every meal. Many people laughed about the romance of climbing a mountain for 7 days, but we enjoyed every meal in our mess tent complete with table cloth and flowers! And I appreciated the time we got to spend together while our food was delivered, and our waiter was always happy and eager to answer our questions. We also felt that throughout the 7 days our group appeared to be having the most fun, and keeping the energy high making the work of the climb less. We even spoke to other people who recognized our group by their matching shirts, and commented on how fun they were to watch.
Justin arranged nice accommodations for after the climb at the Impala Hotel. The hotel had an abundance of hot water and the accommodations were nice and convenient to walk around the area. He made all arrangements for us, and met us at the hotel.
We then went on a 4-day safari, which he arranged a private expedition, in honor of our honeymoon. The guide was knowledgeable, and there was a large assortment of animals. We visited 3 parks Serengeti Plains, Ngorogoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. All the parks were great, and we were able to experience the culture of the Masai Tribe, and see how they live. All accommodations and meals were great during the safari too. We loved staying at the luxury tent site, and couldn't believe all the animals we saw while staying at the Rhino Lodge.
Tanzania Expeditions, Justin and his crew, truly provided a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you are looking to enjoy a true adventure, where you will always be put first, Tanzania Expeditions is the perfect choice!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari adventure at a reasonable price!
Our group of 14 travelers recently returned from a 7 day/6 night safari in Tanzania with It Started in Africa. Although this is a relatively new company, the reviews we read were positive, so we thought we'd give them a try. From start to finish, they far exceeded our expectations. Joao, our travel advisor, was superb in helping us plan our itinerary. He offered great suggestions on parks, accommodations, etc., and was extremely prompt and thorough in responding to our many questions and concerns. He was also very good in handling all the details and logistics involved in making travel arrangements for such a large group.
The safari itself was one of those "once in a lifetime" experiences. Our guides, Hope and Johnson, were terrific! They worked hard from morning to night, enabling us to see amazing wildlife (including "the big five") close up. They were knowledgeable and great at answering our many questions. We were originally scheduled to visit Tarangire, Serengeti,and Ngorongoro N/Ps. We had great visits at each of these, plus they squeezed in a memorable visit to Lake Manyara N/P as well.
Our accommodations were unique and fun, with staff at all of them going out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and well cared for. Ang'ata Serengeti campsite was a particular delight. Arriving back from safari, we were always met with cool towels to clean our dusty faces, beverages, and hot water carried to our tents for some unforgettable showers. Campfires at night and wildlife wandering through the campsite at sunrise added to the experience.
Transportation(safari vehicles, airlines, and transfers) worked like clockwork and were very comfortable. Several in our group commented that they'd never been on a trip that went so smoothly.
Thanks to the staff at It Started in Africa, our safari was a amazing experience/adventure. Although many of their safari groups are smaller than ours, they very capably managed our large group. They offer a great experience at a reasonable price. Based on our experience,I strongly encourage you to give them a try.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An amazing trip in July ! Really enjoyed the trip !
Everything was perfect for me. The driver was really nice and full of skills ! All the organization was more than perfect ! I will see you again for sure !
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical trip... and even better guide.
I sent over a dozen requests out to companies for our special trip. I chose Hazina after reading Lisa's introductory email. We have a six year old and she kept him in mind when giving us a preliminary itinerary (and finalizing one). The itinerary was more thoughtful and descriptive than most of the other companies. Lisa has a vision. The trip was a little last minute but working with Lisa we managed to get into every place we wanted. We were traveling a lot other than the safari and she even helped with that. Professional and easy to work with... wouldn't go anywhere else. She planned and made happen our bucket list trip.
Now for our guide Msami. Everywhere on our trip I heard other people talking about their guides being "the best". Since I have nothing to compare our guide to, as this is our first trip, I can just tell you about our experiences. You are with your guide for a long time... like longer than some of your family members. Pay attention.
Msami is from a local tribe and has been doing this for over 10 years. He is amazingly knowledgeable about everything you see but you also learn through the books and stories he has. He was so great with our son that he still talks about him. Msami respects nature and we appreciated that he made sure we did the same. He also knows different ways to do the circuit. Most guides take you on the main roads that can be dusty and boring. He always provides you with options and experiences that are different from everywhere else. "We can do this but we can also do this but it will take a little longer"... always choose B. In the beginning, I did not believe when he would call out animals that were SO far away. As you get closer and look through the binoculars, see the pictures in the books he provides and listen to his stories and information about the animal... you never want the safari to end. Msami also is a very good photographer. He makes sure he gets you into the right light and amazing spots to photograph from. If you are lucky enough to get him as your guide... make sure he finds the wild dogs for you.
I want to also mention how giving and aware he is. Our first day, he stopped another company's truck from rolling into the river (one wheel in the air teetering on the edge). He told the other driver to first get everyone OUT of the car and then pushed it out. Msami stopped by a broken down vehicle that everyone else was passing. We gave a lift to the couple that was stranded (nothing worked in their car) and we ended up seeing them throughout our safari and becoming friends. The most amazing part is that he actually saved a wildebeest-- He explained the whole time that he wanted to see if there was a predator and if so he would just leave it. But if it was suffering, maybe give it a peaceful end. He pulled the animal out of the hole and it slowly got up and walked away. He helped with a flat tire on another vehicle. Now you may say that it seems like it took time away from us but he never did anything without asking us first. Our family believes in safari kharma. We had a small issue with our truck and friends of his flocked to fix it quickly. When you are in the middle of it... it is VERY refreshing to know your guide can fix it themselves or have friends close by that will help. Finally, Msami also has a ton of brain teasers. This comes in very handy when you are waiting for a "crossing" ; )
Trust the Hazina team with your big trip... you will NOT be disappointed!
Great experience
The safari tour was amazing, lunch was very good and the guide was great!
From start to finish they made our trip an experience of a lifetime!
Friendly and helpful staff, enthusiastic and informative. They went the extra mile to make sure our hike up Mount Meeru was a success, and nothing was too much effort for them. Also good value for money compared to other operators. We rate he team 10/10 on all levels and highly recommend them for all your Tanzanian tour and safari requirements.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and Caring!! Treat you like Family!!
Dick and his team are professionals, but they are also real-life animal and travel lovers driven by a true passion. Their trips and tours focus on extraordinary wildlife viewing and highlighting conservation efforts. The ultimate bonus is the photography aspect. You will definitely come home with photos you never knew you were capable of capturing, let alone have the opportunity to. For me this was very important so that I could bring those memories home with me. Every second spent is unforgettable and you will learn something new every day. Dick is so easy-going and it is no secret that this is his life calling. Take a trip with Capture Africa Tours, and you will see exactly what Africa is all about!!
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
THE BEST CHOICE :D
It's not only the right choice, it's, without a doubt, the best choice :D
If you are looking for an unforgettable safari experience either with your partner or friends, George and his team are the most professional organisers you will get.
The Right Choice really made my safari in Kenya one the most enjoyable experiences of my life.
As an experienced traveller I recommend them blindly. You won't find warmer, more reliable and more focused on you company anywhere else.
Book your safari with them,it will be the right choice! ;)
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic time in Zimbabwe thanks to Africa Zim Travel & Tours!
From our arrival at the Vic Falls airport until taken back to the airport, we were taken care of very well by Africa Zim. Very hard to pick a favorite event, but we thoroughly enjoyed our sunset dinner cruise with just the four traveling in our group. Perfect evening. The safari tours were excellent as well. The Chobe National Park river safari was incredible. We saw so many animals and I came home with hundreds of pictures! The guides are very knowledgeable and informative to the group. Definitely recommend Africa Zim Travel & Tours to anyone.