US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mixed Experience, Look for Another Option
** UPDATE JUNE 2016
Since my review cannot be deleted, I would like to add the following update. I have been refunded the amount I was owed.
Here are some reasons for considering this company:
1. Affordable - The cost of the safari was far lower than any other company.
2. Flexibility - Joseph was flexible in terms of changing the itinerary. I was scheduled to go to visit the Hadzabe community, but decided I would prefer to go to Lake Manyara and Arusha National Park instead. Joseph was kind enough to accommodate my request.
3. Great Guide - Henry was a great guide and driver.
4. Tented Lodges at an Affordable Price - Since it was rainy season, I did not want to camp. I stayed in tented lodges, and Joseph made it possible for me to do so. All other companies were so overpriced! I especially appreciated staying at Rhino Lodge near Ngorongoro Crater--really nice rooms and food.
5. Airport Pickup and Drop off - Joseph sent drivers to pick me up at the airport and drop me off.
6. Payment Options - All the companies wanted me to pay ahead of time to reserve a spot. Joseph allowed me to pay on arrival, and half in cash and half by credit card.
7. Prompt Response - Joseph was available by email and by Whatsapp. He emailed introductions to former clients in order for me to check the references for the company.
For the price and overall service, I would recommend African Traditional Safaris.
** ORIGINAL REVIEW
I contacted African Traditional Safaris through this website. I was contacted by Joseph who sent me some options for a 7 day safari. He said that I can pay half in cash and half by credit card.
I was picked up at Kilimanjaro airport and taken to an office in Arusha. There was no sign at the office, only a computer on the desk. I knew the company is not registered with the Tourist Board. I was not sure if this was a scam.
I was taken to a local hotel and picked up by a jeep the next morning. There was one other tourist in the jeep. I was told that the amount I owed by credit card would need to be paid for park entrance fees. We went to Tarangire and I paid for the entrance for the jeep, the other tourist and me on my credit card.
That evening we were joined by three other women who were camping along with the other tourist. They were charged a much lower amount because they were camping and were going for fewer days. I was asked to pay their entrance when we got to Serengeti, little over $400. I was essentially subsudizing their trip.
Later when I went to Arusha National Park I was asked to pay the tourist company directly and I would be reimbursed. Joseph kept making excuses and kept saying he would send me the amount by Paypal. That still has not happened a few weeks later!
Overall, I would not recommend this company.
MO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Making our hobeymoin trip unforgettable with their 5 stars service!
My husband and me had a 14 days tour with Kenya walking as our honeymoon trip,, their package price comes with very good value and hence they are highly recommended. Our guide Anthony is particular impressive with his service and professionalism, he is always caring and attentive. We were able to see the big 5 in the first few days of our trip and we were able to take many good and close shots of the animals, our guide is especially patience to help us to seek out the wild animals like zebra, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, leopards..etc Also the accommodation arranged by this company was very good, all the hotels and lodges we stayed are 5 stars hotels which everyone of them comes with special features. We will definitely choose Kenya walking again when we come back go Kenya for another visit.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Michelle Astbury came through on everything she promised!
Michelle jumped in when I found myself needing to book an entire week in one day. She kept her cool and suggested Shindzela camp to match my wants and she was right on! 11 guests, "tented" accommodations with luxury beds and open air showers; extremely pleasant staff. 48 hours there was perfect for four outings on Land Rovers where we counted 26 different animals we were shown. Drove into camp illuminated by torches with wonderful out door dinners. May be one of the most relaxing times of my entire life.
Michelle had every driver booked to get to airport and hotel we stayed in next in Cape Town and it was so nice that they showed up on time without me ever having to make a call! Smooth as silk. I didn't know there were travel agents like this anymore!
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Experience, Best Guide in the World
My husband and I booked a Safari + extension to Zanzibar trip and everything went very well. We were received by Mr. Otieno in the very first day when everything about the program was explained.
The major plus goes to Samuel, our guide, that was excellent. He knew a lot about the wildlife and was very friendly and funny.
In Zanzibar everything smoothly as well.
Very good hotels apart from just one night, which was overcomed by the rest of the entire amazing experience.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well organised, well trained driver/guide and perfect chosen program according to our wishes.
Quick response to our email, thinking with us and looking for the possibilities so in the end we had the perfect safari with very nice accommodations. Excellent guide. Price/quality relation is very good
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable tour operator; great overall experience
We asked Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris to arrange a hotel and conference room in Nairobi for 3 days, followed by a 4 day Masai Mara fly-in safari. The trip was well organised and the owner, OT, was extremely helpful. The safari was amazing. The driver/guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. We had a great time. We saw all the big cats, many elephants and a great variety of antelope species. The scenery was stunning. The flights, transfers and everything else went very smooth. And all that for a very competitive price. Going on safari with Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris was a great overall experience.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous and interesting 4 day Pafuri walking trail.
We found all aspects of communication to be very clear. Had a wonderful experience living in the bush camp, were very well looked after with excellent meals and all needs catered to. The experience was everything we had hoped for and more. Our guides/rangers were lovely people, very knowledgeable in spoor and animal and bird life in the area, and spared no effort in making our stay interesting and most enjoyable! We would highly recommend this Kruger trail.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
wonderful experience, with personalized service
My wife and I had a wonderful four day safari in Kruger National Park with Wild Planet Safari. All the pre - safari arrangements were easy to do. Ryan and Lungisani met us at our hotel at the Tambo airport and drove us to Kruger. We stayed in two camps and were well taken care of with excellent meals cooked by the team every night. Ryan's knowledge of wildlife, and Lungisani's eagle eye to spot wildlife really enhanced our experience. Highly recommended!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Ascent of Mount Meru, group from US Embassy Tanzania, 20-22MAY2016
Many kudos to Philemon and his team at Aardvark Expeditions. We were a group of seven from the US Embassy and Philemon made our hike up Meru extremely enjoyable. Every detail was accounted for and well-articulated to our group before, during, and after the trip. The guide leader, Freddie, was kind, well-experienced and a great judge of the group's motivation and capability throughout the climb. All facilities were more than adequate and the food provided on the trip was top quality. I would recommend Aardvark over all other companies for this and similar expeditions. Thanks! Bwana O.
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Honeymoon Experience
We had our 4 days safari experience with Tank Tours in July 2013. It was simply magical. The guides where fantastic and did everything to make this experience unforgettable. They arranged everything and picked us up at the airport and left us there at the end. We'll never forget this experience and if we would do a safari again we definitely would choose Tanke Tours again.