CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A passion for delivering the safari of your dreams
I would thoroughly recommend using Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris if you are considering booking a trip to Kenya or Tanzania.
Having worked with James back in 2019 to create our dream safari, it was not until this year, 2022, that the dream came true. Starting in Nairobi, we were picked up by our guide, Abubakar. This being my first safari, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but Abu, put us at ease, kept us safe and comfortable and helped us see so many wonderful animals and their natural behaviours in the wild. We went to Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naviasha, Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Lake Manyara National Park and Amboseli National Park. I would recommend all these places. Each has its own unique character and ambience. If I had to select some highlights though, it would have to be Ol Pejeta because of the exceptional work they are doing to save the Northern White Rhinos; the Serengeti because it is truly a wonder and the Crater - because that is where we got to see all the BIG 5 in one day. In terms of highlights - I would also recommend paying the extra costs to meet the last two Northern White Rhinos in Ol Pejeta as the money you spend goes to a wonderful charity and also gives you the chance to meet face to face these wonderful animals. My eyes are welling up, remembering the time we got to spend with them. My husband also treated us to a balloon ride over the Masai Mara. I am not a brave flyer at the best of times, but I am so glad we did this. It was a wonderful way to see the Mara and the different animals across its plains.
The Guides
Abu was a brilliant guide with knowledge and experiences of the animals. His friendly disposition and network with fellow drivers meant we were always able to see really wonderful animals, and take as much time as we wanted to get our perfect pictures and memories. When we crossed over to Tanzania we had a new guide, Stuart from Raven Safaris. Stuart knows the Serengeti and the Crater having long years experience. Stuart's patience and knowledge of the animals was exceptional and we were both lucky and privileged to see 4 different leopards because of his brilliant guiding skills.
Value for money
If you are researching for your own safari, you will know, they are not cheap, however, considering the parks we visited, the places we stayed the food provided and the knowledge shared by our guides, the value for money was brilliant on this trip. It was also tailored to meet the requests we had and all our questions were answered without hesitations. If you are looking for a bit of luxury I would certainly recommend Ol Pejeta and the Intimate Camp in the Serengeti. As someone who doesn't camp a lot, both of these places offered camping tents which are honestly nicer than my own apartment back home!
I have wanted to go on safari since I was a young person growing up watching the documentaries narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Wildlife is not a documentary - however, we were lucky and privileged to get a small window into that world for a few weeks. I will treasure the memories and photographs forever and hope that in years to come those wonderful places and their inhabitants continue to not only exist but also thrive.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So caring, informative and super helpful
The trip was amazing, the team was so helpful from picking me up from my hotel and drop off, payment was totally flexible. The guide was amazing and very informative. Best experience ever!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Pathetic, Liars and very unprofessional
I did a safari with Bluerange connect in August 2022. We communicated through WhatsApp and paid 30% cost in advance. Once we reached Nairobi, we paid remaining amount a day before. We specifically booked 4x4 Land cruiser option and paid for the same. But on a day of safari they gave us van. The driver had no idea so we called tour manager, Lilian. She refused to change the vehicle. She insisted on meeting and she came two hours late to meet us on the day of the safari. Later she admitted it is her mistake but she won't change vehicle without additional payment. We argued but she said she quoted wrong price. It seemed she deliberately came late so that we give in and pay additional cost as we did not want to waste time. It was already late to start the safari. We kept calling her, texting her and beg her to come earlier. We had to pay $350 additional cost as we did not want to compromise on our experience and then she changed our vehicle. Again the Land cruiser given to us was in very bad condition. It was old, seats were broken and no cooler for water.
This did not stop there. They changed our accomodation without informing or discussing with us. We were promised a different lodge in Lake Naivasha but was given a downgrade. When we tried to talk to them about it, they just kept telling it is not downgrade where we can clearly use google and see it is a downgrade. They would directly inform the driver where to take us for the stay without dropping a single messege to us about the change.
This company is run by very unprofessional group of people who are liars and scammer. Do not book with them. They will ruin your once in a life experience of safari with their mismanagement.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent tour operator and guides with all arrangements carried out smoothly and efficiently.
We took the eleven-day Kenyan/Tanzanian Safari, and it was indeed the most wonderful experience of my life. I went with my 11-year old grandson. Bienvenido Kenya Tour and Safaris took care of us throughout the trip. Transport showed up when expected, our guides were excellent - particularly Patrick in Kenya - and the arrangements were exactly as planned.
We saw an enormous number of animals - all the big five - as well as many other species. We also got very close to numerous lions, elephants and other creatures. It was an extremely thrilling experience.
Accommodation ranged from good to very basic. Be prepared to rough it occasionally! There was also quite a bit more driving involved that I had anticipated.
For those considering this safari, the more research you do up front the better! I would have liked a bit more information about accommodation options, as well as a bit more guidance on what to bring, what not to bring, etc. In the end we just took very small bags, with only three changes of clothes, binoculars (a must!), guide book, cellphone and a warm jacket as nights can get chilly. This all proved to be more than adequate, and having small, light bags was a bonus, as we were constantly moving from one place to another. We were advised to bring "safari style" clothes, but that was not necessary! Also, take a small towel - some of the camps do NOT provide towels and cold showers with no way of drying off is not all that pleasant.
I would highly recommend Bienvenido Tours. Good value, no hidden extras and Purity is very responsive and helpful.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The safari was amazing, guide was very knowledgeable
The safari was amazing, the guide was very knowledgable, we saw many animals and the food was great. My favorite part was climbing Mount kilimanjaro, we had an amazing guide and we saw so many animals. I would recommend this trip to anyone!
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect, all was meravellous and excellent atention whit all
Motto Travel is a big and magnific team, they prepare all whit the best enjoy travel , and all the moment you feel confortable because they made all necesary for to have a big a lovely experience from Kenia
GR
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Spectacular and Superb - by far the best Safari trip we have done in almost 20 years
Fantastic Experience with Nature Travel - Namibia
When we finally decided to pursue an ultimate trip on our bucket list, Namibia, financially as a result of receiving a small family inheritance.
We contacted several Tour and Game Drive operators covering Namibia. We provided them all with a detailed brief as to what we wanted for this trip based on our numerous years of experience with safaris in Kruger, Botswana, Zambia, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Uganda etc.
We subsequently received a couple of positive replies but Nature Travel Namibia through Nicolette Muller, seemed to be the very best at understanding our requirements and tailored a 16 day trip accordingly, which other companies seemed to miss.
We therefore decided to go with Nature Travel Namibia and they then adjusted plus tweaked the itinerary to meet our exact requirements.
We did in fact ask for their best Guide/Driver. What we got was an absolutely fantastic 16 day trip far surpassing our expectations and the Guide/Driver (Marc Cronje) was nothing short of superb, almost a walking encyclopaedia on wildlife and nature.
Note: being heavily into photography this more than surpassed what I had expected in terms of photo opportunities, a selection of which I have and am posting on Facebook, both my own site and on the "Namibia Photographers Group"
In short without doubt the best African Safari trip we have ever had since 2001.
Not sure what else we can say except Nature Travel Namibia is by far our ultimate choice for any future trips and would 100% recommend them to anybody
IO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top Notch safari with African Starpal safaris
My husband and I just finished our 5 days Masai Mara lake Nakuru Tour which for sure exceeded our expectations. Not only was the safari outstanding, mainly due to the professionalism of our tour guide and reservations guys, but the people were so warm and friendly that each day after the safari we felt as if we had come home to be with our long lost friends. The accommodation was comfortable and left nothing to be desired, yet in a setting that made us feel close to the unspoiled natural habitat of the animals that were around us. We want to do it again and probably will in the nearest future and we make it long. AfricanStarpal, our tour operator is quite professional and will definitely recommend the company to our friends.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
professional
*I highly recommend Big Apes Africa*
My trip to Uganda was well arranged without leaving a single detail. Our guide was friendly and knew many things. My experience was the best I could imagine. From the wildlife to the people and the food I had not tasted in a very long time.
During booking, my contact person Peter answered all the questions with a lot of patience.
I highly recommend Big Apes Africa for anyone planning to visit Uganda!
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip
We had a great 5 days trip with Thomas our guide. He really gave the extra mile to make this trip unforgettable. His 25 years experience makes the difference. He knows every inch of the national parks. I would really recommend the company. They are very flexible and helped us very well to reschedule the trip due to visa issues. Thanks a lot Paul and Thomas
