PK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Flexible tour guide
I just arrived back to Nairobi 18th August 2024. Throughout the tour, i felt so special due to personal touch by Chris. An amazing personality who came all the way and out of scope to help make this toura lifetime experience for me. Whenever i needed him, i found him with the solution in his hand already.
I would love to come again to explore rest of Kenya. I wish them all the success
SA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience
Very well organized and amazing guides! I highly recommend this company! Jaco and Bekhifa were the best ones!! Many amazing animals
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
nice
My Kenya safari was an incredible journey, greatly enhanced by our guide Martin and manager Muli. Martin’s expertise led us to the heart of the wild, where we witnessed the stunning Great Migration and the majestic Big Five. Muli’s attention to detail ensured a smooth and comfortable experience. For an unforgettable safari with top-notch guidance, I highly recommend our team in the Kenya.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Expertly crafted safari and Zanzibar tour
When deciding which tour operator to use, I had narrowed down my choice to about six different tour operators - all of which were based in Tanzania. I chose to go with Savannah Explorers based upon the numerous five star reviews as well as the value that I felt I was getting for my money. Let me just say that I was not disappointed with my decision. I booked about a year in advance through Agustin who customized a 12-day safari/Zanzibar trip for me. He was always available to answer every question, provide great advice, and to put every concern to rest. Always responded to me within 24 hours.
When we landed in Kilimanjaro, our guide for the next 8 days, Juma, was there to greet us. Juma treated us like we were family. Such a great guide! Very knowledgeable about the behaviors of the animals and birds, and has a relentless spirit about him when it comes to finding the animals. He would talk with the other guides along the roads and listen to the radio chatter to hear which animals were being spotted and where, and then get us over there promptly so we could see. We drove over countless dirt roads in what seemed to be the middle of nowhere, but Juma knew his way around and always seems to know where to find the animals. I saw more animals than I had even hoped for. Many big cats, lions, leopard, cheetah, elephant, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest migrating across the Mara River, hippos, gazelle, monkeys, baboons, and so many more. Also, the hot air balloon was a great decision to add into our trip. Seeing the Serengeti from the air was such an experience.
I highly recommend Savannah Explorers. They are a first class tour operator. Ask for Juma! He will take excellent care of you.
LU
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kind and professional
We booked a 2 days/2 nights safari in Nyerere Park + lodge hotel. Amazing experience! All the guides and staff were very professional and spoke good English. The safari was a cool experience and we were lucky to see a lot of animals. The lodge hotel was located 15 minutes drive away from the Park, with very large and clean rooms, nice swimming pool and super kind staff. We also did a morning walk in the forest and a visit to Mloka village. Very recommended!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
If I could give you one advice for your Tansania-Trip: Do a safari with Suricata!
My husband and I planed our trip very last minute (10 days ahead). But Suricata offered us a trip that surpassed all our expectations. Tanzania offers an amazing culture and nature and the Suricata team helps you to experience and enjoy it to the fullest!
You can look forward to breathtaking views, a guide with rich knowledge about wildlife and Tanzania, delicious and selfcooked food from the Suricata chefs and an all-in-all worry-free package, while you can lay back and enjoy the trip of your lifetime :)
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastically organised and reliable
I was nervous about my first safari holiday but i need not have been. Everything was organised so well and we were taken care of every step of the way. Anthony was brilliant at communicating prior and during the holiday. Ally accompanied us and made every day run smoothly and Adam was our driver and guide on safari - he was calm, knowledgable, considerate and an awsome driver. They all looked after us so well and adapted the holiday to suit our needs. The animal sanctuary need Arusha was well worth the visit and Zanzibar finished the holiday off perfectly.
Accommodation was great in all places and everything ran so smoothly. Would recommend Cross to Africa for all your Tanzania and Zanzibar holidays
US
Denis was a great guide
Our guide, Denis, was great! Good driver, great at spotting animals from afar, and very knowledgeable about nature.
US
Experience level: first safari
Excellent choice, treated us very well and gave us the best tour driver Kevin.
Our safari trip to Kenya was nothing short of extraordinary, and much of its success can be attributed to our exceptional driver, Kevin Odeny. From the moment we met Janette at our hotel to finalize our payments and arrange the pickup time for the following morning, we were excited for the adventure ahead. The anticipation only heightened when Kevin arrived the next day, ready to guide us through Kenya's breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
Our journey began with a drive overlooking and then driving through the stunning Rift Valley. Although the hot chocolate at the break stop was a bit overpriced, the views were worth every penny. Entering Hells Gate National Park within the Rift Valley which, stretches from Mozambique to the Red Sea is a distance of 9600 km, a residue of past volcanic eruptions offered us our first glimpses of Kenya’s wildlife, including baboons, various bird species, giraffes, and hyenas. Kevin expertly maneuvered the vehicle, ensuring we had the best vantage points for photography while sharing his extensive knowledge about the area. We also visited Hells Gate Gorge, with a guide who grew up there as a child and still lives in the area. Navigating the gorge can be tricky at times. Just be careful looking where you are placing your feet, can be slippery at times. The gorge itself is very beautiful with colorful volcanic rock, hot water close to 100degree, and cold water close by. Our gorge guide said as child this where he and other children would fetch hot water pouring from the rocks to make tea which was quicker than making a fire to boil water.
The day's drive took us to Lake Naivasha, where we embarked on a boat ride that was another highlight of our trip for that day. The lake was teeming with life—hippos emerged from the water, a multitude of bird species flitted about, and monkeys even joined us on the boat, adding a delightful touch to our experience. The hotel we stayed at that night offered a fantastic buffet with a variety of local dishes, further enhancing our immersion into the Kenyan experience.
The next leg of our safari was a journey to the Masai Mara, a drive that, while long, and dusty, was full of anticipation and excitement. Kevin provided a thorough briefing on what to expect until we reached the Masai Mara National Reserve. This vast expanse of 1,500 square kilometers is mostly open for game drives, with only 1,000 square kilometers accessible to tourists. The remaining 500 square kilometers are leased for private game drives, adding to the exclusivity of the experience.
At the Masai Mara, we witnessed the awe-inspiring Great Migration of wildebeests, stretching as far as the eye could see. Our safari also included sightings of warthogs, leopards, cheetahs, lions (both male and
female), hyenas, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and a myriad of bird species. Cheetahs we understand is very hard to find, however Kevin seems to know where to find these animals. Kevin’s deep understanding of the park’s layout and his driving skills were crucial to these encounters. Taking us right on the border of Tanzania and Kenya. The terrain was bumpy and dusty, but Kevin's expertise ensured a smooth ride whenever possible choosing optimal positioning for photos.
Kevin’s ability to navigate the competitive environment of safari vehicles was impressive. During encounters with elusive animals like leopards, cheetahs, and lions, Kevin consistently secured the best spots for us to capture incredible photographs. He deftly maneuvered through a sea of vehicles, showcasing a level of skill and familiarity that set him apart. His ability to work the angles and timing allowed us to get up close and personal with the wildlife, far surpassing what many other drivers I observed could offer. Our day ended with us visiting the Masai Mara Community. Meeting with this group of people listening to their folklore, cultural way of life, and taking part in their communal festivities only enriched our experience to another level.
Our adventure continued at Lake Nakuru, another remarkable destination on our itinerary. Here, Kevin’s expertise shone once again. Although all vehicles were required to keep a distance from the rhinos, Kevin skillfully took us closer than most other guides, bringing us within 150 meters of these magnificent creatures. His knack for getting us closer to the action, while still adhering to park regulations, was nothing short of impressive. As other vehicles gathered around us to get a similar view, Kevin’s approach ensured we had a unique and memorable experience.
What truly set Kevin apart was not just his driving skill but also his deep knowledge of the parks and the wildlife. He was always ready to answer questions, offer historical insights, and share fascinating facts about the flora and fauna. As I listened in on conversation after conversation I hear about his reputation among other safari drivers, hotel staff, game wardens, and fellow guides was a testament to his professionalism and respect in the field.
In summary, our safari experience was enhanced immensely by Kevin's exceptional guiding. His blend of skill, knowledge, and passion made our trip unforgettable. From navigating the rugged terrains to securing the best photographic opportunities, Kevin’s expertise was invaluable. We saw and learned more than we had hoped for, all thanks to his outstanding guidance. There is so much more to write, however time and space will not allow. This safari has been a dream come true, and Kevin has set a high standard for future adventures. We will cherish these memories and hope to embark on another safari soon, ideally with Kevin at the helm.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Joshua the BEST
We are delighted with this small company. The service has been excellent. From the very beginning, I noticed the friendliness and good vibe of all their employees. I’d like to especially mention Joshua, who was very attentive to us both upon arrival and departure. We traveled as just two people, and they joined us with a very good group and a guide we will never forget. We leave with our hearts full of joy and experiences. Thank you so much for everything. P.S.: A little sign at the airport pickup wouldn’t hurt 😅 haha
