ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable holidays
Shanjoy Tours managed our visit to Kenya and Tanzania in August 2023, Patrick took care of everything from the first day, we saw incredible places and documentary scenes that we will never forget. Totally recommended.
EE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
READ THIS BEFORE BOOKING TO ANY SAFARI!
While this is a positive review for the company, my primary intention is to share insights that will help you to prepare for your unique experience. Please keep in mind that it is really easy to forget some small aspects while planning such a big trip. The goal should not be just to get there, but to enjoy every day according to your comfort and personal standards.
Though we had a very limited time for research - we booked just one week in advance - Allen covered many aspects for us, and this allowed us to enjoy the experience. We value that because we saw how other tour operators took care of their customers.
As in life, you must find the right people; otherwise, you will be the customer who has paid money, has arrived in Africa, and the rest isn't given much importance. Animals are surely there, but the quality of your experience largely depends on the tour operator.
1. We made it clear in the beginning: no tourist traps and fake environment. Time is precious, don’t waste it on people and things that are not authentic.
2. Make sure you get (or request) “hot” lunches. This means real edible food, own chairs, table, tablecloth, real cutlery etc. This is something you need to confirm, as it's often overlooked. Most of the providers (as it is cost-efficient) offer “cold” lunch boxes. If you don't want to be the one out of many who sat on a park chair and ate a dry sandwich from a cardboard box, do your homework.
3. Don’t have lunches just at the park entrances (where most of the operators do and which is very convenient for the tour operators as no extra effort is required from their end), we enjoyed multiple lunches inside the park - wine and dine as we said, our guide set up our personal table with tablecloth, chairs, cutlery, glass for the wine (not a paper cup) and we got to enjoy the picturesque setting.
4. The guide must be enthusiastic about their work; they shape your experience. Be polite, kind, and generous to them. This comes down to whom you choose as a tour operator - good people are where they are valued. It is your responsibility to ensure that the tour operator, in general, doesn't treat you merely as customer on their conveyor. If you don’t understand what I mean - you have arrived in Africa, you have paid your money - how comfortable for them it would be to offer the bare minimum to you? This is what many tour providers do. And what are you going to do about it? You can be angry at someone, you may make demands, etc. In reality, you then give away your peace of mind and ruin the experience to some extent.
5. Safari vehicle - request the make and actual pictures of the exact vehicle you'll be using, ensuring it meets your expectations. We did, and we were not disappointed! Additionally, inquire about their fleet size and their contingency plan for vehicle breakdowns.
6. Binoculars - typically, you get provided one pair per vehicle (really easy to not notice that small fact in the brochure) - don’t settle for it, request binoculars for every passenger in the car. You go on an expensive safari and then be the fool who passes around binoculars and misses out those spontaneous sights.
7. WiFi - if you need it, ask for it and have it included. But note that the coverage is poor. You get an internet connection at your accommodation, but while driving - about 30% of the time.
8. We did not use that option, but safari routes have long, uneventful stretches. If your budget allows, consider taking flights to bypass these sections. Bumpy rides can be tiring (feels 7/10), so ensure your vehicle is comfortable, with suitable seating, for example - does your seat back recline?
9. If you opt for packages titled “All Inclusive”, don’t interpret “all inclusive” too broadly - while doing our homework, we saw plenty of those packages and when you start to read (which most of the people will not) the fine print - you will see that there are lots of exclusions. To exaggerate - what is the food that is included - are you going to get just 7 different types of bread or something else as well. What drinks are included - are you going to get just water or other beverages as well, make sure to ask (if that is your preference) if alcoholic beverages (like wine) are included.
10. Plan and make decisions in advance, ensuring you can fully enjoy the unique environment without distractions. In context of choosing tour operator - don’t leave decisions, that can be made while planning the trip, to be made on the go. When you decide that you want to get a bottle of wine with your lunch, it is not that easy to arrange if you have not requested that in advance - understand the limitations that are there due to the location of the parks.
11. Recognize in advance that while on your safari, there may be minor additional expenses. Whether it's tipping the dedicated staff or purchasing small souvenirs, these costs are nominal in the context of the overall safari budget. Consider them a way to support the local community and remember these contributions, though optional, can make a significant difference in their lives.
12. You'll generally receive other basic information, such as what color clothes to wear, precautions against mosquitoes, etc in a brochure beforehand to assist with packing.
Our trip did not have an easy start because our family’s luggage was left behind, so we had to get new clothes from head to toe for all the days.
All in all, all those aspects were taken care of for us, hence the 5 star review - as stated earlier, it really matters who you choose. Ensure you select a passionate tour operator who genuinely seeks to provide an unforgettable experience within their means.
EG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
excellent tour
I had a private tour with James and it was the trip of a lifetime. He is very professional, knowledgeable, and organized. He really knew how to position us to see as much as was available, and we never got stuck in the mud even when everyone around us was. He was reliable, trustworthy, and in good spirits every day.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Sold an incorrect itinerary
My recent experience with Gemfinders, specifically with Brian, left me pretty disappointed and frustrated. I had been eagerly looking forward to my safari trip to the Serengeti, which I had carefully planned with Gemfinders. They had advertised a budget lodge accommodation in the itinerary, but as soon as I started the journey, it was clear that something was off. Instead of budget lodges, I found myself camping, which was definitely not what I had signed up for. It not only messed up my expectations but also made the logistics a bit of a headache.
What really irked me was that I had double-checked with Brian before the trip about the accommodation, and he had confidently reassured me that it would indeed be budget lodges. To have that promise fall flat was disappointing and left me feeling like I had been misled.
To add to the confusion, I later found out that Gemfinders had outsourced the safari to another company in Tanzania. This explained the disconnect between the original itinerary and what actually happened during the trip. It also raised some questions about how much Gemfinders was actually involved in planning and executing the trip.
Another bone of contention was Gemfinders' payment policy. Unlike many other safari operators who allow you to pay a deposit and settle the rest on-site when the safari begins, Gemfinders required full payment upfront. This put extra pressure on travelers, especially when the services didn't match what was promised.
What frustrated me the most, though, was Gemfinders' response when I raised these issues. Even though it was crystal clear that they had misrepresented the itinerary I paid for, Brian refused to offer sufficient compensation. He simply said I had already completed the safari, as if that somehow justified the misleading information.
I tried going back and forth with Brian, hoping for some sort of resolution, but it felt like hitting a brick wall. And when I asked for more information about Gemfinders' business (i.e. the business license number), Brian was quite uncooperative and didn't provide the details I requested.
Overall, my experience with Gemfinders and Brian left me unsatisfied and disappointed. Their misrepresentation, inflexible payment policy, and lack of accountability for their mistakes make me hesitant to recommend them to other travelers. The lack of transparency and professionalism in dealing with these issues, along with the outsourcing to another company without proper oversight, raises concerns about Gemfinders' commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. If you're thinking of booking a trip with them, be cautious and consider these shortcomings carefully.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tour operators had done good arrangements. Appreciate for all the arrangements.
Safari was good but due to some miscommunication it was not as per the expectations. Still all other arrangements were good.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
courteous and professional interaction from beginning to end
My wife and I spent 3 days and 2 nights in Chobe National Park with the team from Kalahari Tours. Our guide, K (Kanawe), along with MP and Amos (chefs and camp staff), were nothing short of exceptional. K put us on to pretty much every animal except Rhino, which are not found in the park due to government relocation programs. K's instinctive knowledge of animals, his tracking skills, humor, safety-first ethos, and focused desire to 'wow' you are nothing short of inspirational. We were treated to outstanding meals - home made bread, stir fry, salads, roast veg, seasoned steak, local 'pup', snacks, cereals .... etc.. Incredible. Big shout out to management and staff for a truly memorable visit to this unique part of the world. We were treated with uncommon courtesy by integral, hard working staff. We highly recommend Kalahari Tours and hope to visit and camp with you guys again in the future!
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Guide with a lot of knowledge
We had a 6 day trip with Meleck John. He is a very relaxing guide and with his experience and relaxing manner showed us the beautiful nature of Tanzania (Tarangiere, Lake Manyara, Serengeti Central, North Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater). We are totally impressed and are already looking forward to the next tour with him.
Thank you much for this week.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Habitat Adventures Travel + Goodluck = Best way to visit Tanzania
We honeymooned in Tanzania and were lucky to have Goodluck as a guide for our trip, which would not have been the same without him.
Our trip included visits to Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park.
Having a guide as experienced as Goodluck ensures that you can enjoy a wonderful country, enjoying the safaris in the national parks as well as visiting Massai villages and learning about Tanzanian culture. He has an extraordinary knowledge of wildlife and its habitats, as well as an exceptional personality and an engaging sense of humour that will add to your trip. His experience makes the trip schedule optimal, allowing you to enjoy all aspects of the trip.
We travelled with the company Habitat Adventures Travel, ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDABLE to visit Tanzania and East Africa, offering an excellent service.
We will definitely return to Tanzania with Goodluck.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience in Masai Mara
We contacted Ongeri Expeditions through safaribookings.com for safari in Masai Mara. I was in contact with Cazeah from the beginning. The communication with Cazeah was really good. Every time there were any questions she replied to me immediately. From initial discussions, customising the tours as per our need, choosing the camp in Masai Mara, arranging our pick up and drop off :everything went very smooth. Cazeah was very nice to arrange everything for us. We stayed in Emayian luxury camp in Masai Mara and our guide was Martin. We really enjoyed our stay, food, bush breakfast in our camp. Martin is a really nice and knowledgeable guide. He picked us from the airport and took care of us throughout the trip. He made sure we spot everything during our game drive. He put so much effort in our game drive. We really appreciate it. We are really happy that we had such a wonderful experience. It was an experience of lifetime. Thanks a lot Ongeri Expeditions, Cazeah and Martin.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant Safari - Saw All Big Five - Best Guide And Company
This was the best Safari ever. We managed to see all the Big Five. Godlove is a fantastic guide. I would recommend everyone to request him as a guide. Because of him we were lucky to see so many animals including the big 5.He is humorous and brilliant Safari Guide. He has amazing vision and can see animals we don't even notice. He is very experienced and a brilliant driver. Our 6 day safari was brilliantly organised by Petro and communication great. We did Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara in six days. We managed to see all the big five close up and were very lucky. All of this was thanks to GodLove who is a brilliant guide and is very experienced. Safari360 is a small reputable company which is why I would book with them. It is better to book with small company who have good experienced drivers and can look after you rather than big companies. All the accommodation and staff were brilliant also. I would definetely book with Safari360 again. This is one of the best things I have ever done in my life and it is all thanks to God love and Safari 360.