65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Java Safaris
My daughters, 9 year old grandson and I recently had the privilege of going on safari in Tanzania, and were so amazingly fortunate to have had our trip organised, with incredible attention to detail, by Java Safaris. This began when we first contacted the company, we were given personal attention by Catherine, one of the directors of Java Safaris (who is hugely knowledgeable about East Afica and the magic and wonders it had to offer) she made helpful and constructive suggestions about the places we visited, the accommodation we stayed at, that would meet our expectations. Communications with Java Safaris were responded to instantly, and all our queries etc. were dealt with comprehensively and sensitively - no small achievement when catering for a party aged between 71 years and 9 years. The advice we received was spot on, which resulted in our trip far surpassing all expectations. From the transfers from airports to accommodation both on Safari and on our extended beach trip to Zanzibar, the service was faultless. The safari tour itself was truly magnificent ( I have been on several safaris in the past with my late husband, and none of them could hold a candle to the superb tour we experienced this time) The safari vehicle itself was large, comfortable and with every amenity and extra one could wish for. The driver guide was a charming and knowledgeable man, whose knowledge of the tribes and folk lore in the areas we visited ie. Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater ( the Jewel in Tanzania's Crown) and love of conservation and above all the animals, was inspiring. The tour was an education in itself, and needless to say we saw the The Big Five. It was a trip we will always remember. I must also mention the wonderful Blue Safari arranged for us in Zanzibar, we spent the day on a Dhow seeing the marvels of the ocean, including Dolphins! Thank you so much Java Safaris for making our trip such a joy and so memorable. We will book another wonderful trip with Java Safaris next year in Kenya. Thank you guys you are the best of the best. Anyone who wants to go on Safari in East Africa can do no better than with Java Safaris.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Organized, professional and responsive
Ute is very professional, organized and responsive. She was able to answer all of my questions and help put together a great itinerary. My experience was great and I would recommend Roho Ya Chui to anyone!
CY
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Value for money
My experience with Gatatu Safaris was a short one as I hired one of their cars and a driver to get from Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali, about a 3 hour drive. There is not much to say about the ride, which was uneventful, but I feel that I must say something about the money I paid for it. Huge difference!! Out of the four quotes I received, the one from Gatatu was four times cheaper than the most expensive one and 3 times cheaper than the second most expensive. I would certainly recommend using their services as it looks like this is a very reasonable company trying to make a living and not trying to rip off ignorant tourists.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Crown Jewel Of Our Anniversary and Vacation of a Lifetime!
Our safari with It Started in Africa was the trip of a lifetime! A colleague recommended It Started in Africa and guaranteed that we would be very pleased. From our first contact, through the planning and then, from our arrival in Dar es Salaam through our last day in Arusha, everything went perfectly! Our trip was totally worry-free. It Started In Africa provided our in-country flights, all ground transportation, food and lodging.
The three-day safari provided us memories that will last our lifetime. Each day was a totally different and unique experience and each day topped the next. The first day we saw more than 100 elephants in Taranglre National Park. The second day, Ngorongoro Crater was one of the most magnificent things I have ever seen and down inside the crater was like being in the middle of a zoo without any fences. Animals were everywhere!! Damien, our tour guide, stayed with us all three days and he was a fantastic. I mentioned to him that my hope was to see Africa’s Top Five, especially, the black rhino. He seemed to know exactly where to go to find the animals and we saw four of the top five (including a black rhino). Afterwards, Damien was humble enough to say that it was all luck. The third day hunting with a bush tribe was just as unforgettable. Watching a movie 30 years ago called, "The God's Must Be Crazy" was the first time I heard about nomadic bush people who speak a "tick" language. To meet, hunt, sit and eat with this nomadic tribe of hunters and gatherers who actually speak this" tick" language was like traveling back into time.
Everyone that I am in contact with on social media now knows about “It Started In Africa." We are already planning our next trip to Tanzania and we will definitely use them again when we bring our grandchildren to Africa for their first safari next summer. We really did received top-flight professional service. Choosing It Started In Africa proved to be a great decision. Thanks!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great Tour Operator
The communication was very prompt and timely and the service was excellent. The tour from Kenya to Tanzania was very exciting and exceeded the expectations we had!! The accommodation was very very good and we enjoyed our stay in all the hotels booked by this operator. Keep up the great job you are doing and we look forward to doing this again to another destination.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience! Highly Recommended.
We had an amazing time on safari with Best Day Safaris. Working with Peter was effortless and we were able to customize the private safari for 2 exactly as we wanted.. with time in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater at the price and accommodation level we were looking for. Being a vegetarian, there was no issue in making sure there was plenty to eat. The safari itself was amazing and our driver was an excellent wildlife spotter and went the extra mile to make sure we saw lots. Would use them again and recommend them to anyone looking for a quality safari experience in Tanzania.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded expectations! An amazing experience.
Our safari guide Johnson was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. He was very to open to all of our questions (ridiculous or otherwise) and took the time to learn what we were interested in seeing and made sure to point it out. Overall one of the most amazing experiences of my life!
US
amazingly organized, professional, friendly and flexible--superb!
I worked with Frank Mella for about 18 months in preparation and production of the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl where we brought, and he handled, 194 travelers from the US and Mexico. This 17-day tour/event involved many facets which provided monumental challenges for him and his crew, and they handled them all with a casual professionalism rarely seen anywhere, in any business. They took care of every element from safaris, to Kili summit with 134 persons, American football game, training sessions, community service work, transport, meals, and on and on. Whatever I conceived, they handled, offering throughout some insightful suggestions on how to best make things work in Tanzania. It was simply amazing what they did!
Experience level: first safari
Excellent choice for booking your safari.
Ute highly recommended the Kapama River Lodge and I'm very glad I followed her advice. The rangers were knowledgeable and forthcoming in accommodating guest requests. The wildlife was splendid, the food was diverse and so I spent some thoroughly enjoyable days at Kapama. Thanks Ute for providing all necessary input.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience!
Climbing Kilimanjaro was just amazing. Alphonce and his team made sure that we had everything we needed. He went above and beyond what we had initially agreed to. He made sure we got picked up and dropped off at the airport, chauffeured us around the city when we needed something, booked our connecting flights and even treated us to a nice meal upon the completion of the climb. He is honest, trustworthy and I would definitely recommend him.
The climb went so well that I also booked a safari through Alphonce. Again he made sure that we were well taken care of. The guide/driver was extremely knowledgeable and made sure we had a wonderful experience.