35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Trip of our lifetime Safari (after Mt. Kilimanjaro) with Frank at Viola Tours!
My husband and I took a 7-day safari with Viola Safaris after also using Viola for a 7-day trek up Kilimanjaro.
Our safari was absolutely out-of-this-world fantastic, largely due to our incredible guide, Frank. It was private (just me and my husband) and included 1 day in Tarangire, 1 day in Lake Manyara, 1 day in the Ngorongoro Crater, and 4 days in the Serengeti (1 day driving from the southern entrance to the central region, 1 full day in the central region, 1 day driving from the central region to the northern region, while seeing animals along the way, and 1 full day in the northern region).
We saw everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. We saw the big five, including a rhino sighting, which is becoming increasingly rare, 3 leopards (including watching one hunt), cheetahs, lions, all manner of antelope big and small, zebra, giraffe, elephants, beautiful and exotic birds, hippos, lizards and crocodiles, and two wildebeest crossings of the Mara River (it is every bit as wild a spectacle as it seems when you see it on Planet Earth). Like I said, we saw EVERYTHING.
Frank worked super hard to make sure we had a great time. He communicated regularly with other guides in the park so if something cool happened nearby he could get us there to witness it, and a few times we enjoyed some thrilling Indiana Jones-style rides through the bumpy park roads to see something special. But Frank didn’t need the radio to find wildlife. He has an incredible eye and is able to spot and identify animals in the distance with the naked eye that my husband and I never would have noticed otherwise. He was also extremely knowledgeable, and knew the correct name of every bird and beast we came across. Frank never settled for driving up and parking the car. If he could move a few feet this way or that way to get us a better view, he always did so, without us needing to ask. He was determined to make sure we had the best experience possible.
We stayed in tented camps throughout, except for one lodge. They were all very comfortable, and while we might change some up if we did it again, it would only be to experience something new. Verah, who helped us plan the trip, did a great job from start to finish, and found great accommodations that fit our budget.
Speaking of budget, we got quotes from A LOT of different companies. Viola stood out because of all of the great reviews – which I can now personally attest are true, and the fact that it is owned and operated by Tanzanians (which is important). Also, Viola’s quote was less expensive than many of the other tour operators, even though you get better service and better experiences. If you are deciding between Viola and another company, go with Viola and ask for Frank.
I don’t have any advice for Viola other than keep doing what you are doing. We’ll definitely travel with Viola the next time we are in Tanzania, and will encourage our friends and family to do the same!
I do have three pieces of advice for those looking into going on safari: First, go with Viola (and ask for Frank!). Second, invest in good binoculars and a good camera lens. Finally, be patient. Nature is unpredictable, so remember there is only so much any guide can control. But having a good and knowledgeable guide makes all the difference, which brings me back to my first piece of advice: Go with Viola.
Viola Safaris and all of your incredible guides and staff, thank you for the trip of a lifetime! Our Mt. Kilimanjaro trek and Safari surpassed our wildest expectations!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I had an awesome experience.
Great service,good communication skills and lovely staff who are very professional. I had a very nice experience when I visited Masai mara and I surely am looking forward to doing this again with abandera Africa royal trails. I recommend any other person who would love to tour around to try abandera Africa royal trails and they won't be disappointed.
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience. Matata is a perfect guide: very professional, he knows very well t
It was one of my favorite trip. I appreciate the professionalism of Matata and his real interest and respect for animals. And because of his great knowledge, we had a perfect trip.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Kili Challenge, Short & Sweet Safari
Went to Tanzania on 4th January and climbed kili from Lemosho route and then went north of the mountain and ascended up from school hut. It was a beautiful 8-day trip and I would highly recommend this route up. Had some beautiful views over Shira and as we went north some views of Kenya. The porters were absolutely fantastic. They were charismatic in their duties and all extremely happy! The preparation before we got on the mountain was brilliant. As well as the organization leading up to the climb. Food was marvelous going up, it really surprised me! Tents were very stable. All in all, I was looked after very well and enjoyed myself an enormous amount. The Safari was great, went to Tarangire which was an immensely beautiful place and saw a bundle of the big 5. Also went by Lake Manyara which was a very personal experience with the animals. Finally, I finished in Ngorongoro which was absolutely beautiful, brought a tear to my eye! The beauty was overwhelming and you would be an idiot not to go! The accommodation we stayed in was fantastic and my guide on this safari was super amazing. Kudo to Erasto
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Orange adventures is a reliable company that gave me the best exposure I needed in Masai Mara.
WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!!!!
At first I was not sure which Tour Firm to chose from but after discussing with a friend was referred to Orange Adventures .I must confess they did an excellent job.I enjoyed a three day Safaris at Masai Mara.The Tour Guide was called Mr. Elisha and he was superb throughout.He made sure I was able to see the big 5 and many other animals to my satisfaction.It was such a pleasure to see the leopard sat in a tree having taken its prey up,amidst the backdrop of a massive expanse of untouched land.In all this was a magical life experience,one to remember and all thanks to Mr. Elisha and the entire staff of Orange Adventures.I would definitely recommend right choice for anyone looking for Kenya Safaris.
EG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Most kind cool guys I have met in Kenya
They accommodated me in a late time of day, picked me up from the airport at the first time for low charges. Then made me good breakfast and coffee. I stayed there for 1 day enjoying football discussions and matches with Stephan and George. They have an adorable baby girl Delsi ❤️.. My last day was for free. They didn't pay me for the accommodation or the transportation to the air port. I miss those kind selflessness people.. I love you guys!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most amazing lifetime adventure.
We booked a safari with peter for five days and visited;masaai mara,lake nakuru&lake naivasha..peter was very helpful with booking my safari .i would say it was the most amazing experience :beautifull places ,the evironment ,the african culture ,the game drives,the hospitallity..i had alot of fun all thanks to kibera holiday safaris .I highly recommend anyone who wants to do a kenyan safari to book with kibera holiday safaris...ASANTE SANA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent
Very well organised.
Michael was a great guide, very knowledgable and helpful.
Ruaha, selous and Mikumi experience was amazing.
Accomodation was beautiful
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We Enjoyed our 20 Days Combined Rwanda, Uganda and Congo with Golden Rwanda Safaris Team
Our trip was fantastic!!! Thank you so Much Golden Rwanda Team and I cannot say enough good things. You worked with our dates & time frame beautifully. Our drivers were prompt & friendly. The private guides were so knowledgeable. ”
Kindly, if you wish to enjoy your Trip don't hesitate to use Golden Rwanda Team, especially Frank does everything in Perfect way all Booking process was awesome! Especially his online Payment gate way system was what i Liked mostly. Keep your Professionalism Frank and your Team.
“I would highly recommend a private tour rather than a group tour, you won’t be sorry. We learned so much more than on a group tour or walking through places on our own”.Our trip was fantastic!!! Thank you so Much Golden Rwanda Team and I cannot say enough good things. You worked with our dates & time frame beautifully. Our drivers were prompt & friendly. The private guides were so knowledgeable. ”
Kindly, if you wish to enjoy your Trip don't hesitate to use Golden Rwanda Team, especially Frank does everything in Perfect way all Booking process was awesome! it's online Payment gate way system was what i Liked mostly. Keep your Professionalism Frank and your Team.
“I would highly recommend a private tour rather than a group tour, you won’t be sorry. We learned so much more than on a group tour or walking through places on our own”.
EG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
George Kamau
Our safari was an incredible experience. Magical and real at the same time. What made it a top notch experience was our guide George. He is an encyclopedia of everything about Kenya. He generously shared his vast knowledge about many different species of animals and birds along with local customs and history. An experience not to miss for sure with a very professional company and an outstanding gentleman to guide us