20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Once in a life time Tanzania safaris
My wife and I have dreamed of visiting Africa and experiencing the thrill of seeing animals in the wild. I started the research on finding the best safari company early in December for our april safari. I qualified each company largely through safari bookings reviews and Bright Africa had all excellent and very good ratings. But what I was most impressed with was how quickly and clearly all of my questions were addressed and answered. Msangi was always spot-on and I would typically have same-day responses! Bright Africa was also very competitive in their pricing of our 5 day safari with luxury accommodations. In the end; we chose Bright Africa! Like everyone else; I was a little apprehensive about wire transferring the down payment but let me put your fears to rest; your money is safe and this is a trustworthy company.
When we arrived in jro late at night we were met by a driver from Bright Africa ($50 extra but worth it.) holding a sign with our names on it. He took us to our first lodge for the night, the Outpost. A very comfortable if not too fancy room had us well rested for the next day. We also booked an extra day to rest up and recover from jet lag before starting our safari. This worked out great; a low-cost day to relax and revive for the big days ahead. Due to high bookings we had to bounce around a little, walking across the street to Pamoja Lodge the next day. Again a very comfortable room and good food (try the pizza!). We met a couple of groups from around the world that night for a few beers; great fun! Msangi met with us that day to see that we were comfortable and to let us know when our safari would start. (nice touch!)
We were met by our guide, "Hoffman" the next morning who took us to Arusha Park for a game drive, canoeing, and a hike to the falls. This was a great and gentle start to our safari. The canoeing is a "can't miss"!
The next day we took the long, tough journey to the Serengeti. Be prepared, this is long, bumpy and dusty. It is a long day! Beautiful sights along the way and the incredible Serengeti Sopa Lodge awaited our arrival. This is an experience you will not forget! Great food, stunning views and cold beer...heaven!
We spent the next couple days in the Serengeti seeing all of the Big Five except the black rhino. All along Hoffman was a perfect gentleman guide, making sure we were comfortable and was a walking wildlife encyclopedia. It is evident he truly loves his job and the parks he knows so well. I can not say enough about this gracious host. A true pro!
Our last safari day was in Ngorongoro Crater and we stayed at the majestic Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. Another can't miss folks! The crater experience was awesome and we did complete our Big 5 bingo by seeing a black rhino up close! Last we had the long drive back (ugh, dust, bumps,) to the Bright Africa office. Our debrief was to be sure that we were satisfied and happy; of course we were. From talking to other travelers in the lodges I know that we had the best experience!
A few tips: Get off your butt and look around! Your guide will do his best but he has only two eyes and is driving the truck as well. Try to find more animals than he does. Soon you'll be spotting the critters too!
Communicate! Your guide may be as good as Hoffman but he can't read your mind. Tell him specifically what you want to see, what you want to do etc.
Learn! the language that is; learn at least cursory Swahili and you will see the reward.
Last thing: choose bright africa
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect
once finalized the adventure in Kenya we would like to thank you for organization,development and
commitment you have showed along the experience we have had, exceding our expectations about the agency
itself , the scheduling and the professionalism of our tour guide Simot
Many thanks for everything
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing expirience with Bright African Safaris
In March 2016, my husband and I went on a private 5 day wildlife safari in Tanzania with Bright African Safaris. We were very pleased with the accommodations, national parks visited, and most importantly, our excellent guide and driver, Juma. He made every effort to show us his beautiful country and the awesome wildlife that call it home. We saw 4 of the "big 5" on our very first day of the safari! By the end of our journey, Juma found the elusive rhino through much patience and what we believe to have been his sixth sense. He was wonderful; very knowledgeable and friendly. On a side note, we mentioned that we were interested in the local nomadic tribe, the Maasai. So, on our last day with Juma, he stopped by one of the villages for us to visit. It was such a memorable experience to have this opportunity to meet the people who call the Tanzanian wilderness home, as well. They welcomed us with ceremonial dance and song, and were pleased to show us around. It was truly a trip of a lifetime for us! Thank you Bright African Safaris!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I chose Karibu Safari based on reviews.The experience is unbelievable.
The combination of friendly staffs and we had an incredible experience.Everything was easy,smooth and professional.Will do it again and recommend Karibu Safari to friends.
US
CKGR = real backcountry Botswana
March wasn't the best time to go for wildlife viewing, or at least this time around due to recent rains and the high grass. We made the trek from the north all the way down and through Kutse. It's a very long way, and some hairy 4x4 off-roading. Not sure I'd make that trip again, but certainly portions of the park are worth seeing and experiencing, including camping at one of the many backcountry campsites.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by Benjamin
Countless animals just roam around the savannah. I saw Big Five over and over, as well as a cheetah hunting a gazelle. It's like watching Nat Geo or Discovery Channel live. The sceneries were peaceful and inspiring.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One item checked off my bucket list but I want to do more safari!
The serene lake is the grazing ground for many herbivores, from white rhinos to zebras. I saw so much wildlife in two drives--before sunset and after sunrise, where were the best times to spot animals. The weather was gorgeous in Feb, although very cold in the morning so gear up and wear a down feather jacket and a scarf. The tour operator we booked with put us at a guesthouse inside the park. It's a no frill place but secure with fences around the property. The tour company also dispatched a chef to cook for us. The food was okay but we were not too demanding nor picky anyway. The mini van from the tour company was outdated and very bumpy on dirt roads and unpaved paths. I wish it was a Jeep with better suspension system. Our guide was knowledgeable and great at spotting animals for us to see.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kenya by Benjamin
The whole country is like a zoo, with abundant wildlife, preserved well for tourists to enjoy and respect. Big Five can be easily spotted. I saw over 30 types of animals and countless unique birds too. I'd love to return to Kenya to visit other national parks. Just be aware of the souvenir shop owners along the drive from Nairobi to the parks and Masai women at the park gates who are way too eager to sell crafts to tourists. Definitely bargain and start at 30-40% of the asking price. NBO airport needs a makeover.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
incleible and perfect experience
leonard is the perfect guide, funny , friendly and always try the safari is the best trip ever have imagined .has been a perfect experience.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good 4 day group safari with Northern circuit adventure
Thanks to Denis - our Safari guide - we were able to enjoy 4 days of very excellent safari at 4 different national parks including a wonderful walking safari at Arusha National park. Denis really was a very good guide which made us a perfect safari. During our safari we stayed at Sunbright tented camps which was a good basis for the different parks we visited and our cook served us there with delicious meals. We really had the chance to experience a wonderful safari - although we only had a little budget available for our safari.
It was also very positive that we were picked-up at the airport the evening before the safari and had a shuttle service to our hotel in Arusha.
Besides the communication via e-mail with Michael from Northern Circuit Adventure was always good and all email inquiries were answered very fast. So I would recommend northern circuit adventure for safari.