FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Plan not respected, lies, never been to Masai Triangle, not real Masai Mara Park.
Absolute joke:
- We’ve been asked to pay cash.
- The manager asked us to give a good review afterward, before the Safari even started.
- The driver in “Masai Mara” spent his all time on the phone and gave us very very very few information
- He also drove very dangerously because the Rangers were “chasing us”. We were on a restricted area
- We also spent an entire day in the car transferring to Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru (the driver refused to do a morning or evening game drive, and on top of that he dared to say I “asked for more time to sleep in the morning”)
- We discovered during dinner with other tourists that are used to Safaris, that the Masai Mara site we visited was actually a very very small part of the park. We had actually never been inside the Masai Triangle.
I can see that I’m not the only tourist to complain about this agency. Other customers complained on TripAdvisor.
I honestly think that this is a scam.
Thanks to Alex, the “new” guide that we had to make the overall experience slightly better.
35-50 years of age
Guide in Uganda
Charles was our guide for a week whilst visiting Uganda (we didn't do a safari). He did a fantastic job organizing transport, hotels, meals, events etc. Recommended to all.
HR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Don't miss it!
We were just on safari trip for 3 days/2nights with Afrozone Kingdome. I'm still under the impression of whole trip and how beautiful everything was.
We started from Arusha to Serengeti, spent the first night there in the camp surronded with animals and natural life. Next day took the early morning game drive through Serengeti and after lunch continued to Ngorongoro. There was also a camp which we spent the night at (it was really cold at night because you are high at rimes of crater, so don't forget to bring a hoodie and some warm clothes!) Next morning was the drive inside of crater and was wonderful!
We saw all the animals we wanted, caught The Big Five and so much more.
Our driver was the best (if booking defenitly search for young guy Mandela), he really did his best and listened to our wishes, full of experience and fun facts about the park and animals. The cook was also amazing, we ate some of the best food we tried in Tanzania.
All in all, I would defenitly recommed Afrozone Kingdome Safari for the care they provided us, and the most important part the price is than fair for what they are offering.
Hakuna matata!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and personal touch for your Safari and Trekking
We booked both our 7 day kilimanjaro trek and 4 day safari through Abraham and everything was perfectly organized.
We spent the day of our arrival in Arusha by passing through several booking agencies and informing them. When we met Abraham we immediately had a very good feeling. Everything was explained detailed and we could start the day after with the 7 day trek of the Kilimanjaro (the Machame route)
The same day our guide, Livingstone, came to our hotel to check our gear, and when something was missing or if he had the feeling that it was not good enough, he would arrange it (for us the sleeping bags, mats, poles and just to be sure, ski pants were arranged for the summit night). We did not finish the route in 7 but in 6 days, but there was no pressure from the guides, Livingstone and Moussa. Only at noon itself during lunch in Karanga camp we decided to skip this camp and continue to base camp / barafu camp. During the days they kept a close eye on you, and in the evening you got an extensive briefing about the next day: what can you expect, which layers of clothing should you wear etc. The team of 10 men (2 guides, 1 cook and 7 porters) where very nice, fun and always ready for you. In addition, the food of chef Laurens was really fantastic, better than most restaurants in Arusha. In advance we could not have imagined that it is possible to eat so tasty and varied on the mountain. Every day an extensive breakfast, fresh fruit, different types of soup, tasty stews, pasta, rice and even french fries in our eatery tent or, in good weather, in the open air. So we hardly did not eat the bars and snacks we brought with us.
In short everything was super arranged and I would give as a tip not to book with one of the big 'operators' (mainly Indians and Chinese participants who are not well prepared and on some days only reached camp at half past 10 pm), but with your own 'small' team. This is all about you, you determine your own pace / schedule and you increase your chances.
Because we had done a day shorter about the trekking we also went on safari a day earlier. Which was no problem for Abraham. The next morning our guide for 4 days, Benjamin was waiting for us. We have visited Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorogoro crater and also here everything was perfectly organized. Benjamin, just like the guides at the trekking, spoke English very well, was enthusiastic and had a lot of knowledge about the animals, parks and culture. We were able to approach the whole big 5 and all the animals on our wish list at a 2 to 5 meter distance, and were able to look at them with ease while Benjamin explained. Also the accommodations arranged by Abraham were well cared for and fully equipped. After the safari we were dropped off at our hotel and Abraham, just as after the trekking, was waiting for us to ask how it was and if there were questions or comments.
The only downside of African Travel Tours is the location of their office. At 100m from Clock Tower is their office, but this is not on the street side but in an office building. The guard at the entrance will show you the way to their office on the left, but this is a bit strange at first. If they could change their location to the street side, many more passers-by could attract. However, do not let this stop you from going past.
We have experienced contact with Abraham and the guides as very professional, pleasant and above all personal. In short, a must!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do your own research
The main lesson I learned having booked a Tanzanian trip with EA is do your own research too.
When we arrived in Arusha, the accommodation was well below average. We have traveled all over India and are familiar with accommodation in an under developed country, however, this was quite shocking. We managed to upgrade to a nicer room at no extra charge, courtesy of the hotel.
We decided to travel by road throughout our trip so we could see the countryside, however, the vehicle was a rust bucket. The air con didn’t work and we were unable to close our windows for protection against the elements, mud and tsetseflies. The car seats had no cushioning left which, given that most of the trip was off road, made for an extremely uncomfortable ride. It also felt like the shock absorbers were shot too. The vehicle had done in excess of 380,000km all of which were off road. We all ended up with sore backs as a result. Just to note, some of the game drives took over 6 hours with no toilets around. It’s ok for guys, but I wasn’t comfortable going behind a bush for rest stops. It’s not something you are told prior.
A big part of our trip was to see the migration of the wildebeest. We had been warned by other travelers that the migration was delayed and all the animals were still at the Wester Corridor, so we should tell our driver so he could make alternate arrangements. He was very reluctant to do so. By the time we got to camp, the wildebeest has just started to arrive, but the other big animals had not. We spent hours and hours each day for nearly three days searching for signs of lions, elephants and other large animals. We finally insisted that we move to where other travelers had advised us to go. Reluctantly our guide agreed. We managed to see leopards, lions (many), hippos, crocodiles, wildebeest, zebras, hyenas many different antelope, all in one day. However, because of this earlier reluctance to move, we only managed to stay overnight. It was wonderful and we wanted to stay longer, agreeing to pay the additional costs associated with it. It was refused and we ended up moving very early the next day to stay at a hotel, which was not ideal. Another 10 hour drive in a sub standard vehicle.
Our driver could not be contacted the next day so we missed out on the morning game drive. So we spent over 24 hours in a hotel room. Not what you want when you pay big $$ to see wild life.
After missing out on seeing the migration, it was extremely disappointing that we were forced to leave the one place that had all the action we were searching for.
There were many enjoyable moments and the guide was extremely knowledgeable and a superb driver. Just make sure you do your own research. Check hotel reviews. Ask about the age and condition of the vehicle you will be traveling in. It will make all the difference when traveling through this stunning country. Africa is amazing. The people are warm and welcoming and the animals are breathtaking. It truly is an experience of a lifetime.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
FELT LIKE TOURISTS IN OUR OWN COUNRTY.
I can not really compare the services given by wild race Africa to no other vacation company in the country .Yes ,you might be thinking because Kenya is a third world country it has less experiences in terms of having fun as to other first and second world countries,but what i really saw,taught was more than what i expected.
i had just got back from Navo scotia,sydney,Canada from pursuing my studies and thought why should i not give myself a vacation to relax and explore my own country.
A friend of mine chose to travel with me immediately she heard i was going for a Kenyan adventure.
i was delighted to contact wildraceafrica since it was always an option for my family back here.
Simon was our communications specialist and i loved his quick way to answer on to emails and night calls for responses to our questions.He got our back when he decided to show up before and after the trip for advises and cautions to mostly take in to.
we visited a large part of Samburu national park which most people tend to ignore.we had such great fun,and the best part of it was spying on a pride on lions looking out for prey.The accommodation at the Samburu Sopa lounge was interesting as well.From a full body massage which was really budget friendly to a quiet time at a pool as the sun went down.
we really take this time and thank all the support we got from wildraceafrica for a good experience back in our own country
we really felt like tourists in our own country for the first time in a long time.
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Arend Safaris operate with a fake licence
We were looking to book a tour with Arend Safaris. Excellent contact. However, when we analyzed the copy of the Tourism licence they provided, we observed that the licence was actually the 2017 licence altered to read 2018. After inquiring with the Tanzanian Ministry of Tourism, it appears that they don't hold a valid licence. They are currently facing legal actions because of that.
SG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
fantastic customised 6-day tour
When I originally sent a request for more information to Mmilo Tours and several others through the Safari Bookings website Jamie was the first to answer and also the one who was right away suggesting a lot of options. so based on that decided to book with Mmilo Tours! and I was not to be disappointed! Since we had limited time and wanted to see a range of different things in SA Jamie packed a lot of things in it: we were picked up at the Johannesburg Airport by Norman who drove us via the Long Tom Pass to Sabie - where we stayed one night. He proved top be a fantastic tour guide who know so much of the history of SA and the area that the time flew by fast!We then stayed at the Sabie Town House - which was fantastic - great room - with bathroom - pool and Jacuzzi! i just wished we could have stayed longer there! Dinner was included and the chef had a great meal prepared! on day 2 we were picked up by Sam - a local tour operator who spend the day showing us the Panorama Route including: Lone Creek Falls, Mac Mac Falls, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, Bryde River Canyon, Wonderview, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and the Pinnacle! i was able to take lots of photos and also fly my drone in these locations! after a lunch (included in the tour!) at the Pancake house Sam drove us to the south end of the Kruger Park (crocodile river) where he dropped us off at the Pestana Lodge. we stayed there for 3 nights.
on the next day we started early for our first game drive and where picked up by Lloyd - a Park guide from Sanparks at 3.40 am - very early for us to get up but i was worth every minute ! - in the 3 hour game drive we saw a lot of animals including Buffalo, White Rhinos, Zebras, Giraffes, Elephants, Impalas, eagles, and more! so within the first drive we had 4 of the "big Five"! and then we also saw something very rare - two black Rhinos! After breakfast back at the lodge we were then picked up by another driver to take us to Kwa Madwala Lodge for a flight with a Microlight!! It was fantastic to see the game reserve from above and fly along the Crocodile River! well worth the extra money!
In the evening our second game drive with again lots of animals - this time in evening light - with Leopards (2!) and herds of elephants and everything else. The driver was Oupa - and he was great and would be the driver on our remaining game drives! he went out of the way to find Lions for us - and on the second day of drives we did see 3 male lions! So many thanks to Oupa for gong above and beyond to ensure that we saw everything that the Park has to offer! in total we had 6 game drives @ 3 hours or more- and i loved every minute of it! it is one thing to see the animals in a zoo - but that does not compare to seeing them in there habitat in the wild!
on our last day Jame had organised a trip to Chimp Eden- about 1.5 hours away from the lodge - and t was great to see the rescued Chimpanzees that are being care for at the camp. well worth the extra drive to see and observe our close cousins in their behaviour !
on the last day Norman picked us up again early n the morning to drive us back to Johannesburg in time to catch our plane.
overall t was a fantastic tour where everything was well organised and we did not have to worry about anything! the drivers were fantastic as we learned a lot! i would at time book with Mmilo Tours again and can only recommend the dedication to providing the best possible experience!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trustworthy and Safe..Incredible Experience on Mount Kilimanjaro
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Tanzania Exclusive Journeys and am so glad we chose them! All the staff we encountered, everyone from the desk and wait staff at the Keys Hotel to our guides and porters on the mountain, were amazing. Everyone we encountered seemed to have a good and always willing to help attitude. My husband and I must give the most thanks to our lead guide, Mtui. He and David literally pushed and pulled me the last couple hours up the mountain, and provided so much support and encouragement on summit night. I was about to quit about four hours into the summit attempt, and Mtui assured me I could make it to the top and we did make it to Stella Point. I think I would have so many regrets if I had actually quit so I have Mtui to thank for this. Remsi has been very helpful also. I left a jacket at the hotel, and she actually found it and made sure it was mailed back to me. I received it in the mail today. We only had time for a 2 day safari at Manyara and Ngorongoro. I think our favorite night was at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. What a beautiful property! We also had a lot of fun on the free city tour of Moshi. Rashid led us on the tour walking up and down main and side streets, and I am so thankful for this because I know we got to see parts of town that we may not have seen without a guide.
Thanks again to all the staff at Tanzania Exclusive Journeys for making this a trip of a lifetime for my husband and me. This is definitely the best trip we have ever taken! Merry Christmas to you all.
US
Experience level: first safari
Only a booking agent
"Moafrika Tours is just booking agent I cant comment on (Company name redacted) staff and what they did." - MoAfrika. If you have any problems with your tour, they will not address it as they are only a "Booking Agent". Book directly with the tour company you want, so if a problem arises you can actually resolve it.