CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A truly 'Brilliant' experience that exceeded all expectations
We did a lot of research before booking our safari. Like a couple of other reviewers, we were really intrigued by the reviews of Brilliant, but a little nervous because they don’t have as many reviews as the bigger companies. Ultimately, they were one of three companies we chose to request quotes from and Brilliant immediately set themselves apart in their response. Their email included not only an incredibly detailed itinerary but also a wealth of additional information about travelling to Tanzania, going on safari, the accommodations and their custom vehicles.
It was clear that Brilliant are extremely passionate about their work and think through every detail. After we decided to book with them, Lightness helped us through finalizing our itinerary and answered all our questions. We felt extremely excited and well-prepared boarding the plane and not at all nervous, even though this was our first trip to East Africa.
From the moment we touched down in Arusha, our experience was exceptional. Hassan was our amazing driver and guide and we truly cannot recommend him highly enough – we would have a completely different experience without him. He is passionate not just about safari and the Tanzanian landscape but about the country’s history, culture and people. Countless times, he went the extra mile to explain things for us, point out things we wouldn’t have noticed and put what we were seeing into context. Furthermore, as an enthusiast photographer himself, he was extremely accommodating about making sure we could get the perfect photograph.
The tour highlighted Brilliant’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail from start to finish. We were really sold on the custom vehicles and were wondering about how unique they really are – if anything, the difference is undersold on the website! Whereas most conventional safari vehicles fit 7 people, Brilliant’s only seat 4 and are designed for maximum manoeuvrability so you can move freely to see the animals and take photos. The difference is immediately obvious – we noticed many, many tourists with other safari companies checking out our vehicle during the trip.
We chose to do the four park Northern Circuit tour, and we felt it was an excellent choice - each park has its own unique, stunning landscape and we felt that each complemented the overall experience very well. We were a little apprehensive about spending so much time in a car, but we never felt bored or disengaged - even when we were on the road from one park or another, we found the landscape and Hussan’s explanations and personable anecdotes to be extremely interesting.
Although obviously we were there to see the animals and experience the parks, the food and accommodations were also hugely memorable and big highlights of our trip. We opted for the mid-range option which included a mix of lodges and luxury tented camps and enjoyed every place we stayed, with Acacia Farm Lodge and the camp at Nyumbani Collection in the Serengeti standing out in particular. (Nyumbani was such a gem, with a stunning setting and phenomenal food and service. We are so glad that the Brilliant team did the research and added it to their itinerary - we didn’t see it listed anywhere else!)
The food at all the accommodations was top-notch, but many of our best food memories are actually of the daily lunches we enjoyed on each game drive. Hassan always knew the best place to stop and once again, attention to detail was second to none, with a full spread, tablecloth and even a folding table and chairs so we could eat with the best view even if there were no picnic tables in the area. Each lunch was supplied by our accommodation and included a huge variety that went well beyond the boxed sandwiches we saw a lot of other visitors eating.
Truly, we cannot recommend Hassan, Lightness and Brilliant Safaris enough. This was a once in a lifetime trip and we truly don’t think we would have had the same experience with a different company - it was everything we dreamed of. We would strongly recommend reaching out to them and wouldn’t hesitate to book with Brilliant again for another East African safari. Asante sana!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
HIGHLY RECOMMEND HABITAT ANVENTURE TRAVEL
If you are considering Habitat I would highly recommend booking with them. They are very professional, knowledgeable and reliable. Communication was so smooth from the second I emailed them to inquire about the trip to the moment I landed and the whole trip is was truly unforgettable experience.
SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive
Mpho Thulo was responsive via email (within same day or within 3 working days) and answered all my queries well. I was presented with good options that catered to a wide range of budgets and needs.
We really enjoyed the service and the safari at Bottlierskop Private Reserve! Got up SUPER close to lions, elephants, rhinos, impalas, elands, and many more. The guides were humorous and extremely knowlegeable. Food was excellent. The lodging was gorgeous.
Only room for improvement would be to have gotten confirmation of the driver pick up timings and contact earlier. We had to call the company for it the day before when we didn't hear anything. That said, the driver was EXCELLENT.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
outstanding experience from our very own Kipe adventures
My family had un outstanding experience during our very first visit to serengeti, and this was made possible by our very own Kipe adventures , it was one of the very best experience that one would wish to have more tours, big cheers to Kipe adventure again looking forward for more of these.
BR
The best option for knowing Johannesburg
We did two tours with them: Cradle of Humankind Museum and Soweto tour. Shaun was our guide and we loved him. He took us to the center of the city so we could visit the buildings that are being restored, it was amazing, he knows a lot about South Africa's history. The Soweto tour was very interesting. Shaun took us to a very nice restaurant to have local food. We strongly recommend the company and the guide. Thanks for everything, Shaun!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Seven Day Safari exceeded all expectations thanks to Super Eagles
From the onset I found Bildad to be really helpful in addressing all our issues prior to committing to the safari. Super Eagles also provided cost effective and efficient transport to and from Nyeri and Nairobi which included a very pleasant and informed driver.
The safari itself turned out to be a great adventure, and there was nowhere our intrepid driver Brian wouldn't take us! He was very attentive to all of our needs and made the whole trip into a great adventure.
My sister who had previously been on a far more expensive safari said that the Super Eagles safari was every bit as interesting and perhaps more involving due to the accomodation which varied from friendly campsites to hotels.
If you're looking for value for money, a very varied and interesting itinerary and an extremely friendly service, I don't think you could beat Super Eagles.
Thanks again Brian and Bildad for making our trip so wonderfully memorable!
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience and unforgettable honeymoon
We were very pleased with our trip which included a 7-day trip to Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route as well as a 6-day safari. The Kilimanjaro expedition was perfectly organised and the crew took great care of us. Our guides Emmanuel and Gabriel were very great. The warm meals prepared by Jamali were a nice treat and Dickson ensured were always had snacks and drinks readily available. Kudos to the porters who do an amazing job, Eliasa in particular. For the safari, our guide Halifa Msangi was extremely knowledgeable about the fauna and flora, as well as the best locations to spot animals. We were very happy with Duma Explorer, from suggestions by Stacy during the planning of our trip, to the smooth execution by the on site team. We would strongly recommend them.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Encouraging & professional
I went for a hiking trip up to Mt Kenya from 31/12/2023-4/1/2024. My tour guide, Shem, was very kind, friendly, professional, and encouraging. He was also very helpful in making sure that I was feeling good each day before getting started on the trek. On my third day, I spontaneously felt like I wanted to summit a day earlier than planned and when I asked Shem for his insight/thoughts, he was very supportive & straight away got the crew ready to make it happen. It was a successful trip! I had a wonderful cook, Augustine, too. He would always check on whether I've had enough food or needed anything else. The food and fruits were amazing! I had two porters - Joshua and Julius; both men were quiet, calm, and on task. I highly recommend going on this adventure with this team! :)
MX
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Don't think twice!
Are you looking for a professional, experienced, helpful, polite, knowledgeable tourist agent while in Namibia? Don't look elsewhere. Don't think twice.
Southbound Tours is the place and the experts you need when traveling through Namibia (which by the way is a great destination). We were assisted by Marco Theron, who helped us from booking beautiful hotels, from booking amazing game drives, to getting pick up services at the airports and finding the best SIM cards.
My husband and I came back from a fantastic trip hoping to be able to go back sometime soon, definitely with Southbound Tours.
Thank you so much Marco and coworkers.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Spectacular 5 Day Safari
This was a trip of a lifetime, Walter, our guide is a magician, and felt like part of the family when we parted after our 5 day safari. Our highlights were many, our accommodations far exceeded my expectations. Our family loved every minute ! Thank you Paul for all of your coordination, and thank you so much for such a wonderful experience.....
