35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fun filled
World class experience. Wonderful trip. Great staff. Awesome safari indeed
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A good safari (but with disappointments!)
Prior to our safari we spent much time studying the northern wildlife parks to make our perfect safari itinerary. Michael Ndallo from Northern Circuit Adventure could offer us the perfect safari trip according to our plans, 5 days and 4 nights camping. However, on departure day when on our way to begin the safari, Michael Ndallo informs us that he has changed the agreed itinerary without noticing us - to fit more people into the group. By doing this he left us no choice but to go on a safari which was not what we had planed.
Our driver and guide, Masha, did an excellent job through the entire trip, he is a bomb of information regarding wildlife and nature in Tanzania. We always felt very safe and comfortable in his company. He delivered game drives of highest quality. Our chef, Rodriguez, shared with us his good cooking skills, varying between traditional and European food.
Camping on the second night our equipment was wet from rain. The mattresses and sleeping bags were so dripping wet we were able to squeeze water out of them. Waking up the 3rd day with freezing cold bodies and wet underwear, this was not how we imagined camping. The day was spent sleeping and feeling ill in the safari car - a ruined safari day. All other days camping facilities were fine, except the matresses kept being squeezingly wet and the sleepingbags humid.
Before reaching the first park on the 1st day the brakes of our safari vehicle broke down, why we had to spent time in the mechanics. During the five day trip we had a flat tire four times and in addition to this we had to spent time in a police check point, because the tires were in so bad condition the police would not allow us to continue. Finally when ascending the Ngorongo Crater the battery of the vehicle caused problems and we had to make another stop. Michael Ndallo is a great guy, we enjoyed his always happy attitude and eagerness to help us with flight tickets to Zanzibar after our safari. He came to pick us up upon arrival to Arusha and was awaiting us when returning from the safari.
In summary: If you want to support a local Arusha company Northern Circuit Adventure is a choice. If you have spent time making an itinerary and you have a signed contract, do not expect Michael Ndallo to respect it. Bring your own sleeping bag if you want to stay warm. For lost time in the safari, e.g. the day after our wet night, Michael Ndallo refunded us 30USD, to be spent on a night in his partnership hotel, equal to less than 2% of the total amount paid. Additionally we spent very much unnecessary time with a broken car and learned how to change tires. In contrast to this our guide did the best game drive we could ever imagine, the food was above average and the atmosphere good. Safari is about seeing animals and so we did to a maximum.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
bad food, and not enough of it
We stayed at two safari places in Selous Game Reserve, Sable Lodge and Rufiji River Lodge, selected by Gecko. Sable had OK food, but small portions that left you hungry. Rufiji River Lodge had food that was not at all pleasant or appetizing -- you just ate a bare minimum to stave off hunger. At $300/pp/day, I expected better.
Also, the train trip to Selous was not pleasant. 3rd Class or whatever it was is a real surprise for Westerners. Nothing bad happened, but it felt on edge.
Other than these, Gecko did a fine job. I wouldn't use them again, though, I don't think.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Exceptional service! This company goes the extra mile!
I would not hesitate to recommend TTC to anyone considering a safari or Kilimanjaro trek in Tanzania. I recently trekked up Kilimanjaro with TTC and their equipment is far superior to other local companies in particular their waterproof luggage bags, comfortable dining tent and portable commode toilet. Their staff were very professional and knowledgeable always going the extra mile to help us when we were tired; such as helping to pack our bags; washing dirty clothes, blowing up mattresses and bringing extra drinks and snacks up the mountain for us. On the summit night all the guides were very attentive to each individual on trek and the local doctor didn't miss a thing - subsequently we all achieved the summit. The tour went without a single hitch and all the small extras were really appreciated. Thank you - we will be using your services again!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Moremi tour
Deciding to take a guided safari in Moremi, as it sounded a more intimate safari than some other options, on Unlimited Tours’ advice we booked the overnight ‘participation’ safari rather than a one day safari. We are so glad we took the advice.
We were quite late in booking but Unlimited were very responsive and put together all the arrangements for the safari at very short notice.
We camped at the Khwai campsite and the tent and other equipment provided were all excellent. Moses, our guide, chose a camping plot by the river and an excellent spot it was, especially when we were visited by elephants going down to the river as we prepared our evening meal. Our ‘participation’, help in erecting the tents, shower etc, and preparing food, rather than feeling like a chore increased our feeling of involvement in the safari.
Moses was extremely personable and easy going making the safari very comfortable. Importantly he knows his job as a guide, being most knowledgeable and informative and knowing where to look for wildlife. He always had us in the best position to see the animals when they moved.
We were fortunate to see so many animals and birds at very close quarters. We had said to Moses that we would most like to see some predators and he duly delivered; the highlights being a leopard and her cub and 2 male lions just metres from our vehicle.
Overall a great experience with Unlimited Tours, we’d use them again and recommend them.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Trip
We recently returned from our 14 day Safari/Zanzibar holiday and had an absolute wonderful time. We really appreciated the fact that Makasa customized our itinerary and always promptly answered any questions regarding our trip ahead of time. Thank you again, Selma!
We always felt very comfortable and well taken care of. The accommodations and meals exceeded our expectations. It's amazing what these places can offer you in the middle of the African bush!
Our driver, Ben, was a super friendly guy with knowledge and patience, and always put us in position for the best pictures. Ben always made sure we had everything we needed and kept us up to speed on when and where we were meeting. The staff at every accommodation was so friendly and helpful.
We saw every animal we had hoped to see and better yet, a lot of action among the animals. Watching lions hunt, antelope fighting, baby elephants nursing, it all felt a bit like we were a part of National Geographic! Such an unforgettable experience.
Thank you Selma and Ngomi.
King regards,
Kyle & Nicole Carr
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
David, you make the difference
Thank again David for the arrangements you prepared for me. Ten days on safari, 3 in Tanzania and 7 in Kenya. I had great time, all was according to the agreements and I had the opportunity to enjoy game safaris, wonderful landscapes and nice people. David helped me beyond the safari, since the first moment I contacted with him he helped me for the preparation of my trip (I have been around alone in East Africa for 40 days), like in the reservation of bus trips and domestic flights. He also hosted me at their office in Nairobi any time I needed. Thank you again brother!!!!!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
well aranged and friendly people
Had a great tour and saw the big five. We're very pleased with the guide, he told us a lot. Had communication with Denis. Hope to back one day.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A really tailor made safari holiday with outstanding services and places to stay
Tailor Made Safari's really has succeeded in delivering us an outstanding holiday. It all started on the Holiday Fair in January 2014 in The Netherlands were they had a very well organized stand. On basis of our wishes Tailor Made Safari's worked out very quickly a very well balanced trip to make in the Kwazulu Natal province of South Africa. One week before leaving the Netherlands we received a mobile telephone for emergencies, a navigation device and a fotobook with description and gps locations of places to stay and places we were going to visit. All pre-prepared for our trip to make by ourselves in South Africa. This made it posible to start directly our trip in a very relaxed way, directly after arrival at the airport. The rented car, the places to stay overnight and the host services were of a very good quality and the people we met were very friendly. With the mobile telephone we had received we kept sms contact with Tailor Made Safari's. They always reacted promptly and this gave us a very save and secure feeling. Tailor Made Safari's made it possible that we were able to make this trip on our own without their help, just as they had told us.
We thank all the teammembers of Tailor Made Safaries for this unforgetable trip. Lambik (53), Sandra (52), Tanja (20) and Daan (18)
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous trip to Rwanda
The Safari Partners were recommended to us by some friends who travelled with them in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. From the beginning, Chris was super helpful, very knowledgeable and really helped us to plan our trip. From the moment we arrived and were met at the airport, we had a fantastic experience. Everything was smooth, and our driver/guide, Duncan, was incredible! He made sure that we had an amazing experience in the parc, and we saw two gorilla families. Both experiences were awesome, the hotel was great and Duncan made sure that we had great trek experiences. We also enjoyed our time in Kigali, where Duncan took care of us as well. Chris was really helpful too and I would recommend Safari Partners to anyone.