US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Bait and Switch on the hotel rooms, lectured repeatedly about tipping from guides
First, let me say that the guides did a solid job. They were friendly and got my entire group up the mountain. Now for the other part. The hotel we were originally supposed to stay in (Kibo Palace) was swapped out at the last minute for a place called the Keys Hotel. Don’t be fooled by the Keys three star rating, it is a one, maybe a two star. It’s not even close. I stayed at the Kibo Palace as I arrived a few days before my friends. The Kibo Palace is nice, an actual 3 star hotel. We all thought we were staying there as that is what Kilimanjaro on foot told us. It wasn’t till after my friends landed and were taken to the Keys Hotel that we learned otherwise. I had to change hotels from one I was already booked in.
Second issue, before we started to hike there was a meet and greet amongst the guides and our group. The guide must have spent a half hour talking about how much we should tip each person, which was well above what Kilimanjaro on foot had already recommended we tip, it seemed way excessive from this recommended amount.
Third, the guides got us up and down a day early. Not the worst thing, but it ends up that you have to book another night at the Keys Hotel which is quite expensive for the accommodations they offer. I would have been fine staying up on the volcano for our recommended time and coming down when we were scheduled to. This seemed like it was structured because the guides wanted an extra day off, not for our benefit. If they are able to get you up and down a day early it means they get a paid day off.
Fourth, the tipping is done not at the end of the trip but about half a day before. They make such a display about it and also make it a point that you had better tip generously or else. It's be better of Kilimanjaro on Foot to pay their people more and do away with the tipping all together and I wouldn’t have this awful taste in my mouth from the way the guides and sherpas behaved.
I would not recommend Kilimanjaro on foot for the reasons above. If you are aware of all of these factors you may want to consider them.
HK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
It was a very great experience and we are so happy that we can see the great migration in our last minute waiting. We are so lucky to have Adrian as our tour guide, he got a good connection with other tour guide and get the migration news immediately. Thanks so much for all the arrangement and we enjoyed so much!
HK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari and bench
My very first time to Africa! Great arrangement from the pick up from airport, food, accommodations all up to acceptable, zero hesitation. Just tell them how your holiday want to be and they will arrange it for you!
Worth to mention our tour guide Adrian, very experienced and friendly. I was able to see the great migration! (You need to hv a good guide for this!)
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was fantastic: we have had such a great time thanks to all the staff, especially the driver Jack
We couldn't ask more: Jack did all his best to make us experience the greatest Safari ever. We saw the Big 5 indeed and enjoyed the tour to the fullest! We have such unique memories now..I definitely recommend this operator and the super driver Jack!
MY
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Truly a 5-star service from Ways of Africa
Memorable and well-organized safari tour from Ways of Africa. Paul the owner of WOA, tailored our itinerary based on our preferences and budget. He was also very attentive to our requests and last minute changes on our itinerary. Janet the co-director of WOA, came to meet us on the first day and welcome us with goodie bags. Our guide, Sidney is very experienced and knowledgeable, enhancing our experience with fascinating insights regarding the wildlife and local culture. Not to mention, his remarkable driving and maintaining the cleanliness of the vehicle everyday.
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous safari tour. Our driver Jack was just fantastic, we saw the Big 5. I highly recommended it
This experience has been memorable: we have had one of the greatest time of our lives during the Safary with Jungle Roam and our personal driver Jack. All the spectacles that we saw were definitely captivating and full of magic. We recommend this operator as we couldn't ask for more!
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
unforgettable experience
a very good experience where we see a lot of park and therefore a lot of animals! the meals are very good (especially the soups) the guide very kind and exciting. And the travel agency always accommodating
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome!!!!!!!!!
Charmey our guide was amazing. He was knowledgeable about the area and he showed us everything we asked for. It will definitely go back and use this company and ask for Charmey. One of the best trips I have ever experienced. The migration portion was amazing.
BG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
found via the Internet, the operator did everything correctly.
we chose a day trip to Mikumi park, we were picked up from the hotel at 3am, the drive from the hotel took over an hour. Due to the weather we left at 8am and it was perfect. You land immediately in a shroud, among giraffes, and then in a jeep with lunch they show you the animals. a lot of impressions. Afterwards we were taken to the main strip and we flew back. the flight took 1 hour 20 minutes. and then transfer to the hotel. The price for such a safari is approximately the same for everyone.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional
Madukha Tours was exceptional. From the point I got in touch to the conclusion of the safari, they were perfection itself. They were organised, efficient and jovial. All the hotels were excellent, service at the hotels was brilliant and the food was terrific. Small details like USB ports in the Land Cruiser, and arm rests being adjusted were brilliant. Every need was catered for and we didn’t have to ask. Our flight was cancelled due to NBO being ok strike and Madukha were willing to start the safari a day later, so we could do the entire trip. Each lodge we stayed at was different to the one prior. The people of Kenya are wonderful. Not enough can be said for our safari guide, John. He was knowledgable, polite and great fun. He kept us entertained throughout and was arguably the best animal spotter - the fact that we saw the big 5 on multiple occasions and host of other animals was a bonus. The hot air balloon ride with Hot Air Balloons is a must. It gives a view that is not possible if driving. A special shout out to the loos en route to each park! I have not seen cleaner loos. All in all, an incredible trip. Thank you Madukha, William, John and Kenya.
