DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice tour with a need of improvement
We booked a five day tour in Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park with this operator.
Before departure, communication was easy and quick with the office in Dar Es Salaam.
Upon request I was told that we have a private room and bathroom in a cabin/large tent, power and WiFi in all the camps. Also I was told that we could store our suitcases in the operator’s office while being on the safari and that we would be able to catch the last ferry to Zanzibar (4pm) on the return day.
However, none of these expectations were fulfilled.
Luckily, we could store our luggage at the hotel and I decided to book a flight to Zanzibar in the evening of return day instead of taking the ferry, which we never would have made in time.
As to the other promises: when we finally got to the first camp in Selous the first day after driving for 6 hours, our expectations were not fulfilled at all. Our cabin was rundown, there was no water in the sink and very little (and only cold) water in the shower. Power kept failing and of course there was no WiFi, which is fine but could have been told us in advance instead of lying to us. Provided food was eatable but not great (both nights for dinner we had rice with a little bit of vegetables and sauce).
In the afternoon of the first day we had a boat safari (as stated in the itinerary) which was quite disappointing because we merely saw a few hippos from great distance somewhere in the water.
The full day Game Drive the next day, however, was great!
Our driver Michael did a great job showing us lots of animals like giraffes, zebras, elephants, hippos, wildebeest, impalas and lions. This day as well as the full day tour in Mikumi Nationalpark two days later were a really great adventure for all of us.
What‘s really disappointing is the fact that three out of five days are spent in the car driving from one spot to another. So besides the 6 hours on day 1 we had to drive 10 hours from Selous to Mikumi on day 3 and then again 7 hours on the last day to get back to Dar Es Salaam. Surely, the operator cannot be blamed for bad road conditions, but it would be nice to know in advance how much time is really spent in the car.
Last but not least: the Bastian Camp in Mikumi is a great place, I would definitely stay there again! Even though we only got a tent with a shared bathroom on the camp site (instead of the promised private bathroom) this place was much nicer and cleaner than the camp before. For dinner there was a small buffet with soup, various main dishes and desert and for breakfast you could choose among various options.
It was mostly for this place and our great driver Michael that I decided to rate three stars for the tour.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safaris with amazing Simba!
Me and my family travelled around Uganda for 10 days in Aug 2019. We organized a 9 days tour (Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth safari, Bwindi gorilla tracking) with Simba Africa Expeditions and I would totally do the same choice again. Before booking, I exchanged many (more than 70!) emails with them, asking plan changes, hotel upgrades etc , and they always replied me quickly and super super kindly (thank you again Sharl!). Tom, our guide/driver, has been the most patient and positive guide ever, always well-prepared about what we were seeing and open to any request about changes on the plan.
I would definetly recommend Simba as tour agency for the best experience in the wonderful country of Uganda!
CM
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was simply beyond my expectations. Everything was just perfect and we had a memorable time
Everything was just excellent. Steve was great. He kept communicating with me from the initial stages, made sure we were picked up and dropped off at the airport, communicated timely and regularly before, during and even after the event to be sure we are satisfied. He is really a dedicated guy and I can guarantee any project he manages will be value for money. We also had a great time at the camp, with the basics we needed.
Our only negative was the safari van which we found very old and unreliable for such trips.
I will recommend Steve and Land Rail any day any time to those interested in a safari in Kenya and beyond.
Thank you once more Steve.
HK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beyond expectation
Our safari with Axis Africa Expedition & Safaris (Kenia) was smoothly, enjoyable, safe and secure. Our driver Kikitu it's a funny person , he tried to keep a pleasant atmosphere and also do the best for us to see all big five animals.
The camp was basic but clean, and the food was good.
We visited a Masai Mara village and discovered their traditions and hand made art craft.
We totally recommended this company for everyone interested in wildlife and local people traditions.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Easy, reliable and affordable
I contacted BigTimeSafari from Spain. The interlocutor was Agnes. The truth is that I couldn't have been luckier. Agnes, at all times, answered all my questions and uncertainties about the planning of the trip. She was very flexible because we finally made some unusual changes, like staying one more day at the Masai Mara or climbing Mt Longonot or upgrading the hotels of the Masai Mara but not the rest. There was no problem at all.
I looked for many agencies and I can assure you that it was the cheapest of all.
During the trip, Agnes was very aware of timetables and that the guides complied with everything agreed.
The truth is that our trip to Kenya has been awesome and in large part is for how well it was organized.
I am very grateful to Bigtimesafari and, especially, to Agnes for her help and her predisposition to make everything perfect.
Thank you very much!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Had a good safari
I received an email from a guy called Glen who had said Edward had stolen all his money, as I was Edwards uk contract for his safaris in Kenya, I obviously asked about these allegations as I wasn’t happy Edward has blocked me so it looks as if the guys allegations were correct, stay clear people
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing and well organised journney
The safari was well organised. Time allocated for each park was well distributed. The accomodations were all good except the hotel in Arusha, very noisy. We were impressed by the Baubab tent camp. Very nice...
Food in general was ok. However there is room for improvement, expecially the lunch packs. They could be better and more accurate.
Special remark to the guide. He was expert, very prepared on details about the animals, the parks and the history of Tanzania. He was also very keen to satisfy all our needs. He was smily and nice.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best tour ever!
The tour was amazing, had such a great day. Highly recommend!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kind, organized, and provided a great experience
My friend and I loved our safari. We enjoyed having our own private vehicle and a very kind driver who took such good care of us.
We saw beautiful scenery in 2 locations (Tsavo and Amboseli) over the course of 3 days, and so many animals we can't count them all!
We were disappointed to arrive late to the Rhino Sanctuary and miss out on the chance to enter. This was one reason I chose the specific accommodation in that area. We would have appreciated being consulted regarding the changes made to our itinerary that led to us missing this opportunity. BUT everything else was seamless and provided us with an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended.
BM
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very knowledgeable and excellent recommendations.
I reconnected with Mark at Taga Safaris as he created a fabulous honeymoon itinerary for my husband and I 18 years ago and we wanted to return with our daughter. Mark again came through for us with excellent recommendations of where to go and where to stay.
He was quick to answer questions and offer advice, knows the parks and lives and breathes the safari life.
Would certainly recommend Taga to expertly guide you in planning your safari adventure.