US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
There is no way we can do our trip justice in one sentence.
Words can not begin to describe the safari eTrip Africa provided for my family and me. From the initial contact 10 months prior to our departure date, to the selecting of the accommodations, to picking daily activities, and through the actual tour, eTrip Africa could not have been more patient and accommodating.
Our initial contact with eTrip Africa was with Aurelie. Aurelie made sure we understood everything from day 1. From help with accommodations (we ended up with a mixture of tented camps, luxury tented camps, and lodges), medical requirements, travel insurance (we ended up using Worldwide Travel Group), outfitting (we got outfitted by Tent and Trails in NYC), and mundane questions (like what type of electrical outlets are in Africa, is there wi-fi, etc), Aurelie was always there to assist us.
Our arrival in Kilimanjaro was our first exposure to Ben from eTrip Africa. He helped us load up our car (our car would become our mobile home away from home for the next 8 days), introduced us to our driver Yusuph (more about him later) and explained our itinerary to us on our drive to the African Tulip (a quaint boutique hotel in Arusha).
After a welcome night sleep and a filling breakfast, we headed out on our safari. Yusuph provided us with insight into the African culture and the history of the area. I can honestly say that without Yusuph our trip would not have been half as enjoyable. He is a wonderful tour guide (not to mention being unbelievable behind the wheel of our Toyota Land Cruiser)! My daughter recently got into photography and Yusuph never lost his patience while she waited for the "perfect shot" or "just the right angle". As a result, we have to wade through almost 11,000 pictures (that's right, 11,000 pictures in 8 days)!
Coming from a family of travelers, this African Safari was up against some pretty stiff competition. It was up against trips to Europe, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico, Israel, and various Caribbean Islands. I can honestly say that my son and daughter have both proclaimed this trip as "the best trip of my life" and my wife is still saying she can't believe she was in Africa.
Our only regret is not being able to contact Yusuph to thank him again for making this trip truly a once in a lifetime experience.
AT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Lake Bogorio to Lake Naivasha
It was my first Safari with AWS, the second with Joseph. All and everything was exactly as planed, dreamed of. (well, the Flamingos went to Tanzania while we were at Lake Bagorio ..:-)) Joseph is the most relyable Driver with knowledge of animals, culture, history. This because I always will contact AWS as soon as I will plan my next trip to Kenya or any neighbourhood. Thank you guyes, you did a very good Job at creating your own tour Office!!! I will recommand you to everybody with very best consience - friendlyness, Fairness, respect - there never was a tiny doubt. Thank you for making trust you all the way. Thank you so much for being there, Joseph.
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It was very rewarding and actually one of the most enjoyable vacation we've ever had,....
Simba Paka Safaris is the best and i can recommend to anyone ❤️❤️❤️
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A disorganized, dishonest and dishonorable company. Run away as fast as you can!
I usually don’t write negative reviews as most of my traveling experiences have been positive up until now. I used this company as a recommendation from a friend who previously booked and had a marvelous climb with Kunda (mountain guide). Despite reading just mediocre reviews we booked with Elkan Safari. We booked both a 4 day safari/ Kilimanjaro climb w Kunda Kilimanjaro guide). The cost was all inclusive w gate prices but the end of tour the owner ripped us off an additional $460 usd. The original price was all inclusive, including entrance fees but as we went along with itinerary there were several “Surprise costs” along the way. Stranded at the gate w crew and other tour guest we were basically forced to pay beyond agreed amount. We confronted him several days prior to departure about error, he confirmed to meet us to refund money. He did not show up, was unreachable and did not fulfill the rest of the itinerary leaving us stranded for a place to stay. The kicker and deal breaker for me is not only did he not pay us our outstanding $460, but he not to pay the climb team or bus driver upon returning from climb leaving exhausted men stranded with no money after 7 grueling days of hard work. It is one thing to cheat and hustle tourists, but it is a whole another thing to cheat your own people and employees. These men practically killed themselves climbing up and down difficult Mt. Kilimanjaro w 23+ kg of supplies each on their heads. They left their families and home for 7 day and received no pay. That is the ultimate low. Victor Goodman, owner of Elkan Safari, Ltd, lied and stole from his clients and employees. Stay away from this company and his other listings Kilimanjaro Champion. As of today, he still hasn’t paid his employees or the money he owed to us. Truthfully there are literally hundreds of companies out there for safari and mountain climbs so why take a chance with one that clearly has a reputation for ripping people off!!!
On a positive note, porters and mountain guides contracted, Kunda & Omary were simply magnificent. They took care of us and helped us reach the top!!! They salvaged our ruined holiday by making our climbing experience once in a lifetime. Kunda and Omary (mountain guides), went upon and beyond and assisted us when Victor left us stranded and them salary-less. They even met us the following day to make sure we made it out of Arusha safely to our next destination. We are forever thankful to them.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
BIG 5 Safari - Tanzania / Zanzibar
One of our best holidays to-date. Was a little nervous at first due to booking communications (a little different to booking with your local Travel Agent), but when we arrived Emanuel (our safari driver/guide) was there waiting and ready to start our safari in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Reserve & Crater. Quite a few of our friends and clients have recently been on Safari and they have commented on our Facebook photos, jealous of the quantity of wildlife we saw and great photos we were able to take. I know everyone says their driver was excellent, but by observing other drivers when the Safari Landcruisers congregate around an attraction or at the camps our driver was well suited to us: friendly, professional, knowledgable, punctual, patient and spoke good English. After an excellent Safari we spent 3 nights in Zanzibar. We did not find Zanzibar as friendly as the locals we met on Safari and were a little bored after our full-on 5 day Safari. Only one negative ...our transfer on arrival at Zanzibar was late and we got attacked by the taxi vultures.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Eastern Team
I can't say enough positive things about Masoko Tours. They handled our team of fourteen US travelers, included both men and women, terrifically. Dealing with a trustworthy tour company on foreign travels is big with me! Masoko, located in Iringa, is operated by a young man named Maka Mwaisumbe. I found him to be reliable, honest and trustworthy. He did everything he promised for us and more. He has two exceptional drivers whose names are Roy & George (our safari drivers) and we meet another named Paris who assisted with non-safari travels. They interacted with our team on a personal level and we were well pleased with their services. Their safari trucks were comfortable, considering TZ road conditions. We saw lions, hippos, crocodiles, water buffalo, impalas, zebras, elephants, bamboos, warthogs and more. Maka was knowledgeable about animals and their native habitat. We also felt safe the entire time we were with Masoko. We plan to use their services again when our Team returns next January.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A fantastic tour
We have just returned to Europe after the trip of a lifetime to South Africa, some of it spent on safari with Ryan in the Kruger National Park. Ryan and his able assistant proved to be wonderful guides. Ryan's knowledge of African wildlife is excellent and we saw up close every species we could have wished for, large and small. We were a group of 6 and our every need was catered for in the sheer magnificence of the African bush. Ryan could not have pulled off a more charming, educational and spectacular trip for us. It was beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you Ryan and team! Your passion for Africa shines through and it is infectious. We will be back for more!
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best safari ever
Far beyond our expectations. Farouk did an excellent job. Everything was amazing.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgable, Helpful, Responsive and Warm!
We are rather seasoned travelers, but have never been to Africa, let alone on Safari. We needed a relatively short Safari program during the busiest tourist season. Kirsten Wolley, our advisor, was wonderfully informed about options, listened closely to our requirements, and found us a fantastic experience at the Rhino Ridge park in Kwa Zulu. Everything from our financial to scheduling needs, our touring and food preferences, to travel insurance were promptly and well handled. And we had one of the best experiences of our lives, effortlessly!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely brilliant. One of the best holiday experiences of our lifes.
Going on Safari was a dream come true.Selous park was a fantastic choice and we cannot praise the organisation. guides, staff, cleanliness and comfort of the lodges, plus the excellent food, enough.The variety of Safaris we went on covered, the boat Safari, walking Safari and drive Safaris. All of them were special in their own way and the guides were experienced, and very informative. To see the Hippos, elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, and various birds, while little more than a stones throw away, from the boat. Or visit the water hole to see the monkeys, Water buck, Zebras, and Wild boar while on the walking Safari.Photograph the lions on a kill, or the Giraffes keeping cool, while the Impala, Leopards and Hyenas are on the move, and taking in the wonderful scenery on the drive safari.
The adrenaline of excitement is there every day, and the Tanzanian people are great. The Selous Park staff are very professional and well trained, treating everyone with respect.
Both my wife and I would fully recommend this Safari. It brings together a mixture of ages and a nice atmosphere.To add to our holiday we then moved back to reality, with a stay in nearby Zanzibar which was also very enjoyable.