CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
it was a great experience with a professional guide and unforgettable animal sitings
The professional and personal service that was given to us by Macho Halisi (office staff and driver guide) was more than we expected and made our Safari a once in a lifetime experience. The car was comfortable and in good condition. We enjoyed the trip tremendously and hope to be back one day.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
African Ubuntu safaris went out of their way to ensure that we were happy with our tour.
We are grateful to you and to all your affiliates who gave us a great holiday. The itinerary was extensive and gave us an excellent chance to immerse ourselves into the culture of East Africa.
Accommodation, food and transport was of a very good standard with seamless transfers throughout the safari. From our arrival in Nairobi to our departure from Dar es Salaam, we were greeted everywhere with helpful, smiling faces.
We will definitely recommend your company to anyone thinking about travelling to Africa.
US
Experience level: first safari
Great safari, exactly as described, knowledgeable guide -- Mwanje very responsive and professional!
Our Tanzania safari experience was everything we had hoped it would be -- with many thanks to Mwanje and Image Travel. We booked well in advance after reviewing proposals from several safari companies. Image Travel offered competitive or better rates and Mwanje was extremely responsive, getting back to us quickly with information, written proposals/contracts, and receipts for deposits/payments. Though Nairobi airport security prevented it, Mwanje even tried to meet us in person during our connection from Kenya to Tanzania -- but he was there to refund us about $500 in cash for an overpayment due us after we changed our itinerary (cash was transferred from Mwanje to an airport employee to us). We appreciated the professionalism and the integrity.
As for our safari itself, we had an amazing 4-day adventure split between the Serengeti and the Ngorogoro Crater. The Serengeti was by far the more exciting park. The view from the rim of the Ngorogoro Crater is spectacular, but the animal experience in the Serengeti was superior, at least for us. Our driver for the entire safari -- Joseph -- was helpful, friendly, interested in our needs, spoke English well enough, and was very knowledgeable about the animals and the Masai culture (he is Masai and enjoyed telling us all about traditional culture and life in that part of Tanzania). Our Serengeti tent camp was clean, situated in a beautiful spot, and very well staffed by incredibly hospitable people -- stewards to pour you hot water for showers in the morning, carry your bags or hold an umbrella, cooks to prepare delicious and huge breakfasts, box lunches and dinners, etc. Our lodge at the Ngorogoro Crater was exceptional -- great accommodations, welcoming staff, wonderful entertainment, delicious food. And finally, all the animals "cooperated" -- we saw everything except leopards.
Transfers from and back to the Kilimanjaro airport were covered in our safari price and were done by Joseph himself (who had to come out twice for our "arrival" due to Kenya Airways delays).
Mwanje, we are totally thankful for your expert and reliable help with our trip. We are happy to highly recommend Image Travel to anyone planning an African safari! Cheers!
Cons:
1. Our Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle was decent, comfortable enough. But it was older and not all features were functioning (eg, seat belts, one of two battery chargers).
2. In the Ngorogoro Crater, the eagles can swoop down uninvited and attempt to grab your chicken lunch right out of your hand -- exciting yes, but dangerous too, and it would have been nice to have been properly forewarned.
3. Nothing to do with Image Travel, but we give low marks to Kenya Airways -- the planes and in-flight service were fine. But we had several flights cancelled or severely delayed during our trip planning process and/or mid-trip, costing us valuable safari time -- without apology or compensation.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Saw the Big 5 with Makasa
We loved our safari with Makasa Tanzanian Safaris. From the moment of our enquiry, through booking, and taking care of special meals, Selma was incredibly responsive to our emails.
On arrival in Tanzania we were met at the airport by a Makasa representative and taken to Moshi to rest after our flight. We then spent 10 days on safari. We visited the Maasai Olopopongi Village - an incredibly interesting cultural experience. From there, our guide David took us to Tarangire Lake Manyara parks, and from there we transited Ngorongoro to the Serengeti where we saw the Great Migration- what we were really hoping for. We saw a pride of lions on an early morning game drive, and saw rhinos in the distance in Ngorongoro Crater.
In each camp, we were comfortable and well looked after. The breakfasts and dinners were very tasty. Our guide, David, was very knowledgeable about the animals and their behavior. He also was well prepared and very friendly with the other guides, which gave him inside knowledge about the movement of animals within the parks. We felt very safe with him driving us around Tanzania.
We wholeheartedly recommend booking a safari in Tanzania with Makasa.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I experienced both the flora&fauna of Tanzania and the real life of villagers with Access2Tanzania.
Access2Tanzania was extremely professional in keeping the participants informed of the itinerary, any necessary changes, what to expect in the various places we would stay, what clothes to bring, incidental costs not covered in the tour price, and a general background of village life in Tanzania. We experienced the best of the Northern Circuit in Lake Manyara, NgoroNgoro Conservation Area, Serengeti and the NgoroNgoro Crater. We saw so much more than just the Big Five. Our guide, Fulgence was unbelievably knowledgeable, humorous, kind and patient. Seeing the children supported by Project Zawadi in Nyamuswa was wonderful and put our ability to enjoy this safari in perspective. We stayed in very nice places with a few very special ones and experienced the hospitality of Tanzanians everywhere we went. This tour company really knows what it is doing to show off the whole world of Tanzania.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great solo safari
I went as a solo female traveler in September 2014 and had a great experience with Warrior Trails. William, who I worked with to plan was always timely in replying to emails and flexible. My guide Frank was excellent. He had amazing eyesight and could spot animals that were very hidden away that other guides did not see. He also took time to sit and watch animals versus other vehicles who stopped briefly and moved on. He was very knowledgeable also about the many birds and trees/plants. I met Clamian the owner before and after the safari and he was very kind. I visited Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. I also visited the Maasai primary school which was wonderful. I would definitely recommend them based on my experience.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
4 days in the Serengeti/ngorongoro
Booked a last minute safari through Jessica. She did a great job meeting our budget and desired itinerary. Very timely responses via email helped us immensely. They even took our credit card info and passport scan in lieu of a bank transfer.
Truck was in good shape and we didn't have any breakdowns (saw many near ngorongoro). Wish that they had told us that it didn't have A/C. Afternoon drives were brutal because it was so hot and the dust from other vehicles gave us coughs.
Jessica also lent us her binoculars and called to check in on our progress and satisfaction during the safari. A very nice touch.
The driver, BJ, was knowledgeable and spoke good english. He was gruff and made it tough to get comfortable in his presence (we spent 6-8hours a day with him in the car). The cook, Vincent, was rude and did not ask us when and what we'd like to eat. We were at his mercy when it came to schedule. We also discovered that the meals he prepared for the staff were better than the meals prepared for us.
At the end of the day we were there for the animals and we tried to keep that in mind. The tour operator was great. In our case, the staff was lackluster. Hopefully you get nicer, more respectful guides/cooks. If so, your experience will be 5 stars!
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best way to explore Kruger National Park
Our tour with Chris and Armadillo Overland was way over our expectations. It was much better than self driving and a true relaxing experience. We were really spoiled by Chris. He provided us with everything, from the tents, chairs, the amazing home cooked food and a lot of knowledge, about kruger, the animals and just life itself. The honesty bar on board the truck was an extra plus. Time was on our side as we didn't hurry, and we saw 4 of 5 Big 5 together with all the other animals and a lot of beautiful birds. Thank You Chris. Hope to see you again.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding Safari
I had dreamt of a safari like this since I was 10 and Planet Safari delivered! Everything was perfect - from planning discussions a year before which were personalized and attentive, through last minute hiccups from my end being sensitively and wisely handled, to a warm greeting at every place we stayed! The hotels and tented lodges were ideally located in beautiful natural settings. The interiors were tasteful and elegant while retaining the 'bush camp' feel. The food and service were great throughout. Our guide made the whole excursion an exciting adventure and gave us in depth insights into what we were seeing. He was attentive, knowledgeable, charming and efficient. Tanzania is a spectacular country and Planet Safari's team of professionals are dedicated to ensuring you have an outstanding vacation.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Cultural & Historical Experience in Soweto & Pretoria
Elize & Deline were wonderful hosts who spent two days with us around Soweto & Pretoria, where we fully appreciated their knowledge, which enlightened us to the history & culture of South Africa. We stayed at Lesidi Lodge & enjoyed tribal dancing & a Pan African Buffet. Our second night was spent in the peaceful surroundings of Greenlea "Eco" Guest house. We thoroughly enjoyed our time & felt we came away with a greater understanding of South Africa. Excellent service and a well recommended tour.