IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great support and staff very friendly
Me and my colleagues had a great experience with the company during pur day trip Safari at Akagera National’s Park. The service definitely worth the price.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unethical
I booked a 12 day safari in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania in September 2023 for a trip scheduled the end of June 2024 (fully paid for April 2024). At the time of booking I was promised all confirmations of lodges, flights. The beginning of June, I reached out to their office to request the promised confirmations 3 times. When I did finally receive the confirmations, they were only for the Uganda portion. I repeatedly requested the confirmations for Kenya and Tanzania and was repeatedly told “everything is reserved.” This turned out to be the first of many lies made by the head of the company, Simon. The day before my flight to Kenya, with no evidence of a flight from Entebbe to Nairobi, I contacted the lodge in Kenya to confirm my reservation. I discovered the reservation had been made but was not paid for, so they had not released the confirmation. Additionally, I was informed the Kenya agent they outsourced (they contacted her the DAY I ARRIVED to organize that portion!!) had not been paid for the additional 7 nights (lodging, flights, activities) in Kenya and Tanzania. My flight from Uganda to Kenya, which I was also told conflicting lies and excuses about, was purchased by an office worker 6 hours before scheduled departure. As of this time, the payment (which is significant) to the agent in Kenya (who is beyond superb) is unpaid by Azas. Avoid this company at all costs.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A really good guide and efficient pre-tour organisatiion enabled a fantastic trip.
Simon was extremely efficient with his email correspondence and help with our itinerary prior to departure. He really made organising things easy. Our guide, James, was a bonus to have and helped make our trip trouble free and very welcoming. Whilst we understand the vehicles do take a battering we felt that it was slightly under our expectations. Overcoming a hitch with an accommodation booking and an unexpected early departure on our final day didn't dampen our experiences. Very memorable trip.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jamal Njarita - Best. Guide. Ever!
We settled on East African Safari & Touring Company because our friends used them three years ago, and it was a great mix of locations and property styles. Simon King was our contact we communicated with throughout the process. He was accessible and very knowledgeable with our many queries. If he does not respond, email again. Sometimes there are communication disruptions and delays.
We got immunizations in the U.S.
We secured our visas upon arrival in Tanzania, and it was kind of a cluster. Everyone who just got off the plane and has to go through this line. I admit I was exhausted. You must pay in cash (As of 07/2015 it was $100 USD - Bring new currency, fresh crisp bills).
We traveled U.S.---> Turkey ----> Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
When we landed after flying for 22 hours we had to take two more in-country flights. We had a layover for many hours (3 am local time, flight not departing until 7 am local time) and we were exhausted. We had to wait outside on metal benches because the domestic portion of the airport doesn't allow you in until two hours before your flight. None of the shops are open. If we knew we were going to wait an additional 5 hours on a metal bench at the Dar Es Salaam airport, before getting on two more flights, and then being in a car for 30 minutes I think we would have opted to stay in Dar Es Salaam for the day and just fly to Mwanza the next day.
Nights were cool in July and required sweaters, jackets, long pants. Mountains were cool, other places were HOT, but a nice mix. Also good to have scarfs to cover up against dusty roads, eye drops, hats, and sunscreen.
Definitely need flashlights, good binoculars and I rented a fabulous camera. We brought one great travel guide book about Tanzania and E-readers with many books on them. Books are expensive there. Bring your own. The guide also had some books, but we like to have our own. Good shoes for walking and also light shoes for heat. We brought a First Aid kit. Bring snacks that travel easily, I brought a box of KIND bars, my friend had Cliff Bars. A clothesline and pins are helpful if you need to rinse anything. Usually, everything dries fast.
We stayed in tents in the Serengeti, and private lodges in other bush areas. At times, we were the only tourists at a location. Simon also mixed that up with some comfortable lodges with many (loud) tourists. It was a good balance but if something is "not your thing", you should specify and pay for higher end locations. If you are roughing it, bring extra batteries particularly for cameras. Many places will not have access for Internet or Phone. I use T-Mobile in the US and was able to pop out my sim card and buy a local one. My phone bill was not affected.
We toured for 10 days with Jamal Njarita. He worked so incredibly hard. What makes a good guide? First comes safety, especially on walking safaris, which requires a cool head, a respect for dangerous game and a thorough knowledge of animal behavior. A good guide can read situations, react in an instant and avoid putting his clients in harm’s way. As two women traveling, this was key. He has a great sense of humor, and could be serious when explaining things like how Maasai live in a 'Boma'. Like all true professionals he appears relaxed, yet all his senses remain on high alert, suddenly breaking off a conversation to point out a bird in a tree or the flick of an ear in the long grass. We were alone in our 10 year old Toyota Landcruiser with Jamal. He was very good and accompanied us most everywhere. Guides work on commission only, so be prepared to tip well.
There is a LOT of driving roads, and imaginary roads are rough and can be surprisingly exhausting.
I loved the Serengeti Horizon tents. I would say it's more "glamping" or glamorous camping than camping. The guys who work there are truly amazing, welcoming, and made this a great start of our journey.
I was petrified during the night drive! While we were at Boundary Lodge (when it's dark outside we had escorts) I was not prepared for a man they call "Commander" who carried a bow and arrow. Additionally he shone the spotlight during the night game drive. I didn't catch the other young man's name but he had a spear to protect us from animals. I felt safe but it was unexpected to say the least.
Large lodges had safes. Theft was not an issue.
My friend is a vegetarian (who eats fish) and they prepared special food for us. Lots of food, not fancy, but tasty and 3 meals a day day, which is much more than our normal diet. Soups were great. The large lodges had incredible food.
My advise is as follows: Be flexible. Be clear about what you want so they can manage your expectations. Ask for a exceptional guide like Jamal. (If you are a woman remember you are traveling in a predominantly Muslim country--everyone did not treat us like Jamal).
Things that were less than perfect, is when accommodations were made at a place with a different name/location then what was printed on the itinerary. It was just confusing and it happened twice. (On the itinerary it says "Hilton Hotel or similar" which is not cool when you see a man is holding a sign with your name driving you to a location with a different hotel than you think you are traveling to. If it can be firmed up in advance it's helpful).
This is not Disney animals on demand. There were days we drove around for hours and saw nothing, and then there was the day we saw a Cheetah, Leopard, Zebra, Elephant and Rhinoceros. Believe your guide wants you to see these animals as much as you do. He is working and listening to radio chatter in Swahili trying to link up with colleagues for the best spots. Also, give him a break, you don't have to leave at dawn and come back to home base at dusk. If you're on vacation, be on vacation, trust me the animals will be there.
Finally, my favorite moment was riding bikes for three hours with a man named Sandy to get a close up of Lake Manyara. We saw literally thousands of flamingos and got to sit in a local fisherman's canoe. The landscape was breathtaking. We did this bike tour on Jamal's recommendation and it was incredible!
We traveled to Zanzibar to relax. If I had to do it again we would have stayed at the Z Hotel in Nungwi. Much more our speed, more people, and an exceptionally good Bloody Mary! We managed to go snorkeling using One Ocean Dive spent a day touring Stone Town enjoying lunch at Jafferji House & Spa.
Hopefully I can come back in 5 years or so.
Like anything, people make the experience and our guide Jamal made it wonderful, and it went by too fast!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent!
Very well organized and orchestrated. Our guide, Nixon, was prompt and knowledgable. Experienced no rain despite it being rainy season.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unglaubliche Momente - Unbelievable Moments
Wir hatten eine tolle Zeit mit dem Team von Mogalakwena Safari Tours! Im Tuli Block könnten wir neben den charakteristischen Elefantenherden noch viele weitere Tiere (Löwen, Giraffen, Hyänen, Geparden , Gnus, Krokodile u.v.m.) bestaunen. Unsere erfahrenen Führer wussten immer Antworten auf alle Fragen und waren super sympatisch. Das Essen war hervorragend und der Service sehr gut. Kann ich nur empfehlen!!!
We had a amazing time with the team from Mogalakwena Safari Tours! In Tuli Block we spotted besides the characteristic herds of elephants many more animals (eg Lions, Giraffes, cheetas, wildbeasts, crocodiles...). Our experienced guides always knew answers for all our questions and have been absolutely symphatic. The meals have been delicious and the Service was great. I can recommend this Safari Tours!!!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Trip- Animals - Culture - Landscape
In Februar my friend and me visited Africa for the first time. We booked a tour with Mogalakwena Safari Tours which brought us to the Okavango Delta and to the Victoria Falls. Both countries, Botswana and Zambia offer amazing landscapes for european eyes :) With the help of our friendly guides we saw lot of wild animals like lions, hyenas, cheetas, elephants and many more. Another breathtaking Moment was the first sight of amazing Vic Falls.
The team was friendly and the meals well prepared! Would love to come back soon!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
spendid safari outing with the Mogalakwena Safari team
From Namibia we did self drive , and booked our safari with Mogalakwena for a camping experience, we had fun, we enjoyed our safari camping, we couldn't ask for something better than this, though our 4x4 seemed to struggle with the sand, the guides managed to find a way out, we are happy but please next time bring a many tents we had to share , though we had no problem in sharing, we liked your local food and enjoyed travelling around seeing local made products, what stood out was the mokoro trail was my first time, anxious and afraid but it was adventurous.
Convey my greetings to Martha the chef, we miss you see you next time.
US
Excellent Service!
A big thanks to Maria from Bonfire Adventures for helping me organize my trip. Maria went above and beyond to make sure she met my expectations for the trip. Asante sana
Keep up the good work!
RU
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything was great
guide arrived in time to my hotel. Hotel in NP Mikumi is good, dinner and breakfast are tasty and diverse. Unfortunely we didn't meet lions, but we saw a leopaed, it was a great luck. Special Thx to our driver Francis, he's the expert in off-road driving.
