AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience
Our guide Barack made a lot of effort to ensure that we saw all the animals and he also enriched us with a lot of knowledge and information about them. The food was always freshly cooked and very tasty. The tents were always set up when we arrived and equipped with sleeping bags and mattresses. Top safari!!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I compared it for a long time and chose this one, it’s really great!
My African itinerary was completely my own, and it was very customized, and it was a 7-day safari + 3-day trip to Tanzania. My friends also flew to Tanzania from all over the country. At first, I found many companies on safari booking and sent emails to consult, but it was obvious that many of the replies were irrelevant. After several rounds of communication, the hotel and itinerary given by meijo were the best. Our guide Miko was very experienced and humorous. We watched the big five in Ngorongoro on the first day of departure and were stunned. There were new surprises every day afterwards, leopards 🐆 carrying antelopes up trees, cheetah cubs, and lions mating. The most amazing thing was in October, when we watched two Tianhe crossings in the morning. We all said that we should just change our name to "Dream Travel Agency" and we can see anything we want. We also experienced heavy rain on the grasslands in the dry season. There were many stuck cars in front, and everyone went to help. The photographer said that the people here are more united. The road to Lake Natron is also very bad, but the scenery is super beautiful. I always thought there were only two accommodations here, and the travel agency changed me to another newly opened one, which is much better than the two hotels uploaded on Xiaohongshu. But I wasn’t careful enough and didn’t pick up any flamingo feathers. I should have looked for more and brought some back!
(automatic translation from Chinese)
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Trip - Top Level Care and Concern for Detail
We were thrilled with our Safari adventure. Catherine from Reteti was the perfect tour manager. She met us at the airport and made sure all of our questions were answered and we were safely in the hands of our driver Bernard. She followed up with us at the end of the trip to make sure all of our expectations had been met.
Our driver Bernard was fantastic! He has a great sense for where the animals will be and is very skilled at getting the jeep in for best view. He knows when to wait and when to move on! In only two days we saw lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, topis, warthogs, antelope, monkeys, gazelles, impalas, alligators, hartbeasts, and more. One highlight was seeing a cheetah take down a thompson gazelle! We know they can't guarantee the animals, but the drivers do all work together to track the movement across the plains.
We stayed at the Mtito camp and felt it was an excellent value. The service was very personal and the chef delighted us with beautifully presented four course meals each night. The staff was very friendly and responsive. The "tent camp" added to the wilderness experience of being in a tent, but it is large and has high ceilings, shower, etc. for a very pleasant stay. The camp is just 10 minutes outside the park and there are actually some advantages in cost for not staying in the park.
We chose the tent camp because it came recommended to us, and was friendlier to our budget, but Kim & Catherine from Reteti can find any kind of accommodations you desire. Give them a call, they'll take good care of you!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable, professional, and knowledgeable. Serengeti Smile offers an unforgettable safari experience
We had the pleasure of booking a 4-day safari with Serengeti Smile, which took us through breathtaking locations like Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti, Karatu, and the Ngorongoro Crater. From the very first moment we were picked up at the airport, we knew we were in good hands.
Our main guide, Justin Kimambo, and his assistant, Ombeni Alfred, made the journey an unforgettable experience. Justin is a young but incredibly experienced and professional guide, who impressed us with his calm and composed demeanor and vast knowledge. No matter how long we were on the road or what challenges arose, he always stayed calm and knew exactly where to spot animals in their natural habitat.
His ability to spot wildlife was astounding—he often noticed animals we would have never seen as amateurs. In addition to his professionalism, his sense of humor made the drives even more enjoyable. We always felt safe and the entire safari went smoothly, perfectly according to plan.
A small incident on the last day of our trip showed how committed and reliable the Serengeti Smile team is. Unfortunately, we had a technical issue with our vehicle, which can happen on safaris. Justin did everything he could to fix the problem, and when that wasn’t possible, he quickly arranged for a solution. Another guide took us to the entrance of the national park, from where we were gradually transferred back to our hotel. Although the transfer was time-consuming and a bit tiring, especially since we had long-haul flights the next morning, Justin did everything he could to ensure the transition was as smooth as possible.
We wholeheartedly recommend Serengeti Smile and especially Justin Kimambo. His professionalism, knowledge, and calm attitude made our safari a unique experience. For future trips, perhaps the transfer could be organized a bit more efficiently in unexpected situations. However, overall, the safari was an incredible adventure that we will never forget.
Thank you, Justin, for these wonderful days!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgattable Safari with Fidel!
If you're traveling with young kids, look no further—this is the perfect fit! We were beyond impressed with Fidel, our guide, especially with how he handled our hyperactive 3-year-old. He kept our little one engaged the entire 3 days we were on safari, which is no easy task!
Fidel’s expertise and passion for the wildlife made our trip truly special. Not only did we see all the iconic animals—lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and more—but he brought each experience to life, making sure we didn’t miss a thing. From chasing breathtaking sunsets to spotting crocodiles and hippos up close, Fidel ensured we had the full safari adventure.
One of the highlights was having a picnic lunch right in the middle of the wild—surrounded by the beauty of nature! His knowledge, friendliness, and people skills made us feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout the journey.
It was an absolute pleasure being part of such an amazing experience. Highly recommend this safari with Fidel for families or anyone wanting a memorable adventure in the wild!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding service, with a knowledgeable and friendly guide.
From start to finish we found Goldfinch Adventures to be helpful, friendly, thorough and thoughtful. Kelvin was great helping us book the tour we wanted. He gave honest opinions about what we should do & where we should go. The price was very competitive too.
Our tour guide Ludwig (Ludo) was brilliant! He navigated us around the Serengeti and Ngorogoro crater, safely and successfully. We saw the Big 5 and so much more! We were a small family of 3 and although it is part of the job description Ludo was warm and friendly. He had a good balance of giving us time to ourselves but also joining us for meals etc.
He gave us insight into life in the Serengeti and also Tanzania itself. We felt very at home in this wonderful country, where the people all seemed warm and friendly.
I will be recommending Goldfinch, Ludo, safaris and Tanzania to all friends and family.
Thanks to all - asante!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Alarming this company has been around for so long.
I booked a safari vacation through Image Travel Limited, and unfortunately, the experience has been terrible.
Please note this review is a reflection of my experience with the travel agency Image Travel Ltd, it does not have any regard for my interactions with the amazing guides and staff at both Mara Serena and Amboseli Serena lodges. I have nothing but praise and gratitude for them, but they are NOT employees of Image Travel.
After receiving my deposit, communication with the owner, Mwanje Athuman, significantly slowed, and after full payment, some of my important inquiries went completely unaddressed.
Be aware that the itinerary you sign off on can change without notice. Unless you specifically ask for confirmation (which may take time to receive a response in any form), you won’t be informed in advance. The day before my return to Nairobi, I reached out to confirm my flight, only to find out I had been moved to a later one.
Your contract states that extra fees may apply, so I wasn’t surprised when I, as a solo traveler, was asked to pay an additional $200 for a plane seat. However, instead of charging my credit card for the additional seat, Mwanje took it upon himself to just not purchase the two-day park pass for the Maasai Mara game reserve that was included in my package.
I was unexpectedly informed about all this upon landing at Maasai Mara and told I had no park tickets and could not enter without purchasing the two-day park fees right there and then ($200 per day, a total of $400).
After spending much of my first afternoon going back and forth emailing Mwanje about the situation he assured me I would be refunded the additional $200 charge.
Over a month later, despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, I have not seen a cent of that refund. I’ve received insincere assurances from Mwanje, Madline, and Martha, repeatedly claiming the refund has been processed, even going so far as to provide reference and case numbers that my credit card company says are invalid and do not make any sense to them. Despite my card company’s efforts to reach anyone at Image Travel on the phone no one answers and they cannot leave a voicemail, also any WhatsApp messages I have sent have gone unread and my emails ignored. Unfortunately, it’s gotten to the point the CC Co. has resorted to opening an inquiry within their fraud dept.
If anyone is questioning whether I may be exaggerating, I can provide email exchanges detailing these repeated assurances and fake concerns (they’re quite funny in hindsight).
If you read ITL’s reviews on other sites you’ll notice I’m not the only person this has happened to.
I initially dismissed the negative reviews as disgruntled customers, but after experiencing the same scenario regarding refunds promised and never issued, it seems to be a pattern.
While using a travel agent to book your Kenyan safari is smart and IMO the best way to go, I would never recommend Image Travel Ltd. Their dishonesty and fraudulent behavior is deeply concerning.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Genuine
Had a great time with Porcupine for my very first Safari in Africa. Before I booked I looked at many different places and prices varied from reasonable to very expensive. I wanted to get the most out of the three days, so needed some tailoring done to find the best things to visit and see while near Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Anna and her daughter were very responsive through whatsapp and worked hard to give advice and plan the best things for me to see. The price was also extremely reasonable, and because it is a family business, I felt like supporting them as locals was the right way to go.
I arrived coming from Zanzibar to JRO airport which is pretty far from Arusha, where my tour was starting from. I was picked up late at night by Anna's daughter and son, who were wonderful to talk to while we drove the hour back to the city. I had accommodation before we departed on the safari the next morning along with dinner. I was treated absolutely amazing, making sure I had everything I needed. The safari itself was fantastic - the guide that we had knew exactly where to go and did not hesitate to get close to all the animals so that we could get the best possible pictures. Upon my return, I was also given a room where I could rest, and in the morning was driven back to the airport so I could continue my journey. All of this was included in the initial quote and no extra costs came up, which was very professional. I was very grateful that Anna was able to accommodate for my flight times there and back; I know it was not ideal and was really early/late, but you and your family made it work. Thank you so much.
If you are looking for a tour operator to go with while in Tanzania, you cannot go wrong choosing Porcupine.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent services
I recently concluded my trip to the Maasai Mara and I was amazed. From the planning to the execution of the trip,Rovic Executive Tours did an amazing job. The trip was an unforgettable experience. Everything was amazing Indeed , I was satisfied
IL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Superb service and care
Everything was well planned despite the frequent changes we did due to changes in our flights.
The lodges and hotels were very good.
Kelvin the guide is a real Legend. Knowledgeable on wildlife, the life of different tribes, geology and landscape as well as up to date with news and country information. First day we arrived late and he managed to drive to the Ngorongoro conservation area even at night.
The safari was spectacular seeing the big five and allways taking the best spot near the animals.
Kelvin was very attentive to any need also providing Maasai natural medicine when feeling not well.
The original Maasai Lodge is a must.