IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
marvelous
Wonderful safari……..We found this agency on the internet browsing through various sites and blogs and we had the pleasure of speaking with Alexandra who with great patience answered all our questions, curiosities and fears. She advised us on the best way to tackle the trip in all phases (departure, transfers, stopovers and return), always with great kindness.
Arriving in Arusha after a small mix-up immediately resolved by the agency, we met with our guide Jackson, it is reductive to call him a driver, because he also accompanied us with particular kindness and professionalism in our experience. He spoke Italian correctly, and during the whole trip he explained to us like a scientific popularizer the habits and characteristics of the Serengeti fauna, ranging from the history to the morphology of the places we passed through, and always available to fulfill our requests and needs. His guide was always prudent and safe during all those routes, sometimes challenging, always guaranteeing a safe trip.
Our jeep rented for a private tour was in excellent condition, and despite the dirt and dusty path it was reconditioned every morning. Something not to be underestimated both for a comfortable trip and for a tour without any unexpected mechanical problems. I also emphasize that our guide always managed the travel and safari times perfectly, making us observe all the animals that we hope to encounter. I don't know if the other guides of the agency are as high-level as him, but we were happy to have lived this experience with Jackson.
The only thing I didn't agree with when reading the contract was the release of liability, meaning that for any unexpected events during the safari they would not have any responsibility, and therefore a refund. I certainly don't blame the agency for any bad weather conditions or other unpredictable situations, but being stuck due to a mechanical failure due to the bumpy roads, or the jeeps put under a lot of stress is really common. In addition, in some places you are hours away from any service and losing even half a day is a great loss for the customer, given the cost of the trip. They guarantee rapid interventions but do not provide any refund or re-routing, and I do not agree with this. However, regarding Savana explorer I will tell you what happened to me.... On the last day during the return trip towards the airport the Masai tribe blocked the road because of their protest against the government. Basically there was the risk of missing the flight but both Alexandra and the agency took action immediately to follow the situation and find a solution immediately, they even called the airline to report our situation which was then that of many others; in short they never left us at the mercy of events for a moment and in conclusion I told you all this nonsense.... to say that it is a truly serious and well-structured agency. I recommend it!!!!
(automatic translation from Italian)
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ngorongoro Crater Adventure
At the last minute a small group of five friends I was leading on an aid trip to a rural village south of Dodoma decided they wanted a safari. With 2 weeks before departure Praise and his excellent staff arranged a two night full day trip into Ngorongoro Crater. Praise was in daily contact with me as the arrangements were made, picked us up at the airport, great safari and delivered my group of five to Dodoma for our aid work. Our guide Rashid was an excellent wildlife spotter finding us 3 rhinos, lions, Serval cat, he knew his birds which made us super happy and was pleasant and helpful. Can’t go wrong, I’d recommend Nyange to anyone!
NL
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing value for money! Highly recommended
Wonderful experience on the 9-day Victoria Falls to Okavango Delta tour. Although the Victoria Falls were dryer than usual we still had a great time there with a private guide. The lodge was lovely with a beautiful pool. Chobe was amazing, great days full of activities. Camping in the Okavango delta was the best experience of my five week trip through Africa. The people, the bush walks, the stars, and just being there in nature without service or WiFi. It was special, and we saw way more animals than expected.
We mostly slept in tents, but that was fine and it adds to the experience. The operators were easy to reach and quick to respond to all your questions. Absolutely worth our money!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful attention to details and our wants and needs
Tanzania Choice Safaris is an excellent, client based, go out of our way company. Nothing is too much to make the client happy and give them the best safari experience possible. I believe their prices are in line with other companies. One thing they have over other companies is no daily gas or mileage limits. They will take you as far and as long necessary to give the results you want.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Tour
15 Days Best of Kenya & Tanzania Safari
This was a wonderful trip with sighting of so many animals that we were continually amazed at the variety. This safari allowed us to get very close to the animals which was very special. I will treasure the viewing of so many lions that we saw on nearly every day of the safari.
The three main guides we had all incredibly knowable on all the wildlife and fauna. This enabled us to enjoy the spectacle of this tour even more. Having the guides assist us with the border crossing was a big help.
The accommodation was of a great standard. Even the tents we stayed in were very comfortable with all amenities. The camp staff who provided escorts back to our tent added a level of added safety. The only exception was the hotel in Nairobi which had a mattress that resembled a hammock
Food at all the camps and hotels was both plentiful and varied. The offerings were mainly buffets with only the camp in Masai Mara offering a choice at mealtimes.
The only disappointment in the whole trip was missing the great migration due to abnormal weather conditions.
Communication with Kenya Tanzania Safaris was at times a little patchy and could be improved.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Best
My sister and I were guided by Joseph Nyanzi through Uganda to see the chimps and the gorillas. I cannot recommend this company highly enough. My sister had traveled with them in 2018 so it was automatic to use Prime Safaris again. The experience that Cate Makanga planned for us was exactly as we had requested and a great value. The accommodations were the very best; location, comfort, service, security, food.
The experience with the chimps and gorillas was awesome. I never imagined we would be so close to the animals and that we would see so many. I had dreamed of this trip for so long and it did not disappoint.
If you plan a trip with Prime Safaris, request Joseph Nyanzi as your guide. Joseph is very experienced. He seems to know everyone in Uganda and is eager to share his knowledge and patiently answered our endless questions. Everyone we met was warm, friendly and proud of their country and of the nature that they protect.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience we could have imagined.
Our 3-day safari to Amboseli and Tsavo West national parks was incredible. Our driver Dan was so knowledgeable, and had an unbelievable knack for finding the exact right spot for animals to walk right in front of our jeep. Communication beforehand was very clear and friendly. Pickup each morning was prompt. Lodging was very comfortable. Would ABSOLUTELY recommend Hyrax as a tour operator!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Last minute hotel change and no refund for hotel difference
The night before our tour after receiving our full payment, agency informed us of the hotels for our tour, two-thirds of which were different from the hotels we had initially confirmed. The point is that when we booked our trip more than three months ago, agency clearly wrote the hotels to be stayed at and broke down our total cost into each individual item, including the hotel cost of $3,210. Therefore, it is reasonable for us to know the actual cost of the changed hotels and ask for a refund of the difference, if any. However, when we asked agency to provide the relevant invoice, agency only provided an invoice for one hotel and then never responded again.
They never explained the reason for the hotel change. We had booked and paid a deposit more than three months in advance, but never received notice until the night before our trip. One of the hotels that was in the nature reserve was replaced with one in a town, so we had to spend an extra half day on transportation instead of game-driving. Most importantly, when we wanted to know the actual cost of the hotel, they responded with ignorance and silence.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best experience with the best company
If you want to have an unforgettable experience, go on your safari with Porcupine Expeditions. Initially, we booked for 3 days, but with the amazing service and facilities provided by Ana and Juliana, we ended up staying for 6 days. We’ll definitely be back. 200% recommended. Thank you so much for everything, ladies!
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mixed experience but kept asking for 5 star review
We had a mixed experience on our 4 day safari. Our first three days were very good, but our final day they changed our group and car which led to a lot of sitting on side of road or on curb waiting. We were never communicated with about what was happening. If you have the same group/guide I say you'll have a better experience but we were not told till 10pm before our 6am tour start that we were to have two different groups. We found the communication poor - at the end when they meet you they kept pushing for us to give 5 star review rather than listening to our experience and feedback. The food on the tour was excellent and our jeep was very good.