DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Always in conversation and taking care of everything!
We had a fantastic trip and saw the big five and a lot more. The accommodation and the Safaris were perfect and we had a wonderful time.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Nice budget trip
It was a memorable safari on budget,guide dalton was spot on when it came to various wildlife analysis
Though have taken out 1 star because we missed top of the falls in murchison and we also had Afew issues with the vehicle
Generally it’s a highly recommended company when it comes to customized tours and budget travels
EE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best family adventure Nairobi - Amboseli - Tsavo East - Diani
My family explored Amboseli and Tsavo East parks with Bienvenido Kenya Tours in October and we had the best time seeing giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions, and even a cheetah. It was 10 us of travelling and we booked 2 safari jeeps for 4 days taking us from Nairobi to Diani with stays at Sopa Lodge and Voi Wildlife Lodge. Our drivers Daniel and Paul were very kind and knowledgable, and took great care of us.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unfulfilled refunded after 1 month due to their mistake
Our recent 8-day trip to Kenya and Tanzania with Morningstar was far from the unforgettable adventure we’d hoped for. Starting from Tanzania, everything went wrong and they still own us a huge number of money for nearly a month. They promised to refund next week everyday, but still seeing no money yet. And we even got a message from him saying we are NOT PATIENT!
In Tanzania, we had to pay for multiple services, including park fee, transportation fee, etc, twice, losing 2 half-day of safari due payment not done in advance. Despite reassurances from Dennis, Morningstar’s owner, promised refunds for these extra expenses never received. Further more, Morningstar has no direct staff in Tanzania, so they rely on a partner agency, which resulted in poor coordination and minimal support.
Having made our full payment two weeks prior to departure, we trusted that all fees were covered. However, upon arrival in Tanzania, we learned that key expenses, including park entry and transport, hadn’t been paid. Faced with the risk of being stranded, we had no choice but to cover these costs ourselves. Dennis blamed the missing payments on a hacked bank account and again promised a refund once we returned to Kenya—a promise that remains unfulfilled 25 days later.
While our guide Caleb in Kenya was experienced and dedicated, Morningstar’s overall handling left us disheartened. The lack of support, broken promises, and financial inconvenience made what should have been a dream safari a frustrating experience. Sadly, I cannot recommend Morningstar based on our trip.
Furthermore, I don't know if there’s anything related to racism or not, but I do find that reviews from other countries are great, they did not had to experience paying everything twice, while many Chinese tourists report money loss without timely refunds.
We do sincerely wish that the excuse from Denise is true and he will refund as he promised. Please get us the refund ASAP. If so, the whole trip is a memorable experience with MorningStar.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional Kenyan Safari Experience - Highly Recommended!
In June we, a group of 4, did an outstanding 5-day safari through Kenya's finest wildlife destinations, and I couldn't be more impressed with the entire experience. This review covers our journey through Nakuru, Masai Mara, and Naivasha.
Communication & Booking: ★★★★★
The booking process was flawless. Paul, our contact person, was exceptionally responsive and professional. His immediate responses to all inquiries made the planning process smooth and stress-free.
Initially, we were hesitant about including Lake Nakuru in our itinerary, but it was definitely worth the visit and fit perfectly into the schedule.
Guide & Vehicle: ★★★★★
Our guide James was a true professional - quiet but incredibly competent. His extensive knowledge of the area and wildlife, combined with his ability to quickly spot and track animals, gave us an edge over other groups. We were particularly impressed by his skill in positioning us ahead of wildlife movements, resulting in spectacular viewing opportunities. The vehicle itself, a Land Cruiser, was in pristine condition and proved to be an excellent choice. Pro tip: Avoid the minivans - we saw several broken down during our trip.
Wildlife Experience: ★★★★½
We were fortunate to encounter almost every animal on our wishlist, with the elusive leopard being the only exception. James's expertise in tracking and timing meant we often arrived at sightings before other vehicles, providing unobstructed views and great photo opportunities. The diversity of wildlife and landscapes across the three locations offered a comprehensive Kenyan safari experience.
Accommodation: ★★★★★
Our stay at the Zebra Plains Tented Camp exceeded expectations. Despite being 30 minutes from the Masai Mara National Park entrance, the slight distance was a non-issue. The camp offered a perfect blend of authentic safari atmosphere and luxury glamping comfort. The food was consistently good, adding to the overall experience.
Value for Money: ★★★★★
As a group of four, we found the pricing very reasonable for the quality of service received.
The decision to use a Land Cruiser instead of a minivan was particularly valuable - we saw several groups losing precious safari time due to broken-down minivans.
What Could Be Better:
- The 30-minute drive to the park entrance might be an issue for some, though we found it manageable
- Missing the leopard sighting (though this is nature, and can't be guaranteed)
Overall Verdict:
This safari experience exceeded our expectations in almost every way. From the initial booking process through to the final departure, the attention to detail and level of service was outstanding. The combination of James's expert guiding, comfortable accommodation, and well-maintained vehicle made for an unforgettable adventure. Lake Nakuru, which we initially wanted to skip, turned out to be a wonderful addition to our itinerary.
DE
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing wild life and hospitality experience
We came with high expectations and the team of "Heritage of African Jungles" and, in particular, our guide topped them by far. He was very friendly, most helpful and extremely knowledgeable. It was a great pleasure being his guest. He was able to lead us to so many wild animals, we did not miss any we wanted to see. Also the whole trip was very well designed and the lodges were well chosen. It was an amazing experience.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Value Northern Tanzania Safari (June Visit)
Our June budget safari through Tanzania's northern circuit (Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro) with Claws of Africa was quite an adventure that exceeded expectations, despite some challenges.
The Good:
- Fatuma's booking process was exceptional - professional, transparent, and refreshingly non-pushy
- Excellent Spanish translator (Vincent) and a skilled cook who made delicious meals
- Wildlife viewing was fantastic across all parks
- Great value for money considering the comprehensive itinerary
- June timing was perfect - comfortable weather and good visibility
The Less Good:
- Several vehicle breakdowns (though company handled them well)
- Very basic accommodation (as advertised)
- Some adventurous driving moments
Worth Noting:
This was a budget safari, so expect basic camping facilities. However, the wildlife experience matches any luxury tour, and the food was surprisingly good. The company managed all challenges professionally, ensuring we didn't miss key experiences.
Tips:
- Consider accommodation upgrades if basic camping isn't your style
- Pack warm clothes for June mornings
- Bring a flexible, adventure-ready attitude
Overall:
Despite vehicle issues and basic accommodation, Claws of Africa delivered excellent value. Recommended for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize experience over comfort. The June timing offered ideal safari conditions with mild temperatures and good wildlife viewing.
DE
Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect safari tour through Kenia
We booked a 9 day safari tour including Masai Mara, Nakuru, Navaisha and Amboseli Park and it was just amazing. I couldn’t think of anything that was missing! Ann booked and organised the perfect tour for us and was always available and fast in response!
Our guide Brian was just amazing, he was able to show us so many animals and was very well connected and especially respected by the other guides. He was also always there when someone needed help. He has a great knowledge of all the animals incl birds and knew all the places where the animals could be seen. Many thanks to blue mountain for such a great experience we could have! Would definitely rebook again!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding experience from start to finish
We were recommended to use Tanzania Choice Safaris by a relative - and they were absolutely right! Communication with Brenda was friendly and professional. She crafted a bespoke trip for us, including time on Mafia Island to spot whale sharks, and was very patient with our shifting dates! We were lucky enough to have co-owner Kakasii as our guide and benefitted from his experience and deep knowledge. This was our first time in sub-Saharan Africa and our first safari experience. It was every bit as memorable as we'd hoped (for a 'round' birthday). We were looked after and always felt in safe hands, wherever we stayed. Kakasii kept in touch with our airline to make sure our luggage - which sadly didn't arrive with us - was in the accommodation on the second night. Saw all the Big 5 across Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti, plus some snorkelling and relaxing by the beach. Thanks for the trip of a lifetime!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional tour operator providing perfectly organised tour with excellent guide
Very professional tour operator from first contact to end of the tour, with excellent and punctual support in the organisation.
The tour itself (11 days with guide) was very well designed, we really enjoyed the perfect organisation, the amazing lodges and the delicious food everywhere we went (also special dietary requirements were taken into account).
We had a very knowledgable guide with whom we felt very safe in the long drives and everywhere we went, and who always provided explanations about the fauna, flora and geology of Namibia. Thanks to him we were able to learn so much about the country and enjoy things we would not have noticed had we travelled alone. We were able to spot all wildlife we had expected to see...and much more beyond that.
With Blue Crane Safaris we had an unforgettable holiday in Namibia and would definitely travel with them again next time in Namibia!