IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The karibu safaris delivers personalized, seamless travel experiences with expert local insights.
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an unforgettable tour package organized by Karibu safaris in kenya . From start to finish, everything was seamless and perfectly arranged.
Our guide (Mr. Steve )was exceptional – not only knowledgeable but also friendly and accommodating, making the experience even more enjoyable💯💯💯. In the Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli, we were given fascinating insights into the wildlife and local culture, while also feeling well cared for throughout the journey.
The accommodations were excellent, with comfortable stays and outstanding hospitality at every stop. The team ensured that our needs were met, and the service was consistently warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home.
Overall, this kenyan tour exceeded all expectations, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a well-rounded, enriching, and memorable experience. Thank you to the entire team for making this trip truly special!
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It couldn't be better
It was a fantastic experience. Any nature lover will be amazed by a tour like this, and even more so by the hand of a team as professional and friendly as Meru Slopes. From the beginning, the tour was managed in a 100% personalized way with Almachius and accompanied at all times by the guide and driver Swalehe, who provides great security thanks to his driving skills, knowledge of mechanics and biology; not to mention Gidion, our cook and assistant throughout the trip, the nicest person in Tanzania. They really have made this tour an unforgettable experience. I was able to take some spectacular photos and we saw the Big 5 in a comfortable and reliable car.
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US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lack Of Communication
I have never written a negative review but I feel it is important for anyone who is considering using Features Africa Journeys to read what my experience was like. When I reached out to Features Africa Journeys the owner Karanja was phenomenal to work with. During the planning phase Karanja replied in a timely manner, he answered all my questions clearly and concisely, and he worked with me to finalize our tour. I was very comfortable with booking with Features Africa Journeys. My group of six booked the 12 day Kenya and Tanzania tour over a year in advance in order to have the best options for lodging.
After we paid the deposit for the tour everything changed. Karanja stopped communicating with us and I often had to beg him to reply. There was a point where we all thought he may have gone out of business. It was quite concerning.
Prior to arriving in Africa we discovered the hotel confirmation Karanja booked for us in Nairobi was incorrect. When we arrived in Nairobi the driver Karanja hired dropped us off at the wrong hotel. Thankfully the hotel brought us to the correct hotel.
The 12 day itinerary included staying at 6 different lodges. Karanja changed 3 out of the 6 lodges without our knowledge which caused undo stress every time we drove by the lodge we thought we were staying at. The second change was a serious downgrade from what we paid for. We paid for semi-luxury lodging and ended up at an eco lodge that had no other customers, no amenities, no hot water, and holes in the floors where snakes could get in. I spoke with Karanja and explained changing the lodges without telling us was not okay and the downgrade was not acceptable. I ended the conversation asking that he not surprise us with a lodge change again and he agreed. The very next day he did it again! It appeared he had no idea where we were staying and was trying to figure it out while we were driving around the park. It added a lot of unneeded driving around and once again a downgrade from what we paid for.
Entering the parks also proved difficult. When we arrived at the entrance to the Serengeti our tour guide, who was a contracted guide in Tanzania and not an employee of Features Africa Journeys, struggled to get us through the gates. Karanja had only paid 2 out of the 3 days we were scheduled to stay in the park. After 1 1/2 hours we were given permission to enter the park but our guide would have to resolve with Karanja how to pay the third day. If not resolved we would have to leave the park early or be arrested. It took our guide a full 24 hours to resolve the issue and then the following day we had to drive out of our way to a ranger station to finalize the park pass.
When we crossed back into Kenya Karanja became our tour guide. When we arrived at the entrance to the Masai Mara we once again sat outside the gates waiting for the park pass to be processed while watching other tour companies pass into the park.
Near the end of our tour Karanja came to me and blindsided me by asking for a considerable amount of money due to an increase in the cost of the park passes and lodges. I could not believe it. We booked our tour more than a year in advance therefore the lodges should have been booked at the lower prices if they did go up. I also believe the park passes should have been purchased at the lower cost but I am not sure what the process is for obtaining the passes.
All the difficulties we had could have been avoided if Karanja had communicated with us regarding unexpected expenses he encountered prior to our arrival. We would have worked with him and paid the additional cost of the park passes. Instead he downgraded our lodging and caused undue stress when entering the parks. He never explained why all these changes happened until my group was already agitated and confronted him. Being small business owners and understanding things happen we stupidly agreed to give half of what Karanja asked for. We knew the cost of park passes had increased a considerable amount. But, after the last downgraded lodge and extra unnecessary driving and frustrations I asked for half of what I paid to be refunded. Karanja agreed, he showed us the request for the refund, we shook hands and said we were trusting him to make sure the refund happened and he said it would.
Unfortunately, two months later we have not seen the refund and Karanja stopped communicating as soon as we left Africa.
My advice to anyone looking to book a safari tour is there are plenty of other tour operators to choose from. The safari itself was EPIC but my review is based on Features Africa Journeys.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Spectacular
We have just spent 6 days with Meru Slopes passing through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro and we are delighted with the experience. From the first contact with Almachius explaining the details of what we were going to do and answering all our questions before coming, everything has been magnificent.
The tour has included transfers to and from the airport and the hotel the day before and after the safari so you don't have to worry about anything other than enjoying yourself.
Swalehe, our driver, has a lot of experience, which is very important due to the state of the terrain during the rainy season. He identifies the animals very quickly and tries to get as close as possible so you can see them perfectly.
Gidion, our chef, has cooked us delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner every day and transmits joy and good vibes at all times.
We have seen the Big 5 and a lot of other animals, we are still impressed. The campsites in Serengeti and Ngorongoro are very basic, with clean showers and toilets, a dining area and a tent, but you don't need anything else to fully enjoy the experience. We recommend bringing toilet paper and soap.
In short, if you're thinking of going on a safari in Tanzania, Meru Slopes is definitely a sure bet.
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AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very nice morning ride with Nicholas and Michael!
The rangers were recommended to us by a colleague residing in Nairobi. All went excellent (from timely pick up till drop off back at the hotel); both Nicholas and Michael were helpful and very knowledgeable so I wouldn’t hesitate to hire them again!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A great seamless service from the hotel, the tour and back
I contacted Reuben on phone. We never had a face to face meeting but he made all the necessary arrangements. He even arranged for another car to pick us after we delayed getting out to the first car.
The trip was great fun. We saw the dolphins, multiple times. At the coral reef the boat assistants were very helpful even to those who could not swim well.
The whole trip was very impressive. I was not too keen on the swahili food but my family devoured it, I was amazed! Then the boat captain and his crew decided to sing some local popular songs on our way back. I loved this final creative touch to crown the excursion.
IE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
AMAZING 5 STAR
Maereg was an amazing guide and I really enjoyed spending time in his company, he showed me around Lalibela and surrounding areas and made my trip to Ethiopia a memorable one. I would 100% recommend Maereg as a guide.
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing organisation and service !
This was truly a trip of a lifetime ! everything was truly amazing and our guide Douglas was so knowledgeable and kind ! We loved every minute of it, from the time they picked us up to the time they dropped us off!
AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
everything was perfect
Reuben and Carlos were the best team for the Safari. We hat a great time and saw so many animals. Carlos knows the best places and has the best eyes. Asante sana!
AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Safari ever
Highproffessionell Driver. This Guy hat eyes like an Eagle!
