GR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Karibu safaris is well organized and client oriented operator
We had a 6day budget safari in December 2024 and we can only share positive thoughts. Our trip is 5/5 value for money, the tented camps/hotels were nicely chosen (nice and clean restaurants and friendly staff) and our drivers (Felix and Joseph) were top! They knew exactly where to take us to spot the animals (and always respecting them) and -most importantly- we felt safe when they were driving.
JP
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari was good, guide less so…
I usually don’t leave a comment when I’m dissatisfied with a tour or service, but a safari is on another level in terms of cost, especially when you choose a private one.
First, the positives: the person I corresponded with by email to organize the safari was professional, and the safari itself was enjoyable. We appreciated the stunning landscapes and wildlife, although, as it was our first safari, we can’t really say if we saw more or less than others.
However, we had issues with our guide’s manners.
The first impression was terrible. The pick-up was scheduled for 8:30 AM, as confirmed by the company the day before. Yet, when we arrived in the hotel lobby, the first thing he said was, “I thought you had vanished.” We were confused, and he went on to say he’d been waiting for a while because, according to him, we were supposed to leave at 8:00 AM. Even after I showed him the confirmation message from his company, he didn’t acknowledge the mistake or apologize and simply carried on as though we were at fault. Not exactly the best way to start. My husband and I were bewildered and instantly uneasy about what kind of person we’d be spending the next four days with.
Unfortunately, there were several other moments during the trip that made us uncomfortable. For instance, one evening we had to share a table at dinner. My husband, who was drinking a beer, thought it would be polite to offer one to the guide as well. To our surprise, the guide ordered two beers without hesitation — and to make matters worse, he didn’t even say thank you. It came across as entitled, like he just assumed it was his due. This lack of basic manners, combined with other odd comments and behaviors, made us feel increasingly wary and uneasy around him.
In the end, we decided not to confront him to avoid ruining our four precious days. We even gave him a generous tip since that seems to be the norm. He probably has no idea how we felt. However, we can’t help but think another guide would have made the experience far more memorable.
Ultimately, it was the breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife that saved the trip for us.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Destiny Explorers is absolutely the right choice for a safari in Tanzania!
We had a very good time with Destiny Explorers. Even before the safari, the boss Issa was always available to answer our questions.
The selection of national parks was perfect. We were very lucky to spot all of the Big Five. Our guide David was extremely friendly, polite and knew the answers to all our questions. Our guide had a wealth of knowledge about the animal world. It was fun to spend time with him. The visit to the Maasai was also very interesting and exciting. We also hiked to the Materuni waterfall and visited a coffee farm. We were very happy with the programme we had chosen.
The selected accommodations were also excellent. We were treated in a very friendly and courteous manner. We felt very welcome there. The accommodations were clean and the food was delicious.
Destiny Explorers was also willing to adapt the original itinerary to our ideas and wishes: in the end we were driven to the airport for another two hours - at no extra charge.
Overall, we would recommend Destiny Explorers in every respect! Destiny Explorers gave us an unforgettable time and a fantastic safari trip. The price-performance ratio is also absolutely right here.
LA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect safari
I cannot praise Ramja Safari fully enough. They stood out as a very professional safari tour company from the very first moment including their excellent customer reviews, beautiful and clear brochure, as well as their very professional and attentive correspondence. Steve was always quick to respond providing helpful advice and customizing the trip to accommodate our needs. We were then lucky to be guided around by James, who skillfully took us around Maasai Mara, but also Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita and Lake Nakuru. Thanks to his experience and broad network of other drivers, he was able to track down all kinds of wildlife you can ever dream of seeing - always with a smile and good sense of humour. We also got acquainted with the Maasai people, as well life along the road as we travelled around. Be aware of tourist traps, i.e. souvenir shops, visit to Maasai village etc., which require a lot of bargaining if you don't want to get ripped off. Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed our experience, which created lasting memories for all our family. Asante sana!
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Passionate about delivering a top rate mobile safari
The trip was excellent in all respects. Pilot and the team were attentive without being intrusive, were friendly, fun and caring. They worked together really well and ensured that all of our camping needs were met. Pilot went even went over and above to borrow a suitable lead to charge Steve's camera in the car.
We appreciated camping in 3 very different locations. Water was not easily available at the 3rd camp but it didn't seem to pose any problems for us "guests".
Setting up and taking down the camp three times was a feat in itself. No complaining - even when the camp had to be taken down in the rain; our tent was always up first and down last.
Pilot
His organisation and desire to provide us with the best experience possible was clear. Pilot's passion for all things "animal" meant some long game drives, with no clock watching - we loved it! We even did a short game drive on the last morning as caracal had been spotted. We didn't see one but it was not for the want of trying and clearly we could not understand the message over the radio and would have been none the wiser.
His knowledge of animal behaviour was second to none and he also indulged us in our interest in birds. Pilot's knowledge of the game parks and the "road" system was mind boggling. His level of expertise in driving in conditions that we had never experienced before was evident. The trip back to the airport was quite something as Pilot was determined we would not be late.
Pilot was good fun to be with.
Paulina and the food
The meals were of great quality with fresh meat and salads, homemade bread and cakes cooked in the "oven" over the fire. Speaking to others with experience of "safari" in the bush, baking bread and cakes is definitley not usual! The meals were wholesome and plenty of everything.
There were also plenty of drinks - hot and cold, always on offer.
We noticed that hand washing (hygiene) among the staff was frequent - and provision of water and/or wet wipes when out was appreciated.
General
The early morning call with "your water is ready" started each day nicely. General ensured the car was kept clean inside and out. He sorted our bucket showers and presumably had the task of emptying the toilet cassette - we have a campervan and know what is involved with that. Guests with another company told us they had a "long drop" which was not so pleasant to use. The idea of a portable cassette toilet is genius.
Elena
Naturally warm, friendly and easy to chat with, Elena looked after us well. She took a lot of care making our bed and tidying up. Elena also took a lot of pride in setting the table (she makes serviettes into wonderful shapes), serving the food and drinks and preparing the "picnic bag" for tea and sundowners. She has an eye for detail and likes things to be done properly.
We would highly recommend a Pilot mobile safari.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An excellent tour organiser, perfectly reponsive to customer needs.
Some friends recommended that we use Pembury Tours for our SA holiday, and we were very glad they did so. Tammy put together some great initial ideas and then revised them in response to our wishes. The information about the itinerary was excellent. The types of accommodation and transport were tailored to our wishes perfectly.
Closer to the holiday we were provided with access to a trip portal, which was detailed and helpful and included some great suggestions.
Throughout, we were impressed by the level of care, attention to detail and availability. Tammy replied to any queries very promptly. It was also reassuring that Tammy said she would be contactable during our holiday, but in the event, this wasn’t necessary as the organisation was seamless and, although we had plenty of independence during the trip, we felt looked after all the way.
The quality of the guides and drivers was exceptional. They all had so much of interest to tell us and we learnt so much.
The places we visited were beautiful and fascinating. It was an absolutely sensational holiday and we’d strongly recommend using Pembury Tours.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Can't Beat The Service Of Crimson Brooke Safari
Highly recommend the entire crew at Crimson Brooke Safaris, the ease of communication, flexibility in regards to making things work for clients, provision of varying levels of safari camps to chose from, managing park admissions, ect. is over the top! Our driver was excellent and our experience was over the top, I don't believe our trip could have been any better. Having a personal driver and car on safari afforded the ability to have flexibility in regards to game drives and other activities as well as making entrance into the Masai Mara every day EASY! Our driver John, is truly an expert in regards to navigating the Masai Mara and we were continually impressed by his knowledge of the park. Our drives to and from the park were long and not easy, John was positive all the time and the consummate professional. We look forward to returning to Kenya and working with Crimson Brook Safaris in the future. Their service cannot be matched or beat! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!
BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Efficient
The trip was smooth and I loved the notes and gifts Safari left at the hotel for my family.
US
Amazing Trip with a Great Company (Locally Owned by a Safari Guide)
We inquired with multiple operators about a 2 day safari and a 3 day Meru climb (with some nights before and after at a local Arusha hotel). Out of all the responses Samora's was by far the most comprehensive and was very fairly priced. Iddy, the owner and a safari guide himself, was wonderful at communication, helped us prepare for this complicated trip, and personally picked us up at the airport in Arusha and brought us to his wonderful eco-lodge just outside the city where we stayed before, between, and after our expeditions. The accommodation was lovely (they have 3 adorable bungalows in the rainforest on a hill by the river) and the food was first class, each meal was freshly prepared for us Baraka, the chef, with local organic ingredients and taking into account any food allergies and preferences.
Our 2 day safari was amazing. We saw way more than we expected, our guide was fantastic, and our picnic lunches (prepared by Samora) were some of the best food we had in our entire 4 weeks in Tanzania. The Meru hike was expertly led, again with surprisingly amazing food, tons of support staff (porters, chef, guides, ranger, etc.). It was exhausting and I was a crybaby but that was no fault of theirs. We did make it to the summit for sunrise!
We were very impressed with Samora and cannot recommend them highly enough. You will also be hiring a locally owned company started by a safari guide and his other guide friends, so you will get warm personal treatment, and will be supporting the local Tanzanian economy more than if you booked with a giant international safari or tour company.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Eddie the Happy Chappie was our tour guide., who was excellent
MoAfrika Tours with Raddison is the go to tour for Kruger. Don't miss out