US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3.5 Stars...Hard to say TBH
Michael from the tour company on whatsapp was helpful, but definitely overcharged me on airport pickup - $35 from JRO to Moshi. I was on a 3D2N group tour with guide Ali, and a chef, and we stayed at Fanaka Lodge. Guide Ali didn't do an introduction at the start, no welcome, no nothing, and I learned his name from other members. While we could tell Ali was good at what he does, his attitude was negative 70% of the trip, and a couple times he tried to hype himself up by making a corny joke about how heavy his jeep was after we ate our lunch. I was traveling solo so I was riding shotgun the whole three days and had to take in 90% of his dismissive comments/attitude towards me and some members of our group.
As for the Chef! Our interactions were limited since we only saw him at the lodge, but many of us could tell he's got a big ego. One evening, he complained how everyone arrived late at dinner but he never told anyone the start time. You get the gist, communication wasn't lacking in general. I once asked the chef for more green beans in our veggie stew for the next day's lunch. And guess what, we got the least amount of green beans out of all the days. I deeply regret giving him a $20 tip. My take after this trip is, do NOT feel obligated to tip anyone, if the service doesn't merit it, despite what all websites suggest.
The safari tours are pretty well established in Moshi/Arusha, most tour companies with 3.5 stars or above, if you are on a budget, are fine. Since most tour companies rely on freelance guides & chefs, your experience will come down to luck. Wishing all future travelers in being paired with great staff!
CN
Axis Africa provides a highly professional and memorable safari experience that is well worth it.
We had a wonderful time with Axis Africa! The communication from start to finish was excellent and all details were clearly explained. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and worked hard to find amazing wildlife sightings. The service was consistently great, with smooth logistics and comfortable accommodations. While representing good value, there were minor aspects that, for us, held it just short of a five-star rating. However, I would not hesitate to recommend them for a reliable and thoroughly enjoyable expedition.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive
Overall, the safari experience was good. Our guide, Ben, was an excellent driver and got us to see a lioness hunting in the Maasai Mara — thanks for his guidance and support. By the fourth day, we had spotted all of the Big Five and were incredibly lucky to see a lion pride up close in Nakuru. Camps are beyond our expectations and we love the sounds of nature.
Due to the rainy weather, we had to end our Maasai Mara trip bit earlier. Otherwise, we might have had the chance to see more hunting scenes. For Crescent Island, we paid the entrance fee but didn’t actually go onto the island, and only walked along the mainland shore.
4 out of 5.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari!
Very good safari with kilipath! We saw almost all the animals including lions, leopards elephants hippos and more! Guide was very helpful and informative, some minor campsite organisation issues, but overall great experience.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tour operator had good and fast communication.
Despite we had to be ready at the hotel (very close by the office) at 6.50 A.M. and we left at 9.30! The rest of the trip was good on time.
We had a great driver Brian who showed us all the animals possible in the park. I've seen so many animals, it was beyond my expectation. We even got to see a leopard. But also the elephants with small ones were great. And all the lions, cheetas, girafs, zebras etc Thank you Brian.
What I didn't like was that you had to go to the Masai Village and there you felt obligated to pay 20 dollars. It would have been better if this was in the travel price.
Another tip: it would have been nicer if all people in the car would stay in the same camp. So they can enjoy the dinner with the experience together.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A humble young man with a huge ambition
Casper was a humble tour guide with a lot of respect. His tour made us want to do more with him. I did learn a lot about my Zimbabwean history through his fluent explanation. With my sister, I enjoyed the whole tour with him.
I recommend this young man
We were looked after in EVERY way on our wonderfully active journey.
From the moment we were met at the airport we received the best attention and service. Our driver and guide were friendly, knowledgable and experienced. Our safari through Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti were filled with amazing animal sightings and most of the time without countless other vehicles in the proximity which made these sightings `up close and personnal' experiences. The accommodation was very good throughout the safari the one big standout though was ELEPHANT LODGE in the Tarangire National Park. The room/hut were made from old shipping containers, were clean and well kept. The food was lovely as were the staff AND it had a pond next to the outdoor dining area where the animals would come for a drink. 12 blissful days went way to fast. Then back to town. The day spent sight seeing and shopping in Arusha was really interesting. The tanzanite mine tour was also interesting BUT the rigmorol and time it took to actuually get in was extensive and dampened the interest a little. Then Zanzibar! Love that place! Once again we were looked after very well and the hotel - MIZINGANI SEAFRONT HOTEL - was so beautiful with a magnificent ocean view. Food was great, staff helpful and friendly, large room, comfortable and clean. Highly recommend it. The trip to Prison Island was fun and the giant tortoise beautiful, be warned you need to walk through the water to get on you boat so wear the correct footwear. Moved to Paje for a rest by the beach, our room as clean and had a lovely view of the beach and the pool outside our door. We visited Jozani Forest on an excursion and got very close to thr Red Colobus Monkeys that are inhabitans there - SOOOO cute! All of our excursions in Zanzibar were handled with little fuss but perfectly organised. Next stop Dar Es Salaam, a big bustling city by the seaside with some very interesting culture, views and markets. Our Journey was for 24 days and well worth what we paid for this Mid-range trip. Highly recommend this company. By the way I only gave 4 stars because I belive it doesn't matter how good you are there is always room for improvement I would have loved to have given 4.1/2
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great!
Felix is our guide and driver....Had a great experience with him.. Covered every animals.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A breath taking tour
Our guide tours name was Casper. He was a very dedicated and professional young man. Everything he spoke about was clearly understood. We spend almost a day with him. I was happy throughout the tour
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
He is well conversant with the tour industry.
Nothing beats travelling with a well maintained vehicle driven by a responsible driver doubling as a tour guide.