MA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great, with the ride guide!
I went on this trip as a solo traveler, which was a great choice for me because everything was pre-planned. I had a generally fantastic time and saw some amazing sights and animals! Overall, I am very happy with my experience!
My only feedback, and why I'm not giving 5-stars, is because my guide was knowledgeable, but hard to understand and communicate with. He sometimes seemed a bit harsh in his tone and when it's just the two of us for 7-days, it would have been nice to have a more personable host. Also, there were times when he didn't know what was scheduled and this led to uncomfortable situations; for example, I had booked a walking tour at Lake Naivasha and the guide didn't know about this, until he was putting me on the boat. This lack of knowledge led to me taking the walking tour in flip flops instead of close-toed shoes (I still have scratches on my feet) and I was carrying a heavy bag. Additionally, the vehicle was not what I expected; very old and uncomfortable.
IR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
is responsible
I enjoyed this tour, and will choose them if I come to Kenya again
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They were welcoming and open.
My 3 days at Diani Kenyan coast were fantastic, I enjoyed alot in terms of food,beaches and historical places. African Vulture Safaris did a tremendous job in planning everything. I'm looking forward for another round with you guys.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Expected more
I selected Thompson Safari for a Kilimanjaro Lemosho route summit, largely because some colleagues recommended them. All said- I would recommend considering other more reasonable alternatives. For sure, their team got us to the top, but the pre-event US based staff was lackluster at best. Delayed - if ever- responses that fell so short as to make me search the web for answers rather than engage them. Great in-country staff but clearly there were others, higher energy, and as it turns out far more reasonable for the same outcome.
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari and saw tons of wildlife but operations need some work
3.5 stars - Overall the tour was great. If you are looking for a budget safari this is for you.
Pros
- saw loads of wildlife
- tour guides David and Evans were helpful and informative (Evans especially)
- accommodation was clean and very comfortable
- food was very tasty
Cons
- the tour charged us a 5% FX fee which is outrageous (extra 25 USD)
- long periods of driving with no breaks or snacks (6/7 hours)
- we had to ask for bathroom breaks
- couple of other hidden charges that weren’t clear (bicycles in hells gate were extra and so was Masai Mara village tour)
- hot springs were in our itinerary and we never went
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Mburo National Park by Isabelle
good to rest but not as interesting as other NP
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tour did not deliver what was promised.
Don’t get me wrong, the safari was amazing, our guides were knowledgeable, our lodges comfortable. Our group of 10 women are disappointed because we were told the trip was all inclusive, included was a balloon ride & Champaign brunch, a flight out of the Serengeti, & NO tipping other than for our guides. Well you can guess that it was not all inclusive & we paid out of pocket for drinks. Our balloon ride never happened & instead of flying back to Arusha from the Serengeti we spent a whole day in a van ( which broke down & had 3 flat tires). We spent hundreds of $ tipping throughout the safari.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Disorganised 9-Day Kilimanjaro Hike, Coffee, Camping Safari & Culture
9-Day Kilimanjaro Hike, Coffee, Camping Safari & Culture
If I had not chased Nasr prior to my arrival, my tour would not have started at all due to a lack of organisation. I was then told to ignore my itinerary as all my activities would be in a different order. This meant that I had no idea what I was doing, when, who with or where I was staying day-to-day which I found stressful as a solo female traveller. Nasr did meet with me to try and help the situation but it did not improve due to an ongoing lack of open and honest communication.
Due to the change in order, all of the hikes were back-to-back which was exhausting. The activities themselves were incredible and most of the guides very friendly and informative. Unfortunately I missed out on the natural springs visit due to a lack of organisation. The best part of the trip was the safari in Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater which was outsourced to another company called Meru Slopes. If I had booked the whole trip with them I would have saved $500USD!
Overall, the activities are unbelievable and so worthwhile but I cannot recommend this company.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well organised, great trip
We had a wonderful and amazing trip!! Apparently good hotels, but dinner and lunch were a big disappointment on every safari day
.. that was a shame. But the country and the safari days made up for that.
(automatic translation from Dutch)
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They are friendly & time conscious
Super Eagles 'Rhino'
They picked & dropped us at the agreed time & place.
The tour guide was friendly & cooperative.