US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Budget
Serengeti African Tours Provided a budget 5 day camping safari that allowed my husband, our son, and me the opportunity to go on a safari together. Because of this option, we could afford for all three of us to go on safari, and we probably could not have been able to otherwise. If you choose this option, though, you must understand that you are on the budget tour. The food was just OK with the meals being pretty basic and the same each day, and we were served after other more expensive tours so often did not eat until 9 or so at night. The sleeping mats and sleeping bags are also pretty basic, so understand that, in Ngorogoro crater, it does get cold and you definitely will need to sleep in a warm coat to be warm enough. Also, to hit the 5 parks listed on the tour, it is a very vigorous schedule, and there is a lot of traveling over dusty and bumpy roads that are not very well maintained, so be prepared for this. My husband has a back problem, and we were not forewarned about the condition of the roads getting to the parks and within the parks. Be prepared for that, and if you have any health issues, definitely do not take this budget tour. Take a more expensive and leisurely tour that perhaps only includes the Serengeti and Ngorogoro with a more leisurely schedule and sleeping in a lodge for accommodation. I say all this only because we weren't ready for the intense pace and poor conditions of the roads and probably would have spent more and not done the budget camping tour. For young, healthy people who are used to roughing it and camping, it is fine, and it is affordable compared to other options. All that said and regardless of these challenges, my son and I had a wonderful time and awesome safari, and my husband only didn't so much because of his age and bad back. We all really liked our driver and guide, Bulldozer, who is very knowledgeable about the animals, the plants, the Masai people, the ecology of the area, and so many things. He now feels more like a Rafiki than just our tour guide. Truly exceptional! He tailors what he focuses on in the safari to what those in his group are most interested in and tries very hard to ensure that everyone has a good safari. Because of this and his many years of experience as a guide, we were able to see some truly amazing animals and their behaviors. For example, we ate our lunch on the last day next to two herds of elephants wallowing and bathing in the stream right next to us! Just jaw dropping and magical! We watched two lionesses fighting over a piece of zebra kill while their nine cubs chirped for food in the background! Again, jawdropping and amazing! Elephants walked right past our jeep! I could have touched them. Incredible! So, in short, we had an overall wonderful safari experience, and I recommend this company highly for the attention and care they give you. I would've liked to see better and more sanitary food storage in truly cold and working coolers (which is why I avoided the meat throughout the safari), but otherwise this company is great. Invioleta was super attentive, helpful,
and responsive throughout the booking and entire process and journey, and Bulldozer was an exceptional guide. I felt very cared for by both of them, and they went out of their way to provide an excellent safari. We will definitely book with them again. My son is young and healthy enough to do the budget one again. My husband and I will do a more upscale and leisurely one that accommodates our ages and health issues better. Thanks for all the magical animal encounters we had. We have some great memories now that we will cherish forever!
GR
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very efficient
Overall the trip was good,the hotels were good but the food in the camp was poor.Brian our driver was very good and Chanson was very efficient.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent experience and services
Considering it was my first time to visit the East African Circuit in terms of adventure, a lot of risks are taken not knowing if what you see will be what you get. But all in all I was lucky enough to have chosen Bluerange Connect Tour Company for the reached and exceed all of my expectations. Am thankful and no regrets in the money that I spent by deciding to use this company. I would highly recommend the company to others.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT.
A prior deposit was needed for booking and ensuring that will avail ourselves, hence acts like as the booking for a slot for the company to do the preparation needed before our arrival. A voucher was sent to us via email to act as an evident that indeed we had already secured a slot with the company. Everything went smoothly and we had no hard time at the booking process. Upon arrival we paid remaining amount so that we may start our journey. The environment was friendly as well as our servers. We had no issues and the 1st step was a success.
TRASPORTATION.
We had decided to do a group joining and we don’t regret our decision. We used road as a means of transport and the van was comfy, clean and full of entertainment. The other tourists were also friendly and we got to make new friends making the Safari lively. This was catered for in our pay hence didn’t have to pay again. The driver was also friendly and kind to us which created a friendly environment with him as well as making us feel comfortable to feel free and ask questions.
ACCOMMODATION.
The hotels that we spent our nights in were worth the price we paid. The rooms were clean, comfortable and remarkable. The meals didn’t delay and had sweet aroma and tasted nice. None of us had any stomach ache issues due to food poisoning which was kind a relief and proved how quality the services were. The hotels we slept in were the same as prescribed in the itinerary, the duration and dates were well stated.
ENTERTAINMENT.
The whole Safari was full of entertainment. We got to experience the Kenyan Culture in terms of music which was kind of fascinating and hilarious. I personally was excited during the whole journey because it was full of joy and jokes all through. This is all thanks to the company we choose which we are remarkable.
ATTRACTION SITES.
We had planned a 6day trip to visit various tourist attraction sites in Kenya and lucky enough we got to see the animals which was the main agenda of the trip from the beginning. We got to see the migration at Maasai Mara National Reserve which was a relief for many don’t get to see the migration unless you have a good tour guide and a driver that can be able to predict for one may miss to see the migration hence depend on luck. Our tour guide was so much informed about the animals and knew to do his job well which we really appreciate for being so patient and kind towards us.
With those few remarks am thankful to the company for exceeding my expectation experience and making a memorable tour for me. Wish to work with you again. For best experience don’t hesitate to choose this company.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tried hard to accomodate for my needs and my request.
We went with my brother ,his wife and 2 other persons, appreciated the small group numbers. We were blessed to see all animals on our wish list except Cheetah. It was amazing. Andrew our guide went out of his way to show us animals and teach us about animal behaviour. He has a great deal to organise and manage over the 2 weeks ,he did it well! It was getting a bit hot towards the end of August so July may be a better month. Be prepared to have days of travel from one National Park to the other on dirt roads and plenty of dust. The positive is very few tourists and safari vehicles chasing the animals for viewing. We all agreed it was a great adventure!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They did everything they could to make our trip smooth after our flight was delayed 3 days.
Carol was very helpful in putting together a tour for us. When our flight got delayed 3 days they worked very hard trying to rebook everything and make sure we got the best options available. Unfortunately we missed out on a few of the awesome hotels, but that was not their fault at all. They did respond and try to make our trip as smooth as possible at all times. We loved all of our safaris. We didn't enjoy the two lakes we went to as much, and would have skipped them altogether and spent more time on the safaris, but keep in mind the drives are long and take a long time (they can't drive over 80km/h, so do the math like that), and the lake stops were more strategic. Next time I come, I will choose to go to less places and spend more time in each place, for sure.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very reliable operator
We have spent 5 days/ 4 nights with Free Africa Tours and Safaris in the Amboseli, Nakuru and Masai Mara NPs. It was a nice trip and we have seen a lot of animals and due to the distances between the NPs we also got a bigger picture of the different Kenya landscapes. Even if the time pressure was a little too high due to the long trips from one NP to the other we enjoyed the tour and we are happy that we followed the recommendations from Free Africa Tours and Safaris and our driver Joel. I.e. we made a nice boat tour on Lake Naivasha on our way to Masai Mara.
The only pain point we have to mention was the short term notification by Free Africa Tours and Safaris about the significant entrance fee increases at Masai Mara. But also for this case Silas Anemba had a good suggestion how to deal with it. Since 2010 it was our 7th Safari and I must admit that on the one side the adventure and the beauty of such a tour has not changed but on the other side the NPs are meanwhile very much visited by poeple which do not have the respect for the nature and the animals.
SK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Flexible and responsible in a short time.
Lizzy was very helpful when creating our itinerary. She was in contact with us all the time. I really appreciated. All acommodations were exactly the same like she promoted. Even if we wanted to upgrade our tented camp for a hotel, she was so quick to provide us perfect solution. We had a good time in Masai Mara and lake Nakuru. We really appreciate her effort.
We had only 1 small problem with our driver, who did not stop for an optional boat drive on lake Naivasha, because he was in rush.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
He was very friendly and competent.
The transfer to the Safari was perfect. The Safari it self could be a little bit longer and the circles you drive in could be a little bit wider but overall a great experience. You can see lots of animals but lions are very rare in Mikumi. Sadly. The Transfer back to the hotel has also been without any problems.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good mix of wildlife and beaches
The overall package was great to explore Kruger National park in 2 days from Johannesburg.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good in communication, need to be improved vehicle safety
Our communication with Serengeti Mystery Adventures were very smooth. Responded immediately whatever we asked. It made us really relieved. Trip it self went well according to the schedule. Only one things disappointed and not able to recommend was lack of safety in quality of vehicle such as no seat belt, broken handle, car break down (old battery). Cars need to be well maintained.