SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Efficient, fast and dedicated service, with the customer's needs and wants at the forefront.
Communication from itinerary curation, booking, to pre, during and post tour have been consistent, prompt, and dedicated. I especially appreciate that the itinerary was what I've always wanted to experience in SA but wasn't able to based on the tours available. Namely, Safari, Shark cage diving and whale watching.
I managed to visit Zimbabwe, Victoria falls; Botswana, Chobe National Park; Kruger National Park, Simbavati Waterside; Cape Town, Table Mountain, Cape Point; Hermanus, Sharkcage diving and whale watching; Stellenbosch.
All airport and hotel transfers were prompt, fuss free and comfortable. Less the transfer from Hermanus to Stellenbosch, where the driver was inappropriate when he entered he hotel and waited at the lobby. Then proceeded to request to be tipped, and when given, remarked that it was insufficient.
All accommodations were top notch, especially at Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls (Victoria Falls Safari Club); Simbavati Waterside; Hermanus (Marine Hermanus); and Stellenbosch (The Hazendal Hotel). Classy, clean and comfortable, with amazing views and ambience. The service was exceptional and dedicatedly genuine, making guests feel at home in a foreign country.
All the catered meals at Victoria Falls Safari Club were tasty and done with passion, I especially enjoyed the thick and juicy beef steak. And the Vulture Culture lunch in Makuwa-Kuwa restaurant is a Must, the experience was like none other. We especially loved the multiple surprise animal visits near the accommodation and waterhole and appreciate the binoculars facing the waterhole. The large herds of buffaloes was such a magnificent sight!
Simbavati Waterside accommodation was fantastically luxurious and comfortable, the service was impeccable, especially the daily mixers made to order for each guest. The food was excellent and made with heart. And the snacks and beverages available for free was well stocked and of great selection. The view facing the waterside was unmatched, with a multitude of excellent animal views. From herds of elephants frolicking, taking a bath and being playful, to large herds of deer and antelope, family of giraffes, warthogs, meerkats, and wild dogs. The Safari covered All the Big 5 and Ugly 5 as well. The pace of activities of the itinerary was comfortable and eventful, allowing guests to rest and fully enjoy the great ambience, sights and sounds of the lodge, while ensuring we got the Safari experience.
The location of Marine Hermanus was excellent, right outside was the coastal walk with fantastic views of the ocean and we were able to see multiple whale sightings, and I actually caught one breaching while on shore! The restaurant selection along the entire stretch were also very enticing. Each meal had been value for money and delicious, special mention to Gelato Mania Hermanus, the quality and taste of the ice cream was very rich and marvelous, with a very affordable price point. Although for the Sharkcage diving and whale watching, I'd prefer for it to be of a longer duration and more private to get the most out of the entire experience.
The Hazendal Hotel landscape was breathtakingly beautiful, simply serene, relaxing and takes you into another reality. I would recommend guests to dine at The Deli instead of The Restaurant, as the price point is more affordable, food portions are filling and better tasting in my opinion. I especially enjoyed the chocolate and wine pairing, the quality of the chocolates were great and paired with tailored wine made the experience unique.
The experience at Victoria & Alfred wasn't too pleasant. From an unexpected change in hotel stay from the main hotel to the boutique hotel created some inconvenience. The boutique hotel, while unique, seemed less modern and more aged design which was not preferred. It also directly faced the waterfront, which at night, there was loud music blaring. Although it does allow guest to soak up the nightlife.
The let down was right after the first breakfast, where the staff incorrectly directed us to out tour guide. And the mix up incurred additional tour cost which would have been included in my tour package. This is where Safari 365 certainly shone through and provided excellent, consistent and prompt communication to rectify the situation. We received a complimentary pack from Safari 365 and the hotel provided a meal voucher, platter an wine as service recovery. And it was very apparent that after the hotel knew that we were guests of Safari 365, they treated us with dedicated regard. Also kudos to Safari 365 for having the network and resources to contact the errant Jarat Tours to have the unwarranted tour cost lowered by negating the vehicle rental.
Jarat Tour was felt to be unprofessional and unfeeling, as despite their tour guide having made the mistake by collecting incorrect guests and was later found to lack basic authentication procedures, she was money focused and soon revealed that she couldn't care less about us who were not her guests. A Big Lose for Jarat Tour here.
In addition to the above service recovery episode, another occurrence which Safari 365 came through was when I dropped my new waterproof digital camera into the sea while sharkcage diving. Safari 365 immediately contacted the sharkcage diving tour operator to request for an official memo to facilitate my insurance claim.
Overall, Safari 365 is highly recommended for tailored itineraries unique to your preferences and needs. And they provide assurance, support and genuine dedication. This trip had been on my bucket list and considered a once in a lifetime must experience. While there were mishaps, Safari 365's service dedication and recovery had made it good.
I look forward to more travel adventures with Safari 365!
Thumbs up to my pre-tour point of contact Andrew and for during and post tour, Frederik.
HU
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best thing about our trip was that Modi was with us!
With Modi there is nothing to fear. excellent driver, excellent safari guide, explains everything thoroughly. always punctual, never late. I 100% recommend Modi to everyone who travels to Africa and wants to get to know the heart of Africa safely and comfortably.
FI
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Safari Experience with Kenya Bush Expeditions
My safari adventure with Kenya Bush Expeditions to Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks was nothing short of spectacular.
The guide David was professional, friendly, and deeply knowledgeable about wildlife and the parks. He answered all my questions with enthusiasm and tailored the tour to my interests and oneway route from Nairobi to Diani.
The lodge in Tsavo they arranged were perfectly chosen, offering both luxury and immersion in nature. Waking up to the sounds of the wild was an unforgettable experience.
BZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Timeline Travel is the ideal fusion of excellent company and learning
Timeline Travel is the ideal fusion of excellent company and learning. As we took in the stunning game drive, we were fascinated. It was incredible to see rhinos and elephants up close. The service was excellent, and the accommodations were cozy. Time Line Travel enhanced the experience by skillfully managing all the arrangements, freeing us up to appreciate the desert's splendor. A must-see for those who enjoy the outdoors
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very very pleasing
I did the Kilimanjaro walk to the summit in 5 days, then a week of Safari and then Zanzibar for 3 days. The organisation was impeccable and every transfer was perfectly organised. The car we travelled in were always spacious and clean and there is a really good care for the client. The itinerary was well planned and everything was really unforgettable. Hotels and accommodation were absolutely lovely and stunning and in fantastic locations. I will never forget this trip and will recommend Serengeti green tanzania to whoever will ask 🤗
CH
20-35 years of age
Quite okay Mt. Meru experience with Ups & Downs
Average price compared to other companies but for our group size of 2 people incomprehensible why 4 porters are needed (all of them have to be tipped, other companies use 2 porters for that group size).
We have not been proactively contacted for the briefing, sleeping bags not on the prep list so that we didn't bring any and had to rent them from the company...our guide briefed us and took photos of our passports, afterwards the organizer again asked us for photos of our passports, unclear if there was any communication. On the summit ascent (3rd) day we only got a poor and sweet food package for on the go, unfortunately not enough for such a hike. Our guide was a very funny, motivating and sociable guy but lacked a bit of healthy distancing and could not tell us a lot about historical backgrounds. Other than that, staff was very kind, friendly, always tried to provide the best service. Food was amazing and tasty, very big portions.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly and Customer First
I appreciate that I got a chance to join the safari tour with Dancing Safari Tour. The days of safari tour definitely became the most wonderful experience in my life. We got in contact with the staffs by WhatsApp, and the response was always quick so the communication was very smooth. Our driver and tour guide had a lot of knowledge about animals and ecosystem, and he answered all of my questions. My biggest purpose of my joining this tour was to see the big migration of wildbeasts crossing the river. Inspite of not the best season, he arranged the plan so that I could see such a moment because he remembered my story why I joined this tour I talked him on the first day. There was no tour group at the place except us, so this might be the success created by his knowledge and experience. Not limited to this, he always listened to my various requests carefully and dealed with all of them without forgetting. There was respect for me in every his actions, and he always tried to make efforts to make my time more enjoyable. The meal of my plan was handmade cooking by chef. His cooking was Tanzanian style and everything was cozy and tasty. I was taught how to cook his soup from him and this is one of the good memories. I enjoyed whole of the tour and I'm satisfied with Dancing Safari Tour very much.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional 4-Day Safari Experience with Makini Safari
My recent 4-day safari in Tanzania with Makini Safari was an unforgettable experience. The organization and planning were impeccable, ensuring a seamless adventure from start to finish.
**Accommodation and Dining:** The food throughout the safari was outstanding, with Chef Richard showcasing his culinary prowess. Each meal was a delightful blend of local flavors and gourmet excellence, making every dining experience a highlight of the trip.
**Guiding and Tour:** Our guide, David, was exceptional. His extensive knowledge of the wildlife, coupled with his personable and engaging manner, enriched our safari experience immensely. David’s expertise and passion for the region’s flora and fauna made every game drive informative and thrilling.
**Customer Service:** Nancy, our primary contact at Makini Safari, was instrumental in making this trip memorable. Her excellent communication skills and attentiveness ensured that all our needs were met promptly. Nancy’s dedication and professionalism provided us with peace of mind and made the entire planning process effortless.
In summary, I highly recommend Makini Safari for anyone looking to explore Tanzania’s incredible landscapes and wildlife. The combination of Chef Richard’s exceptional cuisine, David’s superb guiding, and Nancy’s excellent customer service created an unparalleled safari experience.
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
EXCELLENT
Amazing Safari! We can highly recommend Safari by Z and guide Fadhili! Also the booking agent Elia who arranged the trip, everything was well planed and he kept contact via whatsapp during the whole safari which felt very reassuring. Thanks to the fenomenal guide Fadhili who made this trip unforgettable! With ”eagle -eyes” he spotted animals from a far distance. He is a true talent and learned us a lot about the animals behavior and life in the wild. We didn't expect to see so many animals in just 3 days of safari, and were very greatful to see so many lions, cheetahs and elephants up close. Fadhili drove a Land rover which was very nice , felt comfortable and safe! If we going back to Tanzania for safari in the future we would definitely choose Safari by Z with guide Fadhili again.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
African Safari Classics is a top-notch tour operator that provides seamless, personalized experience
I recently traveled to Africa for two weeks of Safari Bliss. Our group included a childhood friend and two of his friends I had never met. We only agreed to the trip because our mutual friend had been on two previous safaris arranged by Africa Safari Classics, and Maurice (who made all the arrangements) curated a personalized trip for us based on all the favorite sites our friend had visited, along with some new ones. I would have been very hesitant to "shop" for a tour company online without firsthand knowledge of the experience I might hope to have. WOW - was I ever amazed by our incredible safari experiences in Kenya, Tanzania, and our final few days of relaxation in Zanzibar. I appreciate all the effort that went into making my trip memorable.
The sequence and flow of our itinerary were excellent. We started off with a day of leisure in Nairobi at the Tamarind Tree Hotel to adjust to the time change. Tours were arranged for us at the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, and a bead factory. I enjoyed each of these immensely (don't miss the Giraffe Centre for some great photo ops). We set off the next day for the first of our five-day Kenyan safari drives in Amboseli, beautiful Lake Naivasha, and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. For the next phase of our adventure, we boarded a small plane for a flight to Central Serengeti in Tanzania. Everything was ready for us, and we said goodbye to our Kenyan driver, Boni, to be met at the other end by our Tanzanian driver, David. We enjoyed four days of game drives in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a stop at Olduvai Gorge. The final part of our itinerary began with a flight from Arusha to Zanzibar for three final days of relaxation at the beautiful Next Paradise Resort. Each camp and lodge was unique and provided a different perspective of the region. The accommodations were comfortable and well-chosen, each with its own flavor, enhancing the overall experience. Maurice, our tour organizer, checked in daily with our drivers to make sure we were having a wonderful time, as well as checking in with me - I call that first-class service.
From the moment we landed in Nairobi, where our driver Patrick was waiting with a sign, to the arrangements at our final destination, everything was perfectly organized. The logistics were seamless and handled in true "Hakuna Matata" stress-free style. Africa Safari Classics will always be remembered by me as a "No Worries" company that embodies the true spirit of the people at every location I visited. I was able to thoroughly enjoy every moment of my vacation.
The food was delicious and varied, catering well to different dietary needs. We had a gluten-free member of our party and preferred more vegetarian options, which were available everywhere we stayed. The game drives were thrilling, with an abundance of wildlife sightings that exceeded my expectations. We had several, what I like to refer to as "National Geographic moments" that I will never forget. We were able to locate the Big Five must-see animals as well as many more varieties and amazing birds everywhere you turned. Each day brought new and exciting encounters. One week later, I am still sorting through hundreds of stunning photographs, trying to narrow down the best of everything that captured my heart.
Something to think about when you go on a safari: You will be spending hours and hours in your vehicles driving, from location to location and on the drives themselves. The drivers you will spend all that time with make all the difference in the world. We spent our first five days with the driver that our companion had traveled with on his two previous Kenyan safaris. His name is Kasimba Boniface, a.k.a. "Boni." He brings his 36 years of guiding experience and knowledge to your adventure, from finding the hard-to-spot animals and getting you up close and personal, to helping other guides get their vehicles out of the mud. All the other drivers call him "sir," and he is known and respected everywhere he goes. What he adds every day is a jovial spirit, a giant heart, and more laughter than our vehicle could hold - I haven't laughed this hard in years (don’t even get him started on the “Shewee”). He and Maurice helped make my birthday at Zebra Plains Mara Camp the most wonderful one I have ever experienced. If your excursion includes Kenya, you have to request Boni (and make sure to ask him to give you a demonstration of how hippos handle their poo). We had a wonderful driver in Tanzania as well. David was a gentle soul with a wealth of knowledge. He was fantastic about explaining all the facts about each animal, and he knew land sizes, populations, and so many details about everything we were seeing, like a walking encyclopedia. Boni and David were exceptional guides. Their knowledge, cooperation, and initiative greatly enriched the safari experience. They were attentive to our needs and provided excellent customer care, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was enjoyable.
Thank you, Africa Safari Classics, once again for organizing such a fantastic safari. I look forward to recommending your services to others and hope to travel with you again in the future. I left a part of my heart in Africa.
Best regards,
Karen
