35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Experience - Guide, Hotels, and Itinerary!
We organized a private safari for four people through Makini for 7 days and 6 nights. Nancy was wonderful in helping us plan and organize the trip, helped to choose excellent lodging and was responsive and helpful with questions leading up to the trip and checked on us during the trip. She even had our vehicle fridge stocked with beer and wine which was a nice treat.
The first day we were picked up right in time from the airport and had a lovely tour of Arusha seeing some local markets and a great museum. Some of the stops seemed designed to get us as tourists to purchase tanzanite, spices, or local art items. Remember haggling at these markets should you choose to purchase is expected. Then we had a good protons the day to relax at our hotel which was beautiful and get adjusted to the time and unwind from two days of flying.
Our guide Godfrey met us the second morning and he was fantastic throughout the entire trip. I genuinely don’t understand how he spotted some of the animals he did. We could not believe how many sightings we had. Godfrey was knowledgeable about the land, the wildlife, and knew all of the trails around the Serengeti and Ndutu so well. He also seemed to know and be friendly with most of the other guides and would get heads ip on the radio or phone when there was significant activity which I’m confident led to how many big sightings we were able to enjoy.
Our trip took us through Tarangire, the Serengeti, Ndutu, and the Ngorongoro Crater. In our 6 days actually on game drives we saw a ton of lions including cubs and an attempt at mating, leopards, many cheetahs, cape buffalo, hyenas, warthogs, elephants, giraffe, zebra, black backed and golden jackals, black rhinoceros, antelopes, baboons, dikdiks, gazelles, hippopotamuses, impalas, vervet monkeys, agama lizard, dung beetle, Nile crocodile, eland, topi, bushbuck, hartebeast, wildcat, and of course the incredible wildebeest migration. Godfrey even spotted a wildebeest in labor and we were able to watch her give birth and see a new wildebeest take its first steps which was a highlight of the trip. The size and scope of the migration is truly indescribable. We didn’t do a balloon tour but I’d bet it we old have been incredible in seeing the migration in large scale from above.
In terms of birds we saw greater and lesser flamingo, helmeted Guinea fowl, kori bustards, ostrich, fish eagles, tawny eagles, vultures, marabou storks, grey crowned crane, African golden-weaver, black headed heron, secretary birds, hammerkop, and more.
We stayed at the Arusha Farmhouse, Suricata Boma Lodge, Misako Luxury Camp, Safari Haven Migration Camp, and Ngorongoro Marera View Lodge. The food on the trip was exceptional. There were delicious hot lunches packed for us each day.
Not sure how this worked out, but we didn’t even see a mosquito the entire trip. The price we were quoted and paid was unbeatable. Makinindid an exceptional job for a great price- I would highly recommend to go with Makini.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our 7-day honeymoon was a dream come true
Our 7-day honeymoon was a dream come true, full of unforgettable wildlife encounters. From the moment we landed, the adventure began. Our game drives took us through the stunning landscapes of Lake Manyara, where we were greeted by herds of giraffes and zebras grazing peacefully by the water’s edge. The vibrant birdlife there was a photographer's paradise, with flocks of flamingos painting the lake pink.
But the Serengeti scene was wow!! Our game drives took us deep into the heart of the savanna, and we were lucky enough to witness the raw beauty of nature. From lions lounging in the shade to cheetahs gracefully sprinting across the plains and huge wildebeest herds migrating to their calving site, every turn seemed to bring a new spectacle. The highlight, though, was waking up to elephants right outside our tent, their massive silhouettes moving through the morning mist. It was a breathtaking moment that felt like we were living in a wildlife documentary.
One of the most surreal experiences was our hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. We floated silently above herds of wildebeest and gazelles, watching the sun rise over the endless horizon. The view was like something out of a dream.
Then we ventured to the Ngorongoro Crater, where the wildlife seemed to come from every direction. We saw rhinos, buffalo, and more lions than we could count. The crater's natural beauty and its abundance of wildlife made it feel like we had stepped into another world, where the animals ruled the land and we were just lucky to witness their world. Every game drive brought new thrills, and every animal encounter felt like a privilege.
It was the perfect way to start our journey together. Asante sana Zara Tour
Sarah & Sid
KR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very fantastic Safari, excellent services and guide
I had only 10 days notice before go to Kenya, but I want very much do short safari in Masai Mara. I contact Iyana Africa Tours and Safaris, wow they very fast! Nicholas reply in just one hour, give clear price and good 2-day plan exactly what I ask. No many emails back and forth, very quick and make me feel safe for last minute booking.
The safari was fantastic, unforgettable! Our guide Patrik very good, know a lot about animals and park, tell funny stories and make us laugh. He drive careful but good on bumpy road, always put us best place see animals without rush or danger. We see Big Five: lions, leopard (my favorite!), elephants, buffalo, rhino. Landscape so beautiful too. Short trip but see so much more than I think. I recommend Iyana Africa Tours very much for quick Masai Mara trip. Thank you Nicholas and Patrik, you make my Kenya dream come true!
HU
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and flexible
I had a great visit in Masai Mara! Everything was well planned, the communication with Josana Tours is very easy and quick, they offered me a good solution in good price for my difficult travel schedule. I had limited time for this visit. In one day safati I was able see many species and lot of animals, it was great adventure. The accomodation was good and game driver was very professional.
Fabulous tour at a lovely lodge with great service.
This was a fabulous tour and stay at garden lodge. It is decorated to the highest standard with lovely food in a great setting. The safaris are well narrated, we learned and saw so much, seeing the different animals and even a family of cheetahs making a kill.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
We just finished a five full-day tour in Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti. Our guide was Julieth and things couldn’t have been better: great weather, so many animals, and the best guide ever. We had so many amazing experiences that were driven by Julieth’s experience and knowledge. We learned a ton, took hundreds of pictures of animals, and made memories that will stay with us for a lifetime. The only thing we would add is that late January is the perfect time due to all of the animal babies and fewer tourists. Thank you Soul of Tanzania and especially Julieth!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic！！！
The overall service was excellent. The team was highly responsive and efficient throughout the planning process. During the safari, our guide was incredibly attentive and thoughtful. Whenever animals were spotted, he would speed up to get us closer, ensuring we made the most of the experience. We managed to see the Big Five and many other smaller creatures as well.
What stood out even more was how our guide often went the extra mile—literally—to find us the best photo opportunities. My most memorable moment was in Amboseli at sunset. While many safari vehicles crowded in one spot, our guide drove further away and found us a perfect viewpoint where a herd of elephants lined up against the setting sun. It was breathtaking.
After returning to Nairobi, I was quite exhausted and visibly tired. Steve noticed and kindly checked in to see if I was okay. It’s these thoughtful touches that made the trip truly exceptional.
Overall, it was an absolutely fantastic journey. If given the chance, I would definitely choose them again.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
exceptional
A great experience with local company, excellent value for money for anyone coming from overseas for a kenyan safari tour
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They were fantastic. Hard working great great human beings!!
I’ve vacationed to Tanzania 3 times, and will be the only place I will vacation in the future. I’m in love with the wide open Serengeti and large groups of animals it offers. Simply amazing and you just don’t know “what you’re going to see around the next corner “! And the working people at camps along the way are the best sincere people you’ll ever meet. The accommodations and food is top notch too.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was perfect
Our safari at Arusha National Park was absolutely amazing, and a big part of that was thanks to our excellent driver, Alex. He was incredibly professional, drove very smoothly, and made us feel safe the entire time. What really stood out was his patience — he always took his time to stop near the animals so we could observe them properly and enjoy every moment. Alex also explained everything very clearly and shared a lot of interesting information about the wildlife and the park. Thanks to him, the safari was not only beautiful but also very enriching. Highly recommended!