DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had a great time there
we have been two days and nights there. The camp site and the pool was very nice, clean, all people very friendly. The dinner was delicious. The trip to Vic falls was very well organized. We had a great day
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing 3 day private tour
The safari in general was a 5 star experience. We loved it. The food. The animals. Amazing.
The guide, Rashid, was the best guide! He was so good and nice. We really liked how he was, he was interacting when appropriate and giving us the time we needed to see animals or take pictures. He was very nice and good at spotting animals.
The food and accomodation was also really good. The host was the nicest person! So sweet. Also, we loved the food, all the meals were delicious 😋
All in all we think it was a 5 star experience 🌟 Especially our guide should have some credit 🤝✨🙏
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great, friendly service, well-organised and lots of communication, wonderful experience.
Our trip was really well organised from start to finish. Our guide, Augustin, was highly knowledgeable and very attentive. The Zebra Camp was amazing with lovely rooms and chilled atmosphere. The vehicle was ideal for the trip and we loved seeing all the animals up close. It was an unforgettable experience.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
While the wildlife was extraordinary, the safari was tainted by bad guiding, poor gear, and delays.
Incredible Wildlife, but Disappointing Tour Organisation and Guiding
We went on a 5-day safari with Suricata Safari, visiting Tarangire National Park, spending two nights in the Serengeti, and exploring the Ngorongoro Crater.
First of all, the safari itself was incredible. These parks are among the best wildlife destinations in the world, and we were fortunate to see an amazing variety of animals. The overall itinerary was generally well planned, and the wildlife experience was unforgettable. Unfortunately, several aspects of the tour operator’s organisation and service significantly affected our experience.
1. Poor communication and last-minute changes
Our pre-safari briefing did not take place as scheduled and was delayed by approximately three and a half hours. Furthermore, when we arrived at Twiga Campsite, we were informed that our planned visit to Tarangire National Park would be postponed. We had specifically wanted to visit Tarangire first, allowing the safari to build towards the highlights of the trip. This change was communicated only briefly upon our arrival at the campsite, without any prior notice or explanation.
2. Our guide was essentially just a driver
This was by far the biggest disappointment. Our guide provided very little information about the wildlife, the national parks, or the itinerary. There was almost no communication, and we were rarely informed about the plan for the day, the expected schedule, or what we could expect to see.
A safari guide should do much more than simply drive from one place to another. Explaining animal behaviour, sharing knowledge about the ecosystem, and helping guests understand what they are seeing are essential parts of the experience. Fortunately, another traveller in our group had studied biology and was able to explain many things about the animals to us. Without this person, our safari experience would have been considerably less informative.
3. Poor camping equipment and repetitive food
At the public campsite in the Serengeti, the sleeping equipment was disappointing. The mattresses and sleeping bags were visibly worn out, and the mattresses varied considerably in quality, with some being extremely thin. One traveller in our group did not even receive a pillow.
The food was acceptable and there was enough to eat, but the meals were very repetitive and not particularly enjoyable. This was not a major issue in itself, but overall, the quality could have been better.
4. Too much time wasted coordinating different accommodation categories
Another significant issue was that our vehicle carried both budget and mid-range travellers who were staying at different accommodations. As a result, we repeatedly had to pick up or wait for the mid-range guests. This cost us valuable time that could otherwise have been spent in the national parks.
Consequently, we often entered the parks relatively late and sometimes spent only three or four hours there. For example, our descent into the Ngorongoro Crater took place quite late, and we had to leave again around midday because other members of the group needed to return to Arusha that day.
I also felt that we missed opportunities for early-morning game drives in the Serengeti. Instead of starting around 6 a.m., as would have been possible, we generally set off at around 8:30 a.m. Early mornings are among the best times to observe wildlife, and when travelling all the way to the Serengeti, I believe these opportunities should be taken seriously.
Conclusion
I would absolutely recommend visiting Tarangire, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. The wildlife and landscapes are extraordinary, and the safari itself was an unforgettable experience.
However, I cannot give Suricata Safari the same recommendation. The lack of guiding, insufficient communication, worn-out camping equipment, and inefficient organisation meant that we did not get as much out of the experience as we could have. In particular, combining budget and mid-range travellers in a way that repeatedly reduced our time in the parks was frustrating.
The parks themselves were outstanding, but the tour operator did not fully deliver on the experience I had expected. With a knowledgeable guide, better communication, improved camping equipment, and more efficient scheduling, this could have been a much better safari.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Responsive operator and personable guide on a worthwhile Nairobi layover tour.
We did the half-day Nairobi tour with Savanna Sound during our 12-hour layover, covering the Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park. Feeding the Nubian giraffes was a fun and unique experience, and the game drive in Nairobi NP was a nice way to see a good amount of wildlife so close to the city when we had limited time.
Samuel, our guide, was very personable and explained a lot to us throughout the day. The operator also suggested an add-on at Carnivore restaurant, which was cool for trying some exotic meats. Overall, a solid option for a short layover stop.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive operator and excellent wildlife on our northern circuit with Topy Tours.
We just returned from a seven-day northern circuit safari with Topy Tours and was very impressed. We covered Tarangire, two full days in the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. Jackson was always responsive and helpful from the planning stage right through the trip.
Our guide Paul was excellent with 30 years of experience. He got us the big five, plus a cheetah, crocodiles, mongoose, and two leopards. We also saw a wide variety of birds. The game viewing was consistent and well-timed.
The accommodations were very good. Escarpment was a highlight, and we also stayed at Moyo tented camp. The food was consistently good and everything was comfortable. One practical tip: if you are traveling in the dry season, bring a dust mask. You will need it.
Topy Tours took care of everything from start to finish. The itinerary is busy with early starts and full days, so be prepared for that. Overall, a solid operator and a memorable trip.
NG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Amazing Experience (Guides Paul and Benson)
Paul and Benson were always on time and consulted with us what we wanted to do and when.
They would also suggest ideal things to do in order to fill any awkward time gaps.
And always communicative and friendly.
And the 6am sunrise tour at Oltuka gave us the lion view of dreams!!
5 incredible stars!!!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing
We have had the best trip with Eric! He made out travel company feel at ease, have fun, laugh, we saw the most amazing things! We had a schedule to follow but everything was very flexible. Eric always checked with us, and gave us the best tips. We truly had an amazing trip with Eric. Would recommend!
Also the booking and arranging prior to the trip went smoothly. Aisha helped us to make the most out of our trip. We gave a broad idea of what we wanted to do, and she made a wonderfull itinerary for us.
DE
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great Tour
Kevin Kamau was a excellent guide. Nairobo NP was the best expirience
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our safari was truly unforgettable, and so much of that is thanks to Josef. ❤️
Josef kindness, knowledge and genuine care made us feel safe and welcome every step of the way We’re leaving Tanzania with incredible memories and so much gratitude. Thank you, Josef, for making our honeymoon so special we couldn’t have asked for a better guide! 🇹🇿🐘