AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari experience for budget travellers
My girlfriend and I booked the 10 days combined Kenya-Tanzania Safari package (itinerary: Nakuru, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Serengeti, Ngorongoro). At the beginning we were a bit sceptical beause of payment to be made in cash in Nairobi directly at the office. Until we got there, it was still difficult for us to assess the whole situation as we were not entirely sure about the safety circumstances in Nairobi. At the first day, we were picked up at our hotel and brought to the office, where we first met Josephine for the first time. She was very kind, helpful and managed to arrange for us to go out together to withdraw cash, which gave us a sense of security. After that she told us, that the itinerary was slightly changed, which had no impact on our safari experience.
The safari itself was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The organization was top and our drivers we had for the 10 days trip were communicative, courteous and very helpful. There were between four and six of us in the jeep, and we had plenty of space. I don't want to go into too much detail about everything we saw, because everyone should experience it for themselves – simply amazing. Accomodations were absolutely ok, although everyone has different personal requirements for accommodation, one must also leave a certain comfort zone on a safari. One further important information is, that the border crossing was absolutely no problem and the new driver waited paitently for us at the Tanzanian side to bring us to the hotel in Arusha.
All in all, this review focuses primarily on the organizational support provided by Josephine of Brianna Safaris Limited, as a safari in Kenya/Tanzania is an experience in itself, and most readers want to learn about the available options or have specific concerns about tour operators. Thank you, Josephine, for this unique experience; we would definitely book another safari with you!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a LIFETIME!
From start to finish, African Big Cats Safaris was an incredible company to book with. Customer service was excellent, all questions were answered quickly and clearly. The airport pick up was smooth and all accommodations were comfortable, clean and the food was great! Staff at each site we visited were incredibly helpful, friendly, welcoming and polite. Our guide was truly outstanding. He was incredibly knowledgeable about every animal we saw and could spot animals from a crazy distance and got us up close to view the wildlife. Our guide went above and beyond expectations to ensure our trip was everything we ever imagined. He delivered!
A representative from African Big Cats met with us when we arrived at our first location and went through our entire trip and answered any questions we had. At the end of our trip a similar conversation took place as they were very focussed on our comfort and overall experience.
We highly recommend African Big Cats Safaris. An entirely surreal experience curated by this fantastic company.
BO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bernard was amazing, patient, caring, and incredibly knowledgeable.
From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized. The service exceeded my expectations — everything ran smoothly, from the airport pickup to the daily activities.
I felt that the experience offered incredible value for money. Every moment was thoughtfully planned, and I always felt safe, cared for, and well-informed. The team was reliable and professional, but also warm and genuinely kind.
Overall, the tour was exceptional — a perfect balance between adventure, culture, and connection with nature.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very Knowledgeable And Very Helpful
🌟 My Incredible Journey with Wildscope Adventures!
I recently had the pleasure of taking a tour with Wildscope Adventures, and I couldn't wait to share my experience! From the initial contact to the final drop-off, every aspect of the trip was managed with professionalism and a genuine desire to provide an unforgettable adventure.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once-in-a-Lifetime Safari Experience with Incredible Guides
We booked an eight-day private safari through Kenya and Tanzania for our honeymoon with Rafiki Tembo, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. Lowassa and his team went above and beyond to ensure an unforgettable trip, exceeding all of our expectations. We wholeheartedly recommend Rafiki Tembo to first-time and seasoned travelers alike. We’re already looking forward to planning our next safari adventure!
Here’s a summary of our incredible experience with Rafiki Tembo:
1. The planning phase: finding the perfect itinerary
Although my wife and I are experienced travelers, we quickly realized that planning a safari requires extensive research and expert guidance. From the first email, Lowassa stood out with his prompt, thorough responses. He provided invaluable insights into the various national parks, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and different accommodation options. He took the time to tailor every recommendation to our preferences. Communicating with Lowassa was effortless. He was always quick, transparent, and dependable, which made the planning process smooth and stress-free.
After a few exchanges, Lowassa sent us a solid offer tailored to our requests and expectations, which we confirmed without delay.
2. First stop: the Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
We were fortunate to spend an unforgettable three days exploring the breathtaking Maasai Mara National Reserve. George, our guide for this part of the journey, was nothing short of extraordinary. His sharp eye and unmatched knowledge of the reserve allowed us to spot all of the iconic "Big Five" animals in an impressively short time—including the elusive leopard, a true highlight of our trip. George’s exceptional skill and experience always ensured that we had the perfect vantage points for each wildlife sighting, enhancing the magic and wonder of the entire experience.
As a fellow photography enthusiast, George had an innate understanding of what makes a picture truly remarkable. He expertly positioned the vehicle at just the right angles, making it easy to capture breathtaking shots of the wildlife in their natural habitat. Thanks to his attention to detail and instinct for the perfect moment, I was able to take some once-in-a-lifetime photos.
Beyond his expertise, George brought so much joy and energy to the trip. His warm personality, extensive knowledge of the animals, and fantastic sense of humor added a whole new layer to the experience, making it as fun as it was educational. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide, and we’ll always be grateful to him for making our safari adventure so special.
3. Second stop: Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania)
Our adventure continued in Tanzania, where we explored Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. For this part of our trip, we were fortunate to have Mayunga and Abdul as our guides. They were both absolutely fantastic.
Both Mayunga and Abdul had a unique ability to anticipate animal behavior, which gave us an unforgettable opportunity to observe and photograph the animals in their natural habitat. Two of the highlights of our time with them were the day we spotted six leopards – including a playful cub attempting to climb its first tree – and the champagne lunch accompanied by an unexpected elephant parade. Moments like these were made possible because of their dedication and skill.
Their passion for wildlife and commitment to providing the best possible safari experience were unmatched. As photography enthusiasts, we greatly appreciated their efforts to position us in the perfect spots to capture amazing photos of our favorite animals. Thanks to their sharp eyes, patience, and expert knowledge, we witnessed spectacular wildlife moments.
Thanks to their attentiveness and expertise, the beauty and magic of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro were brought to life in a way that we’ll never forget. We’re so grateful for all their hard work and care in making this part of our journey perfect.
Thanks a lot for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, dear Lowassa and Team!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Honeymoon Safari in Kenya
We booked a six-day safari with Nkishon for our honeymoon. We had both gone on safari before, so we had some idea of what to expect, but Abigail’s crew at Nkishon exceeded our expectations and made our honeymoon truly special. The adventure started with a smooth pickup at Nairobi’s airport. We arrived after 10 pm, but John was there to meet us with a legible sign and dropped us off at our hotel, the Somerset. Upon entering our room, we saw a beautiful arrangement on the bed, made with towels and tropical flowers. Abigail had informed them we were on our honeymoon, and the hotel staff went all out to accommodate us. The hotel was nice, and the restaurant food was very good. The restaurant on the hotel’s rooftop was especially good and had a nice view of the Nairobi skyline. We stayed two nights, adjusted to the time zone, and got some needed rest.
On the second morning, Abigail met us in the lobby and introduced us to our driver and guide, Leonard. Leonard was an excellent guide. He stayed with us through the trip, drove us to the three parks we visited, and conducted the game drives. He was very knowledgeable about the animals and their habits, and he made sure we were in position to get good views of the wildlife. Leonard was also very personable and attentive to our every need.
The first park we visited was Masai Mara, where we saw lots of animals and birds. On our first full-day drive we saw 20 different species, including lions, African buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. We had hoped to see the remnants of the Great Migration, but we were too late for that (although we did see the river that the wildebeests crossed, with huge crocodiles lined on the banks). At Masai Mara we stayed at the Sarova Mara Game Camp. The rooms here were beautiful (again, ours came with special honeymoon touches), and this lodging was probably the most upscale of the places we stayed at. One thing to note: although the roof and rear of our cabin were solid, the sides and the front were made of tent material. This allowed us to hear external sounds at night, including a troupe of extremely loud African bush babies at 3:00 am!
After two nights at Masai Mara, we drove about four hours to Lake Nakuru Park. This park, centered around a gorgeous mountain lake, was greener and lusher than Masai Mara. Here we saw rhinos and hippos, as well as elephants, lions, and buffalo. We also saw a large number of water birds, including flamingos, ducks, pelicans, herons, and swans. We overnighted at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in sturdy, although somewhat small, stone cabins. The rainy weather we encountered made mosquito repellent a must. Due to the mosquitoes, we avoided walking down to the lake shore from our cabin.
The next morning we left for Amboseli National Park. This was a seven-hour drive on smooth tarmac for most of the drive. The road was virtually nonexistent for the last bit, and Leonard had a chance to show off his off-roading skills to get us through the many hard sand dunes that stood between us and our destination. Although the ride was very bumpy, it was well worth it. Amboseli was probably our favorite of the three parks. Not only did Amboseli have all of the animals that we had seen at the other two parks (save for rhinos), at Amboseli, you could look out your cabin window, or sit on the porch and watch them pass by within 100 feet of you! We had hoped to see the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro during our stay at Amboseli, but for two days it remained hidden in clouds. Then, on the third day, the majestic mountain revealed itself. It was spectacular to see, and our last game drive was even more memorable with Kilimanjaro as the backdrop.
Our Nkishon tour was one of the best travel experiences either of us has had. Abigail paid attention to every detail, and the level of hospitality and service was outstanding. We highly recommend Nkishon Tours for your safari adventure, and we hope to use them again in the future. Abigail is not only an excellent tour operator, she is an enterprising Black businesswomen who deserves your support.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing adventure!
We recently returned from an amazing safari adventure in Tanzania, followed up by a few relaxing days on Zanzibar island. We had contemplated this trip for years but the long flight made it seem daunting. Friends of ours had worked with Jessica Mathews at Dancing Zebra Safari company in the past and highly recommended her, so I decided to give her a call. After a few meetings of discussing options and listening to Jessica’s recommendations (she’s very knowledgeable of the country), we decided on Northern Serengeti for abundant wildlife and then Eastern Serengeti as big cats (especially cheetahs) were high on our ‘really hope to see’ list. We decided on October as it would be less crowded as the Great Migration was nearing completion. We added on Ngorngoro Caldera as we had heard it was a special experience. Jessica arranged a number of extra activities for us including a balloon safari that added special moments for us. Jessica spoke highly of Lemala Camps and their guides, and we stayed at Lemala Kuria Hills (North), Lemala Nanyukie (East) and Lemala Osonjoi Lodge (Ngorongoro). The camps were amazing. They felt luxurious and you’d never know they run on solar power! Running water and the ability to take a hot bath in your tent was wonderful. The camps locations were incredible too - right in the Savannah with animals always nearby or traveling through. The staff at all three were fabulous. Friendly, helpful, kind, always smiling and it didn’t feel forced, it felt as if they all loved what they did, they were a family, and their camaraderie was infectious (special shoutout to Godwill, Jamu, Matthias, Wright, Abdul, Jafhet, Michael and Josephat). Oh and the food was wonderful too, including a delicious bush barbecue lunch in Ngorongoro! The staff at the camps communicate so people seemed to already know us when we arrived at the next camp. The local travel agency Jessica worked with was on top of all of our bush flights and transfers so we just needed to show up. Additionally, before we started our big Serengeti safari adventure, we spent two days in Arusha where we had landed after our flight. We had an issue (misunderstanding on my part) at our hotel and I texted Jessica - she and the local agents handled it with the hotel seamlessly. We spent two days in Arusha and Jessica had arranged some activities for us, and each driver/guide we had knew exactly what our itinerary was and just simply made it so easy for us! On our walking safari in Arusha National park with Steven we saw two male giraffes ‘fighting/necking’, and so much other wildlife. Steven was really great to spend our first day ‘on safari’ with. Stanley our driver was also always on time, and was entertaining with his stories and explanations of life in Arusha Town.
After our bush flights into the Serengeti, we met our Serengeti safari guide Frank Mshana. We spent 9 days on safari together, and he is the best … wonderful person, funny, patient with all of our questions (he knew all the answers!), very professional, and obviously knows the Savannah and animals well - he made this trip even more special. We very much enjoyed our conversations about life in Tanzania and sharing our experiences of our own life as well. We had so many wonderful sightings we got in the habit of sharing a celebratory drink with Frank at the end of each day. He called us his lucky charms as apparently we saw more than most people get to see! We saw more than we could have hoped for - four different male lions, a half dozen lioness and their cubs, including a lioness and cubs with their zebra kill and then her dragging the 1/3 eaten carcass at least 150 feet to a downed tree to hide (she dragged it two feet in front of our vehicle) - just awesome! Three different leopards including a momma in a tree with her two precocious 2-month old cubs that could not stay still, and four cheetah mommas and their cubs including watching one hunt and take down an impala right in front of us! Countless giraffes, elephants, zebras, hyenas, antelopes, wildebeest, warthogs, jackals and so many types of birds, hippos and crocs - even a black rhino sighting in Ngorongoro. Many animals up close, including elephants and giraffes, who are not afraid to get close to us as they don’t see humans as prey nor as predators. We are just ‘there’. In addition to all this, we were privileged to see lions mating, a wildebeest crossing, and three different Cerval cats which are rarely seen! So many ‘high five’ moments we shared with Frank. One thing I am so glad we did was to pay for our own land rover and guide rather than share a safari vehicle with others who stayed at the camps. The ability to do what we wanted, to have windows on our vehicle that we could close when it was dusty/windy or the couple times it rained I think made the whole experience more enjoyable. This trip wasn’t cheap, but it was worth every penny! We’ve had some wonderful vacations/trips over the years and nothing will ever top this trip. We highly recommend Dancing Zebra Safari and their partners in Tanzania, as well as Lemala Camps, and encourage you to just do it - you won’t regret it!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Outstanding experience well beyond my hopeful expectations!
From the beginning, Lencer and the Awuor team went out of there way to plan the most amazing itinerary for my FIRST (& definitely NOT last) visit to Kenya. As a woman traveling alone, I was extra cautious in preparing for this trip. I had nothing to worry about. Awuor responded from across the globe night and day & planned the most magnificent itinerary, with coveted camps & resorts, flexible game drive plans, and the best driver & guide I could have ever imagined. I am so beyond grateful for the patience, detail, & care that went into making this one of the best experiences in my life. The wildlife in Kenya is pre magic. Thank you!!
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Peter Mapinda is very enthusiastic person,we enjoyed in our whole trip
Everything was just superb with alkanjaoi Tours and Safari.would like to visit serengeti again.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fun and thorough
Our guide was knowledgeable, fun and willing to put up with 7 women. We got an excellent experience. Would love to have him again. He went above and beyond!