HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful nature and animals, questionable administration and policies
First, we had a wonderful time on the safari! We saw many different animals and the surrounding nature was stunning. On our first day, we flew from Zanzibar to Kogatende for the start of our safari. As soon as we landed, we were able to see many different animals such as Hippos and a lot of wildebeests. Furthermore, we patently waited for the wildebeests to cross the river, which sadly in the end did not happen. On our second day, we were on an all-day safari drive with the chance to see the big 5 and ugly 5. On our third day, we were at the Ngorongoro Crater, quite the side to be seen. And on the last day, we had another half-day safari drive before we headed back to the airport in Arusha to take our flight back to Zanzibar.
Now what was not as nice as the animals we saw was the administration behind the safari. First, we only received our flight confirmation the day before the safari started. Which led to us having to pay for extra baggage because we were not informed about the baggage policy beforehand by Nuhu Nari despite explicitly asking for it. Over all, the communication and organisation by Nuhu was an absolute disaster. He was very short in his answers and did not answer all the questions in a satisfying way. We paid part of the tour in cash upon arrival in Arusha, even tough Nuhu promised us a receipt we did not receive that until this day.
Although the driver was a lovely guy, he was a bit unfriendly on the last day. He was very demanding that the entire group of us (four people) write a review of the tour. Despite us telling him that we would do so, once we arrived at the hotel that day, he kept on promising that we would do it right now on the spot. What we also found a bit greedy was the tip policy, of which we were only informed once the safari started. At the end of our four-day safari, we tipped the driver 100 USD, which is, in our view, fair for the time we spent with him. According to their policy, he expected 320 USD (20 USD per person, per day), which I find to be a ridiculous amount of tip and also a very questionable policy. When we handed him the tip money at the end, he also told us that he expected more money because of the policy. Very unprofessional, a tip should never be seen as granted!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experienced and professional operator with a friendly nature.
Francis was very welcoming and quickly adjusted our itinerary to accommodate our very delayed flight. His knowledge and professionalism were exceptional. He was always happy to stop for photos and knew the best locations for wildlife viewing.
Our highlights included the incredible chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge and seeing the mountain gorillas in Bwindi, a long time bucket list dream that did not disappoint - an amazing experience! The accommodations were comfortable, practical and well located.
With all meals, park entrances, and permits included, the 7-day tour offered excellent value for money and outstanding service. We would recommend Francis and Nature Connect Safaris.
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic! Laurence is so kind, fun, clever and hardworking. He knew so much about the animals.
Laurence was absolutely brilliant all week! We had the best time on safari! He is the best tour guide in Serengeti. He was so kind, fun, knowledgable and he looked after us so well for the whole trip ! We saw all the animals and he taught us so much about them! Absolutely fantastic tour guide! Please tell him a huge thank you from us both! ⭐ We will be recommending him to everyone! -Eimear and Seán
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good
The tour was very well managed by the operators. Everything was on time and they take care of all the arrangements. Our tour guide (John) was very patient and understanding. He ensured that everyone was comfortable and having enough time during the game drives to see the wildlife, click some pictures. He tried his best to accommodate the requests from the guest. I would 100% recommend this tour.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very good operator
Exciting experience Gorilla. Tour very good organized and an excellent guide Ben!!!!!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an amazing time with Abdull & Frank!
We had a stay in the Serengeti with a hot air balloon & trip to Tarangire National Park. Everything was organised in a good manner and we got to do everything we wanted to. Nothing was too much for these guys, who helped create everlasting memories for us. Thank you to Rafiki Tembo Tours!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hussein is an exceptionally experienced, passionate, patient, and intelligent guide.
Hussein is an exceptionally experienced, passionate, patient, and intelligent guide. He has an uncanny ability to understand exactly what we wanted and went above and beyond to deliver. He knew precisely when to energize the group and when to give us space, always allowing us ample time to photograph and savor the sight of precious paintings. Thanks to him, we managed to spot the Big Five all in one go, making our African trip truly memorable, fulfilling, and completely hassle-free.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
reliable travel operator
We had best experience with Super eagles Safaris. The planning, the people, the food, and their organization for the safari was incredible. We were able to see and spot the Big Five. The authenticity of the people and the kindness of the staff @ osotua and flair camp made every minute worthwhile. I definitely want to go back , and I will do again with LEROY.
Our guide, Leroy was topnotch , friendly and patient. He answered all our questions and explained everything to us as we traveled day by day his insights are just amazing and guiding with passion.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Don't trust Big Apes, neither Peter
I've contacted Big Apes in March to book a trip for August. When I was still asking for quotes, the communication was polite and efficient. However, just after I've paid the deposit, the communication changed to rude and unreliable. After the payment, I've checked with the accommodations and they haven't received any request on my name. So then I've asked Big Apes if my hotel reservations were made and if they could send me the receipt for the trekking permit. After being ignored and asking again and again, I've received the following answer from Peter, the agency's owner : "We don't account to our guests but our auditors unless you are conducting an investigation. You paid for a service because you were convinced that we would offer you the service. We procure permits in company names and not one at a time only but sometimes in bulk, information we cannot share with you. You are free to sue us when your time comes and we don't offer the service. Should you have a change of heart, we are happy to offer you a refund under our cancellation times. The only receipt you are entitled to is the one in our company names for the money you sent. Kindly let me know if this is clear to you." At this moment I had my first shiver down my spine. Don't they account to their guests ???? Anyway, when I asked about cancellation, I've received an email with apologies (not from Peter, from someone else, never from Peter) for the harsh way of communication from their colleague and they said my tour were secured with them and that their drivers/guides were very professional (I thought the owner would be too, but I was wrong). I decided to give them another chance. After few weeks, no reservations yet. When I've asked when my reservation would be made, again they didn't want to commit and said that they couldn't tell me when (without a signature on the email this time). After asking again and again, they said my reservations would be made in July (my trip would be in August and August is high season). Then, I've requested the cancellation and, as you can guess, another headache then began. After being ignored again and I had to keep asking again and again, they said the refund would be made in September (after 5 months, but the agreement was 4 months) even they haven't done any reservation. I asked why it would be made in 5 months instead of what we agreed and I was ignored, of course. I've tried to ask few more times but no answer at all. I gave up and waited. September arrived and, of course, no refund, so I've sent a couple of emails, but no answer at all. I've contacted SafariBokkings asking for help and they said that they would contact Big Apes from their side. The next day, SafariBookings said that they received a reply from Big Apes and that they committed to process my refund by October 10th and asked me to wait longer. I did. October 10th arrived and NO REFUND AT ALL, NO CONTACT AT ALL.
Anyway, despite having lost money, I am grateful for the deliverance, it could be worse. DO NOT TRUST BIG APES NEITHER PETER, the communication completely change after making the payment, they don't keep their word and they don't refund your money, if it's the case, even promising you they will. I had USD 1,079.24 lost and my time wasted. DON'T CHOOSE BIG APES !!!
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing expirience
We Traveled to Kenya through eta safaris for a safari holiday; the whole trip was seamless.
A huge thank you to expert tour guide, LEROY , who is a brilliantly experienced guide who made our trip even more memorable with his information about all the wildlife and culture around us; he answered every question we had with amazing knowledge, and even went above and beyond to help us sort issues.
We would highly recommend booking a KENYA safari with ETA SAFARIS, and would recommend LEROY as your guide for an amazing unforgettable experience!