US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
we saw all big 5 and thousands of other animals and birds; could not see cheetahs due to severe rain
we saw all big 5 and thousands of other animals and birds, amazing landscapes; could not see cheetahs due to severe rains. overall, we had an excellent once in a life time experience. if the safari truck could be newer with more comfortable seats and quick windows opening, that would be great. the road to Serengeti is rather unpaved with lot of dust - a facial mask for dust protection is a must. the safari driver was awesome and new a lot about the animals and how to track them, as well had skills to drive in rural areas and muddy roads after the rain. the severe rains were rather unexpected for December and got us limited to see some animals or fully enjoy the parks. the roads to the luxury lodges were rather rural, it was very challenging to getting it and out, especially during and after the rain. the lodges were unbelievable, truly unique. Sopa lodge needs improvements for food and dining area, if you could avoid it until then.
NL
Great safari in beautiful landscape
We loved Kenya. The country is beautiful, the people are really nice and the safari we have had for 4 days were amongs the best days of our life!
GH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The guide was amazing!
We used Meru Safari, but we were sent to some campsites. Meru Safari itselt did not seem to tour for us, but other groups did it. We met this guide called Joseph, and he was amazing! He guided us very well, and at the same time, he was very fun! There was only one memory we had laughed a lot during the safari. And a chef was really good at cooking! I had already experienced game drives before, so Serengetti was not that impressive, but Ngorongoro was awesome. It was like a heaven. We could see a lot of animals in one place with beautiful weather.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
From the moment we were picked up to being dropped off was all absolutly class.
We had never been on Safari before
The service provided was excellent
We saw 4 of the big 5, as well as many other species. The ranger drivers were good fun and informative.
The Bakubung Lodge was a great location and service was very good, clean rooms and helpful staff
The weather was also good cooler in the morning and late evenings
So in summary our 1st safari made a very lasting impression on me and my wife as well as my 16 year old son and 13 year old twins who had excitement and happiness every time we went out on a drive
Life long lasting good memories for me and my family!!
TH
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Even better than we imagined.
Saw the big five! Great fun basic camping. Decent food. Friendly group.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Value for Money!.........
We just got back from an amazing two-week private custom trip through SERENGETI with a quick stop in ZANZIBAR Island. It was an incredible experience. If you are thinking about booking with HillstarPRC, just do it! I was a little apprehensive about booking an entire tour through a travel agent located 1/2 around the world, but I am So glad I booked with HillstarPRC (a local company in Tanzania). I was planning to book with a well-known, more expensive, luxury travel group, but the same trip (even some of the same hotels) were almost twice the price, and the representative I was working with was not located in Tanzania and was not particularly knowledgeable. So, I'm really glad I switch to this company. The hotels were excellent, and we received VIP treatment at each one. Our guides at each stop were good to excellent. We had an ambitious schedule, yet every transition went incredibly smoothly-not one ball dropped the entire trip. The HillstarPRC was super responsive and available every step of the way by texting and email. I was able to add tours and stops easily to the itinerary. HillstarPRC's recommendations were excellent.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was all perfekt!!
James did agreat job the organization was just perfect, John the driver was amazing we had the best tourguide . The masai mara Trip was just excelent. The price we paid was really fair. James just overtopt our expectations. John made sure we have seen the big five...from now i will always book my safaris with Saunterland.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Scam
We booked with them based on a friend’s recommendation. We booked for 6 days, and we booked a balloon ride. Upon arrival we discussed the planning. However on the balloon trip it was weird they said we had to go to the balloon center when we got in the Serengeti. And make an appointment. Serengeti was day 3. So we visited some parks and upon arrival at the Serengeti it was already weird. We had to wait 2 hours for cash. So we go in the park and ask our driver to go the balloon centers. He confessed that everything was booked months in advance. Okay fine, but then we expect the money back as they didn’t book it. So on our ride back to the airport we would meet the owner. He stalls it, making us wait an hour and almost missing our flight. He didn’t want to pay/didn’t have the money. So we were scammed out 1000 usd. Before flying out of Tanzania I emailed the firm for a compensation. After some pressure from my end they agreed to pay in installments. 4 installments of 250$. The first 2 went fine, the 3rd took 4 months and the last one I am still awaiting. For over 6 months. They said they could not pay the last installment due to cash shortage but that was 6 months ago. Since then they are not replying on emails.
So DO NOT BOOK ANYTHING WITH THIS FIRM. THEY SCAM YOU AND ARE PROBABLY BANKRUPT.
MX
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent experience
We strongly recommend African Breeze Safaris for all those who want to have an exciting experience in the Kenyan savannah. We were a group of nine and all agree that Cate and her team organized the safari with great skill and commitment. The drivers - tourist guides (Felix & Charles) are very professional as well as kind and nice people and fully trained about the African flora and fauna. Hotels are comfortable; food is simple but tasty and abundant. Just avoid purchasing souvenirs in the places they stop for refreshing; they are expensive; even in the airport you can get better prices.
NL
Lions, giraffes, ugali kuku, baby elephants and double rainbows - a dream come true!
When we booked a cheap flight to Zanzibar for some December sun, we didn't even think it was possible to do a safari. Figuring all of this out in your lazy chair all the way in The Netherlands with zero travel experience in Africa was quite puzzling. Luckily Mwajabu from Tanzania Mwangaza Safari came super fast to the rescue! She contacted us via WhatsApp and advised on which park to go to, where to sleep and about the best day and time and that was very helpful. We had no clue! We paid a small amount of money a few months before and paid the rest in cash, which was convenient for us
. Ithman, a very nice driver, brought us in an air-conditioned car from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi park. We had fun in the car and were amazed by everything we saw outside: millions of mango trees, Masai roasting goats, women in wax print carrying all kinds of things on their heads, pineapple fields: it was great.
We arrived at the national park and after putting our luggage away in the bungalow we started the game drive! The vehicle was not exactly modern but we thought that had its charm. The car was open and so we had a good view of everything around us. We did wonder about safety.
Our guide, a nice friendly guy, didn't carry a weapon or anything and there are lions and other predators in the park. We had to stop every half hour to add water in the motor because the car wasn't in a good state, but to be honest we were happy with every stop, so we could take pictures. The park was so full of animals, we couldn't believe it! Giraffes, zebra's, millions of impalas, warthogs, storks, hippos, water buffalos, wildebeests, elephants, monkeys and even lions: everything we hoped to see was there! Most of the animals had babies who were extremely cute. That first day was just magical with all these lion cubs and elephant babies and it ended with a huge double rainbow. Back in the camp we had our first real Tanzanian meal: ugali kuku.
The bungalow had airconditioning and we had a great night of sleep. After breakfast again a full day of watching animals - what a dream! We stayed two nights and two full days in total in the safari, and that actually enough: we saw everything we hoped to see and more! The way back was comfortable, although we did had to bribe the police for reasons we still don't understand. The car was just stopped and we had to give 30.000 Tanzanian shillings because the driver didn't have that money in cash. We didn't understand what was going on and didn't have time to pick a fight because we had to catch the last ferry to Zanzibar.
So, to make a long story short: our safari in Mikumi was really, really great and we are very grateful for all Mwajabus efforts. We didn't have to worry about anything, everyone we met was super friendly and the whole experience was beyond our expectations!