20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely amazing
From the moment we were picked up in Zanzibar to the moment we returned, we knew we were in great hands. Everything was so well organised, and we never had to worry about a thing. We were safely guided onto the ferry, train and throughout our journey to Mikumi National Park, which made travelling so easy and completely stress-free.
The whole team at Imara Tours were amazing. They were so friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable and always happy to help. We felt safe at all times, and their passion for Tanzania and its wildlife really made the experience even more special.
The safari itself was beyond anything we could have imagined. Seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, crocodiles and so much more up close was simply incredible. It truly was the experience of a lifetime, and one we’ll never forget.
We booked our holiday through our UK travel company, Holiday Dukes, who arranged everything with Imara Tours. The communication from Imara Tours was excellent, especially through WhatsApp, where any questions we had were answered quickly and nothing was ever too much trouble.
A huge thank you to everyone at Imara Tours for giving us memories we’ll treasure forever. If you’re thinking about booking a safari in Tanzania, don’t hesitate—you’ll be in the best hands. We would recommend you to anyone and hope to be back one day! 🦁🦓🐘🦒🐊
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Poor organization
The organization was a complete disaster. On the day we arrived, a driver picked us up and dropped us off at the hotel at 1:00 p.m. He told us that someone would come later that afternoon to give us a briefing. As soon as we arrived, I sent a WhatsApp message to our contact person, but they never replied. We found ourselves stuck at the hotel with no idea what time the safari would start, who would pick us up, or what the plan was.
Eventually, at around 7:00 p.m., the hotel reception managed to get in touch with them, and they told us that the briefing would take place the following morning. It never happened. They simply picked us up from the hotel and drove us straight to the parks.
Once we were there, I think your experience depends entirely on the driver you get. Ours was terrible. He barely explained anything, rarely stopped at good photo spots, and although we were very lucky to see all the animals we hoped for, it certainly wasn’t because he was actively looking for them. In fact, he spent most of the drive using his phone.
On our first day in the Serengeti, he picked us up 1 hour and 15 minutes later than the agreed time. Even worse, on the day we visited the Ngorongoro Crater, we had been told it was essential to leave early to make the most of our permit before it expired. Instead, we left the camp two hours late because our driver was waiting to help one of his colleagues.
The parks themselves are absolutely incredible, but the company’s organization leaves a lot to be desired. After the trip, we sent them a WhatsApp message with detailed feedback so they could improve their service. They never even replied with a simple “thank you.”
I would never book with this company again.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive , knowledgeable and helpful
We had really great experience from the get go. All minute details of the trip were managed well. The choice of hotels and lodges was great. We never had to plan anything it was all provided by goldfinch.
Brenda was available all the time.
Sabri was a great guide
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unforgettable Serengeti Experience
Our tour organiser, Namayani organised a very well planned 9 days Serengeti safari. Her communication prior to, during and after the safari was excellent. She was very good with responding all our queries timeously. She booked very good to excellent accommodation. Her service was excellent. She was a very reliable, knowledgeable tour organiser who also offered great advice on internal flights.
Our professional guide Hatibu(Ally), is a very experienced and well-respected safari guide. He went out of his way to ensure that we had a very memorable and unique safari experience. He was very patient and knowledgeable. In addition to mammals, he could identify various plants, trees, flowers and birds. He also has a very good historical background of the Serengeti and the surrounding areas. there was not a dull moment with Ally. he ensured that we were well taken care of all the time. We fully recommend him as the first choice for a tour guide.
The tour was reasonable value for money.
In general, the tour was excellent and unforgettable.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Just amazing
No words to describe the amazing hospitality shown by the professional and good hearted Jackson and his brother Benson throughout our journey. Jackson with his best driving combined with Bensons amazing guiding skills provided us the best safari experience. They are the best in business. Amazing spotters and professionalism. Wildlife safaris and travel was comfortable. Stay camp was amazing with superb staffs food. 5/5 recommend this travels. Definitely coming back for more with Balu travels
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari fun
Had a great time in Pilanesberg national park getting up close to the wildlife including giraffe, zebra, elephants and rhinos. Our driver / guide Martin was very knowledgeable and ensured we got great photo opportunities. Lunch was served at a lovely hilltop location with excellent views.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The price is reasonable.
The company itself does not provide safari, but is an intermediary, so I think the quality of the tour will change depending on the guide.
The guide was a kind person, but I didn't know the departure time or details for the next day, and I learned about it for the first time after I asked other participants.
He guided me by car to see the animals, but there was no explanation about the animals and he was just driving.
I was able to book at a relatively reasonable price, but I can't guarantee the quality of the guide, so I need to be aware of it. However, I don't think there is much difference in the number or types of animals that can be seen in any guide.
It can't be helped, but it was cramped because the tour was full of 8 people. Some luggage must be placed on the car, and there is a high possibility that it will get dirty with sand.
I wasn't very satisfied with the guide, so I didn't plan to pay tip, but I paid a little because I was billed.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an unforgettable trip thanks to our guide Amani.
Our guide, Amani, took us through various national parks in Tanzania over the course of nine days. I personally hoped we would encounter lions; that alone would have made the trip complete for me. We didn't just come across a single lion—we saw dozens of them. They were so close you could almost touch them. Right from that first day in the truck, we were absolutely amazed by what we saw: lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs. Oh man, we enjoyed it so much.
Our guide was key to those unforgettable impressions. He knew where to look and had a wealth of information to share about the animals, speaking with great respect for the parks and their wild inhabitants. This is important, because the Serengeti does not exist for us tourists; it is the animals' territory, and one treats it with respect.
Every evening, Amani would come by to go over the itinerary with us. No request was too much trouble, and he took all the time needed to show us the most beautiful spots. His love for nature has been an inspiration to us.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great choice!
Booking our tour in Madagascar with Soul of Madagascar was a great experience.
First of all, a shout out to Theresia. She answered all our emails promptly and was able to change the itinerary per our requests both beforehand and more last minute (as one of our flighta got cancelled). The itinerary she put together was great, with the highlights being Tsingy, Isalo and Ranamofana.
Secondly, we had great guides. Michael and driver Njato were young and enthusiastic. They were great, easy-going guys who loved showing us their native country. We had a blast. They told us so much more than a standard script. They were never invading our privacy (something we have felt in the past with other intensive, private tours).
Because we took a flight to Morondava, for four days we had the pleasure to travel with two different men: Gervo and driver Allen. These men were basically the older counterparts of our other guides which made this very fun. These people too were enthusiastic and friendly and made our tour better.
Then a shout out to some of the local guides, especially Patrick and Roxi, who were very knowledgeable about the (geographical) features of Madagascar and its wildlife. We also thought our local Tsingy guide should get a mention but we forgot his name.
Overall, the rooms were fine or great. Never really disappointing and sometimes exceeding expectations. We didn't have dinner included (some tours do give you the option to do that) but we were glad in the end because now we could just choose from the whole menu instead of a set menu. And Madagascar is very cheap, so it might be cheaper to choose your own food anyway instead of having it included.
In the end, locationwise it doesn't really matter which tour operator you book with, but Soul of Madagascar has top grade guides, fast response times, good prices and I promise you will have a good time choosing them to book your trip in Madagascar.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect Itinerary and Excellent Guide
We loved the itinerary, it felt like there were the right amount of rest points and busy periods. The accommodation we stayed in was midrange but felt like the highest luxury, we were welcomed by everyone with genuine warmth. Eric, our guide, was knowledgeable, considerate, always fully engaged and such a top guy. Good value for money, we had two gorilla trips. Communication during the trip was first rate. Only negative is that we had to wait many weeks for replies to our emails during the period between booking and departure, which was stressful as one of our trip members had to be changed. Overall we loved the , it was the most memorable and special experience my husband and I have had together. It was the perfect blend of nature and Rwandan culture in high definition. Thank you again Golden Rwanda Safaris!