35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magnificent safari
We’ve just completed an 8 day safari and it has been the trip of a lifetime. Throughout the booking process we dealt with Sandy who was always quick to respond and put together a fantastic itinerary for us - thank you Sandy.
We arrived at Kilimanjaro Int’l airport and were met by our transfer driver who took us to Planet Lodge Arusha for a one night stay before starting our Safari. We were met the next morning at 8am by the wonderful Cleopa - our guide for then next 8 days, and started the drive to Tarangire NP.
Tarangire was brilliant and was teeming with wildlife. We saw 4 out of the big 5 within 4 hours of being inside the NP and we loved every minute of our 2 game drives. We stayed overnight inside the park at Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp which was so comfortable and we were felt most welcome by all of the staff.
On to Lake Manyara the next day, which again was brilliant and we got to see one of the famous tree climbing lions on a hunt for baboons! We then had a short trip to Escarpment Luxury Lodge for a great evening of fantastic food and rest.
Next day Cleopa drove us to the Serengeti NP which took about 5 hours. The roads aren’t great but he’s a skilled 4x4 driver who made it as comfortable as possible and made sure we had the opportunity to stop along the way for comfort breaks. The Serengeti NP is truly incredible and Cleopa made sure we saw as much as possible. We had 3 nights at Melia Serengeti, which I believe is a 5 star hotel and it very much lived up to expectations.
Day 6 saw us head to Lemala Ngorongoro which is a tented camp. All hotels we stayed at had brilliant staff but the team at Lemala Ngorongoro really go above and beyond. The morning after we headed into the crater which was unbelievable.
Soul of Tanzania upgraded our accommodation on day 7 and we stayed at Ziwani Lodge at Lake Eyasi. Again, an extremely welcoming atmosphere and the staff go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.
Finally on to day 8 and an early start to visit the Hadzabe tribe and Datoga people. The Hadzabe tribe were very friendly and showed us their hunting techniques and we were given the opportunity to attempt to speak their language! Very informative. Similarly with the Datoga people we were given a demonstration on how they make jewellery and make arrowheads from scrap metal, before a lesson into their culture and how they prepare polenta. A farewell ceremony followed and we started the long trip back to the airport.
Cleopa made the trip for us. He knew exactly where to go in each of the parks and is a master at positioning the 4x4 in the best locations for photos. He gave us all the time we wanted to take photos, videos and enjoy all the special moments. He was flexible with the start time of each day - happily going with our preferences. His lessons in basic Swahili along with the wildlife we saw will never be forgotten too. Thank you brother, for making this a holiday to remember.
Tips for travellers - the roads are pretty bad in places, so this isn’t the trip for you if you suffer from travel sickness. Also they are incredibly dusty so you will end up dirty after each day. Nights can get a bit cold, as can the mornings. Take plenty of US dollars and keep plenty of smaller denominations for purchases along the way and for tips. If you can get the local currency then certain purchases may be cheaper with this.
GR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable experience
We had such an amazing adventure with Sam our guide
He was so experienced and taught us so much
Felt very safe and comfortable throughout our trip
Amazing accommodations and jaw dropping scenery with the wild animals in their natural environment
Would recommend it 100%
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A great trip to Savute and Khwai
I had a great trip camping in Savute with Nalange Safaris. Everything was well organised and arranged perfectly. We stayed on a lovely camp ground and enjoyed several exciting game drives seeing plenty of animals and birds.
Nalange Safaris were also able to arrange a lodge stay in Khwai which rounded off a fantastic trip.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most profitable price, wonderful experience, but you should control each step
We were 2 of us and we've chosen 3-days tour: Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro & Tarangire.
It was wonderful and unforgettable experience! I would rate it like 4,5 - not 4, not 5 :)
Advantages:
1/ The best price and good value for money
2/ Agency considered our situation within bank card (we did not have any opportunity to pay in advance) and booked our tour without any prepayment
3/ The provided lodge was astonishing - Marera View Lodge (close to Ngorongoro)
4/ When our flight back was cancelled the agency provided us the hotel in Arusha for free (Arusha Tourist inn - not very modern and clear place, but for one night it's ok)
5/ Lunches in the parks were really tasty (rice, chicken, stew vegetables, lentil in tomato sauce and different drinks incl beer and wine)
6/ Guides were very nice and experienced, especially Malissa - thanks a lot!
Sone nuances.
You should check and control ALL details before and during the tour:
1/ lodge/camping - one of them was changed because of the shower absence in the room (after my questions)
2/ tickets to/from Arusha (we stayed in Zanzibar): at first we have agreed to have a flight back at 17:30 - right our 3rd day' program, but agency sent us a tickets for 14:30 and I should put the attention of our manager that we wouldn't have enough time to the 3rd day program. So, they changed our tickets, but only after my remark
3/ you won't be provided with exact schedule: e.g. according to our proposal we should go first to Tarangire, but when the agency met us in the airport and I asked about park of the day (if it would be Tarangire), at first they were a bit surprised and than told us that it would be Lake Manyara and Tarangire on the 3rd day. +Don't forget to ask a GUIDE about the exact pick up time for the next day of the tour!
4/ transfers - if you stay in Zanzibar don't forget to ask which exact transfer is included in the total price: because ours was only from Stone Town (that's located 15 minutes from ZNZ airport) and I knew it only after sending address of our hotel (that was in Ningwi, ~1h15min from the airport). So I should pay +80$ to the total price
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great tour operator
We did a 4D/3N Masai Mara Safari with Arkman in September 2023 and had a great time!
The safari itself was great. We had a knowledgable driver and the car (safari van) was very good for dry season. The accomodation (Rhino Tourist Camp) was very good, serving excellent food 3x a day. Communication with Jacinta before the safari was quick and clear regarding price, itinerary and inclusions.
What we further liked was that they asked for detailed feedback after our safari to get aware of any things they can improve, so one minor issue we had on the last day should not happen in future safaris.
Also, in contrast to one older post suggesting that Arkman is a fraudulent company dealing with false USD, there was no problem in paying the outstanding amount cash in USD. Based on our experience, Arkman is a fully trustful tour operator, the problem in the older post might have been a problem on clients site only (paying with false USD).
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional and dedicated!
We booked 1 week safari trip with Seven Wonders. It was our first safari trip and it was awesome! We got picked up from the airport and from the same moment our journey began. Communication with the operator was quite smooth. They provided us with a detailed itinerary that met all our expectations. We went during hot season, but they still managed the best lodges and camps for us. The campsite in North Serengeti was simply amazing. Staying in a middle of a wildlife with the comfort of a 5 star hotel. Coffee lodge was also very good. Our guide/driver was nice and friendly and really worked hard so we saw the best of Africa. We managed to see all Africa Big 5 animals, given that some were quite rare. Overall, I highly recommend going with Seven Wonders. They are the best value for money and they will definitely try to exceed your expectations during the trip. You won't regret it!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
They are professional ,their services are excellent,customer friendly and affordable.
I had an amazing time through out my safari, its really what I needed..They are budget friendly and their services are really good. I would recommend them any time.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The experience with Mosu Safari was simply great.
The communication, service, value of money and the reliability of Mosu Safari was just great. I can totally recommend this company (and already did). Toni, our guide, did a great job. From pick up to drop off we felt absolutely in good hands.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience
Me and my family loved our vacation.
the trip was fun tour guides were very friendly the sites were amazing including Murchison falls I would do it again
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Magical Masai Mara with Lenchada Safaris
We booked Lenchada safari as a group of 4 – two couples and had an amazing time in Masai Mara. Our guide for the 3 day trip was Charles, and he was amazing ! From the time he picked up in Nairobi to the time he dropped us back off in Nairobi 3 days later he was so accommodating and pleasant. His knowledge of the area and the animals was impeccable. We had just come from South Africa where we did a safari but failed to see Leopards or Hippos. We told Charles that these were high on our list, and he made sure he did everything he could for us to see them, and we did ! Thank you Charles for an amazing time ! I would definitely recommend Lenchada to anyone looking to do the Masai Mara.