RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible experience with a very friendly and a well equipped company
We flew-in on Arusha, without much planning ahead, like always, we trust things will be fine once you meet the right local people. In our case Saidy. And it was indeed sorted within 30 minutes, right at the hotel. We could jump in a Landcruiser the following morning! We were lucky, we had a private safari (not in a group) which can be fun too, but with just a driver and cook and the 2 of us, you're just more flexible. We were accompanied by a Stanley (driver and guide) a great friendly giant, funny and knowledgeable about all animals around us, always happy to make that extra mile for a better shot. But he was also a mechanic - which gave us a comfortable feeling when we had to change a tire. And a cook (Vale) who cooked us 3 meals a day, early morning, late at night, always fresh and tasty! First to Tarangire, right at the start we already met a group of elephants, giraffes, monkeys, gnoes and other wildlife. Slept on a beautiful spot (!) on top of a valley, the sunrize was epic. Next day a long drive all the way up north-west to Serengeti where literally stumbled over all wildlife you can image. For 2 days we sept in a simple - but perfect tent at a (primitive) campsite. All you need is there, but you are in the bush, so no fancy stuff. Early bed, lost of animals and unfamiliar sounds around you, loved it. Early days, breakfast and started the game drives at 7:30/8. After the 2 day game drive with the (open rooftop land cruiser) back south to Ngorongoro crater, where we also spend a night. We've seen all wildlife we hoped to see, some very close (lions and cheetah next to the care) hippos in a pool and even rhinos from a distance. Special thanks to Stanley and Vale who made the trip a life time experience! Thanks Saidy for arranging everything, end to end to our satisfaction!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A professionnel and lovely crew. Best safari ever
A young and smiling team, very professionnel and experienced drivers across Tanzania and Zanzibar
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Cheats and liars! Do no trust! Do not book with them!
My family and I recently travelled to Kenya and Tanzania to catch the Great Migration. Overall, the trip was fantastic; the wildlife and beauty of both countries was far superior to what one sees on TV!
However, we made a mistake by trusting local (Kenyan) travel agent – Meshack Mutinda Kiilu from Tour Kenya Safari Heights, Nairobi. His agency booked the Kenya part of the tour for us while their partners, 7 Wonders Safari (Tanzania) booked the Tanzanian part.
The stark difference in both parts was surprising, especially given that positive word of mouth is important, and we expected much better service. Not only that, we never thought we would be blatantly lied to and misled.
Firstly, the car and guide we had in Kenya versus what we had in Tanzania were vastly different. The Kenyan car was in poor condition, the radio system didn’t work (which is vital if you want your game drives to be successful), the windows didn’t open, the car wasn’t well maintained, the driver didn’t speak good English and the car frequently broke down – it basically didn’t reverse without stalling.
Secondly, we were promised and had paid for a full day game drive followed by a morning game drive in Amboseli before departing to Nairobi. When we reached Amboseli, our guide informed us that he hadn’t received the money for the morning drive. When we tried reaching Meshack he started dodging our calls and eventually became incommunicado – forcing us to miss the morning drive. Not only that, we reached Nairobi and our driver told us that there was no dinner for us that day or meals the next day (although we had paid for all meals for all days as part of the package) and also that after dropping us off at the hotel in Nairobi (around late afternoon) we would need to pay him for taking us anywhere else since Meshack had not paid him for that.
While planning the itinerary, we had been promised a city tour and visit to a restaurant in Nairobi where guests can feed Giraffes. Our driver informed us that this wasn’t part of the package as per instructions given to him; not only that, Meshack had not even paid him for our last day in Nairobi. The worst part was, we had earlier planned to depart Nairobi the same day we arrived from Amboseli but we spent extra for the hotel for an additional night in Nairobi because Meshack had said that there were planned activities in Nairobi as part of the package.
Not only did we end up having to pay an additional $80 for the vehicle for two days, we had to spend additionally on meals for two days and also pay for airport drop off, which was supposed to be part of our package.
This was in stark contrast to our experience in Tanzania, where the driver, car and tour agency were excellent and gracious and even called us
multiple times to ensure we were having a good time and that everything was going well.
Even the Kenyan driver told us that Meshack had lied to him and not paid him properly, and this was actually the first time he had worked with Meshack and it was going to be the last time.
Our excellent trip and opinion of Kenyan hospitality was marred by what were basically, outright lies and misrepresentations. When we got back and checked, we realized that there are few other reviews also where people have faced the exact same issue with Meshack and Tour Kenya Safari Heights. Anyone reading this review and planning to book through Meshack or Tour Kenya Safari Heights, do so at your own peril!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great honeymoon experience
We booked Wild Planet as the primary experience for our honeymoon. We searched around quite a bit for the right option, and found a place that gave a great experience without the need for overpriced lodges.
The team was very responsive and flexible. They had a great itinerary for places to see in Kruger, and slightly adjusted it for preferences/circumstances (sometimes certain camps book up, but they knew where else to stay). They made sure we could go straight to Kruger for the safari as soon as we arrived.
We experienced a week in an open air vehicle with a guide, served meals, and great stays in camps all over Kruger National Park. It was the trip of a lifetime! The guide, and Wild Planet's whole crew were super-friendly throughout the experience.
I can't express how glad we were to have found Wild Planet and to have chosen to go with them for this trip. I already recommended them to family members and hope that others are as lucky as we were to go with this team.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I dream of Africa was the best touroperator in Tanzania. We went to the most beautiful places? Super
Our guide en driver Christopher from I dream of Africa was fantastic. He was always looking for the animals. He tooks the time to spot the animals. He drove to places where most of the other big companies don't go because it 's too far to drive. For Christhopher it was very important that we were satisfied. He was so kindly. We saw so many animals. Nice, nice and more nice!!!!
You can trust this small local company. We stayed in beautiful tentlodges. What an experience!!!Food was good.
Please go to Tanzania with this local company 'I dream of Africa'. You will be satisfied.
Thanks Christopher!!!! We hope to come again.
Thanks Wilmke for the communication! Everthing was good organised!
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Safari Experience
From the Start Lion King Adventures showed their high standard by answering fast and accurate on all email communication. We choose a 6 days Mid-range safari covering Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Manyara. All accommodations from lodges to tented camps were very good, sometimes better than we expected. As we were 5 persons we had a jeep to ourselves. Our driver/guide Gilbert did his utmost to give us the safari experience of our life, being extremely good on spotting animals and knowing where to go in the parks. He took us safely between the parks, and did not take any unnecessary risks in the traffic, as we saw other drivers do. He was always very correct and easy to be around. Thank you Gilbert! The best park was Serengeti! We found ourselves in the middle of the migration which was a big bonus and we saw the big five and many, many Lions, one big experience was a cheetah jumping up on our car, talk about close encounter. We had high expectations when choosing this Safari, Lion King delivered all the way, I can really recommend Lion King Adventures!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience! Great staff, very professional and very attentive at all times.
It was an amazing experience. Great staff, very professional and very attentive at all times. Abdu was very fun and accomodating. Would definitely come back and it will for sure be with Encounter Africa Safaris.
KZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience on Safari
The one day tour to Tarangire national park. Gerald organized my tour and it was excellent! The service was perfect! I saw animals that I planned! The lunchbox was enough for adult. I highly recommend this company to Kazakhstani people and my friends!
US
A Birthday Celebration I'll Never Forget!
This was a trip to celebrate myself and my friends birthdays. We went for 10 days and had the most amazing time. This country is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in my life! We visited both Johannesburg and Capetown. Johannesburg is full of history and we revelled in it. Visited Lesedi cultural village, Mandela House and the apartheid museum and were greeted warmly by everyone we came in contact with. The dancing and singing and all over welcoming vibe made it a wonderful place to be. In Capetown, the views are breathe taking. On several occasions my friends and I just cried from the beautiful sites before us. We did experience a touch of racism at an establishment in Hermanus called Walker Bay Grill but we did not allow that to effect the rest of out trip. We had an amazing experience at Gold's restaurant, went whale watching, saw the penguins at Boulder beach and saw amazing street performances. I would love to come back to South Africa. This was a trip like none other.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An unforgettable experience! 6 stars!
Absolutely the best travel and tours company!!! I'm definitely recommending to anyone I know traveling! Thank you for the most amazing and memorable experience!