US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kenya by Doug Greenberg
Kenya is self-evidently one of the best destinations in Africa to see wildlife. There are many animals within the large preserves such as Masai Mara National Reserve and the several national parks, and there even is an urban gem of a national park just outside of Nairobi. There are many safari outfitters to choose from, and despite (or because of) the sometimes intimidating levels of security, the experience seems very safe for tourists. It is sad that so much of the country no longer features significant wildlife, but it is fortunate that there are so many game reserves and parks. With prudent prior planning, a visitor can enjoy an amazing safari in Kenya.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful Tour Operator--Disappointed in the Southern Circuit
In early August 2019 I began a safari arranged through Afrishare Trekking and Safaris headed by Mr. Ibrahim Mkwizu. I discovered his company after doing some thorough research on the internet though I have traveled to Tanzania some 6 or 7 times before (total of about three months including two successful climbs of Kilimanjaro), I decided to use a different safari organizer. The reviews of his company were outstanding. In addition to his company, I contacted two other companies to organize a safari of the Southern Circuit including Selous, Mikumi, Ruaha and Zanzibar. The Southern Circuit was the preference of the tour participants. I asked each company to provide a proposal.
Upon receipt of the proposals, Afrishare was the least expensive and their communications in arranging for the safari were prompt and clear. Before making the commitment, I asked Afrishare to provide several names of people in the United States who had used their services. They willingly did so which gave me an important comfort level. The references confirmed the most positive ratings of Afrishare and also Ibrahim. This was true throughout the 9 month period leading up to the safari. What I thought was to be a safari of 6 or 7 people turned out to be a group of 19 people as members of the community learned that I was returning to Tanzania.
We corresponded during the months leading up to the safari making slight adjustments to the itinerary as more people signed up and as new ideas emerged. Ibrahim's responses were always prompt almost too prompt as on some occasions he did not respond for two or three days to only learn that he was on safari or away attending conferences.
Our group needed three vehicles and the safari experience was outstanding. See my comments at the end about the Southern Circuit. The guides were professional both in their knowledge and attitude and some of the safari participants are still communicating with the guides. It appears that some have made long lasting friendships. The use of multiple vehicles was beneficial because on some days, not all the travelers wished to stay our all day. Thus it was possible for one of the vehicles to return back to the lodge following lunch.
Ibrahim's attention to detail was great while we were on safari. I was delighted to see that he greeted us in Dar es Salaam upon arrival in Tanzania though he is located several hundred miles away in Moshe Further, he served as our guide in Dar. Our total trip about 13 days was not without its issues. For example, one of our vehicles broke down in Selous (this is not the first time that this has happened to me). Most importantly the guides were resourceful, and we continued our safari drives that day. Ibrahim arranged for another vehicle by the following morning so that we could proceed with our safari. A few other minor glitches were resolved quickly as Ibrahim was available to make the necessary changes. I give him much credit for doing this. It is important to know that the safari organizer is available and needed when you are on safari.
At the conclusion of the safari, we were returning from a 3 night stay in Zanzibar by ferry and much to my surprise and delight, Ibrahim was there again to greet us again. He wanted to make certain that our transfer to the airport went smoothly.
I cannot say enough good things about Ibrahim and his company. I am in the process of arranging for another safari for 2021 and look forward to working with him again.
In closing let me make some general observations about the Southern Circuit. Having done the Northern Circuit including the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro, the Southern Circuit was a bit of a disappointment. We were there in the dry season which according to many of the tour guides is the best time to go. The number of animals was considerably smaller than in the north though we saw lots of elephants and giraffes. The traditional herds of herbivores so common in the north were lacking and as a result so were the predators. That said, the first time safari goers in the group were very pleased. For those of us who had previously traveled north, the south was a letdown. I would not return.
Zanizibar an utter delight. Urge everyone to go.
Those interested in reaching out to me about our trip and our experiences with Afrishare are free to contact me.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
QENP with 31 students
Shoebill were amazing! We were taking 31 students from the UK to Uganda. After spending time in Kibale first, Shoebill took us on a 3 day trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park. An advance catering team had delicious food ready for us when we arrived at Mweya. Drivers were excellent, patient and had good wildlife spotting skills. Would definitely recommend!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Having a great time in Tanzania thanks to Smile with Us.
In the beginning, I had a few questions about our safari. I was very pleased with quick and fulfilling answers from Jacob.
We were picked at the airport and start the route to Mikumi. We spent a half-day in the park and saw many animals. next day on the long way to Selous, we could observe the real life of Tanzanian people and we found very interesting. The third day we spent looking for more animals in the Selous game reserve and we were quite successful. Our driver Hassan was very friendly and knew these parks very well. Thanks to him was our safari trip an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, we cancelled the boat safari and bushwalk because of the heavy rain, but anyway we had a great time during this little adventure. Both camps provided us with nice accommodation and surprised me with their pleasing approach to accommodate my (vegan) diet needs (thanks to Jacob´s involvement).
Thanks to Smile with Us my safari dream came true and we would definitely book a safari with them again and recommend them to our friends and family.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The experience provided by this company exceeded expectations.
Our group of 8 had specific requests to incorporate our vacation to include not just safaris with subsequent visit to Zanzibar, but with a visit to rural Tanzania to meet our son-in-law's family. Our itinerary required 2 vehicles and drivers driving 2 days from Dar es Salaam just to be at the rural airport to take us to two days of family gatherings in 2 different locations close to 300km apart. However all the accommodations were arranged and there was no task that was too challenging as we put together this unique itinerary. Our group was so grateful to be able to relax at the Beach House in Dar es Salaam at the beginning and end of the stay and during the 2 weeks in Tanzania we built a strong rapport with our 2 guides - they were both very knowledgeable and professional. They were always punctual and worked very long days. We were all so grateful for the attention to detail for each day of the itinerary!! We hope to go back again and highly recommend the professionals at Tanzania Explorer.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Hekima Safaris is the Best
I traveled to Tanzania with my husband and all the expirence meet our expectations
I see Hekima Safaris as the best tour operator in Africa
#GoHekima
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If I could give more than 5 stars I would!!
First of all My family and I would like to convey our utmost thanks to Simon and Million for the best holiday we have ever had. Not only did we have the pleasure of spending our holiday with these guys who made it all the more special with their amazing personalities and our shared laughter, but we are privileged to say that we made friends for life. We are very much looking forward to when they visit us in Scotland for a week. Simon and Million arranged our accommodation, trips, transfers, meals and everything was spectacular. Day one on the Zambezi river was AMAZING (unlimited beer, beautiful wildlife and the worlds most breathtaking sunset). On day 2 we did a tour of the Victoria falls - wow!! By day 2, my family and I simultaneously agreed that this was simply the best holiday we had ever been on and we have travelled around the world. We were right to put our trust in Simon and Million when we booked with them, and I am someone who does not usually book trips with people I don’t know. If you are like me, please trust me when I say: Simon is the man you need to book your trip with. Thanks to their local knowledge we were able to see the best of Africa and its people. The guys became a part of our holiday and we thoroughly enjoyed their company and friendship. They mix well with adults and kids and are very attentive, punctual and reliable. My son who is 10 years old loves Simon. Every day he would outdo himself, just when we thought things couldn’t get any better, Simon would surpass all expectations and limitations. My son started to call him the name Simon “Exceptional” Munengwa - because everything was simply exceptional, especially Simon and Million. Our memories of our time together won’t fade; especially since we intend to go back to every year! We have nothing but praise for Simon and Million and can’t recommend them highly enough. If we could hire them to work for us we would. It is rare to find people with their attitudes and tenaciousness in this day and age, hence why I have no doubt that Africa Beasts Safaris will be a success and a household name in Vic Falls. An excellent team who deliver excellence!! Thank you for everything.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
CHARLIES TRAVEL, ASENTE!
We had 2.5 awesome weeks in Kenya. We did a lot of wonderful safari's and the personal service was perfect. When our car broke down in Ambesoli, our contact Erick helped us within minutes (when we were in the middle of nowhere).Charlies Travel made a trip especially and custom made for us, off the beaten track. We had an awesome trip and at the end we spent some time relaxing at Watamu and Diani Beach. Beautiful! Thank you very much!
We would definitely recommend Charlies Travel!!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great!
We went on a 7 day safari to Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Amboseli and Tsavo West. From the beginning Chris was prompt and clear in all communication and this made our planning really very easy.
John, our guide was friendly and relaxed. He was knowledgeable and made sure we had the best possible experience at all times.
The accomodation was great throughout the trip.
We had a fantastic time and were quite sad when our trip ended! I would happily book with SunUp again if I am lucky enough to do another safari in Kenya.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We habe experienced a fantastic Journey with a Great travel guide , who left many deep impressions.
All things were well organized, the tour guide was technically and human excellently. I already feel like returning to kenya and getting to know the country and its people. Our tour guide will always be Free Africa Tours and Safaris Ltd. Thank you Silas for everything.
