35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania Safari Experience
We recently (Dec 2022) as a family made a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Safari trip to Tanzania. We worked with Pooja tours - a local Arusha based operator. We went for a smaller, local company because we wanted personalized attention without paying the exorbitant rates that US based operators were offering. To be honest, we were a little worried about the financial/experience risk, but Hitesh (owner)provided references to a couple of US based folks who had taken the trip with him. We called them and got good feedback that put our mind at rest. We went ahead with Pooja tours and worked very closely with Hitesh on the Itinerary. He worked very collaboratively with us, answering all our 'touristy' questions, assuaging all our inordinate fears around flies/malaria/yellow fever/tse-tse flies and so on. We did our research on hotels we wanted to stay in and Hitesh made sure to make the blockings on our behalf (we did wire him some advance). He offered us lot of suggestions around appropriate safari attire, visa, accommodated our food restrictions and made appropriate arrangements at various hotels.
We were picked up at the Kilimanjaro airport, but unfortunately our baggages didn't make it from Amsterdam. Kudos to Hitesh who asked us to continue our onward journey to Serengeti, while he coordinated with KLM, got the baggage, arranged another driver to drop our luggages near the hotel we were staying (6 hours away from airport). Our guide, Godfrie, met us at the Serenara airport and accompanied us all the way till the end of the trip 8 days later. He was very knowledgeable about Serengeti, its wildlife, and communicated very clearly in English. He was very willing to drive several hours, long distances during our game drives to make sure we saw the 'Big Five' (Lion, Leopard, Buffalos, Rhinos, Elephants) as close as possible coordinating with other safari guides over radio. We had great experience right through the tour and came back safely to Arusha for our flight back. Hitesh shared some local shopping places in Arusha and we bought some Tanzanite, Cashew Nuts, and Masai trinkets.
Overall Feedback on Pooja Tours
Responsiveness - 5 star
Personal attention - 5 stars
Dependability - 5 stars
Vehicle quality - 4 stars (safe vehicle, but would have liked AirConditioner on certain stretches)
Guide - 5 stars
Cost - 5 stars (not cheap, but worth the money spent)
Given a chance, I wouldn't mind utilizing Pooja tours for our next Kenya/Tanzania safari (or) in recommending them to my friends and family.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Delivered a perfect safari experience!
Joagro Tours was the perfect combination of local insight and comfort. My guide, Anuar was extremely knowledgeable of the wildlife and I had the opportunity to see ALL of the big 5 and much much more. I could not have asked for a better experience. I would highly recommend Joagro Tours to anyone looking for a personalized safari experience.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect organization and execution !
We loved the experience and it definitely exceeded our expectations! Alex helped us so much in the preparation (when we even did not know the ideal tour for us) and the whole time until the actual safari. This was one of the most professional services I have experienced in my private life. It really made us feel very secure to have Alex as our reliable and single point of contact.
For the safari itself: I would always do it again! We loved our guide Adrian and the hotel was also great. Really a lot of value for the money!
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very reliable and trustworthy
I’ve had them organize my trip in eastern Uganda. Everything went smoothly, Sam was always on time and organized everything smoothly. You couldn’t find a better tour operator!
Their PR is on another level.we are forever greatful.keep it up!!
We went to Aberdare cottages and their services ,food,rooms were excellent.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top of the range … Cant complain
I had a very nice experience with deep end safaris… there driver / drivers were customer friendly.. They acted a guides to some places i was new… they indeed made me trust and trust them i did
Am going back early 2024 … thats in Jan but i will pop by to say hello again and see if they they have added more activities on their tours
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The great explorer
They are a well organized group, Eric was very helpful and we enjoyed the company, we were able to do a lot of activities and we had some great time. We wish them luck and hope to see them again soon.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Trip unforgettable moments
Right from the start Bryson and his team were 100% on the ball with our questions answered immediately, we were made to feel special right from the start, the trip itself was amazing so well organized, our guide Issac was so informative and friendly, the lodges chosen were spectacular, the Safaris amazing, they made a trip of a lifetime truly memorable and left wanting more, I will certainly choose this company when I go back such awesome service at a very fair price, these guys are local they now there stuff book now
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ker&Downey did a fantastic job setting up our trip and then managing the trip - could not be happier
Each of our lodges and tent camps were outstanding - exceeded our expectations.
Our two K&D guides were fantastic-knowledgeable, caring and fun.
Being there in the rainy season was not a problem at all. Not nearly as crowded as June/July - I recommend going in December.
Our trip manager, Sarah, was always available and seamlessly accommodated all our changes.
I will definitely use K&D again.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brian was incredible!
I could never say enough good things about Brian and the tour he organized for us. Every activity was so incredible and planned out so well!! The accommodations were incredible and the people were amazing as well! Brian made sure everything went smoothly and we couldn’t recommend him enough!