IN
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great experience.......awesome trip
Our family (me, my wife, my son and his wife) have just returned from Tanzania after a great experience of a 7 days trip with Happy World Safari and I must admit that we will cherish the memories for the rest of our lives.
We had picked Happy World Safari for the trip based on internet reviews and as it turned out we were extremely lucky about our choice. Our trip was planned well in advance for December 2018. After a long trail of email exchanges with Mr. Joseph, the owner of Happy World Safaris, we decided to include Tarangire, Ndutu area, Ngorongoro crater and of course Serengeti in our itinerary.
As regards the services, during the planning and booking stage itself we found Mr. Joseph to be very professional and patient and we started to feel positive about our upcoming trip. His responses were quick and his inputs and suggestions later turned out to be spot on. Above all Mr. Joseph is a gem of a person and very helpful by nature.
In addition I would like to put in a word about our driver and guide Mr.Tony who was also a nice person, an expert driver and had a very sharp eye to notice the game while driving. There were plenty of times when he stopped the vehicle, reversed a bit, picked his binoculars and showed us animals barely noticeable by naked eye. On one instance as we drove by a pond, he asked all of us to look hard towards what we thought was a rock and we realized it was a huge croc. As it was rainy weather, at times our 4 x 4 land cruiser got stuck in the sloshy mud and both Joseph and Tony displayed their expertise to resolve the situation. On one occasion, after getting out of the sloshy mud with the help of another vehicle, Tony had to drive fast so as not to get stuck again and vehicle skidded left and right in the mud avoiding the thorny bushes which required a high level of driving expertise. It was as though we were on a speedboat rolling and pitching on water. We all admired this awesome team of Joseph and Tony and those moments will remain forever etched in our memories. We were visiting Tanzania for the first time and to put it briefly the best compliment we can pay to Mr. Joseph and Tony is that we feel that this will not be our last trip as we all wish to go back again with them in future. To put it mildly the service was excellent.
As regards the arrangements, everything was handled in a professional manner right from welcome at Kilimanjaro airport, checking in at various lodges during the entire trip and final dropping at the airport. All the lodges were great experiences and we will remember all with fond memories. We stayed at Maramboi Tented Camp, Ngorongoro Farm House, Ndutu Safari Lodge and Serengeti Sopa Lodge. Accommodation was clean and food was delicious including the packed lunch boxes for our daily trips.
Our vehicle was a Toyota 4x4 Land Cruiser with plenty of space for four of us to move around and handle our cameras. There was no problems for charging our camera batteries etc. while on the move. Vehicle was robust and well maintained which gave us confidence on difficult terrain and a feeling of safety.
Although it may vary from trip to trip, but we were very lucky to spot a wide variety of game including the big five. We were fortunate to see some animals at hand shaking distance including a Lion eating a Wilderbeest, a pair of Cheetas next to our vehicle, an elephant having a mud bath, a leopard on a tree and a pride of lions just relaxing.
Overall it was a dream vacation and we had a great value for money trip and I would recommend all who are planning a trip to Tanzania to go with Happy World Safaris for a memorable experience.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic experience - perfect organization
Fantastic experience during our 8 days Uganda Gorilla and Chimps Safari - we saw a lot of animals.
We travelled with Journeys Discovering Africa which we can recommend in every aspects (Communication, Drivers, Guide etc.)
Thank you very much for this fantastic trip and organization.
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best safari in our life thanks to Ben Shegesh, Festo Bedard Mgassa and Shemeji!
This is a review of a private five-day safari organized by Shemeji for two people from 8 to 12 September 2018.
Ben Shegesha - it was an honor for us that Beni was our guide and driver. We will remember until the end of our lives:
• his smile for every moment and every day
• he could point out animals difficult to find even through binoculars
• beautiful pictures that he did to us
• his extensive knowledge of wild animals, national parks
• excellent parking ability to give the best perspective for taking photos
• he knew how to talk to the local police, so that he would not delay the safari
• he is very wise and intelligent man with a great potential for every professional opportunity
• perfect time management
• strong engagement from morning to evening
• there was a camp on the side of the mountain and only one flatter place, and there Beni set up a tent
• very good driver who cares about safety
• we felt all the time that he cares about us
• he helps other guides so he could count on their help
• he can repair the car
• very good english
Festo Bedard Mgassa
• he prepared a lot of tasty and with great variety food at camp conditions
• friendly
• he organized big bags to protect our luggage from dust on safari
Shemeji
• we were two of us, and we had a car for seven people, it did not break even though the roads destroy cars on safari
• they agreed to take us to the Kilimanjaro airport without additional payment
• we had clean sleeping bags and a nice tent
• we were sorry that we did not have the opportunity to meet Emma personally (the owner of Shemeji)
Safari depends on:
• the guide is the most important
• be lucky to meet animals and a guide to see them
• the car should be spacious and well cared for because the failure is a big waste of time
• to have a good cook if you like a good food
• the tour operator must have the best recommendations in the Trip Advisor and Safaribookings, because they are looking for clients through this portals, and are doing their best to get a best opinion there
• tour operator must have a long feedback history on the Trip Advisor and Safaribookings, because if you pay them for safari in advance and they do not organize it, you will lose your money
BH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing 4 days safari to Masai Mara, Nakuru and Naivasha thanks to Rite Choice!
Right Choice was indeed the right choice made by us and they lived upto their commitments. The guide cum driver Jacob was well experienced and we had a great time thanks to his sincere efforts in ensuring that we sight all the animals at very close quarters!! The van was comfortable and in good condition and had a wireless communication set which enabled Jacob to be in constant touch with his friends which helped us not only in sighting the big budget animals but also in getting quick assistance to pull our van out of mud and sludge (got stuck twice on day 2 due to overnight rains). The accommodations provided were good and in line with the reviews. Most important, all of us were vegetarians and they managed to ensure decent vegetarian food for us on all the days.
A brief write up of the tour is given below which will give an idea of our great safari:
Amazing AFRICA - Masai Mara, Nakuru Park & Lake Naivasha
It was overall a wonderful and exhilarating experience! It was one of our dream trip and if you are in Africa - do not miss the Masai Mara! We were a family of 5 adults and booked a 4 day safari with Rite Choice Tours and Safaris with a safari van to ourselves. Our driver and guide Jacob was amazing. He was well connected with all the other tour guides through a wireless communication set in the van and ensured that we got to witness all the majestic animals in the park.
We arrived in Nairobi the previous day AN and checked into a budget hotel Khweza Bed & Breakfast which was a decent value for money hotel with a good breakfast in the terrace. The first day of Safari started early next morning when our guide cum driver Jacob picked us up at the hotel and after a brief stopover at Right Choice office, we were on our way to Masai Mara which we reached around 4 pm and checked into Explore Nature Mara Lodge. The last 2-3 hours were on rough uneven tracks and will be more than a challenge if you have fitness issues. We were welcomed with a traditional Masai tribal dance at the resort and after a quick refreshment, immediately started off for the EN safari. The entrance to the Reserve was about 20-30 minutes from our resort accommodation. We had around 1 ½ hours of safari and within that time, lucky to see a couple of lionesses and a lion besides gazelles, wild beasts, zebra, etc. It started raining towards the end and we returned back to our accommodation by 7 pm and retired early to bed. The resort cottages were set in natural surroundings and was decent and comfortable with very helpful staff.
The second day was a full day Safari and we started early by 6.30 am with packed lunch. We were lucky to see at very close quarters lions, lionesses, cheetah, wildebeest, buffalos, elephants, giraffes and leopard - out of which seeing the leopard was one of the thrilling part of the trip. After hours of searching for the well hidden leopard, our driver suddenly got a call and informed us that we are in for surprise. When we reached the spot, we were totally in awe of the leopard neatly perched on a branch of a tree taking rest. The opening at the top of the van provided us a real close and clear view of the animals which we spotted right next to our van. We went to the border with Tanzania where the Serengeti Reserve starts and spent time at the river site where the famous crossings take place during Summer. We had long shot views of hippos and crocodiles and had our packed lunch and then back to looking around for more animals. Having seen 4 of the BIG 5 (except Rhino) in the same day, we concluded a very satisfying day’s trip and retired back to our resort for the night.
The third day we took leave of the wonderful staff at Explore Nature Mara Lodge and after breakfast proceeded to Naivasha Lake. However due to rains we could not take the boat ride at Naivasha Lake and after spending some time in the nice natural surroundings at the Lake site, proceeded to Nakuru where we checked into a budget Hotel CityMax for the overnight stay.
The fourth day started early at 7 am and our driver had promised that we would definitely be able to spot the Rhino in Nakuru Park and spot we did early into our ride in Nakuru Park. We saw the rhino and its baby cross the road right in front of our van giving us a close up view and concluded the last of the BIG 5 sightings. We also saw giraffes, wild buffaloes, antelopes, zebras, a variety of birds and also sighted a lone lioness which looked like she was going to hunt but did not materialize. After a half day nice safari at Nakuru Park, we proceed straight to Lake Naivasha for the boat ride which we missed the previous day. Lake Naivasha is the only fresh water lake on the floor of the rift valley, and just 1 1/2hr from Nairobi. It was exciting to sit back and relax on the boat for one hour while admiring such a beautiful scenario, contemplating so many hippos, birds and other wildlife. We were able to spot hordes of hippos, a few crocs, vultures, birds and their nesting trees. We also spent some time enjoying the natural atmosphere in Naivasah Lake site and then got dropped at the airport in the EN rounding off a very satisfying and enjoyable safari trip ever, successfully covering the BIG 5 and much more that Kenya had to offer. I would not hesitate to recommend Rite Choice Tours and Safaris who have custom made safari trips to suit your budgets. – A Truly amazing experience!
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A relaxed and well organized holiday.
The holiday started from the moment Paul our driver, came to pick us up. Everything was perfectly organized. All accommodations were beautiful with a real African feeling. We were welcomed everywhere very hartwarming. In advance you will think of what you will see: elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, chimpanzees and gorillas. And we have seen all those animals and must must more. Paul showed us the most beautiful places and was very patient with every "foto momentje". But Uganda offers even more: women in colorful clothes, children waving along the side of the road. And it is amazing what you can transport on a motorcycle. Up to five people fit on a motorcycle. And how do you get a purple coffin at home? Of course on your bike. We were only there for 12 days, but we would like to come back to Uganda.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The best support we have never had
We contacted the agency to create a very personalised tour. They really understood our necessities and they were able to suggest always different solutions. We created a fantastic tour and we visited all the things we were interested to. Before departure they gave us a very complete report so we didn’t have any problem during our self drive tour.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Honest, reliable and an excellent service.
The company offered a Safari package that was suitable for my need. I was a little worried when I had to pay them by Bank Transfer (not possible to do a Credit Card payment) but it was ok, all was well. We had Santaely as our driver and guide and he was excellent, well worth the recommended tips at the end. I would certainly engage Mega Adventures again next year when I next visit.
My only disappointment was our visit to the 'Maasai Village' - where the villagers were very demanding for tips for everything, including cleaning our shoes after the visit. This was even after we had given a recommended donation of $10 per tourist visiting. They sell commercially available products at 5x the price, making it difficult for us to support them in their home environment (if it was their home environment!) We were not well prepared for that.
We also had a Waterfall and Coffee tour in Moshi and that was a great experience. Mega Adventures just serves as an agent and transportation to the village guides. Our Driver expected the same level of Tips as was had given to Santaely even when he did very little 'guiding', and ignored us on the way back to our hotel because he was trying to chat up a girl he had offered transport to in our vehicle.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rescued our holiday and gave us the experiences we always dreamed of.
This company gets good reviews for a reason, although small they are very very good
Robert and his team came to the rescue when we were badly let down by another operator. I was a little nervous about rebooking our trip following our very bad experience but I need not have worried everything went really really smoothly and everything fully met our expectations. Robert went above and beyond when our luggage was delayed in Frankfurt by 24 hours. We went onto Samburu whilst Robert arranged to collect our luggage and reunite us with it at Nakuru a couple of days into the trip.He also arranged our transfer from Wilson to Jomo Kenyatta when we flew back into Nairobi after spending a few days on the coast after our safari. We would have been happy to get a taxi but the transfer was a kind and generous offer.
Eric our driver and guide was excellent throughout. We saw all of the animals we hoped to see with superb views and photos of everything. We also identified almost 200 species of birds!. Eric was extremely patient with us every time we asked to stop to look at and identify a bird although I suspect he did run up a big phone bill!. In the parks Eric always knew where to take us and in the Mara particularly was in his element when the cry went out on the CB that a cat had been sighted. Like a good hunter he thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of the chase!
Just a word of advice based on our experience. You are often advised to travel with US dollars. As residents of the UK we lose some money when we change from GBP into dollars. In Kenya many people will take dollars but always convert to Kenyan Shillings. The exchange rate varied from 85 - 100 Shillings to the dollar. You will likely lose out again when you pay in dollars. If we were visiting again we would just take Kenyan Shillings.
Robert arranged a 12 day safari visiting Samburu, Nakuru, the Masai Mara, Naivasha, and Amboseli. He also arranged and booked 5 days of R&R at Diani beach at the end of the trip. The animals, the birds, the accommodation, the food and the company were all excellent throughout. based on our experience we would recommend that you give Beacon Safaris the chance to make your dream come true
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do not themself drive in Tanzania
Communication with Simon prior booking was good, clear and fast. We booked a small group midrange safari 6 days Tarangire, lake manyara, ngorgoro and Serengeti national parks starting from Arusha.
While on site, we could not find their Arusha office. (The hotel listed on their website had never heard of the company.) The night befor the start of the safari a man from another safari company met us at the hotel, said he talked with Simon and would operate our trip. Overall we got what was agreed on in the itinerary, but days and accomodanditon was shifted with out any prior notice until the very last minute everyday. We would have appreciated to get a new updated itinerary befor we left. The driver/guide was really just a driver and did not tell us much about the parks or animals.
We are overall happy with the trip! Saw a lot of animals really close, an experience of a life time!!
It is hard to give a fare review of Wild Race Africa cause we have not met any of them.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good organisation and beautiful tours with a lot of information
We booked the full day safari including pick up and drop off. We were lucky and had the full day game drive alone together with the guide Kyo. He grew up in this area and gave us a lot of information about the parc as well as the animals and nature. We really enjoyed it. On the second day we booked a sunset tour which was operated by the Kruger Nationalparc which was also an amazing adventure.
Keep going guys!
