NZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A memorable safari, but disappointing guide behaviour
We spent seven days on safari in Tanzania with Safari Soles. The game drives were rewarding, and we were fortunate to see many incredible animals, including lions and leopards.
However, our experience with our driver-guide, Lucas, was let down by his attitude and communication.
On one morning, there was a misunderstanding about the breakfast and departure times. I had misunderstood the timing, and I acknowledge that this was a communication issue. However, when I greeted Lucas that morning, his immediate response was, “Why do you do this?” He then raised his voice at me in front of several camp staff, angrily insisting that he had already explained the schedule.
I found this behaviour inappropriate and unprofessional. I had no intention of delaying the departure, and I believe a simple, respectful explanation would have resolved the misunderstanding.
While Lucas did a good job spotting wildlife, a safari guide's role involves more than finding animals. Respectful communication and professional conduct are also important, particularly when guests are spending several days travelling with the same guide.
Unfortunately, this incident affected our overall experience.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect experience for a couple - wonderful guides and a magical experience.
We loved our time with Leader Expeditions in Tanzania.
We climbed Kilimanjaro (Lemosho Route) and went on Safari. Kilimanjaro is challenging, but well worth it. The guides Barnabas and Chungus were very kind and genuine people. We had incredible porters, some young, some older. What they do for you is incredible, and you truly see their value on the climb. Be prepared to have so much food prepared for you. You will never go hungry. It was much more food then we are used to; but in a good way.
Safari with Musunga was wonderful. He was extremely knowledgeable as an Ecologist. Tarangire NP was a great introduction to safari. Then the Central Serengeti NP will blow your mind. The Northern Serengeti NP was different again, and the Wildebeest Migration was something to behold. We were lucky to see two river crossings while we were there. Be prepared to be patient while you wait at the river. And be prepared for some other tour operators to get a bit greedy with hogging the good views.
The hot air balloon experience was amazing (expensive) but worth it.
The Ngongoro Crater was a fascinating experience too - an ecosystem you need to see to believe.
We lucked out with the Big 5 and cheetah sighting amongst many others.
All in all, Leader Expeditions were great. They cared for us and wished us well as we departed with a lovely painting as a gift. We also had (surprise to us) a lovely custom made honeymoon decorative cover on the safari jeep rear spare tyre.
Bring more money than you think for tips. Note that it is hard to take a lot of money out from ATM at a time. Be prepared to pay fees all the time.
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Attic tours always answered our questions quickly and reliably, and ensured smooth airport transfers
Attic tours offered me and my friend an unforgettable safari experience that exceeded our expectations. Two weeks before our trip started, a DIFFERENT tour operator had cancelled our booking. This is when we discovered Attic tours, who were able to promptly confirm our 14 day Kenya and Tanzania tour with them in this short time frame. We were lucky to discover this tour company because the tour we went on had another whole day of safari for a lower price!
We were very lucky and saw all of the big 5 animals multiple times, as well as countless other safari animals. The highlight for me was a mother cheetah with four small cubs playing in the Serengeti.
Most importantly, we could count on Attic tours to answer and solve any questions or concerns we had during our safari. We were very grateful that our airport transfers were organised and on time so we had plenty of time to make our flights.
Thanks again to Attic tours and the team to make our safari one to remember!
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great team.
Safari, Tanzania, dug a treasure! The guide Festo is full of details, and he will carefully take care of the interior environment and pay attention to everyone's state throughout the process; professionally familiar with all kinds of animal habits, and precisely pinch the time to take us to meet the spectacular crossing of the Wrest Horse Tianhe River. The local road conditions are extremely poor, he drives smoothly, is very humorous and talkative, and the long drive is not boring at all. The boss can also respond to the message in time with the time difference over a five-hour time difference, and the journey will follow up and provide help at any time. All the wild animals you want to see in this trip, play with peace of mind and have fun, and sincerely recommend it to friends who plan to come to Tanzan to see the grassland migration!
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very good but it depends on the driver/guide you have
Some guides like Tom were perfect {5 *) Some others like Raimon were rude and didn’t pay attentIon of us. But all of them tried to do the best for good spottings
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Amboseli National Park by Stephen W
Great for viewings with Kilimanjaro as the backdrop
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya the friendly destination
We had a great time from start to finish from the wildlife of the Masai Mara and Amboseli to the incredible soft white sand beach at Diani. Everybody we came across was polite, helpful and friendly. Getting around can be a bit hairy at times with the state of the roads and the trek to Masai being long and busy. Best to plan ahead where you plan to go and book a guide if it's your first time. Everything is good value but be prepared for a lot of tipping. Currency wise we found it useful to have cash in both dollars and shillings for small buys and tips. We found no issues at all with mosquitos probably as it was the dry season. Food and drink is really good value compared to UK, all being well prepared and presented at all the safari lodges and hotels. Food at the safari lodges, which is included in your trip tends to be of a buffet style with plenty of good choices and options. All in all an enjoyable time and good fun chatting with the local lads about football as their all mad keen on the Premier League. I can highly recommend Kenya as a destination for Safari and beach.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience from start to finish.
I had a wonderful experience with my guide Brighton. He was protective of me every step of the trip which was reassuring considering that I travelled as a young solo female. The company’s director Michael was always available to answer my questions and solve any issues that arose from the first inquiry until I landed safely back home. The tour itself was incredible and was catered to my desires and time constraints. Michael made sure to communicate every detail with me and the whole team was available to me in one convenient group chat throughout the trip. I was nervous at first but Michael and Brighton continually reassured me that they had my safety and comfort as their top priority. Brighton continually checked in with me about how I was feeling and changed our plans when necessary. I am so thankful for Michael and his team for organizing such an amazing trip and I appreciate Brighton going above and beyond for me each day we spent together. I will continue to recommend Bugoli Adventures to my friends and family. There were plenty of tour companies available but for the price and itinerary, communication, safety, and experience they had to offer- I know I made the right choice. It truly was an amazing once in a life time trip. Thank you Michael and Brighton for my amazing experience.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Camptrek is a very efficient tour company that prioritizes client needs and the overall experience
I spent 12 thoroughly enjoyable days with a small group on a Camptrek Safari tour in September-October 2026. We visited four Kenyan national parks: Nairobi, Tsavo East, Amboseli, and Masai Mara. While any tour operator can take you to see elephants and lions, what truly made this experience exceptional was Camptrek’s meticulous planning, flawless execution, and genuinely dedicated team.
Rose, our booking contact, coordinated our hotels, camps, and transfers with exceptional efficiency, making every part of our in-country travel seamless. Ben, our guide, was an outstanding driver with extensive knowledge of Kenya’s ecosystem. He could identify 47 bird species by sight and sound and had a remarkable ability to spot wildlife from 400 yards away while navigating the unforgiving dirt roads.
It was a joy working with Camptrek. I’ve already recommended them to several friends, and I would not hesitate to book them on other African destinations.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly, responsive, trustworthy tour company offering amazing once-in-a-lifetime safari experience
I chose Matt and his Tapestry of Africa company because I trusted his promise of delivering western standards to an East Africa once-in-a-lifetime luxury safari experience that's safe and engaging. Matt from the start was easy to reach and a fast responder. His experience as a health care worker also made me believe he will adhere to safety above all else. He also repeatedly mentioned that his guides are great (which is a must as they make or break a safari).
In short he overall delivered on his promises. His entire team is very involved and amazing and get the work done (shoutout to Albert and Hilda and so many others behind the scenes). We loved our Kenyan guide Masha- entertaining, respectful, knowledgeable, really caring and passionate about animals, amazing driver (navigating a jeep in rivers and "roads" is NO JOKE!), good mastery of English, etc. You are lucky if you get him as your guide! Our Tanzanian guide was okay in comparison, and got the job done albeit he was much chiller and less engaged in general and we had a bit more of a language barrier. What our Tanzanian guide did a good job of was time management to get us checked into our camps sooner than later each day.
We saw our must sees- the Great Migration (and even a Mara crossing of wildebeests), the Big Five, and the Big Cats. In addition we saw the Ugly Five, all the national birds of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, and a Super Tusker elephant!
Amazing trip, amazing memories, I recommend Tapestry to anyone deciding to go to East Africa.