DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
8d/7n Safari Arusha, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengti, Ngorongoro
We did an 8-Day Safari tour with Meru Slopes. The communication with Geofrey was really good, the answers came really quick and everything was excellent organised. We got a pick up from the Kilimanjaro airport late in the night and had our first two nights for included in the owners hotel.
Our safari was guided by Simon and our cook Halidi (I hope i wrote it right :D) in a Toyota Landcruiser for four people (+ staff). The first two days we got our very own private safari, the 3rd day another guy joined is. So we were a really smal group, which is really good to experience the Nationalparks on our own ways and wishes.
Simon was just awesome. He had a lot of knowledge about all the parks, the animals and always knew the best places to catch some animals we were looking for. He always had some little stories to tell about any place, animal or former tours. We had a a lot of fun with him and you could really see that he loves his job. He promised us to give all his best to satisfy us - and as we could see really fast, it wasn't just a platitude. He really did everything he could do and much more in order to give us the possibility to be able to see some cheetahs and leopards.
Breakfast, lunch (oftens lunchbox since ad midday you are in the middle of the safari) and dinner was really good and diversified considering the possibilities the cook had on a safari.
The sleep over in a tent in the middle of the serengti nationalpark was an adventure for itself. We had giraffs, buffalos, elefants and even hyenas around us.
Especially if your guide’s name is Simon you can be fortunate and looking forwards to a lifetime adventure you will never forget.
We highly recommend everyone, who consider to make a safari in Tanzania, to book it at Meru Slopes. You won't be disappointed.
Best regards
MX
Very well organized. The 3 places we visited the attention was superb.
We enjoyed every part of the trip and the quality of the rooms, food and the service were very good.
Rose from Luxury Safari always answered my questions right away and made my bookings very enjoyable
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Big Time Disappointment - Big Time Holidays Ltd. - COMPANY NOT RECOMMENDED
We scheduled a safari through Charles (Allan) Milambo with Big Time Holidays and ultimately wasted an entire day of our two day safari trying to sort out mass confusion due to lack of communication and general incompetence. It started with failed attempts to locate Charles (Allan) who was supposed to pick us up from Kilimanjaro airport. After an hour of waiting at the airport pick-up area and actively trying to reach Charles (phones did not connect through and no response to emails), we finally concluded we were scammed and decided to salvage what we could of our short stay in northern Tanzania. Consequently, we were out of pocket monies that were spent on taxis, meals and advice from other tour companies (note: meals and rides were all supposed to be covered as part of our service). Imagine our surprise when three hours later we do hear from Charles (Allan), who indicated that another driver had been sent to pick us up from the airport (not him - why were we not informed and provided with the new drivers contact information?) and had been waiting for us this entire time (where?? We spoke to every driver in the airport's pick up area multiple times and no one there was looking for our family, was going to Ngorongoro Crater, or was affiliated with Big Time Holidays. We did, however, have many people offer to take us instead).
Our three primary frustrations are listed in detail, below, for anyone wishing to proceed with caution:
1. Services not met
Simply put, the clearly articulated services and costs for services agreed to were not met; namely, pick-up from the airport, staying at the on-site Rhino Lodge from which animals can be viewed*, enjoying a full afternoon and full, early start morning of safari, visit to Olduvai Gorge, and all meals. Notably, early in our email conversations, Charles explicitly stated that “Ngorongoro Crater alone needs two days to see everything.” Online reviews and a general internet search did not indicate any reason to suspect sub-par service.
*a few weeks prior to our trip, we were informed that we were on a waiting list and that a reservation elsewhere was made; we were not informed that this new site was over an hour away; nor was it confirmed that this plan B had become our plan A
2. Questionable ethics
There are three parts to this. Firstly, a few weeks after our initial deposit was made, Charles requested an additional 295 USD for services. When asked for more information on the surcharge, his email indicated that “his hands are tied up on this” and that there will be “no more extras”. After looking into the situation more, including contacting the Ngorongoro Conservation Agency and friends in Kenya, there was no information to substantiate the increase, and we communicated as much to Charles. He then responded - on the same day - “Don’t you worry about it. We have already solve the situation. The plan remain the same” (Note: he did not answer the majority of our questions asking for clarification in the back and forth leading up to this 'resolution').
Secondly, Charles specified early on that he would be our driver (“I will devort [sic] my self to a company you on this trip always to keep standard.”) We expected all along that we would be working with him and did not receive any communication indicating otherwise (we would have asked for the driver’s contact number if this were the case). (note: this piece is directly related to the confusion outlined above)
Thirdly, there was a clear unwillingness to acknowledge the stress and reduced services of our actual situation on Day 1 of our trip. During a phone conversation mid day when we finally managed to get a hold of one another, Charles claimed that he had met all the stipulations of our agreement and refused to compensate us in any way, stating that he had sent three separate drivers to find us to fulfill the agreement and that it was our fault (?!) for not finding the driver at the airport.
3. Money out of pocket and undue stress
One of the reasons we prearranged the safari with airport pick up and drop off, as well as meals and 50% down-payment on what we consider a large sum of money (please note: most companies ask for 30%; we however felt that we could trust Charles based on early interactions), was so that we could arrive in Kilimanjaro and simply enjoy our experience as a family – the youngest of our three kids being two years old. The opposite happened. Not only did we spend a substantial amount out of pocket for additional transportation, international phone calls, food, and bank fees, in the actual unfolding of events during our brief time in northern Tanzania, we experienced a substantial amount of stress from not knowing where our driver was, to suspecting that we were scammed, to finding an alternate solution and being asked for about 1.6 times our original costs (i.e. being taken advantage of in our desperate circumstances), to spending almost an entire day sorting the situation, to not receiving the full services agreed to.
In short, my wife and I do NOT recommend this company to anyone looking for a hassle-free holiday. We would have accepted reasonable compensation for our troubles, but that was not even considered.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Majestic Vastness of Serengetti---I'll always remember.
I've Traveled in Latin Am, Asia, Europe and Africa & I appreciated Hilary and the Suricata Guide-Driver and cook! Hilary, the owner was so hospitable, on-time, and thoughtful to us. His price was reasonable and yet he helped us in extra ways, like taking us to the shuttle bus to Nairobi, even though we had already paid him and he did not have to do this big favor for us! I enjoyed the safari---especially the majestic vastness of the Serengetti. Emmanuel, the driver/guide has amazing eyes for spotting animals and is kind and thoughtful towards his guests in the safari. Dionnis, the cook prepares really good food and it comes on time---a big contrast to the lackadasical service we experienced at even a supposed 5 star hotel in Arusha. If I could do it over again, I would arrange to spend 2 days and 2 nights in the Serengetti, and sacrifice Tanguire or Manyara during a 5 day safari.
Fantastic experience
Saleh is an amazing tour guide. We saw all the animal we wanted to see. The accommodation was fantastic. Anna met us and welcomed us on the first day. Highly recommended. Dont forget a jacket, it can get cold at times!
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding service from incredible staff
Brian and his staff succeeded in providing myself and a large group of friends with an unforgettable few days in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. We were given a jam-packed itinerary that included a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee trekking and several game drives throughout the national park.
The service was truly brilliant and our guides, Brian, Joseph and Charles couldn't have been more helpful. Before we even met Brian, we found him to be very accommodating while planning an itinerary for us that suited both our interests and our budget.
It made a big difference to our safari to have staff that were friendly, caring and could give us so much information. We were incredibly impressed with the time that we spent with GoExplore Safaris and we had a truly unforgettable experience
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The perfect 10-day safari with Benson
Safari Bookings linked us to Benson Safaris, and from the very first email exchange with them I had a good feeling about this Tanzanian-run operation. Each email was prompt, helpful, and we designed together our once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. Benson did not disappoint. From the moment we were picked up at the airport, our guide (named Good Luck, really) was very kind, and extremely knowledgable about any question raised by anyone in our family (ranging in age from 10-58). Everything was smooth, the accommodations were all excellent, with some much more excellent than we anticipated.
We were fortunate to witness the massive wildebeest migration across the Mara River (including croc attacks), up to 40 lions in various stages of activity, from sex to eating a fresh kill to just lounging around. We missed out on Cheetah/Leopard spotting, but all others species got a big check mark (including the illusive Rhino).
We had a 10-day safari that was indeed the safari of our dreams, and at a fair and reasonable price (especially when compared with European-based tour operators).
Thanks GoodLuck and Benson, it was awesome.
HK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great First Time Experience in Kenya, all to the credit of our guide George and KWSS
It was a 10 days private tour for me and my wife. The initial communication with Otineo was smooth. The itinerary and accommodation arranged by KWSS all turned out great. Our guide George had been most friendly and knowledgeable. He knew where best to go within the enormous parks and would always on his own initiative move to the best position for us to watch and take photographs of the interesting creatures. It rained very heavily on several occasions and some of the roads were extremely bumpy but George always drove safe and as steady as possible. It was really great value for the package tour we chose.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful safari of northern Tanzania!
The owner of Suricata safari, Hilary is very friendly and helpful, he will make you feel super comfortable no time! We did a 5 days private tour safari in the norther parks: Tarangire, Serengeti e Ngorongoro. Hilary came to pick us up at Arusha airport and took care of our overnight accommodation in Arusha. The safari was beautiful! Our guide Floris, and our chef Mister Delicious were the best and really took care of us for all 5 days. I truly recommend Suricata Safari! Write to Hilary and he will organize your itinerary base on how many days you have and who you would like to see. The price is good, the jeeps are good and well maintained and the camp gear is also new and clean!
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best esperience
With an Italian group formed by 6 people.
Msafiri the guide and Golan the driver are wonderful.
We staied in Kuhama Camp.. incredible during the night with the sound of Iena near the camp.
I recommend Leopard Tours to see Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
