US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Life changing experience with incredible company!
After weeks of attempting to sort out a sea of complicated and reliable travel logistics, accommodations, and experiences, I finally reached out to Afrikakukaye, and I am so grateful I did. The staff at Afikakukaye were incredibly patient and thorough, asking questions and repeatedly revising the proposed itinerary until my perfect experience was designed. As a company of LOCAL experts with first-hand knowledge, staff are ready to design personalized, varied tour experiences for all budgets. Although safari, and particularly elephants, was an essential part of my Tanzanian bucket list, I wanted a cultural component as well. In my opinion, visiting a country without interacting with its people is mistake. Afrikakukaye designed an itinerary with diverse cultural tourism components, and per my wishes, visits that allowed me to roll up my sleeves and get involved. Through my stays with the Chagga at Machame Cultural Tourism, Hadzabe, Iraqw, and Maasai,I danced, cooked, hiked, visited schools, biked, rode on motor bikes, went to market, ground coffee and corn, melted metal with a bellows, accompanied bushmen on a morning hunt, shot with bow and arrow, played billiards, and saw village natural sights to name a few, all while exchanging ideas and cultures with my hosts, but more importantly exchanged some emails with hosts who are now friends.
In addition to life-changing cultural tourism, Afrikakuaye designed a variety of national park visits in northern Tanzania so that we could enjoy Tanzania's natural beauty -- Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park. Here's where our guide Shaffie enters the scene. Shaffie is incredible -- patient, knowledgeable, humorous, experienced, attentive. We had hours and hours of conversation about all aspects of life in Tanzania and America. While navigating unbelievable driving conditions, he explained tribal life, education, life in general, answered questions and managed to spot wildlife that eluded several other sets of eyes. He went to incredible lengths to ensure we saw the Big 5, especially the elephants for I told him I wouldn't go home unless I did (thank you Tarangire National Park -- the pachyderm jackpot!), and DOZENS of other mammals, fauna, flora, and habitats. Actually, Shaffie entered the experience as our personal guide right from the beginning. He tirelessly interacted with additional guides, translated, confirmed reservations and accommodations, ordered meals, registered at national parks, took photos, and I am sure all manner of other things we weren't aware of. He did it all with a smile (and I'm sure he was exhausted) and incredible efficiency. In addition to all the aforementioned admirable qualities of Shaffie (and I'm sure they apply to the other Afrikakukaye guides as well), he was notably kind. In just one example, while we were enjoying our picnic lunch in the bush one afternoon, some local folks passed by. Shaffie offered some of his lunch, which was quickly and happily received. We quickly followed his example. As if this isn't enough, each morning the jeep was spotless -- cleaned and well-stocked for the next adventure.
Clearly, Afrikakukaye is a socially minded company. This became evident through many conversations with staff, but worth noting is the company's recommendation of Shanga Shanga. Instead of going to touristy souvenir shops, Afrikakukaye recommended Shanga Shanga, and that did not disappoint either. The project features the SKILLED works of Tanzanians with various physical challenges. Some crafts are jewelry, blown glass products, woven blankets, etc. Several pieces made it home with me, and I am so happy I can connect the piece with the actual artists whom I met that day.
I cannot recommend Afrikakukaye enough. If you want a memorable, personalized, life-changing experience, and want to SUPPORT A LOCAL, SOCIALLY COMMITTED COMPANY travel to Tanzania with Afrikakukaye. Afrikakukaye will shrink your world and change your life.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an absolutely amazing time in Tanzania with Donald, our guide from Migada Adventures.
Our guide Donald from Migada Adventures was very easy to communicate with. He spoke perfect English. He was very knowledgeable about the area we traveled and all the animals, and was always extremely considerate and polite. He explained a lot about our surroundings as we traveled around Tanzania and in the two National Parks we visited. The safaris was amazing. I can't wait to come back again. Tanzania is a beautiful country and the people there were so happy and friendly.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An amazing and unforgotable safari ever.
I went for a tour with one Orange Tours and i can recall how joyful i was together with my fiance. It was a three day tour from Diani beach to Masai Mara. The experience is unforgettable. We wanna come back though we are now 3. Thanks to Harry, a very humble and cooperative man.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fish Eagle Safari......Fantastic!
Very hard to fault these guys.
They were extremely helpful right from the beginning and communication was very good despite the time differences.
From the start of the safari we were met at our accommodation by our senior guide Norman who explained how everything was going to work for the next 5 days in detail.
Once we got on the water the crew (Norman, KK & Kenneth) were all absolutely first class; very friendly and knowledgeable.
A special mention though for Norman who knew the river like the back of his hand and was extremely good at navigating us past the many hippo pods along the way...at no time did we feel in danger; fantastic!
The crew looked after us extremely well.
There was a bit of a mix up at the end with the connection to our accommodation for the final night but they worked through it calmly and got us on our way even though it meant they were going to be late back into town.
Would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone thinking about this trip.....fantastic; only regret was not doing the 10 day trip....next time!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
VERY Knowledgeable & Determined to find the BIG 5
From the first email, working with Bright African Safaris (BAS) was GREAT. I sent out 3 emails to local Tanzania Safari groups with a few questions + info about my husband & me & asked for suggestions. Of the 3 companies, one replied a week later & one replied in 2 days which said "let me get you some info". It didn't matter if the other 2 responded in a timely manner or not because SALIM @ BAS had already WON us over w/his Professionalism & Quick Response. I received a very detailed email from Salim in less than 24 hrs complete w/a suggested Itinerary, info about BAS's community service, email addresses of previous clients that agreed to give a BAS review & Salim's confidant promise that I wouldn't be disappointed in BAS. I told Salim we were celebrating our 50th Wedding Anniversary by visiting "7 Continents in 7 Months" & that Africa would be our last Continent. Salim said "You saved the best for last". Their reviews on TripAdvisor, Google & Face Book were Great. Within a few weeks, Salim had sent almost daily emails with suggestions of lodges & tented camps to make sure we were pleased with our accommodations & our African Safari was now all planned.
We arrived at Kilimanjaro Airport & had no problem in getting our Visa as Salim had told me exactly what we'd need, we got our luggage & waiting for us was our BAS Guide, RAJABU. It was 9:30pm but Rajabu was so friendly & helpful so we instantly felt at ease that we were in great hands. After taking us to our 1st stop, Lake Duliti Lodge which was wonderful, Rajabu went over the upcoming first day of our safari w/us so we were ready to start our amazing 9 day Safari & 2 day rest.
Our safari included Arusha N. Park, Tarangire N. Park, the endless Serengeti Plains, Central & Western Corridor of Serengeti N. Park, Ngorongoro Crater Rim & Crater Floor. RAJABU was so Awesome at finding the Wildlife. We saw Lions (even 1 pride of 24 lions), Cheetahs, Leopards, Elephants, Giraffes, DikDiks, various eagles & other birds, huge Crocodiles, Caracal, Honey Badgers in Daytime, Banded & Dwarf Mongoose, Wart Hogs, Hyenas, Black Backed & Golden Jackal, Hippos, Zebras, Wildebeest, 9 varieties of other Antelopes, Buffalo & Yes, the elusive RHINO. We saw ALL of the BIG 5.
Altho our safari was over, Salim arranged our 2nd BAS guide, HASIMI, for a City Tour to Arusha Markets & Heritage Culture Center on Day 10 of our trip after a restful night & relaxing breakfast & lunch at the beautiful Mount Meru Game Lodge. Our trip was far from over as I'd asked Salim about visiting a local community & a coffee plantation. So on our last day before flying out at 9 pm, our weekend guide, Hamisi picked us up as planned @ 8.30 am, then picked up a local guide, Gifttairo "Young Rasta", to guide us as we hiked to Materuni waterfalls, then to help make our own fresh coffee at Hillborn Organic Coffee, enjoy a wonderful Lunch provided by a local Chagga tribe, taste local brew made from Ripe Bananas and learned about the local culture of the beautiful people that live in this area. We then left for the airport with Hamisi but he announced "Kilimanjaro is in view now so we'll stop for pictures". Sure enough, the clouds had cleared & Hamisi took our picture w/Kilimanjaro.
This entire 11 day Trip was so well planned. I suspect Salim told the lodges about our 50th so we had a Celebration Anniversary Party w/cake at Sergenti Tortilis Camp w/singers, a tasty fruit-cheese-chocolate tray at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge & a bottle of wine at Mount Meru Game Lodge.
If you want to enjoy a worry free safari, just tell Bright African Safari what you'd like and they'll make sure you have everything that you can imagine. ASANTE SANA SALIM, RAJABU & HAMISI. The Perfect Team that made our African Safari PERFECT.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very Warm Welcome- Karibu
It was an amazing experience.
Despite some initial surprises, there management promptly corrected and reassured us.
We would love to travel back with Karibu.
Shoot outs to Sona , Ian and Najmaji.
Thank you Vinosh for setting our iternary.
We found Tanzanian brother in Kuzungu our Host and Tour Guide for 1 week
Bryan from Brenton Blue took us to An amazing Penguin place.
Gaston - we simply love you and your love for Capetown.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
FRAUD
FRAUD
This company has cheated us; We hired them with a safari from Spain and the day they had to pick up at the hotel, we could not contact them, we had paid them 60% of the amount (2000€~) ... this supposed us, to lose a whole day between going to the Spanish embassy, put the complaint in the police and Of course, hiring another safari, not counting the economic loss.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good company with a lot of experienced personnel.
Together with Migration Venture Africa we climbed the Kilimanjaro (Machame route) and went on a 3 day Safari (2 days Tarangire NP and 1 day Ngorongoro NP). We had a great holiday, everything was well organized and the personnel (guides, drivers, cooks, porters, ...) had a lot of experience and were very helpful.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari From Taranghire Park, Lake Manyara to North Serengeti trough Ngorongoro crater
Everything was very well. Program of Safari well organised and balanced. Guide was perfect!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terence really outdid himself!
I am in Zimbabwe from the US on a trip with a group from school and was put in contact with Terence by my professor. The time change made communication a little challenging, but Terence always responded when he could! We chose a $350 package to Victoria Falls that included all hotel, transportation, and park fees (flight not included but Air Zim had $200 round trip tickets). Terence booked us a stay at the self service Lokuthula Lodges and we had no idea what to expect considering the cheap price. To be completely honest, we kind of expected a hostel. When we arrived we were blown away! The lodge was beautiful and nestled right in the bush so warthogs and monkeys in our backyard were a regular thing. We went on a sunset cruise down the Zambezi river, a game drive at Zambezi National Park and went to see Vic falls. On our last night we went to The Boma restaurant and danced and laughed the night away. Needless to say, Terence outdid himself in planning our trip. Transportation and accommodation was stress free because of his planning and we returned to Harare relaxed and happy :)