US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic guide and chef for a very reasonable cost
We did a budget safari with Shemeji Tours and from the beginning it was incredibly easy to facilitate. Emma was helpful every step of the way. It was helpful being able to pay with a credit card and she arranged all of our lodging (we later found out that the airport would have been a lot cheaper through her, too). The breakfasts and dinners were incredible, even though we camped the entire week. The camp sites were all fine--bring earplugs for the site at the crater. Our guide, Daan, was a blast and made sure that we saw everything on our checklists--even a Serval and python. The company seems to have a package that can meet anyone's budget and our guide really went above and beyond to accommodate everyone.
CA
Unique, stunning scenery with incredible views
We drove through the park on the way to cape point lighthouse. While driving, our guide was taking about how despite the name, he rarely sees zebras around. At that exact moment my husband looked out the window and said "isn't that a zebra right there?" There was a herd of 13 Grevy's Zebra camoflouged into the rocks and fynbos. Amazing sight that we feel lucky to have seen.
The views and scenery are amongst the best anywhere. We could have spent hours watching the clouds form over the ridges and hills, with light playing and mist rolling over the landscape.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The trip of a lifetime, amazing!!!!! We would highly recommend it to others!
The four different accomodations we stayed at were excellent, very clean! The staff members were very friendly and knowledgeable. With all the food being inclusive, it was fabulous and you could have as much as you wanted. We saw so many animals in their natural habitat, it was really breathtaking !The sunsets were beautiful! And one of our trips to Amboseli National Park was situated at the foot of snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro! What a spectacular sight! The weather was very comfortable and we had no problems with mosquitoes! Of particular note was our individual guide, Erastas. He was extremely accommodating, taking care of all our needs. There were many bathroom stops along the way. There was an 86 year old woman in our jeep and he took extra care to ensure her comfort. It was impressive, He was very well informed regarding the wildlife we observed and he was willing to answer any questions we had. He coordinated well with the other guides to ensure that we got maximum exposure to as many animals as possible. Additionally and perhaps more importantly he was a perfect gentleman and a friendly companion! He is a credit to your organization. Thank you for such a great experience. We will never forget it! And our pictures are awesome!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Tanzanian Safari to Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengetti & Ngorongoro Crater
I decided on Makasa after reading lots of Trip Advisor reviews and had very high expectations for our first ever safari. Without a doubt, in all areas, it exceeded them greatly. It was rated as a perfect 10 /10 holiday from each family member (group of four adults).
From the point of being collected at Kilimanjaro airport to be taken to our first stop-over and onwards, everything was extremely well organised and the whole holiday ran exceptionally smoothly.
Although I like to do a great deal of research on my own, Selma was invaluable to be in contact with during the planning process, being very knowledgeable on all the accommodation and itinerary options and having lots of patience with my never ending array of questions. I don’t like any surprises, worry lots about things going wrong on holidays and so it is of high importance that I know where I am going and what we are doing in detail.
Before arriving, I was particularly concerned about safety aspects on this type of holiday but quite unnecessary as we were looked after fantastically well everywhere we went.
Our vehicle was comfortable, reliable and kept remarkably clean by our excellent driver Kaleby. Driving safely for long periods, sometimes in quite adverse conditions, he always had a smile on his face and happy to answer our many questions. We were very appreciative to have such a brilliant guide and thoroughly enjoyed all our safari days with him. He is most definitely a real credit to the Makasa team.
I will review our accommodation separately but suffice to say, the suggestions of Maramboi, Kubu Kubu & Mbalageti lodges were wonderful and we loved the Serena Manyara too.
Thank you Makasa for the most amazing holiday experience amongst the friendliest of people in your beautiful country and we now have fabulous pictures and video footage for everlasting memories.
DK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantastic trip organized very well by Daniel. Very nice drivers, nice hotels, fantastic experience
The trip fully lived up to our expectations.
The trip was well organized. The drivers were nice and well prepared.
Accomodation was very good and the wild life was fantastic.
A trip that the whole family enjoyed very much.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great safari experience with Foot Slopes Tours!
The two of us booked last-minute through Foot Slopes, after we found their website online. Foot Slopes' prices were some of the most affordable out there, and they were extremely responsive to all our questions. They were in frequent touch via Skype and WhatsApp, and we felt secure in their services based on their great reviews on Trip Advisor. It was also a plus that they have a website and Facebook page. We were able to book the 4 day safari with them from North America, without having to send them a deposit or payment in advance. They confirmed the safari closer to the start date, and were incredibly flexible allowing us to change last minute to a 3 day safari (we were exhausted after our Kili climb!). The first and last night's hotel stay was covered as part of our price (at the Tourist Inn hotel - quite lovely and safe!) as was our airport transfer. They were also very receptive to feedback from us related to our experiences with our particular tour guide (nothing major). Overall, it was a good experience! Thanks again Foot Slopes Tours!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our Amazing Ten Day Kenya, Tanzania Safari with Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris
I cannot thank Mr. OT Otieno and Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris enough for the absolutely amazing 10 day safari that Mr. OT and his company arranged for us. My review is long overdue because after our safari, we continued on in Zambia, South Africa, and Qatar for 5 more weeks. So, in order to help people decide if what we chose to do is right for you, I will first give a short highlighted summary, and then will follow with a more detailed version.
We chose a driver/guide type safari and NOT a fly in,out safari because we wanted to see the land and meet more people. The roads are rough, very rough at times. So keep that in mind in what type of transportation you choose. Other roads are perfectly paved and smooth. But you have the whole safari van/ jeep to yourselves. I took some Dramamine because I get motion sick in a tub (seriously) used my jacket as a pillow, and enjoyed the ride because I was in the real world of the Great Masai Warriors, the Great Migration, the fabulous Serengeti and everyday people. We saw it all. We loved it all. We felt safe at all times, even when we heard the lions roaring at night from our tented lodge in the Masai Mara.
We chose the 10 day luxury upgrade Kenya/ Tanzania safari and paid a fraction of the cost that other big name safari companies were charging. (We originally chose the standard tented lodge safari, but we are closer to 70 than 60 years old and wanted a few more comforts. But the standard ensuite lodging probably would have been just fine) Also, only lodging changed when we upgraded, not itinerary or mode of transportation.
The upgraded version included 2 nights Masai Mara at Osero Tented Camp, 2 nights Lake Naivisha at Sopa Lodge, 1 night Amboseli at Kibo Tented Lodge, 1 night Lake Manyara at Serena Lodge, 2 nights Serengeti at Sopa Lodge Serengeti, 1 night Ngorongoro Crater at Bougainvillea Lodge. Several of the places included authentic evening entertainment. (Separate reviews for each lodge will be written under each lodge's name). In summary, each tented lodge/ lodge was beyond luxury, (Osero even had a bath tub) each lodging gave turn down service during which the mosquito netting was set up for extra protection. We never saw a single mosquito in our lodging. There were fans but no AC, but not needed. It really cools off at night as you are pretty highly elevated most of the trip. Hot water bottles were provided in our beds at a couple of places for heart. This was more than enough and we had plenty of blankets. Never slept so well.! (We went end of December/beginning January) They seem to go above and beyond for getting rid of mosquitoes at these camps, lodges. However we still did all the recommended precautions, malaria meds, vaccinations, and sprayed 30% deet morning and night. We were picked up by our first driver, Ken, at our Nairobi hotel(Fairmont Norfolk where we left our 2 big suitcases)got to meet Mr OT, went on our way for 10 glorious days and night, and we were safely returned 10 days later to our Nairobi Hotel, where we stayed for one night before flying onward in Africa.
1. We researched over 500 different safaris and over 100 safari planning companies and decided on Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris (KWSS) because of the high praise and reassuring reviews we read on TripAdvisor and other safari review sites.
2. We chose a locally owned company, (Mr OT, a Kenya native) because we wanted to use a company that gave back to the local community.
3. Mr OT returns emails and phone calls swiftly and thoroughly, even once final payment is made and even while on safari.
4. You must have an open mind to other cultures and be willing to see the real Africa or you may not enjoy yourself.
5. I requested of Mr OT safe, knowledgable drivers. Ken (Kennedy) was our driver/ guide in Kenya and Khalid in Tanzania. They were fantastic drivers, very knowledgable, and courteous beyond fault.
6. My husband did the hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara. He really enjoyed it. But I would not prepay. Too many weather conditions can prevail. You can book it at the Masai Mara lodge. However, if you go in high season, you may want to firm things up, but I still would not prepay. But that would be your call, of course.
7. At the border, you change cars and drivers. I requested that Ken stay with us until we cleared customs and met up with next driver and of course he did.
8. Because roads are very rough in spots you may be lucky enough to have a couple of flat tires along the way or need car repairs, another area we were lucky enough to experience. We met so many more locals and never felt unsafe. Never once felt unsafe. Mr OT 's driver have 2 way radios at all times, as well as phones. And there are other safari vans passing all the time. One flat tire is how we met a family from France. Another flat tire we met many locals who invited us to their local shops for 30 minutes. The drivers always have spares, but the passing drivers all know each other and want to help. I might add that we saw some very pricey safari companies having similar problems along the way. It is one of the chances you take driving with your own driver versus flying. But flats can happen anywhere and do can repairs.
9. I only point out the above #8 in order to help you decide what type of safari to choose. We had fun through it all. Always felt safe. We never once regretted what we chose. (Driving everywhere versus fly in,out safari) I just want to share our experiences and we enjoyed ever single experience. And I will hopefully help you in your decision making.
10. Mr. Ot's drivers knew how to find the animals sooooo well. We saw lions mating from 15 feet away, we saw the Great Migration where it is in January (Serengeti at that time) We saw all big 5 and many many more. Our road blocks were herds of wildebeests crossing or families of elephants, babies included. Our "selfies" were "photo-bombed" by giraffes and monkeys. All meals were included and we had some picnics in the most beautiful spots.
I hope I have given you the "feel" for what our safari experiences were. Please keep in mind that no one can guarantee duplicating any life experience. The safari is what you make it, with Mr OT's help, and your drivers' help, and all the wonderful people you meet. But I can add this, just in case one of your worries is safety: I am an adventurous scaredy-cat. That means I am cautiously adventurous, always, always putting safety first. And I can honestly state the Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris and Mr. OT and his wonderful drivers Ken(Kennedy) and Khalid delivered to us an enjoyable, amazing, safe safari. My husband and I hope that amazing and safe travels will always follow you. Salvador and Nola Lara
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Awesome and out of the world experience... At least for me :-)
It was a adventurous trip with lots of memorable moments with East African jungle safari tour operator... I am feeling lucky that I chose them... They are too professionals and man of their on words... You don't have to worry about anything once you book with them... Thanks a lot to all the team member for making this trip a memorable one
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Trip without any compromises
For those who are searching a safari operator and don't know who you can trust regarding professionalism and reliability, I can just say I now what you feel. The experience we made with Mega Adventure was from the beginning just awesome. The planning was uncomplicated because they listened what our desires and expectations were resulting in a perfect itinerary. Mubarak picked us up on time from the airport and spent 5 days looking that we had everything and managed to fulfill our requests. He was very knowledgeable and a very pleasant companion on this trip.
In summary: great guide, great organisation, good car and most of all an unforgettable safari.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great KILI/Safari/Tribe combo
Great climb of Kilimanjaro with excellent and well trained guide (Yasine) and friendly team of porters and cooks. Great safari and tribal visits with excellent driver guide (Baraca "Obama"), great eyes for spotting game! Spécial 5 stars for Kilimamoja lake Manyara lodging! Very well organised trip. No major problems over 3 weeks of travelling.
Hakuna matata!