CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Honeymoon Experience
We went on an 18-Day trip with African Scenic Safaris, 14 of which were on mainland Tanzania and 4 of which were on Zanzibar. We were on a private tour, just the two of us, and I can safely say that is THE way to go on safari. The whole experience was so personal. Being able to choose when we wanted to leave in the morning, how long we would stay on the game drives, and how long to stay at a particular location being amazed by the animals was a luxury that we noticed some of the larger tour companies and groups were not afforded.
Our guide David was so knowledgeable, creating two amateur animal behaviourists in us by the end of our safari. He had a great eye for spotting animals in the bush, but wasn't too proud to congratulate you when you managed to find one first (though he might tease you a bit if you were to get overly excited about a rock or branch which resembled an animal). When minor problems arose (like a broken zipper on the tent or a rock wedged in the jeep's brakes), David was quick to solve them, while making sure that we were still comfortable and happy. David was even a bit of a photographer, taking many great shots of us over the course of our journey together.
Our chef Ommy made sure we were well-fed. Correction: VERY well-fed. Daily, we had 4 or 5-course meals for dinner with no repetition of entrees or soups (which were something we looked forward to regularly). Breakfasts were similar every day, but had so much food that if you wanted to only eat one portion of them, you would find them very diverse. Lunches were usually packed to-go, so that we could spend the day on the game drive without having to return to camp, and was more than enough to satiate us. Several times, we had the privilege to enjoy a brunch prepared by Ommy when we had an early morning activity. What he can do with so little North American kitchen luxuries is astounding. Highlights include his fresh baked, pizza, lasagna, and a traditional African dish called ugali. Once or twice we had special requests, and he was very accommodating.
We chose to sleep in tents, rather than the lodges. The tents had more than enough room for the two of us, and with the provided mats and sleeping bags, were quite comfortable as well. Just to point out for any prospective safari-goers, tenting is the way to go if you want a cook; sleeping in lodges means you have to eat reheated frozen food, rather than the three square meals prepared fresh daily (again, which were always delicious and filling). Trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night should prove to be an adventure.
Each park we visited (Tarangiri, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti) had something different to offer in terms of landscape, but the animals we saw were mostly consistent. That is not to say that it was boring or tired, as nature never ceased to amaze us. We saw all members of the Big 5, and a wealth of other animals (including a cheetah with 5 cubs!), all of which were incredible to see so close in their natural environment. Our add-ons to Ol Doinyo Lengai (a volcano near Lake Natron) and Lake Eyasi were wonderful experiences. The volcano was a gruelling hike (be prepared to double the time estimates given to you, and keep in mind we were the only group to reach the top that night of the many that attempted) for inexperienced climbers like us, but the sunrise view and the surprise at the top were worth it. At Lake Eyasi we had an unforgettable time of visiting a Bushmen tribe that MUST be experienced for anyone who has time.
In Zanzibar, Scenic Safari booked us into excellent hotels in great locations (the Stone Town seafront and a secluded beach resort). Transfers to and from the airport were all planned for us and ran very smoothly, although there was some confusion on our end regarding our final one, Amanda was easy to reach by email and phone from the resort and was able to clear it up for us.
There is only one concern we had on the entire trip and that was the estimated driving times given to us on the itinerary. The estimates were often far too low (we drove for double the posted time). As Canadians, we are used to long driving times to get to any other city, and were a bit annoyed to have to sit in a car longer than we were expecting. That being said, the trip was INCREDIBLE and an adventure of a lifetime (see the 5-star review) and African Scenic Safaris comes with a high recommendation from us.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Two days trip to see chimps at sweetwater
While traveling to kenya for volunteer project, we decided to take a short safari with my friends.they were able to give me many options within the budget w had set aside. we
decided on the Safari of 2days 1night to sweetwaters/ol pajeta. An amazing,unforgettable experience!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A super safari tour with a brilliant guide
We had a super safari in the top four national parks in TZ. Our tour guide, Charles Njau was so knowledgeable about animals, birds, best time and areas where to find the elusive animals such as Cheetahs. His command of English was great and it made the experience memorable to every one in the group. He is such a smooth driver with a never giving up and flexible attitude when searching for animal experience. Thank you so much for the wonderful time and hope to see you again.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Family Safari Trip
This is an excellent Safari Company. They are quick to respond, pay attention to detail, provide a wonderful experience, and offer the best value for the money of any other tour company in Tanzania.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
perfectly organized day safari to Pilanesberg
we only had one day to do a safari whilst we were staying in Joburg so we chose to go to Pilanesberg. GoSafari organized the trip with good car/driver. excellent lunch at the lodge and a truly wonderful safari in which we saw all the wildlife we really wanted to see incl. the lions.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
affordable proffessionals where one gets what he pays for
.while in the area coverage of blue ocean safaris definitely will always be my service providers.
i had a wonderful time at Ngologol ,proffessional guides with a lot of information about different species of animals, at mt Meru and kilimanjalo, a morning ride to Kilimanjaro International airport ohoooooo. you get what you pay for. long live blue ocean safalis
DE
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful safari with all big fives during 9 days
We were a group of 6 people from Germany: the youngest 21 and the eldest 71 years old. Gichmak Safaris Kenya planned this safari like we wished it. First by plane from Mombasa to Nairobi, then by safari-bus along the Rift Valley with wonderful view to Masai Mara, where we stayed 2 overnights in the beautiful Olumara Camp. We saw the wild beasts and zebras crossing, thousands of animals in the Masai Mara enjoying the grass, two cheetah mummys with 4 babys each, a leopard upon the tree, a lady lion at the Mara River and elephants, Thomson Gazelles, Topis, Giraffes.. Then we went to Nakuru NP to Flamingo-Hills Camp, where the lake because of high water destroyed a lot of trees, but nevertheless we saw more Flamingos than in 2011, 12 Rhinos, 7 crossing the road just in front of us, a lot of Buffalos, a Hippo and a Lion drinking in front of our car. Next we enjoyed the Aberdares Country Club and the Arc with a lot of Hyenas trying to hunt the big pigs, but without success. During the next 2 days we stayed in Tsavo East Voi Lodge with a lot of red Elephants all around and at last a big family of young Lady Lions. Going back to our wonderful hotel "Diani Sea Resort" we stopped again like always in Mombas at the Akamba Handicraft Village for beautiful carveries. Our guide Michael Makundi, who planned this long safari with us, like he did it since 2003, 2004, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011 and 20013, and our very good driver Bernhard made this safari for all of us to a wonderful experience again. We will book our next safari again with Gichmak Safars Kenya - again with Michael + Bernhard!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect organized, guide with a lot of experience, yummy meals, individual possibilities: gorgeous!
We organized our tour from home and were in good contact with SunnySafaris. Jessica answered allways quick, so we could get onward with our planing. SunnySafaris were the only company who offered us for the same price a safari just for the two of us. We could bring in individual wishes like one extra day in Tarangire and two 2-hours-hiking trips, one at Mto wa mbu-Manyara, hiking up the mountain starting by the banana-plantation, the other one on the crater rim at Ngorongoro guided by an armed Ranger. Both were very exiting an nice after sitting all day in the car. We booked a 7-day-Camping-Safari (Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) and were surprised how much we could see in these days. Our guide Khalifa was very experienced and found so many nice spots to watch animals - it was incredible! Thanks so much for that, Khalifa! We enjoyed it so much and appreciate the work. He explained a lot about the animals and referred always to our wishes. In the "background" was Vincent, cooking excellent meals, building up the comfortable tent and always looking for us. They were a good team; we enjoyed so much staying with them. Both were also very kind helping us getting the right bus to Moshi after the safari which helped a lot. All in all our expectation were matched more than we could have wished and we are still full of all the nice pictures in mind we collected during these seven days. For sure we can recommend SunnySafaris. It was really worth the money.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic Zambezi canoe safari
The whole tour was fantastic! It was well organized by the Natureways team and their qualified and multi-skilled guides. A good mix of safari experience, exercise (the paddling) and fun.
We definitely can recommend Natureways to anyone who is considering a canoe safari.
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant three-country million-animal luxury tour
Jude has designed a tour that takes in all the highlights of northern South Africa (including the Drakensburgs, Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe NP) Zimbabwe (Matapos NP, Hwange NP and Victoria Falls) and Botswana (Chobe, Moremi, Okavango, Khama and Tuli Reserves). And she has done it with style. We did not expect the varied luxury accommodation, the terrific food, the animal encounters, the history, the landscapes, the fun. Couldn't have wished for better guides - Ant, who took all our Kiwi ribbing like a trooper and gave it back with vigour; Ben of the hilarious tales and an amazing ability to find incredible animals (lions on a kill, then jackals and finally hyena and vultures) - or was that his attachment to his radio; and Gerry - warm, accommodating and very very funny. And all bracketted with a stay with Francois of the fabulous meals - how does he do it!
On top of all that our fellow travellers were gems - a great bunch to share the confines of the truck, meals, photos, awe, surprises and a totally memorable experience with. Thanks, good people.