ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a unique experience
the tour, overall, was amazing. We are Spanish and we were accompanied by a guide who knew Spanish so that we did not miss any detail. Both he and the driver are lovely people who gave us a tour of the most beautiful places in Kenya. they made sure we see all the animals and we did. We came from another city and we were a bit lost when it came to moving around Kenya and they helped us with everything we need. I recommend it 100%, I leave this safari experience very happy, it has exceeded my expectations.
My Safari Was Beyond My Dreams
I've been waiting almost 60 years for this trip. I'm so glad I didn't wait any longer. This was the GREATEST trip of my life! Every day brought new adventures, animals, and smiles. My guide, DANIEL, was a perfect fit for what I was looking for. He knows where to find the tough-to-find animals, has eagle-eyes, and he knew his birds. He was personable and thoughtful of my special situation. He was a joy to be with for our 14 days - not easy to be for 2 weeks all the time. He went beyond the call of duty to make sure I was happy. I HIGHLY recommend Daniel Mkojera for your guide/driver. The other guides follow him. 14 years experience and always bright everyday.
The Land Cruiser vehicle had plug-ins for charging, a cold electric cooler, comfy seats, pop-up roof, and of course a hot lunch each day. West Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, Manyara, Eyasi, Ngorongoro, & Central/Northern Serengeti were the parks plus 3 villages: Maasai, Datoga, Hadzabe. I wouldn't leave out any of it.
We were in very special moments among the animals. Highlights: I saw the Big 5 and some of the Little 5: Cheetahs & lions hunting, all kinds of baby animals, elephants doing all that they do, my visits to 3 different less touristy tribal villages and the Great Migration to mention the highlights. My favorite memories: a baby white rhino (on my separate day trip in Kenya to Lake Nakuru arranged by Luis), 2 lionesses spreading out to trap their prey, zebras lined up in a defensive posture, listening to a lion sleeping, hunting with the Hadzabe, watching giraffes run, seeing a serval cat, and having my own stampede of wildebeests-zebras-giraffes in front of my final camp on my final night.
Every part of my trip starting with my arrival in Nairobi airport until my departure from Zanzibar was taken care of - even the various transfers. Every part was detailed so there were no surprises. I asked PLENTY of questions before the trip & ALL were patiently answered by Luis, my safari designer. Pretty much from when I arrived until I left - my days were all laid out according to MY plans and each day had flexibility to small changes. I traveled solo so I could have the flexibility that I needed. Soul of Tanzania has no problem setting up private safaris for just you & your family. I loved my standard lodging/tent camps - it was hardly "standard". The food at each place was very good - nothing was skimped. Everywhere we went - the staffs were outstanding. I am hard-pressed to find a complaint - other than that it had to end.
For someone who had never been here I have no hesitation to recommend Daniel, Luis and Soul of Tanzania to design your own dream.
If your dream is to go on safari then please do it now. Tanzania relies on tourism and every worker needs us badly for their livelihood.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do not book with Safarihub
I do not recommend this company for many reasons.
1) They are not very good at responding to emails (this should have been my first sign to go with another company).
2) My safari experience (6-Day Kili Safari) guaranteed a 4x4 Land Cruiser. Instead, for my 6 day safari I was in different dilapidated, falling apart 4x4 vans.
3) I was given hardly ANY information on my safari. So little information that when I actually arrived in Kenya, instead of going to Amboseli, then Naivasha, and then Masai Mara, they reversed the itinerary. Not a big deal except I sent my detailed itinerary to my employer (for security) and my family so they knew how to contact me. I did not realize the change until I was literally in the van on Sunday morning driving to Masai Mara. Although I was picked up at my hotel early Sunday morning for the start of my safari, I was never, ever given any information on the safari, the itinerary, the drive times, lunch plans, etc. I can't iterate enough how in the dark was at all times. I would attempt to ask the guide but he always seemed clueless as to what was happening.
4) Although I booked with Safarihub, a Kenya subcontractor actually handled my safari. Although they weren't terrible, they weren't great either. On one day I was shuffled between 3 different vans and 3 different companies to try to get me from Masai Mara to Naivasha. When I booked this safari for a good amount of money, I assumed I would be dealing with one company and one guide the whole time. I was very mistaken. Had I been given a heads up, I would have been better prepared. But on one of the days, I kept being shuttled between different people and different vans and it made me very uncomfortable, especially as a solo traveler. The guide could not even tell me how I was getting to Masai Mara to Naivasha the day before I was supposed to go there because he said his boss hadn't figured it out yet!
5) The morning I was picked up to begin my safari adventure, I was told we would all meet at Somak Lounge. Wrong! Instead I was taken to a street in downtown Nairobi and put in another van. No briefing, no food, no drinks, no lounge, just straight into a random van to start our journey. I was already pretty apprehensive due to the recent terrorist threats. Having me driven to a random street in downtown Nairobi without any check-in or anything was pretty scary. Basically, everything that was promised to me did not happen, except the lodging and parks (which were all amazing!!!).
6) I had been provided a detailed itinerary with the plans each day. That was complete BS. We never once followed the itinerary - in fact, the sub contracting company said they were never provided with my itinerary so had no idea I had been promised certain things. For instance, I was supposed to make it to Amboseli in time for an evening game drive - never happened. I was supposed to have early morning game drives followed by breakfast back at the lodging - never happened, not once. In their defense, two of the 6 days we had 10 hour game days so didn't have time to come back for breakfast or lunch but it would have been nice to know that was the plan beforehand. Communication is key. Why promise me something if you don't intent to honor it?
7) My contract specifically states "We also take pride in our safari vehicle fleet, which is young (less than 3 years old) and well maintained; consequently, breakdowns and other mechanical complications while you are on safari will be rare." This is a complete lie. The vans we were in were extremely old and falling apart. On the drive from Naivasha to Amboseli, our van broke down and we were stuck on the side of the road for over an hour. It would have been longer but a nice driver from another safari company (Jockey - the guests in that van recommended their company) gave me a ride to Amboseli Sopa Lodge (2 hrs away). Also, while on safari in Masai Mara our van broke down but I think they may have had something to do with stopping so much to look at animals so I can't fault them for that.
8) Each morning (except for the last 2 mornings) the guides were at least 25 mins late to pick me up. As mentioned above, I had so many different guides and van drivers that it was hard to keep them straight. However, my last guide/driver (Francis) was AWESOME and the highlight of my whole trip! The rest were not good at all.
9) In conclusion, I do not recommend Safarihub. I spent about $1,500 on this 6 day, 5 night Kili safari for a single traveler but it was such a logistical nightmare and communication was so bad with Safarihub, I do not recommend them. I do realize if I had paid more money, I probably would have gotten a better company, so if you are short cash, then I will say that nothing takes away from the animals and the Sopa Lodges - they both were fantastic. But you might want to think about looking at other companies if you can.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A wonderful Safari through several National Parks in Northern Tanzania
My friend and I made a 24 day Safari through several National Parks in Northern Tanzania organized by Mali Kale Africa Safari's. We visited Aursha NP, Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara, Serengeti South - Central - North, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, Mkomazi NP, Saadani NP and finally Pangani for leisure. The tour was very well organized and the tour operator very helpful concerning some special issues e.g. to organize and follow up the procedure of a Covid-19 test which was necessary prior to the departure of my friend. Our manifold interest were completely satisfied, which means not only the observation of animals like large mammals but also birdwatching, and enjoyment of the phantastical landscapes with dramatic cloud formations due to the beginning of the small rain season but also experiences of local life by visiting markets or local bars/ restaurants. A visit of the Hadzabe Bushmen and the Datoga Tribe around Lake Eyasi gave us completely different experiences as well as the visit of breeding projects of African wild dogs and black rhino in Mkomazi. Our wish not to be in lodges with overboarding luxury was completely fulfilled with the accomodations chosen by Mali Kale and completed our experience to be in the wildernes without missing a shower with hot water. The staff of all the lodges was very friendly and helpful and made us feel home and wellcome. Everywhere the meals included plenty of diverse food which was very tasty. Due to the Corona pandemie we met not many other travellers and were sometimes lthe only guests in the lodges. As Tanzania is not much affected by Corona it was never necessary to wear face masks - most of the times we were outdoors, in well aerated rooms or in a landcruiser with open roof. We were guided by a very well experienced and reliable driver guide with whom we have been already on tour on 2 previous Tanzania trips.
The accomodations chosen were: Tulia Hotel & Spa in Arusha, Maramboi Tented Lodge near Tarangire, Ndutu Safari Lodge near Serengeti South, Kati Kati Tented Camp in Central Serengeti, Lobo Lodge in Serengeti North, Rhino Lodge at Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge, Babu's Camp in Mkomazi, Saadan Safari Lodge in Saadani NP and Emayani Beach Lodge in Pangani. The bandas of the latter might not be appropriate for someone who is too afraid of creepy-crawlies, but beds were well equipped with mosquito nets. We were completely satisfied and happy having made this tour in these difficult times, which was certainly due to the perfect organization. We have no complaints concerning the communication with the tour operator Mali Kale in advance and during the tour and all our expectations became fulfilled.
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Completed Big 5 with Professional Guides, excellent services
We had a the prefect 6 days in Tanzania Safari we could asked for. Our guide- Ally was very professional and expert of the animals' habitat. We were able to see the big 5 of Tanzania in these 6 days, which was very excited!
Mwanaidi was very helpful when we had problems/ questions about the hotel, and psr test arrangment.
HR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best trip ever
We spent 6 days on the road from Motorbike-Safari-In-Tanzania, 6 unforgettable days for a lifetime! From the welcome at the airport to the return, filled every day with activities until the last minute. Great accommodation and delicious food. Lots of laughter and jokes with guides who were our help for everything ..from gluing boots to every other help on the way. All with laughter and a good vibe. We passed all the terrains, we visited lakes and waterfalls, savannah and mountains. People along villages and roads, tribes and all the wonders of life that takes place in "ordinary Africa". So travel with them, you will get the most from the employees, a.k.a. guides, and that is the most important thing !!!!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
it was wow
it's the most exciting experience I have hard in a long period, I will never forget the breathtaking expedition, I wish to comeback and do it all again
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly and knowledgeable
My experience was beyond my expectation. I got what the market value was and beyond.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top Safari services
Destinations Kenya Safari are well organised, we go to travel with them int he month of September and the experience no words can explain, from our request to reservation everything was very professional, we had a 4 Days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru me together with my wife. Thank you tram for tour good work. Great work guy God bless.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari experience
I went on a 7 days private Safari trip with Twins adventures and Safaris. The first part was at Mikumi Nationalpark. The park is relatively small but has a very high density of animals making it a great experience seeing lots of animals every day. We also visited a Massai family gaining some insight on the traditional way of life. Afterwards we continued the journey to the Selous Game reserve / Nyerere National Park. This part included a great boat trip on one of the rivers as well as game drives in the park. The area has huge amounts of hippos, is much larger but animals are more difficult to spot due to more vegetation. The communication with the agency was very quick and good. They were very flexible in starting a private tour on very short notice for me as well as being flexible in prolonging the stay during the journey. The driver Mr. Zinga always had a good mood & lots of information about the different places. The local guides in both places were very good as well, offering great insights into local nature. During the stay at Selous I even got a free upgrade to a very good lodge (even though I only booked and payed the budget option) - special thanks for that. The combination of the 2 parks is really great as they both offer a very different but beautiful experience. Also in terms of the agency I can fully recommend Twins adventures.
