US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
fantastic, lodging excellent, the best guides you can have
from the pick up to the airport to our departure, we didn't have to worry about a thing. the lodging was five star,
and food was great. we where informed every night was was next and where able to input any ideas we might have. our guides worked hard to find us the animals we wanted to see. we felt safe every step of the way.
we are planning on going on another trip with them in a few years. we loved it! you will not be disappointed.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Couldn't have been better....
Like many other reviewers, this was our first venture into a safari, so many hours were spent browsing the internet and various operators and options. After a few emails back and forth, and a long Skype chat with Daniel, we decided to go with Transtrek. Daniel devised a custom made trip based on one of the scheduled itineraries and after a few tweaks, it was all agreed.
Our guide and driver Peter, met us at the airport and from then until he dropped us off 12 days later, couldn't have done more to make our visit memorable. We especially loved the trip to the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage, despite my being splattered with red mud. As foster parents, we could return in the evening and see the babies go to bed. Highly recommended.
The driving between destinations was sometimes long and often bumpy and dusty but we accepted this as part of the experience. The lodges and camps were all very different, ranging from small and intimate, to large and less personal but the service we received in all was without exception, efficient and friendly. The food everywhere was delicious and varied, with something for everyone. I had neglected to ask for anything special for my husbands birthday, which was while we were at Serena Mountain Lodge, until virtually the last minute when I asked Daniel & Peter if a cake could be arranged, which they did with good grace and generosity. The presentation of the cake to my husband after dinner in the local fashion was truly amazing.
We saw most the animals we'd hoped for, including rhino, cheetahs, lions and elephants as well as many beautiful birds although despite Peter's best efforts, leopards were particularly elusive and we only saw tails disappearing into the bush, twice.
In summation, the experience excelled our expectations and we very much hope to return one day to explore some of the reserves we didn't visit on this occasion. Thank you Daniel & Peter.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
7 days Tanzania Safari
We have joined the company of Mr. Otieno for our last Safari in Tanzania . I asked for a safari focused on the great migration but not only. He made a really nice program based on all my requests.
The guide/driver we had was amazing he suggested us also to change one night to save time. Still don't know if it was a good idea or not, but at the and we have experienced the tented camp, only one night. We spent the rest of the night in 2 wonderful lodges and in one acceptable . I feel to recommend this company for your Safari
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A memorable Masai Mara Safari!
It was a well organized and enjoyable 3 day Masai Mara trip that Kenneth from Kitwetu organized for us. We were well informed of our itinerary. Although part of the roads to the Mara were washed out due to the rains and unpaved, Msagha Livingstone, our driver was experienced in keeping to the side of the road that made the journey easier and fun too. Our luggage was well protected throughout the trip. At the game drive Msagha went the extra mile to make sure we saw the big 5. It was a thrilling and exciting game drive at the Mara. The accommodations at Keekorok, beautiful sunrise and sunsets amid the African wild country made it a trip to remember! The surprise lunch was the icing on the cake. Thank you Kenneth for a lovely experience!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an "awesome" experience
My family had wanted to go to Africa for years, so it was quiet daunting when I was asked to organise a trip of a lifetime. We started looking in December of 2015, we wanted to find the best of the best, that was able to provide us with everything we needed and able to accommodate to us as we had some plans of our own as we have family out in Africa. After 2 months of research I came across Earthlife Expeditions. At first we wondered if this was a genuine company – only because it was not like the others that we had come across (big brands) but I very quickly learned that even though this may be a small company everything was about us and our trip.
Myself and Deo must have exchanged over 100 emails with one another from December 2015 right up until December 2016 – Deo ensured that what we wanted is what we got with every one of our needs met. We started of with a Low-Mid range safari and quickly realised that someone with a back problem would need something a bit more luxurious and Deo was able to provide this, finding us the best hotels, lodges and camps for the right prices – we did not feel much of a difference with the cost. Deo also promised to provide us with one of his best safari guides, and did he!!!!!
Junior is an amazing guide – going out of his way to make things comfortable for us during travels, funny, honest, friendly, entertaining and going out of his way to make our experience “awesome” :D. He got to know us individually and tried to tailor what we all saw to what we liked, especially the boys on the trip that wanted to see a lion hunt (OH and did we see the most amazing hunt ever with a lion and 2 lionesses). He also helped us get some amazing snaps with his photography knowledge and made our trip the most memorable ever. I and my husband were able to celebrate our 1 ½ year anniversary – because Junior spoke to all the guys at the camp, we had a good sing along and dance with an awesome cake that the chef had made us. From the moment we met at the airport when he came to collect us to the moment he dropped us to the airport and saying our goodbyes, it was like we were saying bye to family.
Being Hindu I had totally forgot to tell Deo about our dietary requirements. No meat on certain days, but this was not a problem – Junior and Deo quickly realised we were slightly fussy eaters and because of the relationship they have with the hotels, lodges and camps they were able to accommodate.
After our Safari we had a week and a half at our own leisure which we spent with family, we were finding it difficult to get transport to the airport with all our luggage, I asked Deo if he could recommend someone and he sent us one of his cars (without charge) and guess who came to drop us off? Junior!!!! We were so happy to see him again and sad to say goodbye as it felt like we were leaving Family.
Tanzania is a beautiful country, Earthlife Expeditions made it even more beautiful by providing us with an experience of a lifetime and we will definitely be going back.
Thank you Deo and Junior – you guys are “awesome” – we miss you and will be back soon.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable experience with impeccable service
Paul Tickner Safaris arranged my trip to southern Tanzania to the Ruaha National Park and nearby area in January 2017. I was a bit hesitant prior to the trip as it was my first visit to Tanzania and I was traveling alone. I absolutely enjoyed every part of the trip, thanks to Paul's arrangement and company!
The lodge Paul arranged, Ikuka, was spectacular! The service there was impeccable with amazing staff. The view from the lodge overlooking the Ruaha National Park was something that will stay with me the rest of my life! The safari guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Paul also took me to visit local conservation projects which were the highlight of my trip and shared with me his expert knowledge on the African wildlife.
Paul is a highly experienced safari operator with solid wildlife conservation knowledge and experience - which are an important factor for me when booking my travel. I can't wait to return to Tanzania and explore other parts of the country.
Thank you, Paul Tickner Safaris, for an unforgettable experience and lifelong friendship.
SK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
all in all nice experience from pick up to drop off .. :-)
We booked our 2-day safari trip to Mikumi NP app. 2 months before our trip to Tanzania, from the beginning we had a nice talk with Ms. Mwajabu, the manager of Hello Tanzania, who is a really nice & caring lady. I had a lot of questions before the safari, the answers were fast and fulfilling. The pick up time was early in the morning around 4am, cause our flight arrived that early, Mwajabu and our driver were already at the airport waiting for us. After 5 hours driving we were in the park, changed the car to open roof and went for the game drive. We saw a lot of animals, it was a great experience to be so close to the wild animals, we were happy. In the evening we went to our acommodation, Tan Swiss Lodge with a pool, it was nice spacious room, with aircondition, TV, mosquito net etc. Another day we started with a tasty breakfast, after that we had another game drive in the park. Later we went back to DAR, but unfortunatelly we missed our flight to Zanzibar due to huge traffic jam in DAR. But during getting stucked in that jam I wrote Ms. Mwajabu, she immediately acted, she pre-booked our flight with the airline for next day, she offered us 1 night in the hotel near the airport and also dinner, and all that FOR FREE. It was very generous and we didnt expect such kindness within this for us unpleasant situation. So I would really like to thank a lot Ms. Mwajabu for such a nice taking care of us. The last day before our flight back to Europe we had a half day more, we used their services again for taking us to the city center, the driver was waiting for us all the time, with our luggage in the car and after we finished he took us back to the airport. Great Service. I recommend Hello Tanzania to everyone. Asante sana Mwajabu & Athman & staff of Hello Tanzania!
TR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Could not ask for a better TOUR!
We were 4 person and booked a day trip to Mikumi National Park Safari with Hello Tanzania, Mwajabe. I am writing this comment on behalf of 4 person.
Mwajabe is an extraordinary person, she replied all our questions patiently from the very first moment. We were in touch with many other companies, but did not bother talking with other companies once we found her. She also fulfilled all of our requests perfectly. We could not ask for a better tour. As we landed to Dar es Salaam airport, she welcomed us with a huge smile on her face that made as feel at home after such a long flight. We are strongly recommending her to those seeking for a safari tour in Tanzania. We had concerns about online booking as it was our first time in Africa, but you may book everything with Mwajabe without any second thoughts.
Thank you so much for making our trip memorable!
US
Thank you for being understanding
Unfortunately due to personal emergency, we had to cancel our tour to Uganda from the US. Edward and his team were very understanding and had meticulous follow up. The attention to detail and communication during the planning process was exceptional but to see this service after we cancelled is rare in a company.
We hope to reschedule soon.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience ever great for kids
We went on a 4 day/3 night Safari with Ryan, Thale and their son Felix. We have two young children age 7/5 which is one of the reasons we choose Wild Planet Safari as they were so flexible and accommodating. We had the best experience ever from the information received before we went and a great time during our stay. We had the safari all to ourselves and as such were able to taylor it to our needs. We went to an elephant sanctuary on the first day which I would highly recommend where we paid to interact with elephants including riding them. Kruger park is an amazing place made even more interesting by Ryan who's passion and knowledge is never ending. Ryan was always able to spot everything from animals in the bush, birds in trees and even tracks in the road. Also the meals we had cooked by Ryan and Thale were amazing giving us a real taste of African cuisine. We will hopefully return one day when the children are older and can enjoy a different experience if we do we would choose to go with Ryan again I can't imagine anyone being as amazing as he was throughout our stay. Thanks Ryan and Thale for an amazing holiday.