US
Our first African safari was a blast, thanks to Bright African Safaris
When we started to look at safari trip to Africa, we looked at Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. We chose Tanzania because of Serengeti (for the great migration), friendly people, and peacefulness. We were amazed in all three accounts. Tanzania has a more sustainable model for Safari and is not blindly going after mass tourism market - thankfully.
We chose Bright African Safaris (out of five tour operators based in Arusha) based on high ratings and praises here and also because Msangi and his crew were very prompt in responding to my initial inquiries and were extremely patient with giving various options and explaining the differences. If he has a recommendation, he does so in the interests of giving us best experience.
Since I am into photography, I asked Msangi beforehand if he can provide bean bags. He pleasantly said yes. When we were greeted by our driver/guide at the airport, he immediately told me that he has two bean bags prepared for me. That is great service!
BAS's car also is equipped with electric outlets for charging phones, laptops, cameras etc.
Like many other people commented here, we were a bit concerned about wiring money for deposit and paying up the full amount ahead of the trip, as it is an uncommon experience in US. Everything turned out very well for us in the end. Wiring to Tanzania does seem to take longer than usual, and we were a bit late on wiring the last payment so by the time we arrived in Arusha, BAS still had not received the money in their bank account. But Msangi assured us all lodgings were properly booked for us and told us 'no worries' and we were ready to go on safari.
Without knowing what kind of camps or lodgings we'd expect, we chose to have a bit of everything from beautiful luxury camps in serene surroundings to simple public camping grounds (where a cook from Bright African Safaris cooked for us for two days). All great experiences for us! In every lodging location, staff were extremely courteous and service was far above the business hotels in US. Everywhere we went, people were genuinely happy to see us and were eager to help us have a great experience.
Our driver/guide Junga is an amazing naturalist for our safari, and a wonderful cultural guide to Tanzania. Since we didn't quite know what to expect, he quickly observed our interests and adapted the game driver accordingly. We have two teenagers and they were fully engaged and immersed on the game drive thanks to Junga (and didn't pull out iphones once :-) - he would quiz them with questions before giving out answers. Junga has books of birds and animals that he apparently had studied and spent a lot of time on. He also has an app about birds and animals on his cell phone. At one time, in a quiet spot in the woods on our morning game drive, he played a bird song with his cell phone connected to my daughter's portable speaker via bluetooth, and a bird (an African Fish Eagle, I think) echoed back! It was amazing! My kids were delighted! Junga would tell us that Safari is so much more than just BIG FIVE. So many colorful birds are also eye catching. He is so right!
For those of you who are thinking about going to safari for the first time, I can say for sure that the experience of seeing these amazing animals in their natural habitat up close is absolutely unforgettable and there is no substitute. Everyday at dinner time, Junga would ask everyone's most favorable moment of the day. Now with a few weeks passing by, I could still vividly remember:
- the first glimpse of a herd of zebras and giraffes in Arusha NP, with green Mt Meru as background, so elegant and peaceful. The scene reminded me of Jurassic Park (just substitute dinosaurs with giraffes :-)
- a lake full of flamingo birds at Momella Lake in Arusha NP. I got beautiful bird-in-flight pictures here.
- surrounded by a HUGE herd of 40+ elephants passing right by our car to across a river in Tarangere.
- the breathtakingly beautiful lilac breasted roller bird in Tarangere.
- a nice walk to the shore of Lake Manyara escorted by a Masai warrior. Saw beautiful flamingo, stork, and other birds. And wildebeest and gazelle.
- the troops of baboon jumping up and down a big tree in Lake Manyara NP
- a leisurely hike down to the floor of Empakaai Crater, accompanied by an armed park ranger. My son was into macro photography. It was on this hike where he took the most beautiful pictures of insects and flowers. The ranger was informative and patience, telling us to 'pole pole' along the way.
- beautiful view into Olmoti Crater after a short hike to the rim, accompanied by the same park ranger
- a freshly killed zebra lying by the road on Ngorongoro Highlands, with the predator nearby but no where to be seen.
- the moment entering Ngorongoro Crater floor was a sensory explosion
- Ngorongoro Crater floor did not disappoint: tons of buffalo, wildebeest, gazelles, zebras. We also spotted hyenas, jackal, hippo, and a rhino (very far though), thanks to Junga's keen eyesight. In the late afternoon, saw our first BIG CATS: four lions napping and yawning.
- got inside the home of a Masai family and a classroom of Masai kids on a visit to a village
- two couples of ostrich dancing on the plain, as elegant as ballet dancers, not long after entering Serengeti
- spotted two white rhinos (out of 40 or so total) in Serengeti in open space right after picnic lunch on top of a kopjes;
- nine tree climbing lions in Serengeti; a lioness ready for hunt;
- a pair of cheetah; three leopards on trees, once with a prey (an antelope) on a nearby branch.
- sensational sunset at beautiful migration tent camp in Serengeti. Knowing that we are into photography, Junga made the effort to talk to one of the staff so that he can escort us to go out of the camp into open plain so that we can take better pictures. The pictures turned out to be the best sunset I have ever taken!
- vast amount of wildebeest and zebra on migration route in northern Serengeti. The terrain is vast and nothing like I could have imagined. We saw wildebeest kills along the way, and vultures scavenging on the bodies. The ultimate danger of migration!
- the camping at Lobo public campgrounds; the comfortable tents, beds, blankets, sleeping bags and pillows BAS prepared for us; the delicious meals our chef cooked us; the chat with fellow campers, from three different countries, two of them from less than 20 miles from where we live back in US!
- the scenic ride on a small plane from northern Serengeti to Arusha to Zanzibar. The plane was delayed for about two hours. Junga patiently waited with us and even took us for a quick drive to a nearby sight before boarding. He and the chef also prepared us boxed lunch for the day, which was must appreciated later as we only had about 20 minutes when transferring at Arusha.
- many many more
We did ran into some car problems. One was a small accident on the very narrow road between Ngorongoro crater and Lake Empakaai in the highlands; it could be a real accident but we were lucky. It's not our driver's fault but that is a small road with many blind turns. Another time some debris broke the cooling fan and we had to leave the Mara river to find help. Junga contacted BAS in Arusha and they were able to get a replacement part flown in to a nearby airstrip and had it fixed by a mechanic at a balloon tour operator in the afternoon. While waiting for the part, Junga was able to drive us along the river looking for wildebeest crossing with frequent watering to keep the car cool enough, but we missed seeing the crossing that day (due to interruption of game drive looking for help). That's a small disappointment for us.
We find the national parks in Tanzania well preserved, not overwhelmed with tourists, and very clean. The rangers are very friendly too. We had two walking tours with rangers along the way and we liked the experience of on foot, to feel it more directly and see other things (like a beautiful chameleon) you cant see in a Land Cruiser. The only complain we had was the long wait at the entrance of most National Parks. It seems there's endless and inefficient paperwork.
All in all, the Safari trip in Tanzania was a blast for all of us. We are grateful to Junga, our cook, Msangi, and Bright African Safaris and have wholeheartedly recommend them to all my friends and family.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
what a wonderful Gorilla Tracking Experience
We have just finished our 3 days gorilla tracking in Uganda. Mr peter had arranged everything in order and all went smooth as we expected. It was life time experience
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Bella is Bella, i travelled a lot but she is my no. 1 tourguide. She knows a lot and very kind
Bella talks a lot but evereything she said was valuable. She knows a lot About her home country Uganda. She is friendly and funny. All The accomodations were very fine.
The safaris were great and exiting.. When I go on Tour Again, definatly I Will choose choose again for Bella safari's.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Two Days Tarangire National Park with Tomodachi Tours & Safaris
We had an excellent tour of Tarangire with Tomodachi Tours & Safaris. The views were excellent and the wildlife was amazing on the two days that we were there. It was amazing. Bravo, Tomodachi Tours & Safaris!
US
Excellent and enjoyable safari holiday
We saw a great variety of wildlife including some particular animals that we had hoped to see. The guides were all excellent and knowledgeable, and were keen to meet our expectations. We never felt rushed and were able to spend plenty of time at different sightings.
Accommodation was generally excellent and well run with good food. The camps were all open so that animals could wander through but we always felt safe with the camps' security arrangements.
The arrangements for travel between airports/airstrips and camps generally worked well. Camp guides were always at airstrips to meet us and took us to meet planes on time. The transfer between two internal flights at Dar was not as smooth as it could have been but still was nice .
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Safari
I have been on a safari in Africa before in 2004 and always wanted to go again. Me and my wife found this on the site and I can say that this safari was an excellent experience and I would highly recommend it. Over 4 days we explored Tanzania around Mt. Killamanjaro. Good driver, lots to see and would go again!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Clare was a very attentive to my requests and responded to my emails almost immediately.
we were in Nanyuki area for mission work and because of its proximity, Kiboko (Clare) recommended we start out our safari at Sweetwaters in ol Pajeta (2 nights). accommodations and service at Sweetwaters met all our expectations. it was a welcome luxury after doing home stays in the area. our driver patrick was very pleasant and knowledgeable. our first sunrise was incredible, to say the least. we then flew to the mara and stayed at kichwa tembo(6 nights). this place was incredible-- the staff was very welcoming and while there we were well taken cared of by our butler (Francis), our stewart (Emmanuel) and game driver (Jackson). it was as if we were the only family in the whole resort. we saw the great migration (hundreds of thousands of wildebeests--amazing!!!), 4 kills, and checked off all the Big 5! upon checkout, we were in tears when they followed us to our car, singing to us ---saying goodbye& farewell. we were so very sad to leave.
CZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
we got exactly what was agreed
We experienced 11 days travelling with Katona Tours and Travel. Our guide was Richard. We can recommend their services. Our first plan was for 7 days and we were so satisfied, that we extended our trip by another 3 days. Richard was great guide, very helpful and kind. Jackie planned everything as we had required. Having a guided tour is reasonable solution in places like Uganda and Katona is definitely trustworthy choice. Ask for Richard as your guide:-)
Jiri Sana, CZE
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience on 10 day Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari
Just returned from our fifth safari (our son and daughter-in-law's first) and first with Wildebeest. Plusses: Noah at Wilderbeest did a great job in helping us plan, everything was as per itinerary, no unpleasant surprises, no nickel and diming, saw the big 5. Would absolutely recommend a private tour. Four of us (plus diver-guide Syedi) in our own landcruiser for a week, meant more flexibility to stay as long or as short each time we saw animals. This worked well as on two days it was so hot - and the amount of animals we saw so rich - that getting back to the lodge for a swim mid afternoon was perfect. Food and accommodation was good to breathtakingly superb. Have been on luxury safaris before and this was as good without all the added expense. (Only difference I noted was no exposure to game food on the menu, driving not flying to remote areas, and paying for drinks which were dirt cheap anyway). Paid a little extra to stay at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge - well worth it for the world stopping view over the caldera. Recommend visiting Olduvai Gorge in the Rift Valley (birthplace of homo sapiens). Adding Zanzibar at the end was really nice. This land safari was both very dusty and exhausting, so two days of pampered luxury at Ocean Paradise was perfect. Outstandingly, every place we stayed at left us wishing we could stay more, with the next place being even better (especially Buruge Tented Camp and Ocean Paradise). A good guide makes or breaks the safari. Our driver-guide for the safari, Syedi - was excellent, spoke good English, and with 6+ years' experience spotting game - was amazing spotting animals, including leopard, cheetah, and lion. Negatives: I insisted of staying at one site and I wish I had taken Noah's advice to upgrade elsewhere, as it led to two long days driving to where there were less animals. Recommend always answer ANY question about Africa with: "What would you recommend?" and not a preference (as they really do look out for you but culturally will defer to whatever you want). As a gay couple in a country where homosexuality is illegal, LGBT activism still in its infancy, and many staff Muslim, some places assumed we had to be brothers (so we were given twin beds - not a big deal for us after 16 years). To other gay couples - it felt safe and fine, but discretion is needed in a country where the laws against us are actively enforced. To disabled travelers - Bill injured his leg badly getting to the safari, and amazingly, either there were wheelchairs or staff just carried him anywhere he needed to go - no problem! Finally, to newbies, the anxious, and those considering this for a honeymoon: Go for it. The level of courtesy, quality, attention to detail, and care we received on this safari (and the other 4) far exceeds what you get in an American 5-star hotel. Tip: US$ worked well everywhere we went for tipping, souvenirs, etc. so no need to get lots of shillings and pay conversion fees. An amazing 15 out of 10 experience - so worth it.
IT
Awesome experience thanks to Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris
I visited some of the parks in Kenya and it was beautiful beyond my imagination. Thanks to Purity (the owner) who was quick to respond to the mails, customize a trip for us and even met us prior to our tour and very punctual at that. We visited some parks like Lake Nakuru and we were lucky to spot almost all the wildlife. The services and accomodation was excellent.Our driver Ken was well conversant with the parks and very kind. Thankyou Bienvenido for making our trip memorable.I highly recommend them.