US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very reasonably priced and well run
My husband and I wanted to experience a safari that was not outrageously priced and I found Viva Safaris. We had a wonderful experience with them. The guides were great and the food was excellent. They had activities all the time, which was included in the price. We definitely recommend them.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beacon Safaris gave us an excellent experience at Masai Mara with great accomodations and guiding
Anthony was our guide for the 3 day adventure in the Masai Mara. He made sure we were safe, comfortable and able to see the big 5 animal groups. He went out of his way to meet our individual needs and expectations. His degree of knowledge regarding the various animals in the park was superb. His networking skills enabled us to arrive just in time to see cheetahs on a hunt and lion cubs at play. We were very pleased with the accommodations for two nights at the Mara Sopa Lodge. The Masai décor, friendly service and African cuisine was great. We highly recommend this tour.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable safari
Because it was our first time in East Africa, we were a little bit more careful with choosing our safari partner. The communication before arrival was perfect, so we felt confident about Khanga Safaris. Every question was quickly answered and they gave us a lot of information about the tour, so we knew exactly what we were about to expect.
We loved our safari tour in Kenya through Tsavo East, Tsavo West and the tip of the iceberg, Amboseli National Park. Everything was well arranged by Khanga, so we didn’t have to worry about a thing. Our driver and guide, Christopher, was fantastic, friendly and made sure that we got the most out of this experience as we could. He was patient (we took a lot of pictures and made movies) and knew a lot about the wildlife in the parks. The hotels we stayed in were more than mid-range class.
We had an unforgettable time. By far our best vacation ever!
Big thanks to Christopher, Bernard & Lawrence!
If you want to see a short movie of our safari: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3xQauOFKfY
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Experience with Aslan
Aslan adventures, and our phenomenal guide Joe, provided a fabulous experience for our Kenyan Safari. We did the 6-day Samburu - Nakuru - Masai Mara safari that left out of Nairobi. While there was a LOT of driving, this was an exceptional route with beautiful lodges. We couldn't believe the value we were getting for the quality of lodge we were staying at.
Anne (the booking agent) provided a great deal of detail upfront about our safari and was able to accommodate a fairly unique situation. Since we were booking fairly late, we had to wire the money upfront, which made us a bit nervous, but all worked out well. She was even able to secure an upgraded lodge in Samburu for us to stay at, which proved to be a unique experience.
Once in Africa, our guide Joe was phenomenal. We were very impressed with his driving and knowledge of the three reserves we visited. He was often willing to go out of his way to make sure we saw and experienced everything we wanted on the trip. Thanks to his guidance, we were able to see all of the Big 5, as well as a number of special requests from our group.
It seemed as though nothing would stop Joe - he was able to repair a broken control arm in about an hour while in the middle of the Mara, relentlessly search for Leopards (the most elusive of the Big 5), and impressively navigated the perilous roads of Kenya despite road closures. We truly could not say enough good things about his service.
Overall, we were very impressed with Aslan and Joe. Great service, great value and a great experience!
US
Awesome Experience! Definitely recommend.
We made a spur of the moment decision to visit South Africa, in particular the Timbavati/Kruger National Park. It turned out to be a great choice. Everything went smoothly: the arrangements, transportation (to/from airport), accommodations, etc. We saw many different animals as pointed out by our guide, Andre. Such a pleasant knowledgeable guide. He taught us how to look through the bushes to find animals. Who would have thought a giraffe would be so hard to see? Elephants, Lions, Antelope, Birds, etc. So much we saw and learned. We plan to do it again with this same operator.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome Experience!
We made a spur of the moment decision to go to South Africa and visit the Timbavati/Kruger National Park. Best decision ever! Everything went so smooth: arrangements, transportation (from/to airport), accommodations, etc. Saw many different animals we would not have noticed had our guide, Andre, not pointed them out. Andre was very pleasant and knowledgeable. He taught us how to look through the bushes to spot animals. Never thought a giraffe could be so hard to see, and elephants, so big! Antelope, lions, birds ... the list goes on. What a great experience! Highly recommend this tour operator!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
"It's Your Safara"
Without a doubt, my 6-day safari with Zohar was one of the best holidays of my life...all thanks to Lilian (tour owner) and Lawrence (guide). When searching for a safari tour, I knew what I did not want. I wanted to avoid a checklist of Big 5 animals where the sightings were spoon fed to me while racing across the Serengeti. What I did want were unobtrusive encounters with all the wildlife that Tanzania had to offer. When Lilian explained to me that she was providing me a customized tour and stated "It's your safari", I knew I had chosen the right agency.
She was very responsive and worked within my budget. I had booked the safari less than 30 days of departure and she was able to make all of my accommodations on short notice. When my plane landed in Arusha, she had taken care of nearly every detail and all I had to worry about was making sure my camera was charged up.
I know other safari clients will state that their guide was the best, but I don't see how I could have had a better guide than Lawrence. His passion and respect for all animals was immediately evident. He had extensive knowledge of mammals, reptiles, birds and plants. Every time I asked "What is that?", he had the answer. His ability to spot animals was amazing. We saw over a hundred lions, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hippos, a few cheetah, leopards and rhino. He was a true professional, a good conversationalist, and he became a friend in the end.
For my first multi-day safari, Zohar far exceeded my expectations. I look forward to returning to Tanzania and would eagerly choose them again.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
ngorogoro visit and excellent guide
We had an amazing one day safari experience in Ngorogoro in November. Our guide Henry B Tremba was kind and courteous. He was patient and let us guide the amount of time we spent looking at the various animals. He was aware of where to go and we saw so much! He even made the light afternoon rain seem enjoyable. Our stop at the Massai Village was also a highlight... and it was not touristy as no one was there but us. They all knew Henry and received him with kindness. The wild elephant in the lodge entrance was a highlight. Thanks Henry!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kidepo and Karamoja with Grassrootz Adventure
During my Christmas break I decided to go to Kidepo and Karamoja with a friend, organized by Grassrootz Adventures. We took off in Kampala with James as our driver. Although it was a long day, it was worth traveling because we crossed the whole country, with its different views, sceneries, landscapes and cultural settlements. It was nice to see the different places and we got an idea of the country Uganda. When it was dark we arrived in Buffalo Base (the guesthouse near Kidepo) where we were welcomed with a nice dinner. The beautiful sky with its innumerous amount of stars made the evenings somewhat mystic.
The next day we went to Kidepo National Park for a game drive. We had a great morning. There were almost no other tourists and we saw many different animals. We had a very enthusiastic ranger, who was very eager to show us as many animals as possible. The park is very big and breathtaking. There are almost no other tourists, which makes the experience even better. In the center of the park is a nice resting area, where it is possible to have lunch while watching zebras coming for a drink at the water point. In the afternoon and the next morning, we did another game drive going to different parts of the park. In the afternoon of our third day we went for a village walk with the people from Buffalo Base.
On the fourth day we set off to Kotido. Kotido is a bit more south and is located in the Karamoja region. The landscape is different and while driving you see people herding their cows or goats. In the afternoon we visited the Manyata village, which is a very big village where people live in traditional houses and wear traditional clothing. It was interesting to see how these people live. Karamoja Arts Guesthouse was a very nice place to stay where you sleep in a banda (the traditional house). It is also a good place to experience the isolatedness of the area. It is comfortable although you are in the middle of nowhere.
The next morning we went to Moroto, again a bit more south and in the Karamoja area. It is located near Mount Moroto, which we climbed in the afternoon. It is a very windy place and a bit bigger than Kotido.
The last day we traveled back to Kampala.
James is a very good driver and very nice company to spent your days with. He takes care that everything goes well, he stops when you want to take pictures and he knows a lot about the country. Besides, he was also very enthusiastic about the places we visited which made it more fun to spend time together.
Overall, I would really recommend to go to the north of Uganda, because it so different than the south, it is still very pure and Kidepo park is worth visiting. It is a good combination of safari, landscapes and culture, and you get a good idea about Uganda. Grassrootz Adventures organises everything very well, the communication went quick and clear. The accommodations and food were very fine and the safari was great. Thank you very much for the whole trip!!
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A dream come true!
My two sons and me had a wonderful experience on a one-week safari that took us to Tarangire, Lake Natron, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara. From our arrival at Kilimanjaro airport to our departure, Bensons Safaris Tanzania have made sure that this trip would be fantastic, and they succeeded! A great, pleasant and highly competent guide, a vehicle in perfect condition, the right lodge/camp choices, everything was designed perfectly. And the progression in our trip was well thought out, as every day there was something new, different, something more, giving us the experience of an immensely diverse country. Actually we were continuously asking our guide Issa how he would make it that the next day would be different and better. And every day he had the solution. So we can only recommend Benson and his team for anyone who wants to get a full experience of Northern Tanzania and its wonderful parks. Congratulations and many thanks.