PK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
2-day trip to Amboseli National Park
I went on a 2 day trip to Amboseli National Park. they arranged my stay at Kibo Safari Lodge. The trip was excellent, I got to the Kilimanjaro and lots of elephants. The accommodations were wonderful, there was a spa, swimming pool, great food, and a Maasai performance by the bonfire. It was a private tour, and the tour guide Samuel was very knowledgeable. I saw Amboseli lake with flamingos, pelicans, egrets and herons (small, great, grey, goliath), ibis, storks and innumerable other birds. Elephant herds were huge: more than twenty animals in each. on my way back we had lunch at the Carnivore in Nairobi which was also a very good experience. I would strongly recommend Schon Tours.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent 4-day Safari!
My parents and I went on a great four-day camping safari with Ilmaasai. We organized the safari in advance with Loth via email, and we found him to respond very quickly and thoroughly to our questions and also to be very flexible, allowing us to add an extra day at the last minute. We spent one day in Tarangire, two days in the Serengeti, and one day in the Ngorongoro crater. Our guide was Godson, who did a wonderful job. In addition to being very knowledgeable, Godson was a great spotter, and knew how the animals would move. For example, one day we saw some lion cubs being moved by some adult females to rejoin the pride, and well before the lions reached the road, Godson knew exactly the right spot to park the Landrover so that the lions would cross the road right next to us. During the safari, we saw a lot of wildlife: many lions, elephants, giraffes and many more, as well as a couple of cheetahs and a leopard. In addition, Filipo kept us well fed, and we were picked up and dropped off at the airport, this kept logistical issues as simple as possible. If we ever have the opportunity to go on a safari in Tanzania again, we will be sure to go with Ilmaasai.
US
Great time at affordable prices
Good pickup in the morning, driver (James) was very nice and helpful. We managed to see 4/5 big animals, so very happy with it. Food could be improved, but for the price we paid we got a lot out of it
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I visited The Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara National Parks and were camping.
Sayari Tano were amazing! Prior to the Safari, they were always prompt with their returns to emails and were honest about what to expect and with any questions I asked. The accommodation offered the day before and after was what I paid for (I was camping), however, it was clean, had good WI-FI, was in the center of town, had friendly, welcoming staff and had all the necessities. When we started the Safari, the first thing I noticed was how safely our driver Ziggy drove, as not everyone on the road in Africa is always safe. Also, the car was clean and in good repair with no mechanical issues. The tents were really good and exceeded my expectations. In the mornings, we were straight in the car and were on Safari immediately. Whilst in the car, Ziggy (our driver) was really informative and respectful of our time and space in terms of taking photos etc., we saw all sorts of animals in large numbers and the whole time, Ziggy was on the look out for the harder to see animals like leopards, which we saw!!! The food wasn't incredible however, it was well prepared within the limits of how much we were paying, but at the end of the day, I wasn't there for the food.
The only down side was the seating in the car. The front seats are the best getting progressively worse up to the back, however this is not the fault of anyone just something to be aware when you are going on Safari. However, this was easily resolved by rotating the seats. Also, I would highly recommend that you book to go with people you know or have met whilst travelling so that this sort of communication is easier.
All in all, the tour was fantastic and I highly recommend Sayari Tano Tours to anyone who is interested in exploring the wildlife of Tanzania!!
Experience level: over 5 safaris
An exciting and enlightening safari.
My friend and I recently enjoyed a 19 day tour with Thinus across Namibia and Botswana to Victoria Falls.
In that time we traveled through diverse landscapes, saw a vast array of wildlife, engaged in a variety of activities and learned a great deal about this part of the world. We experienced a range of comfortable accommodation including hotels, lodges and tented camps - all possessing great character.
Highlights of the tour included the dramatic sand dunes at Sossusvlei, the charming Swakopmund (the sand dune 'buggy ride' is highly recommended), the accessibility of the wildlife at Etosha National Park, and the delightful Camp Xakanaxa in the Okavango Delta.
Thinus was gentlemanly, helpful and above all, very knowledgeable about the countries we visited. We thank him for looking after us so well.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
Had an amazing time. We got very lucky with the Amish t of animals we saw.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Another wonderful safari trip
This was our second safari trip and another wonderful experience with Laurette at Pembury Tours. This time we travelled with the whole family, and Laurette planned out all of the details to fit into our schedule, goals, and budget. Everything went very smoothly and we were able to see everything we had hoped on safari and enjoy a relaxing time in Cape Town.
DK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One day in Nairobi
I booked a one day trip in Nairobi with KM safaris.
I had a great time visiting the Giraffe center with a forest nature walk.
Karen Blixen museum and Kitengela Hot glass visits were all well planned and a great experience.
I can only recommend KM Safaris.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hakuna Matata - No Worries
Usually i'm not really into writing reviews but in this case i just have to make an exception. Not only because the guys from Zuri Tours deserve it but because it might save others some trouble that we were up to.
First of all, the facts:
What did we do and how did it work?
We (my girlfriend and me) booked a 5 day joining Safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara. I established the contact via e-mail from germany which worked without any problems. Emmanuel always answered very fast and proficient and gave me all the information i requested.
On the day of our arrival we were picked up at the airport, as planned and were shuttled to our requested hostel. During the next 2 days we went through the last preparations for our trip but 2 big problems occured. On the one hand our joining Safari couldn't take place as planned because the father of the family which was meant to join us got sick so my girlfriend and me decided to switch to a private Safari for an additional extra charge.
The second way bigger problem was money. Not that we didn't have any we just couldn't get to it! Emmanuel had told me in advance to bring enough cash with me but since it was a quite queasy feeling to travel to a foreign country with such a big amount of cash we just didn't. So we only had a fraction of the sum with us but now we had to face the problem that it was quite hard to get any more from our bank account. In the bank you get only 800 USD per day and they charge you a fee of 4%! At the ATM you can only get 1,2 mio TZS (about 500 USD) per day IF it works! And often times they don't or they charge you a fee as well. Paying by credit card didn't work either and probably wouldn't have helped much since the state often charges a quite large fee on that. So there we were. It cost us quite some time and nerves but Emmanuel had great patience and was always there to support and help us and in the end we found a working solution. It would have been way easier to just take enough cash with us but next time we'll know better.
Back to the important part: The Safari!
Actually the description could be done very easy: Perfect!
But i guess the guys deserve it a little more detailed. Our group was set together out of 4 people. My girlfriend, our guide Josephat, our chef Moses and me. To make a long story short: The guys did an incredible job! Our guide not only maneuvred the jeep through the roughest terrain he also always had an eye for event the most hidden animals. But by that i don't wanna say that most of the animals were hidden! It's the other way round, e.g. elephants, leopards, cheetahs and lions were so close to us that we could have touched them. We took a big load of impressions with us and we'll be remembering them for a long time.
But even the greatest impressions are of no use when you are hungry. And that's where our chef Moses came into play. I'm a learned chef myself but i have no idea how he managed to prepare such great meals in these basic "kitchens". Everytime we arrived at a camp he welcomed us in his white chef uniform handing us a cold drink. And afterwards he served us some of the best food we came to taste during our 3 week long trip. We're no vegetarians but we had planned to stay away from meat and fish and keep strictly to "peel it boil it or forget it" but after quite a short time we decided to forget about that and we didn't have any problems at all! I have no idea how he did probably it's some kind of magic.
We slept in tents on camp beds with a mattress and i'd do the exact same thing again. I will always remember lying in our tent in the serengeti listening to the distant sounds of lions and hyenas. Incredible.
And with that i'd like to finish my review. It already sounds like i was paid for it. But i just can't help it the guys deserve it. We will always think back to these 5 incredible days.
Thank you so much Emmanuel (owner and organizer), Josephat (Guide) and Moses (chef).
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mt Kilimanjaro - 6 Day Marangu Mt. Kili and 4 Day Safari
This awesome experience started with very efficient correspondence from Justin, the CEO and owner of Tanzania Expeditions. My many questions were answered fully and promptly with only one month to plan this important trip... even the last minute panic emails 3 hours before landing.
My driver's patience was tested from the very beginning. He (Vitalis) was a saint! What I couldn't draw from an ATM, he got from a local woman's purse! lol Repeated advice: have $50US with you when you land at the airport. Within an hour of arrival I had my Visa, Passport and off we were to Arusha to get a sim card for my phone and check into the lovely Planet Lodge where I met my new best friend for the next week - my guide Tumaini! He had everything under control - has climbed this 180 times!! He helped me sort and pack for the trip.
Mt. Kili.: The next day I met the Team! and off we went to climb Africa's highest walk-able mountain! My guide Tumaini stuck with me while the porters and cook ran ahead to prepare the camp for me.
There were other groups with solo or group travelers. It became very evident that I was by far the luckiest in all these climbers. I had the most fun team. These guys cheered me on every step of the way. Kasian, the cook, made the best soups, salads and meals. Michael, the server, was always positive and forthcoming. If you don't eat, you have Kasian to answer to. lol Augustino looked after my luggage. He came to join us on Day 2, grabbed Tuma's 100 litre bag and Tuma took my 8 litre bag!! Oh what a relief! Day 3 acclimatization was great! We found our second geocache and planted one at Zebra Rocks. Gerald was at Zebra Rocks waiting for us. The Rangers and staff at the huts are very accommodating. For 10000TZ you can charge your phone overnight. Fabian, the 4th porter was quiet and cheerful. Day 4 we made it to Kibo where you are supposed to sleep and rest but unfortunately I had to share my cabin and maybe got 30 minutes sleep before the final climb. That's where all the angels and saints converge, Gerald had my back and Tuma was on lead. I fell asleep a few times only to find Gerald's hands on my arms putting me back in vertical position!! I bargained and pleaded but there was no turning back. At 9:25AM we reached the summit! I could not have been in better company! Wow!! The team was at Kibo cheering us on when we arrived!! Very memorable trip. Great value for whatever it costs. Please see my album at: https://goo.gl/photos/PPqcyGwW8M1u7JBq9
Safari - My new driver Sammy picked me up at Planet Lodge Hotel and off we went for a wonderful 4 day Safari. Two days in the Serengeti with an added Hot Air Balloon Ride and two days in Ngorogoro. The highlight of my trip was the countless hours of educational conversation I received from Samson about the Masai people and their practices. We stopped at a Masai school on our way back. The Safari was great and all the wildlife. Sammy made sure I got up and close. The food was fine dining, the accommodations were exquisite. I was a little taken aback by the initial sight of the tents but soon felt very safe in these spacious hotel accommodations with double layers of tarp. My last night was at a Sopa Resort - 5 star but with all the same comforts of my previous 2 nights. Please see my album at: https://goo.gl/photos/eKRr5ZTThtW8DCpz5
My 10 day package with Tanzania Expeditions sadly ended with my flight to Zanzibar.
Thank you so much Justin for making this trip possible and stress-free!!