NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome
The communication was really good. The safari tour was breathtaking I had the best time of my life.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Lion King is Simply the Very Best! Choosing Lion King was the best decision we could have made!
From the moment we requested a safari quote from Lion King, we were treated like royalty. Anna responded to every question and itinerary request quickly and graciously. Booking a safari from 5,000 miles away (with an 11-hour time difference) for a family of four was a daunting task but Anna’s incredibly courteous demeanor and prompt responses made the process not only painless but enjoyable.
Our flight to JRO arrived over an hour late, at close to 11:00pm. Even so, we were immediately greeted by a friendly Lion King representative who drove us to our hotel in Arusha and checked us in. The following morning, we were greeted promptly at the planned time by our guide, James. We could not have dreamed up a more incredible, kind, knowledgeable, and overall fabulous guide and human being than James.
Our 4-night, 5-day safari included: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. We stayed at Outpost Lodge in Arusha, Eileen’s Trees, Heritage Luxury Tented Camp, and Ilboru Safari Lodge. All exceeded every expectation. At every turn, we were left with jaws agape at the scenery, the up-close encounters with unreal wildlife, the accommodations, the people, the food — everything. James proactively shared interested facts about the flora and fauna, the animals, the culture and customs of Tanzanians and the Masai tribe. He knew shortcuts and people along the way and handled every moment of our safari like an absolute pro. To watch him navigate these roads is a site to behold in and of itself.
When our safari finally came to end and it was time to say goodbye, we were delivered for our last overnight at the fantastic Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha. Anna even met us here for a debrief and hosted us for drinks and lovely conversation.
Now, as we wait at Ilboru for our Lion King-hosted ride to the Arusha airport to catch our flight to Zanzibar, I write this review hoping others out there, probably miles away and struggling to find the right fit for a safari company, take great comfort in reading this review, knowing you will not find a more genuinely amazing company than Lion King. There aren’t enough stars available to adequately rate Anna and James and the Lion King team. Without a doubt, they are the cream of the crop. They made every step of our African safari even more magically than we’d ever dreamed it could be. We are ever grateful for them.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Budget Joining Safari, Good Driver/Guide, Excellent Service
I contacted MJ Safaris based on reviews here and Jackson Lyimo promptly responded to my questions and provided info. Jackson provided a bit of discount to bring the price down to $950 for 5D/4N safari, including pickup from Moshi in a local bus/shuttle and drop-off to KIA airport at the end of safari. I paid a deposit via Credit Card and the remainder at the beginning of Safari in Arusha (in both cash $ as well as Tanzania currency).
This was a budget joining safari meaning people join as and when they are ready to start their safari. On the first day, we were only 2 but the remaining 4 days, we had a full house of 6. The accommodation on all 4 days was basic. First day in Panorama Camp, we had an African Igloo Hut while the remaining 2 nights in Serengeti and one on the Ngorongoro Crater we had our own tents that were carried on top of the safari vehicle. A cook was with us all five days who would make food and you could get vegetarian food - but do specify your requirements so they can buy things in advance in Arusha - once you are in Serengeti, there is nothing you can get anywhere (Hint: buy your own food in Arusha before the safari starts).
Our driver/guide Emmanuel was courteous and helpful and could spot all kinds of creatures. We were very lucky to see Cheetahs over 7 times and a Rhino up close! That was the highlight of the trip. If you want to see wild creatures in their natural habitat, this safari is a must. We also visited a Maasai Village on our way out of Serengeti and that was another highlight of the trip.
Again, since this was a budget joining safari, no matter who you book with, you might join the same group! However, MJ Safaris was a trustworthy and reliable agency that provided all the services they promised and I have no hesitation in recommending them highly.
A final note: a Chinese girl on our safari paid only $800 for the exact 5d/4n safari but she came at the last moment so if you can join at the last moment, you might be able to get the best prices!
NZ
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well organised individualized trip to cover the areas we wanted to see in Rwanda and Uganda
The trip went well , very well organised and we did see what we wanted to – including the trip to the Gorillas – amazing.
Our guide/driver was excellent – a very careful and good driver on sometimes appalling roads, he was also a great game spotter – we got a marvellous experience of tree climbing lions! Do pass that on to the company you used.
One of the unexpected highlights was the trips on the boats – to Kazinga channel, to the Murchison falls and to the source of the Nile. Especially in the first two – we had great game viewing from the comparatively cool of the boat with excellent close up views of a wide variety of animals. While Uganda does not have the huge numbers of game we have seen in say Botswana and Kenya – this way of seeing them was great and could be promoted for Uganda.
EG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
amazing trip
Amazing and helpful tour operator , i spent beautiful time with them and if i will come again the first choice is face of africa
US
can't describe how happy i was
I had just the most amazing honeymoon , we spend some amazing 10 days in tanzania visiting every single place, Hotel was great and Safarihub was really involved and they made sure that our time spend there will be amazing .
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Must see
Our overall experience was really good, but mostly because of the wildlife and the scenery. To be able to meet these georgeus animals in their natural habitat, it is just an amazing experience - without words. Just have to see.
On the other hand, some annoying experience is also followed our trip. For example the daily tricks, frauds - like the immigration officer just put the 50 dollars directly into his pocket, when he realized that we are two of us, and we are paying by cash.
Also was really disappointing to see, that on the private tour - where we pay 150 USD for the trip and for the entry tickets to the national park - our tour operator bought us "children resident tickets".
So instead of paying for the national park 30 USD, he only paid 3 USD and just split the 27 USD with the other guys... And after that, we got a 1 USD meal, without any option to choose.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gorgeous !!
It's now the 2nd time I booked a safari with Planet Africa Safaris. First time was a 10day Safari and 1 week on Zansibar, Pongwe Beach Hotel. We are just back from our 2nd safari an all I can say is: The Organisation is perfect. Correspondance by e-mail always very good. Excellent planning and recommandation of the lodges...just tell them what is your idea and at least in 48 hours you'll get a made to order itinerary. Prices are always very reasonable. What we liked is that nearly everything is possible, nothing seems to be a problem. The tour guides (we had Jackson Mbise, Harry Lucas, Venant and Kivuyo) are excellent. If you plan a private safari, it's also possible to go with Planet Africa Safaris.
One of our best travel experiences.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An experience made epic!
Benjamin was our guide for 2 nights in the Camdeboo National Park. He met us punctually on location with clear directions and a very warm welcome. We had an awesome trip with great game viewing and wonderful recommendations of places to visit within the reserve. Benjamin was enthusiastic, patient, knowledgeable and extremely accommodating. We had a puncture and it rained while we were camping, but nothing phased Benjamin, or was too much trouble. He was calm, helpful and considerate at all times. We had fantastic tents, comfy stretches, bedding, towels, everything we needed. Benjamin has endless energy but goes about his tasks in a relaxed but diligent manner. We had interesting chats, tasty food and enjoyed his great company. Highly recommend a trip with him...
