US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Extremely helpful and very professional will definitely use him again
Amazing Safari to Masai Mara and Serengeti.
We had 3 days Serengeti, 2 days Masai Mara and everything was amazing courtesy of Philip and the entire crew generally. We started off in Masai Mara the first 2 days then ended up 3 days in Serengeti. The tour guide/ driver was exceptionally excellent, even though he wasn’t fluent in English, the little he spoke was enough for our amazing adventure, I always prefer people who talk less but show more action and this came in handy on this trip. The hotels were superb with a touch of local cuisines that made us blend in the culture of the indigenous people. We needed help and much of it was unplanned but Philip was always on standby, the commitment to have us get the best experience was evident on this trip and that’s why I can’t thank this people enough. I obviously encourage anyone looking for Safari in East Africa to try ThinkScene Safaris
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great tour
I did the 3 day budget safari to Maasai Mara and had David as my guide. It was my first safari and an amazing experience. David was a great driver / guide who was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The only thing I would say that could be improved is communication- what the plan is for the day, when we will be eating etc.
The parks had an abundance of wildlife (saw many of the big 5 apart from a rhino and leopard). The vehicle was in good condition (Land Cruiser) and the accommodation was really comfortable - I wad expecting a lot worse for the budget option. The passengers of our car had been spread across 3 accommodations which where quite far apart. Due to the bad roads it took approx. 45 min. to pick up/drop off everyone. Thus, one thing I had wished for is that the people you are in an accommodation with are also the ones in your car - to avoid unnecessar in the morning and evening (loosing precious time to see the wildlife). Alternatively a meeting point just outside the national reserve could be introduced where passengers of the car could be swapped according to the tour operators/accomodations.
If you want a more detailed description, then you can read my travel blog entry for this safari: https://findpenguins.com/6jjjgruit3szw/footprint/65c92fec1d1a40-06088084
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Baraka is very funny and lovely. He made an already amazing trip more special.
Great experience, affordable price, excellent safari experience. Every service staff is warm and friendly, especially our guide Baraka, who is familiar with wildlife and brings us a detailed explanation and gives us the best travel experience.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Authentic, knowledgeable and always on time.
Samuel our driver and the tour operator were excellent ! Knowledge of the animals, parks and city made it a pleasure. Also and perhaps most important, a very safe and patient driver.
KR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very kind, quick and punctual
My wife and I had a.good time.in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botsnawa for 2 nights and 3 days, thanks.to Afro Dawn travel service, in particular to Isabella, the 1st class tour guide. We saw the Vicotori falls from.two.different country sides and went for the Chobe river.cruise, while wrapping up helicopter tour right before departure. Every arrangement was great, except Boma dinner show with limited menu (no fruits but fruit cocktail only).
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Friendly, knowledgeable, trustworthy service
We have had many very pleasant experiences with Samuel as our driver, most recently in Feb’24. His safari van is clean and comfortable, with a pop-up roof for game viewing and all-wheel drive for the tough spots. Each seat is a “captain’s chair” with a full row in the very back, seating 6 adult guests comfortably. Samuel is an excellent guide with many interesting tidbits of information to share, many obscure facts, often quite humourous. We have travelled a lot in Kenya and have found Samuel to be the best driver to Meru National Park, Nairobi National Park and the Maasai Mara. He is punctual and organized and the prices are very fair. Highly recommended
CZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Private 3d-Amboseli and 1d-Nairobi Parks tour made to measure, reliable, with attention to detail.
We are two photo-enthusiasts and we did have a great help in Julie putting together a made-to-measure private tour for us in mid-December 2023. It was transfer from Nairobi + 2 full days in Amboseli park and then transfer back to Nairobi + 1 day in Nairobi exploring the David Sheldrick foundation, Giraffe centre and Nairobi Park + transfer to the JKIA airport. She was very attentive to our wishes and put together a tour that suited us perfectly. Price was reasonable and all worked very well. Amboseli accommodation in the Kibo safari camp was perfect and comfortable, food was good and takeaway lunchbox was great. We saw a lot of animals and have taken some great pictures. We even explored the Amboseli lake bed longer than expected (our 4x4 got stuck there). It was part of the adventure :-) and it was fun. It also helps to have a radio in the car to share with other cars/drivers what is to see or if there is a problem. George is a good driver and was very attentive to our photo-desires. He did a great job finding the wildlife where possible and also took us on a side-road on the way from Amboseli to Nairobi that offered a totally different look at rural Kenya. For the Nairobi day, we really appreciated to have a car with electronic pass so that we can cross the town very fast. We came home with a smile and already longing to come back soon! I can recommend this company, certainly! Nothing was a problem, communication was clear and fast and all was with a smile and compassion. We will be back!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything worked without a headache.
We work here in centurion and had to much time on the weekend.
Everything worked as hoped we got a pick up to pilansberg and had a lovely Safari with a nice Tourguide.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing weekend in Amboseli
We were a group of colleagues visiting from the United States to Nairobi for work meetings and we decided for the weekend to book a short safari to Amboseli (Saturday to Sunday). We selected MorningStar and we were not disappointed. The service and experience were excellent and we had a perfect trip.
From the very start the communication from Joseph on the quotes and booking arrangements were fast, clear and courteous - he was so helpful and helped us make sure we had the exact schedule and activities that we wanted at the right price. Good service and good value.
The driver George was also excellent from the start, on time, polite and friendly, helpful answering questions and explaining everything we were doing and seeing. Our journey was comfortable and enjoyable all the way though.
The accommodation we chose was in Ol Tukai lodge and it was great, we were delighted with the friendly and helpful staff service, good cleanliness, lovely food, beautiful setting and comfortable beds. In the evening there was a fireplace and a bar, a barbecue for dinner, and you could even watch elephants a walking by over breakfast. The lodge also arrange our night time drive, with a dedicated driver and spotter which was extra special.
Finally - thanks to the animals! We saw more than we ever dreamed we would - lions, elephants, zebra, giraffes, hippos, cheetah, gazelles, hyenas and so many wonderful and fascinating bird species, we were really lucky and the whole trip was a magical and moving experience.
If you have the chance - DO THIS!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A dream trip come true! Absolutely incredible!
We just finished our five days of safari with Serengeti Smiles (now heading to Zanzibar for relaxation). Absolutely incredible and more than I could have ever hoped for.
Our guide, John, was the sweetest, kindest soul. He was so knowledgeable on the animals. Although sightings of animals are not guaranteed, John really made the effort for us to see everything we wanted to see. We ended up seeing all of “The Big Five” and so so much more!
John listened to everything we said and took our wants and needs into consideration each day. I felt safe and respected the whole trip.
Tanzania is such a beautiful country. I can’t wait to recommend Serengeti Smiles and John as a guide, to my friends and family back home in Canada!
