US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
AA Africa provided my group an amazing safari seeing incredible wildlife with cultural experiences.
Earlier this month I took a photographic safari group to Tanzania. While taking another group some years ago I met Augustine Minja at one of our safari camps. I ran into him in 2015 at one of the safari camps and learned he has his own company, Augustine's Adventure Africa (AA Africa). I was impressed with Augustine and said I would consider using him in the future. I didn't take a group in 2016 but did check out reviews of AA Africa. Late in 2016 I contacted Augustine about a group safari in June of this year.
He presented me with an itinerary that I knew was excellent--I had 10 previous safaris to Tanzania--and at a very attractive price. Based on my review review searches, and our conversations and how he answered all my questions, I decided to use his services. The safari was amazing in terms of wildlife seen and the accommodations that Augustine had arranged. However, what was as equally outstanding was the service Augustine provided my group. He is extremely knowledgeable about wildlife, habitats, and local history and culture. The itinerary not only focused on wildlife but also exposed the group to life in Tanzania with visits to a school, medical clinic, village markets, and a Maasai village.
Behind the scenes he kept in touch with lodges to make sure there would be no surprises down the road. He attended promptly to any issues raised by my group--there were few-- and paid attention to the smallest detail.
I am already planning another group with AA Africa next year and would whole heartedly recommend AA Africa contemplating s safari to Tanzania whether it be a group, family or couple.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Safari with Travel Partners
We had a wonderful and unforgettable Safari with Travel Partners and can absolutely recommend them!
Our Safari was a six day private 4x4 tour through Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire with mid-range/mid-range+ accomodation (seemed pretty luxury to me...).
Tavel Partners was already at the beginning very professional and easy to communicate with. They could also arrange a quite late booking and came to our hotel for payment. We were lucky to get a Landrover suitable for 6 people for only the two of us and Mbonea, our wonderful driver and guide. He was very polite and helpful, a safe driver and he told us a lot about the parks, the animals and Tanzania and its people. All in all the company was our perfect travel partner and worth the price!
*Regarding the tour: 6 days was perfect. Enough to see the 4 Parks without a hurry. We strongely recommend to do a private tour, as you can not only enjoy the nature quietly, talk with the guide and decide yourselfs what you are doing next. I would prefer a shorter but private tour.
*Regarding the parks: Do all 4 if you can. If not, skip Lake Manyara (if you are not interrested in birds) or Tarangire (if not interessted in big elefant groups in green environrment with baobabs).
*Regarding the accomodation: mid-range mid-range plus is very comfortable. We strongly recommend Serengeti Heritage Camp, Lobo Camp and Bougainvillia.
BR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
unforgetable
almost everything were ok.
We had a problem with the transfer from Joannesburg to Pretoria (Blue Train Station)
The driver was confused about the way and made some mistakes.
After all , he took us to Rovos station.
The traffic was hard and we were concerned about miss the train.
Fortunatle we got de station in time.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Customer Service Ever - Thanks Ines!
Ines put together an amazing itinerary for our college aged daughters within our budget and with complicated travel timelines. She made arrangements for one to travel solo for over a week and then rendezvous with her sister in Maun. They continued traveling jointly on safari and exploring the Okavango Delta. Every accommodation, tour and transport was as described and often exceeded expectations. Ines even noted and alerted us to an air transport discrepancy on a reservation, that she did not make and was not responsible for, averting a travel crisis. Ines even called our home in the U.S. on a weekend to make sure we understood the error that needed to be corrected. She responded promptly to every email and was a delight to work with. My husband and I will use Ines and Indigo Safaris when we book our own trip in the future.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
seamless efficiency and flexibility in giving you the experience you want.
exceptional company. I had a situation where I may have had to cancel in the last month and they were willing to work with me. I went as planned.
The accommodations were even better than I expected, food good and our guide friendly and responsive to our wish list. By the end of the trip we had seen all that the six of us had wished.
It was a glorious trip and I would use them again without hesitation.
EG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Breathtaking Safari Experience!
I’m a thorough trip planner, so I did my research when organizing our 3 day/2 night Masaai Mara safari. I had contacted several different companies before settling for Bigmac Africa Safaris. The main reason for my choice was that while all companies offered identical packages (right down to the camp sites you can stay at), Bigmac Africa offered the most competitive price (I mean, why pay more for the same services when you’re on a tight budget?) and I found Magdalene very helpful and professional when replying to my (very numerous) emails and requests!
In retrospect, the only thing I might have changed in our safari was the campsite which we stayed at (which is of no fault to Bigmac Africa), but even that was a unique and interesting part of the safari experience. At Magdalene’s request our driver allowed us the chance to look at Lenchada Camp and Rhino Camp 5 minutes away before deciding which to stay at. Both campsites were conveniently located minutes away from the Masaai Mara National Reserve Oloolaimutia Gate, and had almost identical less-than-luxurious accommodation options with the only advantage of Rhino Camp being that it had the option of a room with walls instead of just tents. Of course, if you don’t prefer roughing it out, and would enjoy hot showers at night and fewer bugs under your pillows, I would suggest staying at a lodge instead of a camp (if you can afford the extra cost)! To be fair, the staff on campsite was extremely friendly and welcoming, and the food, although lacking in variety, was really quite edible, particularly the breakfast!
The Safari itself was a spectacular experience! Our driver and guide, Richard and Dennis, were very friendly and good-natured and incredibly intent on helping us get the best possible angles and views of the plethora of wildlife the Mara has to offer, and always willing to go the extra mile for that perfect shot. We had a setback at the beginning of the trip, where a 1.5 hr delay at the rest-stop waiting for the rest of our group to join us set us behind schedule. Despite this late start, we were on the reserve at 5 PM and before sunset at 6:30 PM Richard and Dennis had managed (in record time) to take us to see wildebeests, antelopes, impalas, gazelles, giraffes, zebras, hippos, ostriches, elephants, and lions on just our first drive! The other days were equally fascinating where we spotted many of these animals again as well as buffalos, warthogs, crocodiles, vultures, guinea fowl, hyenas, and jackals, and even came within meters from lions and cheetahs!
The highlight of our trip was a mother cheetah and her two cubs we saw on the second day which casually strolled beside our car as if we were simply part of the landscape! We held our breaths for 30 minutes as the mother inched her way towards her prey and we were lucky enough to witness a breathtaking albeit unsuccessful chase which ensued!
The only suggestion I would have for Bigmac Africa would be to supply more drinking water (at least a bottle per day). We were provided water bottles on the first day and were under the misconception that this would be a daily occurrence and so we did not bring our own water the next day. We were quite dehydrated to say the least, but this actually came to our advantage since we spent a full day on the reserve (we didn’t need to “take a walk in the bushes”!).
On a final note, kudos to Richard for his punctuality everyday and his crazy driving skills! Also, Magdalene proved to be as professional in person as she was in correspondence. She met us both before and after our safari, and even helped us to arrange airport transfer the next day at a very reasonable cost (our driver here was also very punctual and reliable). Thank you Bigmac Africa Safaris for this very special experience of a lifetime!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari experience
From the very start of the process the booking was handled with great professionalism, queries being answered promptly and without any hint that I was being a bother. Everything was communicated clearly and the plans were all top class. A small hitch with the driver from our hotel to the pick up point was ironed out easily and our driver/safari guide was really knowledgeable and an excellent driver. We were able to see far more animals than I had even hoped and the Sopa lodges were excellent.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Had a fantastic safari in Tanzania, and were in good hands from start to finish
We (4 people from Germany) had an 8-day custom-made safari including visits to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Also the first night we spent at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge near Arusha, and on the last day we took a transfer by plane from Seronera airstrip to Arusha airport.
All the time we felt totally safe and in good hands, as the staff from Travel For Change were very professional and friendly and always supported us with anything we needed during our trip.
For all the planning and arrangements it started with Patricia, who not only was very responsive to our wishes, but also made good suggestions. Also she never lost patience with us! ;-)
Asante sana, Patricia!
Arriving at JRO airport we were immediately welcomed by Silvia, who stayed with us until we arrived at Ngare Sero (btw: incredibly beautiful and peaceful) and supported us until everything was clarified for us, so we could start relaxing and recovering from the long journey there.
Asante sana, Silvia!
Also right in the beginning we met Ely, who not only drove us from JRO to Ngare Sero while already telling us a lot of interesting things about Tanzania during that route, but also was our driver and guide during the whole safari. He simply seems to know *everything* about this great country, the people who live there, the different tribes, the history of East Africa, and of course the wildlife. It was a pure pleasure to learn so many things from him. Of course he also showed us all the animals but also never got tired explaining any aspects that could be interesting for us. He always seemed to know what the animals had done before we found them, why there were doing what they did right now, and what they would do next. It was unbelievable. Also he not only was very responsive to all our wishes but also made very useful suggestions about our safari, even changing our itinerary to give us the best experience possible. On our last day on safari he stayed with us at the Seronera airstrip until all of us were airborne (we had to split on two different planes), taking care of everything that had to be done. At the end it felt like he was not only our guide but also our brother and friend.
Asanta sana, Ely, you're great!!
As a side note: All the cars we used were overall in good condition, and during our safari we always had plenty of cooled drinking water at our jeep.
P.S.: I'm sorry that I forgot the name of the driver on our very last day, who drove us together with Silvia from Arusha airport to Ngare Sero (yes, again, because it's just soooo nice there) and later finally to JRO. Needless to say, he's a good guy too. :-)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ilmaasaai overdelivered
We are a Costa Rica couple currently living in London, and chose a 6-day Safari Tanzania for our honeymoon. Our Safari experience was memorable, not least because Ilmaasai gave us a great service.
About Loth (the manager):
- Email communication was quick and easy.
- The safari itinerary and pick-ups were executed as planned.
- Loth arranged a combination of room and camping accommodation within our budget where other Safari operators did not. You'll appreciate a bed!
- After our safari ended, we separately booked a flight. Loth helped us with a problem we had with that flight.
- We dealt with other operators during our stay in Tanzania. Some have a harassing attitude and try to change things you have already agreed. But there are also great operators. With Loth you'll be in safe hands.
About Brayson (the guide):
- He's passionate and knowledgeable about wildlife. He's also an educated person from which you can learn about Tanzania's culture and history. He's attentive, friendly, and helpful.
- He communicated with other safari operators to spot animals. These networks are a big bonus from choosing a reputable safari company!
- We were the first ones to leave the camp on several days. Bryson was always ready on time.
- Conversely, in some days the game drives extended until sunset.
- He's a careful driver. Some drivers forget they are inside a national park.
- He thoroughly respects the rules of a fragile ecosystem. Some drivers would go off the road within the national parks even though it goes against the national parks rules.
- The registration process in the national parks was always smooth. We had 0 worries.
About Fillipo (the cook):
- He served us lots of food! And food was tasty. As Brayson, he's attentive, friendly, and helpful.
- After we asked him what ugali was, he prepared some for us.
- Filippo was also in charge of collecting the camping stuff whenever we moved to the next national park. When we returned to the national park, everything was ready.
- He respects the rules of a fragile ecosystem. Our food was packed in reusable plastic containers, while we witnessed how many operators bin an unnecessary amount of waste.
We thank you for all the efforts you made for doing our experience memorable!
NZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Honeymoon in the Delta
We were initially mind boggled with options on how to best spend time in Southern Africa, and definitely wanted to go to the Delta. We didn't have a huge budget and were starting to think it wouldn't be possible, but then came across this company: Gondwana Tours & Safaris. Mark Hathaway was superb in his dealings with us: all the advice, knowledge, patience and expertise he had was fantastic. The itinerary we chose suited us perfectly for the land and water options we were keen on, and the locations and prices. We had an amazing 4 nights at Guns & Pompoms. We were surprised with a candle lit dinner by the water as a honeymoon surprise, had some memorable wildlife encounters , and everything met our expectations.Thanks Mark for all your help !