NL
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania and Zanzibar with Matoke Tours
Our safari to Tanzania (and Zanzibar) with Matoke Tours
13 oktober 2014……At last……..we departed!
More than a year ago we visited an information day in (with Bosscher bol) in Utrecht and actually booked the safari at once.
At the airport in Kilimanjaro were picked up by our guide for the coming 11 days, Gilbert Mariki, and we drove in the pitch dark to our first lodge, where we got a warm welcome with a nice drink. Besides…..that was repeated in every next lodge we arrived .
We visited the most beautiful parks and saw so many beautiful things! Specially because of ‘our’ Gilbert,. He really had the eyes of a hawk! It is incredible how he saw animals from a great distance and had to convince us that and where the animals that he saw, were.
So if there is a possibility…..ask for Gilbert Mariki! ;-)) He takes you to the most beautiful places (also to the Masai) and he can tell you very much about the nature and the animals!
All lodges satisfied our expectations! In contradiction with what we had read about het food in Tanzania, it was very good! Good choice with breakfast, such as fruit, eggs prepared in different ways, bread and pancakes.
Lunch was mostly a lunchbox, because we were on safari of course and the box was rich filled with all kinds of goods, such as cake, fruit, drinks, chocolat and a piece of chicken.
Diner was always a 3-course diner, , in short, we thought at first that this time our weight would not grow, but the opposite was true!
The safari a complete package tour! The temperature was between 21 and 30 degrees, so very pleasant.
Afterwards we understood also why the trip is rather expensive! It is a very expensive country with high petrol prices and entrance fees for the National Parks. Also in our little ‘supermarket’ where we bought water, biscuits, 6 tins of beer, 4 peacesof Mars, 1 bottle of Fanta, 1 sack peanuts en 1 tablet of chocolat,, we were surprised by the amount of $93 we had to pay. Our tip: take a little more with you than the advised $ 400, we would say between $ 400 and $600 p.p. Of course it depends on your own consumption use, but you can change at home what is left.
Finally we were for 6 days at Zanzibar, (average temperature during our stay 32 degrees)and we liked that very munch, because you get many impressions during the safari and than the rest on Zanzibar is very welcome to let all impressions land. Also on Zanzibar we had en very nice stay at Langi Langi, with very kind local people. We had a sea safari and saw many nice things! The domestic flighs and transfers were excellent arranged by Matoke Tours.
We were in Stonetown for 1 day with a guide. You have to get used on the activity ont he street and the market , but we are very glad that we dit it!
In short…..we had a fantastic holiday en when we have plans to make a tour like this we surely approach Matoke Tours to see what they can offer!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dealing with Alex online and meeting Afra as our tourguide is like a breath of fresh air.
Im such a perfectionist when it comes to booking and dealing with people. Difficult i am not but i make sure everything is arrange according to plan. Alex made it so easy for me. I have been checking online for several options just to get the best deals and Usambara didn't fail! All my queries and request were answered and granted seamlessly! I love how personalized yet professional they deal with clients. We had the best vacation and safari experience ever and I highly recommend Usambara! Kudos to you guys!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical Mara Memories
Somak delivered on everything they said would happen. Not having used Somak before we were naturally nervous about all the arrangements that were made for our trip.
Worry not. Not only did everything run like clockwork but from the advice given from the outse t and the warm welcome we received from everyone along the way I would certainly be re commending them to family and friends.
Our tour guide on Safari (Kerore) was fantastic and knowing that we were hungry to see the big 5 he spent many hours with us to make sure our dream was fulfilled.
The camp itself (Ashnil Mara) was the perfect setting and the staff who run it are amongst some of the nicest people I have ever come across. They even arranged a special Masai song and dance on the evening of our 25th wedding anniversary - a magical memory.
We shall be back to both Somak and the wonderful world of Safari!
CA
We have used SunSafaris in 2010 and 2014 and each time the service was over our expectations.
We have used Sun Safaris in 2014 and 2010. Each time we have had a great experience , the choice of the safari lodge was great. What is unique in my mind is the level of service and the flexibility of our consultant (Natasha Allen) I always felt comfortable asking all the questions that came through my mind, and always the response was fast and meeting our needs. Each of the 2 trips were tailored for our needs.
We highly recommend Sun Safaris.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly, efficient, always on time, good choice for south africa travels
I travelled in South Africa last month, and I was helped by this tour operator found on internet.
Everything was perfect, all accomodations corresponded to the description, and they were so friendly and always listened to my requests.
So I will travel again with them next time, definitely!!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great safari experience
Booking the tour was very easy, and we were able to do it relatively last minute, and the booking agent even arranged to come to our hotel to take care of everything. As for the safari itself, 3 days, 2 nights was perfect to see Mikumi, and we got to see almost everything that we wanted. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and easy-going, allowing us to dictate what we wanted to do while informing us of the best ways to see everything. The vehicle itself was very nice and allowed for easy viewing of all the wildlife. The accommodations were perfect. Overall, it's a great mid-range safari company.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Safari
My safari experience with Afrishare is hard to put into words. My safari was a five day trip that included both Ngorongoro and Serengeti as well as a great experience with a local Masai tribe. It was a wonderful experience that included seeing cheetahs, leopards, and lions due to our great guide along with delicious meals prepared by our cook. One of the highlights of my trip was camping out on the edge of Ngorongoro crater that was topped of by a friendly visit from a wild elephant during supper time. I would absolutely recommend Afrishare Safari's to anyone who is hoping to experience a great experience with no speed bumps.
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Educational above expectations.
From the start till the end we learned so many things, and that wasn't unimportant. In any way. You can go to a safari and se animals, or you can go to safari and learn something, we did the later part. Most people don't, but if you want, to learn something, go with these guyes. If you dont, try any leapord-colored truck, it might serve you...
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Safari source is truly brilliant in their services, they where very helpful to me.Many thanks.
All well organised, and up to standard, l recommend them.
MY
under20 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Weekend Safari to Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park!
The safari was amazing! We got to see all the animals that were expected, and even more! The parks are stunning, and Pristine Trails Adventures were fabulous. They picked us up, were safe drivers, the jeep was clean and well kept, and our driver/tour guide Vincent was a great spotter, and was fun! If I ever come back to Kilimanjaro, I would defiantly do another trip with Pristine, and I would recommend it to my friends and family.