20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
7 Day Safari trip with Charles - BEST TRIP EVER - 5 Stars - 10/10 - August 2020
We researched and decided to make a last-minute safari trip to Tanzania after reading about the COVID restriction. We contacted numerous safari tour operators, and Shadows of Africa immediately stood out with their quick response and budget-friendly options. Our main point of contact before arriving in Tanzania was Lies. Lies was very quick to respond through Whatsapp and helped cater the trip to our preferences. Typically planning a safari takes months in advance, but Lies got everything set up in the span of 2-3 days!
We literally finalized the trip and paid our final bill on the same day we flew to Tanzania (a 24-hour flight). We were crossing our fingers and hoping everything would go well the moment we arrived at the airport since there was no way to contact while we were in the air.
We finally arrived at Kilimanjaro airport, showed our COVID results, paid for Visa, picked up our luggage, and then headed out to the arrival lobby.
Charles, our safari specialist, was holding up a sign with our names. Once we went to him, we were immediately greeted and brought to our epic safari truck. He helped us load the luggage, provided us with masks, gave us hand sanitizer, and wiped down the car's seats and door handles. We were exhausted from the trip, but little did we know that we were about to embark on the safari experience of a lifetime.
Our itinerary was as follows: Arusha, Tarangire, Masai Village, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.
We are not going to go into the details of each day of our trip. But having Charles as our guide in Tanzania made the experience that much more memorable and unique. We have never met a guide who is more knowledgeable, hard-working, and has a passion for wildlife like Charles. The way he drove us around each park and showcased each animal to us was terrific. We had a goal of seeing the big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo) and Charles went above and beyond and made sure we saw each animal. Charles even drove 100 kilometers deep into Serengeti just to show us cheetahs. Charles was so dedicated to making sure we saw all the wildlife, and we were so happy.
You know you have a great Safari tour guide when all the tour guides on the road are asking Charles for guidance on where to spot the animals. Charles can spot wildlife many miles away without binoculars, and we were always amazed. Charles's positive attitude is infectious and puts a smile on your face. He was social and friendly and conversed with us on the long drives.
Each day was an exciting new experience and allowed us to see so many of Tanzania wildlife. On our first day in the Serengeti, we were heading back to the camp after an exciting day time game drive. But we got lost because the original camp closed down due to no tourism. What should have been a scary experience, because it got pitch dark in the Serengeti turned into one of the most exciting adventures on the trip. We experienced a nighttime game drive, and Charles was pointing out all the animals as we were driving at night. I wished we would get lost every night!
Overall, we have ZERO complaints about the trip. We had such a fantastic experience. The parks were so empty because of COVID, so we really felt like we were the only ones and could see all the animals without interruption. Lies professionally handled our booking, and Charles expertly guided us throughout Tanzania.
If you decide to do a Safari, we wholeheartedly recommend Shadows of Africa and ask for Charles!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very conscientious
Sylvester went above and beyond making sure everything was set up before the trip and even saw us off that morning. Hassan drove very well especially since we were traveling on Mombasa road. This allowed us to relax while we rode. We enjoyed the scenery in Tsavo and the animals who showed themselves. Seven By Far Travel was very accommodating to our desires. We hope to use their services again soon.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience
My friends and I organized a trip with Emmanuel to Kilimanjaro and Materuni (Moshi region).
It was a great experience we met locals living in Materuni in the Moshi region we had a good local meal, we made coffee while singing I have very good memories.
Emmanuel organized everything to make this trip unforgettable (food, transport to the airport were also included in our offer).
We certainly recommended Emannuel and his entire team!
(automatic translation from French)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Scenic Samburu
Once again we had the pleasure of booking with Robert. His service and communication was exceptional. He ensured that we get the best deal from the beginning. Thank you Robert!
Our trip began on a Friday morning with Jonathan Maina. This was the second time we went on safari with him and the service we received was exceptional. He made us feel at home throughout and was very flexible with our schedules. Jonathan is very knowledgeable about the surroundings and game around in Samburu. We were lucky to spot a stripped hyena amongst the Samburu five which are the grevy zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk impala, somali ostrich, beisa oryx.
Overall we had an amazing trip for the second time with Explorer Kenya and would definately book with Robert and go on safari with Jonathan.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was such an awesome trip home for more safaris with you.
Communication is good they are well organized thumps up Hyrax.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
My unforgettable safari experience
We went for a safari with my family on 2019 Christmas holiday to Selous Game Reserve and it was an experience we never had before. We explored different wildlife species and Rufiji river safari was exciting. The game drives were adventurous. The accommodation during the trip was comfortable. It was a memorable trip.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable and serious agency to organise your safari.
- Very good communication with the agency to organize our safari, we were able to choose the hotels/lodges, the airport of arrival, as well as the parc we visited (we added a day to a 4 day trip proposed, and the agency totaly adapted the program)
- Very good communication even during the covid crisis, you have an answer in a maximum 24 hour delay.
- The hotels during our safari were of very good standard, the food excellent (you have more than needed) and well located (quiet).
- Our guide Ninah was experienced, he managed to find all the animals we wanted to see, he takes time for you to watch the animals you want, he explained to us a lot about wildlif. Thank you so much for these incredible days with you!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amboseli memorable moments!!!
Our 2 nights at Amboseli National Park was memorable from knowledgeable tour guide, the view at observation hill was just epic.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Diverse, authentic and overall magnificient tour trip from Arusha to Mwanza.
Where to begin ?
We had the absolute pleasure and chance to enjoy our 3 days safari experience with Medison, one of the company’s guide.
First, we went on an excursion in Kilimanjaro with 2 special guides who work in association with Professionnal Safaris. Very professionnal and very welcoming. The day was very nice.
Medison drove all the way accross Tanzania and was always available to answer our questions and to go wherever we wanted (stopping in gift shops, restaurants and all special places we wanted). During the safari, he showed his multiple skills and talents, keeping on driving perfectly (very calm, consciencious and soft driver), spotting all the animals we were looking for (a lot in a short amount of time !), going very close to them (without invating their space, just like a specialist knows). Medison didn’t hesitate also to use his superb camera to share his pictures with us every night (and it really is a plus compared to basic cameras not even speaking of phones). Medison speaks perfect english and knows everything you want to know about animals and wild life.
Thank you again Medison for those days that will stay in our memories for ever thanks to you !