NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great tour
We had a great experience with Serengeti Wakanda Tours. We did the budget safari and everything was perfectly arranged. We had great contact with Bartho before the safari, we could ask him anything and he was always quick to respond. Our guide Malissa was amazing and went out of his way to show us everything we asked to see and more. Our cook Doula made sure we had an amazing three course meal every night. Where other safaritours had standard lunch packages we always had a warm meal for lunch with the choice of different dishes. The lodges we stayed in were pretty basic but okay. The one in Serengeti was our favourite as it was in the middle of the park and giraffes would great us at breakfast. Overall it was definitely worth the money!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding experience with Ben and Ngoni Safaris
Sedrick was the one organized the tour… he was very clear about pricing, what was included, itinerary, etc. Ben Ndugwa was our tour guide for the entire 7-day adventure, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide, companion, and new friend. A speaker of English, Luganda, and Swahili, he is a proud Ugandan who knows a lot about the country, the national parks, safaris, animals, and trekking. Unfortunately, he was not able to accompany us on the actual gorilla trek, due to the high cost of permits, but he has previously experienced it so we were able to share the experience. At all stops, he was able to tell us exactly what we needed to wear or bring, and what to expect to make the most of the experience. (We met other tour groups on the way and found that they weren’t always as informed or prepared as we were.) While Uganda is a generally safe country, Ben made us feel especially safe and comfortable along the way. We plan to return to Uganda and will definitely ask Ben to be our guide. Highly recommended experience with him and Ngoni Safaris.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional and Passionate about giving great service.
I just got back form a 4 night /5 day safari with Mufasa, from start to finish it was excellent, well-executed, communication superb, great value and a wonderful guide.
I originally booked solo and 4 days before my safari 2 others joined me, Joesph worked out all the details, secured the extra rooms, and kept in touch with me promptly about everything.
Once w arrived in Kenya , the next day we were met by our super guide Kevin! Words can't describe his passion for the birds and wildlife, he's smart, educated and easy going. we had a wonderful time and lots of laughs with him. Highly recommend him!!!
We saw more than I ever dreamed of, even a crossing of the Wildebeest during the migration. Exceptional !!!
Lodges and food were great and would not hesitate to book again. We are actually looking at the Serengeti with Mufasa in late November.
I was also very impressed that Joesph cane to see me the night after the tour to make sure everything was great and that we were happy customers. He truly wants to give a great experience.!! Book with them, you will not be disappointed.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
BEYOND ALL EXPECTATIONS
We used African Welcome safaris for The Rwanda portion of our trip to Africa. From the moment Moses, our guide, picked us up at the airport until the evening he dropped us off several days later, he was nothing but outstanding. Everything was planned for and taken care of. Our stay at Serenna hotel in Rwanda was good. We went to Volcano National Park staying at Sabyino Silverback Lodge. The Lodge was more than we hoped for. First class in every way. The staff were remarkable.
Kathy, who pulled all this together for this part of our African trip did a phenomenal job.
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the best experiences of our lifes
We are a portuguese couple who have decided to go to Tanzania for our honeymoon. We did a 4days 3 nights safari with Soul Of Tanzania company. We went to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
All the experience was absolutely fantastic! Our tour guide was Erasto Gnowi, he was just amazing, the best guide we could ever asked for. He is very very experienced, knew everything about wildlife. We felt really safe during all the times. ( Believe me, safety is not an issue you have to concern about. If you follow the rules given by your guide everything is going to be perfectly ok!!) Erasto provided us a great experience that we will never forget. It was magical! Also we had cooked meals everyday instead of sandwichs and snacks that other companies offer. Red wine was so good too!
And finally… We saw the big five!! So incredible. 2 leopards, 1 rhino, lots of buffalos elephants and lions.
Thank you Soul of Tanzania and Erasto, next Safari in Africa will be with you again!
Keep up with the excellent work
Marta & Helder
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Extraordinary!!!!
Bison team was just extraordinary! My kids and I had the experience of a lifetime and will be forever changed because of it. They were very knowledgeable and available during the trip to ensure it went smooth.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent customer service
Overall we had a great time and we experienced everything that was at the top of our list. Everything worked out perfectly. Maggie was a pleasure to work with.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Annual Safari
I booked my annual safari trip, through Sister Safaris, this year.
I was not disappointed at all! My queries were all meet and done punctually too.
We stayed at a resort called Nambithi Plains - It was absolutely gorgeous, friendly staff , divine food and wonderful wildlife sightings.
Sister Safaris could not have selected a better holiday destination for us.
I highly recommend using Sister Safaris for assisting you with trips.
They are knowledgeable and always happy to help. They took away all the stresses that come with planning a holiday somewhere that you do not know.
Thank you to Sister Safaris!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
10 day tour in Kenya and Tanzania
My girlfriend and I did a 10-day safari in Kenya and Tanzania that included Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. I will split this review in two parts, one for each country/tour operator.
Kenya/ Drone Safaris:
We were just 2. Our driver and guide was Boniface. He was amazing in every part of his job. Driving in Kenya is not care-free, but he always made us feel safe. As a guide he is fully knowledgeable, answered all questions and was super adaptive in case we had some request (e.g. extra toilet break or picture-stop requests). Touring with him was very fun and interesting and he did more than we could ask for in order for us to see as many amazing things as possible. We were lucky to have him as a guide.
The accommodation in Lake Nakuru was at a basic but decent hotel. No complaints. The Miti Mingi Eco Camp (Masai Mara) was also very good. We had a small issue with the water but was fixed before we were back from the game drive. The people working there were super friendly. The Kimana campsite in Amboseli was worse. The first day we had a dripping toilet, no warm water and a weird semi broken bed. The next day we were given a smaller but good room. I had already read such a case in another review, so in case someone stays here i d recommend checking their room as early as possible. Food was also more basic in this camp.
The communication before and during the trip with Lizzy was amazing. I sent way too many questions and she was answering incredibly fast. This was important for us, since you always want to have the feeling of security in a foreign country.
Tanzania/ 7 wonders:
We were a group of 4. Our driver and guide Hozza was also amazing. He made his best in all cases, drove fast but safe and was great at spotting animals and taking us to the right places at the right time. Thanks to him we could even see the gnu crossing at mara river! We also had a cook that did a great job. In general the food was a bit better in this part of the trip.
Our initially booked plan was including one day in lake Manyara, one in Serengeti and one in Ngorongoro. Once we arrived in Arusha, we were offered an alternative of two days in Serengeti and one in Ngorongoro, since lake Manyara is currently flooded (we also saw this on our way to the Ngorongoro). This was a gift from above. I would def recommend two days in Serengeti, as it is maybe the best park i ve been to (very close to Masai Mara). It was also the only reason why we had enough time to see the Mara gnu crossing. We are very thankful that we were offered this alternative.
The accommodation in Arusha (Ambassador hotel) was very good and i can def recommend its restaurant. It won’t be anywhere close to fast, but the quality and prices are great. The Seronera camp in Serengeti was not the best. There was no hot water and the bathrooms were dirty. We also had a night at the Serengeti Heritage Camp (lodge/ luxurious camping). Everything was very nice there, from the food to the tents/apartments. Lastly, we were already prepared for the Simba campsite of Ngorongoro and how cold it is, so after all it was fine. There is also hot water, nice view and you will wake up next to zebras that get their breakfast behind your tent!
I only communicated once we were in Arusha with George and Evelyn from 7 Wonders, but they were great at proposing the change of plan and at making sure that our booked lodge in Manyara would be “transferred” to one of the Serengeti nights.
In general, we are both extremely happy we booked this trip with Drone Safaris. If someone has realistic expectations about potential delays and things that can always happen (we were waiting for a couple hours at the border for the shuttle to Arusha to start for example), then they are free to experience some amazing parks that offer maybe the best safari experience in the world. Go for it.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Parakuyo & Meleck John provide the BEST custom experiences and service!!
I had an outstanding time traveling with Parakuyo Tours & Safaris and highly recommend them to anyone wanting a personalized, culturally enriching, and adventurous experience in Tanzania!
Meleck John, the leader of Parakuyo, and I met about 5 years prior to my actual travel to Tanzania: September 6-25, 2021. He was patient and kind and worked with me, meticulously, to plan a 3 week journey through his country that included hiking Kilimanjaro, a safari across the Serengeti, stops In Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangeri National Park, and a peaceful stay on the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar.
I organized this trip for a group. Although we were originally scheduled to visit in 2020, our trip was postponed due to Covid. Despite the one year delay, and two persons who canceled their reservations from the original booking, Parakuyo continued to provide superior customer service and excellent advice.
Summiting Kilimanjaro- Each of the travelers was able to summit “Kili” which made the hike special for everyone. Meleck recommended we take the Machame Route because of its beauty, vast changes in topography, and summit success rate. I am grateful for his recommendations because he was spot-on. There was exceptional beauty on the mountain and sleeping on Kili was a magical experience every night. In addition, the meals were great, the porters were kind and Parakuyo took extra care of one of the hikers who struggled to summit. Because of his team’s patience we were each able to realize our dream, together, by reaching the top of Africa.
Serengeti (Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire)-I wanted desperately to see the wildebeest migration and as many lions as possible. We accomplished this and so much more! It’s amazing to see animals roam free on the Serengeti. I was in awe of both the number of wildebeest, elephants, lions, zebra, and other wildlife we saw. We stayed in Bush tented camps, took in a safari from the sky on a hot air balloon ride, and enjoyed learning about Tanzania and it’s people along the way. The accommodations were akin to “glamping” which I REALLY appreciated after sleeping on the ground for six nights on the side of Kilimanjaro. I loved hearing the sounds of lions and birds at night. Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire are equally special places and shouldn’t be missed and Meleck was insistent that I include them on our itinerary.
Zanzibar-It’s paradise. Parakuyo arranged our accommodations and the place we stayed was exceptionally beautiful. We went to sleep and my woke up to the beauty of the Indian Ocean from our bedrooms every day. It was glorious.
Our adventure was not an ordinary one. In addition to the holiday, I was producing a documentary. Meleck John aided me in taking care of some administrative details for the feature length film, “Three Extraordinary Women,” by working with the Tanzania Film Board and others and ensuring our camera crew were cared for.
Parakuyo Tours & Safaris is a unique company that provides boutique services of exceptional quality to its clients. In addition to ensuring we had a great time it was important for Meleck to gain our trust and he did just that! He is reliable, conscientious and meticulous—and that’s a powerful combination!
Lastly, it was important to me to do business with a local Tanzanian company. I would encourage anyone who reads this review to consider spending their dollars “consciously” in the country by supporting businesses, like Parakuyo, where staff are treated with dignity and respect and profits are fed back into the community. Parakuyo pays its staff decent wages. Sadly, some tour operators provide only one meal per day to porters to cut costs, but not Parakuyo. Parakuyo provided a culturally enriching experience. We left having felt connected to more than the natural beauty of the land, but the beauty of its people!
