US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime to Kenya and Zanzibar!
We heard about The Safari Partners from another couple I had met, who had booked a trip with them last summer and raved about it. Our family had been dreaming of a trip to Africa for years and we were overwhelmed with the choices we had to make. From the moment I contacted Chris at The Safari Partners, I knew we were in good hands. He responded quickly with all of my questions, and when I told him what we wanted to do, and what our budget was, he set up an itinerary that was beyond my expectations. From the time we landed in Nairobi, the entire experience went off without a wrinkle. We were taken care of by our guides/drivers, and all of the properties were wonderful and so accommodating. Our favorites were Encounter Mara and Elephant Bedroom Camp. My husband, 15-year-old daughter and I had the most amazing family trip that we will always remember. We did a 10-day safari in Kenya and capped it off with 5 days on Zanzibar. I highly recommend The Safari Partners to anyone planning an African safari trip. I'm already thinking about our next trip!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Subcontracted safaris were great, transfers between them were not
We went on a 9-day safari that included Masai Mara, Lake Manyara, Seregeti, and Ngorogoro Crater. Each of the parks were very enjoyable and we saw a ton of animals, including all of the Big 5. However, all of our transfers between the parts of the safari were very stressful.
When we flew into Nairobi, there was apparently a driver waiting to take us to our hotel, but we were not told to expect a driver nor did we see anyone at the airport that seemed to be looking for us, so we took a cab to our hotel. When we got back from the Masai Mara leg of our trip we were staying at the same hotel for a night, but the hotel had to call Erick, the safari manager, to verify that we actually had a reservation because it didn't seem to be on the books. We then had no idea when we were going to be picked up in the morning to go on the next part of the safari. It turned out Erick was coming to the hotel to talk to us later that night, but we were not told to expect that. He told us he would be picking us up in the morning to take us to our bus to Arusha, but in the morning he did not show up, so we had to call him, and then eventually someone else showed up to take us where we needed to go. Once our bus got to Arusha, there was a crowd of safari bookers and cab drivers waiting to take the bus passengers where they needed to go. All the other passengers either knew where they were going, or a safari booker came on the bus and knew the passenger's name and where they were going. We were left on the bus with no idea where we were going and no idea if anyone was supposed to be picking us up, and then we were asked for our bus ticket, which we didn't have. We luckily had Erick's phone number from calling him that morning, but our phone's didn't work in Tanzania so we had to have someone else call him. Erick told them the safari company that was supposed to be picking us up, but they didn't answer their phone when called. We almost took a cab (that we would have had to pay for) to that safari company's office, but luckily the people who were supposed to pick us up arrived right as we were leaving and caught us. We had a similar experience when arriving back in Arusha at the end of our trip, and we had to have the hotel call the Tanzanian sub-contracted safari company (which we luckily remembered the name of) to verify that we had a pre-paid room, and then again in the morning to verify they were actually coming to pick us up. When we got back to the bus, we were again asked for a bus ticket we didn't have, and we again had to have them call someone to verify that we had a prepaid bus trip back to Nairobi.
A lot of this stress could have been avoided by giving us a detailed itinerary with all the information about the sub-contracted safaris, pick up times, and contact info for a person at each transfer.
To top it all off, before we even left our home country, Erick contacted us to inform us of some increased park entry fees, letting us know we should bring a little extra money to cover them. We did so, but when we settled our balance on arrival, the balance did not include these increased park fees. Then, on our second night in Nairobi (between the Masai Mara and Tanzania parts of the safari), Erick gave us a long explanation about how he sets the safari prices for the whole safari season even though Tanzania often increases their fees in the middle of the season. He told us that he does not force his clients to pay the increased fees since they agreed to a lower price, but that he tells his clients about the increased fees in the hope that, if they have a good time, they choose to pay the price increase. This made it sound as though he wanted us to think of a the increased fees as a tip that he should receive if he did a good job. Because of this long-winded explanation, I chose to see how the rest of the trip went before deciding whether to pay the fees, and since we had to convince people at every leg of the trip that we were pre-paid and have them call various people to make sure, the trip didn't seem like it deserved an extra tip. However, once we arrived back in our home country, we received numerous communications from Erick asking us for the money for the park fees. All of this felt pretty slimy to say the least. The ridiculous part is, if he had just included the park fees in the balance when we settled up at the beginning of our trip, I wouldn't have thought anything of it. Instead he had to make it seem like he was demanding a large tip for a very sub-par job.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic. A trip you will never forget. A dream come true
The trip was amazing. The resorts/hotels where beautifull, clean and a view you wil never forget. The people are so friendly and we have seen a lot of animals.
It was very to drive ourselfs. You can always call Tailor made safaris if there is a problem. Not that you have many, but just in case.
For us it was een dream come true. A real honeymoontrip!!
Thank you
Debbie
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best vacation EVER!!!!
We went to Tanzania to celebrate my parents 50th wedding anniversary. My mom did some research and chose to work with Walter at Galloping Safaris. She made the right choice! It was absolutely amazing. From our first lodge in Arusha, all our accommodations were top notch and beautiful. We traveled with our guides Ringo and Sylva, and they were like family by the end of our trip. They took such good care of us and made sure that everything was perfect. The trip took us from Arusha to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, and back to Arusha. I feel like each place was so different and had so much to offer, and all the accommodations along the way were so unique and special and truly breathtakingly gorgeous. Our guides stopped along the way so we could go to the local market or meet with a Masai tribe and experience the local life and traditions. Seeing all the wild animals in their natural habitat was such fun and so new, and we really got to see all that we hoped for and more. We had two 14 year old boys and a 7 year old girl, and the experience was magical for them. As stunning and wonderful as the animals and countryside are in Tanzania, the people are the true gems. We were always well cared for and safe and felt completely welcomed into their culture. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and one that all of us will forever treasure. I am so thankful we were working with Ringo, Sylva, and Walter at Galloping Safaris. Our experience could not have been better.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding service in planning and delivering a once-in-a-lifetime trip, far exceeding expectations
From the very earliest planning of our trip to Tanzania the team at AAA were there to help and guide us in planning our first safari to guarantee we got the most from the experience. The trip to Lake Manyara, The Serengeti and Ngorogoro Crater was truly amazing enhanced by our excellent guide 'Karachi', who's passion for the wildlife and terrain further enhanced our experience (we caught him with his camera out on a few occasions) a softly spoken and thoroughly professional companion, ask for 'Karachi' he's a legend. I cannot thank AAA and Jalala's team enough. Tanzanian is amazing, seeing the big 5 and the sleeping on the Serengeti are experiences that will live me forever. The whole trip was magical, comfortable and well planned (don't miss sun downers at the Rhino lodge- Perfect) Thank you AAA.
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An excellent experience
We had a fantastic few days with Dio as our driver and Peter as our cook. We had so many great sightings. Dio answered all our questions and gave us lots of information while Peter kept us well fed. We had a great atmosphere throughout the trip was and would highly recommend.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Kruger Trip!!
Our Kruger trip with Wildlife Safaris was absolutely amazing! We did the Kruger tour with the panorama route and it was breath-taking. Our tour guide, Clive, was just amazing. His mission was for us to see the Big 5 and we were not disappointed! We had lions, leopards, elephants and so many more amazing animals right by our vehicle and Clive was so informative with all our questions. We had an amazing time and cannot wait to come back!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Holiday of a lifetime!
I have just got back from a week Safari with our amazing guide Naiman. The trip was absolutely amazing and will last me with memories for a lifetime! Naiman was so accommodating and had such an incredible expertise and knowledge not only of all the animals but of every possible question we had!
Thank you all for an amazing holiday!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable Honeymoon
I can not thank The Luxury Safari Company enough for arranging the best honeymoon we could ever ask for! We started our trip in Cape Town/Franschhoek, staying at an absolutely beautiful b&b - La Petite Dauphine. This (and the surrounding area) is stunning and the food (!!!) just incredible. Rose had amazing knowledge of where to stay and where to eat. She even pre-booked our meals and gave "spot on" directions.
We then travelled to Madikwe Hills Game Lodge in the north of SA - again all arranged by The luxury Safari Company. And again, all directions were easy to follow and completely hassle free. This safari experience was the most incredible place Neil and I had ever been... The lodge was absolutely beautiful. Out suite was spacious, with private plunge pool and two bathrooms!! One of which was outside over looking a watering hole. Being able to relax in the bath whilst watching a herd of elephants troop past was an experience I will never forget!
All in all we couldn't of asked for a better holiday. Thank you Rose and your team for all your hard work in making this a truly unforgettable honeymoon!
Marvellous introduction to Uganda
My family and I have just returned from a two week trip round southwestern Uganda (Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo). Matoke proved to be brilliant at organising all aspects of this and were extremely quick in responding to requests for information, as well as very helpful in suggesting alternatives to our initial plans. Our driver/guide, Abdal, was a fount of knowledge, a superb driver and a real pleasure to be with for the whole of the trip. We have come back keen to visit other parts of Uganda in the future and would definitely go to Matoke again.