US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
STOP thinking about it -- and just GO!
Where do I even begin? As a group of 6 travelers from the United States, we spent 16 incredible days traveling around Kenya and Tanzania, under the exceptional guidance of Kenya Walking Survivor Safaris. The trip was easy to organize, and through communicating with OT (the owner), we were able to negotiate an itinerary that was ideal for our interests and our budget. Our trip included airport transfers, comfortable accommodations, meals, an English speaking guide, all transportation (including flights to Zanzibar), and and all safari associated fees (i.e. park entrance fees). The accommodations featured a wide variety of choices from an unfenced tented camp in the middle of the Serengeti (Our favorite!), to low budget hotels, to beautiful top-notch lodges. We enjoyed the variety and the uniqueness each place had to offer.
We began our trip in Kenya, where Anthony (request him--he is fantastic!) lead us through Samburu, Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli. Within those parks and areas we were able to see the Big 5 (along with so many other animals), take in the breathtaking surroundings of the African landscape, and enjoy the hospitality of the warm Kenyan people, which is unlike anything we have experienced before. Our favorite park was Samburu, where within the first 30 minutes of our very first game drive, Anthony took us to get within a few feet of a leopard! In Lake Nakuru, we saw both the white and black rhino, which was a real treat. Despite the very bumpy road leading to Maasai Mara, we were able to see lions up close and take an amazing hot air balloon ride with breakfast served right in the middle of the savannah. The balloon is expensive, but not to be missed. While visiting Lake Naivasha, we were taken on a walking safari of Crescent Island and on a boat safari to see the hippos and fish eagles. While visiting Kenya, Anthony was an expert guide, often spotting things we would have never seen, answering all of our questions, and adding to the spirit of our trip with his humor and great personality. It was a true joy to spend two weeks with him.
Crossing the border into Tanzania was an easy and painless transition thanks to Anthony, and our Tanzanian guide, Abbas. We began in Lake Manyara, traveled to the Serengeti, and finished our Tanzanian safari in the Ngorongoro Crater. Each place allowed us to continue to get up close to animals and see them in a variety of settings. We loved Ngoronogoro for the views and awesome chances to see lions. Abbas was a great guide, with a special eye for spotting leopards and we were sad to leave him after only a few days. He transported us to the Arusha airport, where we flew to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar was a great way to unwind and "dust-off" after our safari. We enjoyed the incredible beaches, snorkeling, Stone Town, and a spice farm (fascinating!). Make sure you this to your itinerary!
Do Not Miss: Samburu, hot air balloon safari, walking safari, unfenced camp in Serengeti, Zanzibar
Things To Skip: Maasai village (go to the Samburu village instead---less touristy and more authentic)
Tips: Bring trading items (clothing, pens, shoes, watches, etc.) as they will help you barter for goods along the way. Take Pop Rocks with you (trust us...). Do not overpack, as nearly every lodge had laundry available. Plus, you will want extra room in your suitcase for all your souvenirs! Airline pillows are helpful to sit on while traveling on some of the bumpier roads.
We learned a new phrase while in Africa, TIA (This is Africa). Remember to keep an open mind about schedules, timing, road conditions, hot water availability, Wifi, etc. Instead of letting these small inconveniences ruin your trip, embrace the phrase "Hakuna Matata" and have fun!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jambo -- you will love this vacation!
The most beautiful things in the world can't be seen, you feel them. This truly sums up our expericece with Kenya Walking tours this past July. During our entire excursion, we were awed, amazed, pampered, trusted, guided, assisted and cared for to make our trip one unbelievable experience.
From our arrival in Nairobi to our final departure over 2 weeks later, we never once had cause to question our decision to travel on safari, especially with our new friends, KWSS. Our driver and guide for our time in Kenya was the amazing Anthony. His attentiveness to our needs was second to none. He was punctual, helpful and always cared for our safety (with the vehicle and on safari). He really made our trip unforgettable. When you are with someone 24/7 for 10 days you need to connect and with Anthony we absolutely did so. We talked about families and life most of the time when traveling. As a great treat to us, we passed through Anthony's hometown and were able to meet his wife and endearing son, Ryan.
In Tanzania we were met at the border by another guide who continued our terrific experience. Abbass made sure that we maintained our successful journey. He always allowed us to modify our day as we wanted (more time for shopping for the ladies!). His patience with us and knowledge of the parks was remarkable.
We noticed that in the evenings at the lodges, most of the drivers/guides met up with and ate with other safari drivers....ours did not--they always spent time with us and had a Tusker as well. This was wonderful! We knew then we had the best guides!
The hotels/lodges that we stayed in were wonderful. We did not want luxurious accommodations but requested places that were close to the animals. Our wants were completely met with great places to stay in the evenings. Every person at every accommodation were so friendly. Again, the great people made the difference!
As we were in the planning and preparation stage, our host, OT was so accommodating to our wants and needs. We knew specific parks and areas that we wanted to visit and he custom built a vacation that would top anyone's bucket list. He worked exceptionally hard to keep us within our budget without compromising the experiences. Communication with OT was great...he always responded to my queries in short order--even given the 7 hour time difference.
We only splurged on the hot air balloon ride over the Maasi Mara---with absolutely no regret. We were all completely awestruck and could not settle our emotions while we ate a champagne breakfast in the bush with our pilot. Words again are not enough for the feelings.
I can not recommend KWSS highly enough. They made our once-in-a-lifetime experience unforgettable and so much more than we could have expected. We are already planning a return trip. If you are questioning wether or not to go on safari, contact me and I will make sure that you do not let this opportunity pass you by.
We noticed many other companies while on safari, but KWSS is not the biggest, but from our experience they are the best.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Professionalism with personal touches: Kudos Baboon Safaris
I would highly recommend Baboon Safaris to anyone who is looking for a great safari experience within modest budget. The savings does not mean one needing to compromise on the safari experience though. While safari experience often depends on ones luck, being in the right neighborhood at the right time depends on guides' experience. The drivers/guides are very knowledgeable and experienced with the game reserves flora and fauna. The accommodations were comfortable and our individual needs were looked into with great care. My kids are still talking about our guide after coming home. Right from the moment of receiving at the Airport till the send off, I felt Baboon Budget Safari took it upon them to ensure that me and my family (with us travelling with young kids) had the most memorable vacation.
US
Beauty beyond belief
My experience with Adventure Backpackers Tanzania was extraordinaire. Not sure why they call themselves "Adventure Backpackers" because there were backpacks insight? They used vans with open roofs for great access (360 degree view) of the vast Savannah. Nelson, the senior coordinator, was well organized, fair and dedicated to making sure our group's travel experience was fun and enjoyable. Celestine Mueni, sales assistant, was helpful and friendly. Debbie, travel consultant, was knowledgeable about lodging and resorts, she was very helpful. Cyrus, the safari driver, was knowledgeable and made sure we saw plenty of wildlife and explained many things about the animals living in their natural habitat. I loved my experience and plan to go on more safaris to other parts of Kenya and Tanzania--booked by Adventure Backpackers.
CN
Great safari experience
Our safari in Selous national park was very professional from start to end, Ndamungu very responsive . They picked us up from the hotel on time and the safari followed the agreed pattern. Our guide,Ernest, was fantastic and very knowledgeable. He knew where to look for the various animals, had great vision to spot them, went off-road when needed to, great driving and fantastic spirit, funny and friendly all the way through our 3-days,it is very joyful for me never had that before.
We strongly recommend to book you safar with Mercury Zanzibar Safari
CN
Great safari experience
Our safari in Selous national park was very professional from start to end, Ndamungu very responsive . They picked us up from the hotel on time and the safari followed the agreed pattern. Our guide,Ernest, was fantastic and very knowledgeable. He knew where to look for the various animals, had great vision to spot them, went off-road when needed to, great driving and fantastic spirit, funny and friendly all the way through our 3-days,it is very joyful for me never had that before.
We strongly recommend to book you safar with Mercury Zanzibar Safari
CO
Great experience!
Since the first day we felt super comfortable with the guide, he is very professional. The car was very good and comfortable, we felt safe every moment during the safari. What we negotiated through the webpage was exactly what we had on the safari. I think it's a great company to travel with.
The national parks were amazing, people everywere was really nice to us. :)
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Expereince of a Lifetime!
We loved our tour with World Tours & Safaris. I was nervous because you never know what you are going to get, but World Tours dispelled all my fears!
The guide and cook were both great. The food that they provided three times a day was creative, fresh and surprisingly healthy. We never got sick or anything. The tent was nice and the foam mattress, pillow and sleeping bags were very clean and adequately comfortable. I am sure you could pay twice the price for a thicker mattress, but it was not necessary. We are 50 ish and 60 ish and were mildly roughing it, but for the price and experience it was totally worth it.
Our guide Frank was very knowledgeable and really knew how to keep everyone safe and happy. The guide and cook both worked very hard to ensure everyone was happy.
And we saw all the animals (except the Rhino) and amazing landscapes!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great time at Ruaha National Park
I had the pleasure of working with UBON Safari Limited to plan a trip for 15 people to Tanzania this summer. We spent 3 days at Ruaha National Park and had a wonderful safari experience seeing many elephants, lions, baboons, and hippos. Ruaha is a large park but not crowded so you didn't feel like you were at Disneyland with hundreds of other people. The Ruaha River was beautiful and the animals were frequently at the river due to the dry season. We all thought the Ruaha River Lodge was delightful. We enjoyed the food, the banyas and watching/listening the animals on the river.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful personal service and fantastic tour!
Jason was very quick to answer our questions via email and so courteous and professional. He picked up us at our hotel for a private car tour. We saw many animals in Pilanesberg --due to Jason's sharp eyes. His car was cool and comfortable. He is very knowledgable and shared so much wonderful information with us about the animals and surroundings. A delightful day! Highly recommend.