Bestday Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $1,590 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
IL
Email Ori | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A big disappointing from the guide level
I have done dip research on the internet before booking with Bestday, and I Choose them because of there good rating.
We took the four days budget safari.
We saw a lot of animals and the national parks are amazing.
We have Good Luck as our driver/guiding, and I must say he wasn’t knowledgeable at all! I found myself reading from Wikipedia all the time to know a little bit more about what I’m seeing because it’s not just about seeing the animals it’s learning about them too.
Also, his English wasn’t clear at all.
In addition to that, he barely knew where the camps are and even didn’t know how to build a tent, told us that it’s his first time sleeping in a camp, although he said that he is doing safaris for already three years. Go figure it out.
Also, the camp equipment was poorly; I expected to have better chairs for eating. We were the only group that has this kind of chairs. Also, the sleeping bags were disgusting, and their zippers we're broke, so we freeze at night in the Ngorongoro National Park.
The only thing that I can't say that was good is the fact that we had Emanuel as our chef. My wife I and I are vegans, so he made us delicious food and also functioned as our guide when he joins us once to the game drive.
So, unfortunately, I must say, stay away from that safari company!
FR
Email Ondine | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Company not reliable
We booked the Safari with this company because they confirmed to get the lodges we wanted. As soon as we paid they said they were no availibities. So we have been to other lodges (one was an hotel) and very far away from the places we have to go. Peter (Manager of the company said he will do his best to get the lodges we wanted but he never called them (we checked directly with the lodge). The lodges and hotels we went were cheaper than the lodges promised. Concerning the Safari, it was a 4 days Safari Serengenti/Ngoro Ngoro: 2 days were only driving fast on awful roads and not a Safari at all. We paid for a 4 days Safari but had only one day and a half. They were not breaks for lunch (only 20mn the first day, and it was in the car the second day! My back is completely destroyed!!! We asked the driver to have more breaks but he didn't listened to us. The animals we saw were amazing but in awful conditions!!!
Experience level: over 5 safaris
Not great, but dealt with problems well
Let's start by saying the Ngorogoro Crater and Serengeti were both amazing. The standard of the food was excellent.
However, this trip could definitely have been done in 3 days not 4, particularly as we had one 'rest' day at a campsite with nothing much happening. At $135 per day, that's an expensive rest.
Also the tents provided by the affiliate were entirely unsuitable for camping at the top of the crater. Thin plastic poles, one of which broke, flimsy plastic covering, no guy ropes. the crater top is cold, wet windy and you need the proper safari tents that most other operators provided. All my stuff got wet and i hardly slept.
Upon return at Arusha, Bestday listened to my complaint and took it on board. They promised not to use that affiliate again and paid for my hostel that night, so i felt they dealt with it well.
ES
Email Andrea | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
6-day Safari: Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Pros:
- fast and easy communication with Best Days.
- experienced, knowledged, motivated and patient guide/driver (Jackson), who also took us on less frequented routes.
- accomodation (staff and food): octagon lodge and tukaone camp.
Cons:
- lunch box: the selection of food of the vegetarian option was not great.
Extra:
Remember wearing light colored (beige/caqui)and long clothes against tse-tse flies. Also a hat is recommended.
Be aware that you may be asked to pay in cash. If you prefer to pay by card, take into account that a 5% surcharge is applied.
All in all, we were happy with the trip. Therefore, we would recommend to book your safari with Best Days :-)
BE
Email Erika | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good Value for Money - Happy with them
The value for money it's very good. Our driver Dhula, was excellent, very competent both in driving and in knowledge of animals. The quality of the hotels also was very good for a Mid-Range package. We did the 3 nights Safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, which is a package that few companies propose and we very fully satisfied with our choice.
Email Anna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Overall good, but a couple of issues.
I booked the 4-day Small Group to Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater. The booking process was easy and all my questions were answered.
The driver, Julius, was very nice. He ensured we had enough water, communicated with the other drivers to find out where the animals were, ensured the truck was in a good position to take photos and that generally everyone was okay.
We were extremely lucky with the animals we saw; I think even Julius was surprised how lucky we were.
Overall the accommodation was excellent, especially the camp in the Serengeti. The food was delicious and plentiful, though there is a restrictive choice.
Two issues stops the rating from being Excellent is that the trip includes a free hotel stay in Arusha at the beginning or at the end of the trip. The hotel I stayed in was basic, though for the rest of the tour the accommodation was excellent. The other people on the tour booked their accommodation independently and it wasn't great. I think that generally accommodation in Arusha isn't a high standard.
The second issue was I had requested for a pick-up from the airport to the hotel, as part of my booking. It was not until the last day of my tour, in the middle of a game drive, I was told that I had to pay an additional US$90 for the pick-up/drop-off at the airport. Though, it was cheaper than arranging a taxi, I did not appreciate finding out on my last day, on a game drive, that there was still a significant payment to be made. There is no mention in the Price Excludes list of the airport pick-up/drop-off; my tour in Uganda picked me up and dropped me off at the airport at no additional cost.
IT
Email Greg | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good organization, flexible and affordable.
Good organization, flexible and affordable, Peter is a good manager and his staff is really professional and very friendly. The only defect has been the Arusha Center Inn hotel, better to be avoided, but Peter will surely find another one much better.
Email Richard Stewart | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime to the summit of Kilimanjaro
Peter and his team we extremely easy to deal with from our initial inquiry about a Kilimanjaro trek and remained patient and professional throughout, despite our apprehension and nerves ahead of such a taunting trek.
We were given plenty of relevant information ahead of the trip and things such as the packing list proved to be accurate. Peter was also very helpful when we had additional questions.
The hotel accommodation (Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha) before and after the trek was first rate whilst being very friendly and relaxed.
Our guides were very knowledgeable, attentive and keen to ensure that our trek was a safe success.
The porters were nothing short of superhuman. Please make sure you tip them (and the rest of the crew) generously as they do an incredible job in often tough conditions.
I would highly recommend the 7 day version of the Kilimanjaro trek.
A big thanks to Peter and his team.
CH
Email Anais | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lovely safari, well organized and budget price
Just came back from a wonderful 3 day Safari to Ngrorongoro Crater and Serengeti with Best Day Safari. Peter, the manager, was incredible helpful throughout the organization. He replied to all our questions (believe me there were a lot of emails!) and was extremely flexible to adapt to what we wanted and even making last minute changes.
The safari vehicle was super comfy and our guide Louis was a great driver. The accommodation selected was perfect and just as described. Overall the safari was perfect, everything had already been previously organized by Peter so we just had to relax and enjoy.
Maybe one suggestion; we were told as we were heading back the second day from Serengeti that we were doing a "morning drive" which turned out to be just driving 40 minutes from our lodge to the gates, not an actual game drive. We were a bit disappointed since we were expecting some extra time in Serengeti not a free afternoon in Arusha. Nevertheless, a great safari, would totally recommend it.
BE
Email Valérie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very friendly and personalised relationship
More than 2 years later, this is experience with Peter and his staff is still fresh, and it remains found memories ... We'd like to go back again.