Our Luxury Safari Jeeps
Mama Savana Safaris
- Offices In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $800 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
IN
Email Xavier | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Dissapointing and Short changed all along the way . Imagine - we were not shown the Mt Kilimanjaro !
I look at all the 5 * reviews of all the satisfied passengers here on this post and wonder what went wrong with my trip .
Im a tour operator from India , and I was travelling with 13 passengers on a 15 day trip of Tanzania and Kenya. I normally use individual partners at all my destinations and make payments after the service is done but got connected to Alex through my Kenya partner who assured me they would take care of the entire trip together professionally and seamlessly .
What happened :
- I promised to show my group the Ngorongoro crater and Mt Kilimanjaro , and we booked our flights to fly out from Kilimanjaro airport . Ngorongoro was ok , but the drivers wasted time the next day and did not give us a proper timing . They then drove us to Moshi - 20 miles from Kilimanjaro and then insisted that we turn back because we might miss the flight ! My passengers were sooooooooooooooooo dissapointed . And so was I .
- We flew to Zanzibar . We were promised a walking tour of StoneTown + a city tour drive of Zanzibar to familiarise ourselves with our surroundings . - There was no city drive . The vehicle didnot turn up . The history guide was very average . Nothing special . He was only keen on getting us to book the prison Island tour with him .
- We flew to Daresalam . We were met by our guide at the airport . Lovely man but almost ignorant . Infact , he admitted that he had only passed out of basic schooling !!
- Mombassa was a good experience . Good , friendly and helpful Guide who took good care of my group - and he probably saved me from the disappointment of my clients .
- Last Stop Nairobi - I was looking to meet up with my partner in Nairobi - the guy who had reccommended that I work with Alex and him , only to be given the sob story that Alex had double crossed him and worked with another partner in Nairobi . His new partner Mr John was also extremely rude and made it like he was doing everybody a favour .
On the last leg to the airport , John tried to pack us off to the airport in dusty safari vans which had just returned from the MAsai . After much talking , he agreed to send us a minivan .
Very dissapointing and short changed all along the way .
I had to take a lot of flack from my clients when we returned home .
Reply from Mama Savana Safaris
Posted on Nov 10, 2022We at Mama Savana we take all negative reviews positively as they help us to work on improving our service delivery to all our clients. allow me to answer or suggest few remarks regarding this review.
1. The so called agent 1st congratulated us with our great 5* reviews which shows that we always provide the best service to our clients and going extra miles to give the best to all our customers.
2. The agent did book his service direct and we did only Transport service where we were controlled and guided by his itinerary where sometime we were in dilemma as we need to suggest/change/advise things which will make his itinerary perfect but he will refuse as always he was not agreeing on adding extra coin to make his group happy and satisfied.
3. He promised his clients that while in Tanzania he will give them Mt. Kilimanjaro which is a laughable story, Mt. Kilimanjaro is available if we have good weather but 75% the mountain is covered with heavy clouds and if he complained that our drivers didnt give him Mt. Kilimanjaro this is a Joke!!!
4. We suggest to clients always to confirm services with ground local tour operators a month before arrival this will clear any mischief unfold during safari as we will clarify all service we have confirmed with there agents and if there will be questions to be answered we will have time to work on this with the agent or if clients would like to work it direct we will advise them accordingly, some few fake agents like him hiding information to his group and later on complaining, thats being a conman and un honest person in this industry.
5. The agent was always trying to lower services to cover losses he encure while processing visas to South African and he was not ready to spent or give out the service he agreed with his group. We went extra mile to assist him get the group visa for Tanzania in a short period without him pocketing extra coin.
To summaries on this we kindly suggest to most tourist to reconfirm their service with local tour operators even if they have booked the service with their local travel agent, some local agents overseas promise lots of things clients will see while in Tanzania and on ground they learn to see it is not allowed due to our Country rules which has been there long to protect our Heritage and Nature.
We at Mama Savana we stand on our great excellent service delivery and this review wont or will not take us down on providing our 5* star Services to our dear customers always.
Email Ms. Aishah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Alex was very accommodating, however the tour guide was incredibly disappointing.
We got very close to a pride of lions, were present at a lion ‘marriage ceremony’ and watched a leopard/cheetah for many hours. Are your guide had a good eye but lacked communication skills, we were not sure where we were going half the time, he would make decisions without informing us or explaining to us. I believe this was because we were 2 young female travellers. Given the amount of money we paid I was highly disappointed at this and it ruined our trip.
Email India | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Mama Savanna were always quick to respond to queries, and provided an amazing trip through Tanzania.
Mama Savanna were the first operator to respond to my enquiry for a trip through Tanzania. My boyfriend and I were looking to experience the best possible wildlife viewing, staying at a range of mid-range camps and lodges, and Mama Savanna delivered. In the lead up to the trip, Alex was impressive with his communication, adapting the itinerary to suit multiple changes and always responding very quickly, no matter what time of night or day we were messaging him from the UK!
As this was our first trip to Tanzania, we wanted to experience a classic safari, and our itinerary including Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire definitely delivered on this. Our guide, Allen, was experienced and knowledgable for the most part, ensuring that we were well looked after in the camps, and working hard to give us the best wildlife viewing possible. He really came through when it came to the Mara River crossing which we thought we might be too late in the season to see, but he knew the right time of day to be there in case they crossed, and we ended up being in an excellent position to get great photos and watch the spectacle with only 2 other game viewers there! He was an excellent spotter, particularly when it came to leopards which he could see from a great distance.
The itinerary is flexible right up to the point of travel, so we were a little surprised not to be staying in some of the camps we had agreed on, but all of the camps and lodges were excellent and many were actually upgrades so this worked out really well.
Allen worked tirelessly to make sure we had a great experience, getting up before dawn to prep the vehicle and always with a great attitude. He was tactful in giving us a great balance of meals with him and time to ourselves too. The only area that was a little more challenging was the birding - I am a keen birder and this wasn't Allen's natural area of expertise, but he worked so hard to bone up on this and was always looking things up for us and consulting his birding book. Overall our trip to Tanzania was fantastic and we were really pleased with the quality of the experience, the wildlife viewing and the communication and organisation of Mama Savanna, as well as the reasonable pricing.
FR
Email Marine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip and safari
Very good safari just ashamed we didnt go to serengeti
Email Al & Azzy | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great experience!
Our safari experience was absolutely great! The email communication with Alex was very professional (both through email & whatsapp). He was very flexible and picked us up from the Airport at 3am! He also got us a honeymoon dinner on our last night in Arusha. Overall, he made us feel the experience was definitely worthy!
Allen, our driver and guide was very nice to us (and he even spoke a little bit of Spanish, which was definitely unusual to see!). He is a very experienced driver and guide, has a lot of knowledge about the animals and the parks. And, he definitely has the best eyes to spot animals (no matter how far they are). We managed to see the big 5 and had some amazing experiences (close to elephants, a cheetah, lions, etc). Absolutely magical!
Overall, everything was absolutely great and the only tiny downside is that we hardly felt we were in our honeymoon. The places where we stayed overnight were all great (Alex made magnificent choices for us!), but almost none of them treated us in a special way. We just felt we were doing a great trip, but not a honeymoon trip (except on a couple occasions, including the last night in Arusha that Alex took great care of).
P.S.: If you are planning to go to Tanzania in June, beware of the weather! It is colder than you might expect, make sure you bring warm clothes with you!
DE
Email Thomas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari
Was a good Safari, have Seen a lot of animales and the lodges were also good
DE
Email Chris | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great trip, thanks for everything!
Alex from Mamasavana organized the Tanzania leg of our trip. He was always available and did a great job of fulfilling our wishes.
Harun was our local guide and supervisor. He was not only helpful and a wonderful travel companion, but also excellent at tracking down the animals. The friendly support from both of them made our trip much easier, especially when we had to change our plans for health reasons.
We have no regrets about booking locally rather than through a German company.
Thanks so much!
Email Ryan k | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience - Ticked all boxes - Great communication
My wife and I had a fantastic time on the 9 night tour beginning in Nairobi. Our experience was as follows:
Initial enquiry/booking process: I had reached out to a number of different safari operators and Alex from Mama Savana was prompt and detailed in his responses that made the decision to book with him an extremely easy one.
Deposit and payment process: As with any large overseas transfer there is an element of risk. Alex was able to provide a very simple payment link that enabled me to pay with card. I received a receipt and confirmation from Alex almost instantly.
Arrival process: I provided the team our flight details and arrival time. Upon arrival in Nairobi Sammy was there to greet us at the airport to take us to our hotel. A note to others that you need evidence of the Yellow Fever vaccine to enter Tanzania from Kenya. We were also able to purchase our visa at the border.
The accommodation: The accomodation was great and provided everything we needed for our time travelling through Kenya and Tanzania - They are as good as you could possibly expect when travelling in remote parts of Africa. There were some highlights though. The Simba lodge and the coffee lodge being stand outs.
Safari and Guides: We were fortunate enough to have two extremely professional and experienced guides in Sammy (Kenya) and Harun (Tanzania). Both had their own style in telling us about the different facts and information about animals and landmarks that was great for us too.
We didn’t know what to expect when it came to seeing the animals in the reserves, but we soon realised it’s difficult to see all animals at least once with the leopards, cheetahs and Rhinos being the most elusive.
Our guides did everything they could to make sure we saw everything and in the end we did! We even saw a leopard and cheetah for a second time on the last day in the Serengeti. I can’t express how good these men were at making sure we had a great experience.
Also a very special mention to their driving abilities. I had read some other reviews that mention this, and didn’t think much of it. But wow. These guys get that Landcruiser in and out of places you wouldn’t think possible.
On the dodgiest of roads we felt extremely safe in these capable hands.
Overall we had a fantastic experience and I would certainly recommend anyone to go with Mama Savana
US
Email Olga | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowlagable, professional, friendly
I had 24 day tour organized by Perfect wilderness tours and safaris based in Kenya and Mama Savana based in Tanzania. I spent 5 days in Tanzania visiting Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, lake Manyanara, park Tarangire. I wold like to thank my Tanzanian guide Mustapher for his knowledge and his professionalism and his friendliness. We were able to see lions, elephants, leopards, lots different types of gazelles, wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, baboons and many other types of wild animals that populate parks in Kenya and Tanzania. I would like to praise friendliness and welcoming feeling of Kenyan, Tanzanian people and people of Zanzibar during this trip.
CA
Email Kris | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mama Savana orchestrates unforgettable safari adventures in Kenya and Tanzania.
My daughter and I recently embarked on a safari adventure with Mama Savana, exploring the breathtaking wilderness of Kenya and Tanzania. I can't emphasize enough how exceptional our experience was. From the moment we set foot in East Africa to the last day of our tour, every aspect was meticulously planned, seamlessly executed, and filled with unforgettable moments.
Mama Savana's team comprises seasoned experts with unparalleled knowledge of the region's wildlife, ecosystems, and cultures. Our safari guides were not just guides; they were passionate storytellers who shared their deep insights, making every game drive an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
The wildlife encounters were beyond our wildest dreams. Witnessing the "Big Five" in their natural habitats was a dream come true. We also had the privilege of observing countless other fascinating creatures, thanks to Mama Savana's in-depth understanding of the best times and places for animal sightings.
One of the standout features of this tour was the opportunity to connect with local communities. Our interactions with the Maasai people were eye-opening and heartwarming, giving us a profound appreciation of their rich traditions and way of life.
A particular highlight of our safari tour with Mama Savana was the delightful surprise arranged by our operator Alax. He rerouted our tour via a local village, where we were warmly welcomed into a private home. There, we had the privilege of savoring local culinary delights prepared by the talented cook of the village.
The flavors were exquisite, and the experience was truly unique. It felt like we were part of the family, sharing stories and laughter over a delicious meal. This unexpected cultural immersion was the icing on the cake of an already exceptional journey.
Alax's thoughtful gesture and the warm hospitality of the local villagers left a lasting impression on us, a memory we will cherish forever. Mama Savana and Alax, thank you for going above and beyond to make our safari experience truly unforgettable.
Mama Savana ensured that every place we stayed was a unique and comfortable retreat. From luxurious lodges to cozy tented camps, each offered a different perspective on the landscapes and a chance to immerse ourselves in the surroundings.
Mama Savana's commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism practices was evident throughout the journey. Clearly, they care deeply about preserving the environment and cultures of the regions they operate in, and we wholeheartedly support these principles.
Our safari with Mama Savana will forever hold a special place in our hearts. It was a magical, life-enriching experience for both of us. We're already dreaming of our next adventure with Mama Savana and can't recommend their services highly enough.
Thank you, Mama Savana, for creating a journey that surpasses expectations. Your dedication to excellence truly shines, and we look forward to the day we can explore with you again.