It Started in Africa
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- IATA, TATO & TALA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $550 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Liz and Dave | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We were overwhelmed by the whole experience
While planning the safari, we appreciated the rapid and full answers to all our queries - and never having travelled in Africa before, we had many! Throughout the trip all our transfers were efficient. Our safari driver/guide, Dickson, and the cook/expert in all things, Paskal, were excellent. Pascal's skill in presenting varied, delicious and plentiful food with very limited equipment was admirable, and his cheerfulness, ingenuity and energy really added to our enjoyment. Dickson's patience with all my questions, his kindness when my husband's mother became very ill in Australia, and his tireless efforts keeping our vehicle functioning on such rough roads was extraordinary. Once a leaf spring broke, and our two heroes managed a temporary repair which enabled us to carry on, as well as providing us with unexpected entertainment.
We saw many, many more animals than we expected. Sometimes we were so close to the action e.g. mating lions, or vultures feeding on a buffalo carcass, that it felt like a tv documentary. The vast beauty of the Serengeti, the herds of elephant, wildebeest, zebra, and the various types of antelope, as well as all the friendly people we encountered made for a magical holiday.
Accommodation: The staff and accommodation at Christina's House in Arusha were very pleasant. On our return visit there were some problems with availability of water, but Helen and Christina could not have been more helpful. We liked the room at the back on the ground floor best, as it was quieter. Christina even took me shopping!
We slept very well in the tent - and the shower and variable toilet facilities of the public campsites really added to the adventure!
Hiliki House in Zanzibar was very comfortable and beautifully furnished - and the breakfast was wonderful. It would have been helpful to have known we needed shorts or similar and beach shoes for the trip to Prison Island, but that was a minor issue.
Nungwi was a bit of a disappointment after all our previous positive experiences in Tanzania. We had marvelled at the lack of rubbish in the landscape, but there was a lot of litter (and too many touts) there. I presume it was because of the number of tourists present. The accommodation at Amaan Bungalows was very pleasant, and the food reasonably priced.
We had a great time on the Safari. We saw 4 of the big 5 many times just missed the Rhino
In addition to the great Safari our trip to Zanzibar was romantic and relaxing . The arrangement for airport transfers as well as managing our luggage ... the office extended themselves particularly regarding our travel as we were going to other countries. They kept the luggage while we were on Safari and arranged to have it available when we left the country.
We were able to take tons of pictures of wild life and the beautiful landscape.
We realize we only saw part of Serengeti and hope to come back to complete this park and other parks in Tanzania.
CO
Email Katherine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magic experience with It Started in Africa
This was the best way to do a safari in the Northern Circuit of Tanzania. But not only by the amazing and breathtaking national parks and conservation areas, but also the dedication and excellence of It Started in Africa in paying attention to all details to do your trip personalized, friendly and confortable. You don't need to worry about anything! And you feel you are travelling with friends! In addition, delicious food! Thanks a lot!
Email Isabel Hopkins | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazin guide
I just wanted to thank you for an amazing holiday, I have put a review on TripAdvisor but wanted to say in particular what a fantastic guide Deogratius was and how much effort he went to, to make sure we had the time of our lives. He really was committed to us having the best experience of Tanzania possible and as a result - we did!
When you're spending so much time with someone as we did with him, such an easygoing personality, and such kindness and consideration makes a huge difference. He really did go the extra mile and I would have no hesitation in recommending your company as a result of our experiences with him. I would say he is a true asset to your company
Email Sophia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The good, the bad and the very ugly parts of It Started In Africa
I experienced a the good, the bad and the ugly parts of this company, It Started in Africa.
I was a solo female traveller and safety was a priority. I knew I could have paid less with other companies, but the BBC Travel logo really did stand out to me. A company with BBC Travel as a partner would surely have set standards and uphold a duty of care to it's travellers.
Let me start off with the good. I was partnered with Martin who was an experienced safari guide and he was such a kind and caring guide. We chatted and he would educate me on all aspects of the country, the landscape, the trees/plants and all the details of the animals. He also helped me learn all the names of the animals in Swahili and I was very grateful to have him as a guide.
The company who mans the emails responded promptly to emails and the trip was arranged and paid for within a week of my initial email query.
The BAD:
The night before departure from home to Tanzania, I received an email to inform me of a mis-booking at Ngorongoro Crater. My option was to go to another campsite (not their first line recommended) or upgrade to their recommended. It was quite stressful to think that I had to pay another further amount and my tour hadn’t even started. I paid it but really thought the company should have covered the full cost as it was booked 1 month in advanced and the night before flying out I had to respond and ensure it was booked. The company advised that it was the accomodation’s fault, but really, it should have been picked up on confirmation not reconcilliation, days prior to my tour.
My other bad part was on my 2nd last day in Arusha where I was no longer on safari with Martin and planned and paid $125USD for a coffee plantation tour. The company sent me off with a Driver and a guide named James. James kept questioning why I want to go on the coffee plantation tour and tried to persuade me to go to a Tanzanite tour (it was obvious he wanted to commission for tanzanite purchase). He was quite persistent & I had to be firm and say it was a coffee tour he was to take me to. He kept pushing me so I agreed with enough time after the coffee plantation tour I would go.
Instead of taking me to the half day plantation tour (included lunch at the plantation) that was 1+ hr away from Arusha (Moshi - tripadvisor has it rated well) he tried to do a dodgy self tour by the side of a road of a coffee farm. Understanding the tour (from other people I met along the way) and that a 30minute drive in traffic was not Moshi, I spoke up. James then proceeded to say I had to pay for that tour. I told him I have! They then drove me to this town at the foots of Mt Meru to a plantation, stopping and asking for directions along the road (this was not the one I was to visit) and I was asked to pay $51USD. After saying (again) I had paid, and knowing this is not the right place, I thought I was stuck in the middle of nowhere, feeling a unsafe and on my own with 2 men the company sent me off with who clearly have not taken me to the correct place, I will be quiet and go along with it. But after it clearly was not what I paid for, I asked to speak to Mathias (Manager of Arusha office). James kept ignoring my many pleas. After another 15 minutes, I got really mad and demanded it and refused to walk any further and pretty much had to raise my voice and have a meltdown-like tantrum until he eventually did. I spoke to Mathias and said I was not taken where I was suppose to be, it was 3pm, I have lost a day and would like to return to the office for a refund then back to my hotel. I told him I do not feel safe here - during this tour, a group of school children followed behind me stealing my water bottle which I happily said was fine, but they went to unzip my backpack and grabbed my hand and asked me for my watch as well. My guide James was walking 5-10m ahead intently listening and learning from the other tour guide. James continued to avoid taking me back to the office for a refund and insisted I continue the tour. I was stuck and just agreed to get it over and go back to the safety of my hotel. During the tour, James took photos of me on his phone. I was not happy about the whole unsafe situation I was in. I was walking with 2 men into farming land away from other people on a tour I did not feel was real. Luckily, the tour finished off, and they asked me to tip the guide. I refused as it was not the tour I paid for. On the drive back, James thought it was amusing to take more photos of me in the car - I was furious! I asked him to delete all photos of me and he tried to just delete 1. I was stern and said all. Whether he did or not, I do not know.
Eventually they returned me to my hotel (refused to take me to the office for a refund) & told me Mathias the manager, would meet me at the hotel. Mathias avoided me. My hotel manager overheard my terrible experience that evening (3 hours after my return) and contacted the company to ensure someone came down to chat to me. Without the hotel manager's persistence, I doubt anyone would have met me to apologise. A large, unfriendly, and unkept man arrived to the hotel and after explaining the events, he did not offer an apology. In fact I felt he was sent to intimidate me into submission. I stood my ground and he eventually got on the phone and let me speak to Bernard the Tanzania Manager for It Started In Africa. I had to explain the days events again, and I was quite fed up at this point so I told him that he needed to do the right thing and refund the money. I said I know he can refuse, but if his company was truly apologetic in sending me off with 2 men who cheated me of a tour I paid for, he would organise a refund. Eventually, Bernard assured me that they would refund me and that the following day Mathias would have the money in cash for me at the hotel for my airport transfer.
The ugly...
the following day, they made my guide Martin return to Arusha (from his home town 1 hr south of Arusha) to smooth it over. When I still wanted my refund they handed me 1/3 of the value. Another man was there also (to intimidate me?). They arrived 20mins late for my airport transfer and had to remind them the amount owed. Martin wrote it down and got on the phone to Mathias. After a drive to the office, Mathias finally met me. He handed another 1/3 of the value. I was still short! He made excuses that he wasn't told the amount. I knew my guide Martin called him up and said in Swahili the exact number (i learnt the swahili numbers). I confronted Mathias who did not expect me to know the Swahili numbers. Mathias returned with the rest of the money and then made an excuse that the person who organised the refund did it wrong - Mathias is the office manager! Who else would organise it? Another terrible lie!! 1 hour behind schedule we headed to the airport. Along the way, the other man in the car spoke in Swahili to Martin and laughed about me - I referred to the the guide and driver that day as cowboys, and this man repeated it and laughed. I did not find this professional sitting next to him while he made fun of me and gave me intimidating stares. My guide Martin did not respond, being the professional he was and knowing that I understand a few words of Swahili.
Later, I found my itinerary with the full amount breakdown and circled the value to be refunded in the car! They knew the amount to be refunded and hoped to get away with less. It was very upsetting that I had to deal with 5 different men who attempted to intimidate me and waste time to avoid a refund!
I was left in tears from the emotional experience.
It was truly a corrupt Arusha Office!
I arrived at the airport late and just made my flight - my luggage was not able to make the flight.
On return I wrote an email to the Europe base and they were not even informed of this incident and mishandling afterwards. Joao in customer relations did well in responding with an apology & a promise of a full investigation. I asked to see the report and was told this can take long to prepare. I really hope they investigate and learn from this incident and mishandling but I am not to know if they will actually follow this up. I acknowledge that a full refund was given for the extra night accomodation and day tour that I was cheated out of, and they refunded the extra amount I had to pay for the last minute change in accomodation.
Tanzania was a beautiful country and I would definitely love to return. But would I chose to go on tour with It Started In Africa? Definitely not!
I have written this review so that anyone who does go on tour with It Started In Africa - be careful!! Make sure you are aware of what you paid for and if you are cheated of any experience or tours you paid for, you get the refund!
If you are thinking twice about this company - do some further research! While on tour I came across the most popular Leopard tours, trek2kili, Abercrombie & kent etc
But if you chose to try It Started In Africa - do your research & be self aware!!
Email Stephen & Jasmine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible safari from an excellent safari operator
My wife and I were so impressed with every aspect of our safari. Our guide, Arosto, was absolutely brilliant. He was funny and friendly, very knowledgeable, and very good at spotting animals that we missed. He worked tirelessly and successfully to ensure we saw lots of animals, including the Big 5, and on several days kept driving until it was dark so we could make the most of each day. He seemed to know intuitively when to wait at a particular spot, and as a result we saw a lion hunt in action as well as two wildebeest river crossings during the great migration. We cannot speak highly enough of him and would ask for him specifically if we go on a safari in Tanzania again.
We were also very impressed with the all round service provided by It Started in Africa. Their responses to our questions over email were always very prompt and they were very helpful in helping us organise the details of our trip. We always felt confident with their suggestions and the help they provided us when booking our hotel on Zanzibar was very useful. We would definitely recommend It Started In Africa to all our family and friends.
CA
Email Tori | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect adventure
My father and I planned our first father daughter trip, it was really important to me to have a company that really listened to us and I felt really cared about our experience. There were so many companies, it was overwhelming! Immediately I was impressed with It Started In Africa, they responded within a day and never pushed us to book with them no matter how many emails we exchanged. They accommodated all our needs and took the time to create exactly what we wanted. We were even able to change our pick up times the day of our arrival, it was completely stress free! Our guide was Dexter, he was so patient and knew how to find all the exciting game drive moments and you could tell he really enjoyed his job. We stayed in Rhino Lodge, Serengeti wildlife camp and Burunge tented camp. All the accommodation exceeded our expectations, I highly recommend the Serengeti camp- its an experience you must have and the team was fantastic! Overall this trip exceeded our expectations and we have nothing but positive messages about it!
AT
Email Andrea | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing 6 day safari
Our trip to Tanzania was among the best holidays we ever had so far and I believe we are what you would call "well-traveled". Some friends of ours recommended It started in Africa to us. The customer service is just great. Email replies are prompt and they answered all questions that we had upfront. Also on site they rechecked our itinerary when we were in thior office and also called us on our last day to make sure that we had a great experience. Overall I think that when you go on safari the difference between a good and an excellent experience is the guide and Jackson was definitely an excellent one. He spotted every animal including cheetas and leopards, could answer any question about the wildlife that we had and we had a lot of questions and we very much enjoyed his company and his sense of humour. Even though we had some issues with the car, he could fix almost anything or knew where to get good mechanics and we always felt safe and very well been taken care of in his company. He even took us to lake Victoria which was not part of our initial itinerary. At the end of our trip he even invited us to his house and we had lunch together with his family. His wife prepared fish from lake Victoria for us that we were not able to find when we were there as our time was limited. We were truly amazed by their hospitality and kindness.
Also all camps and lodges where we have been were just excellent, however, we overall prefered the tented camps at Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro over the lodge at Lake Manyara. The staff was really nice, the food was excellent and the location of the camps was just great. We had a long discussion about what was the best part of our trip and we came to the conclusion that the overall experience at Serengeti was unbeatable. From an amazing sunrise to the most beautiful sky at night, we even saw the great migration even though it was not season for it it in the western corridor due to the unusual dry weather conditions. The only drawback on our trip was that we could not see a rhino but our other wildlife spottings more than compensated for it.
Email Adam Cooper | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Best Honeymoon we could wish for!
To all of you at It Started In Africa,
We recently got back from our honeymoon which you organised for us and we would like to say a huge thank you to all of you. We had the time of our lives in Tanzania and Zanzibar, and we are incredibly grateful for all the efforts you put in to ensuring we had the best time. Please thank Allan our driver especially, for making our trip so enjoyable and for how hard he worked. We'll be sure to leave a positive review for you on Tripadvisor ASAP, and if there is anything else I can do to encourage other travelers to use your company I certainly will do.
Thank you so much, you don't know how much it means to us! Best holiday company I have ever used.
Thanks again, and take care all of you.
AT
Email Chris & Marlies | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing holidays with the best organization
We went on the 5-days Safari through the northern part of Tanzania (Tarangire National Park, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater) with It Started In Africa. Our whole trip was organized perfectly. So we would like to thank the team again for all the quick responses, helpful comments and recommendations during our booking process.
We had an awesome time during our Safari and our stay in Zanzibar and I would really like to give some feedback :)
Safari:
It was top organized and we had the best tourguide!!!
Michael was great, showing us and telling us all important things about the country, the animals and nature.
His calm, friendly and professional way of handling the trip, was the best match for us.
We were so happy to have him and always felt safe driving around with him.
We booked also during our Safari the visit to a Maasai village what after all wasn't such a great experience.
Besides that, everything was great!
The service and the people in the lodges were absolutely friendly and helpful.
We loved the Maramboi Lodge!! It was really cool there.
Zanzibar:
Also Zanzibar was a great experience.
I would like to mention that the service in Pongwe Beach Hotel was amazing!!!
We had such a good time there and the people were so sweet and friendly and the service couldn't be better at all!
To sum up, I can and will recommend the organization It Started In Africa to all our friends.
It was a great holiday and we enjoyed it a lot!