Tours by Locals (aka Kiliholidays)
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2004)
- Member Of:
- TATO, TTB, KINAPA, MNRT & TPO
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $400 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
BE
Email William and Sigrid | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A beautiful expieriance
Well organized itinary; very good lodges (price/quality), good driver.
The communication (E-mail) with Mack during preparation of our trip went smooth: quick responses, good information.
Email Craig | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great experience with a few bumps
First I would like to thank Mack for his patience whilst we sorted out our end. Mike, our driver and guide, for his knowledge and willingness to assist us in getting the best experience during our time on safari. And Nicho for some excellent food at the Hippo Camp.
Some points that would have improved the overall safari, prior planning on the part of Kiliholidays to ensure vehicle is in the best state prior to commencement may have prevented the flat tyre just outside of Dar Es Salaam, and having a fully serviceable jack would have reduced the amount of time on the side of the road. In addition having to wait in Dar Es Salaam whilst groceries were purchased detracted from the excitement for all participants who were on their first safari. And though it was necessary to have a spare prior to departing the Hippo Camp, it was not good having to wait for two hours whilst it was being repaired when it should have been done the previous day/night, and I do understand this is not Kiliholidays fault as the tyre was dropped off for repair with plenty of time to do so.
The sunset boat tour on the Rufiji was spectacular, with the sun setting over the hippos. Accommodation provided by Steve and his staff at the Hippo Camp was a pleasant surprise, much better than what we expected. The safari was, from start to finish, a magnificent display of african animals in the wild, Giraffes, Impala, Warthogs, Zebras, Wildebeasts, Lions, Hippos, Kudus, Water Bucks, Crocodiles, Babboon, Monkeys and Elephants. The best experience though was getting within a couple of meters of 3 month old Lion Cubs with their mother. And the view from the bank of the lake/river whilst we ate lunch was brilliant. Didi and his magical 2 hour walk through the bush the following morning was an adventure that none of us will ever forget, and then he topped it off with more elephants.
All in all the six of us immensely enjoyed the experience, but the time wasted for provisions and tyre change/repair on the voyage to and from Dar Es Salaam could have been avoided.
Reply from Tours by Locals (aka Kiliholidays)
Posted on Jul 29, 2016Thanks for the review and your advice is much appreciated. There was a little delay on the first day due that you made payment on that morning and by that time we have to change some $ to Tz shillings. There was no exchange shop open by that time, that made us wait till opened around 9am. We apologies as we couldn't notify you early.
The lift Jack happen not work probability due to lack of oil and it happened Mike-our driver guide did not notify the problem to the garage to sought out the problem before the next safari. But now it all done/solved. Regarding to the flat tyre at Selous, we spoke to Mike and it happened to be a mistake of him and he real regret of what happen due to the time waste.
All of our safari vehicle undergo maintenance soon after and before the next safari. Thank you so much that you had a great safari vacation with Kiliholidays and looking forward to host you once again in a future.
Mack Kornelio
Kiliholidays Team Leader
Email Nam | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari in Mikumi
I was so hesitated when I looked for Mikumi National Park safari because I was foreigner and didn't know which one is good. I asked several tours, among them Kiliholidays was the fastest respond tour. That was why I choose this. Safari was good, two days were enough to look around Mikumi. Mach was nice and I am willing to recommend Kiliholidays.
DE
Email Oliver & Tina | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Respectable Southern Circuit Safari
Day 1
• trip to Selous (lunch enroute)
• 2 hour boat ride outside the Selous GR
• sunset, crocodiles, hippos, birds, life along the river
• Accommodation in Hippo-Camp: basic, staff is friendly and endeavour, not everything perfect, nice view to Rufiji River
Day 2
• 2 h Morning-Walk outside the Selous GR
• animal tracks, birds and flora
• Game Drive in Selous GR from Mtemere gate with 24-hour permit (to Day 3 at 10:00)
• Guide is endeavor and with the necessary local knowledge
• lions, elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, antelopes ....
Day 3
• drive in Selous GR by Mtemere gate to Matambwe gate with 24-hour permit to 10:00
• only short stops for Game Viewing
• from Matambwe Gate it comes a scenic drive through the Uluguru Mountains to Morogoro (stop for lunch), fantastic views and insights into the normal country life
• continue through the Mikumi NP for Tan Swiss Lodge
(Swiss owner, well-managed mid-range lodge, comfortable air-conditioned room, good food)
Day 4
• drive to the Udzungwa Mountains (90 min.)
• hike with local guide
• waterfall, great views, natural swimming pool
Day 5
• safari in Mikumi NP, full day, only north of the Highway possible
• guide with the required local knowledge
• leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, antelopes ....
Day 6
• return to Dar
• Option: Snake Park
Conclusion
• solid / respectable tour in the field Budget / Mid Range
• no obvious organizational weaknesses, professional consultation with the Management
• driver / guide safely, vehicle in order
• Note: Tour 6 days including 3 days GR / NP (Permit)
• price-performance okay
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Organized
Kiliholidays, superbly organized custom safaris are the finest way to experience the exhilaration of being on a wildlife safari in Tanzania. I know of no finer adventure than being in the wilds of Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara or in Tarangire National Park. Our guides clearly love their jobs and the depth of their knowledge and their sense of fun will impress anyone. Our guides were consummate professionals. Their energetic dedication to finding superb wildlife-viewing adventures and to teaching about the natural beauty was legendary. Whether you are simply standing in the back of the Land Cruiser to marvel at an animal, or are working with your camera, video or binoculars, our guides were constantly attentive to our comfort, to the environment around us and to the angle of each person's view. They taught us constantly as we traveled through Tanzania and you will find them to be entertaining and skilled.