Open Africa Safaris
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2008)
- Member Of:
- American Society of Travel Agents
- Tour Types:
- Budget & mid-range tours that, when possible, use accommodations owned and operated by them
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $75 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
IT
Email Patrizia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing experience, safe, complete, fun and informative
The competence and accuracy of the tour operator was great. They answered all my questions and tailored the trip to what we asked. The accommodations, guide, vehicle were all excellent.
US
Email Sandeep | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very personal, custom and enjoyable experience
John and his team (Tony, Nico etc.) were great to be with. Not only did they take care of every little thing (got a cake for people with birthdays, vegetarian food, hot water showers etc.), they were very professional with everything. We had a 10 day safari (Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro) with them. In a safari, you not only spend a lot of time with your family but also a lot of time with your guides and other staff. And we came away with a really good experience every moment. The staff were courteous and accommodating (hot water baths, twice a day for some in our group!). They took us to all the right places, we saw the big five. Several days, we would end up going beyond the allotted time by 2 or 3 hours and Tony/Nico never once complained. In fact, they suggested other things we could do, places we could see. We had lunches and dinners and breakfasts with them and it was a lot of fun over. My two year old daughter absolutely loved 'Mr Tony' and 'Mr Nico' and still listens to the Hakuna-matata song that Tony performed for her.
I can't forget Tony stopping the jeep 5 feet away from a pride of 10 lions or coming 15 feet from an elusive rhino or seeing the first sunlight on the serengeti or a baby giraffe and mom walking into the sunset or so much more...
The last day John got wooden toys for my daughter's birthday and bought us lunch. They dropped us off at the airport and waved us off.
Tony and his team speak very good english and they know Tanzania very well. Tony was a Kilimanjaro porter for many years and has tons of experience in all things Tanzania or Kenya. John goes back and forth between US and Africa to ensure he takes care of his clients. We even got to know their families on the trip even though we did not meet them. We actually plan to meet them now that we are back in the US.
We stayed in good accommodations and it was very comfortable overall. A part of our group went to Kilimanjaro and they were impressed by the food (3 course hot meals), acco (tents with mattresses) and luxuries that came with it. They sang and made merry all the way to the top. When one of them had altitude sickness they took care of that person with a lot of care.
Overall, a phenomenal tour. There are companies which are more expensive and some which are cheaper - I doubt if you will find one that is such a great value for money. Not only did we see the big five (which was the most important thing for us), they made is super enjoyable for all of us, including my two year old.
US
Email Mohammed | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Safari + Kilimanajaro Climb
We recently returned from an 8-day safari + 6-day climb (Machame route) with Open Africa Safaris. They made our trip truly wonderful.
From the very beginning John (who is based in the US) was very responsive and provided detailed and useful information as we were planning and customizing our trip. We were a large group of 12 including a baby and they ensured and every one of us was well taken care of. All the suggestions provided and the final trip turned out to be perfect. Our guides/drivers for the safari were Tony (actual name Anthony) and Nico. Both were extremely fun and knowledgeable and ensured that we saw all the animals from up-close at times taking us to parts of the park where we were the only ones so that we did not have to compete with 50+ other vehicles to see animals.
After the safari a few of us climbed Kilimanjaro and this was organized by Open Africa Safaris as well. The guides (Omben, David and Justin), chef and porters were all very helpful and entertaining. We had a fantastic climb where they encouraged and assisted us in every way possible. Ultimately most of us made it to the top.
Outside of the safari and climb, John (who was visiting Tanzania) and Anthony took personal care of us. Picking us up from the airport, arranging for activities on other days, showing us around the city etc. They truly became good friends and we look forward to doing more trips with them in the future.
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Email Richard Burns | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime! Open Africa exceeded every expectation and delivered the most memorable trip!
Open Africa exceeded our expectations. Everything communication leading up to the trip and the trip itself was professional but with a friendly touch. John and Anthony worked very hard to make our trip go without a hitch! Anthony even took a day on his own time to take us to an orphanage and show us around town. The safari itself was unbelievable! Our guide Said was awesome. He was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly in explaining and answering any questions we posed to him. I would highly recommend Open Africa, they delivered on everything we wanted for our trip.
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Email Lisa | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great company and safari experience!
I booked a small group, midrange, 6-day safari with Open Africa Safaris. From beginning to end it was a great experience. John was very prompt with returning emails and calls, and answering all of my questions. I have food allergies, and he put me at ease that the lodges would be able to accommodate them. Since I was traveling alone, my time was split between 2 groups. The parks visited and accommodations remained as planned. The lodges and permanent tented camp (Serengeti) exceeded my expectations, and they did accommodate for my food allergies. Both guides I had, Omary and Paul, were great. I was impressed with how they navigated the vehicles through the parks and their knowledge about the wildlife and agriculture. The customer service of Open Africa Safaris is top notch, and this was a trip of a lifetime. I learned they will arrange for volunteer tourism in Tanzania as well if you're interested in that. They were also very prompt with my airport transfers. I would recommend them without hesitation!
Email Omar | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experience of a lifetime
Great team, attentive to details, great knowledge of the safari habitats and wildlife. The experience at the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater were unforgettable. Highly recommended!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Informative. Personal. Unforgettable.
From the moment Antoine, our safari guide, drove up to our hotel in Arusha to the moment he dropped us off again, we were engrossed in the safari experience. He and his protege were so well informed about the geography, the flora and fauna, and the history of the places we passed or stayed.
We drove with them to the Ngorongoro Crater and did a one day safari. We saw a lion hunt with commentary from our guides as to the reasons for certain methods the lions employed. We saw countless zebras, wildebeasts, and flamingos. We encountered elephants taking dirt baths; ostriches grazing on the plains; hyenas sharing prey at lunch time. We even saw a white rhino, apparently a very rare occurrence, cross the road in front of our vehicle. Cheetahs, kori bustards, hippos. Name it, we saw it. And we were informed all along the way about each of these animals and their relationship to the geography and to the other species in the area.
On top of seeing and learning about all of these amazing creatures that we would only otherwise have seen in a zoo, our experience with our guides was very special and something I will never forget. Antoine is a warm, friendly man who will put you at ease in a place so foreign to most, my travel partner and myself included. His English is excellent, and he has a firm understanding of what makes Tanzania a magical place to visit or to live. It's obvious he loves his job and was born to do it. I will always consider him my kaka, my brother.
I would strongly urge anyone with the chance to take a safari with him or with anyone at Open Africa Safaris. It is a highly impactful life experience.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
fantastic family safari
I recently took my family on a safari to the national parks with John and Anton. They were both great with my kids. They were very knowledgeable about the animals and the land we visited. We met local Masai and learned about their lives and community. I would highly recommend taking your safari with Open Africa Safaris if you want to make sure you will have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable trip.