Reviews

Sort By: Date Most Helpful Rating 31-40 of 130 Reviews
Jacqui   –  
South Africa ZA
Visited: October 2023 Reviewed: Dec 12, 2023

Email Jacqui  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Once in a lifetime opportunity
5/5

I was fortunate enough to visit multiple parks and various lodges on my Northern Safari as we did a circuit. Apart from the absolute abundance of wildlife on our journey I was also amazed at how each lodge offered something unique and special which really means that you are able to relax each evening and enjoy a good meal and sleep before heading out on safari each day. We stayed at Africa Safari Arusha for one night on arrival and one night on departure which was great as we were able to rest just before and on return from our safari before heading back to Zanzibar. With lush gardens, a great little bar and a fab swimming pool, Africa Safari Arusha is a little haven on the outskirts of a bustling city. Onto Africa Safari Lake Manyara which is a resort style property offering a variety of luxury tents and lake front bungalows in a resort style setting – you can easily spend more than one night here. The animals roam amongst the accommodation and the breeze that comes off the lake is so refreshing. Next as we were heading further to the north was Africa Safari Karatu, which is modern accommodation elevated overlooking the Ngorongoro Highlands. The restaurant and bar have 180-degree views and the swimming pool is just makes you want to jump in! This was our access point to the Ngorongoro Crater. What an amazing experience overlooking the magnificent crater – it honestly looked like the Garden of Eden as you saw the animals (including elephants) all living in harmony. We had a great lunch on the rim of the crater – it was a hot meal which wasn’t expected. Then it was onto the Serengeti – again a totally different terrain and a haven for all sorts of animals! This is where you really understand the ‘Plains of Africa’ as there are parts where there isn’t a tree in sight! We were fortunate to witness a migration here (I didn’t realise that the the migration is year-round which is why it’s great to do a circuit because at some stage you should be able to see this phenomenon). That night was at Africa Safari South Serengeti, just a short drive away from Lake Nduti so as you arrive you are able to see all sorts of wildlife, hippo, elephants, birds along the lake. We stayed in beautiful tents and were treated to all the luxuries and amenities of a hotel, including fabulous meals, right in the Serengeti! Africa Safari Ikoma was the next stop for lunch en route further up north. We enjoyed a peaceful lunch overlooking the African plains of (you can just imagine how magnificent it must be when the migration passes here). This evening’s accommodation was at Africa Safari Maasai Boma – the unique trait of this lodge is the Maasai style ‘rondavels’ you stay in (with all the amenities you need to make your stay super comfortable) and the views from the dining area are just beautiful. We then headed back to Arusha via Lake Natron where Africa Safari Lake Natron is an oasis in a somewhat dramatic landscape – overlooking the alkaline Lake Natron and looking onto a volcano (the brave and fit can climb the volcano). Our wonderful driver Justin was knowledgeable, gracious, patient and just an all-round fun companion on our safari. Each lodge had friendly, accommodating team members and the accommodation was of an excellent quality throughout our trip. When you consider all your park fees, accommodation, transport and meals are included this is excellent value. I wish it had been longer and I would love to return some day soon. Thank you for the memories!

Mark & Clarissa   –  
Netherlands NL
Visited: November 2023 Reviewed: Dec 7, 2023

Email Mark & Clarissa  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Nice people, well cared for.
5/5

Very nice guide, well cared for and nice people at the resort, neat, clean and well cared for.

The tour is very nice and a special environment and through the various parks, it was a shame about the car trouble, but the guide did everything he could to provide a good feeling and to leave beautiful memories.

Thank you Aly for the good and pleasant safari! A 10+ score for you!

(automatic translation from Dutch)

Robin & Jaleesa   –  
Netherlands NL
Visited: November 2023 Reviewed: Dec 7, 2023

Email Robin & Jaleesa  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Well-arranged, professional and experienced
5/5

We had an amazing trip with a lot of fun! We decided to travel to Tanzania in November, which is known for its low and (short) rain season. We started the trip at Zanzibar where we enjoyed Stone Town and Prison Island and visited a spice farm. After two days of Zanzibar, we took a flight to the mainland, Arusha, to start our 5 day safari. We had a private jeep for the two of us and were accompanied by a lovely and well experienced driver. We visited Lake Natron, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater and stayed in 4 different accommodations of which one was a real bush camp in the wild. Looking back at those 5 days we can definitely say that this was a wonderful experience and would do it all over again! Everything was well arranged looking at the breakfast, lunch boxes and dinner buffets. Furthermore, all the staff we have met were very hospitable and very kind. At the last location they even arranged a birthday cake and song for us!

Valentina   –  
Australia AU
Visited: September 2023 Reviewed: Nov 12, 2023

Email Valentina  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

The review below is the personal opinion of Valentina and not that of SafariBookings.
Poorly organised & we still haven't been refunded for cancelled activity
2/5

- Before the trip even started, communication (regarding payment & our pickup arrangement) with our booking agent was so terrible to a point where we suspected the legitimacy of this company.
- We had to chase our booking agent numerous times (payment has been made at this point) before he finally sent us a pickup driver's contact details
- Before we departed, we sent the pickup driver a message to confirm. He was surprised to hear from us as he wasn't aware of this pickup arrangement and said no-one had contacted him, nevertheless he still agreed to pick us up when we arrive (thank god).
- We we arrived, the pickup driver had no idea where to drop us off as he did not know anything about our itinerary. After many phone calls, he finally found out where we were staying and managed to drop us off at out accommodation. However he did not work for this company and it was still unclear why our booking agent had given us his details.
- the next day we found out one of our activities in Arusha wasn't booked and we had no idea until we arrived (after driving aimlessly for 2 hours).
- We requested for a refund for this cancelled activity as well as our accommodation for the night (as we wouldn't have booked accommodation for that night if it wasn't for the activity mentioned above).
- Staff agreed to refund the activity and suggested they would confirm with their management team and try to refund the accommodation, and promised to sort this out for us before our trip ends. We believe their words.
- After coming back from safari, we returned to Arusha for 1 extra day, We contacted the staff regarding our refund, they said they were still working on it.
- It's been a month since we are back from the trip, we have been contacting the company regarding this matter, and we have been ignored.
- It's been a really dodgy experience overall. Do yourself a favour and avoid this company.

Wayne   –  
South Africa ZA
Visited: October 2023 Reviewed: Nov 11, 2023

Email Wayne  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Unforgetable mind blowing experience
5/5

The Serengeti has always been on my bucket list! We booked a full circuit Safari and it was amazing. The properties are perfectly located and the drive from one lodge to the other was like being on a game drive and quite enjoyable. We saw so many animals. The landscapes between the lodges are all so different, not what I expected at all. The Ngorongo Crater was one of the many highlights on this trip. The vehicles were very comfortable and our guide extremely knowledgeable of the animals and surroundings. The accommodation was perfect and excellent value for money. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Each lodge had a great restaurant and bar where fellow travelers shared safari experiences. The highlight of our trip was seeing the migration, we didn't even have to look, they were right there at Africa Safari Ikoma! We were so blessed to witness all these animals together in one spot!! I would definitely recommend Paradise and Wilderness to all my friends! Best holiday ever!!! Unforgettable experience!!!

Fabian   –  
Netherlands NL
Visited: September 2023 Reviewed: Nov 6, 2023

Email Fabian  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Wonderful
5/5

In a word it was amazing, the wild animals are great to see in their own habitat. We had a super driver with our own Jeep, so it was great for the three of us. Shabani (the driver) gave us the opportunity to make this trip unforgettable. The overnight stays in the lodge or glamping were SUPER, very friendly people, and delicious food... and of course we slept among the animals, in our case we even had a visit from a number of elephants who came to graze at night and pluck bushes...

A trip you will never forget.

(automatic translation from Dutch)

Keith Murray   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: October 2023 Reviewed: Nov 2, 2023

Email Keith Murray  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

First Class!
5/5

We have recently returned from 5 days at Lake Manyara, staying on-site in a bungalow - This trip was booked pre-covid - It was fabulous, and well worth the wait

Whilst there we completed 2 game drives (Ngorongoro & Tarangire), and visited a Maasai Tribe - All were excellent, and escorted by Sam, our experienced and very knowledgeable guide

Having the animals (Zebra's / Wildebeest / Baboons etc) wandering freely around our accomadations was pretty exciting, too - Some would even approach the pool for a drink, whilst we were in it!

Everything from start to finish in terms of communication, timing, facilities, service and value for money was exceptional

If you're considering a Safari - Go with these guys - You will not be disappointed........

Debra New York NY   –  
United States US
Visited: October 2023 Reviewed: Oct 29, 2023

Email Debra New York NY  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Paradise and Wilderness provided an outstanding safari experience from beginning to end!
5/5

We just completed a 2 week safari in Tanzania that we booked through Paradise & Wilderness. Our booking agent Anouk was extremely helpful and answered all of our questions before and during the trip. The experience was excellent! We stayed at multiple lodges during our trip. We found them all to be clean and the staff friendly and accommodating. We were also able to easily book additional activities during the trip. Our jeep driver did an outstanding job taking us through the various parks and helping us to see and learn about the animals. The food was very good and the staff at all of the lodges did a great job of accommodating my special dietary needs. A special thank you to the Lake Manyara Lodge chef and his staff who really went out of their way to ensure that I was satisfied with all of my meals. Overall, I highly recommend Paradise & Wilderness and hope that I can one day go there again!

Alain et Michèle   –  
France FR
Visited: October 2023 Reviewed: Oct 27, 2023

Email Alain et Michèle  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

A very professional tour operator who was able to prepare a high quality safari for us.
5/5

A big thank you to Mirene for the quality of the program she offered us and to Adson, our driver/guide, who was able to guide us throughout this safari, introducing us to all the local fauna. A skillful driver, he knew how to avoid all the pitfalls of the tracks he took.
The accommodations were very clean and of good quality.
All the staff encountered were very warm and showed great kindness.
The food was in quantity and quality.
In the end, a very beautiful trip and an unforgettable memory.

(automatic translation from French)

Pauline   –  
Netherlands NL
Visited: October 2023 Reviewed: Oct 26, 2023

Email Pauline  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Absolute recommendation!
5/5

We visited Zanzibar for 4 days and made a journey across the mainland where we visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Lake Ndutu, South- Central- and North Serengeti, Pololeti, Lake Natron and Arusha. David “Google”, our tourguide, did a excellent job showing us the beauty of the wildlife in Tanzania. For 8 days he was not only our driver, but also our guide with all the answers to our many questions. His nickname “Google “ was well deserved. He explained so much about the ways of the animals and also about the nature and the vegetation. We were very lucky that we’ve spotted the big five multiple times and saw many lions and cheetah’s. David knows where the best pictures can be taken and we felt really secure with him as the driver. Besides his enjoyable gamedriving skills David is also a relaxed guy to join you on your travels. He constantly checks-in, notices your nonverbal signs and is very flexible when the plan changes. He communicates easily and speaks English very well. We finished the day in the jeep with a drink in the camp, make sure you ask him about his favorite drink, and shared some nice stories and good laughs. David absolutely made our trip, so be sure you’re the lucky few that can ride along in his jeep! He also knows the right people in the area of the camps if you are interested in an excursion. We can recommend Lebangootie as a guide for Lake Natron. He will show you the wonderful surroundings and tell you about the cultural life as well. Make sure to visited the waterfalls. Lebangootie is part of the community that lives near the river and made us feel very welcome during our visit. Definitely ask for him! Lake Ndutu was our favorite camp. As you are coming up to the Serengeti we had an escort of many, many giraffes on our travels. When we arrived at the camp, the bonfire was on and we were so very welcomed by Abdallah and his colleagues. It’s truly amazing that in the middle of nowhere you get that kind of comfort in a tented camp but also the very pleasant atmosphere coming from Abdallah and staff. Great guys! We slept like 2 baby cheetah’s with the sound of a roaring lion in the background. Magical place!

Also special thanks to Anouk Arts for being so helpful and flexible planning this trip. If you’re from the Netherlands and looking for a welk-organized dream tour, definitely contact Anouk.

So as it shows, our holiday was not only made by the many animals we got to experience in their natural habitat, but also by the wonderful people we’ve met. Honest, pure, super friendly, really trying to do their up most best to give an overwhelming experience.

Therefore asante sana David!! Love from your dada and kaka from the Netherlands.

Average User Rating
4.9/5
Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 117
  • 4 star 10
  • 3 star 1
  • 2 star 1
  • 1 star 1
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