Reviews

Sort By: Date Most Helpful 31-40 of 91 Reviews
Todd and Monique   –  
United States US
Visited: July 2025 Reviewed: Jul 19, 2025

Email Todd and Monique  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Things I wish I would have known...
5/5

First of all the value for the money was amazing. The customer service and the way they handled our entire trip the whole time was beyond our expectations. Kelvin made us feel secure the whole way and took care of every single stop and transfer without error! If you are considering this operation, purchase without fear!
Now here are some things we wish we would have known before starting out...
1) You are going to be in a Toyota Land cruiser and none of them from any of these companies have air conditioning. Because this is the high elevation tropics, that is usually okay. We were there in July and we could say we got hot in the car maybe once for a few minutes.
2) The mornings can be COLD . Bring at least one set of warm clothes.
3) do the Jeep excursions and not the ones where you're in an open truck strapped to a seat. Those people were at the mercy of the dust on the road and the weather 100% of the time. It looked completely miserable!
4) Don't bother overpacking. You will not be getting out of the car, except at lunch time in a campground.
5) take pictures of your people looking at the wildlife not just the wildlife.
6) hakuna matata... It's a way of life there and you should adopt it. Don't worry about things going wrong. Your safari company will make them right.
7) go to Zanzibar for at least one day, More if you can afford it. The Zanzibar Beach resort experience is incredible! We went for a day before our Safari and a day after and it was a stroke of genius.
8) The road is awful. I cannot stress this enough. The drives are torture for hours. Bring noise canceling headphones and you will thank yourself every single day.
9) bring Euro chargers for your phones. There is amazing support for US chargers but you will regret the day that it is missing.
10) The airport souvenirs were the same stuff but always seemed much cheaper than outside. This is opposite what you would expect. Kenya airport especially is a shoppers dream.
11) English skills here are rough. It may not be what you are used to. If you are thinking of a tour guide with a long canned speech, you should probably change your expectations.
12) do not fear the semi-permanent tent campsites because those were some of the best sleeps that we had and some of the best food that we had.
13) I wish I had carried more of the local currency all the time. Most places take dollars but once in a while they don't when you really need it.
14) The skill of your guide will determine what animals you see. We were very fortunate to have a fantastic one who seem to have a radar for rare animals. Shout out to Frank.
15) you are not going to get out of your car to look at the animals. Ever. That being said the pop tops on all the Jeeps make you feel super close to the animals.
16) The food is actually pretty mid the whole way. Bring snacks and keep your expectations low. However the fruit is the best you will probably ever taste in your life. This is especially true for the bananas and pineapples. You will realize you never tasted real bananas before you got here. And the pineapples are better than anything out of Hawaii.
17) The long airline flights are probably the most comfortable you're going to be on the trip so do not worry about them. They will be dim memories very quickly for us.
18) when you get involved in something exciting like a hunt, abandon all other plans and stay till the very end! You will never regret it.
19) kids around 11 can love this. Ours did. Younger kids probably will not love the drive. Keep the Safari short for them.
20) bugs were completely overstated as a problem. We can count on one hand how many bugs we saw in Africa.
21) Don't worry about using duffel bags. Bring a midsize roller suitcase. It's fine and way better.
22) leave some room in your suitcase for souvenirs. They are cheap and creative here!
23) get a SIM card at the airport so you can have your phone while you are traveling. I would have loved to have data/text on my hours long drives.
Going to Africa is not just about looking at a bunch of animals. It's a complete change of perspective. Your life will be divided into two parts from this time on. That is the time before you went to Africa and the time after you went to Africa. That is how much perspective it gives you and how life-changing it can be. If you are on the fence about an African safari, take this one. The price is amazing, you will scarcely do better! If you are willing to pay more go to a more developed country like Kenya, or South Africa. Maybe the roads will be better lol.

Claudia Loggie   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: June 2025 Reviewed: Jul 16, 2025

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

Absolutely excellent safari!
5/5

My Mum and I did a 3 day, 2 night fly-in safari from Zanzibar and it was amazing! The whole process was extremely organised to every single detail. Our guide Ludo was fantastic and went over and beyond to make sure we saw as many animals as possible - which we did (Big 5 and many more!!). We would 100% recommend Goldfinch Adventures!

Surendra   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: July 2025 Reviewed: Jul 16, 2025

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

Great Tour Operator
5/5

Brenda Malley was absolutely fantastic in planning and executing our itinerary. Properties that Brenda chose for our stay were very good, given the limited availability owing to the peak season. Communication by Brenda was consistent and always prompt. Our guide and driver Lazaro went above and beyond in making sure that we had an absolutely great time during our safari with great sighting of the wildebeest migration over Mara River and big five.

Ryan & Jessica Jones   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: July 2025 Reviewed: Jul 13, 2025

Email Ryan & Jessica Jones

An absolutely unbelievable experience, a must!
5/5

I don’t normally leave reviews but I had to make an exception for this. What an amazing 4 days/ 3 nights experience on our very first Safari!

Firstly a huge shoutout to Deo @ Goldfinch Adventures our organiser who made the transition effortless. We made contact in March 25 and just completed our tour in July 25. Firstly communication and responses were instant via email, to which then we switched to speaking over WhatsApp who would answer my numerous questions within hours. This was an extra special trip especially for me as I wanted to propose to my girlfriend. Deo advised how best to play it out and in which location, arranging with the local accommodation a special setup for the last evening. The plan came together and she said YES!! - Deo brother, you are a legend.

We had a private tour which entailed just myself and my new fiancée in the 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser. A lot of other tours were crammed with upto 6 people in one vehicle, which would have been really uncomfortable. Especially as you carry your suitcases with you. We did see another Goldfinch Adventures 4x4 along our tour which again had only another couple in.

Secondly a huge shoutout to Sele our driver/guide who has nearly 30 years experience of Safari tours and the Serengeti. The man is a walking/ talking satnav and such a knowledgable man. For 3 solid days, we covered maybe 400-500 miles looking for animals and not once did he use maps. He knew exactly where to go. Now you might say it’s his job, but you wait until you experience this for yourself.. I can very easily find my way around the UK.. road signs, points of interest etc. Not out here.. one track leads to another, the next one leads you into a swamp.. nothing's straight, you don’t know if your facing north, east, south or west. it blew my mind! 😂 Talking of animals, we managed to see everything we wanted and more. The BIG 5 complete✅ A very rare sighting of a Leopard relaxing up a tree was a highlight. Face to face with numerous Lions and there family’s! Elephants, Giraffe’s, Buffalo, Hyena’s and the illusive Rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater along with all the more common animals.. our instagram story has not stopped going off and the comments from back home have been very jealous of our entire trip.

The accommodation we stayed at was fantastic. We especially liked Acacia Farm Lodge & Moyo Tented Camp. The food and rooms here were unreal. Not what we were expecting so far from home but it definitely exceeded our expectations.

Truely an amazing experience that was made a hell of a lot easier from Deo, Sele and the Goldfinch Adventures Team. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

100% worth every penny we spent!

Martin and Amy   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: July 2025 Reviewed: Jul 12, 2025

Email Martin and Amy  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

The best experience from 1st email to finish
5/5

Firstly, Brenda, who organised our tour, was fantastic. Responded very quickly to my messages and quickly adjusted the tour with the amendments I wanted to make.

Secondly, Emanuel, our driver, was brilliant. He was friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable throughout the 4days. His driving was safe at all times. He managed to find all the animals on our list and got as close as possible when allowed.

Finally, the recommended accommodation was amazing. We stayed in a lodge, tented camp, and upgraded hotel all had great locations, facilities and fantastic food.

I highly recommend Goldfinch and the team.

Christer   –  
Norway NO
Visited: July 2025 Reviewed: Jul 8, 2025

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

Incredible 4 Day Safari with Samweli
5/5

This 4 day safari was the trip of a lifetime. Flying in and out of Zanzibar, we visited Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Each park offered stunning scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Our guide, Samweli, was exceptional. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication made the experience truly special. He went out of his way to make sure we saw as much as possible and felt completely taken care of.

The lodges were beautiful, each with its own unique charm and amazing service. And the food throughout the trip was delicious, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for a better safari and tour guide, Samweli.

Anne Paulsen   –  
Norway NO
Visited: July 2025 Reviewed: Jul 6, 2025

Email Anne Paulsen

The best guide for Safari
5/5

An Unforgettable Safari Experience – Thanks to Our Incredible Guide!
Our recent safari was nothing short of extraordery , and that’s entirely thanks to our phenomenal guide, Ludowik. From the moment we set off, it was clear we were in the hands of someone truly passionate, deeply knowledgeable, and utterly professional. Ludowik had an uncanny ability to spot wildlife that we would have completely missed — from a leopard lounging in a tree. Every sighting came with fascinating insights into animal behavior, ecosystems, and conservation efforts, all delivered with warmth and enthusiasm.
Beyond their expertise, what really stood out was Ludowik respect for the animals and environment. They made sure we got amazing views without ever disturbing the wildlife — a true testament to their ethical approach.
They were also a joy to be around: patient, funny, and always ready to go the extra mile to make our experience unforgettable. Whether it was navigating bumpy roads with ease or setting up a perfect sundowner spot, every detail was handled with care and thoughtfulness. Our guide was very anterior around the kids, and there very need❤️
If you're planning a safari and want an experience that’s both thrilling and deeply meaningful, I can't recommend Ludowik highly enough. They turned a dream trip into a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Zuha   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: June 2025 Reviewed: Jun 29, 2025

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

An Unforgettable Safari Experience with Goldfinch Adventures!
5/5

From the moment we booked our safari holiday with Goldfinch Adventures, we knew we were in excellent hands. Every detail was handled with care and professionalism, making the entire experience seamless and stress-free.

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about wildlife. We saw the Big Five within the first two days—lions lounging under acacia trees, elephants on a peaceful march, and even a rare glimpse of a leopard. The game drives were timed perfectly, and the vehicle was comfortable and well-equipped for photography and wildlife viewing.

The accommodations arranged by Goldfinch were beyond our expectations. Each lodge blended luxury with the natural beauty of the landscape, offering breathtaking views, delicious meals, and the warmest hospitality we’ve ever encountered.

What stood out most was the personalized touch throughout our journey every moment felt curated just for us. We returned home with memories that will last a lifetime and a deep appreciation for the incredible work Goldfinch Adventures puts into creating truly magical safari holidays. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a meaningful, thrilling, and beautifully organized African adventure!

Nikki   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: June 2025 Reviewed: Jun 24, 2025

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

Professional, knowledgable, good fun & safe!
5/5

Wow! What an amazing experience!
So glad we chose this safari company, they were brilliant from start to finish!
Brenda was so helpful organising a 2day safari and Isaac was great guide and safe driver!
First day was Tarangire NP up close with elephants, giraffes & zebras which was amazing, we then stayed overnight in a beautiful Lodge!
Unfortunately our flight was delayed so we were behind all day and late getting to Lodge to make most of it and up early next morning to go to Ngorongoro crater, which is full of animals to spot, not so close as Tarangire but used binoculars and saw lion & rhino in the distance!
It was cold that day and could have done with a sweatshirt, which we didn’t have!
We flew from Zanzibar and other people staying in our resort went for day safari using another company & were really disappointed!
Highly recommend Goldfinch Adventures, they are professional and you feel safe, which if like me safari is a bit out of your comfort zone is very important!
We have wonderful memories and maybe wish we had done a 3 day safari instead of 2! :)

Chris   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: June 2025 Reviewed: Jun 20, 2025

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

Exceptional tour operator
5/5

Just returned from a magnificent 3 day Serengeti safari with Goldfinch Adventures .The communication from Brenda was from the beginning was 10/10, I thought, attentive and quick to answer any questions, she happily helped us with everything we needed, Our excellent guide Walanga was there to meet us on arrival at Arusha Airport. The safari started that morning and was a true marvel. Our guide Walanga had over 17 years of experience in his work and it was amazing how with his eyes he could see many animals in the distance. We were able to see all the big five over the 3 days. The accommodation on both nights was exceptional with great food, I would definitely recommend staying in a luxury tented accommodation in Serengeti as loved listening to the animals at night. It was great and felt so safe with the Masai keeping an eye on things.
It's definitely worth the price you pay. There are many companies that offer even less and are more expensive. I couldn't be happier with my experience with Goldfinch Adventures and I will recommend it to anyone who asks, as everything went fantastically beyond our expectations

Average User Rating
5.0/5
Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 91
  • 4 star 0
  • 3 star 0
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 0
Write a Review

Disclaimer

  • All corporate and/or tour info is provided by Goldfinch Adventures, not SafariBookings
  • The tours offered by Goldfinch Adventures are subject to their terms & conditions