A chic safari experience.
Aquiline Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2020)
- Member Of:
- Travel Trust Association
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $850 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Hans | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They Stranded Us
This review is not for the tour itself—it was a great experience. This review is for Aquiline Safaris, specifically Brian and his awful handling of my tour.
I originally purchased my tour through Viator. Brian immediately contacted me and told me to cancel with Viator and book directly with Aquiline because “your seats have to be held by a deposit and viator takes a whole month to pay us for your booking.” I knew it was really to cut out Viator’s commission fees, but I wanted to help out a local company. Stupid move on my part—this actually cost me more as I lost cash back from Viator’s rewards program as well as from my credit card for booking through Viator. On top of this, Aquiline charged me an additional 3% credit card fee (Viator does not) which is significant for a tour that isn’t exactly cheap. Most importantly, I lost all protections Viator, a U.S.-based company I’ve always had great experiences with, would’ve provided me if I purchased through them.
The tour started off terribly. Aquiline overbooked the tour, so we were delayed about 30 minutes while the tour guides asked everyone if they wanted to split up and sit in separate vehicles from their friends/spouse/travel partner. Eventually they convinced these two friends who did not know anyone else to ride in separate vehicles so we could finally get going.
Where Aquiline really screwed us was after the tour and my wife and I were dropped off at the safari base lodge in Mto Wa Mbu. We were exhausted after a long day of driving and the safari itself, and just wanted to get back home to rest. After waiting awhile with no one collecting us and driving us the 3 hours back to Arusha, I contacted Brian and his response was “A transfer will be arranged back to Arusha.”
Turns out, no such transfer was arranged. Through some oversight or whatever reason, he effectively stranded us 3 hours away. And had the nerve to blame it on us, when we were told to wait for our ride back after the safari. Instead of doing what normal, good businesses do and take accountability and problem solve, he spent the whole time wanting to blame and argue. I couldn’t call Viator for help, because of my mistake of canceling with them. To Brian’s credit, he eventually offered to find us a private car to take us home—at our own expense of course. Why should I pay for a transfer that I already paid for as part of the tour cost? As that would have been ridiculously expensive, especially with the mzungu tax I would’ve no doubt been charged, I declined. We just ended up taking a dala dala (local bus) all the way back home, a crowded and almost 4 hour journey.
Aquiline dropped the ball. Not a single apology or follow up with us, nothing. I don’t recommend booking any tour with Aquiline. There are so many great tour operators around Arusha. Don’t make a mistake going with a company that appeared to care more about maximizing profit over customer satisfaction.
KY
Email Poh Lye Ching | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organized safari tour company In Tanzania
I happened to met Brian at his Aquiline Hotel where I had my superb lunch , he was so attentive to my requests and he fulfilled my wishes .
He make my safari trip a memorable one .
Well done Brain
SE
Email TUSA | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great convenient short-of-time budget joining safari
It is a really fun trip! You get to go to 3 parks in 4 days and it's far to all, so this takes all the stress out and they arrange all permits/paperwork, food, transports, and tents at campsites for you. All you have to do is pay and show up and look out the window.
Nice, professional, and experienced local guide with good English. Well equipped Toyota Land Cruiser with a lot of space and working charging ports.
Excellent price, lowest of anywhere I have seen, and I did some research.
It is fun to meet new people and experience it with them, if you are solo.
My only complaint was that I was told it was max 6 people and I would get the front seat; actually it was 7 people and I was in the back right seat which wasn't that comfortable with hours of driving each day. If you have time, definitely you should go for longer, this is just a sampler.
EG
Email Abdallah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very supportive
Very patient and supportive we recommend them alot
TR
Email SEZAI OZCELIK | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari at Ngorongoro! Stunning wildlife, breathtaking crater views, and expert guides.
IF YOU ARE SOLO TRAVELER LIKE ME A must-do experience in Tanzania! ARUSHA.
CO
Email Suárez | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect Safari Experience
We had a nice time visiting Tarangire National Park Brian helped us very well the guide was good and the food also I recommend Aquiline safaris
NL
Email Daniel Leitao | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
We had an absolutely unforgettable safari experience with this company on our trip to the Serengeti! From start to finish, everything was well organized, and I was surprised by how good the food they provided was.
A huge part of what made the trip so special was our safari guide, Kisamo Akillimali. He was not only incredibly knowledgeable about the animals and the environment, but also just an amazing person to spend time with—kind, funny, and full of great stories.
If you’re considering a safari, we highly recommend this company.
CA
Email Susan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous
Excellent value for the money. I booked only 2 days before we left and the service was great. We had a very knowledgeable safari guide, had fun camping in tents set up for us, enjoyed ample tasty food, saw incredible wildlife, and had lots of laughs. I would highly recommend this tour group if you don’t need to be in a new fancy jeep and you want good value for your money.
CZ
Email Medha | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice
The trip was good, me and friend enjoyed a lot! Our guide was informative and the food was amazing.
SG
Email Opu Miazi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience! The guide r knowable about the good the national park to spot animals
I did 2 days safari with Aquiline. It’s worth the price. The guide r punctual on picking up from the hotel so that u have more time on the safari! The itinerary well planed.
The guide speaks good English and has full knowledge about the different types of animals and the national park.
