20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
There was so much about this trip that was great, that it's difficult to put into words
The idea of a safari had been on the cards for quite some time, but it wasn't until my girlfriend researched safari providers that the idea came to fruition. She had come across a Guardian article that recommended Africa Flash MC Tours to us. We went onto the website and found a whole host of options for us to choose from, and at extremely competitive prices - seriously, they were great prices; check out the website. Once we had agreed upon packages and dates, my girlfriend went about contacting Peter, the owner, through the contact form. Communication could not have been more pleasurable and informative. I really give Peter kudos for this because he was more than willing to exchange email after email, filled with information so that we would be fully prepared for everything. He also made himself available on the phone - I believe he saved my number because one time he picked up he answered and immediately said hello using my name. The customer service was immaculate.
Now, onto the Safari. I honestly do not possess the vocabulary or eloquent enough command of English to fully convey how life changing safari was. It was ridiculous. We saw animals, habitats, ways of living, and people that have been the domain of televised national geographic since childhood. Our trip was comprised of two packages - 4 days on the Maasai Mara and 3 days in Tanzania/Arusha. The 4 days on the Maasai Mara were insane and probably my favourite. Before I get ahead of myself let me rewind and begin from when the trip actually started....
We arrived and stayed in Nairobi (which was an experience in itself) and were picked up from the hotel by Peter himself and dropped up at a meetup spot where we were placed into a safari bus with 5 others from our new group. Our driver, Isaac, upon introduction I could tell he would be a cool guy - he was always so chilled and seemed to know everything about safari. We drove to our camp in Maasai Mara, which was like a glamping tent with a en suite bathroom. Really great stuff. The next 4 days were insane. We saw everything except the leopard. I took so many pictures.
The next leg of the trip was to Tanzania for a 3 day Safari to Taragire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater. This was a personal safari with just us and the driver and no other guests. Our driver, James, was a young guy who'd been a driver for no more than 3 years. We got on with him like a house on fire. Our camp was great - we even had a personal chef. Once again, the sites and views while on safari were insane, and James did a great job of showing us around.
We finished our safari and headed on to Zanzibar for some couples time, but we couldn't help but feel a sense of loss that we had left safari. I now am seriously thinking about coming back, maybe on my own so I can take pictures, and if I do it will be with Peter and his company.
Something important to note is that these trips felt so well organised that I'm not used to it. There were basically no hiccups, we felt extremely well taken care of, and at no time did we feel we were not in good hands. It really was that good. It was visceral. What a great show. We wish Peter every success and I hope to meet with him again in the near future.
You can see some of the pictures I took next to this review.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience. Well organised yet flexible tour
Really enjoyed the tour. Peter (the organiser) was always prompt, friendly and very helpful in responding to any questions we had.
The service was great as we had the luxury of a private vehicle with a good driver (important on poor road conditions in the game reserves) who was also experienced and knowledgeable which enabled us to maximise the value of the tour.
The accommodation was in line with expectations and of the standard promised whilst the good definitely exceeded expectations.
Overall, a really great, fun experience put together by Flash Mc Tours
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This company is fraudulent! I lost $2900! SCAM. Do not book!
I, like so many others on these reviews, paid thousands of dollars to It Started In Africa. We have lost all of the money. The owners claim the company who they subcontract for advertising took the money. It is absolutely untrue. We wired the money directly to ownership. Clients were stranded, and in our case, we lost $2,900.
Per our contract, I attempted to get out of our safari, as the contract clearly states that I may do so and take a 20% loss. I chose this option over taking a chance on this horrific company after clients began posting that they were being left stranded on their trips. I have now submitted two requests and the owner is no longer responding.
I am now seeking legal counsel in Tanzania and working with government agencies that oversee tour companies in the hopes of legally prosecuting this fraudulent company. Please read the reviews so many of us have posted. We have lost so much money.
BE
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Safari with LOTS of animals and very caring driver
We, as a family of 5, went on a 6 day safari and visited the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti National Park, lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park.
* The accommodation was very good. We slept in tented camps in the parks and hotels close to the parks. We always had very good service and food over there and good and clean rooms/ tents to sleep in.
* Our guide (Faye) was very caring. He showed us lots of animals, could answer all our questions about the wild animals and gave us a lot of information himself too. On most days he drove us around in the parks until 7pm and always waited for us to admire the wildlife.
* We saw a lot of animals, including all the animals of the big 5 and even a leopard and some cheetahs!
* 6 days was a perfect amount of time for us, long enough to make sure we saw as much as possible, but still short enough not to get all too tired of the spotting.
We are all very happy about this wonderful experience and would strongly recommend it to other people! (couples as well as people by themselves as well as families with children that are not very young)
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect!
The communication with Selma was excellent: she answered quickly, she organised a cooler in the jeep ( to keep medication cool), she booked perfect locations for us. We had a 7 day trip to Northern Tanzania and 6 days on Zanzibar ( Hakuna Majiwe, Paje: sun, sea and beach)
Our favorite place is the Kisura Tented Camp in the Serengeti: so many animals in our backyard, the lions passing by in the evening (pointed out by the Masai guard), the fireplace, the best meals we had during our holidays and the personnel was very friendly.
Victor, our driver was very friendly too with a big knowledge of the animals and the culture (we will never forget The Masai Jeep :)) . He arranged the best spots for us to make pictures, we saw the big 5! And we felt safe in his Jeep.
Hakuna Majiwe is a perfect place to relax. When you want something else for dinner as a buffet, you can perfectly well eat by the neighbours of the Kilima Kidogo Lodge.
We highly recommend Makasa due to the perfect organisation of our Dream Holiday!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once (hopefully more) in a lifetime!!
My husband and I just finished a 4-day tour of the Masai Mara with Antony. He is super efficient and navigated through the Mara with expertise. He sang a local song when he picked us up and was very friendly and easy to get along with. His English was superb as well! He added a game drive to our itinerary because he knew how excited to we were to see the animals. He makes sure he does everything he can to see the animals you want to see. For example, we wanted to see the Wildebeest crossing and among tons of vehicles he made sure we weee front and center. I would absolutely book with Antony. He is the best guide you will get!!!
ES
We're very happy
We booked the safari from Spain and it was certainly a success, the organization very good, the exceptional treatment, Samuel and Freddy (our guide and driver behaved super good with us, they are lovely) we saw many animals and also without being contracted they took us to visit some villages. Would definitely return, highly recommended and great cars.
ES
Maravilloso! El guia "James" muy atento y gracias a el hemos visto los big 5!! Alucinante!!
Perfect! Ha sido todo alucinante! Lo recomendamos!!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extraordinary experience
Augustine created a wonderful adventure for us! We saw an amazing number of animals in various situations.. The logistics were excellent so our trip was a smooth and relaxing experience.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Definitly the best choice! Great trip
We contacted few suppliers for our Kenya safari trip and eventually decided with Kennedy, mostly because he replies super fast and always answer my questions. It turns out to be a very very good decision :)
We had 7 amazing days with Lawi, he brought us to the best parts of the park. We saw so many animals, especially the big ones. He is also very flexible and hard working. Many times other new drivers needs to follow our car to see animals. Lawi is definitly one of the most experienced guides.
Even before the trip ends, many of us already decided to return one day. there are so many to see here. Would recommend Kennedy for sure.