50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly, flexible...fantastic
From first contacting owner Frank to research trip options a year before travelling, to bidding a fond farewell to our great guide Tarfique at Kigali Airport we had a fantastic experience with Golden Rwanda Safaris. At every stage it was easy to contact Frank via email and he answered all my various questions politely. We booked the 12 Days Rwanda Safari Adventure, having agreed that we would alter the scheduled itinerary in a couple of places so that it best met our wishes. Prices were competitive, but the service from Frank gave me greater confidence to book with Golden Rwanda. When we arrived at Kigali Airport, Tarfique was waiting for us and we began what was like a trip with a well-informed, local friend. We had a great time, chatting and laughing with him, while at every stage of our tour Tarfique checked how we were feeling and what we wanted to do. We made more changes to the itinerary as we travelled round the beautiful country, having a wonderful experience. Although the National Parks organise the various primate treks, Tarfique ensure we had places on an easier gorilla trek due to my wife's mobility and we had a brilliant solo trek to meet colobus monkeys in Nyungwe which made that even more magical than the chimpanzee and golden monkeys treks that we did in small groups. Boat trips on the lakes of Kivu, Iheme and Rehondo (one of the itinerary changes we made) were wonderful too. Hotels we stayed in were described as mid-range, but were all great and varied from the gorgeous setting of Ruzizi Tented Camp in Akagera to the 5 star smoothness of Serena hotels in Kigali and Gisenyi. At all hotels the staff were very friendly and cheerful - but special mention to the lovely team at Ruzizi who made our stay there super special. All in all a dream holiday with Golden Rwanda Safaris and a big tick off our bucket list!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had a really good time
We would like to point out that our guide Michael made our Safari quit amazing. We really enjoyed the program and would do a trip like that always again.
Thanks for planning this tour.
Best regards
Norbert
NL
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very friendly and much knowledge of the nature in Tanzania
We were lucky to travel 12 days with Godlisten in May through TANZANIA. He was an excellent driver and very nice guide. We had an extra day in the surroundings of Arusha , where he showed us the museum of natural history and a snake museum. The visit to the Chemka hotspring was a surprising experience. But the highlights of our trip were the safaris with Godlisten. We went to Arusha NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro and of course Serengeti NP. Thanks to Godlisten we saw many, many animals. He knows his way around the parks. And he explained a lot of these animals. We had a lot of time to take as much pictures as we wanted. During the travel we could always ask for extra service.
Next time we will book Godlisten again! We consider Godlisten as our friend now and hope to meet him again.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Exquisite
Hard working, making sure we comfortable, knows how to navigate the journey
DE
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
This was certainly not our last visit to this wonderful part of Africa, Jambo !
First of all, a big compliment to the whole team at Shadows of Africa: The preparation and planning of the trip together with Jessica was individual and personal, the briefing and on-site support by Ben and especially Hosana and the team at the Olerai Lodge was exemplary and the tour with our guide Moody was a real experience because he brought us closer to the Serengeti, the country and the people. The selected accommodations (with special features such as the bucket shower in the Nyikani Camp) delighted us and the lunchtimes in the wilderness also contributed greatly to the positive experience. We saw Arusha and the Tarangire National Park, roamed large parts of the Serengeti National Park and drove through the Ngorongoro Crater. We had calculated the final time on Kilimanjaro a little tight. But all in all, we got an unforgettable impression on the compact 12-day trip. Karibou!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Punctual and reliable.
My recent trip to Kenya was absolutely exhilarating, leaving me yearning for more. Our meticulously planned itinerary took us to Tsavo West National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and the Maasai Mara. The vast savannahs and the incredible variety of wildlife we encountered were simply breathtaking. We saw majestic lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many more. It made me wonder how awe-inspiring it would be to witness the Great Migration.
The accommodations were excellent, providing a perfect blend of comfort and luxury. After long days of bumpy game drives, it was a delight to enjoy sumptuous meals and unwind with a hot shower, which truly rejuvenated us for the next day's adventures.
A special mention goes to our guide, Sebastian. His dedication, punctuality, and keen eye for spotting wildlife made our trip even more memorable. His deep knowledge and network of information about animal sightings allowed us to experience numerous unforgettable moments.
Overall, this journey to Kenya was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, offering an immersive experience in one of the world's most magnificent natural settings. I can't wait to return and explore more of this beautiful country.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A day to remember
Right up there with the very best day tours anywhere in the world. Ian is such an engaging guide and Matobo NP is simply breathtaking. A wonderful day that I’ll remember forever.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous guide, magical safari
This trip was just amazing, magical and unforgettable. Amani our guide was lovely and dedicated. And so patient to find animals and explains us everything we need to know. Thanks you so much Amani and you’re welcome in Paris anytime !
Before the safari the communication with the agency was super smooth. Innocent was here to help and plan our honey moon as we wanted. We enjoyed so much and we recommend 100%.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
On Day 1, we were picked up from our hotel, which was not part of the Suricata network (but Hillary helped make it happen for us) and taken to a meeting spot, where we met up with our first guide, Max, who took us to Tarangire National Park. Max was very knowledgeable and gave us important information on the park itself and the animals. He was also super flexible, stopping anytime we needed to snap a photo or get a closer look. We then stopped for a delicious lunch (shoutout to Tito, who was our chef throughout the 4 days we were there). Unlike other companies who provided boxed lunches, Suricata provided a nice spread, which included a stew, rice, veggies, & fresh fruit. We then continued on our game drive after lunch, at which point we were taken back to our meeting point. There, a driver took us to the Twiga campsite. Overall, everything was very well coordinated; however, when we got to the campsite, our driver didn’t give us much information on where to check in. Luckily, another chef, James, helped us get settled in. Of note, Twiga offers both a tenting and lodge option. Our package included the camping, but seeing as how you’re in an enclosed property with no wildlife in sight (other than the Maribou Stork - one of the ugly 5), we decided to upgrade to the lodge. Worth a few extra bucks, in our opinion. We were also provided with a free walking tour of the village - an unexpected extra perk that gave an insight to the local village. Definitely recommend it.
On days 2-4, we had Rocky as our guide. He was an absolute rockstar. He took us to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro NP, & The Crater. He was an amazing guide - beyond knowledgeable about ALL the animals (especially if you’re an avid birder - we didn’t start off as one, but definitely ended as one thanks to Rocky’s enthusiasm and expertise). Rocky was patient, funny, accommodating, and just an overall great guy. Also of note, he has an incredible knack for spotting creatures from a wild distance. How he spotted that python on the side of the road, I have no clue! We were truly lucky to have him. Even when we decided last minute to do a hot air balloon ride, Rocky went out of his way to ensure that we were able to book it with ease. The Safari network is strong!
We camped on nights 2 & 3. Beyond worth it. We could have opted for a lodge on these nights too, but if you want to embrace the adventure of camping with hyenas, lions, giraffes, buffalos, and elephants, we highly recommend you go for it. You will be in great hands.
We had delicious meals throughout the safari. Tito cooked a special meal for breakfast, lunch, & dinner that highlighted local ingredients, which really enhanced the experience, especially if trying new foods is of interest. Also of note, one of our group members had a stomach ache on the second day, and Tito whipped up a special concoction that provided her with relief in a short 30 mins. He’s amazing!
As a final last touch, Daniel met us at our hotel at the end of the Safari to ensure that our tour met our expectations. He wanted to make sure we arrived comfortably and that we had what we needed for the next part of our stay in Tanzania. He was able to arrange private transport to the airport for us - definitely nicer and less expensive compared to any other option.
In short, if you’re looking for a Safari company, we would highly recommend Suricata. You’ll get a personalized experience and memories to last a lifetime. This is just the beginning…. (iykyk)
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An extraordinary experience!
My three children and I went on a week-long safari with Omary. The professionalism, kindness and friendliness of our guide, Omary (with whom we really had a great time!!!), made this trip truly extraordinary. Omary's enthusiasm and love for Tanzania rubbed off on us, introducing us not only to the wonders of the parks, the beauty of the animals (we managed to see the big five!!!!!!) and the plants, but also to the extraordinary strength of the Tanzanian people. We returned to Italy richer than when we left!!!
Martina