US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Phenomenal 13-day Tanzania Safari
Our family of seven just returned from a phenomenal 13-day Tanzanian trip with Shadows of Africa over the Christmas/New Year holidays. I contacted Karen, who welcomed my questions, connected with us via Zoom, and provided fantastic presentations via email. The presentations included maps, routing, and photos of all the proposed lodges and tented camps. As it was already July and we were planning to go in December, the trip required a fair amount of logistical organization as the itinerary evolved and lodging options became unavailable. Karen handled the entire process with aplomb sending an updated itinerary with photos of the new lodge or camp.
As it turns out, we were delayed inbound to Tanzania and Karen re-arranged our first day and obtained alternative accommodations while we were enroute. The following morning, our guides Charles and Loma arrived at the lodge in two brand-new Toyota Landcruisers. Both were very experienced guides with 7-8 years’ of experience with Shadows. On the first day, the guides took us for a short orientation to the Shadows office. We were met by Ben, who reviewed the trip with us and discussed our revised itinerary, expectations, and our personal priorities. This was a very nice touch. We were then off to the Serengeti.
Throughout our journey, Loma and Charles were wonderfully kind, respectful and interested in our comfort, interests, and needs. As communication even with radios and Wi-Fi on board can be sketchy, Loma and Charles were constantly speaking with other guides along the road. Between the two, we always had a line on where the animals could be found. Both were incredibly knowledgeable about the animals, the birds and even the bugs. Having chased nature with binoculars and a camera around the globe, the most important thing has been the guides we’ve traveled with. Charles and Loma were right up there at the top and made it a fabulous, informative, fun and entertaining trip. The whole family continued to talk about how we missed them after returning to the States. I can’t say enough about Shadows and everyone we worked with.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Marvelous
This was a last minute decision to travel and Jonam did not disappoint. They made me feel like all was planned early. They accommodated me well and helped me get through all stages. The hotels were superb. I loved the luxury hotels in Masai mara and Amboseli. The white Rhino in Ol pajeta was a good one. I enjoyed the safari.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Sarafi Experience - Beyond my wildest dreams
Our safari experience October 2024 was amazing. The time w/ James was beyond all my expectations. He is so knowledgeable about the animals and I learned so much. It was way beyond just viewing - but 100% educational. About how the animals interact, care for each other, mate, stay in families or not etc. James has so much soul and is so passionate about his work and sharing his knowledge with those in his jeep. I can’t recommend James enough - I feel so lucky that we landed with him as our safari guide! You will be so happy if you book your Safari with James at Wild Portrait Safaris!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable safari of a lifetime
Tazama Africa Holidays was everything I’d hoped for and more. As a solo female traveler for this trip, I felt safe and cared for from the time I was picked up by my knowledgeable guide, Fred, to my departure at the end of the Safari.
Tazama Africa Holidays provided a once in a lifetime experience I hope to experience again! I saw more wild animals than I ever had before, and learned so much from my guide, Fred. I even saw female lions chasing away male lions to protect their cubs, an experience that cannot be replicated. Fred knew exactly where to go to see the animals and we even came face to face with a rhino that was crossing the road.
I would highly recommend Tazama Africa Holidays to anyone looking for a premium safari adventure.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic, communicative, excellent service
I cannot say enough positive things about Lion King Safaris. They were very excellent with communication and quickly responded even without last minute booking. The pricing inclusive driver, boarding, food, park entry fees was very reasonable. All of the places that that reserved for overnight stays were very with good if not excellent accommodations and food- especially at Nyota and Kawaha. After the safari ended, they even organized and accommodated a last minute trek to Ol Doinyo Lengai in 24 hours which was fantastic.
Big thanks to the driver/guide Steven. Having an experienced driver like Steven W. was instrumental in how enjoyable the trip was. Steven has been driving for years so he has a network of colleagues who he would communicate with or he just knew where to go to see that most animals and avoid crowds. In once day were saw 2 prides with several lions close up, as well as a lioness and her 5 cubs, a crossing with 25 elephants and a plethora of giraffes. All in just one day. We saw several leopards including 2 one day. He would drive and constantly scan the horizon and what appeared to be a rock turned out to be a rhino- it was impressive.
Having an experienced also paid off in ways were not obvious at first but became apparent during the trip. Several times, we had to stop and Steven had to assist younger, less experienced drivers with their vehicles so that they and their passengers get back on the safaris. We saw other, less seasoned drivers stuck in the mud with their passengers because they took the wrong path. After seeing these incidents, it was reassuring to have a veteran like Steven.
Overall, it was an amazing trip. I have been telling everyone I know how great the trip was. Looking forward to coming back again someday.
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A unique and enriching safari experience.
We explored the wildlife in Kenya with Nashibe Adventures. We start to Sibiloi National Park gave us a fascinating insight into Kenya's prehistoric past. Our guide us through the park's archaeological sites and the shores of Lake Turkana. We saw crocodiles and hippos, and the sheer remoteness of the area made it feel like we were discovering a hidden gem. A unique and enriching safari experience.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Tourguide in Arusha!
We had an unforgettable adventure with Busch and Forest Explorers on this 2-day safari! The trip was packed with thrilling moments that we’ll cherish for a lifetime. From the breathtaking landscapes to the abundance of wildlife, every moment was pure magic.
The Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park offered stunning natural beauty, and we were lucky to see so many incredible animals up close. The adrenaline of these encounters made the experience even more exciting!
The accommodations exceeded our expectations, with a great pool and excellent standards that provided comfort after our action-packed days.
We can’t wait to return for another adventure with Busch and Forest Explorers. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable safari experience!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tour Operator Changed Lodging
I wish I had seen previous reviews before booking our tour. As others had stated the tour operator changed our lodging without notifying us beforehand. One lodge was downgraded and NOT what we paid for. We paid for semi-luxury lodging and it was a serious downgrade. A second lodge change wasn't exactly what we had expected but it was fine. No matter what the tour operator should have notified us of any change before we left on our tour. The downgraded lodge makes us feel like we were taken advantage of because there isn't anything we could do but accept the change. No refund was offered.
Very Frustrating!
US
Jacqueline who organized our trekking and Barrack were both super efficient and friendly.
The gorilla trekking was an unusual an unforgettable experience. The walk has some rough patches so come prepared with good boots and protective clothing. But the likelhood of finding gorillas with a good ranger is high and if you are lucky with the weather it is definitely worth the cost
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The days with Vianny they were the most amazing experience in my life they change my life forever.
Vianny make this days amazing, everything was better than I except, beyond the words. He is always looking for the best views, the best area, make us to feel absolutely wonderful and feel in family. This guy and his company change my life forever and is the best travel that I make in my life.