US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jackson - The guide that can find the Dodo bird
We just got back from a 9 day safari followed by 3 days in Zanzibar. We had a group of four, two couples in our 30’s. We worked through Matoka Tours. I found them online. They had the best reviews by far. Most importantly everyone raved about their guides. This was a huge sell for me. Connecting with you guide can make or break your trip.
I started out with emailing Ilse van Agtmaal, Sales Manager for Tanzania. I was worried at first but let me tell you….IIse has to be the most patient person there is. She put up with a least 75 emails from me (our group went back and forth on time of year and locations). Every email was answered with grace and kindness. By the time we paid for the trip I had zero worries about sending money.
When we got to Arusha we were greeting by one of the kindest people I have ever meet. Jackson H. (or action Jackson). He has two beautiful children, his baby was born SIX days before our tour. And is basically a walking animal/bird encyclopedia.
He/they took care of everything, all lodges/camps were always happily awaiting us. We never had to do anything in regards to park registration/fees. He even found me clean and tidy restrooms whenever I needed, except the Serengeti, which is too beautiful to pollute with structures and buildings. (Hey! This is a big deal for a lady).
On the second day it became very apparently that Jackson was truly listening to everything we said. He knew all the special things we each wanted to see and was very determined to find them for us. He saw stuff that other guides drove past without noticing, and knew how to position us so we always got our own private viewings. Like the morning he found us an entire pride of Lions in the Serengeti. There were 12 of them, from babies to full grown males. We watch them lay and play, then we followed them as slowly got up, one by one and drifted back into the trees and fog like a dream.
We ended up seeing over 50 lions, the Big 5? No Problem, we saw 4 in one day. I am fascinated by little cats in the wild....he found me a Serval at Sunset! We have movies of baby elephants playing in mud puddles, and a Cheetah teaching her cubs how to hunt. We sat near a leopard in a tree for what had to be 30 mins...time stood still as I gazed upon it and sketched its spots. I saw a baby wildebeest take its first drink of milk, followed by its first steps. Our grouped dubbed him as….”Jackson, the guide that can find the Dodo bird”.
Since this is getting to be such a long review i’ll sum it up and say:
Every meal was amazing, I never imaged we would eat as well as we did. I had planned on dropping a few pounds on the trip...nope! I gained some.
We always had hot showers, the cleanest of rooms and the best service. We had booked a comfort tour, but it was a luxuries and extravagant to us.
So many clean bathrooms..Everywhere!
The vehicle was always in perfect condition. We saw some people with a broken jeep in the Serengeti. Not us, we rode in style.
Clean water was never an issue
Travel sickness - One of the gentlemen in our group fell very sick. One night he couldn’t make it down for dinner, Jackson had the lodge cook him a special meal of tomato soup, rice and bread. He had them take it to his room/hut/tent and wouldn’t leave until he tried to eat. (now that's caring for your fellow human)
Zanzibar - not so much for me. Not to be a silly America, but oh my goodness hot in summer. We should have sprung for a lodge with A/C. Personally I felt more at home in the Serengeti. I connected with the park people better. Zanzibar felt a bit icy.
To conclude, I am so blessed to have taken this trip. I thank Makote Tours for making it the trip of our lives. (well, actually….we might go back, it was too good to stay away). And for always making us feel safe and comfortable, for treating us as good friends, not just clients.
US
Well planned and executed!
Ute did an excellent job of choosing the places we stayed and the safaris we took. Our driver for 2 days was excellent and we were able to see 3 of the big 5. The last day was in Sabi Sands. We hit the jackpot. On the first night drive, we saw 4 out of 5. We enjoyed the day in Sabi Sands the best because we didn't have to travel for almost 2 days to see the big five. Both accommodations were good and the food was excellent.
US
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Communicated well (Daniel) with us before the trip via email. Our driver/guide Moses was very knowledgeable and friendly about the wildlife and Uganda culture. An extremely satisfying experience.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
6 days 5 nights safaris in Kruger Park and Swaziland with Red Africa Safaris
The preparation period went smoothly despite many questions and demands we had. Amelia was very helpful in choosing the optimal camps for us. Based on our previous safaris experience in Kenya and Tanzania, our preference was for small tented camps and huts (not luxurious but less expensive and closer to wild animals). During evening braai (this time we avoided camps restaurants) we were able to see different animals patrolling around the camps fences (more often hyenas; as close as 3-4 meters). Our guide, Jaco is very knowledgeable about flora and fauna and did his best to show us as much animals and birds, and provide us with as much information, as possible. His capacity to adjust to different requirements of his clients and his availability was phenomenal – from 5 AM for morning drive to 10 PM when we went to sleep. Safety is an important priority for him. He knew the particularity of each camp we stayed and told us what to expect, what to do and what not to do. We recommend Red Africa for its excellent ratio quality/price service and openness to clients’ demands.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I had the best experience of a lifetime. Solaris is the way to go!!
Communication was excellent. They were courteous and very knowledgeable about everything. This was a lifetime experience and I still talk about it everyday. When I come back, I'm definitely booking my tours through Solaris Tours and Safaris.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Knowledgeable and friendly operator
Interaction with operator over WhatsApp and email, a few weeks before the trip, was made us confident that the service is going to be good. We didn't get disappointed. They were very punctual, friendly and knowledgeable. Made the whole tour an unforgettable experience. Will definitely recommend.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We had a blast with Bestday!
My husband and I took the 5D4N safari trip to Serengiti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. Bestday was super reliable.
1. Pre-trip communication: The company was very prompt in replying to us and addressing all our concerns on visa, hotels, itineraries. Till the last day we could make changes to the arrangements. Thanks to Peter for the smooth communication!
2. Pick up and drop off: We didn't have to wait to be picked up when we landed at Kilimanjaro airport. The drivers are professional and hospitable.
3. Choice of accomodation: This was a huge factor for us to go with Bestday. They offered rates for the premium hotels in Tanzania that no one else did. We stayed at Four Seasons, Kati-Kati camp and Lemala camp, all completely taken care of without any headache of check-in and check-out.
4. Guide: This was the single most important factor that could have made our trip good or bad. Our guide 'Six' was very experienced, professional and super accomodating. He has been a guide for 17+ years and could spot animals where we would normally not have been able to. He was not pesky like the other guides and not once did he complain about us not visiting side attractions where he was probably getting commission. Six was an absolute delight sharing stories about his safari experiences with us and became family after 5 days. Our park entrances and other sightseeing were so hassle-free because of him. Big thumbs up to him!
https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowUserReviews-g297913-d8682454-r465772407-Bestday_Safaris-Arusha_Arusha_Region.html#
TR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience
The team and tour manager Castro was very helpful. He was easily reachable before safari during planning.
We both had a safari trip in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and climb to Kilimanjaro, Uhuru peak.
Different teams accompanied us during safari and Kilimanjaro climb. Both team were excellent. There were absolutely no problems during our 10 days Tanzania trip.
EE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great adventure
We took part in a 5-day safari to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
David (the owner) is a man of his word. Everything work out great and Kili Slope delivered all that was promised. Chef (Police) and driver (Jackson) were good at their jobs. We managed to see all the big five, basically almost all the animals that live in Serengeti.
If you wanna leave something out, then don't leave Manyara, usually that one is left first, I would leave out Tarangire, beacuse its really similar to Serengeti. Manyara has rainforest, which is really nice and different. Nothing wrong with the chosen campsites also. Serengeti one was really close to wildlife :)
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good arrangements and excellent luxury accommodations.
The booking process was straight forward with easy communication.Ou person of contact was Kennedy.He is really reliable.Our driver Matthew was very knowledgeable.He made sure that we saw most of the wildlife as they had promised.My family was overwhelmed by the nature and wildlife.I recommend African Challenge Safaris 100%.