JP
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A unique Experience of exploring Lalibela and Danakil trips!!
My friend and I traveled to Ethiopia with a focus on exploring the remarkable rock-cut churches of Lalibela and the unique landscapes of Danakil. We were fortunate to work with an experienced tour operator. Tsehaynew provided invaluable support and closely monitored every step of our journey. Our guide in Lalibela, Kalu, was exceptional—extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the churches.
We visited all the churches and even trekked to the Asheton Mary Monastery, located 10 km from town, which was an unforgettable experience. The trip to Danakil was like entering another world, filled with adventure and breathtaking scenery. The entire team was well-organized, ensuring everything went smoothly.
Overall, we had an incredible trip and can't thank the team enough. I highly recommend Essence Ethiopia Tours for anyone looking to explore this beautiful country!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect safari for what we wanted
This safari was exactly what we hoped it would be- to see as many things and places as possible with down to earth accommodations on a budget (as we’re a family of 8).
Major pros & highlights:
The animals. We saw so much! And David was always willing to stop for even the smallest of birds.
The food, especially at the Lake Naivasha accommodations (Apex Leisure).
David knows how to get you in the perfect spot for the best photos and experiences. We felt like we always had the best view!!
The final stop at Manjaro tented camp had the friendliest hospitality. Extra props to Jonathan for always being available.
Timeliness- David was always ready on time.
Susan is quick to reply to our emails which gave us a lot of peace of mind. It was ultimately the reason we went with this company.
Cons:
There were some miscommunications with the cost of the extra experiences. I’m not sure where the problem landed- us, guide or vendor but it happened twice. I’d recommend making sure it’s VERY clear and agreed on by everyone prior to starting. It’d be nice if you knew the prices prior to the trip.
While petty, the pillow situation was tough- if you’re pillow picky, I’d recommend bringing a small one just in case.
The time in the car driving from one location to another can be quite long (7+ hours) so be prepared. I’m not sure there is another way to see so much but if you have smaller kids or don’t enjoy very long road trips, consider few parks.
Overall, we would do this again! Thank you!!
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari
Our safari with Savannah Explorers was truly incredible. The accommodations they selected exceeded all our expectations, offering both comfort and a touch of luxury. The team was always available and went above and beyond to accommodate all our requests, making the planning process seamless and stress-free.
A special mention goes to our guide, Stephen, who was exceptional in every way. His ability to spot animals was unparalleled, allowing us to see all the Big Five and many other fascinating species. His extensive experience with both the terrain and the vehicle was evident, as he skillfully navigated even the most challenging, muddy roads.
Stephen was not only knowledgeable and professional but also a genuinely kind and delightful person to spend time with. Thanks to him and Savannah Explorers, this safari was an unforgettable adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Tanzania.
BY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable experience
We are three friends, me (Martina) Elisa and Simona, the guide accompanied us for 4 days to do Safari, it was an unforgettable experience, he was very good and kind with us! We will never forget this beautiful experience thanks for everything!!!
(automatic translation from Italian)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Timely,professional, kind and friendly.
The team was timely, I didn’t have to call or wait. The moment I connected to airport Wi-Fi, I got a WhatsApp message that they were already waiting for me.
They made it seamless for someone visiting Tanzania for the 1st time.
They thought of everything that could have caused me a bit of stress and catered to it ahead of time.
I’d highly recommend YourHolidayAbroad to anyone who seeks to have a great experience .
Thank you so much Zena and the entire team.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They made our dreams come true
It's been the trip of our life. I would recommend it 100x100. They made our dream trip come true.
First of all, we were so lucky with the driver Ayoub. He's very polite, funny and the best Big5 finder. We saw all the lions, cheetah, leopard, elephant, giraffe so close... and WE SAW THE RINO ASWELL.
All because of the experience and the knowhow of our new friend Ayoubu.
The food on the trips was really tasty and healthy as I like!!! And the coffee is special, so tasty..
Can't wait to be back there.
I would rate all the experience with the words EXCELLENT AND MAGIC
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extremely professional, welcoming and helpful. Super recommend choice as a tour operator!
I found Leopard Orchid on Safaribookings and they have been incredibly helpful since the very first conversations. The whole experience was completely customizable and you can request all sort of transfers as well if you like. We did Maasai Mara, Nakuru NP, Ambosseli NP and Tsavo East NP for a total of 5 days safari. Amazing experience, especially Maasai Mara and Nakuru where we managed to see all the big five plus a plenty of other stunning creatures. Our guide, Paul, definitely was a gigantic added value to the tour. He has always been super kind and willing to answer my numerous questions about the parks and their fauna. We really appreciated the passion Paul puts into his job, and it made all the difference in our experience.
Accomodations were always nice and cozy, maybe the one in Nakuru was the only not to be perfect, with a couple of inconveniences that happened. But, a part from that, even the choice of the accomodations was great. Communication with Michael was excellent as well as perceived service.
Regarding the price, we spent 3.2k USD for two people, which I believe is an ok price for all the things we have seen/done. Still one of the best quotes we got after talking with a few operators.
Generally speaking, I completely recommend the tour we did and specifically to book it with Leopard Orchid if you are looking for lovely attitude and solid competence.
GR
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic
We had a fantastic safari arranged by Beyond the plains. The hotel and lodge were really nice and we had a fantastic driver that made us see loads of animals including the Big Five in Masai Mara. I strongly recommend Beyond the Plains.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly professional, friendly, and transparent
My girlfriend and I recently completed a 6-day safari tour, which included 2 nights in the Serengeti and 1 night in the Ngorongoro Crater, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the experience. From the moment we began planning, everything exceeded our expectations, thanks to the exceptional team behind this trip.
Our contact person, Aishwarya, was incredibly responsive and helpful. She answered all our questions quickly and made us feel confident throughout the booking process. We opted to transfer money via bank transfer instead of paying cash on arrival, and the team’s transparency and professionalism made us feel completely at ease with this choice.
What truly set this experience apart was the team’s willingness to customize the itinerary to match our preferences. When we expressed interest in spending more time in the Serengeti and doing a balloon safari, they seamlessly adjusted the plan. We made the decision to skip Tarangire National Park to make it happen and feel it was worth it.
Our guide, Luis, played a huge role in making the safari unforgettable. His expertise, friendly demeanor, and attentiveness ensured we had the best experience possible. He consistently went above and beyond to make sure we spotted wildlife, enjoyed the stunning landscapes, and learned about the rich ecosystem of the parks.
We stayed in luxury tented accommodations, which was an incredible way to feel close to nature without sacrificing comfort. We particularly loved our stay at Signature Camp in the Serengeti. Waking up to the sounds of wildlife and enjoying the breathtaking views was truly magical. The only change we might have considered was upgrading to a lodge for our night at Ngorongoro due to the cooler temperatures, but even then, the facilities at the tented camp were well-maintained and comfortable.
The balloon safari was a highlight of the trip and worth every penny. While safaris are undeniably an expensive endeavor, the incredible service, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and personalized touches made us feel it was great value for money.
Overall, we would highly recommend this safari team to anyone considering a trip. From the smooth planning process to the unforgettable memories made on the ground, this was truly a dream adventure.
Thank you to Aishwarya, Luis, and the entire team for giving us an experience we will treasure forever!
