BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
All smiles with Serengeti Smile and Libe!
Our 7-day safari in Northern Tanzania with Serengeti Smile was incredible and exceeded all our expectations, in large part thanks to our excellent guide Libe! During the game drives, we managed to spot many different animals, including the Big Five and 13 (!) cheetahs. Libe was very professional, attentive and knowledgable and provided us with a lot of interesting facts about the animals. He really went the extra mile to make sure we got the most out of this trip. All accomodations we stayed in were great as well, especially the tented camps. The communication with Serengeti Smile also was very smooth, from travel advice and booking to the pick-up and drop-off at the airport. I can only recommend Serengeti Smile and Libe!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Recommended tour
Wonderful places with great opportunities to spot many wild animals; very reliable drivers and proactive management from the central tour office
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing wild experience
We arrived at Arusha’s Airport and our fantastic guide, named Ringo, picked us up to start our adventure.
We saw Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro NP, Serengeti NP and Tarangire NP. The parks were absolutely fantastic, in particular Serengeti and Ngorongoro where Ringo skillfully managed to find all the “big 5”, as well as many more species.
The accommodations were beautiful, in particular Moyo Tended Camp, immersed in wild nature.
Our guide Ringo was so kind and very careful to make us feel comfortable and happy during our journey.
Thanks a lot! Matteo & Rebecca
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Trip of a Lifetime with Asili Explorer
We recently embarked on an unforgettable 12-day journey through Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda with Asili Explorer, and it truly was the trip of a lifetime. From start to finish, every detail was meticulously planned and executed, thanks to Joe, the exceptional coordinator at Asili Explorer.
Joe curated an incredible itinerary, booking us into six remarkable hotels: Aya Sophia Wildlife Villas, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Gran Melia, Hotel Des Mille Collines, Misako Luxury Camp, Ngorongoro Oldeani Lodge, Serengeti Arc Safari Lodge, and Suricata Boma Lodge. Each hotel had its own unique story and charm, leaving us torn between staying in to soak up the ambiance or venturing out to explore the wild. The accommodations were beyond compare, with warm hospitality, delectable food, and settings so enchanting that words can hardly do them justice. Joe ensured that every hotel provided packed lunches and snacks for our safari adventures, which were not only delicious but also perfectly suited for our days in the wilderness.
Our guide in Tanzania, John, a proud Maasai, was nothing short of extraordinary. His deep knowledge of the Maasai culture and his warm storytelling brought the region to life. John arranged a visit to a Maasai tribe, where we were welcomed with open hearts and learned so much about their traditions and way of life. His expertise in navigating Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks, as well as the Ngorongoro Crater, was unparalleled. John’s keen eye for spotting wildlife allowed us to witness the Big Five and many other animals up close, capturing National Geographic-worthy photos with our modest camera. His passion and detailed explanations made every moment educational and awe-inspiring.
In Rwanda and Uganda, Joe coordinated with another guide, Benson, who was equally outstanding. His professionalism and warmth matched John’s, and together, they made our journey seamless and unforgettable. The booking process with Joe was effortless, with clear communication and not a single flaw to note. His professionalism shone through in every interaction, ensuring our trip felt like a dream.
Through this journey, we forged lifelong friendships with Joe, John, and Benson. Asili Explorer didn’t just plan a trip—they crafted an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experience that we’ll cherish forever. We wholeheartedly recommend Asili Explorer to anyone seeking an adventure filled with wonder, culture, and unparalleled beauty. This was more than a vacation; it was a dream brought to life.
Best wishes from Boston
RS
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
That magical morning of balloon safari
Our trip was planned by Joshua, who clearly explained every aspect of the entire journey from the beginning. Starting from Zanzibar, the balloon safari in Serengeti was undoubtedly the most exciting experience. When I was watching the huge flocks of zebras and gnus moving in the infinite savanna from above, it felt like I was in a movie. Our guide Imma has always been calm, patient, and exceptionally knowledgeable. Tarangire's elephant and Ngorongoro's lion - everything is shown perfectly. It wasn't just a trip it was an amazing experience.
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour operator was fantastic.
We had a wonderful trip to Zimbabwe as a group of students we enjoyed a tour around Victoria and Hwange
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our Kilimanjaro Summit Journey
A fantastic team that successfully reached the summit.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome organization, support and execution
6-Days private Safari fully organized by Kilipath for 4 people. Nothing to worry about from arrival to departure.
Awesome experience and beautiful accommodations .
Many thanks to HAPPY for having organized everything smoothly and to our driver PROSPER for his skills and knowledge.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Disappointing Experience and Lack of Value
Our experience with this service was profoundly disappointing. We found that the quality was poor, and markups were added without delivering any corresponding value.
Key Issues
Overpriced with No Added Value: Significant markups were applied, but the service did not justify the cost. For instance, our flight tickets show a price in Kenyan shillings equivalent to approximately $470, yet we were billed $698. For such a premium, we expected expertise, local insights, and proactive support, but received none.
Unreliable: There was a lack of rigour in the details provided, and some committed items in the itinerary were left undelivered until we challenged them. We were initially assured of premium room , but when we requested specifics, we discovered that our rooms were merely superior, not premium.
Disorganised: We had to repeatedly follow up for basic details such as driver timings. To us, the experience felt like dealing with a basic middleman service, without any added value. Thankfully, the hotels we booked were excellent and ultimately salvaged our trip.
Detailed Experience
Nairobi: Last-minute changes to our plans resulted in missing most of the elephant centre, skipping a paid-for market stop, and being transported in substandard vehicles for both the airport pick-up and the day tour.
Masai Mara: The vehicle provided was in poor condition—dirty, with some doors that wouldn’t open, and felt generally neglected. The driver was rude and spent the entire six-hour drive and subsequent game drives on their phone. They attempted to skip the paid game drive and were hostile when we insisted on following our itinerary. The day began with no clear plan, and when questioned, the driver was extremely discourteous. Later, they informed us that the paid for village tour could not be accommodated, as we supposedly needed to leave at 7 a.m. to reach the restaurant for lunch by 2 p.m.—none of which was previously communicated. We had to insist (and offer additional payment) for a different driver for the return journey to address these issues. To give them their due, Splendid organised an alternative.
Mombasa: Although we paid for a late checkout, the hotel was never informed. Transfers required constant chasing for details.
Refund and Transparency
We received a small refund for undelivered items, but there was no transparency regarding what these items were. The refund did not compensate for the poor experience. What was most disappointing was the lack of transparency—for example, skipping parts of the itinerary and claiming it was for our safety, yet not communicating this at the time of booking, Or late checkout not being arranged despite charging - with the explanation that they do this only on the last day when flight details are known. However, by then, the hotel had already allocated rooms – so even had they wanted to extend, it would have been impossible. Note - this late check out charge was refunded, on our demand.
Our recommendation based on conversations with other guests and travellers, is that you skip this service as you will receive better value, service, and advice by booking directly with hotels and camps.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thanks Magical Gorilla Adventures for once in a lifetime experience
I had the most incredible experience with Magical Gorilla Adventures during my gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. From the very beginning, their team was professional, welcoming, and extremely knowledgeable. The booking process was seamless, with clear communication and helpful guidance on what to expect and how to prepare for the trek. Thanks to Kolo and the team. Highly recommend them!