20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, accommodating and friendly
Theodore’s service taking me and my partner from Hamilton’s Tented Camp in Kruger Park to Johannesburg was fantastic. He made us aware of what to expect on the long journey from the beginning, provided us with water, let us know about the WiFi which helped pass the 8 hour journey and allowed for 3 comfort breaks. He drove safely. Would use his service again.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Feast of Wilderness and Luxury Beyond Imagination
Before setting foot on the mysterious and untamed soil of Tanzania, I carried boundless longing for the African savanna—yet also a trace of anxiety about every link of the upcoming safari. From the very first contact with Serengeti Smile, however, all worries dissolved. What followed was a full-spectrum, immersive, top-tier safari in which every detail revealed professionalism and dedication, allowing me to feel the unique magic of Africa in depth.
Ground Operator: Serengeti Smile
Seller: Jeremiah
While I was still planning, Serengeti Smile’s pre-sale service made a deep impression. The sales staff demonstrated exceptional expertise: they knew Tanzania’s national parks, wildlife behaviour, optimal viewing seasons and local customs inside out. According to my interests they tailored a detailed, logical itinerary. Their replies were so fast I almost forgot the time difference; every exchange felt like a spring breeze. Visas, packing lists, on-the-road advice—however small, they answered everything patiently, building my confidence and anticipation long before departure. During the trip, we had a scare: we left our wallet in the lodge safe. By the time we realized, we were already a hundred kilometres away. After contacting Jeremiah, he immediately called the lodge, confirmed the wallet was there, and got back to us within an hour. We collected it on our return to Arusha—an episode that showed just how professional and caring they are.
Guide: Domi
Once the safari began, Domi proved nothing short of brilliant. Like a walking encyclopedia of the East African plains, he had every animal’s habits, habitat and migration pattern at his fingertips. While tracking wildlife he remained totally focused, missing nothing. The moment he spotted a target he piloted us close, quickly yet safely, so we could watch creatures in their natural state. Professional as he is, Domi is also hugely personable, sharing stories and anecdotes that bound us emotionally to the land. Mid-drive he would buy us ice-cold Cokes; under the scorching sun that sudden chill dispelled all fatigue and felt like the care of a friend. His driving is superb—whether in muddy marshes or over rugged hills he threaded the vehicle smoothly, delivering us to every park on schedule and ensuring we missed none of the action.
Accommodation:
This safari overturned every cliché I had about “camping in the bush”. Serengeti Smile’s choices—tented camps or lodges—are benchmarks of quality and comfort. In the Serengeti camp I stepped into a spacious, bright tent complete with a soft bed, immaculate bathroom and—miraculously—24-hour hot water. After a dusty day among wildlife I could wash it all away, then lie listening to night-time insects and distant animal calls, feeling perfectly at peace under canvas yet wrapped in modern convenience. Buffet meals were a revelation: fresh ingredients, abundant choice, from authentic Tanzanian flavours to international western dishes, every plate perfectly cooked and served by smiling staff who never let a water glass stand empty.
Vehicle: Toyota Land Cruiser
On safari the vehicle is everything. Serengeti Smile provided a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser—hard-riding outside, spacious and comfortable inside, seats superbly supportive even on all-day drives. A fridge and air-conditioning kept us cool and energised; chilled drinks were always ready. Clever storage meant cameras, binoculars and snacks were within easy reach. Each morning Domi inspected every detail—oil, tyres, shock absorbers—spotting and fixing potential faults before we rolled. Not once were we delayed by breakdowns, though we often saw other groups stranded at the roadside—a clear testament to Serengeti Smile’s mechanical vigilance.
Safari Experience:
The climax, of course, was encountering the Big Five. Under Domi’s guidance we roamed the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, following the trails of legend. We watched lions lounging beneath acacias, their manes glowing in the sun; elephant families parading across the grass, calves trunk-curling in curiosity; leopards draped over tree limbs, rosettes melting into dappled shade; buffalo herds marching in dust-clouded phalanx; and the critically endangered black rhino, a lone armoured ghost on a crater-floor salt flat. Every meeting was electric. Domi anticipated behaviour and positioned us for the best views and photographs, letting us capture moments we had dreamed of for years.
Looking back, Serengeti Smile delivered an unrivalled safari: flawless pre-sale service, a guide who is both scholar and friend, accommodation that pampers without losing the wild, a vehicle that never faltered, and wildlife encounters that will blaze in my memory forever. This was far more than a holiday—it was a baptism of the soul, a reminder of nature’s grandeur and of the professionalism and passion that people can bring to it. I have already resolved to return, and when I do, Serengeti Smile will again be my only choice.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
great！
I had a wonderful safari experience. Hatibu was very attentive throughout the entire trip, answering many questions with prompt responses. He even went the extra mile to arrange airport transfers and a city tour that day. Due to schedule adjustments, some of our preferred hotels were already fully booked. This was a slight disappointment, but we still managed to see all the animals we were looking for.
The car was spacious, with excellent views. We had plenty of water! A few more binoculars would have been helpful. Most lunches were hot meal, but we ate them on the jeep, not sure if it was a safety requirement that prevented us from leaving the car. It would have been much better if there were tables and chairs for a picnic!
The guide was also very professional, driving quickly but safely. He was always actively looking for the Big Five! He also explained a lot about the animals' behavior. Since most animals are more active in the morning and evening, if you can arrange for a midday break, and more morning and evening game drives would have been even more enjoyable!
Overall, I was very satisfied! Highly recommended!
AR
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best
We were so glad to hired Essence tours for our experience in Ethiopia. They were so kindly and their guides were excellent. They knew everything about the country and always explained all we asked. Wondale in Lalībela was an excellent guide and a person too. We don’t remember the name of the guide in Addis, but was very good too. I will recommend this agency to everyone who want to know Ethiopia, because every question we made, was immediately answered.Thanks to all the staff!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Tour
We had a wondeeful tour, seeing gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys in Rwanda and Uganda. Our guide Andrew was fantastic, going above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible. The accomodation and food was also very good. Highly recommend!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jimmy is very friendly and kind. He has been working very hard. Let him have more rest.
Everything was perfect. We saw many animals. Our guide was Jimmy. He was very responsible, very handsome, and very familiar with the route.
PL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent trip
It was amazing safari-5 stars like a BIG 5.
Reliable agency-my strong recommendations.
A big thanks goes out to Wycliffe-thank You so much
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great!!
It was a wonderful tour. The tour guide, Martin was great and knowledgeable. He made it a very entertaining time. I will definitely come back.
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great service
Visited Kenya in August and toured Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli with ROZSELLA AFRICA SAFARIS — everything was seamless! Great service, amazing guides, and unforgettable experiences. Highly recommended!
BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect! The best guide.
Myself and my husband are from Brazil and we had a great experience on this Safari.
Since the first day, we could see lots os animals.
We managed to see the big fives.
Our guide (Tim) was always looking for the best spot.