US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Namibia Roadtrip
Ronnie helped us plan and book a fantastic roadtrip in Namibia! They really listened to what we were looking for in terms of hotels and activities. Fast and responsive communication, seamless airport and car pick-up, great itinerary. We loved that all we had to do was show up!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very knowledgeable and highly motivated
This was my first safari and I was very impressed with the place its very big and beautiful our guide did his best for us to see all the animals we came to see we saw the big 5 expect one and that was the cheater which he explained that always hiding all and all if you want a pleasant day at a safari this place is the place
JP
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The operator was very kind and reliable, and responded promptly.
Good points
- The driver, Elia, was very kind.
- The operators were young and reliable, and were more flexible in their responses than other services.
- They also took me to and from the airport, so I didn't have to worry about anything else.
- The place I stayed was very clean and nice.
Points for improvement
Nothing in particular!
(automatic translation from Japanese)
US
Our tour operator Steve was absolutely incredible!
Exceeded expectations and then some!!! From the planning stages to the final airport drop off, Kiliholidays was there supporting us every step of the way! For some situational awareness, earlier this year my friend and I decided to fulfill a lifelong dream of doing a safari in Tanzania. So there we were, two American women with no real knowledge of what this trip would entail, preparing to make a substantial investment in ourselves and our dream trip. Neither us us knew anyone who'd done a safari so we made up our own rules when it came to planning. Kiliholidays met all of our search criteria but it was the quality of communication that we had with Mac that had us convinced very quickly that we'd found our tour group. We were not wrong. Kiliholidays took care of us every step of the way and for two women traveling alone in unfamiliar territory, it's a big deal to feel safe. We felt very safe with this team, and what an experience we had!!! Steve our tour operator was fantastic! Not only was the safari absolutely incredible regarding the animals we saw, but we met people, we had amazing food thanks to Chef D, and we just had a ton of fun. When we weren't in complete awe at the beauty that surrounded us, or learning lessons that we could have never picked up on the discovery Channel, we were laughing and exchanging stories, and generally just enjoying the thrill of the adventure. I can say that after this trip I finally understood what people mean when they talk about the bucket list. I've traveled a lot, all over the world, and I've never had an experience like this. We are already talking about another tour in the future! Thank you Mac, Steve and Chef D for bringing a dream we've had for a long time into reality!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
This company was terrific from the first quote to the last moment at the Nairobi airport.
I was amazed that Alica Moraa could create a perfect, affordable, private safari for me and my adult children. The original quote had me wanting to get on the plane that moment. None of the other companies I contacted were as helpful.
Alice's support with details, my personal challenges, and care were terrific. She is professional and delightful. She even met us at the Nairobi airport to give us a refund on a small excursion that had to be cancelled because of bad weather. I was shocked.
I was also amazed at the quality of the tour that Alice put together for us. Each location we visited, and each lodging she arranged was equal to or better than the last one. After our first arrival at Zebra Plaines Mara Camp, we worried that we had been totally spoiled. Every location and activity was magical. We were never disappointed. I am 77 , and my daughter is a vegan. I wondered if those things would be problems. The tour accommodated us perfectly. Also, everywhere we went the food was terrific, and varied and plentiful enough for all.
John Maina, our guide, became a great friend in addition to a professional expert guide. He loves his job, and it shows. So many times, I felt he had ordered the animals to appear for our personal benefit. His ability to spot animals in the wild, and predict their behavior put us in the right spot time after time. He knows a lot about the wildlife, so be sure to ask him lots of questions. We also watched him help and support other guides during our time together. He is a very good man in addition to being a very good guide.
His personal care for us was also always evident. As an old lady, he never seemed to tire of helping me in and out of the Land Rover multiple times a day. His careful driving on roads that could be very challenging showed his care for our comfort and safety. I'd almost like to repeat the exact same safari, just to have John take care of us again.
We were blessed to have found Morningstar. We will never forget the friendship and the experience.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
10/10 Accommodating, affordable, amazing adventure!
Planning a trip to Tanzania felt like a very daunting task, but African Big Cats made it SO easy. All we did was book flights, and they took care of all transportation, lodging, park passes, food, and anything else you could think of. After looking around at some other safari companies, we liked the price point of this one the best. It definitely felt more luxurious than we were expecting. We did an 8 day comfort safari, and really felt like we saw it all. I was shocked by how many different types of landscapes and terrains we saw. Of course the animals were amazing - we saw the big 5! Our guide Obedi was phenomenal. He was so knowledgable, accommodating, and an all-around cool guy. We had lots of great laughs together! The other amazing thing about this company is that it's run by Tanzanians, not some outside tour company, so you're really supporting the local community. The director came personally to our first lodge to tell us what to expect. The staff was SO responsive and accommodating, every step of the way.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond our expectations
The whole trip planning is very satisfying . The agent understood my brief and all the arrangements turned out to be perfect, especially our tour guide Andrew. He is so professional with excellent driving skills, full knowledge of animals and a savvy photographer which is beyond our expectations. He has a kind heart that we helped out a car of four season on our way to Serengeti. Andrew always spare the space for other cars when we have watched the animals. And he believes safety is the top priority.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceeded expectations & we had challenging demands
To accurately set this up, we were on a cruise beginning in Ft. Lauderdale in January and ending in Capetown on March 25th. It wasn’t until we were on the ship that we started kicking around the idea of planning a safari once we arrived Capetown. We engaged Jessica in mid February, about 6 weeks before we arrived in South Africa. THAT means availability was very limited for that short notice. We were on a safari 2 years ago at Greater Krueger and wanted to add a few new countries to our count. We mentioned we’d like to visit Victoria Falls and then a few days safari. Jessica suggested a 2 night stay at Victoria Falls which allowed us to tour both sides of the Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia. We were challenging in that I refused any type of small aircraft or helicopter transfer and she found the perfect itinerary for us with land transports. We stayed 2 nights at Ilala Lodge Hotel which even provided a mini safari from our deck with visits from Elephants and Warthogs as a bonus. Next is a transfer to A &K Sanctuary at Chobe Chilwero Lodge for 2 nights with multiple land and water safari’s all of which teemed with many many sightings of animals and colorful bird life. The final piece was a 3 night stay at Tsowa Safari Lodge with deluxe river view tent accommodation. The accommodations were beautiful and very deluxe/luxurious. Food and service at each was superb. I came to the conclusion that the luxury tent at Tsowa Safari Island is not for me because of the critters that found their way into our tent (giant spiders, a few frogs, monkeys) and the monkeys that sat in the trees above our unit and path to our unit. We had #9 which was the farthest from the main lodge and as a result more secluded which I think made them more emboldened. Their presence also prevented us from feeling entirely relaxed as we sat on the deck watching the beautiful Zambezi flow by. BUT, the Tent itself and the Lodge area was beautifully decorated, the staff so hospitable and food service delicious. Additionally, the guides and manager, Gary, so knowledgeable and accommodating. The wildlife sightseeings were better than we ever imagined. I’ve already contacted Jessica for our next, a Zebra and Wildebeest migration in 2027. We we most impressed with how seamless all the transfers between the lodges unfolded. All were very prompt and drivers very professional.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Untamed Safaris intimate knowledge of Africa provided a superb and unforgettable bespoke experience.
Ryan from Untamed Safaris went above and beyond. His advice, service, intimate and informed knowledge of Africa were invaluable. Every detail and recommendation delivered a smooth, hassle-free and varied safari experience. He communicated with us each leg of the trip, checking in to ensure that our needs were being met. Ryan’s advice to plan a year in advance ensured that we secured our preferred high-demand accommodation in Botswana and Kenya whilst keeping within our budget. We are now planning our next year’s trip with Untamed Safaris to Namibia and Zambia to expand on our unique African experiences.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Affordable, intimate, personalized safari experience
I did the 3 day Nyerere tour with Kihindo and it was more than I could’ve dreamed! I was looking for a private tour that was also budget friendly and fit into a smaller time frame .. this tour was that and more. From the planning with Winnie to our amazing guide Michael (we love you guys!) and trainee, it could not have been a more personalized amazing experience. Winnie even helped me plan a birthday surprise. Michael was super accommodating any time we wanted to stop on the drive and answer the millions of questions we had at all points. The accommodation provided was SO incredible, the food was great and the employees were so sweet. On the safari itself we saw ALL the animals wanted (zebras, elephants, giraffes, hippos). Michael even made sure we saw the lions which are never a given to see! We also had the pleasure of doing a boat tour and saw hippos and got to visit a Masaai village before heading back to Dar es salaam. This was such a special trip and I wish I could thank you guys a million times
