US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An unforgetable experience
We started our search a year ago. We contacted 6 companies, but narrowed it down to 3 when we saw some companies wanted you to pay on arrival in Tanzania. We spent a few weeks comparing the different lodges and accommodation. Joshua was our initial contact and we appreciated how flexible he was with changes to the lodges. We planned to visit in June, but told him seeing the migration was the main reason for our visit. At his suggestion, we changed to the end of July. What a great suggestion! We finally decided on a nine day / eight luxury safari.
Once our deposit was paid, Naomi was our contact person. We decided to add an extra day so we could see Mount Kilimanjaro. She was able to rearrange our itinerary so we do that. She also contacted us when we had to change lodges in Tarangire due to the lake being flooded.
A few months later we had a few questions and sent numerous emails which weren't answered. We finally resorted to writing a WhatsApp message, which was answered almost immediately. Somehow my emails went into a spam / junk folder. I can understand how that happens, but got worried when my two emails for confirmation of payment weren't answered. This was the only issue we had.
Our guide Obedi met us at Kilimanjaro Internation Airport. He was an amazing guide and was very knowledgeable on the vegetation, animals and birds that we saw. We really enjoyed his great sense of humor. Driving around Tanzania can be very hair-raising but I didn't ever feel unsafe with his driving.
The Operating Director Emanuel met us in Arusha to discuss our experience with the company so far and to discuss our itinerary. I really appreciated this personal touch. We met him after the safari too.
Our first night was spent at the Tumbuli Lodge in Arusha. We really enjoyed the relaxed environment and the grounds are like a botanical gardens. I would highly recommend it.
We spent two nights at the Intimate Camp Zebra in the Northern Serengeti. It was a few minutes drive to the Mara River to see the migration. The airstrip is also close by. At night we had wildebeest and zebra moving around our tent. I can understand why you needed a guide to lead you at night.
We got to see a few hundred wildebeest crossing the river. Obedi was in radio contact with the other guides, so was able to get us great viewing spots. At one stage everywhere you looked there were wildebeest. Amazing!
We saw lions every day. We also saw cheetahs, a leopard (stalking a wildebeest crossing the Mara river), herds of elephants, buffalo and numerous birds species. The only member of the big 5 we didn't see was the rhino. Obedi really went out of his way to find one in the Ngorongoro Crater, but unfortunately we didn't see one!
Our last night was spent at Kambi ya Tembo in the Western Kilimanjaro. This was our favorite lodge. Sylvester and his staff made us really welcome. There were only 2 safari vehicles in the camp, so we enjoyed the tranquility. The game drive was very unique and I suggest it.
We hoped to see Mount Kilimanjaro but it was covered in clouds. Maybe next time!
We would highly recommend Africa Big Cat Safaris. My friend and I had an amazing experience. The lodges were great and Obedi our guide was amazing. Ask for him when you make your booking. He was extremely patient when we wanted to stop to take photographs. He also makes excellent coffee.
One suggestion: If you have to get from Tarangare National Park to North Serengeti take a plane. The nine to eleven hour drive on dusty, bumpy, wash board roads wasn't fun.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Enjoyable experience
I had an absolutely wonderful time on the safari. We were lucky enough to see four out of the Big Five, which was truly exciting. The toilet facilities were clean and convenient, and the lunch was delicious and satisfying. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience, and I would gladly recommend it to my friends.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful nature
This was a wonderful tour. We were lucky enough to see four of the "Big Five," with only the leopard missing. It wasn't just about the animals; the vast and beautiful nature was truly moving. The tour was also well-organized, with enough time for lunch, restroom breaks, and souvenir shopping, which made the day relaxing and enjoyable. Highly recommended.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Best Day to Feel the African Landscape
I was torn between going for a self-driving safari or joining a guided tour, but choosing the tour turned out to be the right decision.
On the tour, I encountered many animals, including the Big Five. There were probably animals I wouldn’t have seen on a self-drive safari. The guide was friendly and worked with other guides to share information and take us to where the animals were. Even if the animals were far away, they managed to find them and show us. Additionally, the tour vehicle had a higher vantage point, allowing us to see much farther. Surprisingly, the safari landscape had many bushes, and with a regular car, the bushes might have obstructed the view of the animals.
Thanks to the guide, we were able to focus on observing the animals and learned a lot of interesting facts, making it a truly satisfying experience.
I would also love to recommend this experience to my friends.
JP
Amazing!!
It was my first trip to Tanzania, and I was able to enjoy it thanks to all the support I received. I missed two flight connections and had to ask the operator Clinton to adjust my schedule multiple times, but they accommodated me perfectly. I'm very grateful. Innocent and Elisher, who were my driver and guide for four days, were also very kind. I was so impressed that I was able to see elephants, lions, and giraffes up close on my long-awaited safari tour! It was amazing! I highly recommend it! I was also impressed by the guides' ability to spot animals. I definitely want to come again.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Truly Unforgettable Experience
The sheer number of safari operators means it’s a bit of a minefield to choose the right one, especially as these trips can get quite expensive.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Silver Spark - I did a lot of research before deciding on our operator and am really pleased that we chose to entrust Abongo and Silver Spark with planning our safari itinerary.
It can be a bit daunting, sending money abroad, but from the outset, Abongo dealt with everything we required and adapted the itinerary as necessary.
Our driver was John - he was obviously a seasoned driver who knew how best to handle the sometimes tricky roads and terrain you have to deal with when in some of the National Parks.
The number of different animals we saw totally exceeded expectations. We were lucky enough to be in the Maasai Mara for the Great Migration, with gnus as far as the eye can see. We also spotted the Big 5 (a leopard albeit briefly).
If you’re considering doing a safari, I cannot recommend it enough. And if you’re struggling with trying to choose from the glut of safari operators, go with Silver Spark - you won’t regret it.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Experience with porcupine expeditions- Flawless Service from Start to Finish!
Our Tanzanian safari with porcupine expedition exceeded every expectation! From the moment we landed at Kilimanjaro Airport to our final farewell, every detail was meticulously orchestrated with truly impressive professionalism. Here’s what stood out:
🌟 1. Impeccable Organization & Hospitality
Airport Pickup/Drop-off:Punctual transfers with cold towels and refreshments after long flights.
2.Guide’s Expertise & Passion Made the Journey!
Our guide was the heart of this adventure: Wildlife Tracking Mastery:Spotted a leopard camouflaged in rocks 200m away! Explained animal behaviors beyond guidebooks.
Final Thoughts:This wasn’t just a trip; it was a passionately curated immersion into Tanzania’s soul.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great job, Harrison!
Harrison was our driver for 6 days in Vic Falls. He always showed up right on time with a clean vehicle and a friendly smile. He’s courteous, knowledgeable, and a safe driver. Highly recommended!
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Experience
Daniel was an outstanding guide who made our safari experience truly exceptional. We spotted an amazing variety of wildlife—lions, elephants, cheetah, and so much more! Thanks to Daniel, we saw the Big 5 and a wildebeest river crossing in 3 days. Every moment was enjoyable, and we learned so much about the ecosystem.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A magic, authentic and wonderful stay in Mapumziko lodge
Amazing stay at Mapumziko Lodge with my daughter! The staff were incredibly kind and caring, the food was excellent, and the place felt truly authentic. We loved seeing the monkeys and other wildlife around the lodge. Everything was perfectly organized by Franklin. One of my best travel experiences ever !