CH
50-65 years of age
Professional and luxurious way to get to the top — and reasonable too
We climbed Kili with Nafika as a family of five (our 'kids' are 17, 21 and 22) and had a superb experience all the way (even with very cold and cloudy summit). Nafika are highly professional and it was a luxurious experience. Camps were always set up in the best spots, the food was amazing and plentiful and the guides were encouraging, fun and knowledgeable -- and caring/super safe with daily health checks for everyone (oxygen levels, blood pressure etc). I could not recommend them more highly. And they were great value for money.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
overall great organisation of our 8 day safari despite some flaws
Overall, I had a great 8-day safari experience with Active Wonders Safari. Communication before and after the booking was always prompt and effective.
The lodges during our trip ranged from decent to good, and the food was mostly good—sometimes even excellent.
When we booked our safari a few months in advance, our most preferred lodges were already fully booked. So, if you're planning to travel during high season, I recommend booking at least 8 months in advance to have more choices in terms of accommodation and location within the national parks.
Our safari vehicle (a Toyota) was very spacious (we were a group of four), new, and in great condition—no complaints there.
Our guide, Prime, was a very nice guy (though sometimes a bit shy) who clearly knows and respects the rules within the national parks.
This worked very well in the less crowded areas, especially around the Mara River during the annual wildebeest migration. However, since many other guides don't obey the park rules, we occasionally missed out on the best spots or views near the Mara River.
At times, we felt we had to tell Prime where to stop or where to go for the best sightings—something we had expected our experienced guide/driver to manage more proactively.
That said, he still made my trip very enjoyable.
My friends would have also liked some more proactive communication from Prime’s side; especially in terms of information regarding wildlife, geography, NP etc;
I, However, prefer to watch and enjoy the scene, rather than hear too much talking. This is matter of taste.
The Flaws:
Communication and transparency:
When we booked our trip, we specifically requested a particular guide with excellent references. He was already booked on another trip, so we agreed on our second-choice guide—an arrangement Active Wonders confirmed.
However, when I asked for our guide's contact details one day before the trip, we were surprised to receive the contact for someone else—Prime—who ultimately acted as our guide. We were told our originally agreed-upon guide had fallen ill and was therefore unavailable.
This change came as a surprise, and no proactive communication was provided by Active Wonders regarding the switch.
Additionally, our guide didn’t seem to be fully informed about what was included in our package.
Sodas and wine as well as water were promised as part of our tour, and Prime was supposed to purchase them before picking us up in Mwanza. We were only offered water the first 4 days during the Safari. When we raised this issue with Active Wonders Safari, they apologized and promised that Prime would buy them after four days when we reached a larger town outside of Serengeti National Park.
Clearly, the company failed to communicate the package details to our guide before the trip started. No compensation or alternative solution was offered for the first four days.
Overall, I still recommend Active Wonders Safari and would consider traveling with them again—but make sure to clearly communicate your expectations well in advance of the trip.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
African Big Cats Safaris delivered a wonderful, safe, and unforgettable adventure.
We chose African Big Cats Safaris based on a link in The Lonely Planet of trusted safari companies. They arrived on our long list and finally on the short list. We picked them because of the interaction, price and the customisation of the trip. We initially drafted our route (Tarangire – Lake Natron – Serengeti – Ngorongoro – Lake Manyara), and the company helped us fine-tune it. The direct booking process was very good: emails were answered swiftly and clearly, and we even had a helpful video call beforehand.
Our driver was truly outstanding: highly experienced, deeply knowledgeable about flora and fauna, and always prioritised safety. He knew his way around the national parks, handled check-ins smoothly, and gave us useful briefings each day. We appreciated his punctuality, the way he coordinated with other guides to locate interesting animals, and even how the car was cleaned daily despite all the dust. We also liked the thoughtful planning of arrival times—always before 4:30 pm—allowing us to relax and enjoy the scenery before sunset.
Overall, we would rate the company as very good, a 4.5. The only reason we cannot give a full “Excellent” rating is due to a last-minute change in accommodation caused by a mistake on their side. While we had approved the lodges in advance, they had to make a change just days before the trip began, and unfortunately the replacement was a slight downgrade.
This safari was truly “Memories for life.” Despite the minor hiccup, African Big Cats Safaris delivered a wonderful, safe, and unforgettable adventure.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Smooth!
Did a day hike from Kigali with Muhwezi as our driver and main point of connection. He was incredibly helpful throughout the journey, and I felt safe with him around! On the way back to Rwanda, we took a quick short at his favourite local diner for lunch and to the markets to experience local life. It was a pleasure to be in the company of such a caring presence.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thank you !!
We booked this company for our Akagera Safaris and we all saw big five at a time, We cannot thank you enough you are excellent at the time ! Our Guide Damascene has been amazing and we shall recommend you! Cheers
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Benjamin was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and he took care of our family so well!
You should definitely book a tour with Termite Tour Travel. Our tour guide, Benjamin, was incredibly knowledgeable about the wildlife and he made us feel so comfortable throughout the journey. It all felt very safe, clean, and exciting. There wasn’t a single day when the enthusiasm about our trip died down.
MX
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Experience – Highly Recommended!
We had the best experience ever with this travel agency! From the moment we landed in Nairobi, everything was perfectly organized. The team, especially Hellen and Nicholas, were incredibly kind, always quick to reply, and made sure every detail was taken care of. They were always on time for all our transfers (airport, hotel, etc.), which gave us great peace of mind.
Our safari was absolutely unforgettable. We had an amazing guide who not only spotted a wide variety of animals but also shared fascinating insights about their characteristics and way of life. Thanks to him, we were lucky enough to see all 5 of the Big Five!
We stayed at the Mara Serena Lodge, which was beautiful, comfortable, and had the friendliest staff. Even though we booked a luxury safari, the cost was very reasonable compared to what we expected.
As a group of three women traveling from Mexico, we felt safe and well taken care of at all times.
We highly recommend this agency to anyone, everything was smooth, professional, and beyond expectations. If you’re planning a safari in Kenya, this is definitely the team to go with!
Best safari ever
I recently went on a safari trip to Masai Mara with Hyrax Safaris, and it was absolutely unforgettable! From the moment we arrived, the team made everything seamless — from transfers to accommodations, they took care of every detail.
Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife, making the experience both educational and thrilling. We saw an incredible variety of animals up close — lions lounging in the sun, herds of elephants, giraffes, and even the elusive cheetah. The highlight for me was spotting hyraxes in their natural habitat, something I never expected to see!
The accommodations provided by Hyrax Safaris were comfortable, clean, and beautifully set in the heart of nature, offering breathtaking views of the savannah. Meals were delicious and perfectly timed between game drives.
Overall, I can’t recommend Hyrax Safaris enough. If you’re looking for an authentic, well-organized, and awe-inspiring safari experience in Masai Mara, this is the team to go with!
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Safaris with Explorer Kenya Tours & Travel
A very good experience with this tour operator specializing in safaris.
From France, we dealt with a very professional and responsive team with excellent communication.
We were a little late in finalizing our program.
Despite this,
Fransisca and Robert were perfectly able to meet all of our needs for our private family safari.
They went out of their way to find us the right establishments that met our requirements.
The program and services offered were perfect.
Solomon, our driver and guide, was a good person, friendly, and caring, with a deep understanding of his profession.
We greatly appreciated his careful driving, his knowledge, and his guidance.
He was able to safely introduce us to the wildlife.
Thanks to his extensive knowledge, he taught us many things about wildlife in the savannah and the Maasai culture.
We will have very fond memories of our trip to Kenya, its wildlife, and its extraordinary landscapes. We highly recommend organizing your safari with Explorer Kenya Tours & Travel.
Give it a try, you won't regret it.
(automatic translation from French)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Experience in Tanzania
Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Adventure – A Trip We’ll Never Forget!
My wife and I just returned from our Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar trip, and honestly, it was the adventure of a lifetime. From the moment we landed in Kilimanjaro to our final day in Zanzibar, the whole journey was smooth, exciting, and filled with memories we’ll carry forever.
When we first arrived, Julieth welcomed us at the office and walked us through everything we needed to know. She explained the itinerary in detail, gave us helpful tips, and even helped us book a few extra excursions on the spot without any hassle. That personal touch really set the tone for the trip.
But what truly made this safari special — and I cannot emphasize this enough — was our guide, Bony. He wasn’t just a guide; he became the heart of our experience. From Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, he made sure we didn’t miss a thing. Thanks to him, we saw all of the Big Five, but it wasn’t just about spotting animals — it was about how much he genuinely cared.
Bony has a way of bringing the safari to life. His knowledge of the wildlife was incredible, and he answered every question with excitement and patience. He clearly loves Tanzania and its animals, and that passion was contagious. He was always on time, never rushed us, kept the vehicle stocked with drinks and snacks, and made every drive feel effortless (even on those bumpy roads). It honestly felt like traveling with family.
What impressed us most was how his care extended beyond the trip. Even after we came back home, he still checks in with us and shares updates of the migration via WhatsApp. That kind of thoughtfulness is rare, and it shows how much pride he takes in making sure his guests feel connected long after they leave. If you’re lucky enough to get Bony as your guide, you’re in for something truly special.
In Zanzibar, Abdullah was our driver, and he too was wonderful. Friendly, accommodating, and quick to adjust when we asked to detour to Old Town so we could get some proper vegetarian food.
Now, for future travelers, a few things to keep in mind (aka the CONS):
• Vegetarian food was a bit of a challenge, especially with the takeaway safari lunches and limited options at the lodges. If you’re vegetarian, you might want to bring some snacks to supplement.
• One of the Serengeti lodges was a bit too remote, which meant when it rained, the roads were tough to navigate. Staying somewhere more central would have helped us maximize our game drive times.
• Our second stay at Escapment Lodge wasn’t as smooth as the first — mosquitos, no hot water, and even early wake-up calls meant for the front desk.
• Zanzibar was beautiful, but our resort was far from most of the main activities. If we could do it again, we’d split time between Nungwi and Old Town to cut down on travel time.
• Lastly, tipping adds up fast. The culture around it sometimes felt a little pressured, so I recommend bringing plenty of small bills in cash.
Despite those small challenges, this was a magical trip. The wildlife, the landscapes, the culture — and most of all, the people like Julieth, Abdullah, and especially Bony — made it unforgettable. We left Tanzania not only with incredible memories but also feeling like we had made a true friend in Bony.
If you’re considering a safari in Tanzania, don’t hesitate. And if you get Bony as your guide, you’ll quickly see why we can’t stop singing his praises. He truly made this the trip of a lifetime!