UA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable memories about savanna
Just got back from the most amazing 5-days safari with you guys in Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, and I wanted to share my heartfelt feedback.
Our guide John was a total legend. His expert driving skills on the rugged terrains ensured safe, smooth navigation even during unexpected road challenges. He knows these parks inside out from nailing leopard sightings in Serengeti to describing Ngorongoro’s volcanic ecosystem in vivid detail. He made every moment educational and thrilling. And of course, kudos to lions, which John spotted the last day in Serengeti, it was actually a movie to watch them. Thanks for care and wonderful memories about this amazing country!
What impressed me most was the seamless organization despite some troubleshooting issues like vehicle maintenance and weather delays. Your team’s proactive management kept everything on track, turning every second into memorable adventures.
The hotels in this safari tour also worth mentioning. Eileen’s Trees was comfy and perfect but Tukaone Serengeti Lodge stole the show – right in the heart of the savanna, provided the perfect blend of luxury and wildlife right outside (one night we heard and saw the hyena just on the way back to our room, and saw impalas from our terrace). It’s unforgettable experience which you cannot imagine in other parts of the world!
Can’t recommend you enough – already plotting my next trip with Top Selected and John. Cheers and Asante sana!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Steve & driver Solomon masterfully planned & executing extraordinary/affordable safaris‼️
To the incredible team at Steven & Richard Safaris,
I am writing to express our profound gratitude for orchestrating what can only be described as the journey of a lifetime. Our initial contact with Steven & Richard Safaris began last June, after discovering your outstanding reputation on Tripadvisor. From that moment, the WhatsApp conversations with Steve commenced, meticulously building our itinerary for a late January start.
The planning phase itself was a testament to Steve's exceptional dedication and expertise. Coordinating three travelers arriving from diverse international locations and departing at different times presented a complex logistical puzzle. Yet, Steve navigated every request and desire with remarkable agility, ensuring every detail was perfectly aligned. Despite the significant time difference between Seattle and Mombasa, Steve graciously accommodated numerous late-night calls, tirelessly addressing our questions and fine-tuning our preferences. His commitment laid the groundwork for an absolutely seamless experience.
Upon arrival, every aspect of our safari exceeded our wildest expectations. The anticipation of encountering Africa's iconic wildlife was immense, but the reality was far more breathtaking. We were thrilled not only to witness the majestic Big Five but also an incredible array of other species, including several magnificent felines like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and even the elusive civet cat, a true rarity! Each sighting was a profound moment of connection with nature.
One of the most unforgettable moments occurred on our final safari, where we were privileged to observe a family of four white rhinos – a formidable papa, a gentle mama, a tiny, months-old baby, and a curious juvenile. We were positioned so intimately close to them that our zoom lenses were rendered unnecessary, allowing for an incredibly personal and humbling encounter. This experience was made even more astounding by the fact that just the night before, we had a similarly close and powerful encounter with a pair of black rhinos right next to our vehicle. These moments of being so profoundly immersed in their world will forever be etched in our minds.
Our driver and guide, Solomon, was nothing short of extraordinary. His unwavering passion, encyclopedic knowledge, and relentless dedication to ensuring we experienced the very best of the wilderness shone through every single day. Solomon worked tirelessly, tracking subtle signs, interpreting animal behaviors, and masterfully maneuvering our vehicle to grant us unparalleled photographic opportunities and breathtaking views of the vast array of wildlife. He truly possessed a sixth sense for locating the animals, transforming each drive into a magical adventure. There were countless times we found ourselves pinching ourselves, utterly mesmerized, convinced we were dreaming, such was the closeness and intimacy of our encounters. He didn't just drive us; he guided us into the very heart of the wild.
The memories forged on this incredible journey will undeniably stay with us for a lifetime. We are eternally grateful to Steve for his meticulous orchestration of our dream itinerary and to Solomon for his exceptional skill and passion in "making it all happen" so magnificently. Thank you, from the deepest corners of our hearts, for an unparalleled adventure.
Linda, Jo and Laurie
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very well organized and a guide with extensive knowledge of nature and animals.
We were very satisfied in every respect. The accommodations, food, staff, and the execution of the safari program were excellent. We owe a debt of gratitude to our driver and guide for allowing us to see more than we had expected.
(automatic translation from German)
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Really Nice experience had a Great time.
Joseph, was an excellent host. Know exactly what he was doing. Showed us the best spots had Some Great places to see the animals without any other cars around. We had a Great time
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Faultless organisation of a fantastic safari experience
Goldfinch were selected from the many on offer on the basis of offering a 5 day/4 night experience at a variety of National Parks for a price that seemed in line with other offerings. They delivered an experience that will live long in the memory. Robert was excellent as the organiser - he responded quickly and clearly to any questions raised, the offer and (subsequent revisions requested by us) was well presented and left no doubt as to what we should expect. Our driver for the duration was Sam had excellent English, was very affable and informative - not just about the wildlife but on all aspects of Tanzanian life. He felt 'part of the family'. (We were travelling as a group of two couples). The Land Cruiser we used was new and comfortable. It was cleaned down and out every evening, which was a nice touch. The Lodges we stayed in were excellent - both in terms of quality, staff friendliness and service. The safaris themselves were spectacular from the walking safari at Arusha to the mbreathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and the majesty of Serengeti. Everything went to plan. I would have no doubts in recommending Goldfinch.
Amazing
We had the luxury of having Victor as our safari guide and he was absolutely brilliant. We also stayed at the signature safari lodge for the night which was such an unforgettable experience. The food and staff was lovely and I heard lions and buffalo outside our tent at night! Highly highly recommend, the team are always on hand too and reply so fast on WhatsApp. Thanks to victor and all the team for our incredible unforgettable adventure.
NL
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good information and personal contact
Very happy we choose for Thiam Travels. Every thing was very good organised. There was a lot of personal communication.
I can recommand Thiam Travels to every one who has plans to visit Kruger Park. They take care of all your bookings. Thank you Adja!!!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
KG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfectionist
We traveled on the "Explorian Safari" and it was great. The service and transportation were top-notch. Thanks to the guys who organized this tour for us.
RESPECT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Sam Welgideon our safari guide was absolutely awesome. Brilliant knowledge and engagements
Highly recommend Goldfinch for first class organisation and high level professionalism
