

50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Disappointment
Hi Monika,
I have put off answering for several reasons ... this way I could let my disappointment sink in a bit ... I have decided to be brief.
Let me start by stating that I am personally responsible for the decision I made to accept your proposals and those of Wild Times Safaris (WTS). I paid dearly for professional advice and I could have assumed, for example, that WTS would really think along and not just want to "book", ....
Two people who are turning 60 and have traveled for 48 hours and come from the other side of the world (with Jet Lag), two night flights with four different aircraft, you advise them to take it easy and not immediately take a helicopter flight to the Victoria Falls on the day of arrival in Zambia. This is just an example.
The lodges in Zambia and Botswana were certainly very nice, the people fantastic, the food delicious etc. Gomoti was the most pleasant and that is where we saw the most animals. Duba was dark and a bit depressing. All 4 lodges were almost empty and that is perhaps the reason why we got all, read: TOO MUCH, attention. You don't get a moment to stare into space and enjoy, except from your own room where we often escape to, or there is someone next to you asking "how was your game drive" ... When the cook has been, the chambermaid comes and then the guide follows who prefers to sit at your table to talk about everything again. You didn't get a moment's rest or privacy. 4 lodges in 12 days means 5 days of traveling to and from ... packing and unpacking and you can't enjoy the lodges themselves in this way at all. WTS should have warned you about that. Followed your "money tip" advice and left 500 US$ per lodge, US$ 2,000 is excessive. The flights and all transport coordination went fine by the way.
But now Cape Town: This was a real letdown and certainly for my organizational quality feeling towards WTS. Euro 10,000 for 6 nights and your invoice confusingly states 7 days (and an earlier invoice/quote even stated 8 days instead of 7), ... Of these 7 days you travel/fly 2, so you only have 5 whole days!!! This amount NB EXCLUDING flight costs food and drinks ..... Cadogan is in a nice neighborhood but is highly overrated. Small room that didn't even have a chair in it. Delaire Graff more than beautiful but unfortunately we couldn't enjoy it much. I think WTS couldn't imagine what I consider adventurous and unique. We were driven to the fishing port of Hout Bay, a stinking dump, bare, uninviting and dumped in a canoe. No idea what you wanted to show us ... See our holiday photo attached, and yes that may be on your website. I protested to you Monika! WTS even made me take my swimming trunks, so there I was.... This can't have been serious! A lost afternoon for us, but it gets even better because WTS takes us back to Houtsbaai the next day, where we waited for I don't know how long for a boat that took us out for a quarter of an hour in dangerous weather ..... Here again, no idea why? Then, and now I'm even sadder, we go to the penguins ... Horrible and nothing that resembles natural beauty or adventure. What a waste of time and money! We go to the wine fields: Wonderful, and arrive in Delaire in the evening, ... we could hardly enjoy that the next day because we had to pack again because we were picked up at 0430 AM for transport to the airport. I mentioned this to you via app and was actually sent away with a "root in the reeds" (see attached). Not worth Euro 10,000 I think? Do I get something back?
Greetings,
Justus van der Lubbe
Curaçao
(automatic translation from Dutch)

20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Guide, Amazing Experience
We had a fantastic experience on our safari tour. Our guide, Johny Jackson, was extremely polite, patient, and knowledgeable. He made the entire trip smooth and memorable with his kind attitude and professionalism. We’re truly grateful for such a wonderful experience!

35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent
Amazing, knowledgable & Great Guide!!!!
We had a fantastic time with Serengeti Cheers Tour Company during our trip to Tanzania recently in May 2024. We booked a private tour for just me and my husband. Our guide, Said, was really kind and friendly.
The safari vehicle was clean and had everything we needed. I must say, Said was an excellent driver! He could easily move around other safari vehicles, it felt like he could even park on a tightrope!
Thanks to his sharp eyes, we saw so many animals. He knew a lot about all the places we visited and the animals we came across. He also showed us special things in nature and explained them in detail.
The food on the trip was great. We had hot meals from our lodges and also enjoyed picnic lunches during our visits.
Every place we stayed at was excellent, and the staff treated us very well.
We would highly recommend this company and we’re so glad we did!

35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
the best experience
We were on safari with "Soles Tours" from May 22nd to 27th, and I highly recommend taking the safari with "Soles Tours" as they were excellent with us... they met all our requirements and more.
I highly recommend traveling in May as the weather is perfect, cool in the morning at 15°C and hot in the afternoon at 26°C. Don't be afraid of the rain, as it's sporadic, occasional, and not significant. However, the sky is changeable and provides beautiful views. I'm making this comment because Google is full of information recommending June and beyond. The truth is, there aren't as many tourists in May, which allows for more peace of mind everywhere. You'll have access to hotels, trails, and viewpoints.
Our guide was an excellent professional named "Junior," whose last name I unfortunately lost, but if you can, ask for him. He's super professional and attentive to your every need. He takes photos, explains everything very well, and goes the extra mile to ensure you'll see all the animals. He speaks six languages. He took us to visit the Massai Mara, giving us a unique experience thanks to how he manages to make the whole experience with the Massai a reality.
At Soles Tour Agency, I was assisted by a woman named Happiness George, who was the one who knew how to put together the entire tour, taking us to excellent hotels, unique in their design, understanding that we weren't just looking for luxury and comfort but also for a taste of the African (Tanzanian) style. I mention this because we didn't want boring, luxurious hotels, but rather unique experiences, and he delivered.
We toured Tarangire-Ngorongoro-Serengeti North, Central Serengeti-Seronera.
We booked a private safari for both of us, and it was a great choice, as you had all the comforts and were able to customize your time at each location, along with several other options.
The jeep was cleaned every night and worked perfectly. The seats were very comfortable, equipped with USB ports, bottle holders, blankets, binoculars, and no annoying noises. Everything worked properly.

20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Suricata is an extremely professional company that offers constant support.
I had the best experience with Suricata Safaris. The tour, accommodations, and guide all exceeded my expectations. Alphonce was so knowledgeable and passionate, he truly made the experience remarkable. I couldn’t recommend Suricata more!

35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience, lovely guide
We took the Soweto and Apartheidsmuseum day tour. Our tour guide Cpho was a lovely guide. He clearly knows a lot about Soweto and the surroundings.
One little remark, we had 1hr30 in the Apartheidsmuseum and that was not enough for us. 2hrs or more would have been nice.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Lake Naivasha Tour
Teddy organised a fantastic tour of Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate. The booking process was so easy and smooth and Teddy was able to help with any questions we had and clearly communicated everything. He was extremely friendly and helpful with all the stages of the trip. The Hell’s gate bike tour was very enjoyable with a lovely walk through one of the gorges. We then had a boat ride through lake Naivasha to see the many hippos and various different birds. I would highly recommend considering Teddy for any safari experience!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantastic personal experience
What an amazing experience! We used Kiboko for a 3 night trip to the Masai Mara. The booking process with Jane was very smooth and she was always available to answer any questions that I had and the response times were very quick and everything was well communicated. Our tour guide Samuel was truly amazing, he was so friendly and so knowledgable about all of the animals as well as having a great eye to be able to spot so many, including a very sneaky leopard! Our accommodation at Sopa lodge was fantastic as well, all the rooms very clean with great food and lovely communal areas. Kiboko always had a great personal touch, leaving the Masai Mara we had seen 4 out of the big 5 (only the rhino missing) and our guide Samuel said that Nairobi national park was a good place to spot rhinos. We asked if he would be able to guide us round there and within a few days we had a second trip lined up with Kiboko. I can’t recommend Kiboko enough for a once in a lifetime safari experience like we had with them.

35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One stop shop for all your safari requirements! Highly recommended!
After much research we decided to book our much awaited Safari holiday with Splendid Vacations. Alice was on hand to help tailor make the itinerary that best suited us. She was extremely patient and accommodating, which resulted in a seamless experience once we got to Kenya.
We booked our stays at Sweetwaters Serena Camp(Ol Pejeta Conservancy), Sawela Lodges(Nakuru) & Sarova Mara Game camp( Masai Mara). Impeccable rooms, food and service at each stay.
Any request or clarification we needed during our stay was promptly addressed by Alice.
Our tour guide/driver for the entire trip was Steven. Such a calm gentleman with a ton of information about his country, an apt cultural ambassador! Large spacious Land cruiser, with water provided every day. He was very accommodating with our requests as well.Because of the excellent pace of the program, we were able to connect with locals and not always be rushing to see the next thing. Steven took us on several game drives to try and spot the elusive Leopard!
Overall, we're very glad that we booked with Splendid Vacations. They left no stone unturned to make this the holiday of a lifetime!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beautiful Memorable Safari
Galilaya Expedition, and it was a truly unforgettable experience.
I wanted to plan a memorable adventure with my partner and discovered Galilaya through Safari Bookings after reaching out to several operators. I chose Galilaya because they were the most responsive and accommodating, offering an itinerary that perfectly matched our preferences.
The booking process was smooth and efficient. Both Benaiah and Emiliana were incredibly helpful, responding promptly via email and WhatsApp. They provided excellent support not only during the planning phase but also throughout the trip itself.
Our safari group included four other guests, and we were fortunate to have Philis as our guide. He was a fantastic host—enthusiastic, friendly, and clearly passionate about what he does. His extensive experience ensured we visited the best spots for wildlife viewing, and thanks to him, we were able to see the Big Five.
We stayed at three high-quality accommodations during the safari:
- Country Lodge Karatu – A charming lodge set in beautiful surroundings, with warm and welcoming staff.
- Friends Serengeti Camp – A luxury tented camp in a secluded location, offering close-up wildlife encounters and a truly immersive experience.
- Ngorongoro Safari Lodge – A comfortable lodge with stunning views of the lake and attentive staff who made us feel at home after the day’s adventure.
I wholeheartedly recommend Galilaya to anyone planning a safari holiday. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to creating a memorable experience truly set them apart.