MY
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent follow up everyday during the tour to make sure our trip is smooth and fun
7D6N Safari + Kilimanjaro Day Hike (Coca cola route) + Materuni Waterfall
1) 5 star for the Safari - excellent follow up from Happy day to day to make sure our trip is smooth and fun. Tarangire, Serengeti, Nogrongoro and Manyara lake are all interesting and we did enjoy the safari very much. Many many many animals and birds.
2) 5 star for the Materuni waterfall hike and coffee tour. Easy hike through local villages and green plants, with view of Kilimanjaro Peaks. The coffee tour with lunch is excellent to taste the local food and how local coffee are made.
3) 2.5 star for the hike from Marangu gate to Mandara hut. The rainforest is green and pretty. However, hike all the way through thick forest, took a picture at the hut and rush back was not so fun - 16 km, from 10am to 5pm. There is no viewpoint for the peak nor for valley. It is just too rush for day trip, better to skip this and do the Materuni waterfall hike. Our mountain guide Sumali just walked and walked. There is no explanation no talking just rushing and keep pushing us to go back, mentioning we need to go out before 6pm, in reality we were back to the gate 1 hour ahead.
Accommodations:
1. Love the Misako Migration Camp in center Serengeti, luxury and comfort in the wild. There were waterbucks, zebras, gazelles, giraffes (afar) wondering around the campsite.
2. Tanzania Bush Camp Mara River in northern Serengeti is also great, just a bit less after staying in Misako. Always zebras wondering around and there are vultures and Malabu storks on the roof and trees.
3. Marera valley lodge - luxury room and fantastic dinner. I would recommend this over Farm of Dreams lodge.
4. Farm of Dreams lodge - looked amazing from outside, with show and entertainment before dinner, but the room, services and food is much better in Marera valley lodge.
5. Pre and post-safari accommodation in Arusha - Summit safari lodge. Okish hotel with all you need, clean and comfy bed, just we struggle with the hot water for shower. Recommend to upgrade to a better hotel to match the hotels during safari.
6. Pre-Kilimanjaro day hike - Whitehouse Hotel in Moshi. I love the window/balcony with Kilimanjaro view. Both rooms we had had no hot water for showering, just brave the cold. The waiters are friendly but they only cook on order, "slowly", waited 1 hour 30 mins for our dinner. Recommend to upgrade to a better hotel to match the hotels during safari.
Tips:
1. Extra3.5% if paying the tour by card, be prepared or prepare cash.
2. It was stressful for our guide to rush from northern Serengeti to get to the southern exit by noon. I would pay extra to stay another night in central Serengeti so we can be more relax and enjoy more the safari.
3. Upgrade the hotels pre/post safari.
Thank you Happy and Geoffrey from Kilipath, and our safari driver James for the wonderful experience!
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable safari experience with Papa Jones of Jungleroam Safari
We had an amazing safari experience at Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru, all thanks to our tour guide cum driver, Mr Papa Jones! He went above and beyond to make sure we had the best trip possible, always doing his best to fulfil everything on our wish list and making sure we didn’t miss any highlights.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari!
We booked a private 7-day trip to Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru, and we worked with Abongo to plan the itinerary over a year in advance. He was incredibly patient and responsive, always answering my many questions thoroughly and clearly. On our first day, we met him at the airport, where he introduced us to John, our guide and driver for the entire trip. I am convinced we were given the very best guide; John was exceptional in every way.
The safari itself exceeded all our expectations. John went above and beyond to ensure we had the most memorable experience. He was extremely helpful, very attentive and highly informative. The morning game drives were breathtaking and thanks to John, we learned so much about wildlife and nature.
The staff at all our accommodations were kind, welcoming and spoke english very well. Every place we stayed was comfortable and the food was consistently excellent. I would highly recommend Silver Spark Africa Safaris to all my friends and family who wish to experience the true beauty of Kenya. They made our trip unforgettable.
MY
Excellent service — we saw all the Big Five thanks to our amazing guide, Papa Johns!
We had an amazing safari experience with Jungleroam Safaris! Our guide, Papa Johns, was excellent — friendly, knowledgeable, and very dedicated. He went above and beyond to fulfill our wishes, ensuring we saw all the animals we wanted, including completing the Big Five! We visited Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru, and everything was well organized, safe, and enjoyable. Highly recommend Jungleroam Safaris and Papa Johns for anyone looking for a memorable and reliable safari experience!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
He knows everyone and is very well respected in the community.
An absolutely phenomenal experience, was able to see 4/5 of the big 5 and around 15 other different animals.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari in Nyerere National Park
Unbelievable sunset on the Rufiji River during the safari boat and an emotional safari games in Selous.
Our guide Kapande was very kind and he had satisfied all our requests!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Efficient, super responsive, hugely knowledgeable and genuinely nice.
Our trip last month was the second time we have worked with African Welcome Safaris and Kathi in particular. We spent 5 days in Capetown and 4 more on safari at the beautiful Savanna Lodge in the Kruger. Kathi worked with us to put together a tailor made itinerary in double quick time - the speed and quality of her response, general communication and knowledge based recommendations is second to none. This is never at the cost of quality and reliability - every trip we made ran on time, our tour guides and drivers were friendly and informative and internal logistics were spot on. A special mention for Skukuza Airport - one of the coolest we have ever visited!
Africa Welcome Safaris is not a low budget tour operator but that's because it goes the extra mile to put together a personal, customised, and tailor made set of experieces. We wanted to do Table Mountain without major queues; we hoped to see the Big Marine 5 via the Hermanus Whale boat; we certainly hoped to crack the big 5 on safari. All missions accomplished, some more than once! That's value (and lifelong memories) for money!
We have no hesitation in recommending African Welcome Safaris and Kathi to any traveller seeking real experiences.