JP
Reliable, experienced, flexible, caring, fun — the safari felt like traveling with friends
We had an amazing 6-day safari and honeymoon experience with Rafiki Tembo Tours and Safaris, from airport pickup until they sent us back to the airport at the end of the trip.
Communication before the trip was excellent. They replied very quickly, even though we requested many changes and adjustments multiple times. They were always patient, flexible with the schedule we wanted, and helped customize the trip exactly the way we hoped.
Since we traveled during the low season, we honestly did not expect to see many animals. However, we managed to see almost everything except a leopard, which we understand is very difficult to spot. We were really impressed by how experienced our guide was and by the strong connections between the guides, which helped us spot so many animals throughout the trip.
Before starting the safari, we requested to visit an African batik shop. At first, we could not find the pattern we wanted, but thanks to their local connections, we were finally able to order a custom-made African batik outfit, which became a very special memory for us.
In Tarangire, although we did not see big cats, we had an unforgettable experience seeing a group of elephants with babies from very close distance, thanks to our guide. Then during our two days in Serengeti, we saw big cats with their cubs and many other animals we hoped to see — sometimes even while eating lunch.
Some of the best moments of our trip were when a cheetah jumped onto our vehicle, seeing the famous three cheetah brothers eating a wildebeest, and spotting a rhino from very close distance. These were truly unforgettable experiences for us and would not have been possible without such an experienced guide and the guide network they work with.
What we especially appreciated was how well the safari was balanced between game drives and relaxing honeymoon time at the lodges. In Ngorongoro, the pace was more relaxed and enjoyable, which we really liked.
Our guide was one of the best parts of the trip. He was knowledgeable, experienced, fun, and felt more like traveling with a friend than with a tour guide. He knew when to relax and when to rush for animal sightings. He even taught me how to take better videos of the animals during the safari. At the same time, he always considered safety first, which made us feel comfortable throughout the trip.
His driving skills were also incredible — we even had to drive through flooding roads during heavy rain, and we could hardly believe we made it through safely. We could clearly feel that he truly cares about wildlife and genuinely loves animals.
Finally, we also found the price very reasonable. We compared the exact same itinerary with several other tour companies, and all of them were more expensive.
We are very happy we chose Rafiki Tembo Tours and Safaris for our honeymoon safari and would highly recommend them to anyone visiting Tanzania.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The safari expierence was really nice I recommend to book with this company
The experience was amazing, the drives was really kind and everything was ok at the camp
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well prepared
"The lodge facilities were very clean, the food was good, and the safari guide Isaac was friendly and very well-prepared. It was an amazing experience."
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome :) Professional, skilled and relaxed
Franklin is an enthuisiastic and very friendly guide. He starts off by emphasizing "hakuna matata" and "pole pole" and creates a relaxed and warm atmosphere. The Land Cruiser with which we drove through the country started to feel like home :) The combination of impressive driving, sharing of his comprehensive knowledge of anything nature related, finding the beautiful lunch spots, and his attentiveness to creating the best possible photographs and going the extra mile are amazing!
The communication before was clear and reliable and, during some challenges at our side, the team was always very helpful ;) The quote we reserved beforehand is very representative of the program. The schedule of our 5-Day Safari to Mikumi and Selous Game Reserve was well constructed. The Masai visit on Day 1 was a great introduction of safari. The combination of the Mikumi park, the long but certainly beautiful drive across the country on Day 3 towards Nyerere National Parc, and the Boat Safari on Day 4, and the Bush walk on Day 5 created a much appreciated diversity which made us fall in love with Tanzanian nature :)
We are really appreciated having one driver and guide during the whole safari, and in driving across the country - additional guides were present in the Masai village as well as in the boat and walking safari. The lodges were all great, with a special appreciation for the location and view in the Selous Mapumziko Lodge on Night 3 and 4, and the wonderful atmosphere in Camp Bastian Mikumi on Day 1. We would have loved to stay here two nights as well :)
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Trusted Travel Partner
When traveling somewhere you’ve never been, no amount of research can compare to the level of intimate knowledge provided by someone who has repeatedly been to the area you are traveling to.
I completely lucked out in finding the Kruger Safari Company. The top notch communication and level of knowledge cannot be improved upon. Their recommendation of Greenfire Lodge, which was based on questions asked of what I was looking for, was spot on.
The airport transfers, the flights, and the lodge were all booked by Kruger Safari Company. All I had to do was show up.
The level of customer suooort didn’t stop there. Wayne reached out to inform me that Capetown airport had shut down for the day due to weather but that I should just relax and enjoy the safari and he would monitor the situation. There was no contractual reason for him to do this…he just did it.
I am thankful to have found them and have already recommended them to a dozen other people for their next Africa adventure.