CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
amazing trip
Dickson is an excellent and professional tour guide！He gets us to see all kinds of local animals and explains everything in detail to us. We are very lucky to see many lions and leopards in Masai Mara today！
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
We had a great 9D8N safari to Kenya and Tanzania thanks to Splendid Vacations. The whole experience starting from receiving quote to itinerary planning and eventual trip was well organised, seamless and very much splendid. It started with Rachael who was very effective in communicating the options and price range as well as tailoring the itinerary to other elements we wanted to incorporate (Maasai village tour, Hot Air Balloon safari in Serengti). Rachael did a great job in replying quickly and was clear in her communication, making the admin process very seamless
On the ground in Kenya & Tanzania, we were very lucky to have 3 incredible guides. We had Julius for the first part of our Kenya trip, Jackson for Tanzania and Alex for the second part of Kenya. All three guides did an excellent job in sharing their knowledge of the animals, making sure we had the best positions for photos of the wildlife and were conscious in helping us find the animals we really wanted to see (big cats). My wife and I really appreciated that they constantly checked in on us to ensure we were comfortable throughout the trip and confirming /adjusting the plan each day based on what we wanted to see. It was a brilliant safari and this is a trip we thoroughly enjoyed and will hopefully be back in Africa soon!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!! Topy tours made our experience unforgettable!
From the minute we landed at the airport we were treated with the best of Tanzania. Super respectful, kind, friendly, and knowledgeable staff. Our trip was incredible. But our guide Ben made it the trip of a lifetime. His knowledge of the animals, and the Tanzania culture was incredible. We instantly were not just clients, but friends. We enjoyed every minute of our trip with Ben. There was never a dull moment. From the animals to learning about the history and culture of the area, Ben kept us entertained and taught us more than we ever expected. We have travelled all over the world, and our trip with Ben is the top highlight of our travels.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Don't Hesitate to Book with Jocky Tours & Safari and Ask for Francis!
We just got back from an incredible safari with Jocky Tours, and a huge part of what made it so special was our driver/guide, Francis. I can't recommend him highly enough.
From the very start, Francis was professional and considerate — he was only a few minutes later than our agreed pickup time and was genuinely apologetic about it, even though we hadn't been waiting long at all. That set the tone for the whole trip. He's friendly, personable, and just easy to like. Each morning he clearly laid out the day's itinerary and what to expect, and in the jeep he did a fantastic job getting our whole group (this was a group tour) chatting and bonding with each other.
A quick note on the driving: Francis drives fast and can be a little aggressive behind the wheel, but this seems to be pretty standard for Nairobi traffic, and he never once made us feel unsafe. He was also great about logistics — planning in regular stops for washroom breaks, snacks, and ATM access, and always being clear about exactly when we'd be back on the road.
Francis's knowledge was a huge highlight. He pointed out interesting facts about the places we passed through and happily answered every question we threw at him, no matter how random, never once seeming annoyed. On our second day, he suggested adjusting our schedule to start earlier so we could try to catch predators out hunting — it was a brilliant call. We ended up seeing the Big Five, plus a cheetah, and it was clear that Francis's experience (he told us he's got almost 16 years under his belt), his radio communication with other guides, and his own sharp instincts made all the difference. He also seems very well respected by the other rangers and drivers — we kept finding ourselves near the front of the queue to see the lions, the leopard, and the cheetah, which says a lot about how well-liked and trusted he is among his peers.
One moment that really stood out: on day three, some of us went up in a hot air balloon and ended up returning to the group later than planned (we got a bit carried away watching more animals on the drive back — honestly, our fault, since we'd been warned we were running late while queuing to see another leopard). Francis didn't show a hint of irritation toward us about it, even though I suspect he had some words for the drivers who were supposed to get us back on time. It said a lot about his professionalism and his ability to just roll with things and make them work.
Even on the last day, when our group split — some heading to Amboseli, others of us finishing up — Francis made sure a driver was arranged to take us to our hotels at no extra charge (we tipped that driver ourselves), and he personally introduced us to make sure we felt taken care of.
All in all, Francis made this trip informative, fun, and genuinely memorable, and I'd seek him out by name for any future safari in Kenya.
As for Jocky Tours more broadly: communication throughout the booking process was excellent — responsive to emails, clear on costs, accommodation options, and the itinerary. Payment in person at the office was quick and easy, and my credit card was accepted without issue (just note there's a surcharge for card payments, while cash has none). If the rest of their guides are anywhere near Francis's level, you really can't go wrong booking with them.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Kenya Safari with Safari Soles
I was a first-time safari-goer that only started safari planning in April for a trip to Kenya in early July (the start of the high season for safaris). As a result, I was initially concerned about it how it would all work out.
After submitting an inquiry to Safari Soles, I was put in touch with Hellen. Hellen answered all of my many questions, provided options for a safari itinerary at different budget levels, and accommodated changes to the itinerary. After booking, Hellen continued to keep in touch regularly. When a proposed accommodation was unavailable, she communicated with me and we arrived at an excellent replacement. Before leaving on safari, Hellen met with me at my hotel in Kenya to go over the final itinerary and answer any additional questions.
As wonderful as my interactions with Hellen were prior to the safari, the safari really hinges on the driver/guide. Our driver/guide, Sammy, was friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable. He skillfully navigated between Nairobi-Amboseli-Crater Lake Camp-Masai Mara. While on the game drives, it was clear Sammy has a passion for the wildlife, and he shared that with his guests. He has a keen eye for spotting wildlife and puts his guests in the perfect spot to view the wildlife. Due in no small part to his efforts, the safari was exciting and educational.
Highly recommend booking a safari with Safari Soles and Sammy.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
10/10 Safari Experience
My sister and I recently completed an unforgettable 8-day private wildebeest migration safari in Tanzania with Meru Slopes Tours & Safaris, covering Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, and a city tour of Arusha. After returning home and reflecting on our experience, I can honestly say that choosing Meru Slopes was one of the best decisions we made for our trip. From the planning stage to the final day of our journey, everything was well organized, professional, and exceeded our expectations.
When we first started looking for safari companies, we contacted several tour operators. What immediately stood out about Meru Slopes Tours & Safaris was their excellent communication. Our travel consultant, Alamancius, was incredibly patient, responsive, and knowledgeable throughout the planning process. We had several specific requests regarding our itinerary, accommodations, and the pace of our trip. Instead of simply offering a standard package, Alamancius carefully listened to our preferences and customized the itinerary to suit our needs. He answered every question promptly and made us feel confident before we even arrived in Tanzania. His professionalism and willingness to accommodate our requests made the booking process smooth and stress-free.
Our safari itself was beyond anything we had imagined, and a huge part of that was thanks to our guide and driver, Max. We quickly realized that having an experienced guide makes all the difference on an African safari, and Max was exceptional in every way. He was punctual, friendly, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable about Tanzania's wildlife, ecosystems, and culture.
One of the things that impressed us most was Max's remarkable ability to find animals. Throughout the eight days, he made sure we saw an incredible variety of animals. We witnessed countless elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, crocodiles, warthogs, baboons, monkeys, antelopes, gazelles, and countless species of birds. Every day felt like a new adventure with exciting wildlife encounters around every corner.
The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti. Seeing thousands upon thousands of wildebeests stretching across the plains was a breathtaking experience that words simply cannot describe. Watching these incredible animals move together through the vast landscape reminded us how magnificent nature truly is. Max positioned our vehicle perfectly so we could enjoy excellent views while remaining respectful of the animals and other visitors. His experience clearly showed, as he always seemed to know where the wildlife activity would be.
Beyond simply finding animals, Max shared fascinating information about their behaviors, habitats, and interactions. Whenever I asked questions, he answered them patiently and thoroughly. Whether I was asking about lion prides, elephant family structures, bird identification, or the migration itself, he always had interesting explanations to share. His passion for wildlife was contagious and made each game drive educational as well as exciting.
Another aspect we greatly appreciated was how safe and comfortable we felt throughout the journey. The roads inside the national parks can be rough, especially in the Serengeti, but Max drove carefully and confidently the entire time. Even during long drives between parks, he maintained a positive attitude and made the journey enjoyable with conversations about Tanzania, local traditions, conservation efforts, and daily life. By the end of the safari, he felt less like a guide and more like a friend.
Each destination offered something unique. Tarangire National Park amazed us with its enormous elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Ngorongoro Crater was absolutely stunning, with its breathtaking scenery and incredible concentration of wildlife all within the crater floor. The Serengeti exceeded every expectation we had, with endless golden plains filled with wildlife in every direction. Every day brought something new, and every park had its own special beauty.
After finishing our safari, we also enjoyed exploring Arusha. We were fortunate to have Victor accompany us during our city tour. Victor was incredibly kind, friendly, and welcoming. One of our favorite memories from Arusha was trying authentic local Tanzanian food. Victor took us to places where local people actually eat, allowing us to experience flavors we probably would never have found on our own. The food was absolutely delicious, and it gave us a much deeper appreciation for Tanzanian culture and hospitality. We really appreciated that he wanted us to experience more than just sightseeing.
Throughout the entire trip, everyone we met from Meru Slopes Tours & Safaris treated us with kindness, respect, and genuine hospitality. We never felt like just another booking. Every member of the team seemed to truly care that we had an unforgettable experience. For anyone considering a safari in Tanzania, I wholeheartedly recommend Meru Slopes Tours & Safaris. Whether you are visiting for your first safari or your tenth, they provide outstanding service, knowledgeable guides, and personalized attention that truly sets them apart. If possible, request Max as your safari guide—you will be in excellent hands. And if you have the opportunity to explore Arusha, I highly recommend spending time with Victor, who will help you experience the city beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Our eight days in Tanzania created memories that will last a lifetime. We returned home with thousands of photographs, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and a deep appreciation for Tanzania's incredible landscapes and warm-hearted people. Asante Sana, Meru Slopes team. We cannot wait to return one day, and when we do, we will absolutely choose Meru Slopes Tours & Safaris again.
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our expectations were far exceeded!!!
Having visited Africa before, we had a plan of what we were wanting to do this time and Losim from Kojuu Safaris was able to create our diverse itinerary precisely!! Losim communicated with us extensively and nothing was a problem to create a trip that exceeded our expectations. We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and Losim had planned little surprises for us throughout our 21day journey.
The first part of our trip was climbing Kilimanjaro. This was amazing and our guide Hassan, along with the team of 12 went out of their way to make sure we were going to make it to the summit! Hassan has extensive experience and knowledge and we felt privileged to have him as our guide! The team made sure we had everything we needed and were comfortable!
Our next part of our trip was a safari. We were treated to Ruaha National Park which was away from the more popular places in Tanzania. Our accommodation at Asanja was very special. Situated on the river, it was quiet and very relaxing. The meals were 5 star quality and we were treated like royalty. Due do the bush surrounds, we didn’t see as many animals as the more popular parks, but we still saw what we wanted. David, our safari driver, had amazing knowledge and he loved sharing that with us!
Our final part of our journey was Zanzibar! We stayed in a beautiful resort and enjoyed 4 days of relaxing by the pool or on the beach and eating and drinking. We did a day trip to Stone town which I highly recommend.
Overall, we could not recommend anyone better than Kojuu Safaris. Losim was able to create something amazing and very special! ❤️
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extraordinary customer service!
Shannon was an absolute pleasure to work with. She went above and beyond from the first time we connected. She answered every question we had and provided multiple options as we figured out what we wanted to do. We were very pleased with our itinerary and splitting our time between two different camps was perfect for us. Before we set off, she gave us her number so we could check in during our travels. She always made sure things were going well. The service we received throughout the trip (airport concierge, lodges, etc) was better than most places we have been to. The value was on par for what we paid. We had a wonderful time!
Tim was very experienced and allowed us to see all the Big 5 animals.
Tim is an extremely experienced driver amongst the Masai Mara Park (20+ years of experience). He helped us find animals such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. His english is very good and there were no communication problems. He was also very patient and got the best view for each animals, allowing us to get some amazing photos. Tim also brings the luck because seeing leopards isn’t very common.