35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Serengeti smile created an unforgettable experience
Serengeti Smile planned an amazing 2 week trip in Tanzania for us.
Piniel Godwin provided outstanding service. He was very responsive over whatsapp and email during the planning stages, despite the time zone difference, learning about what we wanted out of the trip, budget constraints, etc. Once he had all the information, he quickly put together a comprehensive custom 2-week itinerary covering the Northern and Southern Safari circuits and ending with a full day in Zanzibar. Piniel was also an invaluable resource while the trip was happening. Not everything always goes to plan unfortunately--Piniel was available to listen to our concerns and sort out issues as they were happening.
Our Serengeti Smile guide John was also fantastic. He was with us for half the trip as we went through the Northern Circuit. John's 20+ years of experience showed as he masterfully navigated the bumpy roads and spotting of all the various wildlife. We saw all big 5 animals and more, as well as the wildebeest crossing through the Mara River.
We loved most of the Northern Circuit, as well as the final day in Zanzibar (Prison Island, Spice Farm and Stone Town tours). The hot air balloon add-on in the Serengeti was expensive but worthwhile, providing unreal views of the wildebeest migration. Conversely, we recommend passing on the Masai village and bush dinner add-ons, though YMMV.
We had a more mixed time in the Southern Circuit. Spotting animals in Ruaha national park was much less frequent due to all the flora. However, Ruaha hilltop lodge had spectacular views and was one of our favorite accommodations. We enjoyed Nyerere national park's diverse landscapes and wildlife. However, we were kept waiting multiple times by our hotel (Africa Safari Lodge Selous). These delays translated into lost time in the park, which was frustrating. Some of the lodge staff also treated us with apathy when we sought support and clarification.
Despite some issues arising, our overall experience was incredible and packed with unforgettable memories.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Meru Slopes: generosity, professionalism, care and the big five. Unforgettable.
We had the most amazing experience at the safari and me and my partner are so glad to have chosen Meru Slopes Tours & Safaris! We did it after carefully reviewing a number of websites and couldn't have made a better choice. Here's a few points that will hopefully help the others to choose. We went for a 6 days/5 nights safari. While it was a budget safari, the treatment was royal and there was nothing budget about it, from what I could see, the only difference would be where we slept (3 nights in camps vs lodges). Even two other nights were in a lodge not on a camping, and being in a camping was a positive experience - two nights in the middle of the Serengeti, and at the rim of the Ngorongoro crater, we had see zebras walking among tents. While on a subject of lodging - Meru Slopes also added the night before the safari and the one before in a hotel in Arusha with dinner and breakfast, free of charge. We didn't know we needed towels for campsites - they lent us two from the hotel. Nothing was a problem. This generosity extended across the safari. Food and drink was aplenty, and delicious, cooked by our excellent cook Godi. I will forever remember amazing salads, pancakes for breakfast, Tanzanian pizzas, and other Tanzanian specialties that Godi magically created to the same level, whether it was in a lodge or a campsite. Last but definitely not least was our amazing guide Lobulo. So knowledgeable, we learned lots about Tanzania and animals, an excellent driver and animal spotter. We saw the big five, more than 50 lions, a cheetah and plenty of other animals. And I would like to add a thank you to our contact at Meru Slopes, Gift, who organized our stay, and had patience to answer all the questions. I was really touched by care, generosity and respect to every sort of tourist, and genuine will to show the country. Ah - jeeps with opening roof were great, there were binoculars for everyone. And we were picked up at the airport and dropped off when leaving. The whole package so that one doesn't have to worry about anything. I would definitely go with Meru Slopes again, and ask for Lobulo and Godi to be a guide and cook again! Thank you for this experience, it has been an unforgettable one!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tour guide was super friendly and very knowledgeable. Made sure we were well taken care of
10/10 experience. Tour guide was beyond amazing. Took care of all of our luggage and answered every question we had on top of sharing some of his own knowledge with us. Food was amazing throughout the trip and hotels were beyond expectations. Would love to come back again.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very competent and professional. Created a wonderful holiday for me.
I found everyone was very friendly, reliable, helpful and professional.
The food was lovely and plentiful.
It was good value for money.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable family safari in Kenya
Our experience with Bushtop Kenya Safaris was excellent from beginning to end.
1. Initial correspondence with Denis
From our very first contact, the organization was perfect. Denis was always quick to reply, answered all our questions clearly and helped us organize every detail of the trip. The quotation and itinerary were well prepared, making the planning process easy and giving us confidence before the trip even started.
2. Our Spanish-speaking guide – Joshua
Joshua was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our safari. His kindness, professionalism, friendliness and deep knowledge of the wildlife and the environment made every game drive special. He was always attentive to us and shared his passion for nature throughout the trip. Thanks to his experience, we were fortunate enough to see the Big Five in just 4 days and 3 nights. A big hug to Joshua – he is simply the best!
3. The hotels
Both lodges exceeded our expectations. Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge at Lake Nakuru and Sarova Mara Game Camp in the Masai Mara were wonderful. The staff at both properties were incredibly friendly, welcoming and attentive to every detail, making us feel at home throughout our stay.
4. Overall recommendation
The safari itself was incredible. Experiencing first the wildlife around Lake Nakuru and then the vast plains of the Masai Mara provided two very different and complementary safari experiences. The contrast between the lake ecosystem and the savannah made the journey even more memorable.
Finally, we believe the price was fair. A safari is not an inexpensive experience, but we truly feel that we received everything we paid for.
Thank you very much to Bushtop Kenya Safaris for making this such a wonderful family experience.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Brian has excellent person to person skills, has excellent knowledge on birds, driving and Uganda.
The 3 day Gorilla trekking trip is excellent value for money. It was very easy communicating from Cape Town SA with Dickson from H of Africa. All the necessary information was provided. They also assisted with accommodation in Entebbe before the start. The guide Brian was a pleasure to have as our driver and guide to Bwindi forest and back. The two stays before and after the gorilla trek was an excellent choice. Gorilla in Mist lodge and Heritage lodge on an island in lake Bunyonyi. They know the system and are excellent in advising one in which level of trek to gorillas to choose on the day. One is guaranteed sightings with their expertise. Will definately recommend Hooves of Africa to family and friends. Lucille from Cape Town
Thanks again Dickson and Brian
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful safari experience!
This safari has been nothing short of epic. When looking for a safari, Cate was very thorough - understood what we were looking for, asked good questions, understood our budget, and made us comfortable throughout the entire process.
Once in Kenya, all of the details were well thought through - every ride, every meal, and we were able to truly maximize the limited time and budget that we had. We were able to experience so much, and our guide Simon answered every question we had, guided us safely through the different terrain and Kenyan traffic, and made sure everything was done to ensure that we experienced as many different animals as possible from several wonderful vantage points. We felt cared for though the whole process and appreciate Imara Africa for everything they did to make this safari a memorable, once in a lifetime experience!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience
Fantastic experience. Our guide Simon was knowledgeable and helpful and so fun. Made the experience great for our family. We spotted so many animals and the accommodations were wonderful. Beautiful settings and tent rooms and dining buffets. We had a memorable trip. Our teens were excited to see new animals daily and learn more about the Masai culture and Kenya. Food was tasty, beds were comfortable, and our guide made it amazing. Thank you to the Imara team who helped us organized our trip and stay. They responded quickly to our requests and questions and planned our days well. Wish we had had more time. We are sad to leave Kenya and will be back! Thank you Imara team!
5 star service
I engaged this company directly on their social media so as to book a safari for me and my siblings. Their response was fast and i received a very detailed itinerary that really captured alot of information requiring minimal explanation. I booked the 3 Day Trip to Amboseli and we really liked how detailed the tour Guide ‘Mr. Martin’ gave us a brief before hand and during the safari. We loved Amboseli and the wildlife there and one of the reasons we really did so was because of how Esther planned our travel plan and how Mr. Martin executed it. The trip was value for our money for we stayed at a really great mid range camp that they chose for us, and the food was amazing. I would highly recommend this company for short and even long safaris, they are organized.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great and considerate tour guide among the tour
Driver Felix and tour guide Simon offers a good and considerate tour within a reasonable pricing. Without any interfere within the tour option, we would take the whole journey within our own idea, which is great.