20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Didn't meet expectations - we wish we booked it ourselves.
The itinerary planning and booking process was generally smooth. Communication during the planning phase was adequate, and it was easy to make adjustments to the itinerary both before and after booking. The platform and team made it relatively straightforward to build the trip.
Unfortunately, once the trip began, the level of service dropped significantly. We received no proactive communication from Viatu while we were traveling. Early in the trip we realized we needed to contact each hotel or safari lodge directly a few days prior to arrival in order to confirm check-in details. In multiple instances, the check-in times we received from the properties did not match the information provided by Viatu. For a service positioned as a curated travel experience, we expected more reliable coordination and support during the trip itself.
We booked this trip as our honeymoon, and candidly, we feel we likely would have had a better overall experience planning the trip ourselves. Over 16 nights we stayed in six different locations, primarily 4-star accommodations, ending with a 5-star luxury safari experience on a private reserve. In reality, only one accommodation truly stood out as exceptional (Tamodi Estates in Plettenberg Bay). We actually preferred our 4-star safari experience over the 5-star lodge, which cost roughly three times more. Additionally, one property in the Winelands was so poor that it was surprising to see it included in a professionally curated itinerary.
It was also uncomfortable that nearly every property asked the purpose of our visit and seemed unaware that we were on our honeymoon. In several cases, staff expressed surprise and said they wished they had known in advance so they could have done something special. This felt like a significant missed opportunity. One of the main reasons to use a travel advisor or agency is their ability to communicate key details to partner properties and help create memorable experiences for special occasions. That coordination did not appear to happen here.
Overall, while the trip itself was enjoyable, the level of curation, communication, and attention to detail did not meet the expectations we had for a professionally planned honeymoon experience. In hindsight, the value of booking through Viatu was not clear, and we believe we likely would have had a better and more tailored experience arranging the trip independently.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An amazing experience exploring Tanzania
We had a wonderful time with our guide Isaya. He was so informative and a great person to be around. We saw the big five as well as so many other animals. We had some beautiful interactions with the people of Tanzania and for that, I am so thankful. Our trip consisted of the Serengeti as well as Ngorongoro Crater. Tanzania is a must visit and I could recommend this company more for your Safari adventure. You will not be disappointed.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari!
I would book with Tanzania Safari Deluxe Tours again! This locally owned company organized a 5-day safari that exceeded my expectations. Alex went above and beyond, lending binoculars and picking me up from my hotel, while George, our guide and driver, was knowledgeable and experienced. Communication before the trip was prompt, and the safari was very reasonably priced. As a first-time safari-goer, I was amazed by the incredible wildlife we saw—even at the start of the rainy season. Huge thanks to Alex and George for making this an unforgettable adventure!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My 1st Safari in Kenya
Kenya is a beautiful country for safaris. There are numerous national parks, and I chose the 3-day Maasai Mara tour. We left Nairobi early and went on a few-hour evening safari that same day. The next day, we set out early and were on the road for about 13 hours. On the third day, we visited a Maasai village and drove back to Nairobi.
We had a great guide who knows the flora and fauna very well. He accommodated our requests and always positioned us so we could take excellent photos and videos. His driving skills are also perfect for this job.
We saw: elephants, lions, buffalo, a rhino, cheetahs, giraffes, warthogs, wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, gazelles, hyenas, jackals, hippos, vultures, a marabou stork, eagles, and much more.
Now, two things I don’t think are ideal:
There’s quite a lot of plastic litter scattered around the Maasai Mara. Action needs to be taken here. And there’s a lot of off-road driving in the park, and the landscape looks the part. You can see Land Cruiser tracks everywhere. If this isn’t curbed, the Maasai Mara won’t be recognizable in 10 years.
All in all, I’m very grateful to have had this experience and highly recommend it.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing wildlife viewing, every park is different!
Did a 6/7 day safari with Kilipath African Safari. It felt a bit disorganized as I was moved to a different company on different days. The experience itself was phenomenal though! Well worth visiting different parks as every park is unique. We saw all the major animals! Camping in the seringeti was very comfortable and the budget lodges very very nice and clean too. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience! You can get very close to most animals.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing country with amazing people - pure love!
Amazing country with amazing people - pure love!
Perfect organization, fast communication. best price and service!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Rustic and unique filled verdant beauty, with friendly people.
Had an incredible experience in Uganda. We were very fortunate to see the majority of the wildlife the country had to offer including many of the rarer species. Wish we had spent more time in the mountainous backcountry, but it leaves something for us to come back to.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by Alexander Pohl
Serengeti is the gold standard.
You can´t really compare those two of course.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by Brian Ralph
Had a incredible experience with the Gorillas here. Saw many birds as well. Staying in our hotel overlooking the forest was very relaxing and beautiful.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Kibale National Park by Brian Ralph
Kibale was great, had a wonderful chimpanzee experience. Lovely stay at the Chimpundu, wish we had more days at that lodge.
The town was ok, and the swamp walk was fine. It seemed more like another activity to fill the time. It was nice to walk around, but I wouldn't do it again.