65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
We really made the right decision with African Big Cats Safari!
African safaris had always been on our travel list, but we were unsure it would be worth the cost. We were wrong! Our only regret is not going on safari earlier.
We chose African Big Cats Safaris (ABC) because they were highly recommended by friends of ours and they were so flexible in designing our itinerary. We wanted to spend a few days in Kenya, to see Nairobi and visit the Amboseli National Park. ABC was able to start our adventure there, using a Kenyan safari company, Essence of Kenya. Our guides, Sam and John were wonderful, especially when one of our duffels was delayed. And our transition into Tanzania was easy, switching guides at the border. In Tanzania, we concentrated on four areas: Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Southern Serengeti near Ndutu, and Central Serengeti (the Seronera area). Each area was different, but all were fascinating.
As for our accommodations, each of us had our own vision of how each day would end. Would it be: a refreshing dip in the pool? A cool drink and a good meal? A campfire with other travelers? ABC made sure we would all be happy. And we were. Our accommodations were mostly tented camps, luxurious and comfy.
But as anyone could guess, the game drives were the real main features. Watching the animals living their daily lives in their own natural world was incredible. We witnessed giraffes snacking on high tree limbs, families of elephants strolling along with babies at their side, prides of lions lounging in the tall grass, gazelles frolicking, cheetahs stalking, the leopard sleeping in a tree. And I cannot forget to mention all the other animals: hippos, alligators, water buffalo, zebras, baboons, rhinos, hyenas, warthogs, and thousands of birds. We saw them all and more. And all of it was amid the great green expanse of open plains and savannahs (it was January). Truly magical!
It was all made possible by ABC and our fantastic, brilliant guide in Tanzania, Festo. I cannot say enough about Festo. His knowledge of Tanzania, of the animals and their habits is unbelievable, not to mention the delicious picnics he brought and his ability to know the perfect place to park the Land Rover for a great photo. Between the four of us, we have over 5,000 photos – after we deleted the duplicates and fuzzy ones. Festo had a knack of making every game drive into a new day of discovery and insight into the natural world of Tanzania.
As for tips for travelers to Tanzania, we came prepared for mosquitoes, cold nights and hot days. However, perhaps because it was January, we experienced no mosquitoes, warm days (ok, hot in the direct sun) and pleasant evenings. We did use our warm clothes in the evenings at the Ngorongoro Crater rim, which was nippy due to the altitude. So, my best and only real tip is to let African Big Cats Safaris do your planning and let their guides take care of the rest.
On a personal note, I have breathing problems walking, especially on an incline. I noticed we always had a tent close to the dining and social area. Asante, ABC! And Festo was always there, urging me to walk “pole pole” (Swahili for “slowly slowly”). Such care and patience! Asante, Festo!
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 5-day Mt. Kenya Trek – Highly Recommended!
We had an incredible time on our 5-day hike (Chogoria - Sirimon route). From the very beginning, the communication with Charles was super friendly and smooth, he answered all our questions very quickly.
On the mountain, we were accompanied by an amazing local team of five. Everything was perfectly planned out and the team was always on time, which we really appreciated. Our guide, Leonard, was amazing; he knows practically every plant and animal species on the mountain and we always felt in very good hands with him.
Our cook, George, was always smiling and the food was excellent. They really make sure you eat enough and that the meals are right for the high altitude. A special shout-out to Nelson, who looked after us so well at every camp and all the other porters, who did an amazing job as well.
A huge highlight for us was the Mackinder Valley between Shipton's and Old Moses. The landscape is just stunning. The views and the giant plants there are something you have to see for yourself, very unique nature.
By booking with them, you’re supporting a local, truly hardworking team rather than a big travel agency. All in all, it was an amazing experience and we gained so much from this trip. We would definitely do it again!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The guide was very attentive, professional, and patient
Our Maasai Mara safari was wonderful. Our guide was kind, polite and friendly. He was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. We saw so many animals because of the experience and expertise of the guide and it was simply incredible. We chose Bridgids Africa Adventures based on positive reviews and we were very pleased with their service. Communication was easy from the start and they responded very quickly. We stayed in a luxury lodge in the Maasai Mara and the experience was wonderful. Everyone was kind and attentive. We could see countless animals from our lodge every morning while having breakfast. We really loved it!
PE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Really special trip
We spent 4 days/3 nights in Amboseli, we were picked up from Nairobi airport and dropped off near Mombasa. Our driver/guide Bahati was simply amazing. We felt very safe as his passengers. Our first day in Amboseli was fantastic, Bahati found 4 of the Big Five for us. He found us a few hyenas as well as all the animals most of us want to see. These animals are really special. It is quite difficult to find animals in Tsavo West Park, but the scenery is amazing. Bahati found all kinds of animals and we had more than enough time to sit and observe them. We stayed at two resorts of our choice. The office staff were all polite and upfront about their work. They also helped with other aspects of our trip, such as getting from Mombasa to Nairobi. Everything went very smoothly because of their help. I have now travelled to many places in Kenya, but the Maasai are yet to be seen. I will be relying on the wonderful people at Welcome To Africa Trails to organized that trip too.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best 5-Day Safari with Jeremy.
We just returned from an incredible 5-day private safari with Civet Adventures, and it exceeded all our expectations! Traveling as a group, we wanted someone reliable, and this team delivered perfectly.
Our guide, Jeremy, was truly the star of the trip. In the photo, you can see him with our group—he’s not only an expert spotter but also a wonderful person who made us feel like family. His knowledge of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater is unmatched. Thanks to his sharp eyes, we saw everything from a pride of lions to the elusive leopard!
The safari jeep (License: T726 ANT) was super comfortable and handled the rugged terrain with ease. It was clean, well-stocked, and the pop-up roof was perfect for our group to get the best wildlife shots. Every detail, from the lodges to the daily schedule, was handled with such professionalism. If you are planning a trip to Tanzania, look no further than Jeremy and the Civet Adventures team. Asante sana for the memories!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
This was an amazing experience and Taste of Kilimanjaro and their excellent guides made it happen!
This was such a great experience on so many levels. It was just my husband, my son and I and the guides and porters. Communication and booking was straight forward and easy, Edwin was wonderful, the information was easily accessible, they were responsive and helpful, and the value was unbelievable. We wanted to go with a local company and so glad we did! An expedition like this though doesn’t come together without the guides and crew. Our guides Chuewa and Hatibu were top notch. I can’t say enough good things about them. Professional, experienced, and great leaders (a combination of slowing us down and pushing when needed), and they assembled the best crew of porter’s and support team I can imagine. I couldn’t have dreamed this to be a better experience at a better price. Deep gratitude to the whole team!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
Wayne made the whole booking process so incredibly easy. He found multiple options that worked for our dates, and was more than happy to jump on a call in order to discuss our plans and ensure we were getting the best tour. He was always timely with his responses and answered all queries we had. I couldn't recommend him and The Kruger Safari Co more highly!! Thanks Wayne!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Serengeti trip
We flew in to the Serengeti and had a 4 night 5 day trip and really loved it. It was during the low season so where we stayed we were the only guests which was a little unique but the staff were very accomodating. We loved driving around and seeing all the animas each day.
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience from planning to execution
I had a fantastic trip filled with amazing, lasting memories—truly a great all-around experience.
The journey began with planning alongside Anastasia, who was incredibly helpful and detail-oriented. She provided all the necessary information, thoughtfully customized the itinerary to suit my preferences, and recommended excellent hotels. She also ensured that all documentation and logistics were handled seamlessly, which made the entire process stress-free.
Once I arrived in Kenya, the experience only got better. The vehicle was comfortable, and our driver, James, was exceptional—knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely passionate about what he does. He made the trip truly memorable. The game drives were outstanding; James knew exactly the right times and locations, which gave us incredible sightings and opportunities to capture some unforgettable photos.
The hotel selections were also excellent. As vegetarians, we had some concerns about food options, but we were pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality available at every location.
A big thank you to Anastasia and the team at Amazing Memories for creating such a seamless and unforgettable safari experience. I would highly recommend them to anyone planning a trip like this.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Amazing & Hassle-Free Kenya Travel Experience
It was one of the best experiences of my life. I am truly thankful to Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris. The trip was affordable, and the stay, itinerary, and overall arrangements were all excellent.
The people were very friendly and helpful, taking care of everything from airport pickup to drop-off seamlessly. As someone traveling from India, they also made the entire process very easy for me.
For any foreign nationals looking for a budget-friendly and safe trip, I would highly recommend them. I also had the opportunity to travel with people from different countries like the USA, UK, and Italy, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Thank you for such a wonderful experience!