DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good communication, good guides!
We started our safari in Arusha and ended in Nairobi, from where we took a nonstop flight to the Seychelles for our beach holiday. The communication with the Freeingo head office (Akai) was always fast responding and precise. After the first program for the safari was sent, we only needed to do small adjustments and got an updated response guickly. I did the full payment weeks ahead to the trip (via Wise) . The communication was excellent before, while and after the trip.
The trip is a long 8 day ride on the 4x4 Bushtaxi going thru several nationalparks, city's, countryside and a border crossing. We visited: Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro NP, Serengeti NP, Serengeti North NP, Massai Mara Reserve and Lake Nakuru NP. We seen a ton of animals very close: The density was the highest in the Ngorongoro crater. The first rhino we did see within the first 5 minutes and it walked by the jeep. A group of 4 rhinos 2 hours later. We did see cheetah with 4 kids, a black rhino (Lake Nakuru), a desert rabbit on daylight, leopard walking side by side with the car and climbing trees, 3 times Mara River crossing with good to excellent views, a lion eating a buffalo and much more.. The guides were superb. John Boma (Tanzania) was really good in estimating how the animal will move and positioning/moving the car very good for view and taking pictures. At the border crossing (Tanzania to Kenia) both guides did the handshake. We have not been a single moment unattended (safe for single female travelers). Do the visa application process online, it might take 1-2 weeks!
In Kenia the guide John Wachira had really good eyesight in finding the animals and overall professional guiding work done. In Kenia the safari is more private and less crowded by the jeeps. However you might see a little less animals per km driving, but the landscape is enjoying and nice. In both countrys the stops at the washrooms always were fine for my female partner. We asked for a Budget to Mid-range accommodations and used the budget for the private bushtaxi on the hole trip. I would do this again. We liked the Friends Camp (Northern Serengeti) the most. Nice view for stars and milkyway also, but you are not allowed to go outside after dark (ask for a guard at the dinner, to take pictures of the milkyway or the stars). The landscape of Tanzania was cleaner (less plastic and litter) but mostly dirt roads (free African-Massage), while in Kenia there is more litter and plastics in the landscape but from Lake Nakuru to Nairobi it was real road. Overall we were satisfied with value for money. Keep in mind these trucks a thirsty. On the fifth day after the border crossing the accommodation could have been better at this price tag, but the flair camp was okay for us. Sometimes things needed a moment to go on, but no breakdown. Do not underestimate the harsh conditions for the equipment and the people. Bring yourself some earplugs or noice canceling for longer rides on the dirt roads and a dust mask (ffp2) for dusty conditions on the safari.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kasaine was friendly, reliable, and knowledgeable, making our safari experience special
Booking last minute can always feel a bit risky, but Jocky Tours and Safaris delivered a seamless experience from start to finish. Everything was well-organized, and all services were provided as described. The tour offered great value for money without compromising on quality.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Organized and professional
The overall experience with Jocky Safari was great, starting with the booking experience. The team was very forthcoming especially considering that we've organized everything within 48hrs prior to the safari.
The overall arrangements was smooth and customer friendly. I was picked up from my hotel on time and without any complications. The team was proactive and kept me informed about the schedules and itennaries.
It was my first safari and a great time.
Thank you
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing East African Experience
Had an incredible safari holiday thanks to Sympathy and his team at Allanblackia. We appreciated the open communication line with Sympathy himself, who always responded swiftly irrespective of the time or day.
The professional and detailed itinerary options sent to us initially helped plan our trip. Sympathy worked with us to get a final itinerary, providing invaluable advice in the process. He accommodated all our requests to do all the various primate treks i.e. mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys and chimpanzees as well as seeing the migration in Serengeti.
We had excellent guides on the trip - thanks to Richard and Reagan, both were very friendly, hugely knowledgeable and professional.
Everyone went above and beyond.
We appreciated Sympathy's professionalism and honesty. He worked very hard on organising a seamless trip for us - 11 days covering parts of Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.
We would definitely travel with them again.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience
We used African Bush Lovers for 3 game drives and a boat tour. Lame was incredibly helpful from the first time I contacted her, and even took the time to meet us at a couple of the activities to check things were going well. Everything we did was fantastic - the guides were really knowledgeable and we saw so many animals and birds. Thank you for helping us make so many amazing memories!
Robbie went the extra mile to ensure we had the best experience possible.
My parents, a friend, and I booked our safari in Kenya with Beyond the Plains and it was absolutely incredible. We visited all of the main parks, saw amazing wildlife, and felt at home each step of the way. Our tour guide, Ronnie, was the best driver we could have asked for. He went the extra mile every day to ensure we were taken care of and got to see everything. He wasn’t just friendly with us, but with every other driver as well, working as a team to help other tours experience the animals along the way.
We did 11 days across Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru, and Masai Mara, and loved every minute of it. Each spot offered a unique look into Kenya’s culture, the animals, and the resorts. From seeing lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, and more, we couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Highly recommend!
PT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding Safari!
We just finished our 11 night safari with Beyond the Plains. It was outstanding. We visited four different areas in Kenya and had the time of our lives. All of our accommodations were excellent. Our driver, Ronnie, made the trip wonderful. His knowledge and professionalism were top notch. I would highly recommend Beyond the Plains.
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible adventure - Hakuna Matata
Our 3-day Masai Mara safari was absolutely incredible from start to finish! Our guide -Peter Ndungu was simply outstanding - incredibly knowledgeable, experienced and always happy to share fascinating stories and insights about the animals and the Mara. He was also a fantastic driver, navigating the roads with great skill and making us feel completely safe and comfortable throughout the trip.
My friend and I felt very well looked after from the very first moment. Nothing was too much trouble, and our guide really went the extra mile to make the experience special. And the best part - we saw everything we had dreamed of seeing!
Every game drive brought something exciting, and we came home with amazing memories and so many incredible photos
AR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An incredible experience!
We booked a 5-day safari covering Tarangire, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.
We saw many animals up close. We managed to spot the "Big Five," including the elusive leopard.
The staff's service was outstanding. Pascal, our guide, was always focused on ensuring we enjoyed ourselves; he actively searched for animals and taught us about them. He explains things with passion and expertise, and we learned a lot from him. I appreciate how he constantly strove to show us as many animals as possible and patiently answered the endless questions we asked. I also want to highlight Lucas, who ensured we were as comfortable as possible at the camp every day. He is a fantastic chef, every meal was hearty and delicious.
I recommend spending at least two nights in the Serengeti to truly enjoy this vast park, as the drives between camps can be long. Also, if you choose to visit Tarangire, make sure it is the first stop on your itinerary.
I am incredibly grateful to Suricata!
A note on what to avoid: I do not recommend the Maasai village visit. Fortunately, our group skipped it after hearing unpleasant accounts from others who had gone; they told us the Maasai were only interested in asking for money and selling handicrafts at exorbitant prices.
Regarding the Jevas Hotel, where we stayed for two nights: the breakfast was very basic. One afternoon at the restaurant, we ordered coffee, and—after paying for it—we had to prepare it ourselves (yes, they simply gave us a thermos of hot water and a packet of instant coffee). It is a shame that the hotel falls short of expectations, as it reflects poorly on the service provided by Suricata.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
Msangai was able to provide a detailed itinerary with informed photos when we first reached out in booking our 6 day safari. Everything was handled well, smooth communication and transaction. Our driver during the trip was Emmanuel! He gave us the best time and service, he was very knowledgeable and educated as well. From the start to the end, he gave us the 100% and we enjoyed our honeymoon safari more because of him. he brought us to the best spots and viewing of the animals and especially during the river crossing.
If you are planning on a safari, I would request for Emmanuel to be your guide/ driver.
