20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Venance Made Our Tanzanian Safari Unforgettable
I’m glad you liked it! Here’s the updated version with that experience woven in naturally:
Our experience with Lion King Adventures Safari was excellent. We felt the price was very reasonable for everything that was included, and the accommodations were comfortable throughout the trip. We were fortunate enough to see all of the Big Five and so much more, making it an unforgettable experience.
The true highlight of our safari, however, was our guide, Venance. With 15 years of experience as a safari guide, his expertise was obvious from day one. Everywhere we went, other guides seemed to know and respect him, which spoke volumes about his reputation.
His knowledge extended far beyond the animals. He taught us about the national parks, trees and plants, local culture, and the surrounding environment, making every game drive educational as well as exciting. We chose not to hire a tracker, and we never felt like we needed one because Venance’s eyes were incredible. Even while navigating rough terrain, he was able to spot animals—like lions resting in distant trees—that many other guides drove right past. Thanks to him, we saw animals that other safari vehicles completely missed.
He was also an exceptional driver. He confidently handled the safari cruiser through challenging terrain, got us to sightings quickly, and our vehicle never experienced the breakdowns that we saw happen to several others. Beyond his professional skills, Venance was simply a wonderful person. We enjoyed talking with him about life, Tanzania, and so many other topics throughout the trip.
One thing we especially appreciated was how accommodating he was. After a few days, we realized the food at some of the lodges just wasn’t for us. We mentioned that we’d love to try authentic Tanzanian cuisine instead, and Venance took us to a beautiful outdoor restaurant where we were able to sample a variety of traditional dishes. It ended up being one of our favorite meals of the entire trip and gave us an even greater appreciation for the local culture. He truly went above and beyond to make our experience memorable.
The only aspect of the experience that left me feeling disappointed had nothing to do with Lion King Adventures themselves, but with the accommodations for safari guides. At some of the hotels, there wasn’t space for Venance and the other guides to stay overnight. Knowing that the people who work so hard to create unforgettable experiences for tourists sometimes don’t have comfortable accommodations was genuinely upsetting. I hope safari companies and lodging partners continue working together to ensure guides have safe, comfortable places to stay. They dedicate so much to making these trips special, and they deserve the same care and respect in return.
Overall, this was truly the trip of a lifetime, and Venance played an enormous role in making it so. If you’re fortunate enough to have him as your guide, you’re in excellent hands.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect
From the moment we were collected this was the best experience Ive had on any tour, surpassing all my expectations for my first safari.
I never write reviews but had to this time. Damien the guide who was with us for all 4 days was absolutely incredible. The knowledge and experience on the drive made all the difference. We felt safe and due to his vast know how not only got to see the BIG 5 but the positions he took up to get us as close as possible was truly breathtaking.
Not only that but all accommodation and food was 5/5 very clean and still managed to keep things simple with a?good mix of options for lunch which is prepared daily for us and the breakfasts and dinners were also excellent.
I would highly recommend this company and although im sure they have other guides who are great, i doubt any would be better than Damien.
Perfect 👌
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
They organized the tour very well, but their communication to the hotel we stay was not well.
John, our driver the guide for safari was outstanding for finding all animals which we expected to see them in the safari. We enjoyed very much with his guide and his friendship.
However the tour office was not a particularly good for communicating with the hotel and lodge on the first second and third days of the tour as we had to pay the extra on the first day and stayed a standard room instead of a luxury bungalow booked at the Karatu safari lodge on second and third days.
VN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
Very well organized n coordinated, excellent driver, super excellent guide Tshiamo, wonderful lunch w fresh veggies n authentic chicken/sausage. We were able to see lots of animals, including elephants, a lionie, hippos, zebras, antilopes, warhogs, giraffes, etc
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding experience, filled with emotion
Our 4-day Tanzania safari was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we owe it all to Damien. His knowledge isn't just impressive; it’s absolutely outstanding. He seemed to know what the wildlife would do before they did it, and we learned so much just from listening to him.
We saw the big 5 & all thanks to Damien’s expertise - absolutely brilliant
More than just an expert guide, Damien is a genuinely lovely guy who took such good care of us and kept us safe every step of the way. By the end of the trip, he felt like a friend. We couldn't have asked for a better person to share this journey with!
Absolutely amazing experience ❤️💫
AD
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent, very organized and attentive
We truly loved the tour, the driver and chef were amazing. We saw the animals really close. The tour operator was very professional and provided a great service!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
Nature Ethiopia Tours offered a wonderful tour of Addis Ababa at a great price. We were able to visit St. George Church, the National Museum, Taitu Hotel, Entoto Hill, Mercato and try out some great coffee and Ethiopian food. The tour was well planned, informative, and overall very enjoyable. Definitely recommend to anyone in Ethiopia!
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing tour operator for Mt Kenya
I can only recommend CKC Travels - John was super helpful organizing my Mount Kenya trekking trip, the most responsive company manager I encountered on the Kenyan market. He responded to all my messages quickly, and customized the tour to my requests. Michael as a mountain guide was also amazing - not only because he guided me successfully to Point Lenana, but he also shared his wide knowledge of Kenyan flora and fauna. He knows all the plants and birds of the mountains, and is a very kind and always cheerful guide. Steven, the cook was also wonderful, cooking everything carefully to make sure that my stomach was ok after a bad food poisoning before the tour in Nairobi. All in all wonderful experience, fully recommend the company in case you want to hike/climb Mt Kenya.
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
He was the best and honestly I could not have asked for anyone better,
It was truly an experience of a life time and Lion King Adventures made it magical. I don’t think we could have had better guides. Gilbert and Ozzy were truly the best. If you’re on the edge about booking it just do it. You will never forget it.
TW
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent memory
Going to the Maasai Mara in Kenya with my family was a long-awaited dream come true for all of us. This trip turned out to be absolutely perfect—even beyond our expectations—and it was all thanks to our incredible guide, Francis.
Searching for wildlife in the vast savannah is a true test of patience. Francis seemed to possess a magical sense of positivity; from the moment we set out each day, he always wore the brightest, most optimistic smile, proactively and passionately searching every corner for us. Following his lead, we were thrilled to see elegant giraffes and magnificent herds of elephants, making every moment together as a family incredibly exciting.
What touched our family the most was Francis's sheer perseverance. There were times when we had been driving across the plains for so long that we were ready to give up, yet he remained fully focused, meticulously scanning the bushes and watching for the slightest movement. Our most unforgettable moment happened toward the very end of the trip. Through his incredible attentiveness and refusal to give up, Francis actually guided us right to a hidden thicket where we found a whole lion family, including two tiny, adorable lion babies! Seeing the lion family together in such a heartwarming scene was a moment of pure magic that deeply moved our entire family—it was a feeling beyond words.
Francis’s dedication to ensuring we had the trip of a lifetime was even more heartwarming than the wildlife sightings themselves. He felt less like a tour guide and more like an old friend in Kenya, sharing his homeland with us with boundless warmth. Thank you, Francis. Your radiant energy and determination made this African journey a lifetime treasure and the most heartwarming memory for our family.