DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was easy to book and the operator was reachable at all times.
The communication was good, we got a fast repy for every question.
The tour was worth the money, the acommodations were simple, but had all we need, the staff was friendly in all camps.
We were surprised how much wildlife we got to see, especially in the massai mara.
Our driver Joseph was very attentive and helpful. He got us the best view of every sighting.
We would do the tour like this again. It is a really good option if you are satisfied with simple acommodations.
We would recommend the morning walk from the Nyati Safari Camp.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Trip
We had an amazing safari experience! Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish, and the whole trip went smoothly. We got to see so many incredible animals and really enjoyed every moment of it.
A special thank you to Yona, who was absolutely wonderful! She was always available before the trip, answered all our questions and made sure we felt well informed and prepared.
Overall, it was an unforgettable experience and we would definitely recommend this safari to anyone visiting Tanzania!
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Experience!!
We had the most amazing 4 day tour with Josh Dreamland Safari. Danford, our guide, has over 20 years experience and it showed! Not only did we see each of the big 5 up close and personal, but we learned so much about the animals! If you’re thinking of going on a safari holiday- do it! And make sure you do so with Josh Dreamland safari and ask for Danford!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A perfect safari experience
I have just returned from a 3 day safari in Masai Mara with a friend, using Gofan Safaris.
Our experience was incredible and we were so happy with Gofan Safaris. Our car was comfortable, clean, and had great big windows and pop up roof to get great views.
Our driver was called Tony. He was amazing - so knowledgeable, skilled and fun. We were impressed by his safe driving on the transfer from Nairobi to Masai Mara. In the park, he was able to find SO many animals, and our drives were varied and interesting. He tailored the trip to what we were keen on. Tony made our trip so great and we are very grateful!! Request him if you can.
Thanks so much for an incredible, once in a lifetime trip.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The services were excellent, the organisation superb and top notch.
This was my first Safari with Veracious and I was just happy with how they planned and tailored my safari to exactly match my expectations. During the safari, our guide was great, very friendly, punctual, knowledgeable and very professional. I highly recommend Veracious Horizon Adventures!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable
We had an amazing first safari experience with Smile Safari, and our guide, Hussein, made it truly unforgettable.
Hussein was incredibly accommodating, knowledgeable, and passionate about what he does. He knew exactly when and where to go to give us the best opportunities to see wildlife. His sharp eyes and extensive knowledge made every game drive exciting, and we managed to see all of the Big Five in just two days.
The absolute highlight of our trip was seeing rhinos pass right in front of our safari vehicle ,an incredible experience we will never forget.
We couldn’t have asked for a better guide for our first safari. A big thank you to Hussein and Smile Safari for such a memorable experience. We highly recommend them to anyone planning a safari in Tanzania.
PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable, caring, trustworthy operator
We have successfully summited Kilimanjaro and visited safari for 3-nights with King Mufasa.
First of all - Davis was super helpful throughout our visit in Tanzania. Responsive, exceeded our expectations if it comes to hospitality.
KILIMANJARO:
We did 8-day lemosho route.
I'm not sure if that's the case, but we might be the first ones to go on a full Kilimanjaro trek with the company. Couldn't find previous photos of someone climbing with them, but nonetheless - they delivered.
The team on the mountain was very good and delivered just the experience we expected - kind, informative, supportive, but at the same time didn't treat us like complete princesses on the mountain as we had seen other companies do for their customers, rather as a part of the team. Still - made everything to make us reach the summit.
There were little hiccups that were quickly fixed, for example one team member had something wrong with his permit and had to join us a day later. We probably wouldn't even notice that on the first day, but appreciated the honesty - made us feel informed on what's happening with the team instead of blindly following guides. The day before the summit our tent was initially set up on the further side of the base camp and they even moved our camp closer when the guides had seen that, to make it just a bit easier for us on the summit day.
The only true downside was that we signed up for a shared trek to meet other people on the way and share experiences, while me and my girlfriend were finally on a private trek as noone else signed up for that particular date. Probably would be a benefit for some.
Overall - a very good experience. Thanks to everyone, special shout-out to Steven who had great energy and was our "waiter" and the porters with positive vibes on the trek - I feel like these guys go unnoticed sometimes.
Thanks for making this happen.
SAFARI:
We had picked one day in Tarangire, two in Serengeti, one in Ngorongoro. I'd probably put even more focus on Serengeti if I were to do this again - that's where the action happens, that's where the most memorable stays are in. And the stays are important - after a long day of driving in a shaking car you really appreciate seeing animals coming up to your camp on their own, at a different pace, looking for them from where you'll sleep. The parks choice is obviously on me, not King Mufasa.
The combination of the lodges that were surely on the nicer side and a camp worked perfectly. One lodge had really good mountain view with a pool, one glamping inside of Serengeti had hippos walking around and eating grass where we were sleeping all night and it surely made it one of the most memorable nights of sleep of our lives. The campsite, on the other hand, was overlooking the Ngorongoro crater and had an elephant / giraffe / plenty of zebras and antelopes visiting us before sleep or when we woke up in the morning. Great selection of stays, wouldn't change it.
Our driver was good - had balls to drive up to animals in a way to get us the best view, could find them well, knew all the other guides and seemed experienced. Maybe not as knowledgeable as we'd think a safari guide would be, but that's fine. He knew enough.
TO SUM UP:
All good, thanks!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ms. Fiona Grace is responsible, fair, attentive/interact/responsive and honest business person.
Your money is safe and you will get a lot. She is second to none. If I will do it again, there is no doubt. I will drop an email to Ms. Fiona Grace. “Good and fair business”
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Definitely Recommend--Tony and Friendly tour Guide Madagascar
I had an EXQUISITE time. Working with Tony at Friendly Tour Guide Madagascar made everything possible. I highly recommend working with Tony and his team.
I wanted to travel solo for part of my trip, so I carefully researched travel guides and locations. Once I contacted Tony--who has a very good record and reputation for customer service and reliability--he immediately offered to talk in real time on WhatsApp. Our conversation helped me gather a lot more relevant information and narrow my options. From there, we crafted a week-long itinerary.
Importantly: At all times, I felt safe. This includes going into different areas of the country, meeting new people, and traveling by car across some rough terrain. The driver Tony hired was very professional and practiced safe driving habits, even when other drivers did otherwise.
My general advice in planning a trip to Madagascar is to really narrow your priorities because every region of the country is different and unique in its own ways. I would ask Tony a lot of clarifying questions to make sure you understand the type of experience you would be getting. And remember that it often takes longer than you think to travel by road in Madagascar so build in lots of extra time!
I recommend Tony and the team at Friendly Tour Guide Madagascar! Enjoy your trip!
AR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrible company. I Don't know how they can have 5 Stars. The Worst Safari Company.
I don’t understand how this company can have 5 stars. Unfortunately, our experience was not good, and we would not hire them again.
During the planning phase, Judith was very kind and accommodating. She put together our itinerary, accepted changes, and answered our questions. However, once the trip began, the experience changed completely.
I want to distinguish between Acram, our Spanish-speaking guide, and the safari driver, as our opinion of the two is entirely different.
- The driver’s attitude:
From the second day on, he began to show annoyance regarding the tips we left at the accommodations. He gave us a lecture in the vehicle about how much we should be tipping him and the hotel staff—a conversation that felt like a demand and made us very uncomfortable.
We have never had an issue with leaving tips, and we made sure to distribute them among the various staff members who assisted us. What bothered us was the way he demanded them; his attitude made it clear that he was primarily focused on money.
Throughout the entire safari, he never sat at the table with us—unlike other drivers, who would share those moments with their guests. We aren’t sure if it was personal, but while other groups’ guides or drivers would sit with their tourists, we were always left on our own because he never wanted to join us for meals. Furthermore, right from the start, he instructed us not to speak to him and to direct all our questions to Acram instead. His behavior was arrogant and unpleasant, and it left us feeling as though we had no real support or companionship.
- Safari schedules and duration:
While we observed other groups heading out around 6:30 AM and returning near 6:00 PM, we typically didn’t leave until 8:30 AM and would return around 4:00 PM.
WE WERE ALWAYS THE LAST ONES TO LEAVE. For the last two days, we asked to head out at 7:00 AM to make the most of the experience, but the driver kept asking us repeatedly if we were sure we wanted to leave that early. We were always the last ones to depart, and he constantly looked sleepy.
- The vehicle and the snacks
The van was old, and the snacks promised in the itinerary turned out to be nothing more than cookies and popcorn—leftovers from the packed meals provided to other tourists at the accommodations we visited. In other words, the snacks given to guests at their lodgings were simply left in the van for the next group of tourists. 🫠
On the final day, while we were on our way to the airport, another van broke down, leaving us stranded in the middle of Arusha.
- Transfer to Zanzibar:
When it was time to head to the airport for our flight to Zanzibar, the driver asked us what time our plane was leaving. We had to contact the company ourselves to confirm the departure time—something that should have been handled by them. Very unpleasant.
- Judith
She was very attentive during the planning phase, but once the trip began, she practically disappeared. She never checked in to see how the experience was going or if we needed any assistance. It felt as though the support ended the moment the payment was made.
The highlight of our experience: Acram
We want to give a special mention to Acram, our Spanish-speaking guide. He was kind and incredibly knowledgeable about the animals and the environment. Thanks to him, we were able to learn so much more and truly enjoy the places we visited.
ALSO, ON THE LAST DAY, THE VAN CAUGHT FIRE—WITH US INSIDE! WE HAD TO START SCREAMING JUST TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE.
Conclusion
The experience fell far short of our expectations, particularly due to the driver’s attitude, the scheduling, the duration of the outings, and the condition of the vehicle.
We paid a significant amount and expected a level of service to match. It is not about an unwillingness to tip or a desire for unnecessary luxuries; rather, it is about being treated with respect, having good organization, and being able to fully enjoy the experience. We felt a great deal of contempt from the driver toward us.
We would not book with Full Package Adventures again, nor would we recommend them. Given the price we paid, we expected much more—especially in terms of how we were treated. The only real highlight was the work of Acram, our guide. I cannot write any more, as anything else I might add would not be positive.
(automatic translation from Spanish)