35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kelvin was very professional, knowledgeable, personable, and the best we could have had!
When my wife and I thought about going on a safari to the Serengeti, we had this idea of what that would be based on research, but what Safari Soles delivered far exceeded anything we could have ever imagined! From the beginning, this company was top tier. Upon emailing them, I received an itinerary within 24 hours from Jamal Mwakilembe. This itinerary was based on the information I provided them, but anything I wanted to edit, they worked with me to form the perfect itinerary for the time we were there. Jamal provided information on all things we would need to travel to Tanzania including travel visas, packing tips, information on the Safari, what to expect, and images/videos of safaris that had just ended. Upon arrival, they had a driver waiting for us at the airport to make our transfer to Arusha seamless!
The night of arrival, we had a customer support representative, Catherine, reach out to us to introduce herself and ensure we had everything we needed. Throughout the trip, she was extremely responsive (within minutes) for any questions we had.
As for the safari itself, words cannot express how incredible it was! Our guide, Kelvin Mbise, was the best guide we could have possibly gotten. We did a private safari so it was my wife and I with Kelvin the entire time. Kelvin explained everything that was Tanzania specifically Arusha, each park we went to, the different tribes, and provided information on everything we asked him. Once we hit the parks, Kelvin knew every single spot to take us to in order to maximize our experience. Put it this way, we really only had 3 days to fit Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro in and Kelvin found a way to allow us to see The Big Five, and also three brother cheetahs, unlimited zebras, elephants, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, wildebeests, a crocodile, and several other animals. When I say he found these animals, we were within a few feet of the majority including a mother lion and her cub just after a hunt. Kelvin ensured we had all the photos we wanted and more information on this than we could have imagined! Each day, Kelvin had lunch for us in a picnic area that had an incredible view. He had our vehicle stocked with water, soda, juice, beer and wine each day and was willing to stop anywhere along the way for restroom breaks.
The accommodations each night well exceeded expectations and the food was outstanding. There were either bonfires or shows each night after dinner and the staff was very friendly.
If you’re looking for an experience you will never forget, go with Safari Soles! Also, request Kelvin as your guide. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Vibrant, friendly, beautiful country
A superb mini safari with Gatsio Safaris to Murchison Falls which included a Nile Cruise and visit to the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.
Not very crowded and a wonderful array of wildlife in the park. Beautiful Lodge at Pakuba Safari Lodge
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Heroic
His knowledge was extensive, he taught us about the geography as well as the animals. He was so friendly and helpful. He anticipated all our needs. Kelvin was like family within only a few hours. I cannot say enough about our time with him. We love you KELVIN♡
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good overall experience
We did the Maasai Mara tour. The staff of Kubwa 5 is excellent and replied back promptly and made sure all my questions and concerns were taken care of.
UM
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So friendly and sweet
Kelwin was an amazing tour guide. He went out of his way to show us a good time. 🥳🥰
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great customer service and knowledgeable staff.
The staff were very reliable, knowledgeable and excellent
Great customer service from the airport to the hotels and lodges. Myriad Travel made My trip smooth and very enjoyable. Their prices too are very friendly. My memories of my stay in Kenya are still fresh. Thanks Myriad Travel.
Expert, conscientious, attentive, generous and confident.
Fuhara understood immediately the sort of tour we needed on a very hot day. Timing was meticulous and organisation was without fuss. The young men who assisted us to get through borders without any issues, visit David Livingstone Museum, drop us off at Royal Livinstone hotel for lunch and lead us on a splendid walking tour of Victoria Falls NP at the right time just as the evening was approaching and the rainbows came and went! Highly recommend their efficiency and friendly service.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Dreamlike Tanzania
We were met at Kilimanjaro Airport by our guide and driver, Alex. He immediately impressed us with his friendly manner and excellent German skills. The tour took us to Karatu, Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and on to the Serengeti. Alex always made every effort to fulfill our wishes. We highly recommend Alex for a trip of this kind.
(automatic translation from German)
UA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Exceeded our expectations wonderfully.
Carefully carried around Masai Mara, Nakuru and Amboseli by a great driver and guide Sammy. Esther who organised the safari, laid on treats and surprises for us as it was our 40th wedding anniversary. She kept in touch and the trip was wonderful. Simply outstanding.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Endeni was exceptional.
Endeni, our GUIDE EXTRORDINAIRE, is the KING OF THE SAFARI.
Our trip started off with a bang. The resort, Tumbili Lodge, is gorgeous with wonderful food and staff. On our first day, we were able to settle in and prepare for the rigors of our Safari.
We met Endeni on day 2. He is, in fact, the KING OF THE SAFARI because of his unparalleled ability to multitask under pressure.
DRIVER - over some incredibly difficult terrain. As a result, each day provided a free African Massage. :)) EDUCATOR - about Tanzania, its people, its history. About the animals - their names, their status, their routines, how to spot them.
EAGLE EYE - while driving over washboard roads riddled with giant pot holes and deep ravines, Endeni spotted Lions, Giraffe, Elephants, a Leopard, a Cheeta, Hyenas, Baboons, Warthogs, Zebra, and Wildebeast (which were everywhere), Secretary birds, Ostrichs, Water Buffalo, Hippos, Eagles, Vultures, Hornbills, an Owl, a variety of small birds, Crocodiles, and every iteration of Antelope, Gizelle, and Deer-like being.
WRESTLER - at times, stealth-like movement of the Land Cruiser was needed to ensure the best viewing, photos, videos, and comprehension of the animals' behavior. There were often other vehicles and an unspoken coordination between the guides. With his big smile and outgoing personality, Endeni somehow always landed in the right location.
PERSONALITY - he did all of this while skillfully managing the personalities of a group of six friends.
PROVIDER - Endeni brought us to various locations for our midday meal, laid out some delicious food, cleaned up, and gave our leftovers to the needy. All with a smile while answering a barrage of endless questions.
COORDINATOR - Endeni knew where we needed to be and when. He worked with us on timing and ensured we arrived at our lodging safely and in a timely fashion. HERO - Endeni came to the rescue of a young couple who had rented their own vehicle and were stranded on the side of the road - in the middle of the Serengeti. We spotted a crowd of trucks up ahead. Others had stopped to look and watch while a young man struggled to figure out what to do next. No one had gotten out of their vehicle to help. But Endeni didn't hesitate. As soon as we arrived, he jumped out and jumped in. Soon, he was under the truck, found out what was wrong, and helped this young couple put their truck back together - using a seat belt - so they could continue their adventure.
Because on top of everything, Endeni is also an EXPERT. Endeni has a deep knowledge of the workings of the Land Cruisers and helped a few other drivers figure out what was wrong with theirs, imparting sage advice.
FRIEND - We had a flat tire. This was no surprise based on the roads. Out of nowhere, Endeni's best friend drove by and helped him change the tire - in stifling heat under the hot sun, while we all sat in the shade of our covered vehicle. There was no complaining, but it was clear there was a deep sense of camaraderie, and their get-it-done attitude prevailed.
We stayed in a variety of beautiful accommodations, some tents guarded by Masaii warriors while we slept, while wild animals moved around us. It was at once terrifying and exhilarating, knowing we were safe inside and would not be disturbed.
If he hasn't had one in a while, Endeni deserves a raise. This trip would not have been the same with anyone else. He is a PHENOMENON. Hold onto him.
There was a lot of coordination and back-and-forth, putting this trip together. Ensuring that three couples living in different parts of the US were accommodated was no small task. Naomi did a great job, and we're grateful for her skills as well.
Great job, African Big Cats Safari. Keep up the good work.