CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Incredible Experience in My Life: Stepping into Africa and the World of Wildlife
The local customs and culture of Africa are truly unique. Seeing the animals in the wild—hunting, basking in the sun—felt completely different from observing them in a zoo.
The itinerary arranged by the safari company was well-organized. Our guide, Kikitu, was enthusiastic and attentive. He provided excellent explanations and led us to spot many rare wild animals. When we left something behind at a hotel during the trip, he also helped us retrieve it. For that, we are very grateful.
We hope this magical land and the animals that call it home continue to receive better protection.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
8 Day Mid-Range Serengeti Safari
Lubulu was our driver and guide for our 6 day safari into the Serengeti. His heritage is Maasai, so who could be better, to guide us through the area and share his knowledge. He was excellent throughout, spotting wildlife and sharing information about their behaviours. We couldn’t have asked for more.
Our first safari was to Tarangire National Park. We spotted elephants, lion, zebra, and giraffe as well as several bird species. If this was just the first day we were in for a real treat. On the second day we saw a cheetah and her cub. My partner and I had waited 23 years since our first safari to see cheetah, what a thrill. We saw the big 5, ugly 5, and more.
The highlight was the wildebeest migration at the river crossing, a real spectacle, and nothing really prepares you for this event. We sat for over three hours just watching the wildebeest cross the river. The wildebeest just kept coming and coming, you could see them for miles in the distance. It was overwhelming to see the sheer numbers and watching the vultures waiting for one of them to slip up.
Lubulu didn’t take us to the Maasai villages, he said his focus was on the animals. We did stop at a couple of craft markets, just to take a short break with the option of shopping. I thought the second one was the best.
Lubulu looked after us really well. Thank you so much, and whenever I hear the lyrics of Toto Africa it will transport me back to those spectacular moments in Tanzania.
FR
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It's was perfect organization and follo-up of ours trip. Quick and positive answer when we need.
All was clear before ours departure. At arrival all was conform at what we expect. Easy to communicate with WhatsApp, the transfer between airport and lodge in time. The lodge was amazing,confortable, very good food and wine and we was very welcome. The safari was perfect and we saw the "big five". Victor our guide was excellent. All was perfect. We would like stay more time or coming back!! I recommand it.
NL
An Unforgettable Tanzanian Adventure!
Golden Trips organised an incredible 7-day Kilimanjaro trek (Lemosho route) and a 3-day safari for us. The entire experience was fantastic and well-executed. Overall, good value for money.
Planning: The planning process was smooth. Leticia was very responsive and patiently answered all our questions while creating the itinerary.
Kilimanjaro Trek: The 7-day trek was an unforgettable experience. Our guides, Bob and Noah, were exceptional—supportive, informative, and dedicated to getting us to the summit. We were consistently impressed by the quality and quantity of the food provided (thanks, Cheeks).
As moderately fit trekkers, we found the route manageable, but Summit Night is a true test of perseverance. Our guides' motivation was essential in helping us reach Uhuru Peak. A huge shoutout to the team of porters - Denis, Alex, Dito, Joshua, Sam, Erinest, Mashal, Bayo and Ruga - the successful climb would not have been possible without all your hard work.
Safari: Our 3-day safari covered Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Our guide, Deo, was fantastic. His knowledge and ability to spot wildlife were top-notch, and we saw 4 of the Big 5.
For first-time safari-goers, we'd recommend focusing on 1-2 parks in 3 days, as visiting all three felt rushed. You ultimately trade time in the parks for time on the road. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater were our highlights.
Overall, we highly recommend Golden Trips for a memorable Tanzanian adventure.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The perfect people to organise a once in a lifetime adventure
Thank you, we had an absolutely amazing safari experience from start to finish. Everything was seamless – from the first enquiry through to the very last day, every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed. The itinerary was spectacular in every way: breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, beautiful and varied accomodation, and attentive staff who made us feel so well cared for.
We never had to worry about logistics or timing – everything just flowed perfectly, allowing us to relax and immerse ourselves fully in the adventure. It was beyond our expectations.
We can’t thank you enough for creating such an unforgettable journey.
Highly recommended to anyone wanting a truly world-class African safari.
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Experience
We had an unforgettable safari with Floridi as our guide. He made the entire experience fun, safe, and deeply enriching. His knowledge of the wildlife and the landscapes was truly impressive, and he always made sure we had the best possible views. Floridi spotted animals we would have never noticed ourselves and shared his passion through stories and explanations that brought the whole experience to life.
Floridi went above and beyond to make the trip special, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
Thank you to Safari Soles for organizing such a memorable adventure, highly recommend!
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Try it and you'll have an amazing experience
I had some doubt at the beginning as I book myself and not through agencies... The most beautiful surprise sine the beginning in submitting me the safary trip tour, changing and adapting it due to my request of modification even during the safary itself.
No complain at all but, simple huge thanking to all the staff from the back office till our magnificent driver James who was not only a driver but a teacher and became a friend.
We visited not a country but a magnificent Pearl in the African continent
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional service from start to finish!
From the first message we sent, Christina was fast to reply and answered all of our concerns. She gave us all of the relevant information and helped make the booking process simple. The programs offered by Christina were tailored to our liking and she spent time and effort to make sure we got what we wanted on the tour.
On arrival our guide Fano met us at the airport with a smile and helped us change our money. Over the next 9 days of our tour we were treated with the best service we could have asked for. Fano was always on time, ready and prepared to take us on our adventures, he was very good at giving us the information about the places we visited and gave us different options to explore. His local knowledge was invaluable and his driving skill made us feel very safe and comfortable. Our tour included many long journeys by car, but they were always pleasant thanks to Fano. He would tell us all about the local culture and point out interesting things as we passed by. He was always very positive and has a great sense of humour.
Christina was quick to react to a change in circumstances when our departing flight changed. She arranged a driver for us on our last day so we could continue to explore rather than waiting in the airport all day.
To summarise we don’t think it’s possible to find better service as they really went above and beyond. We loved Madagascar so much, we will visit again and we will not hesitate to book with 261 EXP.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Kruger safari experience
We have ve appreciated the great experience and passion of the guide that makes our safari experience unforgettable. He was able to show us animals that which would have been impossible to see without an expert guide. We also learnd a lot about animals habits and curiosities related to the park and the species that live there. Thanks also to flexibility of the agency, we have been able to re-arrange our safari schedule despite the issue faced with our flight schedule. On top to the Kruger park Safari we did, with the same agency, a very well organized and complete tour of the panoramic route!
MY
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Legitimate trustworthy company. Peter is an extraordinary guide, a walking dictionary!
First of all, this is a legitimate company with TRA license (tourism regulatory Authority). If you are traveling from other country, you have my confidence that you are not scammed.
Pre trip booking (1 year prior to my trip)
- Came across this company via safari booking. Their review was 5/5 perfect. The person in charge Denis was very responsive. He was very patient and attentive. He offered very good opinion on the places that I plan to go considering that I am bringing my young kids. We also did almost 40min of video call. As a traveller from another part of the world, that really gave me a good confidence in their company.
- I made the booking and paid $2000 as booking fees.
Within 6 months prior to trip
- I intermittently communicate with him to ensure everything went well. Denis even updated me that the government had increased park fees. Minor changes made to the accommodation given prior to that. No big issues for me.
1month prior to trip. (This is where conflict arose)
- I constantly messaging him and asking him for confirmation. Despite completed the deposit, I was not given a proper invoice. I asked him whether things had been confirmed and demanded a complete finalized itinerary, however, Denis was not as responsive as before. He would ask me to calm down and relax as everything is going well. However, he doesn’t understand that as traveller, we want black and white confirmation, not verbal confirmation.
- At one point, I couldn’t get Denis to reply me even though he had read my message for more than 24hours. I thought I was scammed. I googled everything about the company, (TripAdvisor, google, safari booking), nothing seems to be wrong except that the last review was in 2023. I tried calling him and couldn’t get through. I was so agitated and angry. I even engaged other company for new qoutation and to help contact Denis with local phone. However, they couldn’t get him as well.
- After about a day, (around 3days prior to my trip), he replied and apologized for his mistake that he didn’t prioritize my request. However, I lost trust in him. I requested him to show me all invoice of accommodation and personally called to the hotel to confirm it. After confirming that the bookings are made and payment done, then only I could relax and trust the process.
During the trip.
- I was personally welcomed by him at Paul’s cafe beside the airport. He introduce me his driver Guide Peter. Everything went extremely well after that.
- Denis promised me that he will make my trip memorable with Peter as my guide. And he did! Peter was the best we could ever had!
- Denis even helped me to convert some of my USD to KSH. He tried to get me a bean bag (photography) and ensuring every goes well.
- Denis even suggested to change one of our mara accommodation to Julia’s river camp (cheaper, more authentic Safari tent) to reduce cost as he thinks we will spend most of the time in safari rather than camp. I totally agree!
About Peter, our beloved guide.
- I call him the walking dictionary of Kenya wildlife and history. I’ve never met such a knowledgeable guide. He practically knows so much about kenya birds, facts about animals and he always confirmed with his book.
- He has an eye of the eagle. He spots small animal from far. He relentlessly try to find new species of animals especially birds to show us as he knew I was a photographer.
- He would always find a good spot to park so that I could get a good shot of the animal. Most importantly, he could anticipate where the animal will move.
- Even though we were almost late to get out of the park, he would purposely drive to another site to show us leopard (although rush) as he knew leopard was difficult to be found.
- By day 5 of trip, we already completed our big 5, special 5 and many other animals. However, still he would try his best to show us other species or try to find the other big cats.
- He is very humble, kind to my kids (whom they love him so much). He shares a lot of his past experience and many facts about Kenya.
- Whoever gets Peter as a guide is really fortunate!
Final thoughts: (at the point of writing)
- African vacation Safaris is a legitimate company. Definitely not a scam. They are registered under TRA.
- Peter is an extraordinary guide. He is a gem.
- Denis is a reliable person in charge. However, there are many things he could improve to gain the confidence from consumer.
- 1. He needs to be more responsive with his message no matter how busy he is. Don’t ever blue tick your costumer and go MIA for 24hours especially 72hours prior to trip. It’s very stressful. Pick up your calls, even Peter couldn’t contact you during the trip. LOL
- 2. Provide your company licensing, proper detail invoice, confirmation letter from the accommodation booked. If you could do that, I am sure you can gain much confidence from your costumers.
- 3. Prioritize your costumer especially the trip is near. Don’t confirm things at last minute. Do it a month before.
Overall, I still strongly recommend African Vacation Safaris as your trusted company for Kenya Safaris. 5/5 despite some minor unnecessary miscommunication.