IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A flawlessly organised trip for our group of 9
We used Etrip for our 6 day trip (9 adults total - extended family and significant others). We looked at a number of companies but ultimately chose Etrip due to their useful advice on tailoring our trip and the detailed price breakdown they provided which gave us a lot of comfort on the price we were paying.
We were coming from Zanzibar and wanted to squeeze as much as possible out of our time in Tanzania so on Aurelie's suggestion we flew to Seronora airstrip. While not cheap this proved an inspired decision as it avoided the need to retrace our steps and meant we saw something new every single day.
We were met at the airport by our guides David and Aladdin who were with us for the full six days from the Serengeti through ngorongoro, lake manyara and Tarangire. I'm not sure I could appropriately describe the quality of these two gentlemen. David was our guide (we had two jeeps) and was a wonderful companion on our trip. David had endless knowledge of the areas we visited and the behaviour of the animals. Time and again he found interesting experiences for us to enjoy and we never felt rushed. He is a very gentle soul who clearly is very popular with the other guides as he was met with smiles everywhere he went. Your guide is in my view the most important part of your trip (you'll ultimately spend almost every waking hour with them!) and Etrip have two very special ones here.
Vehicles were excellent. Given the hard life they live in the Tanzanian "roads" having new well maintained vehicles is essential and etrips stacked up extremely well (we saw the vehicles of almost every company and these were right at the top end).
Accommodation was solid throughout and we had no complaints. Although for anyone planning a safari I would say that in hindsight, I would rank accommodation as a lower priority. The high end camps are lovely but when you're out all the day you only get a very limited chance to enjoy them. Therefore if you want to manage your budget, I'd still recommend putting the money into a quality tour guide / operator like Etrip and maybe downgrade the accommodation.
We were flying out from Kilimanjaro airport at 2 o'clock on our final day. Helpfully Etrip offered us access to their hotel guesthouse in Arusha to shower, rest and eat before our flight. Our group found this to be a lifesaver (it's no fun getting on a 12 hour flight sweaty and hungry after a day's safari!). For anyone flying out of JRO airport, I'd rank this as a huge advantage.
One last thing I should comment on is the company's lack of presence on TripAdvisor. This originally caused us a lot of concern. Sending a large deposit is nerve wracking when the recipient isn't on the worlds standard (for better or worse) review site. While I wouldn't necessarily agree with their approach from a business point of view, their rationale is explained on the company's website. All I can say is that our experience with them was uniformly excellent. Guides, transport, logistics and accommodation were top notch and I would strongly recommend and will be travelling with them again.
Memorable safari experience
Every part of our trip was up to our expectations. Transportation was clean and comfortable and our driver Ali was the perfect companion
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
So good I have done my "once in a lifetime" trip THREE times now!
Kenya has such variety of places to visit that you need to prioritize if you don't have a long time or a budget that allows you to fly from park to park. Most of the lodging out in the parks has seen a lot of traffic, so they can look a bit worn out, but the staff is always wonderful! Two of my visits were over Christmas/New Year's week and though there were definitely people out, it wasn't disruptive to the trip. Of course you will get loads of vans clustered together if you are lucky enough to spot a leopard and even lions draw a handful of vans. But other times we felt like the only van around!!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievable Safari
We were lucky enough to see the big seven. The weather was great. The tent lodges were exceptional. Very clean and comfortable. Our guide David Mushi knew how to spot the wildlife from a great distance. He always put us into position to see the animals up close. The people of Tanzania are very happy and friendly. Overall a phenomenal experience.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip to Kenya with Reny safaris
Reny safaris has been a group of excellent people who deals your tour with absolute professionalism and personal touch. Regina who is director of Reny safaris , always ensured that we enjoy the fullest and kept asking our feedback and well being through out the trip. Our Guide cum Driver David was simply great. His knowledge about the game drive and its surrounding is impeccable. Because of him, we were able to see big 5. Overall, we had great experience with everything and obviously it happened because of Reny safaris. Thankyou to the team.
TH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience. Safety and superb service like a pro yet friendly and warm welcome
It was very good experience and best decision made. Manager and staff looked after us very well and listened to what we want & need.
price was reasonable and get the update and follow up for every process.
Felt very comfortable and safe with the professional staff but treat us like friends.
Never imagine Tanzania would be better without Optimum service. Please keep up good work & thank you so much
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organised. Great guide and chef.
Good communications and great service. The Safari was fantastic. Our guide was Very good!
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very reliable friendly travel arrangements
I already wrote a review after our family safari. I am in Kenya again on my own this time. I made an enquiry yesterday with them and received prompt helpful advice.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Ker & Downey Africa arranged my booking to Sanbona Wild life Reserve during my recent visit.
KDA team were great in advising which reserve to visit, making the reservation and confirming all details in advance of my trip. Sanbona itself is a wonderful place - the beautiful views, peace and quiet, amazing sunrise and the vast numbers of stars at night. I also had fantastic close up encounters with lions, cheetah, rinho, elephant and much more. The standard of accomodation is excellent and I would have no hesitation in recommending anyone else to visit. I will also look forward to the KDA team supporting me again when planning my next African adventure - hopefully a longer trip to Botswanna & Victoria Falls. Thanks David.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3 Days Masai Mara Safari
I am Pasindu Jayasinghe Who has compleatded 3 days Masai Mara Safari yesterday( 20th Jan 2018). We had an unforgettable wonderful experience. Me and my colleges were so pleased with big five. Its a rear opportunity to see the wild animals with their natural habitat.
My special thanks goes to Peter who is from East Africa Tours who has facilitated us a Great safari. We had no any inconvenience during the safari. every thing was well organized and onetime as they mentioned.
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Budget also pocket friendly comparing other all tour operators and the facilitates provided is excellent.
Vehicle Condition & Driver
We used 4*4 Land cruiser Jeep for the safari. I personaly Thanks Mr. Lavi who is guide and driver for us in the entire journey. Unless his support and patient we could not experienced such an amazing safari at all. Vehicle is in really good condition. Facilitated with 230 AC current, Seats were Adjustable and comfortable.In my point view 70% of the success depends on the vehicle and the driver. East Africa Tour Driver, Lavi taken us through the very difficult routes to reached and given full safari experience. He has taken us so closer to the live Animals..
Finally I want to Thank Peter who has given massive support from Nairobi to coordinate all the things and well set. I recommended East Africa Tours to select as your Safari partner, Because all the people are very flexible and much catering about the tourist.
East Africa Tours & Safaris provided service beyond what we pay...