50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A fantastic trip, really special experience
We are just back from an 11 day safari in Tanzania that we booked through Galloping safaris. Essentially this was a trip through 5 national parks staring in Arusha and ending with Ndutu plains and the central Serengeti, with a personal guide. We had high hopes for the trip and it more than exceeded them. I think we saw virtually every type of animal and bird we could see. That included plentiful sightings of cheetah and leopard which were highest on our list. We have been on safari in 4 other countries but the abundance of animals in Tanzania made it our favourite. Seeing the wildebeest come together in Ndutu for calving before the migration starts was something that takes the breath away and hard to fully take in even if you have seen it on TV beforehand.
We can’t thank Laurence, our guide for the trip, enough. He not only managed to find so many different animals for us but he made a real effort to understand what we wanted from the trip and helped us enjoy the whole experience. Not an easy thing to do if you are looking after a group for 11 days. You’ll be very lucky if you are paired up with Laurence as a guide.
Galloping safaris and specifically Walter made the process of deciding what itinerary we wanted to undertake, plus the selection of accommodation, very easy. We stayed in excellent camps which more than matched our expectations. Walter was very responsive to our questions and very flexible as we aimed to personalise the trip we were organising. The trip itself was flawless, everything happened exactly as planned.
I was initially wary of going direct to a Tanzanian safari company but I am now so glad we did. Firstly the cost was at least 40% lower than using an intermediary and the direct engagement with Walter who had local experience was a real plus. I wouldn’t hesitate to do this again and likewise would absolutely recommend Galloping safaris to anyone thinking of doing a similar trip.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our tour with Tanzania Choice Safaris was fabulous and exceeded our expectations!
From the beginning, our experience with Tanzania Choice Safaris was extremely positive. Brenda Kimaro, co-owner and office manager (and originally from the US), communicated frequently with our group of eight, suggesting possible itineraries and locations. She helped us focus on possibilities that were important to our group. As a result, we had a variety of accommodations and experiences which were all unique, fun and allowed us to sample multiple Tanzanian cultures, sites and wildlife. She sent us information about our itinerary locales and lodges, and a few days before we departed, a video link, giving us tips about what to expect when we landed at the Kilimanjaro Airport. Tanzania Choice Safaris staff members met us at the airport, as arranged, and made sure we were comfortably settled in our lodge for the first night. In the morning, we had a brief introductory meeting before beginning our safari adventures. Every day we focused on wildlife viewing, traveling through the Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park. In addition to the incredible wildlife we viewed in each of these locations, we visited a Maasai village and Olduvai Gorge. Our guides, Kakasii Kimaro (co-owner of Tanzania Choice Safaris) and Ezekeil, both spoke excellent English, were highly competent, extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, culture and terrain of all the places we visited, and gregarious companions. They were valued members of our group, with whom we closely bonded. They were true leaders, guides, gentlemen and positive representatives of Tanzania. Unlike many other tours we have been on, they did not take us to multiple places to shop - which was refreshing! Our focus was on wildlife viewing, not shopping. We did stop at a couple of locations where we could buy locally made souvenirs, with the proceeds going back to tribal members or local people. We were not pressured to buy anything, and Kakasii and Ezekeil tried to find establishments that met our requests, such as wood carvings and coffee.
The lodges they recommended based on our requests were attractive, comfortable and clean. The food was delicious, well-prepared and plentiful. Filtered water was always provided and available.
But the true highlight of our trip was the tremendous wildlife viewing. Each day brought us new experiences, each seeming to be better than the day before. Part of that was luck, but much of it was that Kakasii and Ezekeil were so knowledgeable about the the parks, the terrain, the wildlife and their habits and habitats, and how to spot animals from a distance.
Having traveled around the world and to many countries, this was one of the best tours we have ever been on. It certainly exceeded our expectations! I can highly recommend Tanzania Choice Safaris.
CA
Makasa and our guide Kaleby gave us an absolute exceptional experience
Selma at Makasa arranged our 12 day itinerary and accommodations without any hitches or glitches. Our safari and lodgings exceeded all our expectations. The staff at all our stays made us feel
most welcome and the meals were great, especially at the bush tents.
Our guide Kaleby took excellent care of us throughout our adventure and was very professional, patient and considerate. Kaleby answered all our questions about the animals and birds as well as the culture and people of his country. He had the Big 5 covered by day 7 and scored a 3-cat-hat-trick (lion, cheetah & leopard) in the same day...he is an Ace in our books. He made our trip fun !!
We will most definitely recommend Kaleby and Makasa. Well done !!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I had amazing time in Kenya. Dont' worry much. AfriShare will take care of everything!
Just like most people who visit Africa first time worry about many things. I was the one of them. When I started to plan my safari trip I have written a message to at least 10 companies. Afrishare replied to me within one hour! They not only offered me many choices, so the safari could be tailored to my needs, but also guaranteed pick up from a hotel and drop off us to a hotel.
I guess for someone like me, who was in Kenya for the first time it meant a lot. I have mostly contacted Mr. Ibrahin, he always kindly answered my questions in no time. Mr, Emanuel (our professional guide) took take care of everything we concerned about since beginning.
During our 7 days trip (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli) we felt safe and could focus on relax, which was the main aim of this trip. Our driver was an excellent guide, during games ride in Amboseli, Nakuru, and Masai Mara he told us some good facts about animals. A professional guide is really important for your safari trip since the guide is the one who can take you to big 5. I and my wife knew Mr. Emanuel, our guide did the best. We saw everything we wished for because of his effort. If you are the first timers, just shoot an e-mail to them. They will take care of everything.
NOTE: I have seen many tourists did not bring a binoculars and a dust mask. I highly recommend you to bring both. Trust me, you will need both during Safari trip. I have only good memories and if I come back to Uganda or Tanzania next time I will ask them to organize my trip :) Thank you AfriShare!!
LV
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magnificent!!!!!!!
Our trip with kids was amazing - Safari was very interesting and Tanzania itself was amazing! Hope to go back one day!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Kenya by photoautomotive
Kenya is a great place to see wildlife of all shape and sizes, people are friendly and open. The landscape is very dieverse cooler in the hills, and arid on the Masai Mara. We have been on safari there twice, and had a fantastic time. Will be going again soon I hope.
LV
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Mikumi National Park by Eva Narovska
Everything was brilliant - wildlife, nature! And Angalia tented camp was interesting experience!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A great park when you have very young kids.
Good selection of wildlife, easy enough to get the iconic shot (picture) of Giraffe and the Nairobi skyline in the background. Rhino both Black and White were easy to see when we were there, they even had a calf. A great variety of water birds, we also saw a pair of fantastic Crested Crane. Marabou stork were wandering around as if they owned the place. Loads of cheeky Baboons and other monkeys trying to steal chocolate bars and ice creams just made it a very good day out . Make sure you get good guide/driver with a 4x4. The one thing that you need to know is that cash for the entrance fee is not taken( that's in all the parks) either have a credit card or M-Pesa we found that it took a while to activate, so we ended up using a credit card.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by photoautomotive
Nice mix of wildlife, easy drives.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by photoautomotive
Animals/animals/animals, as far as the eye can see.