JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
価格を抑えながら、ヌーの川渡りとビッグ5を見られた
From July 25th to 30th, 2026, two of us participated in a 6-day, 5-night tour. We obtained quotes from about four companies before booking, but Crater Explorer Tours & Safaris was the cheapest and best met our requirements, so we chose them. Our desired conditions were as follows:
* A 6-day tour
* A lodge or tent lodge with beds, private bathroom, and hot shower, rather than basic public camping
* A trip to Kogatende/Mara River in the northern Serengeti to witness the wildebeest river migration
The price was US$3,600 for two people during the high season. This was about US$300-500 cheaper than other companies' quotes. (Apparently, the cost is higher than usual because it includes two nights in the Serengeti and a trip to the northern Serengeti.)
The actual tour was a shared vehicle with four other groups, and it seemed that participants were gathered through multiple tour companies.
The places we actually stayed were listed below:
• Marera Valley Lodge
• Shuhudia Adventure Camp
• Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
• Jambo Lodge & Camping Site
Jambo Lodge & Camping Site was downgraded because the company explained on the afternoon of the tour that "the lodge originally planned for us had been broken into the previous night by thieves, and the accommodation was changed for security reasons."
The vehicle had shoddy windows compared to other companies and broke down twice due to poor maintenance, but such troubles are part of the fun of a safari, so it wasn't a problem.
Apparently, vehicle troubles are actually quite common.
(If you want a higher grade of vehicle and accommodation, or want to avoid trouble as much as possible, I think paying for a more expensive plan would be stress-free.)
Overall, we were able to see the wildebeest river crossing, the Big Five, and numerous lions and elephants. While the facilities and vehicle were commensurate with the price, we were able to fully experience the wildlife and scenery of the Serengeti, and spent six days like being in the world of The Lion King, so we were satisfied with the tour.
(automatic translation from Japanese)
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was sensational, thanks to francis it was the best experience of my life
We were with Francis as tour operator and he was the best possible one.
We can ask him everything we wanted and he always answers with a smile.
In just a day and a half we’ve seen every animals possible and enjoyed our picnic lunch under a tree, it was so special.
Again I want to thank Francis for his kindness and love for his job.
If it was possible I would have put more than 5stars.
CN
Making the iconic gorilla tracking tour in full swing. It’s truly rewarding & lifetime lasting trip.
The agent is professional and prompt responding in facilitating the plan and implementation of our 4 day gorilla tracking and QE park safari. The choice of lodging and visit schedule are pleasant and satisfactory.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great 5, great experience
We starter a 4 day safary with enthusiasm but also quite feared beacuse it was our first experience of this type. It has been an incredibile safari!!
Our guide, Melita, was excellent; friendly, professional, patient; he has a great knowledge of animals, tribal uses, natural parks. He satisfied every request of our group: we could see all Big 5 and much more (also baby lions, that were my first desire!). We took wonderful photos thanks to his ability to cacht the best views.
We had excellent accomodations, truly comfortable and ahestetic .
You do your job in the best way, Melita: the beauty of your Tanzania will be forever with us!!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime trip
My partner and I booked onto the 5 day Maasai Mara/Lake Nakuru & Naivasha safari. The trip exceeded all our expectations, and we were able to see a huge variety of animals across the beautiful parks.
Our tour guide, Samuel, was perfect. He made us feel safe at all times, and his knowledge of the animals and fun facts throughout the safari was invaluable. He made the trip even more special. Thank you!
Our only criticism would be that the communication from the office in the run-up to the tour was poor. We had little information about the timings or itinerary. That being said, once the trip started everything went smoothly. We had an absolute blast and would definitely tour with them again if we were in the area.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kennedy is a family man and understood us as a family - and in 1 week he became our family.
The Serengeti is not for the feint-hearted. It is hundreds of miles of unpaved roads - can understand the humour about the Serengeti massage. We had a good laugh as we were like Ace Ventura in When Nature Calls - remember how he was bouncing around in the car? Think of doing that for 7hr straight. Yet, Kennedy, our driver, kept his thoughts to himself and went with the flow. We saw EVERYTHING!!!!!!!. Even Mufasa & Serabi mating. Lack of privacy was observed, but they seemed oblivious to onlookers. We saw Melman and his family, Gloria and her family and Marty and his family. We saw colonel Hatti and his family and Rafiki and his family. And there was Shenzi, Banzi and Ed. The Crater at Ngorongoro Park was surreal. The lakes within the crater was brill! Our camps were sooooo not what we expected - safe, but so comfortable. You just did not miss the creature comforts. The peace and tranquil of the Serengeti is heart-warming. Our staff were polite, welcoming, thoughtful, - to make your stay memorable.
We were informed of our schedules for the next day at every evening after meals. Most important - Kennedy listened to what we wanted and gave us our desires within reason - as long as we were not breaking any rules or regulations. The Great Migration was breath-taking. The experience was like being part of an Attenborough adventure. It was value for money and we recommend our guide. Asante Saana.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
Excellent service and very good care of clients. Food and logistics service are awesome .
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and reliable
Our 8-day safari to Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli was an amazing experience. We saw incredible wildlife and beautiful scenery at every destination.
A special thank you to our driver and tour guides, Johny Jackson and Solomon. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to make sure we had the best wildlife sightings. Their professionalism and passion made our safari truly unforgettable.
We highly recommend this safari to anyone visiting Kenya!
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Papajohns is very kind knowledgable cooperating and friendly
Value for money all staffs are good all the hotels tents are excellent tour guide Papajohns is soo good we had the best safari with him
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect photo safari and flawless service. An unforgettable experience!
We have just finished an amazing 11-day safari through Kenya's main parks with Beyond the Plains Safaris. Having a private jeep just for our family made a huge difference. As a photographer, it gave me the flexibility to take incredible, breathtaking photos at my own pace. The hotels chosen for us were superb—each one more beautiful than the last and of the highest standard.The highlight of our trip was definitely our guide, John . He is an incredible professional who knows every inch of thousands of kilometers of parks. Thanks to his expertise, we saw every single kind of animal, including rare moments like active hunting and mating dances. Beyond his technical skills, he took care of me and especially my 12 and 15-year-old children like a dear friend.The agency's customer service is top-notch. We had a minor issue at Lake Naivasha (a stop I personally wouldn't recommend), but the way the company handled it was outstanding. Today, on our last day, the owner himself surprised us with a wonderful gift to make up for it.I absolutely recommend Beyond the Plains Safaris to anyone looking for a high-end, smooth, and unforgettable trip. Thank you for everything, we hope to come back soon!