20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Morongo Cultural Tour
The cultural tour we took was excellent. We were driven from place to place, and saw in one day the waterfall, coffee plantation, gates of kilimanjaro and the Chagga caves. Lunch was also lovely!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Some Highlights and some low-lights
I had a lot of back and forth with Raja in preparation to book our 10 day tour, for my husband and I. We were told several times that everything was included in the price except tips (gratuities) and any additional beverages like soft drinks or alcohol. We were also told that we would need visas. We did out best to research online but trusted Raja to arrange the rest.
Highlights:
Raja chose and organized some pretty amazing accommodations and kind, knowledgeable drivers. We saw all the animals and had some memorable wild life moments and accommodations.
Low lights:
Raja neglected to tell us a few very costly things.
1. We arranged to go to a village tour. We were told that the price was included and that it would be around $30 USD per person. We got to the village and were told (quite bluntly) to cough up the cash before we proceeded any further. And it was going to be $50 USD per person. Upon entering, we had a quick walk around their village. A few unenthusiastic songs. A fire demo (where they tried to convince my husband to buy the stick fire starter for an additional $50 USD-- fat chance). And then we were badgered to "slowly slowly slowly" emphasis on the slowly, walk around their market where they kept saying how everything was homemade in the village. Which was a joke because they had the metal parts for bottle openers and key rings that were obviously mass manufactured. We left very disappointed.
2. Raja neglected to tell us that we needed vaccinations for Tanzania. So at the border, we spent an additional two hours in a sketchy "medical office" where they created "documents" stated we had had our yellow fever shots. Now you might wonder why my husband and I didn't look into it before hand? To be honest we did. Or at least we tried. We were under the impression that we didn't need anything. Again, you might think this was our fault but as a tour operator being paid thousands of dollars and as a local Tanzanian, why didn't he tell us. Every person passing through the border had their yellow fever papers in hand so it's something everyone must do-- thus not exactly a secret.
3. Raja neglected to tell us to get a certain kind of visa in Kenya. There are single entry and multi-entry visas. We started in Kenya, went to Tanzania and then back to Kenya to fly home. Upon attempting to reenter Kenya, we had to pay an additional $50 USD per person for a second single visit visa. As opposed to the multi-entry visa that we could have gotten the first time for $80 USD.
In conclusion, we had a very thorough trip to Africa. WE saw all the animals, even the rhino. So we are in no rush to hurry back and see more. We stayed at amazing places -- special shout out to Serengeti Tortillis. And we had very knowledgeable drivers-- Geoff and Manase. If anyone is considering going to Africa, GO WITH A TOUR! As a north american, you have no idea how aggressive the locals can be when they see white people. Having someone there with you who is fluent in Swahili and English saved us so much hassle and concern. And driving in the parks was actually wild !! Even as Canadians who know how to quad (off road 4 x 4) and drive in the snow, we wouldn't have been able to manoeuvre the roads and the MUD!
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very efficient and reactive travel agency.
The communication was really clear and the agency really reactive.
The service was correct and we travelled with a lovely guide.
The tour was magic and wonderful.
I recommand bluerange safari.
US
Andrew was excellent and very helpful . He made sure I am completely satisfied.
Yes very much. I would like to recommend to my friends and family .
I felt little expensive, but overall good experience.
RS
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience, the devil lies in the details
We took a three days safari in Tsavo East and Amboseli National parks, starting from Diani Beach. Seeing the wildlife in their natural habitat is really great experience which could have been even better if we took care of some details.
During these three days, we spent approx. 24 hours in the van, either traveling from one place to the other or within the national parks. It is very important to rent a good car, with good suspension and air conditioning. The air conditioning is not going to help much in the national parks, since the roof is open for watching the wildlife, but it is essential on the way back from Amboseli to Diani Beach (11hours in the car). Make sure the car is in good shape since we had two car problems which required us to leave the vehicle (in the national park) and stay on the road in the middle of the day. The people were very friendly and helpful. Our guide/driver was doing his best to fix the problem, even colleagues from other agencies stopped and helped. But we could have been much better without that experience.
Altogether, it was challenging and unforgettable. :-)
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good sightseeing, bad food
The safari itself was pretty good. We got to see almost all the animals, and camping was very nice. We were given all necessary equipment.
The food on the other hand, was not what we expected. People in our group had various diets/allergies, and these needs were not met. The chef had heard nothing about our requirements although all of us had informed staff about this when we booked the safari. Since he didn't know about allergies and diets, he had not bought the groceries suitable for our diets. It was also difficult to communicate properly with the chef because of the language barrier. He did find a way to cook food that everyone could eat, but it wasn't optimal.
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very good safari
The people were very nice with us, and the safari in ngorogoro was amazing. We reccomend this company!!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari with Mudy
In January we went on six-day safari with Mudy from Planet Reserve. We started in Tarangire NP, then Lake Manyara, Serengeti and the Ngorogoro crater. We booked online, and the communication went well, and everything was well arranged. My friend had some special dietary requests, and they looked well after this. Mudy knew how to be at the right time at the right place, we saw many interesting things, and he always manouvered his car in such a way that we had a great view! If I am allowed to give some uplifting feedback; he should become a bit more knowledgeable on animal facts/behaviour etc. He could not answer many questions. But overall we had a great time, and awesome photos :)
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Prompt replies to questions, knowledgeable, helpful making arrangements.
From my first inquiry to my last questions about trip details Aileen was most helpful and prompt in replying. Our guide, Joseph, arrived at hotel on time, was knowledgeable about Nairobi, and Maasai Mara. The jeep was comfortable, the lodge lovely with very good food. Joseph "found" all the animals we hoped to see with exception of leopard. We felt very fortunate to see giraffes, zebras, lions, cheetahs, a few wildebeest (most in Serengetti at this time of year), and one rhino! I recommend working with Tamasha Arika!
FI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our guide & driver Moses was the best guide we could ever wish for.
The communication before the safari was excellent. We got to plan our safari exactly based on our needs and desires. There were some slight changes in accommodation but we were informed about everything in advance and it was actually an upgrade :)
The safari itself was an amazing experience! Our guide&driver Moses was the best guide we could ever wish for. Moses is a very nice person. He went above and beyond and work very hard to show us all the animals and made our time and money totally worth!
We faced some problems with payment but in the end, it was resolved and I believe Taste of Afrike won't allow this to happen in the future.