35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Huge Deliviery from a Small Operator
The communication regarding arrangements was very good. Everything that we asked was adequately answered and more. All questions were promptly answered and always with a kind gesture. Paul, the tour operator, 'tailor-made' our tour to fit our bucket list.
Although we never got to see the river crossing due to the late rain, our guide, James, made sure that we saw the migration. We appreciate his trouble for doing this! James was very knowledgeable and keenly answered all our questions. He adhered to our requests and ensured that we saw a lot of game. From start to finish, James went out of his way to help us and make sure that our Tanzanian experience was up to expectations, this included taking us to 'shop' before and after the safari.
Our chef, Osmani, is fit to cook for a king. His food and hospitality is hard to match. We are still wondering how he managed to make so many delicious dishes, including the packed lunches, with such limited resources.
Compared to other operators that we saw at campsites, our camping equipment was much better and more spacious.
The overall service and experience was fantastic. All three gentlemen that we dealt with: Paul, James and Osmani treated us like royalty. We appreciate their hospitality and strong recommend Tanzania Roadside Expeditions.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
When you are far home what you expect first is to trust in your guide!
I worked with Justin when I was operating business in Tanzania.
I am now back in Europe, but when friends are looking for a local Safari Company in Tanzania, I always recommend them to Justin's company.
This guy will never leave you alone in the middle of the Serengeti (right Justin?!), and if you are lucky to meet him, he has plenty of good mood (bearfoot...!!!)
Safari Njema
Nicolas (France)
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Positive overall, but some things could be improved.
Our overall experience with Tekko was quite positive.
Ms. Maggie Kariuki was always very response to our questions over email, and when we landed in Nairobi, she went out of her way to make sure we were comfortable. When we asked for a recommendation for a local restaurant (we wanted to try the local cuisine), she went so far as to accompany us there, and even helped us order. She event lent us two pairs of binoculars for our safari. The safari vehicle that we were given was spacious and comfortable, and had superb suspension (which we were grateful for during the long bad patches of road). The safaris in the parks were lovely (despite some disappointment about not seeing too many flamingoes in Nakuru)
A few things could have gone better, though.
1. Tekko could have been a little more forthcoming, and volunteered information that might have been useful. While we knew the drive from Amboseli to Nakuru would be long, we didn't realize how arduous it would be. We took nine hours, despite 'shortcuts' over the most horrendous roads, and got there just in time for a quick safari before it got dark. There were hardly any flamingoes to be seen, which we later learned had been the case for the last few years. If we had been told about these two things, we would probably have changed our itinerary.
2. Our driver/guide Stephen was knowledgeable and skillful, but not particularly friendly. He definitely wasn't rude, but we got the feeling that we were imposing on him by making him drive us around. A word of apology for bouncing us over a particular bad patch of road would have gone a long way. With my 80 year-old mother along, it would have been nice if had seemed a little more concerned over our comfort. Maybe a little guest-relations training is in order?
But we definitely enjoyed ourselves. Thank you, Tekko and Ms. Kariuki for organizing such a nice trip for us. If the two points above could be addressed, I'm sure your future guests will have an even better time.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Dan
It is a pretty park with a variety of wildlife. However, there is a good deal of development around the park which is especially evident after dark, when the light pollution is visible.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Personalized adventure of a lifetime
As first time safari-goers we were a bit hesitant booking everything on-line ourselves. We reached out to several KATO certified companies to see what kind of response and itineraries were available. Verah and Esther at Aardwolf were excellent in communicating with us, offering suggestions and ensuring we had the best options for our tastes. They worked with us to plan the trip we wanted rather than fit us into a pre-planned package. After numerous itinerary updates and revisions, the final schedule was set and the money sent.
Everything was arranged exactly as planned. It was amazing. We had such a good time with our driver Thomas in Kenya, who kept us on track despite some very long days and rough terrain. Our private safari was beyond all expectations: from the animal encounters (which were way better and closer than we would have imagined) to the camps selected (which were amazingly comfortable) to the food (delicious and plentiful).
Even on the transfer day when we were stuck in the mud for hours, Thomas kept in touch with the Aardwolf office to ensure everyone knew what was going on and we could stay on schedule to the greatest extent possible.
We were truly happy with everything Aardwolf did for us, and do not hesitate to recommend to anyone looking to book a safari. Thank you!!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kruger National Park by Kim Walder
Changes in scenery, many animal sightings, good restaurant, good roads/tracks.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Balule Nature Reserve by Kim Walder
We were able to see all the Big 5 and many more besides. Close for a day trip to Kruger. Handy to a small town and other places to visit. Comfortable accommodation
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Affordable experience with a lot to offer
From the very first sighting of an elephant as we drove to our accommodation, this trip was full of unexpected adventures and memorable experiences. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable and went out of their way to ensure we had the best experience possible. Accommodation in the lodge was comfortable, meals were excellent and the staff great. It would have been nice to have a bar open for drinks and socialising with other guests. The vehicles for the safari were comfortable and allowed fantastic viewing. I believe a four-day safari offered a great range of experiences, as the trip to the rehabilitation centre and the other park were great. The day trip to Kruger was fun, together with the evening and early morning safaris. The walking safari was also a great experience, even if we almost came face to face with a rhino!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good Organization
Overall, Wildebeest Safaris did their job. An informed consumer should recognize, though, the limited role such “operators” play. The tour guides tend to be independent or third-party contractors who work with a variety of such operators. Similarly, the lodging is owned and run by some other organization. The operators merely serve as middlemen. They coordinate your adventure and thereby certainly add value. The quality of your experience, however, will ultimately be in the hands of the independent guides and lodges
Our guide’s vehicle broke down toward the end of our tour, which somewhat stifled it. The way in which this was handled, I think, was mediocre at best.
All that being said, I’d probably book another tour with Wildebeest. They’re reasonably communicate, I think they try to do a good job, and they paired us with a superbly good guide.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely the expected safari experience
Had an absolutely amazing experience Our guide was very friendly and made everything he could to make our trip unforgettable. We spent 3 days in Maasai Mara visiting one of the villages and the national park. The game drives , both morning and full day, were great. Thanks to them we got to see all of the big five and many other animals (from such a close distance even our beginner camera with basic lens was enough for great pictures). our guide was always ready to answer our questions not only the ones about the wildlife, but also about the country and its people.
We also visited the Lake Nakuru and Naivasha, where we went for an hour boat ride - great relax with breathtaking view and many interesting facts from our guide. Everything was well organized and we had plenty of time to enjoy the whole program. Although not a typical holiday with luxurious accommodation and food the whole 7 day trip was an unforgettable experience with great memories. Definitely recommend visiting Kenya with Kenya walking.