NZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very reliable tour operator.
We booked a 14 day Kenya and Tanzania Safari for June/July 2025. We booked circa 9 months in advance.
1 - The booking process
The booking process was very efficient, and conducted via email. There were multiple iterations of our itinerary until we settled on one that worked for us and our budget. This only took a handful of emails over 1-2 weeks dealing with Titus. Perhaps it was our nativity/ignorance, but we assumed that once the itinerary, accomodation etc was locked in…..closer to commencing our safari there would be an opportunity to discuss/add detail. However, this was not the case. What you agree at the outset is what you get. Nothing more, nothing less. If you want to include some lunch or photo or village stops along the way (there are often some long drives), then you need to include that in your itinerary at the outset…..there didn’t seem to be much opportunity/flexibility to do that sort of thing easily at the time.
One minor criticism is that we had no idea that we were changing operators (from AM to Migada Tours) when we cross the border into TZ. We knew we would change trucks/guides…..but not entire operators. This was a surprise.
2 - Accomodation/Food
Our accomodation was very good. This was mostly just outside the parks (this keeps costs down), but in the middle of Serengeti. The food was generally of a very good standard. There was plenty of it…..but it does get a bit repetitive after 14 days. We understood that places would provide kid friendly food when requested (i.e. if the buffet didn’t appeal to kids), however, this didn’t seem to be the case.
Our accomodation in Tanzania seemed to be of a higher standard than in Kenya. This part of our tour was through Migada Tours.
3 - the guides.
We had very good guides in Peter (Kenya) and Santos (in Tanzania). Both are naturally pretty quiet guys and while they answered all our questions, it was hard to develop a rapport. This was fine for us as we are a bit introverted ourselves….but an extroverted family/couple might struggle!
Where both Peter and Santos excelled were inside the parks on the game drive and they could not be faulted. Peter seemed to be well respected within the guide community and through these relationships he took us where we needed to go to see what we needed to see. Santos on the other hand just seemed to have a 6th sense of where we would find things. Both were awesome and cannot be faulted in this respect.
Once back at camp…..we didn’t seem to have much interaction with our guides. Other guides seem to have their meals with their clients. Again - perhaps if you want this, it’s something you have to ask for?
4 - General
In general, we would highly recommend AM. As New Zealanders spending NZD…..this sort of holiday is expensive compared to people with pound, USD, Euro and so we had very real expectations of what we would get for our money. That said - observing other travellers with other operators…..they did seem to get more ‘niceties’ than we did….things that would add very little cost but would add a lot of value. As an example, we had read how a ‘sundowner’ was a quintessential safari experience at the end of a days game drive out in the bush. However, at no time during our 14 days did this eventuate. Our vehicle had a fridge…..how hard would it have been to have a couple of beers and a couple of soft drinks in the fridge for the end of the day? Again - perhaps this sort of detail needs to be arranged when you book?
In summary, we would highly recommend AM. You get exactly what you pay for and the guides are fantastic. We cannot fault the guides, accomodation, game drives etc - we had a fantastic time. The booking process was just a bit clunky and not as highly rated as previous clients had talked about Anne from AM. We learned a lot from our experience and we would probably spend more time up front being more meticulous with defining what’s included and what’s not; however, we would definitely re-book with Amazing Memories and Migada (Peter and Santos!)
TW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly service and very helpful.
We enjoyed our time, and had no issues. The food was great and the safari was amazing. We hope to return and to spend more time visiting the Kruger national park.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Jenman organised and booked our self-drive holiday well with no major problems.
Jenman were responsive to our requests and queries, both before and during our travel. The responses were very good, friendly and efficient. Most of the accommodation booked was as described and what we'd hoped for - and some even surpassed that. We believe we received good value for money.
SI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Organization of tours and rides was great, contact was very responsive.
Moses was a great organizator and very responsive.
Most of the tour guides were amazing, kept us engaged and provided all the necessary information and answers to our questions.
The drivers took us to destined places and helped us get in touch with guides on site. Some minor challenges occured during our trips, like a missing seat in a van, not enough room for our suitcases, but together we managed to have a good time.
The accomodation during safari wasn't ideal, there were issues with water, but they made up for it by being very adjustable in hearing our requests (e.g. earlier breakfast, providing rides).
A great experience if you aren't travelling with an agency but still want to attend some guided tours around unknown land.
MY
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Peter was good in locating all the 4 of the big 5. Amazing bird expert, experienced guide and knowle
Thanks to Peter, We could see cheetahs. Saw so many crossing and migration of beast. We missed only leopard, but its hard to find.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredibly flexible, local expert
I rode alone with Rene— he was inbetween group trips! I got the most wonderful, local experience— mix of city, countryside asphalt, and off road cycling. We even rode inside a wildlife conservation area. Accomodations were lovely, and exposure to authentic Kenyans ( speaking English as well as Swahili) were provided. Food transportation and lodging were excellent! Would have been great with a group! EXACTLY as advertised!
IT
Great experience but unexpected extra-costs
The time spent on the mountain was absolutely amazing — breathtaking views, a fantastic crew and guides, and delicious, plentiful food throughout the hike. However, my suggestion would be to provide clearer information about the tipping process and expected amounts before the journey begins. That would help guests plan better and avoid any confusion and stressful situations.
AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari experience
What a great experience.Our Guide Damian did a very great Job,smart and handsome Always giving us a Lot Background information. You can tell he knows what He is doing-we were always on the right spot and lucky to see many animals very close.
Suricata Bomba Lodge is amazing and also the night in Serengeti was a memorable experiences.
Unfortunatally nobody was at JRO Airport to pick us up - but Suricata managed everything very professional and quick.
This is really the only reason why we only give 4*-other than that we can only recommend this company - we got more than expected. Thanks to the whole Team for making our Safari unforgetable.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They are Good service providers
I had a group trip to murchusion falls with my friends.
It was really an amazing experience with lots of fun
I loved the drives,we got to see lots of animals
They also organised goat roasting and fire place in one of the nights
I loved everything about the trip and i would love to have trips with them again
LV
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Keep its promises
Nice staff, valuable service, high reliability concerning money matters. The car should be better. The thing I did not like was the communication. I wanted to return to Uganda next year for Moon montain range trekking with this tour company but unfortunately begun the military activities in DRC and I was obliged to potpone my visit. I informed the Mizube Tours about my decision. They did not reply. It's a pity.
