CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
very very nice
The travel agency offered a very good price and replied promptly. Our tour guide james was extremely helpful throughout the trip, very warm and professional, and gave us introductions along the way. When we returned home, we spent two extra days in Kenya without cash, and the travel agency even helped us call a taxi. We are truly grateful! 😊
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable Kilimanjaro Trek – Jan 2021
I traveled to Kilimanjaro in January 2021 and had a fantastic experience with Blue Mist Safaris on the 5-day route. Even a few years later, the memories of the hospitality and the beauty of the mountain remain a highlight for me.
The arrangement by Blue Mist was professional from the very beginning. Everything from the briefing to the mountain logistics was handled with care, allowing me to truly focus on enjoying the trek.
Our guides were the heart of the trip. They were not only incredibly knowledgeable about the mountain and its unique ecosystems but also brought a positive, encouraging energy every single day. Their focus on our safety and well-being was evident, and they managed the group's pace perfectly.
The support crew and the quality of the meals provided at the huts were also excellent. It was clear that the team takes great pride in their work and in making sure their guests have a memorable time on the mountain. I highly recommend Blue Mist Safaris for anyone looking for a well-organized and supportive team for their Kilimanjaro adventure
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very wonderful Safari. We saw "Africa big five"
Very wonderful Safari, We saw "Africa big five" , I will come again.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
good
A 4-day trip allowed me to see the Big Five, though the cheetahs were a bit far and I didn’t get a close view. Spotting these animals really depends on luck, but overall, it was a great experience.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5-Star Review for Gilmag Safaris & Guide Elias
We just finished an absolutely incredible safari in Tanzania with Gilmag Safaris, and it was perfect from start to finish. Every detail was well‑arranged, the vehicles were comfortable and reliable, and the whole team was professional and friendly.
And our guide, Elias,he has incredible wildlife knowledge and knows the parks inside out.
His eyes are sharp; he spotted animals we would have never seen on our own, including rare and elusive ones.
He’s patient, thoughtful, and always went the extra mile to make sure we had the best views and photo opportunities.
He’s safe, responsible, and makes the whole journey fun and memorable.
Elias turned a great safari into an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. We can’t recommend Gilmag Safaris and Elias highly enough. If you’re planning a Tanzania safari, this is the team to book with!
IL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Experience with Baraka & Tyson!❤️
We had an amazing 2-day safari in Tarangire and Ngorongoro, and it was perfect from start to finish.
• Baraka was our main contact and took care of everything. He organized the entire trip, selected stunning hotels, and made sure every single detail was covered. He was incredibly attentive to our needs and ensured we felt taken care of throughout the whole process.
• Tyson, our guide, was top-tier. Even with the rain, he navigated the parks expertly, showing us breathtaking landscapes and beautiful wildlife. His knowledge and professionalism made the experience truly special.
Everything was thought out to the smallest detail, making it a truly unforgettable trip. If you want a seamless and professional safari in Tanzania, this is the team to book with!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
amazing
I’m really glad I chose Whistling Travel, a professional local tour operator, for my trip to Tanzania.
The coordinator Linlin from Whistling Travel was very attentive and responded quickly, checking in on every detail during the trip.
Our guide Didas was extremely professional — he spotted rhinos from far away and leopards in trees. We saw the Big Five as early as the second day and took amazing photos.
I’m totally satisfied with the whole trip. If I ever come back, I will definitely choose Whistling Travel again.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thinkk Travels was reliable and communicative!
We had a great safari experience through Thinkk Travels. Communication was great and the tour was really incredible. We loved Mara Engai and would recommend to friends and family if they are traveling to Kenya. Our safari guide, Lotan, was really knowledgeable and we had a great time!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Big 5 in the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
We opted for a private (2 person), mid-range, fly-in and fly-out safari from Zanzibar. This was our first time on safari (and East Africa) so our goal was to immerse ourselves in the overall experience and hope to catch the Big 5. The tour we selected targeted the Southern Serengeti for calving season, along with the Ngorongoro Crater. Our trip planner from Le Kobe was Agness and she did a great job of communicating with us over WhatsApp as well as meeting us in person at our Zanzibar hotel for a quick briefing the day prior.
We were picked up from our hotel at 6am and taken to the Zanzibar airport for a quick, one-hour flight to Arusha with a commercial carrier. Upon arriving in Arusha, we were immediately transferred to our bush plane for an additional one-hour flight (on a Cessna Grand Caravan) to the Ndutu Airstrip in the Southern Serengeti.
After locating our driver, the legendary Floridi we were immediately on a game drive. The Landcruiser came fully stocked with: coolers of bottled water, soda, beer, binoculars, fly-swatters, etc. And within 5 minutes of jumping in his Toyota Landcruiser, we were on Antelopes, Zebras, Giraffes, Elephants, etc. There is really no way to describe how fast the animals appear - and that is because you land on a dirt airstrip and as soon as you leave, you are in the Serengeti wilderness - immediately on game!
After a 6-7 hour game drive, we arrived at Sero Tented Camp (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g24081720-d25335705-Reviews-Sero_Tented_Camp-Seronera_Serengeti_National_Park.html). We had plenty time for buffet dinner, but we were both pretty tired from the very long day. After eating, we took hot showers and within 90 minutes we were sleeping. But, at 3am we were awoken to the grunts of lion. At first, they were a few hundred meters out, but after a few minutes, the grunts were closer. So our camp site security (local Maasai) went on patrol to clear the area and we got a few more hours of sleep. HINT: the tented lodges are really nice, they have: running water, shampoo and soap, power outlets, clean linens, flush toilets, etc. but you are pretty close to everyone. So the noise can travel quite easily through the canvass tents and as 1 or 2 cell phone alarms go off at 5am, everyone tends to get up. Buffet breakfast was had and we checked out of Sero Tent at 730am to begin day number 2 of the Southern Serengeti.
As we finished our time in the Serengeti, we had already seen 3 of the Big 5 (Leopards - we saw 2; Lions and Lionesses - we saw 2 of each, and Elephants - solo bulls). It was now time to make the trek to Ngorongoro Crater, a few hours drive Southeast. Our awesome guide packed us a bush lunch and we stopped along the way for an unforgettable picnic. That evening we arrived at our second location, the Ngorongoro Safari Lodge (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g317085-d2265172-Reviews-Ngorongoro_Safari_Lodge-Ngorongoro_Conservation_Area_Arusha_Region.html). This place felt completely different from Sero Tent. These were hard structures, built on stilts and sitting up in the tree canopies. While there is in-fact a canvass tent, each one is under a metal frame giving you added protection from the elements. From our room, we had a view of Lake Eyasi and because we arrived here early (5pm) we had plenty of time to take hot showers and enjoy happy hour - and the restaurant buffet.
The next morning was day 3. We started very early with 6am breakfast and were on our way to the crater by 630am. The drive was very cool, especially seeing all the Maasai villagers herding their goats and cattle after sunrise. As we approached the crater rim, we were taken back by the vastness of this incredible landscape. I have no method of putting the emotions I felt into words to convey and express to you the sheer scope, scale, size and vivid colors of this formation. You just have to be there. As we descended to the crater floor, we immediately got on Cape Buffalo and Black Rhinos! Yes, we were incredibly lucky, we saw 2 Rhinos along the road within just 30 minutes of being on the crater floor. We spent over an hour parked just watching them and it was surreal. And with that, our quest for the Big 5 was accomplished. We also saw: lions, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, antelope, gazelles, flamingos, ostriches, warthogs, hyenas, etc. The amount of animals we saw in both the Serengeti and Ngorongoro is simply incomprehensible.
A final note of thanks to our driver and guide, Floridi. He was incredibly kind and worked so hard to make our safari amazing. He was genuine and authentic, and had so much knowledge to share with us. Being with him for 3 days was truly a special blessing and he literally made our safari special. We met as strangers and left as friends.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Helpful
The reason we selected Simbaland was their strong communication, anchored by their point person Maria. As soon as I submitted the bid on Safari Bookings she responded. She quickly prepared quotes and adjusted our itinerary until we had mapped out the perfect safari for us. She was helpful on accommodating our special travel arrangements due to time. As an experienced African traveler, I know things can always go wrong so wanted a company that was responsive. On our trip, the logistics flowed smoothly. We had no issues with the transport. The lodging selections in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro were incredible; beautiful venues and friendly staff. Due to the time of year, we were during the Great Migration so the animal viewing was almost overwhelming. We were able to see the Big 5. My only advice would be if possible to not fit Serengeti and Ngorongoro into a 3 day/2 night block. We had no choice and do not regret it as the sights were incredible, but it was a lot of driving from Arusha. If you have specific interests such as birding or photography, make sure to communicate those to Maria so she can assist with the best guide for your interests. Overall the value was quite good, competitively priced for the bracket, the lodging was excellent, and Maria continued to anchor a supportive staff.
