CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was absolutely worth the trip
Safari Without the “Hardship”
Before coming to Africa, I had mentally prepared myself for what people often say: “If you go to Africa, you should be ready to endure some hardship.”
As it turns out, my expectation of “roughing it” never really materialized.
Following tips from Xiaohongshu, we packed quite a lot before the trip. But looking back now, aside from my Crocs and a pair of binoculars—which turned out to be absolute essentials—almost everything else we brought was largely unnecessary.
Over the course of the trip, we stayed at four different camps. The rooms ranged from tents with soft ground floors, to ones with solid flooring, and eventually to elevated platforms with wooden decks. Shower facilities also evolved along the way—from 20-minute hot showers, to 24-hour hot water, and finally to the luxury of both indoor and outdoor showers available whenever we liked.
In just a few days, we experienced the unique styles and personalities of different camps. Each tented camp had its own special way of welcoming guests and sending them off. The locations of the camps might change, but two things remained constant everywhere: their beautiful singing and their genuinely warm smiles.
Life on safari felt almost like being on a cruise ship on land. In the safari vehicle, water, soft drinks, and beer were always available. Back at camp, we were greeted by buffet spreads that seemed to change every day. One meal would barely end before the next one was already on the horizon.
Every afternoon we had the option: return to camp for lunch or have a picnic out in the wild. Without hesitation, we chose the picnic every single time. Not only did it save the time of driving back and forth, but it also gave us the rare opportunity to enjoy a meal under the same vast sky as the wildlife around us.
Of course, spotting animals during a safari is partly about luck—but a great guide makes all the difference.
Our guide, Mr. Hamad, has been doing this for eight years. Not only is he incredibly experienced, he also seems to possess the eyes of an eagle. Time and again, he would spot animals hidden deep in the grass long before any of us noticed them.
To us, it might have looked like we were simply wandering across the savanna every day, driving without a clear destination. But in reality, Hamad was patiently trying to make sure we saw as much wildlife as possible. We’re deeply grateful for the way he took us out early every morning and brought us back safely each evening.
Even after a day of heavy rain—when the vehicle was covered in mud—he would still carefully clean both the inside and outside of the car at the end of the day. By the next morning, everything would be spotless again, ready for another safari.
The onboard fridge always held two bottles of the local Serengeti beer, though somehow we never managed to finish them. The red wine, white wine, and champagne that had been prepared in advance also remained quietly untouched in the car.
During the trip, Hamad taught us a couple of local phrases: “Jambo” (hello) and “Hakuna Matata” (no problem). Even now, whenever I meet a stranger, I feel the urge to greet them with a cheerful “Jambo!”
On the flight home, during a transfer, I even greeted an Emirates flight attendant with it. She was probably a little confused inside, but she maintained a perfectly professional smile.
In return, we introduced Hamad to the Chengdu dialect. By the last couple of days, he had already picked it up surprisingly well and could use it with impressive accuracy. Whenever we encountered something new, he would be the first to exclaim:
“Oyo~!”
And the funniest part was that his tone and delivery were absolutely perfect.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Excellent Safari Experience
I had a wonderful safari with Exaudy of Utukufu Travels and Adventures. Being my second safari, I was unsure if it could be better than the first, but it far exceeded.
Exaudy, and his drivers/guides, extensive knowledge of the African animals and countryside ensured that we had many fantastic sightings and up close views of the animals! Within the first couple of days we got to see the Big 5!
The unique cultural experiences Exaudy incuded only added to the enjoyment of the trip. He ensured that each and every one in the group got to experience a truly exciting trip.
The accommodations were comfortable, the food was good, and the drivers were amazing in their ability to navigate bad roads with care. I especially appreciated their immediate assistance to another tour group's breakdown we passed in the middle of no where.
After spending 8 days with Exaudy and his team we were all sad to be leaving our new found friends. They were very professional, but also kind and pleasant to travel with. We had so much fun together!
I highly recommend Utukufu Travels for a high-quality and rewarding safari experience! I hope to one day do another safari with Exaudy.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
fantastic!!!!
the safari was so great, our guide a were so nice with us givig us explenaition and information about what we were seeing. we were able to see so kant animals and also the hotel was so beautiful! I would definitely recommend
Wow, where to begin!!
Wow where to begin with this experience! First, let's say we were easily the most difficult clients they must have had, throwing them curve balls left and right. From missed flights, to missing baggage, to itinerary changes, plus the added challenge of us working on a film project while with them, Alex and Alfonse made us feel calm and easy in what otherwise would have been a very stressful situation. Even my phone broke while on the trip, and these guys kept me from having a panic attack while they got my phone repaired. But let's talk about the tours- with these guys, you're going to get the REAL REAL of Uganda. If you'd like to be surrounded by other tourists, this is not the company for you. Off the beaten path, we saw Uganda like no others do, yet we were happy and comfortable the whole time. Incredible experiences like gorilla tracking were even better because they gave us the best advice on how to prepare. Furthermore, the profit they make on the tours goes straight to educating rural children in Uganda at the school they founded, which we saw in person and enjoyed interacting with the kids. If you want a unique experience with the added benefit of supporting a cause, this is the company to use when you go to Uganda. In the end we were sad to say goodbye to Alex and Alphonse, our new but close friends, and we will be back to see them again!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Luxury honeymoon experience
Our safari experience was absolutely incredible from start to finish. We booked a bespoke 9 day luxury experience in February 2026 for our honeymoon. Everything was seamlessly organised, which meant we could completely relax and enjoy every moment of our honeymoon without worrying about any logistics.
The level of knowledge and professionalism from the team was exceptional. The team clearly cared deeply about what they do, and their passion made the experience even more special. We learned so much and felt completely looked after throughout.
The whole experience felt luxurious yet effortless, and the team worked together so well; it was clear they were all committed to making our trip unforgettable. Everyone was incredibly helpful, attentive, and genuinely kind.
We truly couldn’t have asked for a better honeymoon safari. Thank you to the entire team, Charisma, Rajab and Patrick, for creating such a special and memorable experience for us.
SI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful 7-day safari experience with JTS!
We just returned from a 7-day private jeep safari organized by Julius and his team, and it was a truly wonderful experience. Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish.
A special shout-out to our guide, George. His knowledge is excellent, and he has a great sense for spotting animals. The lodges were all very pleasant and comfortable, with great restaurants and very kind staff.
It was a dream vacation surrounded by beautiful nature. We fully recommend JTS to anyone looking for an unforgettable safari. Thank you, guys!
AT
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was totally amazing
Our guide Allen was absolutely excellent and also the driver of the jeep (dont remember his name ) was very good
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic authentic private safaris with expert guiding, personal care and true Maasai hospitality.
The four of us booked a 9-day private budgettour with Roko Safaris. They created a fantastic program tailored to our wishes. We wanted to start from Arusha and visit the non-touristic Lake Natron, where Roko and Miranda have their Maasai guesthouse in Engare Sero. From there, we spent 3 amazing days doing wonderful activities: Little Serengeti, seeing the flamingos at Lake Natron, and visiting the waterfall.
Roko is a Maasai man and is proud of his village, which is still very authentic. Definitely worth a visit.
After that, we spent two days in the Serengeti and one day in the Ngorongoro Crater. Roko is an excellent guide. He knows the areas very well and has incredibly sharp eyesight. He always goes for the absolute best wildlife sightings. He really wants you to get almost face to face with the animals — of course from inside the car! Absolutely fantastic.
In Mto wa Mbu, we did a beautiful bike ride through banana plantations and rice fields. We ended the 9-day trip with a day hike on amazing Mount Kilimanjaro and a visit to Moshi.
Owners Roko and Miranda have the motto "we go the extra mile," and in our opinion, they more than live up to that! Everything is possible, and they are very attentive with personal care.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well planned and memorable safari experience
We took part in an amazing 4 days/3 nights safari package with Abner Safaris, where we visited Maasai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park. Accommodation was in comfortable mid-range lodges, nestled in a peaceful and beautiful setting amidst nature. The entire package included park entrance fees, set meals, the services of a professional safari guide and game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
Our guide Peter was very knowledgeable, friendly and very experienced with wildlife. Because of him, we were able to enjoy every moment of the safari better. The opportunity to see various wildlife up close during the game drives was truly unforgettable. Our trip was a very well planned and memorable safari experience.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Interesting
The driver John took us with great experience towards Solio park, we have seen Rino and many animals
