IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A childhood dream come true
My wife and I respectively have wanted to visit Africa and go on safari since childhood. What a fantastic trip it turned out to be, exceeding our wildest expectations and dreams.
We would highly recommend booking your safari trip through “Amazing Memories Safaris” directly, especially if it is your first visit to Kenya. The booking experience was good and hassle free. There was complete clarity on the itinerary, cost and related information. Titus Kinyua was very prompt in responding to our questions and accommodating our requests. All our queries were satisfactorily answered in a timely manner.
The Amazing Memories team led by Titus was waiting to greet us as we emerged from the airport, which was very reassuring for us as first time visitors to Africa in general and Kenya in particular.
The familiarisation briefing we received from Titus before we began our trip was most helpful. The Amazing Memories team provided us with a more than adequate stock of drinking water bottles for the entire trip. We realised the importance of it later as drinking water at meal times in all resorts is chargeable and the water provided by the resorts in the rooms is not always adequate and is replenished only during room cleaning each day.
We had an exclusive safari vehicle and guide dedicated to us the entire trip. The vehicle was very clean and well maintained and it stayed that way the entire trip.
The rooms we stayed at were nice. Fig Tree (Masai Mara), Sopa (Lake Nakhuru) and Oltukai (Amboseli). Sopa was the best hands down, especially the views from our room, the dining area and the bar. Breathtakingly beautiful! The food at Sopa and Oltukai were good. The hospitality at all three places was very good.
We had the most awesome safari experiences at Masai Mara, Lake Nakhuru and Amboseli National Park. We have one person whom we cannot thank enough for making our entire trip so enjoyable and ensuring that we left Kenya with amazing memories for a lifetime! Our safari guide Joseph Mwaniki.
Joseph was extremely attuned to our every need and request the entire trip; from the time he picked us up at the airport till the time he dropped us back. His familiarity with the routes and safari trails ensured that our travel time was optimised and our safari experiences were elevated. He was very fluent in English and a treasure trove of information about Kenya in general and the national parks, flora and fauna in particular. He took great pains to ensure that we took in all the beautiful sights that each safari game drive had to offer. Thanks to his wealth of experience and tireless efforts, we had the opportunity time and again to witness some very rare sightings of animals in the wild in their own element.
We were travelling with our teenage daughter and were particularly touched by the fact that he made it a point during and after each safari game drive to inquire with her whether she was enjoying herself and the animal sightings. One particular instance readily comes to mind. We had only our mobile phones with us (no high end cameras) and were at one point struggling to capture a photo of a rhino in the distance at Lake Nakhuru. Joseph immediately pulled out a device and a pair of binoculars, which when affixed to the phone camera lens, enabled the camera to zoom in and capture very clear pictures. Our daughter could not stop taking pictures after that. It was an extremely thoughtful gesture on Joseph’s part and one that endeared him to us instantly.
Joseph’s soft spoken, polite and easy going nature put us at ease and made us feel very comfortable. He was extremely professional, very punctual and a thorough gentleman. He would always hold open the door of the safari vehicle for us and greet us warmly before and after each game drive. He had a boundless reserve of energy even after long drives between two resorts and wanted us to experience as many game drives as our enthusiasm and interests permitted. What we particularly appreciated about his approach, was that he would make suggestions and even recommendations but would leave the decision to us. We had complete freedom to plan our daily schedule and curate our safaris with informative insights and inputs from him.
We had such a wonderful trip, thanks in no small part to Joseph. He is an outstanding safari guide and a gem of a person!
Thank you very much Amazing Memories Safaris, Titus and Joseph for everything! You made our first safari to Africa a memory to cherish forever.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Safari We Are Most Likely to Repeat
We went on a canoe safari with Natureways and it was by far the most unique safari experience we have ever had.
While planning a three-week trip to Africa, we knew we wanted to do two safaris but didn't want the second one to feel repetitive after spending time in Sabi Sands. As frequent campers in the U.S., frequent kayakers and canoeists, and an adventurous family overall, a canoe safari seemed like the perfect choice.
We spent three days and nights canoeing down the Lower Zambezi River through Mana Pools National Park with our professional guide Mark and learner guide Admire. Mark's decades of experience were immediately apparent. Despite close encounters with elephants, a massive crocodile estimated at nearly 18 feet long, water monitors, and what felt like hundreds of hippos, we never once felt unsafe. His knowledge of wildlife, river conditions, and animal behavior gave us complete confidence throughout the trip.
The wildlife viewing was outstanding both on and off the water. In addition to the larger animals, we enjoyed incredible birdlife, including African Fish Eagles, giant herons, egrets, kingfishers, and many others. We also participated in walking safaris and traditional game drives, which complemented the canoe experience perfectly.
At night we camped along the riverbank in what can best be described as "glamping in the bush." The camp operation, led by Jenni and supported by Sebastian and the rest of the team, was exceptional. Every morning began with hot water delivered to our tents, and every evening ended with a hot shower after a full day on the river. The food was remarkable. Considering everything was prepared over an open fire and in Dutch ovens, the quality and variety of the meals were simply incredible. This was bush cooking at its finest. One aspect of the experience that exceeded our expectations was the time spent around camp with Jenni and Mark. Because this is such an intimate style of safari, meals and evenings around the fire naturally led to conversation. As a husband-and-wife team, they created a welcoming atmosphere that felt more like traveling with interesting friends than participating in a guided tour. Conversations ranged from wildlife and conservation to travel, history, and everyday life. Mark had an incredible breadth of knowledge and could contribute thoughtfully to almost any topic, while remaining genuinely curious about subjects that were new to him. Those conversations became an unexpected highlight of the trip and added another dimension to an already memorable experience.
Two of our most memorable moments came while in camp when elephants walked directly through the middle of camp on separate occasions. Watching these enormous animals move silently among the tents was both humbling and unforgettable.
This is not the right safari for everyone. You need to be comfortable around water, tent camping with pit toilets (in-tent chemical toilets at night), enjoy being active (~55 km/35 mi of river to traverse), and either be willing to fly on a small bush plane or endure a very long road transfer from Victoria Falls. But for travelers seeking a more immersive and adventurous safari experience, it is hard to imagine a better option.
We would not hesitate to do it again. In fact, of all the safari experiences we have had, this is the one we are most likely to repeat.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gilbert’s Expertise Made Our Tanzanian Safari Extraordinary
We had an incredible 6-day Northern Circuit safari with Gilibert, covering Tarangire National Park, 3 nights in the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. The experience exceeded all expectations and was truly the trip of a lifetime.
Gilibert is an exceptional guide and a genuine wildlife expert, with over 10 years of experience as a guide. His knowledge of animal behavior, birdlife, ecosystems, and the parks was extensive, and he was always happy to answer our questions with detailed explanations. Throughout the trip, we learned so much about Tanzania’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
One of Gilibert’s greatest strengths is his familiarity with the parks, especially the vast plains of the Serengeti. His deep knowledge of the road networks and wildlife movements allowed us to consistently be in the right place at the right time. He worked tirelessly from early morning until evening and was always willing to go the extra mile to maximize our sightings. Rather than staying on the usual tourist routes, he often ventured off the beaten path to track down wildlife, leading to some truly unforgettable encounters.
We were fortunate enough to see an amazing variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, rhinos, baboons, giraffes, crocodiles, gazelles, impalas, antelopes, cheetahs, warthogs, hyenas, and many bird species such as hornbills, flamingoes, pelicans, lilac-breasted rollers, vultures, marabou storks, and oxpeckers. We also enjoyed seeing the iconic baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.
The highlights were extraordinary. We saw all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as all of the Ugly Five (wildebeest, hyena, warthog, marabou stork, and vulture). We also witnessed the Great Migration, with hundreds of wildebeest and zebras moving across the Serengeti plains. Some particularly rare and memorable sightings included a lion resting in a tree before climbing down, a pride of 12 lions, a rhino with its cub, a cheetah with five cubs, and a leopard lounging in a tree. We also encountered massive herds, including around 100 buffalo, 50 hippos, 50 pelicans, 30 elephants with its calves, more than 100 zebras, and approximately 1,000 wildebeest during the migration.
Gilibert’s dedication, work ethic, expertise, and passion for wildlife made this safari truly special. His ability to spot animals that others missed, combined with his determination to find the best sightings, gave us an experience far beyond what we expected. If you are planning a safari in Tanzania, I would highly recommend Gilibert. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and would happily safari with him again.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
I was apart of 5 21 year old girls who booked the 2 day and 1 night safari in Tsavo East national park. When I say it was the best two days of my time in Kenya I am not exaggerating. From the minute Herbert picked us up to the second he dropped us off, he made sure we were provided with everything we needed and made us feel so comfortable. As we are a group of young girls we were worried we wouldn’t feel safe, but we really shouldn’t have been worried as Herbert is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was so knowledgeable and answered all of our questions! For our night stay we stayed at Voi Wildlife Lodge and when we got there we were amazed by how nice it was. The whole weekend was such great value for money, and we honestly had the best time. I would recommend Black Santa Safaris to anyone who wants the most amazing experience
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Adventure of a Lifetime
We took our niece on her graduation trip to Uganda, so we could trek with the gorillas and chimpanzees. We specifically chose Eco Adventure Safaris for their ratings and itinerary. Were there hiccups? Of course, it is Africa. But their staff, especially our guide, Silas, quickly pivoted and immediately came up with alternative solutions. The amount of wildlife we saw was amazing (thanks to Silas' expert spotting). Silas took fantastic care of us; we met as strangers and left family. We were so blessed to have him as our guide. We've been to Africa 4 times previously, and Uganda is very special. Not only are Uganda's scenery and national parks beautiful, but the people are so gracious, welcoming, and friendly. We will definitely be back!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing gorilla trek made great family memories!
Emile was helpful and responsive as we planned this once in a lifetime adventure. We chose Lion based on that and what previous travelers shared about their experience with this tour operator. Joel, our guide, was a great fit for the three young adults in our group. We appreciated his positive energy and his knowledge of Rwanda’s history, culture, and wildlife, particularly on safari in Akagera National Park.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
John is personable and extremely knowledgeable...superior level of service.
A Tanzania safari experience is incredible to begin with, but with John Malley as your guide it becomes an immersive journey through one our planet's timeless treasures. The abundance of wildlife, rich biodiversity, breathtaking vistas and eclectic safari lodges make this a once in a lifetime voyage. Tanzania is unforgettable...and John is our guide to enjoying it to its fullest.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Adventure Ever
I can’t say enough positive things about this company and what they provided for our group. They were willing to go to the nth degree to ensure we were happy, safe and got to experience everything that we could ever want.The guides were very well informed extremely helpful and always up for a good laugh. we spent three weeks in Tanzania and another week in Uganda. They’re planning for getting us from place to place was without a hitch. I never thought I’d see so many animals! They knew where to take us and I have never been on a better vacation in my lifetime. Elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, cheetahs, leopards, flamingos, birds galore, monkeys, hyenas, jackals, zebras, hippos, rhinos, gorillas, and more! You name it we saw it! When we were in the middle of the Serengeti, the soles of my shoes started coming off. Brian (the owner of the company) said no problem, and somehow got my shoes to a cobbler hours away and return to me the next day with brand new soles for just a few dollars. We were also given the opportunity to experience different tribal cultures, which was very inspiring! If you’re thinking of going on a Safari, I have the highest recommendations for Ecological Wilderness Adventures! This group is the best of the best! I miss you Amiri! - Lynne
The Safari of a Lifetime – Exceptional Service, Great Value, and Unforgettable Memories
Our experience with Go Makini Tanzania Expedition was absolutely outstanding from start to finish. Every aspect of our safari exceeded our expectations, and we truly feel that we received incredible value for the price we paid. The cost was very reasonable considering the exceptional service, knowledgeable guide, delicious meals, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable wildlife experiences we received throughout our trip.
From the very beginning, Nancy provided excellent communication and customer service. She was always quick to respond, answered all of our questions thoroughly, and provided detailed information about our itinerary and what to expect. Her professionalism and attention to detail made the entire planning and booking process stress-free and enjoyable.
Our guide, Rashed Kihiyo, was simply amazing. His knowledge of the wildlife, parks, and local culture was impressive, and his passion for his work was evident every day. He worked hard to ensure we had the best possible game drives and wildlife sightings. Thanks to his expertise and dedication, we were able to see an incredible variety of animals and enjoy experiences we will never forget. Rashed takes genuine pride in his work, and it shows. We will absolutely be recommending him to our family and friends.
We would also like to recognize our chef, Denis, who did a fantastic job throughout the safari. Every meal was delicious, fresh, and prepared with care. We were genuinely impressed by the quality and variety of the food, especially considering we were traveling through the national parks. Denis played a huge role in making our safari experience even more enjoyable.
The entire Go Makini Tanzania Expedition team made us feel welcomed, safe, and well cared for throughout our journey. Everything was organized professionally, the service was excellent, and the overall experience exceeded anything we could have imagined. The combination of outstanding communication, exceptional guiding, delicious food, and excellent value for money made this one of the best vacations we have ever taken.
We highly recommend Go Makini Tanzania Expedition to anyone planning a safari in Tanzania. Thank you to Nancy, Rashed, Denis, and the entire team for creating memories that will last a lifetime. We hope to return one day and experience another adventure with you all. ❤️
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Francis made the trip a once in a life time experience with his expert knowledge and skills.
Highly recommend the experience. If possible request Francis as your guide. He knew all the spots to see the animals from the best angles and worked hard to ensure an informed and positive experience. The communication and logistics were handled well and things went smoothly.