CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely amazing country and the people are o friendly!
Food was great, people are really friendly, no one tries to rip you off, super safe, thousand times safer than Southeast Asia or Central America. Will definitely be revisiting.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exquisitely crafted customized tours - a rare gem
Ker & Downey is truly a unique and profoundly high-end boutique travel company with exceptionally qualified professionals who truly care about you and crafting your dream trip!
My first trip with them was with my son in 2024, to Kenya. My brilliant agent, Natasha, handled every detail with ease, confidence, and grace. From our first conversation, I knew this was the agency with whom I had to work: Natasha is kind, keenly informed, a fantastic listener, highly professional, and always available. We had less than 2 months to plan this trip during high season – and Natasha made it happen. From the moment we arrived in Nairobi we were met at customs, whisked through the airport, and taken directly to our transportation.
Our time in Kenya was so tremendously spectacular, I brought my daughter the following year. (2025) This time, the challenge was higher, as she has particular medical requirements. I knew I could count on Ker & Downey.
I felt completely confident in Natasha’s leadership and when a medical situation did arise, she and her team in Nairobi leapt into action and resolved it in less than a day. We were able to continue the trip and dive into our blessed adventure. During a stressful time, Natasha went above and beyond anything I could have expected or asked for.
The trip was magical and perfect! From being picked up and walked through the airport to the drivers, access to wheelchairs, to stunning and gracious hospitality at the hotels and camps, we were blown away.
The daily safaris were beyond amazing – the guides, the staff, the food, the focus on conservation, it was unparalleled. Our guide (who speaks 6 languages) shared his limitless knowledge of wildlife and found amazing encounters with leopards, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and the rare white and black rhinos. Many close and fun hours were spent observing elephants and giraffe along with the meme-worthy hyrax.
As for communication with Ker & Downey: flawless. Even with our California to Cape Town time difference, communication was a breeze. Between the travel portal and WhatsApp, Natasha made sure we were well taken care of and had no issues communicating along the way. The travel portal held all necessary documentation and a detailed itinerary to share with family, along with a packing list. Natasha connected me with a wonderful travel insurance broker. She thought of everything, often anticipated our needs, was always available, and always followed up quickly with any questions or concerns prior to our trip. In summary, Natasha is a true gem.
I recommend Ker & Downey unreservedly and with great joy.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable
We spent our honeymoon with Loren African Safaris in Tanzania. We had an amazing 6 day safari in Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Serengeti, all thanks to the carefully planned schedule prepared by Benjamin. From the airport pickup to the drop off, everything went flawlessly! Benjamin is extremely knowledgeable about all the animals and knows the parks very well - whenever we would tell him what we wanted to see, he made every effort to show us. This is how we got to see leopards, lions, cheetahs, elephants, and much more! All the additional tours (hot air balloon ride, masai village, etc.) were planned for us, and all accommodations were perfect. Benjamin also helped us get our delayed luggage back, coordinating with the airport after they were lost for two days. After booking our safari with Loren African Safaris, we didn’t have to worry about a single thing - everything was planned for us. We would 100% recommend Benjamin and his team at Loren - they all know the region very well and you’ll be supporting a local business! We hope to be back soon!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great Tour of a magical island
We hired Soul of Madagascar (Ms.Theresia) toa rrange all transport and hotels on a tour of the island. The company was amazing. They delivered exactly what was promised and the island is so interesting and unique. We saw tons of wildlife and the geaography is so varied. But the best part of our tour was their guide and driver, Eric and Ambitsoa. these guys were so fun, enthusiastic, and energetic. We loved spending long days on the road with them and never tired of their knowledge of the island as well as their terrific stories. Would recommend this company without reservation and ask for Eric and Ambitsoa for guide and driver!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very reliable
From the planning stage to the actual trip, the service was excellent. I really appreciated the time the sales person took to answer all my questions in detail—it made the planning process much easier and helped set our expectations clearly.
Our guide and driver, George, was outstanding. He was professional, knowledgeable, and went out of his way to satisfy our curiosity about the wildlife and the ecosystem. His expertise made our game drives truly enjoyable and educational.
We also loved experiencing Kenyan hospitality—everyone we met at the lodges and camps was warm, friendly, and welcoming. The food throughout the trip was excellent as well.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Timing was perfect!
My sister set this trip up, so I can’t say what exactly was promised. I can say our driver Patrick was always on time and helpful. We stayed at 2 different camps, because I believe Kibo was booked for the 2nd night and we didn’t want to spend 5 hours going to the 2nd place. So we spent 2 nights and 3 days around Amboseli national park, which was beautiful. The 1st lodge called Kibo was beautiful and perfect in every way. The 2nd lodge- maybe AA was more of a budget place, and we did know that- just to save us from more travel time. The staff at AA were really sweet and helpful, but the room itself was just okay. It was definitely clean. We did have some loud neighbors, but overall, it was very affordable and comfortable. The food could have been better, but the hospitality at both lodges was great. Thank you all for the great memories!
IE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They know what they’re doing! Excellent!
We had a great time with Go Serengeti. The communication was clear, staff was helpful and always available, and our driver had a vast experience and knowledge. Accomodation was also great. Overall, a 10/10!
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant, very flexible and knowledgeable.
We loved it they drove us from Nairobi to Mombasa, the safari was amazing the price was loads better than the other options, the driver was great and answered all our questions I would recommend them.
GR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable, polite and friendly
Excellent treatment!
We booked a 3-night tour to Gombe National Park and Kigoma Town. Chimp trekking is a unique activity and Kigoma Town is very interesting.
Everything was made easy for us and Luice and his team replied immediately to all of our queries. We were also suggested alternatives when things took an unexpected turn!
I definitely recommend.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Crazy safari with Serengeti smile super excitement to us in Tanzania
We chose Serengeti Smile to fulfill our dream of experiencing the Serengeti’s sweeping landscapes, abundant wildlife, and stunning sunsets, and the reality exceeded even our highest expectations. From our very first inquiry to the conclusion of our private, tailor-made 8-day Great Migration Safari, the organization was flawless. The itinerary covered Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti, Seronera, Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park, each destination offering its own unique charm and adventure. Every detail was carefully planned, making the journey seamless and memorable.
The safari itself was breathtaking, with an astonishing 48 animal species sighted, including the Big Five. From lions lounging with their playful cubs to leopards and cheetahs surveying the plains, and vast herds of elephants, giraffes, and zebras moving gracefully across the savannah, the Serengeti’s wonders unfolded before us. Witnessing the Great Migration at the Mara River was an unforgettable highlight, with thousands of wildebeest and zebras braving predators in one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Our accommodations enhanced the adventure perfectly eco-friendly yet luxurious lodges and tents that blended into the wilderness, offering both comfort and immersion, with staff who went above and beyond to make us feel at home.
Our safari guide, Godlisten, deserves special mention for making this trip extraordinary. His deep knowledge, professionalism, and passion for both the wildlife and his country elevated every moment of the journey. He had an uncanny ability to spot even the most elusive animals, patiently answering questions and sharing fascinating insights into animal behavior, tribal traditions, and the Serengeti’s delicate ecosystem. His respect for nature and his attentive guidance made the experience unforgettable. Our contact person was Lambert, this is extraordinary planner knowledge and available all time needed to help. We cannot recommend Serengeti Smile highly enough this was not just a holiday, but the adventure of a lifetime.
Thank you so much Godlisten and Lambert, we look forward to revisit near future