IL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
excellent experience!
We had such an amazing safari experience and highly recommend this company! Everything was very well organized, and both of our drivers were absolutely wonderful — professional, knowledgeable, kind and always helpful. The lodges were fantastic, and the whole trip felt relaxed and enjoyable.
They were always quick to respond and happy to help with every request we had.
We truly loved every minute of it and would definitely travel with them again. Highly recommended! ❤️
MT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service and communication. They lived up to my expectations.
We chose Serengeti Smiles because of a recommendation from a friend. The tour turned out to be one of the best travel experiences ever. Champion, our guide, was fantastic. He really made an effort for us to see the big 5 and many other animals. He was very knowledgeable about the Serengeti and very communicative. He helped us with translation and questions about everything. I would recommend him, especially for younger travelers. We were a family with two teenagers, and he managed to entertain them. The accommodation was top notch as well as the food. Staff at each lodge were friendly and accommodating. I would come again!
PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Extraordinary!
Sept Safaris, together with our guide Godlisten, exceeded our expectations. We had a private safari as a couple and we spent 3 days visiting 3 different parks, as driving around the same place seemed too tedious to us.
1) Tarangire – We saw plenty of zebras, wildebeest, and elephants up close, as well as warthogs, mongooses, and antelopes. However, the biggest surprise was spotting two cheetahs: one from a distance and the other from very close up.
2) Ngorongoro – The density of animals in this park is incredible, with seemingly endless stretches of wildlife. However, the biggest surprise was seeing 6 rhinos, including a mother with her baby. In addition to what we had seen in Tarangire, we also managed to spot hippos, lions, hyenas, and ostriches.
3) Lake Manyara – I knew I could expect a lot from Tarangire and Ngorongoro, so I didn't have particularly high expectations for Lake Manyara. However, the park turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. Apart from the many baboons, we saw lots of elephants from just a few metres away. We even came across a pair taking a mud bath. The area is heavily forested, so animals can often be seen from a close distance (giraffes, zebras, and waterbuck).
Our guide, Godlisten, knew every corner of the parks. It was clear that he had been working in this field for over a decade. It was thanks to him that we managed to see so many animals. He knew what time to visit specific areas and how to navigate the national parks to maximise our chances of spotting rare animals. An additional highlight was how well our guide adapted to us. He knew when to stop for a longer while because something caught our interest, and when it was time to move on. He also adjusted his energy to match ours. When we were more energetic, he matched our enthusiasm, and when we were tired after a long day of safari, he gave us space and wasn't overly talkative. This made the entire experience feel very comfortable and personalised.
Communication with Sept Safaris via WhatsApp was also smooth, transparent, and incredibly fast. After we informed Isack that we were having trouble contacting the transport company (Nairobi–Arusha), he personally called them and sorted everything out.
The accommodation itself was also very good (Inoga Lodge in Karatu). I could go on praising them endlessly. Highly recommended!
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Considered Review of Morning Star Tours: A Flawless Tanzanian Safari, September 2026
As a seasoned traveller who has undertaken numerous bespoke expeditions across Africa and beyond, I approach operator reviews with a degree of circumspection. It is rare that a company exceeds expectations on every metric that matters to a discerning client. Morning Star Tours, however, did precisely that during our recent private safari in Tanzania.
From the outset, communication was exemplary: prompt, precise, and entirely free of the obfuscation one sometimes encounters in this industry. Quotations were transparent, with no hidden supplements or last-minute adjustments. The itinerary was tailored to our specifications, and the inclusion of a bush flight—a decision the team helped us evaluate carefully—eliminated what would otherwise have been a full day of arduous driving. Such practical counsel reflects a genuine understanding of a traveller's time and comfort.
The lodges and camps selected were consistently well judged, and the logistical execution was seamless. For a trip of this nature, however, the guide is the decisive variable. In this regard, we were exceptionally fortunate to have Jackson as our driver-guide.
I do not use the word "perfect" lightly. Jackson is, quite simply, the finest guide I have encountered on the continent. His ability to locate wildlife was remarkable—swift, methodical, and seemingly intuitive. His commentary was erudite and engaging, delivered with a depth of botanical and zoological knowledge that surprised even our well-read party. He is also excellent company: witty, considerate, and unfailingly attentive without ever being intrusive. His vehicle was immaculately maintained and cleaned daily—a small detail that speaks volumes about professional pride.
It is largely due to Jackson's expertise that we completed the Big Five and the so-called "Ugly Five" within a single trip—a feat I had regarded as somewhat aspirational.
On cost: excluding international airfare from China, our per-person expenditure was approximately USD 3,500 for a ten-day, nine-night fully customised private safari. When one considers the standard of accommodation, the exclusivity of the vehicle, the inclusion of a bush flight, and the calibre of guiding, this represents outstanding value. Comparable itineraries are frequently priced considerably higher.
Morning Star Tours is, in my assessment, a thoroughly professional and conscientious operation. I recommend them without reservation, and I would request Jackson by name.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
absolutely fantastic
Our guide Jackson was absolutely fantastic! He is knowledgeable, patient and super observant. He spotted so many hard‑to‑find wild animals for us during the safari. He always kept us safe, shared wonderful local stories, and made every day exciting. Thanks to his great work！
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unique safari experience
Our journey on the Chobe Princess was a standout African experience. Every detail from the booking team, to the hospitality and organisation of the team on board the boat, to the unique wild life experiences, was exceptional.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jackson is an amazing guide, we spotted Big Five and Ugly Five on our unforgettable safari tour!
We had an incredible safari experience with Morning Star Tours & Travel. Our guide Jackson was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. Thanks to his great skills, we successfully saw both the Big Five and Ugly Five during the trip. Communication was smooth, service reliable, and great value for money. Highly recommend this tour company for anyone planning an African safari.
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great guide! Warm, friendly, professional. His sharp eyes found lions, elephants, giraffes and more.
We had an amazing safari with our guide and couldn't have asked for anyone better. Warm, friendly and genuinely passionate, Jackson made us feel welcome from the very first moment. His knowledge of the wildlife and the land was outstanding — thanks to his sharp eyes and tracking skills, we spotted lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards and countless birds we would have missed on our own. He was always patient, answered every question, and kept us safe and comfortable throughout. Highly recommended!
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional
We had a very fantastic trip with Africa Adventure Vacations. Our guide ceasar was supper cool and informed. We would also want to thank our contact person Ashiraf who was very response in answering all our questions. We shall highly recommend their services to our freinds.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommend.
We did the Kilimandscharo Hike and had a very good time. The team was great, very professional and we could enjoy it a lot.
