CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A passion for delivering the safari of your dreams
I would thoroughly recommend using Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris if you are considering booking a trip to Kenya or Tanzania.
Having worked with James back in 2019 to create our dream safari, it was not until this year, 2022, that the dream came true. Starting in Nairobi, we were picked up by our guide, Abubakar. This being my first safari, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but Abu, put us at ease, kept us safe and comfortable and helped us see so many wonderful animals and their natural behaviours in the wild. We went to Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naviasha, Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Lake Manyara National Park and Amboseli National Park. I would recommend all these places. Each has its own unique character and ambience. If I had to select some highlights though, it would have to be Ol Pejeta because of the exceptional work they are doing to save the Northern White Rhinos; the Serengeti because it is truly a wonder and the Crater - because that is where we got to see all the BIG 5 in one day. In terms of highlights - I would also recommend paying the extra costs to meet the last two Northern White Rhinos in Ol Pejeta as the money you spend goes to a wonderful charity and also gives you the chance to meet face to face these wonderful animals. My eyes are welling up, remembering the time we got to spend with them. My husband also treated us to a balloon ride over the Masai Mara. I am not a brave flyer at the best of times, but I am so glad we did this. It was a wonderful way to see the Mara and the different animals across its plains.
The Guides
Abu was a brilliant guide with knowledge and experiences of the animals. His friendly disposition and network with fellow drivers meant we were always able to see really wonderful animals, and take as much time as we wanted to get our perfect pictures and memories. When we crossed over to Tanzania we had a new guide, Stuart from Raven Safaris. Stuart knows the Serengeti and the Crater having long years experience. Stuart's patience and knowledge of the animals was exceptional and we were both lucky and privileged to see 4 different leopards because of his brilliant guiding skills.
Value for money
If you are researching for your own safari, you will know, they are not cheap, however, considering the parks we visited, the places we stayed the food provided and the knowledge shared by our guides, the value for money was brilliant on this trip. It was also tailored to meet the requests we had and all our questions were answered without hesitations. If you are looking for a bit of luxury I would certainly recommend Ol Pejeta and the Intimate Camp in the Serengeti. As someone who doesn't camp a lot, both of these places offered camping tents which are honestly nicer than my own apartment back home!
I have wanted to go on safari since I was a young person growing up watching the documentaries narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Wildlife is not a documentary - however, we were lucky and privileged to get a small window into that world for a few weeks. I will treasure the memories and photographs forever and hope that in years to come those wonderful places and their inhabitants continue to not only exist but also thrive.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly and responsive professional
We went on a one week safari with CHALEMA TANZANIA SAFARIS led by Joël,
Joël is ultra responsive, we asked a lot of questions before booking our safari, he knew how to take the time to talk by phone and by WhatsApp call.
We had a return within 30 minutes maximum, which is very valuable for any travel organization.
In addition to being attractive in terms of budget, Joël is a former driver guide, so he has a perfect command of the route and the organization of a safari.
The trip was just exceptional, we had the chance to see several animals, the private safari was managed by Georges our driver, the dishes offered and the lodges were of high quality.
Georges was able to meet our expectations, he is very patient, super professional and very friendly. We could not have hoped for better as a driver, he managed to find magnificent animals including cheetahs off the beaten track, we were just a few meters away.
What good memories!
I strongly recommend CHALEMA TANZANIE and I recommend that you choose GEORGES as your driver if possible.
We were super satisfied! Thank you Georges and thank you Joel for the surprise at the end of the safari,
It touched us!
See you soon !
Mickael DM
(automatic translation from French)
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience. Great guide. Great safari!
I booked a safari for group of 6 over a long weekend (3-day, 2-night) to Amboseli. Despite booking at the last minute, everything was coordinated seamlessly. We paid 20% up front to secure the lodge accommodations and the rest at the time of the safari. I selected this group based on reviews online and their comprehensive website, including an online chat feature allowing you to book the same day if needed. We stayed at Amboseli Serena Lodge which was great, with good foot options for meat-eaters and vegetarians. Joseph, the company owner, was our guide and made the experience wonderful. He ensured our safety throughout the trip, was knowledgeable about all wildlife in the park, especially birds, which he studied prior to becoming a guide and starting his own company. We were able to see everything we wanted on the trip, including a cheetah, hyena pups, and lions eating after a kill. In addition to his laid back and jovial demeanor, Joseph has a knack for setting up the perfect photography shot for you as he himself is also a photographer - check out his Instagram (@naturesbirding). I cannot say enough good things about the trip…I would recommend this company to anyone!
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great Experience
It was a wonderful experience with lots of great memories. Everything was organised perfectly and the visit of the Gorillas was breathtaking!
AE
Excellent trip!
BRILLIANT experience!!
Fantastic trip!
Can’t thank kudu safari, especially our driver Juma, enough!!
My friends and I came to Kenya for five days and used Kudu for 4 of them! Managed to see all 5 of the big 5 (plus so much more!) and visited Masai Mara and Nairobi national parks. Jambo Mara lodge in Masai Mara was lovely, clean and comfortable! Guides were knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating! Thank you Juma! Kuda was reliable and organised throughout the whole process and gave us an incredible trip! Would 100% recommend to anybody! Thank you Kudu!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream Trip!!
Went on the safari yesterday. It was even better than I'd hoped. Sylwia made booking easy even from the U.S. The day of I was picked up on time and all of the staff were so helpful and clear on instructions for the day. Our tour operator and photographer were also amazing and we saw so much wildlife up close. I can't wait to come back with my kids!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari for affordable price
Great experience. We were able to see so many different animals from very close. Especially camping in the wild in between zebra's and buffalo's made the experience very unique. Although you're very far away from the luxury amenities the cook managed to make amazing food which was different everyday and always delicious. Thanks Colours Africa for this tour and special thanks to Joseph, Simon and Dionys for the guiding and the food.
Hakuna Matata
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Truly great safari!
What an amazing trip. Organised a 5 day safari only 5 weeks in advance. The communication was great throughout and lots of information provided. The guide David made the trip incredible with his knowledge, humour and helpfulness. The accommodation selected was perfect. Have already recommended to family and friends.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It was a very good experience
It was such a good experience. The ride was good as the roads that lead to Murchison falls are well constructed, services at pakuba safari lodge were good their rooms are so nice and relaxing. On top of that it is an affordable trip. It was all worth it, think of a getaway Apple wild safaris is the best to plan your trip.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Suricata was fantastic! They made sure we were well taken care of!
Highly recommend Suricata! We did the 5 day safari, and had an amazing experience. The accommodations were fantastic, the itinerary was great (we saw the big 5 and more!), and the tour guide (Mandela) was better than we could’ve asked for. There communication leading up to the safari was clear and responsive, and they also be sure to do a post-trip sit down with each person to get feedback. They truly care about you as a customer and it shows every step of the way. I cannot recommend this company enough! If you go on a safari, ask for Mandela. He is a well seasoned guide, and we really loved his safari guiding style. He does an amazing job balancing seeking out animals without being absolutely rushed/being jerked around the parks all day. He was the reason we had such a top notch experience.