US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible honeymoon safari to Kenya & Tanzania
Maurice prepared an action-packed 8 day safari of Kenya and Tanzania for our postponed-from-2020 honeymoon. Like many others, I had narrowed my search down to operators who could provide the joint Kenya/Tanzania itinerary we were looking for. As operators aren't able to provide tours across borders, this means finding a company with a strong ground operation in both countries through partnerships, of which Africa Safari Classics absolutely does. Our 8 days consisted of game drives in Amboseli, Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro; before departing for Zanzibar.
I can't speak highly enough of Maurice's professionalism and constant, but balanced communication. I strongly encourage others to go with Africa Safari Classics -- the personal touch you will get from dealing with a medium-sized company truly makes the difference once you're on the ground. While we had initially planned for the trip in the summer of 2020, due to the pandemic we postponed to 2021. Maurice was able to shift our entire trip to this year with ease. Once on the ground, Maurice made a point of coming to greet us on our day of arrival at our hotel and also to introduce us to our driver, John, for the Kenya portion of the trip. Given the additional logistics required due to Covid, he also researched and arranged our Covid tests needed to get us from Kenya to Tanzania. Only surprise from the Tanzania authorities (not published anywhere I could find) was that in addition to the PCR test we obtained, a $25 rapid test was required on the spot. Would just be prepared for those also planning similar cross-border safaris.
All our airport transfers (arrival into NBO, as well as to/from Wilson airport) were prearranged by Maurice and went seamlessly with no hiccups. Safari experiences with John in Kenya, and David in Tanzania were action packed. As my wife wasn't too keen on using the savannah as a bathroom, we had requested to John that we break up our day with bathroom breaks at the lodges. David was also accommodating on this request in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. As full-day game drives can be long (~10 hours), it helps to break up so much time in the Landcruiser. We got to get to know David quite well in Tanzania, as he was also our dinner companion at the camps. He has a great sense of humor and was just as excited as us to try and catch some of the harder-to-find animals in the park. We found Amboseli was a smart first stop as you can easily see abundant elephants, giraffes, zebras in a short amount of time (the game drives were also shorter here). Masai Mara had the most interesting landscape, but is quite a bit larger than Amboseli. The animal activity got more interesting there as well, with massive caravans of Wildebeest and Zebras as part of the Great Migration. Serengeti was where we finally hit our Big-5, after seeing two Leopards, and a Rhino (from a distance, they weren't out as much in the cooler weather). Finishing at Ngorongoro was perfect, as the landscape is unlike anything you'll see anywhere else in the world. Our accommodations also gave us a variety of experiences, from lux lodges in Amboseli, to "glamping" in Masai Mara and Ngorongoro, to the true bush camp experience in Serengeti.
All-in-all, Africa Safari Classics provided us an unforgettable experience that we are still fully processing. They should be the first choice for those looking for a tailored, full safari experience without breaking the bank.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A superb Safari experience
We were accommodated at every possible opportunity throughout the trip from the very first moment. After getting off to a slightly tricky start due to air travel (arranged separately), our tensions were immediately alleviated when Philomena arranged last minute for our driver to change airport location from Arusha to Kilimanjaro in the early hours, which needless to say was enormously reassuring for us. Philomena's communication and customer service was productive and highly efficient, helping us to tailor the trip to our exact preferences in terms of what we wanted to see and which accommodation to select. There were also several nice personal touches we appreciated, such as meeting us at our hotel at the end of our trip to ensure our overall satisfaction.
We were lucky enough to see 4 out of the big 5 on the game drive itself and our driver Elie ensured we had excellent view points of the animals in sight. We could not believe how close we were able to get on several occasions- such a privilege to see the animals in such near proximity! On route to the Serengeti, our driver recommended that we stopped at Olduvai Gorge, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, which we were blown away and pleasantly surprised by. The accommodation along the way was all to a reasonable standard, providing good value for money. The stay in the Serengeti lodge deserves a particular mention; the food was incredible and it was awesome to hear the animals at night in their natural habitat. We also did the hot air balloon ride which was an exhilarating experience (if you don't mind getting up a bit early). Seeing the park from a bird's eye view had a unique charm and the Captain was highly knowledgeable about the animals and the Serengeti.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Maxwell is the best safari guide ever!
We had an amazing time on our safari! Joseph helped us with the booking and arrangement of everything, and he was very helpful every time we had any questions! Our safari guide was Maxwell, and he was amazing! He knew exactly where to be for the best views! Every place in Kenya that we visited was absolutely awesome! You can’t beat the price, either! So much cheaper than all of the other safari companies!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Maasai Mara with James - The Safari of a lifetime
I was fortunate and lucky enough to be in Kenya this year during the wildbeast migration. James the tour operator took us to the most best and secret spots inside Maasai Maara and we where actually able to see a variety of animals. Since James knew many good places I was able to see four of the big five in a single day. I couldn't have been happier.
James is an awesome guide. Cool , calm and kind.
I'd do the tour anytime again.
Thx James!
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari, perfectly tailored for solo traveler
I just came back from 4 days safari to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with Florian and Salim as guide and cook. Hillary and Alli took care of all logistics and organised everything for me according to my preferences. I was amazed how we could see so much in so little time. Loads of animals, all the different possibilities. Lunch was always very tasty and it's incredible how they can prepare such food in the middle of the wilderness. The choice of lodges allowed me to perceive the variety in hospitality around the region, and everywhere I was well taken care of. I recommend lodges of you are staying more than 2 nights, otherwise camping is also a good choice. I highly recommend Suricata Safaris for your authentic African experience!!!
IL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent service, great guide
We had a fabulous experience, 5 days safari with a guide that had great eyes to spot animals (Samuel) The organization was good, all in time, good food and lodges. We even took a canoe safari and saw huppos and elephants. We travelled to Tanzania somewhat fearful of covid , but very quickly learned that the car and lodges were cleaned, the guide and staff wore masks, and all worked fine. Imran was always in contact with us through WhatsApp and email and even helped coordinate PCR tests in the middle of the serengeti. We traveled with my husband and three sons.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Understands customers needs and very helpful in guiding the right seasons and places.
Award tours was able to make arrangements for my travel within a very short notice.
All my bookings were made within a record time. Very reliable, they deliver what they promise and are very forthright.
PR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trot are unique in a crowded field. Amazing staff makes all the difference
Trot definitely set themselves apart from the competition. Amazing staff (Lewis, Ben and Onesgo) went way beyond to make our group's trip unforgettable. The family style meals are a very nice touch and allow you to unwind after long game drives. I went as a solo traveler and got lucky with my group, we had a full car so never got split up and spent the whole time laughing and/or singing the Lion King soundtrack. Also got lucky with the animal sightings and only missed a Leopard. This was during 1st week of August so deep into dry season when most animals move north. We only got as far as central Serengeti but would def recommend doing multiple nights so you can get all the way north (ie river crossing and lake Nacron). Regardless of what tour you choose, you can't go wrong with Hilary and Trot's team.
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best experience!!
We booked a 15 day guided tour with our guide Moses through Gorilla Bookings in July 2021 and were absolutely thrilled! We booked directly with Gorilla Bookings. The agency is completely trustworthy and the organization of the tour, safaris, boat trips and trekkings was excellent. All accommodations were beautiful and Moses brought us closer to culture, country and people and also spent a lot of time with us after work.
We made friends in no time and felt very comfortable. The national parks and the great nature and wildlife are absolutely worth seeing. An unscheduled visit to an orphanage (at our own request) made our trip perfect and opened our hearts and eyes.
We would love to come back!
(automatic translation from German)
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience, and a team that had our backs every step of the way
This was a trip of a lifetime, wow. Myself and my parents joined Right Choice Safaris for 15 days through Kenya and Tanzania, and the experience was beyond words… amazing amazing amazing. Before the trip, George was fantastic at alleviating all of our concerns, answering every question, and adjusting the itinerary to meet our wants/needs. This was especially impressive given the need to navigate visa AND covid testing requirements for two different countries. Once we arrived in Kenya, they had our backs with every step and made sure we didn’t have to lift a finger to organize anything. Everything was done for us and ran smoothly and beautifully. Our guides, Jacob in Kenya and Simon in Tanzania, were both phenomenal! They blew us away with their kindness, knowledge, flexibility, humor, and expertise. The wildlife, the destinations, the accommodations, the food… this trip is a much do. Thank you so much George, Jacob, Simon, and team!