CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The entire journey exceeded expectations and it was wild and exhilarating.
The journey exceeded expectations, offering unique and thrilling experiences, unlike many places I've been to. It was wild and exhilarating, and having been to Kenya, other destinations didn't seem as captivating anymore.
We were extremely pleased with the Safari company we chose. They assisted us throughout planning the itinerary and selecting hotels/lodges based on our preferences and schedule. We highly recommend OL TUKAI LODGE. The arrangements for airport pickups and drop-offs were spot on.
Our guide, Dennis, must be the most handsome in all of Kenya. Tall with a great physique, he gave us a strong sense of security! The vehicle was kept clean and tidy every day. Ultimately, we each tipped about $120 for the seven days. Having a competent guide during a safari is crucial. Dennis has a keen eye and was always the first to spot signs of animals in the plains, leading us to lions, leopards, and other creatures. Whenever he received notifications from others, he would rush to the location immediately!"
Here is some advice for safari：
The sand is so thick it feels like suffocating in the dirt.
I wake up every day between 4 and 5 AM.
I set off at 6:30. Before 6:30, it's so cold that I have to wear a thick fleece hoodie.
The car ride is extremely bumpy. Sitting in the last row, I could even bounce off my seat and land back down, haha!
It's very sunny at noon. Wearing just a tank top isn't too hot, but don't forget sun protection.
The sun sets around 6:30 PM, and by 8 PM, the temperature drops.
Amboseli isn't cold. You can even shower, put on makeup, and apply face masks inside. However, in the Masai Mara, it's so cold in the evenings and mornings that I didn't feel like showering or putting on makeup. You can hear various animal noises at night.
The stars are stunning, and you can even see the Milky Way with the naked eye. If you're interested, bring a tripod.
It's worth bringing a telescope to see animal expressions and actions up close.
Sunglasses and contact lens solutions are essential, especially when there's a lot of wind and sand which can dry your eyes.
I wore long pants, but some of my companions wore shorts/skirts. Two of the four of us developed rashes, possibly allergies, or perhaps from mosquito bites.
I wasn't bitten much by mosquitoes (probably because they were all after my travel mates, haha!).
Bring vitamins or immunity boosters since the daily early starts and late returns can be exhausting, potentially lowering your immunity.
From 6-10 AM and 5-6:30 PM, you'll see more animals and they are more active. During other times, they mostly sleep. It can be frustrating at noon when it's scorching hot and animals are hard to spot.
The gift shop at the Amboseli Lodge has the most variety, including T-shirts. I regret not buying more to take home.
You can usually see all the animals. When one vehicle spots animals, the guides quickly communicate via radio, and everyone rushes over.
A long-focus lens is essential. A 70-200 lens might not be enough for enthusiasts, but it's okay for amateur photographers like us.
I exchanged $300 in cash before the trip, and after tips, there wasn't much left.
Even though they say it's not a tipping culture, tips are always accepted. For services like helping with luggage or walking safaris, tipping is customary.
It's a good idea to bring earplugs and a neck pillow. The ride is so bumpy that your ears will feel it's too noisy.
My total expenses were around 3.5-4k (not sure of the exact amount), including cash and card payments. I found the safari group on XHS.
Masai is safe, and so is Nairobi. There was a disturbance during our trip, so the last half-day of our safari was canceled. We left for Nairobi at 4 PM to rest. Once back in Nairobi, everything was fine. Without the disturbance, it's a safe place with a mature tourism industry.
It's a good idea to bring snacks. You won't feel hungry often, but sometimes you'll need a bit of energy during long drives.
Good eyesight is a real advantage! One of my travel mates with 20/20 vision often spotted small animals. For those of us with myopia, spotting animals felt like an exciting game, collecting sightings.
After buying a SIM card, don't restart your phone. Keep the PIN card safe, because if you restart your device, you'll need to re-enter the PIN. Without the PIN, the SIM card becomes unusable.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service and kind people!
Loved it! Guides were great and experience was awesome! Woukd recommend it to anyone.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic Tanzania, the right mix between humanity and nature
Tanzania is the perfect country for those who love nature, parks, animals and also people, who are very kind. The natural parks are among the most beautiful I've seen, the sightings of animals guaranteed. And then, if you like, there is a wonderful sea. Food is great too!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa is the destination of a lifetime.
Our family of 6 including grandparents and children went on an 8 day safari in Kruger National Park with Wild Planet Safari. Words cannot describe the beauty of South Africa. The sunrise was worthy of a painting. The variety of scenery from bush land to River deltas to mountain was spectacular. Everyday we were surprised with some new experience. We saw lions and leopards hunting, herds of elephants, hippos grazing on the riverbank, beautiful birds, and every animal you expect to see in Africa. Our accommodations in the park were modest but comfortable. We also visited Johannesburg and the many interesting historical and cultural sites in an around the city. Everywhere we went, the people were gracious and helpful. At the end of our South Africa tour, we were all sad to leave.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and Respectful
The tour operator Mansoor was very professional right from the beginning. He walked me the entire reservation, provided me with answers to my questions promptly and he made sure we got exactly what we were looking for despite making our reservations last minute. Our tour guide aka driver Mr Superman was the best. He was very professional, respectful and knowledgeable of animals. He went above and beyond and made every efforts to drive us all day to ensure we see all animals especially the BIG 4. I will highly recommend this company and huge THANK YOU TO YOU MANSOOR AND MR MICHAEL.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Thw tour operator was professional, smooth and responsible throughout the tour.
I highly recommend African Hagyko Safaris for their professional services and pocket friendly charges.
NZ
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommend. Professional, helpful and accessible.
A once in a lifetime trip for us creating lasting memories. The camps and hotels were excellent, the staff friendly and helpful and the food excellent. We were very well looked after. The animal life was abundant and we were able to view the great 5 within a few days. All of the safaris exceeded our expectations.
Some of the internal flights and hotels are linked and we did experience a couple of airline representatives that were not helpful and lacked good communication skills. At one point we were unable to find our representative at Entebbe airport. She was at the wrong part of the airport. We were taken through to departures with instructions to stay put and that she would not be lone. We waited approx. 3 hours past our scheduled departure time. Airport staff were unable to help as it was a charted flight. It turned out she was waiting for a couple of more passengers. However the pilots were sitting in the aircraft and were also unaware and had been sitting on the aircraft for 3 hours waiting for us. We had a long overnight flight from the Serengeti to Johannesburg and then had to wait another 2 hours to be flown to our camp as the airline was waiting further passengers to fill the plane. our itinerary stated our flight time and the airline were not helpful in accommodating us. Were were eventually put on a hot plane and waited a further 45 mins till the pilot arrived. We felt they were trying to maximize their seating and felt it was not conducive to a good holiday.
We still had a great time during our two and a half weeks in Africa and would recommend this excellent company but feel the situations we found ourselves in should be addressed.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service, prompt and efficient
MoAfrika tours were wonderful to deal with, very courteous, prompt and helpful. They helped us organize our tours and gave us a good price on them. The lodges, tour guides and conveyances were excellent and comfortable and the guides for every tour were very good and knowledgeable
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Custome made safari tour in Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Nationa
The tour was amazing and the guides very professionals and kinds.
They wait us at the international airport of Dar es Salaam and they bring us to Arusha, where begin the safari game drive in the most beautiful National Park of Tanzania.
At the end they leave us to Arusha airport
IL
20-35 years of age
Fun and knowledgeable
Great tour company. If you take the township tours, people in the comunity do receive funds from them.
I did the Johannesburg tour - Apartheid Museum + Soweto Township
The tour guide was very knowleadgeable and made the day interesting. I learned a lot about South Africa's history of opression and colonialism.
I def recommend taking this tour if you are in Johannesburg