NZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The contact were amazing, immediate replies all the time and they were so lovely in every step
not the best time for a safari... we didnt get to see a lot but our driver tried his best to hunt the animals down for us. really loved and appreciated his service
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good Safari
We saw many animals. Three days were enough because you cannot leave the Jeep and the tents are not the most comfortable. There they set up shop for you. They have everything, tent and sleeping bags although we prefer to take ours. The bathrooms were not clean.
The cook very well although it took an hour to serve the food ... The lunch of the first day is a meal box that was not very good but the rest very rich and cooked.
The good driver guide and informed us of the birds and animals. The first day we wait about two hours to go out to the Safari.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I'm grateful
I visited Kenya in January and given that I had some few days after my official duty , I decided to look for a tour firm to arranged for my safari in Masai Mara. Trip Advisor Africa Safaris gave me a good rate and the accommodation at Masai Mara Camps and I'm grateful. The vehicle was in good condition and food were perfect. I will do again tour with you when i come back to Kenya in September. Thank - Shuchi Rana
FR
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The perfect safari for a very competitive price
We did some tough bargaining to get the safari into our too low (I must admit) budget. What often happens when bargaining too much, that the quality is not as good as hoped for, did not occur with Mwangaza. We have no complaints whatsoever about the safari, the transport, the accommodation, the meals, the excursions, they all were perfect.
Before going to Tanzania we had inquired about prices for safaris and decided that they were far beyond our budget. Once in Tanzania, we found out that the safaris in the Northern region are 'expensive', but there are 'cheaper' solutions. And the cheaper solutions seem to be more like our kind of tourism, as they are not as standard and industrialized. Finally we booked a 4 day safari to Mikumi and Udzungwa.
During the trip, now and then we felt a little ashamed when we heard how much more other tourists had paid for the same safari. Although installed in one of the more expensive hotels (Double Tree by Hilton) of Dar Es Salam, Mwangaza comes up with very competitive prizes.
We had two full days in Mikumi National Park. We saw elephants, lions, hippos, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, antelopes, wildebeests, wild dogs, monkeys and many birds. We saw them all in very good conditions (< 10 meters). The drivers are very well organized in communicating spots among each other, so if there are lions somewhere, all the tourists will see them. This means that there will be 5 or 6 cars at the spot (when we were there in Januari).
The first night we spent in Vuma Hills Lodge (they call it a 'tented camp', this means that a tent is hung up within a 5 star bungalow structure which allows a good protection against mosquitoes) within Mikumi National Park. The food (set menu) is very good, the coffee too and the beer is cold, even though electricity is not permanent. There is a very nice small swimming pool as well. If you go to Mikumi, make sure you spend the night in Vuma Hills, it was our best accommodation experience on this trip, and one of the best overall. You only can stay there if the admittance fee to the National Park is paid for during both days. You may purchase some souvenirs as well, they seem rather authentic and reasonably priced.
In the National Park and on the way to the lodge, there are many tse-tse flies. This is no reason to panic, they don't seem to be carrying sleeping disease, at least not all of them, not many tourists get infected. They are still a harass, so protect yourselves as good as you can. It seems that bright colored clothes are better, as the flies prefer 'buffalo colored' surface.
The second and third night we spent in Bastian Lodge, outside the National Park. This is also a nice place with good food, coffee and beer and a nice swimming pool.
The third day we went to Udzungwa. As a Dutch national, I was surprised to find out that the waterfalls are called after Prince Bernard, with his picture at the entrance office. We did the 'light' trek to the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. This was already quite an effort. To go to the top, you really should be in good shape. We had a nice swim in the river.
The fourth day we did a 'before breakfast' safari tour, and that is when we had the closest look on lions, elephants and giraffes. It seemed that they were not as scared in the early morning, but I don't think that has a scientific basis.
After breakfast and a short swim, we left for the airport. We asked the driver to make a stop in a souvenir shop and we were very happy he did, because at the brand new airport terminal there were almost no souvenirs for sale ant the ones that were far too expensive.
We had a wonderful time and would like to send our warm thanks to Sultan Mwangaza, the real African mama tour operator, who perfectly understands our westerner's wishes and comes up with a real competitive package deal, in which there is no risk of unexpected expenses. In the deal is explicitly stated what is included (almost everything) and what is excluded (beer, wine, tips, souvenirs).
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything about this safari was absolutely outstanding - it could not have been better!
Seven by Far owner Sylvester was very prompt and friendly with communications - he provided a quote promptly and responded to multiple queries before our trip. The planning was responsive and detailed, and he went to the trouble of providing an alternative itinerary, after we'd already booked and paid, when it came to light that it might be beneficial to change the itinerary for my partner's health reasons. In the end, Sylvester varied the itinerary to adapt to conditions in the areas we were travelling, which resulted in upgraded accommodation for four of eight nights, and better wildlife viewing, all at no extra charge.
We were met at the airport by Sylvester and our first guide, who ensured we were checked into our hotel for the first night, which gave us comfort that we'd be well looked after, and we were.
Our safari took us from Kenya to Tanzania and back to Kenya, which meant we had three different guides. All of our guides - James, Cosmas and Hassan - were wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly, engaging and fun. We learned so much from them about animal behaviour, which really enriched the experience of seeing the animals. We saw many many animals, and much of that was credit to our guides and their ability to find and spot the animals. Sometimes we were amazed at what they could spot from a distance. They were always willing to stop for photos, and had a knack for getting us to good vantage points. They were organised and clear about the itineraries each day.
We appreciated the little touches in the vehicles such as charging stations in one, photography beanbags, and refrigeration for water bottles.
The driving was sometimes tricky, but we always felt completely safe. This was thanks to the skill of our drivers, their networks with the other drivers (so we knew we'd have back up if we ever needed it), and the well equipped and maintained Land Cruisers Seven by Far provided.
The accommodation was all fantastic. Our daughter is vegetarian and her dietary needs were catered for with no problem.
We can not say enough good things about Seven by Far and the great experience we had - we hope to be back!
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best tour operator we have seen in East Africa
We thank Tristar africa skimmer safaris for the best service offered to us about Car rental in Kenya and Uganda
And also for the tour they saved us it was nice we wish you the best in all what you are doing ,
You are the best !!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bucket list holiday
We choose to do the 3 days safari to the Masai Mara from Nairobi, it’s a trip that has been at the top of my bucket list for as long as I remember and it lived up to every expectation
Dennis (pumba) our guide picked us up the first day for the 6 hour drive to Sopa lodge once we got their we quickly checked in ate lunch and we were off on a safari in a couple of hours we seen 2 brother cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, Giselle and many more we already couldn’t wait to wake up the next day for our full day of Safari, so we arranged with Dennis to have an early breakfast and leave for 6:30am within an hour of being in the park Dennis had found us 3 brother lions we couldn’t believe our luck so early in in the day and from their our day just got better and better we found a pride of lions, buffalo, more giraffe, hippo and again many many more some out of pure luck such as Wart Hog and Hyena.
We only managed to see 3 of the Bug 5 no fault of Dennis he tried his best to find the other 2. He was the best guide a lot of the other cars stuck to the road but Dennis got is as near as possible which did not bother the animals at all but made our experience so much better!
We were actually sad to say bye to Dennis when the trip came to an end
I couldn’t recommend this trip any more
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
You will regret if you didn’t choose them
Thank you so much for arrange the wonderful trip For us
Just wanna say thank you and would like to express my highly appreciation To Thabo and Andre , Thano is super friendly and helpful , take really good care of us , also extremely responsible . Thank you Thabo
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Much better than expected. More than what you pay forFar
No body does it better. Excellent communication before and during the safari. Everyday, everyone did all they could to give everyone the best experience possible.
You will not be disappointed if you choose Jockey Tours.....indeed you'll be happy.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable family vacation!!
Our family had the most amazing trip with Roam Serengeti safaris! Everything was perfectly planned and ran so smoothly: from the coordinated pick up and transfer upon arrival, to every meal, every accommodation, down to our departure at the end. Mussa was easy to communicate with, very responsive and thorough in the planning before hand, so we felt confident and clear in our expectations. Lyimo, our personal guide, exceeded any expectations we could have had! His knowledge of the area and the wildlife we encountered made our trip complete and unforgettable! We felt safe, well accommodated, and were thrilled by the endless excitement packed into every single day!! The big 5, the ugly 5, the migration, and so so much more...We saw it ALL! It was the trip of a lifetime for us and our young girls (ages 7 & 8)! We would confidently recommend Roam Serengeti safaris to anyone planning a trip!
