NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Scam
We booked with them based on a friend’s recommendation. We booked for 6 days, and we booked a balloon ride. Upon arrival we discussed the planning. However on the balloon trip it was weird they said we had to go to the balloon center when we got in the Serengeti. And make an appointment. Serengeti was day 3. So we visited some parks and upon arrival at the Serengeti it was already weird. We had to wait 2 hours for cash. So we go in the park and ask our driver to go the balloon centers. He confessed that everything was booked months in advance. Okay fine, but then we expect the money back as they didn’t book it. So on our ride back to the airport we would meet the owner. He stalls it, making us wait an hour and almost missing our flight. He didn’t want to pay/didn’t have the money. So we were scammed out 1000 usd. Before flying out of Tanzania I emailed the firm for a compensation. After some pressure from my end they agreed to pay in installments. 4 installments of 250$. The first 2 went fine, the 3rd took 4 months and the last one I am still awaiting. For over 6 months. They said they could not pay the last installment due to cash shortage but that was 6 months ago. Since then they are not replying on emails.
So DO NOT BOOK ANYTHING WITH THIS FIRM. THEY SCAM YOU AND ARE PROBABLY BANKRUPT.
MX
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent experience
We strongly recommend African Breeze Safaris for all those who want to have an exciting experience in the Kenyan savannah. We were a group of nine and all agree that Cate and her team organized the safari with great skill and commitment. The drivers - tourist guides (Felix & Charles) are very professional as well as kind and nice people and fully trained about the African flora and fauna. Hotels are comfortable; food is simple but tasty and abundant. Just avoid purchasing souvenirs in the places they stop for refreshing; they are expensive; even in the airport you can get better prices.
NL
Lions, giraffes, ugali kuku, baby elephants and double rainbows - a dream come true!
When we booked a cheap flight to Zanzibar for some December sun, we didn't even think it was possible to do a safari. Figuring all of this out in your lazy chair all the way in The Netherlands with zero travel experience in Africa was quite puzzling. Luckily Mwajabu from Tanzania Mwangaza Safari came super fast to the rescue! She contacted us via WhatsApp and advised on which park to go to, where to sleep and about the best day and time and that was very helpful. We had no clue! We paid a small amount of money a few months before and paid the rest in cash, which was convenient for us
. Ithman, a very nice driver, brought us in an air-conditioned car from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi park. We had fun in the car and were amazed by everything we saw outside: millions of mango trees, Masai roasting goats, women in wax print carrying all kinds of things on their heads, pineapple fields: it was great.
We arrived at the national park and after putting our luggage away in the bungalow we started the game drive! The vehicle was not exactly modern but we thought that had its charm. The car was open and so we had a good view of everything around us. We did wonder about safety.
Our guide, a nice friendly guy, didn't carry a weapon or anything and there are lions and other predators in the park. We had to stop every half hour to add water in the motor because the car wasn't in a good state, but to be honest we were happy with every stop, so we could take pictures. The park was so full of animals, we couldn't believe it! Giraffes, zebra's, millions of impalas, warthogs, storks, hippos, water buffalos, wildebeests, elephants, monkeys and even lions: everything we hoped to see was there! Most of the animals had babies who were extremely cute. That first day was just magical with all these lion cubs and elephant babies and it ended with a huge double rainbow. Back in the camp we had our first real Tanzanian meal: ugali kuku.
The bungalow had airconditioning and we had a great night of sleep. After breakfast again a full day of watching animals - what a dream! We stayed two nights and two full days in total in the safari, and that actually enough: we saw everything we hoped to see and more! The way back was comfortable, although we did had to bribe the police for reasons we still don't understand. The car was just stopped and we had to give 30.000 Tanzanian shillings because the driver didn't have that money in cash. We didn't understand what was going on and didn't have time to pick a fight because we had to catch the last ferry to Zanzibar.
So, to make a long story short: our safari in Mikumi was really, really great and we are very grateful for all Mwajabus efforts. We didn't have to worry about anything, everyone we met was super friendly and the whole experience was beyond our expectations!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Top service with a very professional treatment.
The booking was smooth and the pick up at our place were as planed. The driver drove with confidence and it felt safe.
The driver had a lot of experiense and could talk a lot about the animalis, nature and history about the landscape and the people in the area. Imagine to stand still in a open car, in a big herd of over 500 buffalos, to just be one in the nature, listening to the sounds, se them buffering. It was amazing.....
The safari was fantastic in every way and we can highly recomend Hazzes Adventure. Our lovely driver could also inform us about other adventures to experance around Arusha. Big thanks to Vincent!
IL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One in a lifetime experience
We had a wonderful Safari tour, starting with the coordination & information we got before arriving to Kenya.
The guide was very kind & experienced.
The accommodations were excellent ,over our expectations!
The tour was amazing! We came back with hundreds of spectacular photos.
We got an upgrade to a Landcruiser instead of a minivan with no extra charge due to the rainy forecast.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
excellent service
we booked via email and lisa was excellent at communicating and dealing with our bespoke requests. we did not have any issues with the transport, driver or lodges while on safari. overall, very happy with the service and the safari!
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We have not received refund after cancelling
We had to cancel our safari in August due to ill health. We are very disappointed to still be waiting for a refund request made in June 2019 for transfers between Nairobi to Masai Mara booked with Collins at the Operations and Reservations office for Airports & Beyond.
Collins was very quick and diligent in following up with us for full payment for the transfers of US$1070, which we immediately paid. However, when we requested a refund we were told we would not receive a 100% refund, but instead a refund of US$ 620.
After 20+ emails and calls we are still waiting for our refund. We either don’t receive replies to our emails or calls are not answered. When we do manage to get Collins on the phone, we receive the usual response that he is working on our refund, he is waiting for his boss for authorisation, or he will process the refund shortly.
In November the manager Ken claimed that Collins left the company, but Ken promised to process the refund. After numerous emails and calls where Ken repeatedly has stated that the refund is on its way we have still not received the money.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Agency responsive and flexible but guide far below expectations
We did an 8-day safari with Image Travel Limited. The agency was very responsive and flexible in designing a trip according to our preferences. The lodges were very good and met our expectations. We booked a safari van (not the Land Cruiser option), which was generally a good decision, although the particular vehicle was a little run-down.
On the negative side, we were not overly happy with the guide. The itinerary specified that the tour includes an "experienced guide", however, our guide turned out to be no more than a driver. For most parts he was friendly and also drove us everywhere as specified, but he was certainly not the type of guide you would expect on a safari. His knowledge of the parks and the animals was only rudimentary. It was also disturbing that he repeatedly provided incorrect information when he didn't know something we asked about, rather than simply saying that he doesn't know. We were also puzzled by some behaviors that we found inappropriate for a safari guide (e.g., phone often rang during the game drives, speeding in the parks, attempts to talk us into later starts in the morning). On our previous safaris (in different countries and with different operators), the guides were very skilled at spotting animals, shared our enthusiasm about the nature and had some interesting stories to tell. Unfortunately, this was not the case during this tour.
SI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We spent great time in South Africa and really have excelent experience with our tour organizer!
We booked our safari tour in Pillanesberg national park with Gems of Africa Safari & Tours. We worked with Janine. Janine organise our tailored three days package. Package includes lodging, safaries, lion park and trasfer from airport and back to Johannesburg. From the first communication to the final result the experience was superb. It was so easy to communicate with her. She was very responsive and helpfull. We had a lot of questions because it was our first visit to South Africa. We had a minor issue at lion park. We called Janine even though it was Sunday, and she immediately settled the matter. We definitely recommend Janine to everyone who is planning to visit South Africa.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara - An emitional 3 day Safari adventure with exceptional guide
Visiting East Africa for the first time, my girlfriend and me were very excited, having high anticipations about the trip to come. And what an experience it was!
Before talking about the safari itself with Kiliholidays, a few words on the adventure of finding the right safari. As it was our first safari we had in mind the questions that everyone has: what safari is the right one for us, will it fit our schedule, does it fit in our budget and what is the right price for the offer, will the accommodation be appropriate?
Here a few handy tips:
1. Whereever you are going to book your safari, it is recommended that the TO is listed on the Tanzania Tourism Board as a licensed operator - https://www.tanzaniatourism.go.tz/en/operators/listings/category/tour-operators
2. Book your safari in advance - if you don´t have a few days to spare in Arusha (where most safaris start), then booking a safari in advance will be your best bet. You may score a better price, but it will take a few days to organize everything.
3. Negotiate with the TO beforehand - we could get us two free hotel stays and an airport transfer for free. Especially in the low season your chances are good. It is customary to negotiate on everything in Tanzania - why not about the price for the safari too.
Kiliholidays Safari experience:
The overall safari experience was excellent. From the pre-sale until our arrival the communication was swift, professional and had all the information we could ask for. The original itinerary of the parks got shuffled around, but this did not have any drawbacks on the overall experience. Our guide Edward was exceptional: he picked us up from the airport in Kilimanjaro and made sure we felt welcome and safe throughout the whole trip. Whether protecting us from cheeky approaches Baboons, telling us about his favorite wildlife encounters or his perspective on the Maasai and their approach towards education - we appreciated every moment with him on the safari. The vehicle was in great condition and we never had any problems throughout the journey. Our accommodation in Arusha - Arusha Gateway Lodge 2 - was clean and located in a safe neighborhood. On the safari we stayed 2 nights at Fanaka Camp Site, the site is very well maintained, great service, delicious food, clean rooms. We had a fantastic stay!
1. Tarangire National Park
Home of the Bao Bao tree and the elephants with wildlife to the right and left framed in beautiful scenery. You love elephants, this is the place to go to, prepare to see them close up!
2. Ngorongoro Crater
Breathtaking views in a one of a kind setting, near the cradle of mankind. Not too crowded, definitely worth a visit - what a descend into the crater!
3. Manyara National Park
The park has a very interesting story about climate change to offer and you can see the effects on the ecosystem of the lake first hand. The night before were heavy rainfalls and the main passage ways were cut off, would not let us see most of the park - things that happen in the rain season, the whole Serengeti got flooded too. Our driver tried his best and nearly turned the vehicle into a seafaring vessel.
This was also an emotional journey for us. Like taking a small peak from under the blanket and discovering a whole new spectrum of feelings and emotions you had no idea existed. Connecting with nature you could've never had a chance of experiencing without being confronted with the wild surroundings, beauty untouched by human hand, having its harmony and balance maintained for decades, brutal, ruthless, but exceptional and astonishing. You could get a feeling that time has stopped, somehow getting an impression that this day happens over and over, running in circles for thousands of years. Seeing through the perspective of a person living in a city, getting all those new sensations, not knowing how to process and probably appreciate fully, not able to comprehend how all this beauty could be natural and not man-made. Looking through the eyes of professional guide with such passion, respect and admiration. You simply keep smiling and draw inspiring emotions in, realizing how you experience it all so intensely, holding your breath throughout the whole time. Finally, having the amazing opportunity to share this with my partner in crime ;)
