KR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great christmas!!
Mussa was so kind and the driver cared for us. I urgently planned my itinerary, but I kindly organized the tour so I will use Roam serengeti again the next time I visit Serengeti. We traveled during Christmas, saw all the Big 5 animals, and the hostel was the best trip to Tanzania. Camping facilities were also good, so it was the most memorable place to stay.
If you are looking for a tour of Serengeti, I highly recommend this tour company!! Thank you Mussa!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible safari adventure with wonderful and professional local experts
In short, my partner and I had the most amazing time in Botswana, all thanks to Moonstroll for coordinating and taking us on the coolest safari adventure!
In more detail..
The overall experience with Moonstroll Vantage Expeditions was great. I initially had no idea how quickly safaris booked up in Botswana (especially if your dates are only marginally flexible), so I had a difficult time finding a multi-day safari adventure within our budget. When I came across Moonstroll, I reached out with my dates and received a very quick response, with a super-detailed quote which highlighted the inclusions of the safari. Monametsi (owner of Moonstroll) was very professional throughout the entire planning process. He was responsive and very helpful by email leading up to the tour. When we landed in Botswana, him and his colleague Lucky personally met us at the Maun airport and took us to our accommodation. Similar to what a few others have noted, I was initially skeptical of the process of wire-transferring money for payment of the safari (as there were limited reviews on this company) - but after having spent the 5 days on safari with Moonstroll, I can comfortably say that they are an awesome company; a local one too, with a very small team. Do note that your safari will be subcontracted out to other local experts, selected by Monametsi, who take you on your safari.
For our private 5 day (4 night) camping trip, we had a team of three gentlemen who made the trip a superb one. Our safari guide and driver, Thuso, was amazing at spotting wildlife and an excellent driver. He could maneuver the safari vehicle safely through rough terrain, follow lion tracks, and lookout for animals all the same time!! He was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of all the parks we visited; his expertise led us to seeing some rare animals, including a group of lion cubs, a leopard with its kill in a tree, and two lionesses hunting. The next team member included Russell, our chef, who cooked up the most delicious meals for the group each day. I think back and remember one of our lunches where he baked an entire quiche - over a fire (so impressive)!!! Apart from being very tasty, we also note that the preparation of the food was also very sanitary especially considering we were camping for five days. Finally, our trip would also not have been as lovely without Gaety, who was the camp assistant. He helped with setting up our campsites and was there to support the other two guys throughout the trip.
For anyone wondering about what to expect when camping, here are a few quick notes:
- all campsites are in the wilderness areas of the game parks; they are therefore not part of large public campsites so you actually feel like you are in the wilderness and there aren't others around you. It is very peaceful and you never know who your animal neighbours will be! On two separate nights, we saw hyenas wander onto our site (we saw them through the mesh of our tent when the moonlight was bright) - it was so cool (but also a bit terrifying)
- the team will collect water from the entrance to the game park prior to setting up camp each day for cooking, showers, etc
- a shower will be set up by the team (one of the pressure/valve showers used for camping - that hang above you from a tree) with a metal frame + tarp for privacy
- a hole is dugout for a toilet - a portable chair that has a toilet seat goes over the hole - similar to the shower, a tarp is raised for privacy
- cots and mattress pads are provided in your tent so you do not have to sleep directly on the ground
The entire experience was fantastic! I would be happy to answer any other questions if anyone is wondering more about joining this safari, as I know I had tons when I was researching.
Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Moonstroll Vantage Expeditions. They were the perfect team for us to share our first safari experience with and it was nice being able to support a small local organization.
NG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip
My trip to tanzania was a last minute plan. Thanks to Mohamed the booking of my trip went well. He was quick to reply and always available to give more information. The trip went as plan and even better. Mohammed and his team are very professional,and always going to the extra miles to satisfy their customer. I was a solo traveler and i never felt lonely Mohamed and his collegues were very nice to show me places in arusha before the safari trip.
Our tour guide in tarangire was a real expert he gave us a lot of information on animal we saw there. I was very lucky to see almost all the big 5 on those 2 days trip (except the leopard). It was a lovely trip that i will not forget thanks to Mohamed and his team.
I will definately recommand the agency!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Stole our money - do not book with Ken Rwema or Barack Nari
Congo Discovery Tours / Ken is a con artist - do NOT book a tour with them or send them money. He stole $3,000 from us.
On June 30th, 2019, we sent Ken $3,000 for two gorilla trekking permits. We were nervous sending so much money to a tour operator in Africa but given his reviews we thought we'd be fine. On July 2, Ken assured us the permits had been attained.
When we arrived in Rwanda on August 31st, Ken met us at our hotel and explained that his company had gone bankrupt, that he didn't have our permits, and that he could drive us to the National Park but we'd have to buy permits a second time. Having flown half way around the world we didn't have a choice. He drove us to the National Park and we paid the park $3,000 directly.
Ken promised he would pay us back within 10 days and when the park rangers heard what had happened they made Ken agree to a contract (attached). Of course, we were skeptical. More than 3 months have passed and, unsurprisingly, Ken has not paid us back.
He has an excuse for everything and a new story every day about why he needs just one more day. But ultimately, he is a con man. As per the reviews below, we aren't the first he's stolen from. Do not book a tour with Congo Discovery Tour or Hakuna Matata Safaris - or any tour group Ken Rwema or Barack Nari is involved in (passport attached below).
Since he's the king of excuses - I've attached screenshots to my tripadvisor review of our Whatsapp dialogue, his passport and the 'contract' the Park Rangers at the National Park wrote up when they heard what had happened.
NG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
WHAT A WONDERFUL TRIP! WHAT AN EXITING EXPERIENCE!
My wife and I recently in November/ December 2019 took a 19 day trip to Kenya and Tanzania, arranged with Across the Wild Tours and Safaris in Kenya. We managed our safari with Fina, the Tour Manager, who was very supportive and always accommodative to our trip adjustments which was amended too many times but she was always flexible to that and kudos to her she was never tire to give directions and try to do the amendments for us.
Everything went superbly. We were met by Fina on our Landing to JKIA- in Nairobi and driver/ guide Kevin who eventually became our best surprise during the tour in Kenya and Eventually Ikamba who took us on the Tanzania tour.
We flew into Nairobi late at night, actually at 1 am,and Fina was there waiting for our arrival and spent the night at Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Nairobi. The following morning we then were driven and guided to three permanent tented camps in private conservancies: Sanctuary Olonana Camp, The Cliff Luxury Camp in Nakuru, and Porini Amboselli Camp. The tented camps were wonderful. The Masai warriors who direct, serve, guard and guided us at the camps took good care of us. Their warmth, knowledge of English, and caring attitude made us feel welcomed and very comfortable in our stays. We saw animals and their lives up close and personal. My wife took literally thousands of photos. We crossed into Tanzania at Namanga, and were met by Ikamba who was our next driver/guide. For our whole time in Tanzania, to whom we were in the capable, knowledgeable, friendly, and funny hands of a well-known guide.
He drove us all over Tanzania, visiting Lake Manyara, NgoroNgoro Conservation Area, the Serengeti, and the drive down into the crater itself, then Tarangire National Park. What a wonderful trip. There were too many highlights to tell about, with Across The Wild tours and Safaris, we were always secure and always learning something new and always kept in touch with us it was good experience.
It was a really great experience we had and I would definitely recommend this tour operator for anyone who intends to have a trip of a lifetime their services are up notch and I can’t recommend less, you guys are doing a great job.
Once again thank you Fina for always being flexible with our demands and lots of questions.
CZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding
Our trip to Serengeti and Ngorongoro with Bobby Camping exceeded our expectations. Jolis, our driver, is such a nice guy and we usually had the best views thanks to him. We saw all of the big 5. Highlight of our trip was a large lion family hunting and hiding around our car. One of the cubs even tried to climb on the bonnet. We camped in the most beautiful nature and the food was simply excellent.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari of a life time
Me and my wife did a modified safari for 6 days and 5 nights through Go Kenya Tours and Safaris covering Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakkuru and Mara. The company was proactive in scheduling our Itenerary and ensured that we had our preference of vegetarian available at all places. The hotels we stayed were very comfortable and close to the national parks which made the stay thrilling and adventurous. We had a great time all the five days and will cherish the trip through out. Special mention to our guide Kevin who is fantastic host and professional guide who made our Safari a memorable one. Kudos to Go Kenya.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful experience!
We went already 2 times on a safari with Ernest (the manager) and his team. The first trip was from Iringa (with a visit to the local market for food) to Ruaha, it was a great experience. We were camping close to the river and saw many animals (even a leopard). The second trip was a safari to the north of Tanzania. The itinerary was very clear and a great mix between camping (the cook was exellent) and lodging. We would defenitely recommend Wild Gaze Safaris!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Awesome
Absolutely awesome, perfect driver, nice accommodation. Love all the gorilla's. Big hug. Anikó
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kilimanjaro Climbing 8 day lemosho route
I had the opportunity to fulfill my dream of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. The trip started with Duma explorer.Our head guide name was Emanuel Mungure. I was once sick , Emanuel found me and gave me medication to feel better. Emanuel, Always went above and beyond to take care of us with availability of water and handling our luggage including carrying mine while i had altitude sickness.I wouldn't be able to conquer and realize my dream without his help.. It was full of exotic experiences, including both high adventure and tranquil moments. We met the locals, learned history, witnessed incredible sun rise and sunsets , and most of all got to know the country's culture. This was all facilitated by our wonderful guide, Emanuel. He orchestrated the trip in his meticulous style, yet provided us with enough freedom to make it exciting. although Samuel had been working as a porter he helped me on the last day if the summit by carrying hot beverage without which it was not possible for me to accomplish my climb.Thank you so much for your attention to detail and for a wonderful lifetime memory!