IL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very efficient , professional and pleasant
It is a must at least once in a life time, enjoyed every moment
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly and responsive tour operator
The communication from William from start to finish has been superb. He has very responsive and we can’t thank him enough for the accommodation he found us. We had excellent tour guides whilst on safari and all staff have been amazing.
CZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant & highly reliant local tour operator that goes above and beyond
We chose Brilliant Safaris thanks to their excellent communications and flexibility in adjusting the program to our schedule and preferences. We enjoyed meeting the staff once we landed in Tanzania. Everyone is very friendly and helpful and the team are very focused on hearing feedback. Additionally, in our experience they regularly went above and beyond to make our stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
Our driver Joshua was just as nice, professional and friendly as the rest of the staff we met. He was an excellent driver (it doesn't go without saying in local road and traffic conditions) and a fun companion on long safari days. He was an excellent guide through the parks (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro) we visited, helped us spot so many animals that we would have never otherwise seen. He would always accompany the animal encounters with explanations and stories, which made our experience even more well rounded.
Another reason we'd recommend Brilliant Safaris is that their cars are adjusted to only have 4 seats in them, which allows for extra comfort during the long drives, which made all the difference to us. They are also equipped with a stocked up fridge with cold water and drinks, as well as a basket of local treats for in between meals. This is a very nice touch.
As for accommodation, we opted for the "Mid Range" and were pleasantly surprised by the level of comfort and hospitality in all the camps and hotels we stayed in. We almost cannot imagine what "Luxury" options look like if this was Mid Range, but we appreciate this is subjective. Nonetheless, the camps and lodges inside the parks were so lovely to stay in. All of the local staff go the extra mile for you to feel happy and comfortable, carrying our bags, always having a smile and not afraid to chat. Without a doubt, waking up and hearing the wildlife around us was one of our highlights.
When it comes to food, we never had any issues, the quality was agreeable and quantity was in true Tanzanian style plentiful.
It was amazing to see that Brilliant Safaris were available any time of the day - from a very early airport pick up to a very late departure. They were also extremely flexible in customising our experience and accommodating our needs.
Overall, we'd highly recommend travelling with Brilliant Safaris, they are trustworthy, knowledgeable, friendly and professional.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly and Knowledgeable
Matata helped us with some research we were doing on tobacco farms around Iringa. From the first minute, the relationship was friendly and relaxed. Matata was interested in what we were trying to achieve and tried to help as much as possible. He then guided us for 4 consecutive days through the Ruhaha Park which he knows pretty well. He never counted his hours and was creative in the content of the daily tours to cover as much ground in search of animals and different landscapes. Since our trip Matata has remained part of our long-distance friends and we get in touch from times to times just to say hello. Would recommend any time.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best holiday
Samuel is the best guide, knows what he is doing and spotting all animals
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing holidays
We had amazing holidays with them. Thanks to them we had the chance to see all there is to see. Thanks again
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing, really invest, always find a solution
Really good, always available. I recommand i f you want to have a good safari tour. We spent a week in kenya and we were lucky to see enough to see all of the big 5 and the ugly 5. The hotel were perfect
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
outstanding and simply the best trip ever! a must do!
I booked the trip four years ago and it was delayed with covid/travel etc but we finally went the end of July/August 2023. I could not wait to write a review. I booked the trip as a private riding group with 7 people in total. 6 riders and one "jeep rider". we flew in to Mara north and greeted by Daisy (or Day-Z) where we set off on a jeep ride to camp and stopped to see soooo much game on route. a pride of lions was spotted via Netti (local guide) enjoying a "spot of lunch". this set the tone for the trip ahead. after observing the pride finishing lunch (followed by Hyena "cleaning up the leftovers") we found a shade spot to enjoy a cold beer (Tuska) before setting off in to camp. we arrived at "River Camp" with such excitement and enjoyed lunch next to the river that was full of pods of Hypo's splashing around. after getting use to camp, we met the horses and went on our first evening ride again seeing Lions, Hyena, elephants, hogs, giraffe etc (to much game to mention). we got back to "shower" (a bucket of river water that made it "real" (in an awesome way) and then went for supper. supper was outstanding (the food was just outstanding for the entire trip) and having supper on the long table, next to the camp fire while watching a lightening storm in the distance and hearing lions roaring behind while seeing hippos in the river..... you really did "arrive in camp". a few vino's and then off to bed (the beds/tents are very good/clean/comfy etc). the next day was breakfast (oats, toast, pastries, full cooked english, tea/coffee, juice etc) and then off on the horses again. a trip around the south of the camp for 2-3 hours seeing more game and then back to camp. after a quick coffee we then went out on the jeeps to spot the "big 5" and within an hour, we come across leopard in the tree (with a lunch from his morning "work"). we again stopped off in a shade area for a glass of Rose before returning to camp for lunch (again a fab lunch) and a little chill time before going on the evening ride. (again, a ton of game to spot). next day, early start as "moving day" but the fear of 40km was laid to rest with long horse walks, plenty of breaks and nice easy canters. we had lunch in the field (a cold meat buffet with salad (and a cold beer) and then off to the next camp landing around 6pm. Escarpment camp was just the best views looking back over the Mara (could be my fav camp) while enjoying a sundowner and sharing stories about our adventure around the fire. the next morning was an early start, 4;30am as heading off for a hot air balloon trip (again simply breath-taking views and a must do). up on landing, the site for breakfast had been set and enjoyed a glass of fizz and a full brekky. after brekky, the car took us to meet the horses and we said goodbye to camp 2 as we moved all day (stopping for lunch) to the next camp (i refer to this as "jungle camp" as it was within trees with a stream passing through. the camp was awesome, with a darker vibe (cloud and no moon) so you needed to keep your "wit" as the tree cover got your senses "going" with the "risk element". after an awesome meal, a few glasses of wine it was off to bed where the sounds of elephants dining out some 20-50m away from your tent really did make you appreciate the "environment". after two nights in "jungle camp" we moved to our final camp and it was a repeat of the awesomeness. fantastic food, great game viewing, river crossings with crocs/hippos, to more awesome nights and story telling.
the entire Offbeat riding safari team was and are a delight. Jacob, Daisy, Laura and the team behind the scenes (grooms, camp staff, chef, night watch, drivers, spotters etc) made you feel very welcome. having been back a week, the memories are very much fresh but will last a life time. if you enjoy riding, this is a must do trip!
Stuart
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very personal local company
It is indeed hard to choose among the many Safari companies. Gladly we finally picked Shengena Adventure. The service was very personal. Boris stayed in contact with us all the time, already before we went and managed to iron out some issues amazingly efficiently. We went to Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, all of them breathtaking. If time is an issue, Lake Manyara is probably the one that is the least spectacular. We particularly liked the accomodations, that were carefully selected and each of them very personal and special (Heart and Soul Lodge, Thorn Tree Camp, Lobo Wildlife Lodge, FUN Beach Hotel, Econo Sana Lodge). In particular Lobo was amazing, being able to watch wildlife while being in the pool and enjoy breakfast while a troupe of Baboons do the same in the tree right in front of you. Our driver Godwin was a perfect guide - very friendly, always open for question, but gentle and non-intrusive as well. We could not have hoped for a better driver and guide.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience and wonderful guide!
My husband and I had a wonderful experience with Mountain Warriors Tours and Safaris. We had the time of our lives and our guide Gasto was just best- he made our trip even more special than we could have hoped for!! Highly recommend!