AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tour operator was ok, guide was horrible.
First we would like thank you for always replying quickly and the driver always being on time.
Secondly I would like to tell you what happened on our first day:
- We landed on time and were stuck in traffic on the way to Lake Navaisha so we couldn’t do the tour on that day so it was postponed for the next morning.
- Because it we did the next morning we arrived late at our hotel in Masai Maraa which resulted in not doing any game drive on day 2, which we payed you for (80 dollars x 6)
We believe we have the right to get refunded for this. In the future you should not do a heavy planning like this for your guests as with the traffic and condition of the roads it’s not doable.
We also were extremely unhappy about our driver. The driver really breaks or makes your holiday as we spend so much time together. Ours was not providing us any basic information about our day or Kenya, got irritated by our questions, sensitive as not having a sense of humor, demotivated (example: he told us there was a rhino but it was very far meaning he didn’t want to bring us eventhough he knew how much we wanted to see a rhino).
In Masai Maraa he was doing the same routes for 3 days always bringing us at the same spots.
We were the only safari bus with broken binoculars. All other drivers has binoculars looking for the animals for their guests.
He was wearing the same clothes for 5 days so I can’t even begin to describe the smell we had to endure all these hours.
Our driver clearly shows he does not want to do his job and the we were not welcome.
He also got irritated when we were giving away our extra food to the children we would see because he said they would litter.
Eventhough we were extremely unhappy with him we still gave him a generous tip which he also showed us how unhappy he was with.
We had a fun holiday because we were a fun group not thanks to our driver or accommodation.
I really do not understand all the other 5 star’s reviews and really wished we had a 5 star experience as we paid a lot of money for this holiday.
The lunch box in the accommodation in Masai Maraa was every day the same! Very poor selection for breakfast too. There should be also be mosquitonets as the room is full with mosquitoes and other bugs. We were not so bothered by the accommodation as it’s fairly for the price we paid.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect, everything super ok
First safari and from the positive reviews we chose SURICATA, in the group tour version for 5 days. The staff is attentive to everything: getting around, the car which is always clean, filled with water and we have never had any problems with the engine/fuel/wheels (a fundamental thing in a complicated management tour like this - furthermore, should something ever happen, they a spare car is available near the serengeti and ngorongoro so in a short time they fix the problem and don't waste the customer's precious time!! We have seen many of them stopped and left to themselves). FREDDI, our guide, was super, very knowledgeable, personable, and attentive to show us each animal, so thank you so much again! He only speaks English (but they also have guides in other languages available so you can try asking). We chose the "intermediate" accommodations and we were assigned: BOMA LODGE (super appreciated upgrade for the first two nights at the tarangire and lake manyara), ANGATA CAMP (both at the serengeti and ngorongoro - tented camps with bathroom and shower in the room). The lodges obviously also have air conditioning, but the tented camps are still comfortable, equipped with towels and shampoo and other things (no hairdryer, electricity available until the generator is switched off, wi-fi in the common areas). The food is truly exceptional, and for vegetarians it is enough to tell the chef of the various places where you are staying and there are always alternatives. Never problems with water: the one in the bottles is always replenished. Tip for NGORONGORO: it's always cold so cover yourself because even in the tents it's cold even in the common one, but the show and the animals will make it all worth it.
The food at lunch is always cooked by the lodges then made in the morning espresso - all super tasty. Even in the tents there are sockets, as well as in the car that takes you around.
You will not regret it.
Ask before leaving where you will sleep in order to avoid misunderstandings (if you want to sleep in the tented camp and not in the lodge or vice versa based on how agreed).
The visit to the Masai camp, on the other hand, cannot be missed, but it is obviously a free choice.
Choose SURICATA, and thanks COLD!!!!!
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IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and punctual
Punctual and professional organization. All expectations were met. Excellent guide, made us fall in love with this magical place.
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PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent tour!!!
The trip left us with extremely positive impressions. Organization of the tour was at the highest level, despite the fact that everything was organized in an extremely short time (actually 2 days before departure). I am very grateful to Marta for paying her thorough attention to my request, without her insistence in booking accommodation, this trip would not have taken place.
All the hotels were wonderful, the view from every room in the exclusive program was worth every dollar spent, the food was good.
We booked a rather condensed 3 day program which I do not recommend for those who want to browse all the places in peace. To do this, you should choose at least 4 day tours.
Our main goal was to see the African Big Five, so we drove to the Serengeti Park and the Ngorongoro Carter. We really enjoyed visiting both parks, we saw all the big five animals, but it took us a long time to find the rhinoceros, which blends in perfectly with the grass in the crater park. In addition, we saw all the animals from the big five performing various daily tasks, such as hunting, visiting a watering hole, etc.
I would like to express special thanks to our driver-guide named Ezekiel, who showed the highest professionalism in working with clients - answered in great detail any of our questions regarding animals, nature or life in Tanzania; always chose the best route; knew the park very well, which was our key to spotting all of the big five animals and many at arm's length. I never thought that I could see a giraffe at a distance of 2 meters, I could almost stroke the elephant and we even had to run away from him a little :) we did not dare to get too close to the rhinos and hippos :)
I recommend this tour to all people and especially to those who want to completely break all their stereotypes about wildlife from films and zoos.
Many thanks to the company and especially Marta and Ezekiel and hope to see you soon!)
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Allan was a complete joy to work with!
I started planning this trip in September of 2022 for 14 people. We customized the trip for the things we wanted to see. Allan and I probably sent close to 200 emails over the year of planning and he always responded within 24 hours. We had someone cancel a month before and he quickly assisted in the agreement refund policy and rearranged rooms. All of the accommodations exceeded our expectations. Our guides George and Obama were extremely professional, personable, very knowledgeable and we would definitely request them again. We spent the first 3 days in Nairobi - Lake Nakuru - Maasai Mara - Amboseli - Tsavo West & East - Diani Beach to end with some R&R. We saw the big 5, went to a Masai Mara village, planned a bush dinner and a hippo breakfast. We drove to all the places except one were we took a flight from Masai Mara to Amboseli. The drives took us through the countryside of Kenya which we loved seeing. The drives could be long for some so maybe think of more smaller flights between parks but we loved seeing Kenya. The only thing I would change was adding a few more days to enjoy some more time at the beautiful lodges. The food and drinks at the lodges was excellent. This was truly a trip of a lifetime. Asante Sana Allan, George and Obama!
QA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
AMAZING!
The 3 day tour to Selous was organised at very short notice. Thanks to Evance, who was constantly available for communication. Everything was perfectly arranged - airport delay is not operator fault, so can't blame them :))
My daughter 9y was stunned by the beauty of the Nyerere and the variety of animals that we saw. Driver was extremely friendly and showed us all animals that my daughter was willing to see.
The camp was very authentic with nice swimming pool to cool after safari and village walks. Food was on very good level. We had sometime left last day and few activities were organised for my daughter to entertain her (face painting with masai and cooking local dishes), she was so happy. The only thing that was a bit disappointing is boat trip, as we were expecting to see animals at watering place. In reality we saw hippos and few crocodiles at their natural place of living (which is not bad at all). Stopped at sandy beach on river side to wait for sunset, that was really outstanding!
Would definitely recommend Njema to my friends and use their services whenever we'll be visiting Tanzania again!
RS
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great and affordable tour to Amboseli national park.
The tour was great. We have seen a lot of animals, including chita eating the prey, lionesses with small lions playing around, big herds of elephant, and so on.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsible, punctual, knowledgeable, attentive
At the Kenyan/Tanzanian border in Isebania, Steven Kilonzlo from Raven Safaris picked us up. They were subcontracted by Hyrax Safaris from Kenya, with whom we had made reservations for a nine-day safari that included stops in the Masai Mara NP (Hyrax), Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro Crater (with Raven from Arusha). Steven is a fantastic driver who has a wealth of local information. He drove us first to the most amazing areas of the Northwestern Serengeti and showed us what the park is actually about after realising that we didn't want to join the big cats chasing trucks. In terms of birds, plants and trees, tribes and history, he was like an encyclopaedia. Then, as we went along the Tanzanian part of the Mara River, we suddenly found ourselves encircled by countless wildebeests. In the Central Serengeti we observed lions and hippos mating. Most of time we were alone. Steven didn’t have to communicate with other guides to find out the locations of wild life. He just knew where to go. Once when we accidentally stumbled upon a big group of trucks watching a cheetah from a distance, he didn’t stay, he just took off, drove several minutes, then pulled over and that same cheetah slowly crossed the road right in front of us. I can go on and on. Highly recommended.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely amazing experience! Well organized, patient, fun, and knowledgable guide!
This safari was the most amazing experience of my life! We were scheduled to go on this trip in 2020 but due to the pandemic it was delayed to 2021, then 2022, and finally 2023. Benson and team were extremely understanding and helpful allowing us to push our trip out by 3 years. without issue. The trip plan they set up for us was wonderful and our guide Elly was absolutely fantastic. He was very knowledgable , courteous, and adjusted to our requests (of which we had a lot) with the utmost professionalism. Our itinerary included: Arusha, Tarangire park, central and northern serengeti, ngorogoro crater, and lake Eyasi. The lodges Benson arranged couldn't have been more spot on and perfect for what we were looking for with this experience. My favorites were Kubu Kubu tented camp (amazing view of the serengenti) and Ang'ata tented camps. I liked the latter as they afforded the opportunity for the guides to join you for dinner which both my friend and I really liked. Even though you spend an entire day with the guide, being able to sit down and chill and talk with them about their lives was truly memorable. Elly was great at spotting animals and we managed to see most of the big 5 except for the ever so elusive rhino and although we did not see a leopard we did see a cheetah and her cubs which made up for it! We also spent some time with the Hadzame hunter gather tribe and Datoga people at Lake Eyasi which was truly an enlightening experience. We also visited a Maasai village but I felt that was a bit too staged for my liking and was put off by the $20 pp fee to enter the village. Visiting the Hadzame and Datoga people seemed a bit less 'touristy' to me which i liked much better.
My friend and I are already talking about coming back to Tanzania to do another safari. Maybe spend a bit more time in the Northern and Central Serengeti which were our favorites. When we plan our next trip, we will definately be using Benson Safari's again and ask for Elly as our guide!
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