PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super pro!!!
Excellent fast trekking to Mount Kenya
3 days / 2 nights Trek using the Sirimon route.
Great transport organization, professional guide and good food (for mountain conditions)
I highly recommend the agency and trekking
LU
65+ years of age
Dedicated and committed to their clients from start to finish.
My sister has taken Safaris in Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa many times (whilst this was my first Safari experience) and used tour operators both from our own country and from Africa. Her experience and opinion is that using a "local" agent provides a better service and value for money and we certainly made the right choice with Tanzania Roadside Expedition (TRE). We appreciated TRE' s trust in allowing us to make the final payment in cash on arrival. All offered and/or chosen accommodation was perfect except one where there was no Wi-fi or telephone in the rooms but this was due to the fact it was a recently opened operation. Hygiene and Covid regulations were fully practiced wherever we went and our Guide/Driver was also fully vaccinated.
In terms of timing, our advice would be to book a night flight arriving in a morning and plan to stay at least 2 nights on 2 of your accommodation stops. This will enable a good nights rest in-between long driving hours and a slightly later morning start on at least 2 days.
In our 8 day itinerary we made a round trip from Mount Kilimanjaro, to Tarangire National Park, to the Serengeti, then Ngorongoro National Park and Crater before returning via Arusha to Kilimanjaro. We profited from a Safari each day (whether on the drive between accommodation stops, or specific all day Safaris). At Tarangire our Luxury tented accommodation on a palm tree populated plain close to Lake Manyara boasted Giraffe, Mongoose, Elephants, Impala and magnificent views of the Rift Valley. This was an added bonus to start the trip with animals wandering around our accommodation providing super opportunities for photos.
Our driver, James, was an absolute delight. His knowledge was extensive but not intrusive given that he did not push information at us. He answered our questions and curiosity whilst still being able to concentrate on his safe driving and his incredible ability to spot even the tiniest of birds or animal whilst doing so. His spotting ability was admirable and we managed to see all of the big 5, plus much much more.
I had not realised that it would only be possible to alight the 4x4 Jeep at designated picnic areas (some of which were at the gates to each National Park) so dont expect to be able to stretch your legs every couple of hours! Our vehicle was adequate for the heavy pounding in the Parks. One or two seats were a little worse for wear; however as there were 6 seats to choose from it was not a problem. We coped with the heavy dust (thanks to our Covid masks).....and each day James had ensured the vehicle had been thoroughly cleaned.
Most days we were provided with a picnic lunch that varied as they were provided by the accommodation. Some were hot whilst others cold and on the whole good quality.
We were pleased we had chosen an individual itinerary and not traveled with others and can honestly recommend Tanzania Roadside Expeditions. It felt right from our initial contact, on-going communication, patience in changing some of our accommodation choices, value for money and their genuine desire to please their clients. A Big thank you!! We will be back.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Joel the perfect guide !
Magnificent safari carried out with Joel at the beginning of July 2021. Tarangire and Serengeti parks as well as the conservation area and the Ngorongoro crater hold no secrets for him. He has a perfect command of the local flora and fauna and, which is a superb asset, speaks perfect French and is extremely friendly. We immediately felt confident with him, from our arrival at Kilimanjaro airport until our last day punctuated by the visit of downtown Arusha. Impeccable organization, completely privatized safari for the couple or the family at more than reasonable prices. Also thought of our cook Boni who is an integral part of the expedition and who prepares magnificent dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all in a good mood. We will do again and recommend without hesitation a safari with Joel!
(automatic translation from French)
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely awesome tour, will do it again!
I was very clear on the kind of safari my son and I wanted to do. We are used to back country camping and we were looking for tents as close to the raw Serengeti as possibles. I spent quite some time and effort researching tour companies and rates. When Bobby Tours responded, my mind was made. Their response was short, direct and to the point; a simple bulleted itinerary and a price that happened to be the lowest in the 20 or so responses. All the other responders sent back various kinds of silly long PDF files and Word Documents that looked like sales brochures and also at least $300 over Bobby's prices per head. Further communications with Bobby Tours only reinforced my impression of a no-nonsense straight-talking company. And after the tour, my son an I can happily say Bobby Tours delivered exactly what they promised and more, and we got the Serengeti safari that we were looking for. The driver was amazing with 24 years of experience, he knew exactly what wildlife to find where and among numerous lions and the big-five we got a classic Mufasa-style lion on the rock photo (the rocks are called Kopjes, or "Masai Rocks"). Our cook was fabulous and caring. Tanzanian public camp-grounds in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro are perfectly acceptable to back-packing back country campers like us.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Compass Odyssey proved to be an excellent choice, delivering a memorable Namibia Tour
I came across Compass Odyssey on Safari Bookings, and reached out to them on the site as they had the right length and type of tour for what I had in mind. From the start the communication experience with Darren made me comfortable, there was a quick and detail approach to my questions...and at no time was it accompanies by sales pressure. The whole process was straight forward, and if there was a lag in response -- it was communicated upfront as to what they were waiting on from the hotel providers etc on their end. As to the tour itself, it minimized surprises and expectations were set right in advance. The guide, Elvis was one of the best I have traveled with, knew the area inside out, able to communicate his knowledge..with the ability to customize it to the audience at hand. Did not feel like a script, and was more spontaneous. The hotel quality was a known factor upfront given the different options available in different parts of the country. The other great fact I came to appreciate towards the end of the tour, and would not have known up front was that Darren/Compass followed the tours progress along the way, and did not feel their job ended with the final payment received. For example, in my instance once the new strain of Covid started appearing it was a surprise given was in Etosha NP with limited coverage. And though my air was separate from the arrangement with Compass, Darren went out of his way to figure out airline options should flights cancel. And the same concern from Elvis, the guide on the ground. Given my positive experience, I have recommended them to family, and look forward to doing another trip with Compass in the future.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great 6-day safari with Kihindo Tours and Safaris!
We had a great 6-day safari with Isaya and Frankie. We arranged the tour via Whatsapp, but Isaya was perfectly on time at our accommodation in Dar es Salaam, to pick us up. Our schedule:
Day 1: Pick up from Dar es Salaam and drive to Mikumi, visiting Masai Boma.
Day 2: Full-day game drive in Mikumi national park (also called, small Serengeti)
Day 3: Drive to Nyerere national park (Selous) and boat safaris
Day 4-5: Full-day game drive in Selous
Day 6: Back to Dar es Salaam
He is so friendly, professional and always happy. Also very well organized, we did not have to worry about anything. He even arranged our tickets for the Ferry after safari. We were lucky to see a lot of animals during our safaris: lions, buffalo, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, many antilopes, but also small wild, like birds, buffalo spider and ant lion. The roof of the vehicle could be opened during safari, so we were standing during safaris and had a great view. This is also what we preferred since the windows were a bit low compared to the seats.
We stayed at Camp Bastian (Mikumi) and Mloka Safari Lodge (Selous). Both just outside the parks. Camp Bastian was very nice; they had a swimming pool and a nice bar to have a small drink after a long day of safari. The room was a bit small, but has everything you need. In Mloka Safari Lodge, we were the only guests. We do not understand why: the room was very spacious and the food was great. We got the real safari-feeling here ;)
Unfortunately, we had some problems with the car. However, Isaya and Frankie always made sure that we did not experience any inconvenience and always were able to fix it theirselves or with some help of others, after they dropped us of at the accommodation to relax in the pool or have a drink. We would definitely recommend Kihindo Tours and Safaris! Hakuna matata :)
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memorable Adventure - All BIG FIVE
Hallo zusammen,
Ich und meine Freundin, wir sind beide Mitte 20, sind im Januar 2022 nach Kenya gereist. Nachdem wir eine Woche in Mombasa verbracht haben, wollten wir noch eine Safari machen. Wir haben uns lange nach verschiedenen Angeboten umgesehen. Es gibt billigere Anbieter, keine Frage, aber wir hatten dafür anständige, fast schon luxiröse Unterkünfte. Wir waren insgesamt 5 Tage unterwegs, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha und Masai Mara. Die Natur und die wilden Tieren haben mich unglaublich beeindruckt. Unser toller Guide Jasan hat unglaublich viel gewusst über den Park die Tiere und das Land. Es hat einfach riesigen Spaß gemacht und ich werde mein Leben lang positiv daran zurückdenken!!!!. Wenn ich wieder eine Safari in Kenya unternehme, aufjedenfall mit Meektrails!
Me and my girlfriend, we are both in our mid-20s, went to Kenya in January 2022. After spending a week in Mombasa, we wanted to do another safari. We looked around for a long time for different offers. There are cheaper operators, no question, but we had decent, almost luxurious accommodation for it. We were on the road for a total of 5 days, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara. I was incredibly impressed by the nature and the wild animals. Our great guide Jasan was very knowledgeable about the park, the animals and the land. It was just great fun and I will remember it positively for the rest of my life!!!!. If I go on safari in Kenya again, I will definitely go with Meektrails!
UA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best safari experience i ever had
It was our best safari experience. We had a possibility to see all the animals. Our guide was a big professional and was very attentive to us.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
We are a family of backpackers and used to travel with our 6 years old daughter.
First time we booked a trip like the safari from home!!!!
I ask many company a price for it, without answer…
Parrot answered the same day and since then (November), they took care of us. Reply to our specials needs, asked for news from our family each weeks… when we arrivée at Nairobi, they did everything to be helpful (transferts, book train ticket… ). A very big thanks to Parrot, made our first week management so easy. A special one to Joseph, our correspondant. We felt so VIP!
Let's talk about the safari…
What to say about ??? Fabulous, amazing… we saw the big 5! Took the picture of elephants in front of the Kilimanjaro, saw lions in Amboselli, very rare, lucky us… . Slept in good and confortable campsites, with good meals !
Dalton, guide and driver, teached us all he knows about wild life, changed some plans cause of daughter… to make it much easy for her. Thanks for the time you took, to let us know more about your beautiful and friendly country.
A to Z, we enjoyed the six days of the safari.
People have to know… begin your trip by one or two days of rest before start it. Even you just have to enjoy, it's quite tiring… .
We had a dream… Parrot made it become true… .
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very Accommodating
Esther was very friendly and very accommodating. Thank you for your service and we will definitely use you again.