35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding experience for the budget & Isaac was a great guide!
Jocky Tours and Safaris provided an outstanding safari itinerary for 6 days and included Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli. While we felt similarly to our fellow travelers in that there are so many operators with the same offerings, it ended up being a sort of shot in the dark choice. But, if you choose Jocky you won’t be disappointed.
Minneh & Anubi (owners) run the operations smoothly and are very communicative and prompt to respond. We chose the budget friendly option all with private rooms and bathrooms with stays at Lenchada Tourist Camp (Masai Mara), Buraha Zenoni Hotel (Lake Nakuru) & AA Lodge (Amboseli). The rooms were all sufficient and we were basically there long enough to sleep… after all, we’re here to be out in the bush watching the wildlife, right? Lenchada provided the least amenities and comforts: electricity only provided at specific short times in morning and evening, no wifi access, no free potable water provided in rooms or during meals, hot water wasn’t turned on, but when asked they made some adjustment outside and it finally worked, meals were just ok & staff wasn’t as friendly as the other accommodations. The remaining stays were much better in aforementioned aspects, though AA Lodge wifi is only in bar & lobby, which was fine. Just don’t come on safari and plan to do much work unless it’s through your cell service.
We saw many exciting & unforgettable moments in Masai Mara both days we were there and between it and Lake Nakuru we saw 4 of the Big 5–darn the evasive leopard! The Jocky operators communicate with radios to share live where to drive so everyone can witness those exciting moments.
Our guide, Isaac, was patient, knowledgeable, flexible, and a good manager of the experience. We couldn’t have asked for more.
Instead of one pre-morning, early game drive we were all taken to the Masai Mara Village, which was supposed to be optional, but we were not charged any additional money & happily purchased a small item to add to the community fund, which is shared among everyone. Wasn’t a problem, as we wanted to go and were happy we did and recommend anyone to do so to gain a glimpse into the lives of the local Maasai, upon whose lands we have the benefit of enjoying these safaris.
We were the only couple of our original group of 6 who chose to go to Amboseli, primarily to see Mount Kilimanjaro and hoped it would provide a magnificent backdrop for our wildlife photos in the park. While we caught great photos of it early in the morning the day of our departure, it was covered in clouds the day of our safari. While we were lucky to spot a couple of lions & giraffes, this park was mostly about the plentiful elephants, hippos, bird life, & antelope among the marshlands and dry areas. We’re happy to have seen Kilimanjaro, but if that’s not your thing or you don’t want to chance the weather obscuring the view, you could also opt out of this park in your itinerary…it is quite a long drive!
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best operator in every sense
My wife and I are very excited to recommend Serengeti Smile. I contacted several companies and Smile were the BEST to interact with, fast to answer emails and WhatsApp, always available for doubts, they adapted to our very specific itinerary while giving the best recommendations and with the best price/value equilibrium. When we arrived in Kilimanjaro Airport, we met John, our guide for the next 6 days, the best we could've asked for: he adapted to all our requests, gave us the best information and had the best conversation. We learnt a lot with him, not only about the Safari itself but also about Tanzania its culture, traditions and society. Game drives were great, we saw thousands of amazing animals, giraffes, zebras, leopards, elephants, hienas,... but it seemed like John had a radar to find SIMBAS (lions). But most of all, we could feel at all times Serengeti Smile were very professional, entirely focused on giving us the best experience... but most of all joyful, kind and great persons.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Magnificent magic incredible to do absolutely
I highly recommend King Solomon to all those who envisage a safari in Tanzania. Their commitment to customer satisfaction, their in -depth knowledge of local fauna and flora as well as their ability to create exceptional routes make them a wise choice for unforgettable experience.
Whether you are passionate about wild life, a nature lover or simply looking for a unique adventure, King Solomon will meet your expectations. Their dedicated team will be happy to guide you through the Tanzanian national parks, offering you unforgettable moments in the heart of wilderness.
Trust King Solomon for an exceptional Tanzania safari. Their professionalism, their seriousness and their impeccable service will guarantee you an extraordinary experience.
(automatic translation from French)
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easytravel Serengeti Safari
We have just completed a 2 week Tanzanian Safari with Easytravel, a local, Arusha based, travel company specialising in wildlife safaris, travelling in specially adapted Toyota Landcruisers with stretched chassis, 6 passenger seats, pop-up roof, binoculars, ample storage and even wifi. Our group of 23 people, mostly aged in our 60s, 70s and even early 80s, was spread over 6 vehicles, giving us plenty of room to move about to get the best view for photographing the wildlife we came to see.
Over the 2 weeks of our safari, we stayed at Arusha Serena Hotel, Ndutu Tented Lodge, Serengeti Serena Lodge, Kirawira Tented Camp, Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp, Serena Lodge Ngorongoro and finally back to Arusha.
We went on Safari to see African wildlife in their natural habitat but, wow, what we saw far exceeded our expectations! The thrill of getting up close to virtually any African animal imaginable is an incredible experience! We sat in the middle of a herd of elephants, enormous bulls, mothers and babies, while they calmly moved around our car feeding on a tree a mere 2 metres from us and our cameras! We got very close to numerous other animals too, including several prides of lions, cheetah families, solitary leopards, herds of buffalo, giraffes, hippos, and literally millions of wilderbeast, zebra and numerous types of antelope. Then there were rare black rhinos, crocodiles, warthogs, hyenas, jackals and numerous small animals, and of course birds, from ostriches, vultures and other birds of prey down to the small highly coloured varieties.
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater must be the best place in Africa to see wildlife in the natural habitat but our amazing experience was made possible by the excellent organisation, service and facilities provided by Easytravel and their highly experienced guides. Our guide and driver, Adrian, had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the wildlife and where to find them, with eyes like an eagle to spot even the smallest solitary animals in the distance. Without his expert guidance we would certainly have missed seeing many of the smaller and solitary animals. He was also an excellent driver both on the main roads and off-road driving across the open plains and bush tracks. We always felt in safe hands and very well looked after by our Adrian!
Overall, our Serengeti Safari with Adrian and Easytravel was an absolutely amazing, once in a lifetime experience, which I highly recommend to any able bodied person of any age wanting a real African wildlife experience while being very well looked after.
A 9/10 experience for me!
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall superb experience
Great value for money and excellent service throughout. Efficient communication pre-arrival. Picked up at the airport (our preference) and driven to HQ in Nairobi for check-in and then straight to Masai Mara. We went on an evening safari the first day and a full day safari on the second day. Finished up the trip with a visit to the Masai Village (would recommend) on day 3. Got dropped off at the hotel in Nairobi. Jimmy was a great guide throughout the trip. Very friendly and accommodating, and definitely well acquainted with the Masai Mara area. We were lucky to have him. Selective safari highlights include cheetah, a dozen lions (and cubs), elephants, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, etc. The car accommodated eight tourists. The car is spacious, but you should be prepared to get acquainted with your fellow travelers as you squeeze in together for many hours. We were thrilled with our experience - highly recommend the visit!
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent experience with Jocky Tours and Safari
We had three amazing days on the 3 day safari with Jocky Tours and Safari. The planning went very smooth, the costumer service replied to our inquires very quickly and made sure every needs were met. I am gluten free and they easily made sure I got gluten free meals. The ride back and forth from Nairobi also went very smoothly and our guide Jimmy was amazing. The whole trip was very predictable and without unpleasant surprises. Jimmy was a very nice man, made sure that we had enough water all the time, and provided us with a lot of knowledge about Masai Mara and different animals. When it comes to the safari itself, it was outstanding. We got to see almost five out of the big five close. Incredible! Even though a bit more expensive, I can recommend choosing the Jeep because you will have more space and it could be quite tight in the car. On the last day we got to visit the Masai village which was also a very good experience. During our visit, we learned about Masai culture, how they live and nursing themselves. Remember to bring cash / m-pesa because they expect you to buy souvenirs.
All in all, the whole experience was amazing and it is incredible that it was so cheap (food, water, accommodation, transport, and safari included). Definitely worth every penny we spent. You can expect to experience everything that is written in the description. I will definitely come back if I get the opportunity!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible adventure from the best tour operator!
In over 60 years of traveling across six continents I have never had an experience to match that provided by Silas and Eyezzoh of Apodiformes Adventures. We booked an 11 day private safari for Samburu, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo East/West. The service, friendliness, flexibility and availability at all times were beyond 5 star. Before and after the actual booking all queries were dealt with promptly and professionally. On arrival we were met by Silas where Eyezzoh was introduced as our driver/guide. As we departed Silas said to Eyezzoh, “…show them everything.” My word, didn’t he just!! Fantastic! Amazing!! We were treated to a visit beyond expectations with several extra stops at sites not advertised on the webpage. Amongst others a quick stop on the equator, a stop at a Masai village and a lovely stop at Hells Gate where one can take a bike ride beside the animals and home of the real Elsa the lion (the basis for ‘Born Free’). By now Eyezzoh was calling me dad and I calling him son such was his friendliness. We chatted about the safari and with his advice decided to change the itinerary to replace Tsavo West with Lake Nakuru. Silas was notified and he immediately made the necessary changes of accommodation and schedule. The change was seamless for us and extra special as we have a Kenyan friend with family in Nakuru. It’s worth mentioning that each of the parks chosen for us had a distinct character and frequently a unique species present. The extra expense and time needed to visit multiple parks is well worth it as is the private tour option. Aside from Lake Naivasha, two nights were spent at each location in a variety of accommodations. Staff everywhere were incredibly friendly and helpful often taking time to spend time talking to us or taking us on little walks. At Man Eaters Lodge the security chap took us down the river where hippo, crocodiles, lion and leopard can be found. Sadly our last day arrived and a last minute mistake on my part occurred where we needed to arrange an early morning transfer to the airport. Late on the Sunday afternoon Silas managed to organise the transfer. Hakuna matata! He also arranged our overnight stay in Nairobi with meal. Previously Eyezzoh, “the best guide in Africa”, had taken our van off to repair a fault while we had our dinner to avoid us missing any time the next day. Service from both the like of which we have never had the good fortune to enjoy previously. Incredible!! We cannot recommend Apodiformes any higher for any African adventure and would certainly go straight back to them. Asante sana Apodiformes!!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Once in a life time experience
We had the fortune of booking a safari with Safari Soles Tour and they transformed our experience in one in a life time experience. Bryson with is impeccable organization and Simon “The Safari Monster” with his top notch knowledge about the land, animals behavior and driving and planning skills. Thanks to him we were able to see all the Big 5 and we counted more than 16 different animals in one day!! The approach to them was always super respectful of them and their habitat. The Safari exceeded our expectations! We will keep this experience in our hearts and memories forever. With Simon we found a treasure and a friend! If there were one more thing I could do, it would be to go on safari once again With them!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent 11 days safari, great guide very knowledgable, amazing food and camp, we loved it!
We took a 11day/10 night safari with Shipungo going through several of the huge parks from the Kalahari desert to Chobe via the Okovango delta. Mark always responded to my requests and questions very fast and planned a very good tour for us. We had an amazing time, thanks to Kem, our guide, we saw many many many animals (lions, leopards, wild dogs, african wildcat, buffalos, hippos, girafs, elephants...) and lots of beautiful birds. Kem was very knowledgeable, identifing all birds we spotted, teached us a lot about the animals and how to recognise their fingerprints and sounds. Fortune and Aron took very good care of us on the camp, both Aron and Fortune made sure our camp was all set neatly and cooked for us the traditional bush way including bread, cakes, pizza! Delicious! The team was speaking very well english. We really loved our safari, enjoyed the adventure, the days with many encounters of all sorts and the nights chating with the team, learning few words of Setswana and looking at the stars. We definitely highly recommend them!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great experience
Service was excellent! Kikutu was our driver and did an excellent job accommodating our family. He had to work with constant changes to the schedule because of other guests, but he handled it very well.