US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
As close as one can get to experiencing wildlife in Serengeti
Pros:
1. Easy to book. For someone who doesn’t know much about the lay of the land, travel time, road conditions, how to connect points, the relative yield of different parts of Serengeti, they assign lodges, travel time and day time itinerary in most optimal way. Now that I have done my trip, I could probably optimize better to suit my needs but that is always the case.
2. At first, it seemed expensive, esp given that we were only two in our group and not four, I think it is priced right. I think Paradise should be open to the idea of matching others in your Jeep to lower the cost like Trafalgar, Globus, Cosmos etc. do for touring most countries except for Egypt and Turkey.
3. Their Jeeps were well fitted with camera recharging power strip. They should have announced that in their brochure as then I would not have carried my heavy power bank fearing I might run out of juice in the middle of day.
4. The food they served for lunch and dinner was good quality and plenty. I came back heavier! Their lunch was relatively weak mainly because you get coffee, pancakes (very different from the ones you get in the US), toast etc. Slim pickings. But if you ask, you will get Spanish omelet at every single resort. If you don’t know about it, you will live on cold cereal each morning. They make good Spanish omelet and that too a chunky one. Ask for chicken sausages too, as they are not set out on their table. Their boxed lunch is more than one can eat. However their boxed lunch often requires you to use your bare hands, like eating chicken with bone or peeling eggs, and your hands often have red dirt on them. Most picnic areas had running water and soap but some of them did not. So that could become an issue. Carry hand sanitizer at the very least. No paper towels anywhere, even at good hotels in Arusha!
5. Their tents were very good. No bugs or mosquitoes inside. In fact it should be listed as a hotel room. I think the tent is there to give you the feeling that you are more connected with nature. The sounds come in all night long with game calls and even growls of lion frequently. You open the vents and breeze runs through. There were times when we were in the tent during midday and it became hot. At least three times the power went out, but only one time the power was out for 2 hours. It became hot during midday. The power never goes out at night, so I believe it was turned off due to certain reason like maintenance or batteries running low.
6. They don’t have any properties within Serengeti park. This means you really can’t do morning and evening game drives. Animals bed down when sun is high and the day is hot. That is when you too should be back at your lodge, bedding down. Since your trip with Paradise is limited to their properties, you miss out on twice daily game drives when game is most active. I think they should tie up with some property within the park to give you that twice daily experience but then of course the cost will go up. Twice daily game drive, that is morning and evening, from Paradise resorts is not possible due to drive time and also because Serengeti NP will charge you two separate entrance fees. So maybe it behooves you to stay in the park overnight, but I am sure that too comes at extra cost, for overnight stay in the park like Yellowstone NP campers must pay.
7. I never used Tanzania Shilling. Did all my business in USD. They quote prices in USD at resort like when you buy beer etc. I probably lost some money due to poor conversion rates but it made life easier. They always charge at least 2.5% credit card usage fee, regardless of how big or how small is a business operation. So keep that in mind.
Cons:
1. Internet was sketchy. I know it is Wilderness area but people have to connect with their families esp when going into remote areas. At Ikoma Lodge, internet never worked anywhere. It connected but no transfer of data. Even the staff tried but no data exchange. I was there for 4 nights. At Masai Boma it worked great but only in the restaurant. At South Serengeti it worked great, even in your tent. At Lake Manyara lodge, it worked good in the restaurant but it was a long walk away and after dark you can’t go there since wildlife roams around freely. You have to be escorted. This means you can’t text your family at 10p because you don’t have an escort. At Lake Manyara office, it connected but data transfer was slow. No internet in your tent.
2. Then each time you had to log in, you had to use their password. One password per device, good only for 24 hours. It would be a 9 digit number. Mercifully not alphanumeric. Often required multiple times to enter that number. Then they would generate another number that would work but not the number I was given. Seems like they were handing out expired numbers. Well hello, only those who stay in Paradise resorts, past their security gates, are using their free wifi. What’s the big deal with wifi passwords!! Just make it open wifi.
3. Their beds are firm. Because it doesn’t have springs in them. I like firm beds. I grew up on these mattresses so I liked it. But American might find it too firm.
4. Serengeti forest has Tsetse flies in May and June. You will get bit by them. I used full sleeve pants and shirts, 100% DEET and a face net when we were plowing through tall grass. The driver guide thought they were Cecil flies so I was not on alert. But later on when I had internet, I figured out that these were Tsetse flies (driver called it Cecil, as it sounds similar to Tsetse, I even made him spell it). It can cause sleeping sickness in those who are bit several times in the forest like rangers, guides etc. Probably not the tourists. Still the bite is painful and itches for days. The company brochure should at least mention Tsetse flies during wet months. 100% DEET works decent but not perfect. Face net worked great for me but nobody else had it. It should be listed on their packing list. Because sometimes they sit on your face or neck and you can’t feel them, until they bite. You can’t keep fanning them away all the time, off your face, since you are using cameras or holding on to jeep going through ditches. Long sleeve shirts and pants are a must when you go through those fly zones. Wear shorts or short sleeves at your own peril. They are not there in July onward, that is dry months, for the most part, I am told.
5. Day 7 and 9 were sold to us as Looking for Great Migration. So I had thought that I might see some game migration. It turns out the the Great Migration happens ONLY when Serengeti is dry, that is July and August. The month of August is ideal if you want to see the Migration. But it is hot and dusty. I was there in first half of June, still somewhat wet but green with wildflowers, more tolerable drives for us, pleasant 74 to 78 degrees, more tolerable for game as well, but then tsetse flies come with wet weather. I might do another short trip some day to see just the migration.
Overall a wonderful experience like none other I have had in my life.
SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent & Reliable Tour Operator
Booked the ultimate Pilanesberg safari full-day tour, which was excellent. All well organized and on time, and with friendly and knowledgeable driver for the transfer to/from Johannesburg, and likewise for the guide for the safari itself. Would recommend to anyone.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
All was perfect..
Our Safaris where gréât and so was the choice of camps.
The timing was respected and the staff in the camps very professional and sympathetic.
We certainly recommand to spend 3 night in each camp to have time to apprecciate the fauna and the service
Provided by the staff. .
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unforgettable East African Tour Rwanda, Uganda , DRC and Burundi with the best ! New Horizon Africa
Unforgettable East African Tour
Rwanda, Uganda , DRC and Burundi
Rwanda
Our tour started in genocide museum which I thought “ this is gonna be an interesting tour “ depressing but needs to be brought up to avoid another genocide . Nicely done , it followed the inshuti Arts museum where they showcase local artist , interesting Kadt museum in which if the guide is not there it will be boring but he made it better it even includes reptiles seen locally , went to Nyamirambo Women Center where local women mostly single parent exhibit their talents of making baskets , hat, and a lot of handicraft. Milk bar store could be interesting but they don’t have a very friendly reception in that area, also visited Kimironko Market which is interesting and end the day I ask my guide if we can eat real Rwandan food not in the hotel and we end up going to this local street food area with music and people are dancing and having a good time . This is safe place to be .
Bunyoyi lake: boat ride to see birds and the boat guide told us about life of locals in the islands especially the punishment island . Interesting
Golden monkey Trekking : another bonus of coming to this countries are seeing the very cute , playful golden monkey eating bamboo , fern , plants and potatoes . Again trekkers and rangers are very helpful . I have to hire a personal porter to help me on hard surfaces up and down the mountain.
Gorilla Guardian Village for cultural experience was very beautiful which made me feel like I am part of the history and culture . We even did marriage reenactment which made my heart so full and gave me boost of energy after the hard trek. Ellen DeGeneres Campus of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is very enducational I wish I have more time to spend here . I have learn to do 5 sounds that Dianne Fosey mimicked the gorilla.
Uganda
Cofee experience from organic planting , drying, roasting to tasting . I even tried to do some of it
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful
My partner and I went on a 5 day safari between Mikumi and Nyerere NP. Our driver Salum, who has a great knowledge of the animals and places visited was very good. We managed to see almost all the animals present and we had a memorable experience. The structures in which we stayed were all welcoming and offered buffets for various meals. I would recommend this experience with Smile With Us to everyone
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wow! Beyond our wildest expectations!
Our entire experience with Lion King Adventures exceeded our expectations, from the time of our first inquiry, to their patience in answering all of our questions, and customizing our itinerary to meet our desires and budget. Every step was well coordinated and executed. Our guide, Gama, made us feel welcome and comfortable from the start and quickly felt like family. He was able to make every day of our adventure better than the day before! His ability to spot animals and maneuver the vehicle meant we saw every animal on our wish list up close and personal… plus many more! He taught us about the animals and their environment, as well as about Tanzania and the culture. Never did we imagine setting and experiencing so much in just 6 days! We highly recommend by Lion King Adventures and would definitely use them again! Ask for Gama for the best guide ever!
US
Arthur of mo Africa is very organized. He follows up all the time I’m doing the tour.
Very reliable company. Love it. I did two tours with the company. One is Pilanesberg ultimate luxury safari and the lion and lion safari which I enjoyed very much. I did a private tour n my tour guide cpho is very professional, friendly, punctual, knowledgeable. I learned a lot from him abt South Africa. He is not in a rush. I enjoyed the whole tour very much. I am highly satisfied with the company and its employees. I will recommend it to my colleagues and friends.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very organised and planned out tour
We had such a great tour, within the first 5 minutes we were with 5 huge elephants.
The most amazing surprise happened at lunch while eating a huge elephant just walks over and starts playing with some blocks.
I have to say going on a tour is so worth it as the guides all have walkie-talkies to communicate to each other when there has been a sighting. We got to see 4 out of the big 5 . It's was an amazing day..
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rapid
It was a last minute booking and they were able to find me a fantastic room in the Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge. I'm very happy about my experience with MoAfrika Tours.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not only are they Exceptional, they are magnificent.
Well, when one decides to go on holiday they expect it to be one whose memories shall last forever.
Beyond The Plains Kenya Safaris have perfected the art of providing clients with memorable excursions and holidays to remember for eons to come.
Every time I want to go on holiday this is the ideal partner i settle on.
They have come to understand my every need. I do not need to ask as they provide everything just as I want...