US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
They are the most personable and reliable experts I’ve ever worked with in all my African travels!
I have travelled to Southern Africa from the US 20+ times. As an experienced traveler I can say Venture to Africa is by far the best travel company I’ve ever had the pleasure to use. Mandy has helped me with numerous trips and not once has there been an issue with logistics. To travel in Africa as often as I have.. that’s a miracle! Crossing borders, transport to lodges, bush planes arriving to your camp, food preferences, game activities are all a part of the logistical nightmare that Venture to Africa handles. They are responsive and reliable throughout the whole process. I had a medical emergency one year and Mandy provided great assistance and encouragement through it all. They are local and that is key to understanding when and where to go. They have been to many of the lodges and camps and that is a huge benefit. The seasons, weather, and ecosystems change throughout the year so you want someone who understands these things! Whomever you choose to book through, please choose an agency that is in Africa! Venture to Africa is gifted in working within a budget and designing just the right trip for you. My trips have been spectacular. I wish I could show you all my photos and tell you my stories as I have been blessed to see so much of Botswana and Southern Africa. Venture to Africa is wonderful and worthy of your trust.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Pilanesberg safari was amazing!
We had a wonderful experience at our Pilanesberg safari. Our driver, Sunny, was funny, friendly, and super knowledgeable. Once we arrived, our tour guide, T, was also fantastic. He explained all about the animals we were watching on the way, especially their behaviors and curious facts. During the safari, we saw plenty of impalas, many zebras and giraffes, hippos (including a baby hippo), several elephants and their offspring, rhinos (like six in total, including some offspring), and leopards! We saw a male leopard who crossed in front of our car. Later on, T, spotted the tracks of another leopard with the offspring and we found them! It was a mom with two youngsters. They all crossed in front of our car. In another moment, we also saw an elephant who walked in front of us. T was fantastic at spotting the animals and making sure that we all had a chance to take pictures and see them. We were very lucky, but it was also thanks to T that we were able to have such an unforgettable experience.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing, organized and just plain awesome
We really loved everything from dealing with the tour operator, to answering my questions really fast, and actually enjoying the safari we really loved it all. So well organized, and our guide and camp also amazing. I was nervous to book over the internet but I took a chance and it was well worth it!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional organisation, great safari experience!
We had an unforgettable safari experience with Tanzania Specialist. From the first Email contact until the very last day of our safari everything was very well organised and we always felt cared for very well. Our tour guide Rwehumbiza was great, he made sure we saw all the animals we wanted to see and knew the parks very well. He is a great driver and speaks German very well.
All the lodges and camps were very nice and many were exceptional. We particularly loved the tented lodges in Tarangire and Serengeti.
Overall, the value for money is very good, the organisation is thorough uncomplicated, and the staff is very reliable.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
SENSATIONAL !
Easy Travel is the best company you can choose for your Tanzania Safari and so much more!! Professional, reliable, flawless, no details were left to the uncertain during our 7 days Safari through the major parks. I would travel time and time again with such an amazing company. The hotels were fantastic, the food was sensational, the cars reliable and comfortable (Wi-Fi and drinks on board!!) the drivers … never seen such a good team of drivers- guides. Gilbert, Edward, Santiely and Harry, are THE BEST you can have to explore Tanzania, to see the animals, and to miss them when you leave. True good friends. We will come back for them and the great company behind their work. Asante sana for everything!!!
MX
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience, great guide.
Our family safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire was a lifetime experience! The charm personality and outstanding expertise of our guide Zablon, from African Big Cats Safaris, made a difference. He always had the right comment and the right moment to learn more about the behavior of each animal we were encountering during the safaris. Everything worked like a Swiss clock, from the pickup from our hotel in Moshi to the Dropoff at Arusha. Highly recommendable/reliable safari company.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Memories Safari was an incredible company to work with to plan our trip to Kenya.
I began planning a trip to Kenya in June 2022 after considering several African countries to visit. Probably my primary reason for choosing Kenya was based on numerous postings by other travelers and their assessment that Kenya has one of the best tourist infrastructures on the continent. As this was our first trip to Africa that was very important to us.
After making the decision to visit Kenya, I did my due diligence in choosing a tour operator to help make our travel arrangements (two of us). Based on several postings I chose the company, Amazing Memories Safaris. I emailed the company with my desired itinerary. Probably within 24 hours (maybe it was 48) I received an email response from Anne. She answered all of my questions and a few days later sent information about costs and other information (hotel suggestions, other options). After a few weeks an agreement was reached regarding a day-to-day itinerary for the entire trip.
I knew I wanted to include a safari but did not want it to be the majority of the trip. I ended up with the following itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive to Nairobi (late at night)
Day 2: Nairobi-David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center, lunch in Nairobi
Day 3: Leave to Lake Nakuru
Day 4 & 5: Maasai Mara
Day 6: Back to Nairobi
Day 7: Train to Mombasa
Day 8 & 9: Mombasa
Day 10, 11, 12: Lamu
Day 13: Back to Nairobi
Day 14: Last minute shopping & lunch in Nairobi
Day 15: Fly back home
Our trip was such an incredible experience and I know Amazing Memories Safari Company made it even more special. First, Anne was great at keeping in touch. Sometimes I just needed to confirm a detail with her and at other times there were some minor changes (flights, hotels, etc.). For example, approximately one or two weeks out Anne contacted me about changing hotels for the Maasai Mara portion of the trip based on feedback from other travelers. I trusted her judgement and the change turned out to be wonderful. Second, Anne was very clear about what I needed to do and what she could arrange. As I wanted to travel to Mombasa and Lamu, she was able to secure train tickets for us, but I was to make the arrangements for internal flights (Mombasa to Lamu and Lamu back to Nairobi). There were no surprises and almost everything went super smooth. Finally, I would add Anne partnered us with some great drivers. On day 1 of our trip around Nairobi we were driven by Joseph. Joseph was so kind, very personable and was able to help us find a new electric converter as our old converter did not work. I asked Joseph if he would be the person to take us out on the 4-day safari, but he explained he is the Nairobi guy – there is a different driver for safaris known as the bush guy. I was a little disappointed as we had connected with Joseph and he was so knowledgeable about Nairobi but my concerns were unfounded. We met Francis the next day. We would be spending the next 4 days with Francis. Francis is the guy you want to take you on a safari. He shares so much knowledge about the animals and he literally knows everyone. After a day or so I could see why Francis is so popular with other drivers, park rangers and others on the route. He (like Joseph) is such a likeable person and made the safari drives so memorable. Our very last day in Nairobi our driver’s name was Eshphan. Eshphan made sure we did everything we needed to do on our last day. Most of our day was acquiring last minute gifts and having our last meal in Nairobi. If he did not where to purchase an item he connected with his contacts and took us to the appropriate venue. He also did some incredible driving on the way to the airport. Traffic is chaotic in Nairobi and I was getting nervous as there was a point when we were in gridlock. We made it to the airport in fine time and I appreciated his driving skills.
Arriving in Mombasa and subsequently traveling to Lamu we made our own arrangements for tours, but Anne made the hotel reservations. I could have made the reservations on my own but Anne was able to get the rooms at a slight discount, which helped the budget.
Overall, I would give Amazing Memories Safari an exceeds expectations rating. All of the individuals who we worked with Joseph, Francis, Eshphan and our main contact Anne were outstanding. We will never forget our trip and hope to return in our future. If you are considering a trip to Kenya I would urge you to use this company – they are the best!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Never ending pursuit for client satisfaction and the best experience possible.
Where do I even start. My guide and driver (Solomon and Abraham) were some of the best people I've met in my life. They really made my life long dream of visiting Africa the most memorable and magical experience imaginable. By the end of my 10 day tour with them it didn't feel like a tour but more like really good friends experiencing all that Uganda and Rwanda had to offer. While providing the best service and fulfilling any needs that I had. When I my first met them, they were extremely professional and by the book, but as they observed my interests and personality they catered their service to fit my interests and made the journey personalized to me. Which, I think, really sets them apart from other tour companies. They showed me all the beautiful culture and lifestyle of their home land and every moment was a moment to remember. Watching the sunrise in the Ugandan savannah while hyenas walk by, pulling up a few meters beside a family of African Elephants, watching the babies learn to use their trunks, having a baby mountain gorilla try to pound its chest at you and lose balance, watch hippos fight on the Kazinga channel, a mother lion cleaning its cubs, hearing an entire forest begin howling as chimps scream from the forest floor and tree tops, and watching the sunset at Murchison falls and other beautiful moments like that were memories made to last forever. Solomon and Abraham weren't there to fill out a simple checklist of activities, but really made each of those activities so special and turned it into a real experience. They did everything in their power to make my experience, the best experience possible.
For the price I paid, the accommodations and food were amazing. Of course it wasn't a luxury package but I couldn't have asked for better amenities given the price I paid.
I will remember this trip for the rest of my life, and those 2 gentlemen made that happen for me. Will recommend SCB Tours and Travel to everyone I know travelling to Uganda and surrounding countries.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime experience you'll NEVER forget!
We had a once in a lifetime experience going on safari with Alpine Chat! We enjoyed our tour guide Peter and his laidback, enthusiastic, flexible, and patient vibes. The owner (Erick) was also amazing and an excellent communicator. The tour company made us feel like valued customers and friends--they even gave us authentic and memorable gifts at the end of our stay. On our trip we saw all big five animals in four days and overall the trip did not feel rushed. We chose Alpine Chat based on the company being small and all local Tanzanians--if we are going to that country we want to support the local economy and people. We felt very safe and taken care of the entire trip. Also, I did not like the lodge on the final night (Rhino lodge) and wish I would have changed the accommodation, which definitely seemed like an option if you don't like what is offered in the initial package (you may pay more, but worth it to get exactly what you want). Erick worked hard to tailor our trip exactly to our needs and desires. We highly recommend booking your safari with Alpine Chat. My only regret is not adding an additional day in the Serengeti to see the migration.
Book your trip! Ask for Peter!
SI
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream safari destination and more...
Bucket list for Tanzania mainland:
- safari in Tarangire to see hundreds of zebras, lots of elephants with magic scenery with baobabs
- safari in Serengeti to se lions, gepards and especially leopards who are hiding in rock formations covered with trees and bushes
- safari in NgoroNgoro crater to se big heards of zebras, wildebeasts, Thompson antelopse, hippos, tribes of baboons, and with some luck also an illusive blach rhino
- foothils of Kilimanjaro with Materuni waterfalls and coffe production demonstration in local village
- Chemka hotsprings with monkeys in jungle around, jumping in the watter "Tarzan style" with rope "liana"
Bucket list for Zanzibar:
- visiting rare Red columbus monkeys and blue monkeys in Jozani jungle
- visiting Prison island with giant Seyshelles turtles and snorkeling in coral gardens around island
- having dinner in spectacular Rock Restaurant near Pingwe
- spending all day in Nungwe beach snorkeling in coral gardens all around and having sunset dhove sailing with drums music
- swiming with dolphins and snorkeling in coral reefs near Mnemba atol
- try sea food in Forozani night market (near old fort) in Stone town
- survive dala-dala bus trip from Stone town to Nungwe village and back