35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded our expectations!
From initial booking to the last day of the trip everything was handled perfectly by Pendo and her team. The booking went smoothly, when we arrived we were picked up by our guide, Said, who was waiting at the airport. Check in at every lodge and hotel went smoothly. The choice of hotels / lodge was perfect and great choice of food at each resort we stayed at.
Said was a brilliant guide. He was courteous, friendly and full of local knowledge about the people and the animals. I couldn't recommend him enough.
What can I say about the Safari? Amazing! Better than we ever thought it could be.
But this review is about the company,. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them or use them if we ever go back again. Even on the last day when we had time to kill before our flight Pendo came to meet us and arranged for us to see the markets of Arusha. A very good day that we hadn't planned upon- thank you.
PT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience
My wife had wanted to do a safari for a long time. Kenya and Tanzania were our top choices. As we had no experience with Sub-Saharan Africa, I was inclined to have a travel agency based in my home country (Portugal) take care of everything. However, browsing online, I came across Kenan Travel & Tours. Their reviews were excellent, and their “7 Days Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Amboseli” tour sounded tailor-made for us (the price sounded fair enough too). Not going with a home-based travel agency would entail booking flights, taking care of visas and health preparations, etc, on our own, but we were hoping a local tour operator would provide a more authentic experience. We are more than pleased with the results.
My exploratory contacts were met with prompt and clear responses from Jennifer, who reliably and competently took care of things. There was plenty of opportunity for customising our trip. Besides a private 4x4 and accommodation in Nairobi for our first night, we requested a French-speaking driver/guide and a balloon safari.
On arrival, we were met by Jennifer and a driver, who drove us to our hotel in Nairobi. The next day, Jane came to see us for a relaxed and informative briefing about what was to come and left us in the great care of our first driver/guide. From then on, despite our itinerary involving travelling hundreds of kilometres in sometimes very remote areas, crossing dozens of villages and small towns, entering four national reserves, crossing borders twice, and switching guides twice, everything went according to plan.
Not only were the safari experiences as phenomenal as we were expecting – we got to see hundreds of wild animals, including the big five, roaming around freely in stunning settings (at times lions and elephants just a few steps from us) –, but the road trips between reserves proved awe-inspiring experiences in themselves. Most of the landscapes were literally breathtaking. The lodges, especially in Tanzania (Tortilis group), added much to the experience.
Our three drivers/guides – Julius (Kenya), Hassan (Tanzania) and Samuel (Kenya) – were top-notch in terms of expertise and professionalism, remarkably proficient in French (and English, and even Spanish), as well as caring and willing to cater to our every need and request. Julius provided an unforgettable introduction to the world of safaris. Afterwards, we grew especially fond of Hassan, the brilliant driver/guide with whom we spent more time and experienced the most amazing highlights of our trip. The 4x4s – one for Kenya and one for Tanzania – were in impeccable condition and proved perfect for all purposes.
All in all, this trip exceeded our best expectations. If we return to East Africa, we will not hesitate to resort to Kenan Travel & Tours services again.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our group of 14 had 3 drivers- Paul, Timba, and Jackson. Each driver exceeded all expectations
Our group of 14 shared three drivers during our tour, Timba, Jackson, and Paul. We thoroughly enjoyed their professionalism, kindness, and patience as we had 6 kids on our group. They were courteous and thoughtful in listening to feedback and preferences.
Accommodations varied and we preferred some over others. We didn’t clarify a specific budget per night, which could have helped set expectations. As well, researching the accommodations.
Now that our trip is over, I would suggest spending more time in Central Serengeti, we only spent on day/ night. I could have done two.
Overall, an incredible experience that I really feel was made extra special by our tour guides.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
He was exceptionally good; very patient and always looked out for all of us
The prices were affordable and within our budget; nothing exaggerated... The lead operator ensured we had a good time and there was surely value for money. We got so carried away that we requested for things that hadn't planned and somehow, the operator understood and delivered way beyond expected. Can't say enough about the whole experience but I'm surely adventuring with them again come December
MD
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professionalism, punctuality and responsibility!
We have been dreaming of going on a safari for a very long time, but it seemed to us that it was very difficult, expensive and troublesome. How to choose a firm? And can they be trusted? Aren't they deceived? After all, this is a different continent, a different language, a different mentality. There are many reviews on the Internet about unscrupulous firms. And so, day after day, reading reviews and recommendations, I saw a review of a safari with Lappet Faced Safaris! And I decided to write to them. I wrote to several other firms asking for prices and programs (to compare offers). Francisco was the first to contact me within 5 minutes after the request. He asked me in great detail about our preferences, living conditions, what kind of food we like and asked many different questions. And literally, in half an hour, he sent me a detailed plan-route of our safari by mail! With photos of the lodges, with a detailed description of the route, what is included and what is not. Well, that's all! After such an offer, I had absolutely no questions about our trip! I must say that in other firms they limited themselves to the usual advertising program. These were standard offers that are offered to all tourists. And Francisco made an individual program for me personally! He foresaw all the nuances (how much rest we need when we need to leave for the airport)! Francisco did not have a Russian-speaking guide in the state at that time, but I really asked him to find one for us and he did it! He helped me buy plane tickets! He not only booked them, but redeemed them for us! Francisco is on call 24/24. Whenever I wrote to him, he always answered within 10 minutes! It's great when you understand that he is always there and everything is under control!
Our safari went flawlessly! We were met at the airport by our driver Maiko and guide Peter. I just love them! Maiko is a wonderful experienced driver-guide. He was very responsive and attentive to our wishes! Thanks to him, we saw the entire African Five.
Peter speaks Russian very well. We were very lucky that Francisco still found us a Russian-speaking guide! We talked a lot not only about animals, but also about life in Tanzania, about customs, about people. It was a complete acquaintance with Africa!
When Maiko and Peter brought us to the hotel, Francisco arrived there too! And we got to meet in person! I am grateful to him for such organization of our safari! He took into account all our wishes and requests! It was the most wonderful trip! I wish Francisco and Lappet Faced Safaris prosperity and many happy tourists! They are truly professionals! Their task is not just to make money, but to make tourists happy and satisfied!
(automatic translation from Russian)
PT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best forever
The best Safari enterprise with the best guide, DAMIAN a good person, driver and expert about wild life. 5 stars to him. Thank you to be part of ours memories.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Comprehensive and Quality Service
Dancing Zebra Safari helped us plan and ensure a wonderful experience with the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Rwanda.
There are many moving parts to traveling in Africa and I highly recommend utilizing a travel service like Dancing Zebra Safari to help navigate the details and logistics that are involved. Their local expertise allows you to relax because you know they've thought of everything and you can simply focus on the experience. Once all is confirmed, they provide very detailed information about what to expect, what to pack and what to consider as you're preparing for and executing the trip.
We had a wonderful guide, Jean-Marie, who is a lovely human who was knowledgeable and provided great service. We learned about Rwandan culture and developed a deeper appreciation for the country's history and spirit through the many hours we spent with him. We will never forget the immersive mountain gorilla experience. It was beautiful to witness them in their home and to observe their behaviors up close. Obviously you must keep your distance for a number of reasons, but it's an intimate encounter nonetheless. The staff at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel took great care of us and even provided foot massages and cleaned our hiking boots upon returning from the treks.
A suggestion for consideration is related to tipping. While tipping range guidance is provided and tipping is not mandatory, it's hard to imagine not tipping the locals who work so hard and provide such great care and service. To this end, it would be great if the tipping amounts were determined prior to the trip and included in the overall costs. This way, you don't have to carry a bunch of cash with you and can fully relax. This said, you will still want cash on hand for unexpected needs or unexpected tipping. For example, we weren't prepared to tip the gorilla or monkey trackers.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Trip!
We had an amazing time in Africa all thanks to the team at Kameraz! Our 7 day safari was extremely well managed. Both Carol and our guide George made sure that everything was well taken care of! The game rides were both fun and insightful and we saw everything (and more) during our time in Kenya!! Overall amazing experience and I highly recommend Kameraz!!
Thank you!
EC
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
provided safari services according to what was offered
The tour services were tailored to our needs and fulfilled accordingly
Hotels were good in general and our guides were knowledgeable
SI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing wildlife experience
Excellent destination, easy to organize, safe to travel, much to see!