20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An epic experience that was well-organised and seamless.
Our guide, Blessing, was great. The organisation of all of our activities was seemless, and all of the third party providers were good.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The team at Ongeri Expeditions is absolutely phenomenal!
Where do I even begin?!? Ongeri Expeditions left no stone unturned while perfectly planning our DREAM safari vacation! From the very first email inquiry, they were on top of every detail. I had the pleasure of working very closely with Cazeah (Qazeah) so I would love to give her a special shout-out! She was available by email, text, phone around the clock! She answered every question in a timely manner and provided responses and solutions that were practical for us! I told her exactly what we hoped to see and do and she delivered with ideas every time! We added on a day-trip at the last minute and she coordinated and turned it around in less than 24 hours (that too in peak season-- talk about efficiency!). Working with Ongeri Expeditions was truly a stress-free experience and I wouldn't do it any other way. They took care of the details so my husband & I could truly soak in the beauty of Masai Mara! I would also like to highlight the help they provide at the airport. They created a smooth experience through customs after a long and tiring 24 hours of travel. They have a point person at the airport to help with luggage, purchase of SIM cards, and transportation to the hotel. We felt like we were on vacation from the minute we landed because they were able to help us through the busy airport experience. I cannot praise Cazeah enough- thank you for providing us such a 5-star experience! I also had the pleasure of connecting with the owner and CEO of Ongeri Expeditions, Abner (a.k.a Avner Lux), and he was extremely humble and helpful as I worked through what areas and destinations I wanted to visit while in Kenya. He's also extremely well-traveled so his advice and expertise were greatly appreciated. In addition to helping us book our accommodations and flight transfers to/from Masai Mara, Ongeri Expeditions also booked our excursions such as the hot air balloon safari (truly a once in a lifetime opportunity). To top it all off, Abner included a night safari for us at no charge to us (this was beyond thoughtful & generous) and it ended up being the highlight of our trip! It's evident that Abner cares about his clients and he takes their business seriously. He did whatever he could to make this the most memorable trip for us. This is a reflection of the great company he has created as well! Ongeri Expeditions also made sure to remind the camp of our dietary restrictions (vegetarian) and my birthday (which led to the most memorable birthday celebration). Overall, our trip to Kenya's Masai Mara wouldn't have been possible without Ongeri Expeditions! They went above and beyond our expectations (5+++ stars!!) I cannot recommend Ongeri Expeditions enough and I will definitely use them to book ALL of my future trips to the continent of Africa & beyond! If you're looking for a tour operator, look no further! You're in great hands with Ongeri Expeditions! Whether it's your first safari experience or 10th, Ongeri Expeditions will curate the trip of a lifetime!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy to work with
The very first thing we did was go to a place to book excursions, felt like high pressure sales on the guide's part. We hurriedly pick a few and asked to go to check in at our accomodataions so we could freshen up from traveling. The next day we were a bit surprised to be handed an invoice for transport to and from activitites. We almost missed one activity because our guide told us to be ready at one time and the transport arrived over an hour and a half before that time. Fortunately that driver waited for us to hurry and get ready, we did almost miss the boat for the excursion, they held the boat since there were so many people from different places on the bus. May have made the actual boat ride shorter, I have no idea.
The transfers to and from countries with the guides seemed seamless. We always felt safe. transferred from Zimbabwe to Zambia and back, then to Botswana later.
the host and accomodations in Botswana, and the guides there were beyond amazing. I would do this part of the tour again in a heartbeat.
The food at all accomodations was great.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Serengeti Smile provided a fun, relaxing, educational, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Our trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar was better than anything we could have expected! We found Serengeti Smile on SafariBookings.com and chose to book with them due to the price, customizable itinerary, and responsiveness to our questions. Everything was taken care of in terms of accommodation, booking, and transportation - we didn’t have to worry about a thing.
Our guide for the Safari - Kisali - was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and personable all throughout our trip through Tarangire, Ngorogoro Crater, and the Serengeti. He made sure to point out all animals, especially the ones we mentioned we were excited to see, and he often had fun facts to share about them and the plants unique to Africa. He also had answers to all our questions about the local culture and taught us key Swahili words. We felt very safe and comfortable with Kisali and have definitely walked away with a new friend!
The staff at all the accommodations Serengeti Smile selected for us were very welcoming, especially at the Tanzania Bush Camp in Serengeti. We loved talking to all of the employees there and learning even more Swahili words.
We ended our trip in Zanzibar with a beach vacation and it was the perfect relaxing, final stop. Very happy with our choice to book via Serengeti Smile, who provided a fun, relaxing, educational, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari Sister
Janet was a Godsend! I was able to book several safaris in Kenya during the months of March-May. When I had a horrible experience in Tanzania with a tour opporator, she was there for me every step of the way. I often booked last minute and she was able to find me great deals. She works hard to find you what you need and is often up way too late at night making arrangements ;) Thank you my friend for everything. I'm sure I will be back and will book many more adventures with you in the future.
Very well organised and professional
We loved our safari in the Nyerere National Park! We are a family of mum, dad and 3 teens. We were very impressed with the whole experience. Our jeep (which we had to ourselves) was very comfortable and the guide Ahmed was very knowledgeable. We saw so many animals including a pride of 15 lions lying in the shade. We have been to the Ngorogoro Crater before for a safari but liked the Nyerere National Park as it felt less crowded. The staff at the Kinga Safari Lodge were lovely and made us feel very welcome. Their food was delicious.
Everything ran smoothly and all the tours were very memorable - esp. the boat safari at dusk with the hippos, and the walking safari with the bushman who drank elephant dung!
Naheed from the tour company was very responsive, polite and professional. He sent WhatsApps to keep in touch. He arranged for 2 bottles of wine on our arrival and a box of chocolates for our onward journey further south in Tanzania which were most welcome!
We would have no hesitation in recommending him
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Budget Safari
I had a great experience as a solo traveler with Hadzabe. I code thé camping/budget Safari. Thé campgrounds were good and the meals our chef cooked. We had an excellent, knowledgeable guide as well. Amazing trip and tons of fun.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Animal lover
We had a great time. Everything was well organized. The accomodation were perfect and the guide was a real animal lover. He always had the answers to our numerous questions. Everything was perfect.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Professional, reliable, friendly, affordable safari, we have used the many times.
We are a small charity that organise small group visits to Tanzania. As part of the experience our visitors enjoy a weekend Safari with Raha Adventure safaris. We have used them many times and would not consider using anyone else.
We are always collected, on time, as previously arranged and then driven to the National Park. That evening we enjoy a boat safari where we are treated to hippo, crocodile and many birds, the boat safari usually ends with a beautiful sunset.
The following day we do a full day game drive and we have never had a disappointed visitor. Lion, giraffe, zebra, elephant, just to name a few.
The accomodation, although simple, is clean and completely adequate with a choice between safari tents or charming African style huts. All food is included and is plentiful and good.
I would not hesitate to recommend Filbert and his colleagues at Raha Adventure Safaris.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great accommodation and hospitality, well organised game drives and excellent food
We had a well organised and comfortable experience with Raha - comfortable rooms close to nature and a great setting next to the river. We went on a boat trip and saw hippos, crocodiles and many species of bird as well as the more usual game drive into the bush - knowledgeable and friendly staff in the jeeps with us.
The food was also very good and the general level of service was excellent.