65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The tour operator is a likeable fellow and participates in all of the adventures.
First trip with B-S and took along a two man tent and was completely self contained with my vehicle. The camping spots were well thought out and well exposed in the bush. The facilities for eating was a communal fire and eating was around a large temporary table - the vibe was jovial and all encompassing. Value for money was good, the public are not able to visit these secluded places without rangers. the tour operator checked on each individual throughout the trip. At no stage was one exposed to any danger with the vehicle either on track or in the bush. I have been on two subsequent trips and will certainly participate in future adventures.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Would not consider doing a trip like this without this tour operator.
This particular trip is not for the faint hearted. The area is within a homeland and completely wild. Unless you own a good reliable 4x4 and a good solid off road trailer, don't bother applying. This is a life changing experience, the scenery is rugged, but breathtaking. The wild animals literally come through your camp as you are in their domain. The tour operator has the ability to bring everyone together and each one has their areas of responsibility, the trip cannot be done alone, it needs a team to travel the distance. Am waiting for the next one.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best 4 day trip to the Maasai Mara
We had the best 3 night 4 day safari with Ali at the Maasai Mara. Ali was high energy and enthusiastic from the start and was very attentive throughout our trip. He worked very hard to ensure we saw as many animals as possible and was very knowledgeable about the animals and the Masai Mara. The roads were very wet and slippy due to the rain but we felt like we were in safe hands with his driving! If you are doing a trip with jocky tours I would definitely recommend requesting Ali.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Both Jackie and Kennedy have done an excellent job in tailoring the trip to our preferences.
The experience in Kenya was truly extraordinary. We spent an unforgettable week exploring the wild beauty on safari, and the rest of the time we enjoyed it at the paradisiacal Diani Beach. The safari was an amazing experience, especially in Ambosseri, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara, which stood out for their astonishing diversity of fauna and landscapes.
It's important to be prepared to cover long distances by car, both to move between parks and to enjoy intense days of safari. Each day promised a new and exciting adventure.
The camps where we stayed were quite good, but the one that impressed us the most was the one at Lake Nakuru. The only one that didn't quite convince us was the one at Lake Naivasha.
Although the last days at the beach are not strictly necessary, they added a special touch to a unique experience, turning these vacations into an unforgettable memory.
DE
35-50 years of age
Professional
We were 2 people did the Kilimanjaro trek via Machame route from Sep 6th to 12th and very satisfied. Company were able to fulfill all commitment’s as agreed in advance from airport pickup until drop. Many thanks for all your support and help.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Most Magical Experience of Our Lives!
What a magical experience! This was the most magical trip of my life. We are SO HAPPY we booked the Safari with Image Travel Limited, our guide for the 4 days was just extraordinary always going the extra mile and after hours to give us the absolute best experience. The hotel is a 10/10 out of a movie, and the food is exquisite. We couldn't believe it for the price we paid! Just phenomenal. Seriously, book with them, you will NOT regret it!
FR
Great
Without problem and without unpleasant surprises for in safari
Good quality lodge and very appreciable meal according to European standards
(automatic translation from French)
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience
I went with JT Safaris back in 2010 to Tsavo East and West. But this time we wanted to try Masai Mara. I messaged Julius by WhatsApp and we arranged everything over text. He was able to provide quotes based on different days and budgets and we decided on 3 days 2 nights. Previously it was to pay a deposit and then after the safari to pay the remaining balance but now it’s to pay a deposit before traveling then just before the safari to pay the rest. So don’t be alarmed if you are requested this as it’s normal and Julius is very trust worthy.
Julius arranged our driver and Abdul met us at our hotel at 7am and was there 7am sharp waiting for us. We then drove to Masai Mara which took around 5 hours and went straight to Masa leisure resort which is inside the park (as some are outside the reserve). We had lunch which was buffet, rested then went on our first game drive from 3-6pm. The hotel has multiple ‘tents’ but they are more like large hotel rooms build from wood with just tent like material over them and inside had a sofa, four poster bed, shower, desk and toilet. Warm running water, electricity and a comfy bed which was all we needed. WiFi is only available in the restaurant but that was fine as it meant a nice early night. The food was also good with a variety for everyone (I’m vegan and had no trouble eating).
The park now has rules that each day you can have game drives between 6am-6pm (whereby previously it was 24hours). The first day we saw lions, zebra, elephants, zebra. We then we went back for dinner and an early night.
The next day we had a full game drive from 7am-5pm and told the hotel this and they provided a picnic lunch. The night before the chef actually came to see us and took down our requirements of what we wanted and made the picnic based on this which was fabulous! This was the best day whereby we saw elephants up close, lions within 1 metre away, leopards and cheetahs. We also went to the masa river and saw hippos and crocodiles. For lunch Abdul found us a nice tree and we had a blanket and ate our picnic outside which was fantastic. In the afternoon we then managed to see the migration of thousands of wildebeest which was breathtaking. Abdul was friendly throughout the whole trip and always asking us if we’re happy and very knowledgeable on a the animals and the park.
At the end of the drive on the second day Abdul told us that we had to leave the reserve by 10am the next day and couldn’t do a game drive as the rules only allowed for two days. I rang Julius as I was disappointed by this as assumed this was a 3 day safari and I think this was due to our communication by WhatsApp whereby I was very lax on the itinerary and didn’t ask much (not the full breakdown of day to day). But Julius at once realized I wanted three day game drive so paid for the final day without question which was so kind. We ended up having an amazing drive in the morning seeing more lions right next to our jeep.
We then headed back to Nairobi and was dropped off at our hotel late in the afternoon.
Overall even though it was 13 years since my last safari with Julius I couldn’t fault him and his team again. He rang daily to check we were enjoying ourselves, he accommodated based on our price range and gave us an amazing experience.
Can’t wait for our next safari where i will 100% be coming back with Julius again.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Lion Safari Adventure
I had the incredible opportunity to go on a lion safari tour during my trip to South Africa. From start to finish, it was an absolutely amazing experience that exceeded all my expectations.
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about lion behavior and was able to provide fascinating insights into their social structure and hunting techniques. We learned so much about these majestic creatures.
I cannot recommend this lion safari tour enough for anyone visiting South Africa. It was a phenomenal adventure that I will remember forever. From the professional guide to the close-up animal sightings, everything was top-notch. It's an absolute must-do for wildlife lovers.
Also, Alex our driver who picked us from the hotel was fantastic and helpful.
5/5 stars - An unforgettable South African safari!
JE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic! Surreal experience, like a dream!
Our adventure with Smile With Us Tours Africa was simply out of the ordinary.
Jacob’s helpfulness in answering all our questions in the booking phase, to helping storing our luggage whilst we were away was second to none. Nurdin came to pick us up directly from our hotel at 4am to drive us to the airport, he was punctual, welcoming and extremely polite.
Our exceptional guide Maarufu was waiting for us when the plane arrived in Mtemere airstrip. Maarufu really made our trip, he was extremely knowledgable of the animals and area as well as super friendly and great fun!
We started the stay with breakfast in a lodge outside Nyerere National Park. This was followed by a “Walking Safari” accompanied by a Maasai. We learnt about the different trees, plants and animals droppings of the bush - a really useful background prior to the game drives. The Maasai also demonstrated and let us attempt to make fire the traditional way.
Before lunch, we embarked on a “Boat Safari” during which we were able to see crocodiles, hippos and many birds.
After lunch, we left with Maarufu on our first game drive. After a brief discussion we agreed to travel along the highway for an hour with the goal of finding lions that had been spotted earlier. On the road, we met giraffes, impalas, pumbas, buffaloes and even elephants!
After about an hour and a half, and Maarufu’s expert guidance, the ultimate reward, a large family of lions with lots of cubs. The dream!
The lions came so close to the car to find shade that we could have reached out and touched them!
The drive back to the lodge was full of more animals everywhere we looked.
We spent the evening and night at Selous Impala Camp. The tents were very comfortable, the service very attentive and the food delicious.
The next morning we left at sunrise for a “Bush Breakfast”. Maarufu used his expertise to track the elephant footprints and to locate a family of elephants with many baby elephants.
We had breakfast by one of the park’s many lakes, a unique and memorable moment.
We continued the safari before returning for lunch at the lodge, before leaving for Mtemere airstrip, still spotting a number of animals on the way.
Throughout the Safari, Maarufu knew how to find the animals, bring the car as close as possible without scaring them so that we could be as close as possible to them. He also have us a lot of information about the animals and how the entire ecosystem works.
It is important to note that we were provided with an open top Jeep, entirely open on the sides, that was just for us. This was very different from the occasional others companies we saw which had a mixture of people crammed into the car, or no open sides.
Thank you to Jacob and the whole team for organising a wonderful two days and especially Maarufu for making it truly unforgettable, making us laugh and smile non stop and guiding us to all the animals of the Selous!
