IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
very nice experience, everything as expected and agreed, good German guide
the 5 day tour was very good organised, perfect stays and the guide was very good (spoke German)
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They were very quick to respond and answered to all my questions
If I were to do it all over again, I would not change a thing. Richard has been amazing in answering all my questions prior my journey making me feel
not only safe with booking with them but also about the tour. Everything from A-Z has been beyond expectation from the tour guides to the accommodations.
If I can add, for those that are hesitating between taking mid-range… I would suggest that you go with the tented camp, not only it adds to the adventure itself, but the accommodations are more than decent ( private toilet&shower, comfortable beds & nets included).
Thank you Richard :)
EE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
READ THIS BEFORE BOOKING TO ANY SAFARI!
While this is a positive review for the company, my primary intention is to share insights that will help you to prepare for your unique experience. Please keep in mind that it is really easy to forget some small aspects while planning such a big trip. The goal should not be just to get there, but to enjoy every day according to your comfort and personal standards.
Though we had a very limited time for research - we booked just one week in advance - Allen covered many aspects for us, and this allowed us to enjoy the experience. We value that because we saw how other tour operators took care of their customers.
As in life, you must find the right people; otherwise, you will be the customer who has paid money, has arrived in Africa, and the rest isn't given much importance. Animals are surely there, but the quality of your experience largely depends on the tour operator.
1. We made it clear in the beginning: no tourist traps and fake environment. Time is precious, don’t waste it on people and things that are not authentic.
2. Make sure you get (or request) “hot” lunches. This means real edible food, own chairs, table, tablecloth, real cutlery etc. This is something you need to confirm, as it's often overlooked. Most of the providers (as it is cost-efficient) offer “cold” lunch boxes. If you don't want to be the one out of many who sat on a park chair and ate a dry sandwich from a cardboard box, do your homework.
3. Don’t have lunches just at the park entrances (where most of the operators do and which is very convenient for the tour operators as no extra effort is required from their end), we enjoyed multiple lunches inside the park - wine and dine as we said, our guide set up our personal table with tablecloth, chairs, cutlery, glass for the wine (not a paper cup) and we got to enjoy the picturesque setting.
4. The guide must be enthusiastic about their work; they shape your experience. Be polite, kind, and generous to them. This comes down to whom you choose as a tour operator - good people are where they are valued. It is your responsibility to ensure that the tour operator, in general, doesn't treat you merely as customer on their conveyor. If you don’t understand what I mean - you have arrived in Africa, you have paid your money - how comfortable for them it would be to offer the bare minimum to you? This is what many tour providers do. And what are you going to do about it? You can be angry at someone, you may make demands, etc. In reality, you then give away your peace of mind and ruin the experience to some extent.
5. Safari vehicle - request the make and actual pictures of the exact vehicle you'll be using, ensuring it meets your expectations. We did, and we were not disappointed! Additionally, inquire about their fleet size and their contingency plan for vehicle breakdowns.
6. Binoculars - typically, you get provided one pair per vehicle (really easy to not notice that small fact in the brochure) - don’t settle for it, request binoculars for every passenger in the car. You go on an expensive safari and then be the fool who passes around binoculars and misses out those spontaneous sights.
7. WiFi - if you need it, ask for it and have it included. But note that the coverage is poor. You get an internet connection at your accommodation, but while driving - about 30% of the time.
8. We did not use that option, but safari routes have long, uneventful stretches. If your budget allows, consider taking flights to bypass these sections. Bumpy rides can be tiring (feels 7/10), so ensure your vehicle is comfortable, with suitable seating, for example - does your seat back recline?
9. If you opt for packages titled “All Inclusive”, don’t interpret “all inclusive” too broadly - while doing our homework, we saw plenty of those packages and when you start to read (which most of the people will not) the fine print - you will see that there are lots of exclusions. To exaggerate - what is the food that is included - are you going to get just 7 different types of bread or something else as well. What drinks are included - are you going to get just water or other beverages as well, make sure to ask (if that is your preference) if alcoholic beverages (like wine) are included.
10. Plan and make decisions in advance, ensuring you can fully enjoy the unique environment without distractions. In context of choosing tour operator - don’t leave decisions, that can be made while planning the trip, to be made on the go. When you decide that you want to get a bottle of wine with your lunch, it is not that easy to arrange if you have not requested that in advance - understand the limitations that are there due to the location of the parks.
11. Recognize in advance that while on your safari, there may be minor additional expenses. Whether it's tipping the dedicated staff or purchasing small souvenirs, these costs are nominal in the context of the overall safari budget. Consider them a way to support the local community and remember these contributions, though optional, can make a significant difference in their lives.
12. You'll generally receive other basic information, such as what color clothes to wear, precautions against mosquitoes, etc in a brochure beforehand to assist with packing.
Our trip did not have an easy start because our family’s luggage was left behind, so we had to get new clothes from head to toe for all the days.
All in all, all those aspects were taken care of for us, hence the 5 star review - as stated earlier, it really matters who you choose. Ensure you select a passionate tour operator who genuinely seeks to provide an unforgettable experience within their means.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari Experience!
It was an amazing tour! We saw all of the big 5 plus many more animals in the beautiful Tanzania parks. Our trip felt safe, and we were fed very well. Our tour guide Edga was a great driver, even in a harsh landscape and did his best to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see, plus calling out things we didn’t know we wanted. We stayed at Suricata Nona Lodge, which was AMAZING, as well as two tented lodges which definitely exceeded my expectations. It felt safe while surrounded by lions and cheetahs and other wild animals. We took almost 1000 photos on this trip and cannot wait to go through them all and relive the experience! 10/10 would recommend.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience with knowledge guide
Our guide Edgar was great and provided us with a great 5 day safari tour. We saw every animal we wanted to see and it really exceeded our expectations. The airport pickup and drop off process was smooth and the company was very responsive to any inquiries that we had. Every hotel/lodge we stayed in was beautiful and clean and the staff was very attentive at each place. Every day came with a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience a fun, safe and exciting safari!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Master of Customer servicing
I used them for a Hike to Kilimanjaro.
It felt like I was traveling like an Egyptian king.
The crew (16+) to support just one person
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Greatest 4 days I’ve experienced
Everything went absolutely perfect, from the booking to the amazing meals to the safaris. I couldn’t ask for a better experience. As a single female traveller, I was hesitant but it really was the greatest travel experience ever. Thanks for the amazing memories!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional experience!
We had a lovely time in Kenya during our 6-days safari trip through Amboseli National Park, Laka Nakuru and Masai Mara. Elijah- our tour organizer was very good with communication in response for our queries very promptly. He was there at the airport to receive and see us off.
The success of our safari can largely be credited to Daniel, our exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable guide/ driver. His warm personality and expertise made the journey not only educational but also deeply enjoyable.
Most of the accommodations were very good. We spotted a lot of animals (the big five and more) and learned a lot about the Kenyan culture. For anyone who is looking for a complete and affordable safari, we really recommend Leopard Orchid Safaris.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable experience
It has been one of the most beautiful experiences of all my trips.
The attention we have received from the guides, Moises has been a 10, thank you for everything, it will not be the last time.
(automatic translation from Spanish)
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful
From the moment I walked out of the terminal to when I was dropped off 8 days later, the service was amazing. Our tour guide Leslie was very knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to answer questions.
