US
50-65 years of age
Thomas is very knowledgeable of the history of South Africa and the areas we went
Initially I was surprised by our operator because he asked what itinerary we had for the day. I felt that should have been communicated with him before picking us up. Overall was happy with the tour and our operator Thomas.
JP
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
professional
Among too many tour companies for Kilimanjaro climbing, I was very lucky to choose Kisambi Tours and to meet the main guide Matty, the assistant guide Joseph, the cook, and the porters!
Compared to other major companies , Kisambi’s price was so low that honestly I worried if they really came to pick me up at the Airport. However, the e-mails before the departure was very smooth, their advice was so exact and credible, I decided to trust them.
Unlike many other big groups, they didn't offer a fancy "tea party" with a tablecloth on a terrace along the way, nor any unnecessarily luxurious meals or champagne. But they had sophisticated strategy and strong supportive power for reaching Uhuru Peak. In details, the timing of meals, the weather strategy, the pacing according to the clients' abilities and so on. They were so professional in every aspect.
If you want to experience Kilimanjaro purely as a mountaineering, I highly recommend climbing with Matty. He even offers winter Kilimanjaro climbs and a variation hiking route camping in crater and climbing directly to tje Uhuru peak.
There are true mountain enthusiasts in Tanzania!
Thank you so much!
Of the many companies available, I chose Kisambi Tours, and I was truly fortunate to have met main guide Matty, subguide Joseph, the cook, and the porters!
Compared to other companies, the price was so low that I was honestly a little worried. However, the pre-departure communication was so smooth and the advice so accurate that I decided to trust them.
Unlike many other companies, there was no tea ceremony with tablecloths on the terrace along the way, or any unnecessarily extravagant food or champagne, but
they were professional in every way, from their sophisticated strategy for reaching Uhuru Peak to the food, weather, and pacing the climbers according to their ability.
If you want to experience Kilimanjaro purely as a mountain, I recommend climbing with Matty. He said he can accommodate climbing Kilimanjaro in the dead of winter, or a short variation route to the summit with an overnight stay at Okama!
It turns out there are mountaineers in Tanzania too!! Thank you very much.
(automatic translation from Japanese)
BR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Guide could improve communication
The company was really organized and reliable, everything that was agreed on was delivered and they were easy to communicate with in the weeks preceding the tour. We did a 3-day group tour to Maasai Mara and the experience was amazing, the people we went with were lovely! However, our guide, Sharuk, could work on communicating better with us. At several moments, he would do something unexpected and not explain to us what was going on until he was asked - and even then, he wouldn’t explain it all. For example, on the first day we went to the park, it was most people’s first safari and he was demonstrating impatience when anyone asked to stop to look at an animal. He was trying to show us something special that was going on in another part of the reserve, but we could not know it since he hadn’t said anything. The next day, he stopped the car out of nowhere and went outside to fix something next to a tire without telling us a thing. We were kept wondering what was going on with the car until he came back minutes later.
MX
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our experience with Semu Gorillas was really special:
On the positive side:
*We were short on time but didn’t want to miss the experience, so they adjusted the itinerary to see the gorillas in just 2 days. Even though it was challenging and tiring because of the long travel, they made it possible.
*All the planning was very smooth, with clear communication about costs, timing, and everything we needed to prepare for the trip.
*Seeing gorillas is not cheap, but they worked within a budget that was very competitive compared to other agencies, without sacrificing anything important.
*The lodge where we stayed was beautiful, with stunning views, very kind staff, and great food. They even prepared some special details for our honeymoon, which was very thoughtful.
*The car was comfortable, with reclining seats (which makes a big difference for a 9-hour ride!). The weather wasn’t too hot, but the air conditioning didn’t cool enough, so we often traveled with the windows down.
*Our guide, Joel, was very attentive, kind, informative, and proactive in solving any issues along the way.
Things to improve or consider:
*We had car trouble twice, which extended our travel time from 9 hours to 10 or even 11, making the trip quite exhausting. While it was a relatively new car and some issues can be expected on such long trips with challenging road conditions, there was a moment where we didn’t feel completely safe because the brakes started making noises on a very curvy stretch. Our guide was proactive in finding a solution, but perhaps better planning and vehicle checks could help prevent these situations.
*Meals on the road cannot be planned much, as they depend on where you are when lunchtime comes. Don’t expect anything special; it’s mostly standard roadside hotel food.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
David is so kind and good man, but we don’t have much luck to see animals cross the river…
It’s a perfect tree son many animals the get Davis what’s very hammers and very response
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience
My partner and I had a private 2 night, 3 day drive at the Mara, staying in the Enchoro camp. The driver Michael was fantastic. He was extremely friendly, knowledgable, and accommodating for both my partner and I. We saw such a large variety of animals, including the illusive black rhino, and had such a good time. The camp itself was fine, but for the price we can hardly complain - for us, the important thing were the drives, which certainly did not disappoint!
Overall, I would highly recommend Sublime and the team.
HK
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They ensure a smooth & trouble-free experience.
From beginning to end the driver/guide, Alex, was cheerful & friendly. The whole experience went smoothly.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Caster a very respectful young man and professional
Our tour was worth the money we paid for
Our tour Guide Casper explained everything clearly. We enjoyed everything about the falls. I recommend this natural and fabulous experience
QA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional
The suggested activities were well planned
And relaxed
The provided car was clean and nice very punctual
The provider always checked on us to make sure everything was ok
Everything went smooth but some activities we would suggested having a heads up to sum of the actvities such as swimming and what to expected in the area with images of each activity
The provided guide was very polite but he guide didn't help with the street sellers scaming us and didn't provide guidance in that matter