SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive
Overall, the safari experience was good. Our guide, Ben, was an excellent driver and got us to see a lioness hunting in the Maasai Mara — thanks for his guidance and support. By the fourth day, we had spotted all of the Big Five and were incredibly lucky to see a lion pride up close in Nakuru. Camps are beyond our expectations and we love the sounds of nature.
Due to the rainy weather, we had to end our Maasai Mara trip bit earlier. Otherwise, we might have had the chance to see more hunting scenes. For Crescent Island, we paid the entrance fee but didn’t actually go onto the island, and only walked along the mainland shore.
4 out of 5.
CN
Axis Africa provides a highly professional and memorable safari experience that is well worth it.
We had a wonderful time with Axis Africa! The communication from start to finish was excellent and all details were clearly explained. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and worked hard to find amazing wildlife sightings. The service was consistently great, with smooth logistics and comfortable accommodations. While representing good value, there were minor aspects that, for us, held it just short of a five-star rating. However, I would not hesitate to recommend them for a reliable and thoroughly enjoyable expedition.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3.5 Stars...Hard to say TBH
Michael from the tour company on whatsapp was helpful, but definitely overcharged me on airport pickup - $35 from JRO to Moshi. I was on a 3D2N group tour with guide Ali, and a chef, and we stayed at Fanaka Lodge. Guide Ali didn't do an introduction at the start, no welcome, no nothing, and I learned his name from other members. While we could tell Ali was good at what he does, his attitude was negative 70% of the trip, and a couple times he tried to hype himself up by making a corny joke about how heavy his jeep was after we ate our lunch. I was traveling solo so I was riding shotgun the whole three days and had to take in 90% of his dismissive comments/attitude towards me and some members of our group.
As for the Chef! Our interactions were limited since we only saw him at the lodge, but many of us could tell he's got a big ego. One evening, he complained how everyone arrived late at dinner but he never told anyone the start time. You get the gist, communication wasn't lacking in general. I once asked the chef for more green beans in our veggie stew for the next day's lunch. And guess what, we got the least amount of green beans out of all the days. I deeply regret giving him a $20 tip. My take after this trip is, do NOT feel obligated to tip anyone, if the service doesn't merit it, despite what all websites suggest.
The safari tours are pretty well established in Moshi/Arusha, most tour companies with 3.5 stars or above, if you are on a budget, are fine. Since most tour companies rely on freelance guides & chefs, your experience will come down to luck. Wishing all future travelers in being paired with great staff!
HK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tour Guide 10/10, The Company 7/10
Our guide Jimmy is fantastic! He is professional, friendly, helpful and has excellent driving skills. He has eagerly done his best to let us see all kinds of wildlife. He is very knowledgeable and informative, too. He deserves a 10/10 rating.
Before my booking, I had clarified clearly many questions with Jocky Tour customer service by email, among those are maximum number of participants, bottled water supply, accommodation and optional items:
i) The company promised the maximum number of participants would be 7 including the guide, and this was the main reason why I chose Jocky Tour; but eventually our tour had 8 people including the guide. Yet I understand this might be the industry's common practice to maximize their resources.
ii) 1L per day of bottled water per day per guest had been promised but bottled water ran out in the 3rd day. Luckily this didn't cause much a problem as I had my water refill at the accommodation sites.
iii) I had explicitly requested staying in Buraha Zenoni (8.9 rating on Trip.com) for the 3rd night but again we became staying at Hillcourt Resort (6 rating on Trip.com). Luckily except the defective faucet in my room, I had a restful night in Hillcourt.
iv) The optional item of boat ride in Lake Naivasha costing USD30 was communicated in email beforehand. Only when we arrived at the Hippo Boat operator did we know that the total cost is USD30 for boat ride plus USD20 for a short safari walk. The walk (~45min) was conducted by a guide named Samuel who spoke extremely softly that it seemed he didn't care whether you could hear him or not. In the latter part of the walk, he did not speak at all but just led the way and we just kept walking continuously for like >2o minutes. But the boat ride is good though.
However, Jocky Tour's customer services were quick and precise. The jeep was powerful for rugged roads. Group tour's price was fair, and that's why I should not have expected too much. Programme was delivered as promised.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional
I had a great experience with Kentau Safaris. They were very communicative and professional, and fairly priced. The safari jeep and accommodation were both comfortable. I would recommend them.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Really reliable for the total journey
Overall it is a good experience for the first time to Africa, all journey safe and sound without problems, the guide is a time management master equipped with all the animal knowledge. We have learned a lot throughout the journey.
Could be better if the guide is more aggressive for finding animals and lead the exploring part. Make the game drive as a real game and involve all the client joining in the exploring part
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good
Thomas was our driver. Spoke excellent English and looked after us and made sure we arrived on time.
JM
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best last minute decision
We contacted Bush and Forest a day before our Safari but still couldn't decide. Woke up early the following morning and called Joshua again. Without hesitation he started to make arrangements and 2hrs later we started our trip to Tarangire national park. Our guide Peter was great, very informative and helpful.
I made lasting memories with my family and saw some animals for the first time.
Would certainly use this company again.
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything is fine, sometimes respond nit in time
Everything is fine, except that the hotels booked by the agent often do not have hot water
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service and unforgettable wildlife encounters
I first got in touch with Big Cat through BookingSafari back in February. At the time, I was speaking with a few different local operators and had some good conversations with other sales reps too. But overall, Joshua from Big Cat gave me the best impression. He was always patient and responsive, and very reliable whenever we had questions or special requests.
We already had a few camps and a rough route in mind, so the communication was smooth and efficient. Once we got the final quotes and confirmed the camps we wanted, we decided to go with Big Cat right away. Then came a long wait of almost six months before our actual trip at the end of September.
On our first night, we were welcomed by the manager who carefully went over all the key information with us. He was friendly and very detailed, which made us feel well taken care of. The next morning, we took a small domestic flight to the northern Serengeti, where our guide Lovio was already waiting for us. He led us through an amazing Safari journey. On the very first day, we were lucky enough to witness two river crossings by wildebeests. Over the next few days, we managed to see almost all the animals we hoped for, except the black rhino which was a bit too far away.
Lovio’s vehicle did break down twice during the trip. The first time, it caused some delays, but after the car was fixed, he really gave his best effort to help us spot more wildlife. The second time it happened was on the way to Ngorongoro Crater. Honestly, I guess we were just too lucky in our own way, since not everyone gets this kind of “experience,” right?
On the last afternoon, while we were heading back to Arusha, I suddenly came down with acute food poisoning. Lovio was incredibly helpful and brought us to two hospitals to make sure I got the treatment I needed. Luckily, my condition was under control by that night, and I was able to catch my international flight the next day without issues.
I’m truly grateful to Big Cat and especially to our guide Lovio. This trip gave us unforgettable memories. I hope the next time I visit Tanzania for another Safari, I’ll have the chance to meet them again.
