IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best adventure I have ever had!
As there are countless company organizing safaris in Arusha, I hope this review would be of help to my fellow travelers trying to figure out which company trust to organize such adventure. In my case African Big Cats Safari was recommended by a colleague, also an avid fellow traveler whom I trust utterly. So for me after realizing how many companies are out there this choice was really a no brainer. This safari was also my honeymoon and for me and my wife this wasn’t our first experience in Africa. Our expectations for this trip was very great, as we have always been passionate in nature and traveling, especially in wild isolated places around Africa, Europe and America. As a plus I’ve read endless articles and watched countless documentaries about Tanzania since I was a little kid, so really the bar was very high. I’m therefore incredibly happy to tell you that our experience with African Big Cats Safari abundantly passed all our expectations.
From our first interactions to figure out what we could do, for how long and for how much, to finalizing all details after booking, everything was smooth and dealt in a professional and detailed manner. We were given plenty of informations and asked about our interests and expectations in order to create the perfect tailor made experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. All the arrangements that were made, from the airport shuttle to the choice of accommodations and meals were absolutely flawless and well above our expectations.
One particular praise I really feel should address our guide Moses. He was so passionate doing his job that we really felt he put magic into an otherwise already perfect and wonderful experience. We had a seriously wonderful time with him, sharing our passion for nature and photography. He was able to answer any question that we had about animals and nature with encyclopedic knowledge. He was also so experienced and talented that every time there was something worth to see we were there first, before all other cars. Lions having breakfast in the morning: we were there with premium views; Mama cheetah with her baby relaxing under a tree: Moses spot her from miles away; Leopard ambushing a fresh meal near the river: got it; Rhino eating at sunrise: spotted. Based on previous experiences we couldn’t even dream of all the beauty we found ourself in during this safari, but there we were living the dream! Probably there’s no need to add that we were able to see all the big five, but better highlight this.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
No follow up
A few mistakes in our flight itinerary, one of the hotels dropped the ball regarding transfers, had to be stressed out and contacted Chris he got back to us and said he would look into it. He said he would get back to us but never heard from him again. Chris never followed up after the trip either as we expected he might do to get our feedback or explain what happened. One of the hotels we stayed at was under construction. Things happen on holidays that are out of peoples control I get it but we feel with how things happened there would have been some follow up. We are well travelled and have done many private tours with follow up afterwards.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolute recommendation!
We visited Zanzibar for 4 days and made a journey across the mainland where we visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Lake Ndutu, South- Central- and North Serengeti, Pololeti, Lake Natron and Arusha. David “Google”, our tourguide, did a excellent job showing us the beauty of the wildlife in Tanzania. For 8 days he was not only our driver, but also our guide with all the answers to our many questions. His nickname “Google “ was well deserved. He explained so much about the ways of the animals and also about the nature and the vegetation. We were very lucky that we’ve spotted the big five multiple times and saw many lions and cheetah’s. David knows where the best pictures can be taken and we felt really secure with him as the driver. Besides his enjoyable gamedriving skills David is also a relaxed guy to join you on your travels. He constantly checks-in, notices your nonverbal signs and is very flexible when the plan changes. He communicates easily and speaks English very well. We finished the day in the jeep with a drink in the camp, make sure you ask him about his favorite drink, and shared some nice stories and good laughs. David absolutely made our trip, so be sure you’re the lucky few that can ride along in his jeep! He also knows the right people in the area of the camps if you are interested in an excursion. We can recommend Lebangootie as a guide for Lake Natron. He will show you the wonderful surroundings and tell you about the cultural life as well. Make sure to visited the waterfalls. Lebangootie is part of the community that lives near the river and made us feel very welcome during our visit. Definitely ask for him! Lake Ndutu was our favorite camp. As you are coming up to the Serengeti we had an escort of many, many giraffes on our travels. When we arrived at the camp, the bonfire was on and we were so very welcomed by Abdallah and his colleagues. It’s truly amazing that in the middle of nowhere you get that kind of comfort in a tented camp but also the very pleasant atmosphere coming from Abdallah and staff. Great guys! We slept like 2 baby cheetah’s with the sound of a roaring lion in the background. Magical place!
Also special thanks to Anouk Arts for being so helpful and flexible planning this trip. If you’re from the Netherlands and looking for a welk-organized dream tour, definitely contact Anouk.
So as it shows, our holiday was not only made by the many animals we got to experience in their natural habitat, but also by the wonderful people we’ve met. Honest, pure, super friendly, really trying to do their up most best to give an overwhelming experience.
Therefore asante sana David!! Love from your dada and kaka from the Netherlands.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional and smooth unforgettable safari experience
We had a great 2-day safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro, expertly orangised by Hekima Safari. Many thanks to Richard for arranging the trip and tour guides Victor and Ambrose for their attention to detail, enthusiasm and humour.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Simply perfect!
We did the trekking up to Mount Kenya with Jimmy as guide. It was such a great experience. We felt very safe at all times. He and his team are very well prepared and know the mountain and its dangers perfectly. They help you with everything prior, during and after! It's something I absolutely recomend for trekking lovers. Being able to see the sunrise from the top of Lenana peak it's something we will not forget!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best! Such a wonderful team and amazing safari
Incredible safari, reservations team were amazing, they managed to accomodate all our requests at very short notice, and exceeded our expectations. Great knowledge and choice of lodges that were perfect for our needs, and all at a very good price. Thanks so much for the wonderful experience!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous once in a lifetime experience
I climbed Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route in June 2023 with Almighty Kilimanjaro and had an excellent experience. I have never done anything similar before, I like hiking, but have not specifically trained for it. So this, and the fact that I was travelling alone as a woman, both made me a bit worried beforehand.
But there was nothing to worry about. There were two other girls in my group and the Almighty Kili team made sure we had a superb experience. Pace and breaks were adjusted to our strengths, the food was great - and sooo much! Especially our guides Jackson and Paul were great. Friendly, helpful but also absolutely professional. The whole team was really nice and I'm really really grateful for all of their hard work. Without them reaching the top would be impossible.
35-50 years of age
Unforgettable Kilimanjaro climb via the 6-day Machame route
I’m glad I chose African traces for my Kilimanjaro climb via the 6-day Machame route. Marko, the owner, was very responsive throughout the planning phase and made modifications up until the last moments to make sure all my expectations were met. In all, I couldn’t have asked for a better crew of people to help me reach the summit. The porters were simply incredible—making sure camp was meticulously set up before my arrival everyday. It was impossible to go hungry with the endless array of food and the many memorable soups prepared by the chef. My guide was knowledgeable and worked well with the rest of the crew. He even helped carry my daypack when i struggled on summit day, which made all the difference. In addition to receiving my tips, it was great to witness all the members of the team get their salaries during the giving ceremony. I had read stories prior to my trip about the exploitative practices of some of the tour companies, and was happy to know I chose a company that valued the efforts of the amazing crew. If I ever make it back for another Kilimanjaro climb or safari trip or Zanzibar beach vacation, I will definitely be using African Traces. Thank you for getting me to the top and back. Asante sana.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
3 days to Amboseli and Tsavo east
An excellent experience with Africa Starpal tours and safaris. This company gave us a Trustworthy and very good service with a confortable and clean 4x4 van. Very good value for money.
Our guide-driver, Boniface, was very professional,easygoing and full of knowledge about the animals, environment and tribes. He was always ready to spend as much time as possible in the game drives. He was safe and reliable.
We'll surely go with them if we come back to Kenia!!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Spectacular wild life in Ruaha, helpful guide and relaxing atmosphere
We went on a three day/two night trip at Ruaha and really enjoyed the game drive with Michael! It was amazing how fast we were able to see so many different kinds of animals - we couldn't have imagined! Also we had the impression that Michael really loves the animals and nature, he had a lot of information for us and knew when and where to find the animals.
Special thanks again for helping us buying bus tickets in Iringa after the safari!
The accommodation in bandas and food was fine!