IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Affordable and reliable Safari tour
I and my boyfriend did the 7 days Safari tour in December 2019 and we are really happy with the experience. It was our first Safari.
We saw a lot of different animals and environments, doing several interesting extra activities (we suggest mountain biking in Hell's Gate, boat tour in Nakuru and The Masai Village visit). Our driver/guide Jeff was exceptional: he was friendly and helpful, with long-standing experience. Please note that some accommodations/meals in the budget safari (the one we chose) are quite basic and sometimes a bit wild (like the tented camp in Amboseli)... but of course, that's part of the adventure ;)
Also, it was positive to us the fact that communications with Big Time Safari Ltd, before our arrival in Kenya, were constant and clear: Martha has been very patient in answering all our questions, satisfying our requests (like the presence of vegetarian meals) and evaluating with us different Safari tour options.
NL
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Charlie's Travels has been a very good and kind tour operator
Charlie's Travels make's sure that you and them together design a trip that fits your needs. They are pretty flexible in planning the trip and have a lot more options than other travel agencies. I met a lot of travelers who weren't familier with the places i went to, most peopled follow the more 'touristy' route. I loved it to be in place with less (foureign) tourist and more locals. The communication before my trip and on my trip were very good. They made sure that everything was going alright with me. I would highly recommend this company for anyone who is traveling on his/her own!
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Personalized and professional - amazing experience
We went on a 3 day Safari trip with Topi after our hike on Kilimanjaro (also with Topi and extremely satisfied!). We had an amazing guide/driver (Chris) who made our 3 days fantastic! His knowledge and ability to personalize the trip to us was just perfect, we had an amazing experience, got to see lots of animals and learnt so much from our guide who was clearly a high level expert.
The whole organizaiton around our trip was so personal and we would highly recommend Topi Adventures to anyone thinking about a safari trip (or kili hike) in Tanzania!
Everything from the itinerary to the accommodations exceeded our expectations and there is really nothing negative we can mention about our experience with Topi.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Tour
Our safari was excellent, from pick up at the airport to our last day. We did a 6 days safari with Bison Safari and we had a rewarding experience.
Thanks to the superb planning by Maggie and her team. The itinerary was well detailed capturing all our needs.Their attention to detail was extraordinary. James our driver guide was very helpful with spotting the animals. He indeed was very knowledgeable and professional. We got to see a pride of lions kill a zebra and tons of wildlife and birds. We left with so many memories. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect trip.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Knowledgeable, thoughtful, and organized from quoting to end of safari
Tasneem worked with me to prepare a safari within my specifications. She guided me away from safari locations that may not have had much game this time of the year. She presented extensive options and combinations of lodges and safari packages that I asked for without any complaints. I think karibu should offer suggestions for other options while on safari like, olduvai gorge trip, Maasai village trip, and other small trips off the beaten path. Although we did not have the time for that I think others may be interested and not know of these options.
During the safari, I wish time was not taken off the trip to get permits etc daily. I understand this is the process, but maybe all the tour operators could work with the park services to remedy this, it's a huge inconvenience for someone to waste about 2 hours or so on a 4 day safari driving around to get a permit.
The driver Lawrence was knowledgeable and we were able to see all the animals we wanted. He was very careful about our safety too and seemed to be more knowledgeable that most other drivers I have been with. He was able to be flexible when the walking safari took too long. The walking safari at lake ndutu lux lodge was good, but I wish the guide would spend more time looking and showing us animals up close than small insects and animal droppings. Those were interesting but generally boring and pointless. I also wish they would not pressure you into tipping them (walking safari) tipping is something you earn, not deserve.
The lake ndutu lodge accommodations and meals were exceptional, although the packed lunches could be better and safer, cooked chicken should be kept either hot or cold.
The rooms and food at the ngorongoro farmhouse have deteriorated from 5 years ago, definitely not recommending that location in its current state. The evening entertainers were also annoying, bothering us into dancing when we only wanted to relax and enjoy the view. Although they did try their best to accommodate us, we moved from a big smelly room that was darker from overgrowth to a smaller room with a better view.
I would also make it clear to customers in the future who book Serengeti and ngorongoro, that they will only be going to ngorongoro area (lake ndutu area) and not the central plains as there are no animals there.
Karibu was kind enough to accommodate our late flight from jro, by taking us to the Arusha coffee house.
I would also recommend refurbishment of the vehicle so that the windows were larger and the seats more comfortable.
I would also recommend trips that start at the airstrips in the parks as the trip from jro is long, maybe even just the return leg.
In summary, the trip was generally exciting and well organized
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy, comfortable, enriching and budget adjusted
Easy, comfortable, enriching and budget adjusted
First of all I have to recommend the travel to Uganda. It is an incredible country, safe with an enormous environmental wealth.
We contact Frena Tour quite late and even so they were able to manage everything we asked.
The communication was always easy and fluid vie e.mail. Was very easy to get an agreement and common understanding.
We did the reservation with a app similar to paypal but used more frequently in Africa and it worked perfectly.
The driver, Willy was totally punctual the first date and he was patient, friendly, respectful and a great guide. Was really a pleasure to do the travel with him.
The car was very comfortable taking into account the long travel by road in the country.
I totally would repeat it with this company and will fully recommend for future trips.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Prompt, reliable, excellent service.
Shah Tours ensured our Safari was planned and executed glitch free. We had an awesome experience with them. I would highly recommend their services.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Honest, Professional, Personalized Services and Value for Money
I & family used All Season Safaris for a short 3 days / 2 nights weekend tour to Masai Mara between 20th & 23rd Nov 2019 . The wildlife sightings were amazing . And the choice of hotel lodgings was just what we yearned for. Our initial correspondence leading to the booking of the safari was prompt and both Dennis & Alex addressed all our initial concerns. The price was value for money. In fact I had a long list of Tour Operators to choose from but I finally zeroed in on All Seasons Safaris & Tours. I highly recommend them to all prospective travelers out there who are preparing to tour Kenya. Masai Mara is a great place. Its was one of our family MUST- DOs and we are happy we fulfilled our dream.
IL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bad organization, amazing experience
Karibu booked me and another traveler on another company's vehicle without notifying us. This caused some issues as the schedule didn't entirely match the one advertised and the driver had been told that we were going for 3 days instead of the 4 we had paid for. In addition, the vehicles used were really not suitable for the road conditions and we got stuck 3 times, once having to exit the vehicle as it flooded with water and threatened to tip over.
Overall, however, the safari was incredible and our driver and guide Ken was super helpful and accommodating! Do note that if you book the 4 day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari you don't have to pay for the boat tour; Karibu is supposed to pay for it.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
First ever safari experience was amazing!
Jambo! Antony Gitau was extremely helpful with helping me plan and book my first ever safari. Antony was timely in his replies to my questions and made me feel very comfortable while planning my safari. I decided on a 3 day safari to Maasai Mara with lodging inside the National Reserve.
Day 1: Alex, my Safari guide, arrived at my hotel just after 7am to start our trip. The drive from Nairobi to Maasai Mara was close to 6hrs. This was perfect because it provided Alex and I the opportunity to get acquainted and for him to learn my interests for the safari. Along the way, Alex stopped at an overlook spot of the Great Rift Valley. There was a small souvenir shop were the shop owner was able to explain the history of the valley and describe the terrain features and land marks. A great opportunity to purchase a souvenir. We also stopped in the town of Narok to enjoy grilled African street corn, it was good! We finally arrived in Maasai Mara and within the first 5 we came across 5 lioness. As we made our way to Ilkeliani camp we saw elephants and Cape buffalo. Two of the Big 5 down, 3 to go. After checking into camp, we went back out for our afternoon game drive. We saw plenty of animals, giraffes, Thompson gazelle, Impalas, a Cheetah, Zebra, and a male lion. That’s 3 out of 5!
Day 2: Started this day with a balloon ride. Overall it was a great experience with a beautiful view of the African savanna. The whole ride lasted just over an hour. At the beginning of the ride we spotted 2 Leopards on a tree, 4 of 5!! The champagne breakfast at the end of the balloon ride was amazing. We had the pleasure of enjoying our champagne and breakfast while watching several giraffes eating leaves from a nearby tree. I met up with Alex after my breakfast and we continued with our game drive. Suddenly we were racing down the road, a Black Rhino was spotted! We did it! The BIG 5! Alex delivered.
Day 3: Final game drive out of Maasai Mara. We spotted plenty of Hyenas on our way out. It was a most excellent trip. My trip ended with the drive back to Nairobi and lunch at Carnivore.
Thank you Antony for arraigning my trip, Alex for delivering on my interests and being a most excellent guide and the staff at Ilkeliani Camp. If you are traveling alone or a small group, I highly recommend booking a private safari with Tazama Africa Holidays. Thank you for the memories!
Asante Sana.