65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Three fantastic days at Ruaha
My adult son and I had three wonderful days in Ruaha National Park, organised and hosted by Wild Gaze Safaris. Communication from Wild Gaze before the trip was excellent, and when a problem with our payment (caused by a third party payment system) became apparent Wild Gaze were excellent at finding solutions.
Wild Gaze sent us a detailed plan for the three days prior to travelling to Iringa. The plan was exactly what we had asked for. My son and I caught a bus from Dodoma to Iringa, and were met at the bus station by Isaac our guide and driver. We then travelled to Ruaha, stopping at a wonderful restaurant for lunch about 30 minutes away from the Park entrance. After lunch we had a full afternoon in the park where Isaac found a large number of giraffes (my favorite animals) and a wide variety of other game. After sunset we had an excellent dinner at the restaurant in the Park, and then went to our accommodation. The beds were comfortable, and the bathroom facilities were adequate.
The next day we had an early breakfast and then were out promptly into the park where we saw a huge number of elephants (my son's favourite), and a huge range of other animals. The highlight was finding three lionesses stalking and then chasing a herd of water buffalo. It was spectacular and we had front row seats!
We were delighted to see at least three different groups of lions, and a huge range of different types of game.
Isaac was very knowledgeable and pointed out features of plants, birds, landscape, and game that we would not have otherwise been alert to. We certainly had a fabulous time. The safaris were outstanding, the meals were excellent, the banda accommodation was comfortable, and the connections with our buses at Iringa went smoothly. Also, Isaac made sure we were satisfied with what was happening during the day.
Wild Gaze Safaris did a brilliant job.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
We really enjoyed our journey with Charles as a guide! The Ol Turkai lodge was an amazing place to live and Amboseli is a wonderful park!
RU
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An exciting safari
A few days ago, we returned from a Safari that was organized by Kiliholidays, it was an amazing Safari in Selous Park We saw everyone-elephants, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, crocodiles hippos... and even 5 lions!!!
Our driver Paul is very professional.He knows a lot about birds and animals. And of course, many thanks to Mack, with whom I communicated for the organization this Safari. He worked also very professionally and patiently. I very recommend Kiliholidays
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Turn Key Operator made our vacation stress free
Mwaje was timely with responding to our relatively complicated accommodation. We had a complex trip which involved part private bookings and part bookings with him as we visited friends in Kenya. I was surprised how efficiently his drivers would show up to pick us up, drop off our luggage, transfer us from one accommodation to the next. It was relieving to know that we were always taken care of. One of our flights had to be changed at the last minute and Mwaje personally called and paid the driver the difference of our cab fare. It was very professional.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional, skilled, and respectful of the animals.
The tour exceeded my expectations. Our guide provided time to enjoy the animals when they came close. We had the privilege of seeing many animals including a herd of elephants. I was so pleased at the respect our guide took with the animals when they were close.
NO
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent staff, too service and a super guide
Very good from the beginning to the end. Good Communication with the representative during the planning and organizeing, and also during the safari. Skilled people on site, and a super guide took very good care of us. All our expectations were fullfilled.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
2-day safari + 7-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Great experience booking with Barafu Tours during my trip to Tanzania. I am a solo, female traveler in my late 20s and felt safe and well-cared for the entire time. I will state a disclaimer that I tend to rough it, am very "go-with-the-flow," and have low expectations when traveling, so I was blown away by the conditions and hospitality on this trip. But if you have a different travel style or expectations, you may have a different experience. September was a great time of year for this trip, in my opinion, because it was dry season. However, there are pros and cons to consider. During safari, it was low season so there were few cars in the parks, but the downside being the conditions were dry and yellow. During Kilimanjaro, there was no rain and ideal hiking conditions, but the mountain was also quite busy with other hikers.
Prior to my visit, booking and scheduling was easy and Barafu was very responsive via email while we were finalizing the schedule. I also liked that the company is run by a Tanzanian owner who has great English and is very accommodating (even drove me to the airport in his personal car because all of the safari cars were in use). They truly want you to have a good experience.
On the website, note that the dates listed are tours that others have booked and you can join, but if the dates don't work for your schedule, you can contact Barafu to try to work something out.
Two-day safari (Sept 14-16): Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Didn't have enough time for Serengeti. I felt 2 days in 2 very different parks was perfect for me and I was able to see a lot! Itinerary: Day 1 - Departed Moshi around 8am, afternoon drive in Tarangire. Day 2 - Full day in Ngorongoro. Day 3 - Return to Moshi and visited Masai village on the way. Guide was extremely knowledgable, personable and accommodating. Stayed at the "mid-range" lodging option in Karatu and was blown away - definitely felt like it could have been the "luxury" option with pool, spa, fireplace in my room, amazing hospitality from staff.
Kilimanjaro 7-day Machame Route (Sept 17-23, off the mountain by 12pm on the 23rd): What a life changing experience and well worth the price. At the last minute the other hiker dropped and therefore I was going to be a solo hiker with the crew of porters, guides and cooks. I preferred to hike with a group of other first time hikers and Barafu was extremely accommodating - they used their connections with other tour companies to allow me to join a group of 3 other hikers from a different company. I am young and athletic and am very glad I did the 7-day hike. The acclimatization profile of the 6-day hike would have been challenging for me. The guides are very well trained, knowledgable, and I fully trusted them. They took our oxygen and pulse each night and briefed us on the plan for the following day. Food was amazing and the porters work extremely hard. Note: Please take note of guidance on tipping. These folks work so hard to help you succeed and I felt it was important to tip well - I spent about $300USD in tipping which is not included in the price of the hike. Make sure to bring tip money with you on the hike because the final day on the mountain you are given the opportunity to tip. Another note: I was able to buy Diamox (for altitude) at a Pharmacy in Moshi for $3USD the day before the hike.
Overall, great experience with Barafu - would recommend to my own family and friends. It was nice to book safari and Kilimanjaro with the same company for ease of logistics and payment.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
BEST EXPERIENCE! It was an amazing trip that was coordinated by the best Safari Travel Agency.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND. The communication was superb, Sylvester and the rest of his team was prompt with answering my queries and always had suggestions on improving our safari. The expectation was exceeded, the hotels we stayed at was more than we could ask for. We did a 4 day stay in Zanzibar after our safari and that was a great decision, the hotel we stayed at was more than what we expected. Hassan, our tour guide/driver was astounding, he made sure to that we saw all the animals we wanted to see and always positioned our land cruiser in the perfect place to get the best pictures. If you can upgrade to a Land Cruiser, it will be worth it. I can't thank Hassan, Sylvester and the rest of the team with how our first time to Kenya went so amazingly! We're already looking forward to our next adventure in Africa. Overall the best experience and will definitely use Seven By Far Tours in the future!
LK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Breathtaking safari
From the pick up at the Nairobi airport until the return there, it was a well planned tour. Our driver guide Geoff was a fantastic man who was exceptional in his jungle driving and reaching the wild animals. I had a little fear when the first lion group surrounded the land cruiser but for Geoff it was only a routine, safe moment. The lodging was also a more comfortable and safe place with protection of massai warriors. The hotel staff was also very friendly and keen on their work. I can happily say that I got the best wild safari experience.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Just perfect!
Since Patrick picked us up in the airport until he left us in Nairobi every thing has been perfect. We asked for hotels inside de parks (wich is quite important) and the stardart ones were excellence! Unforgettable experience!