US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was clear that we were working with a tour operator who knew what he was doing.
We had Discover Africa plan pretty much our entire trip (16 days in country with two travel days). They did all the transfers, picked out the lodgings, managed our airfare in country and booked all of our guides.
Everything went EXACTLY as planned with no hiccups or issues of any kind.
Our transfers were always waiting for us. Our guides were always great people to talk to, knowledgeable and on time.
We loved having the online itinerary to look through and share with friends to look at our plans. We made some small tweaks here and there to what Matthys suggested and in hindsight, we probably should have just done what he suggested.
We stayed in two different bush camps to see different terrains and animals, and that was a really smart choice. The places he picked out were high quality and really enjoyable. The hotel in Cape Town was exactly what we wanted. We wanted a mid range hotel near the waterfront where we were close to everything as we planned on being out touring and doing things.
We would definitely use this company again and will recommend them to others without reservation.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good value for money
My husband and I had 2 day Mikumi NP safari tour from Dar es Salam in the beginning of February. I contacted Mwajabu, tour operator, and she promptly responded to my request. We started chatting via What’s up application and she answered all my questions and concerns. I was hesitant to go for this tour from Dar since driving time is 5-6 hours. But I didn’t have to many options for this short period of time(2 days) and from this departing point. When we met with Mwajabu in hotel in DAR a day before tour, she provided us with all details: car/driver from DAR, safari driver in park, accommodations, meals etc. Everything was organized perfectly. Our driver Abdulla picked up us early in the morning from hotel and drove us to Mikumi in AC car. Thanks Abdulla we were able to start safari at 0900. Drive from DAR is long but you are passing through villages and towns of Tanzania and have chance to watch nature and life of people.
In Mikumi park we switched to jeep in which I and husband were the only passengers and Bob, the hero driver, took us on safari. The wild life in Milumi is abundant with elephants, impalas, buffalos, zebras, giraffes and oth. We were lucky to see night predator lion both days thanks Bob”s efforts.
Our accommodations were beyond expected. Bastion camp reminded more comfortable resort rather than tented camp. We were staying in private cottage with netted bed, private shower. Chef prepared delicious buffet style dinner.
In spite of long drive from DAR, we got tons of positive impressions about wild life in Mikumi park. Tour was well prepared and ran smoothly from the beginning to the end.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant, well organized, interesting, interactive. We had an amazing time with Johnson & co!!
Johnson's organization was pretty close to flawless, and he catered to our changes of mind during the trip with no issue at all.
Johnson and our drivers (George and Peter) doubled as experts on the wildlife and local culture, gave us a whole bunch of fun personal stories and anecdotes, and brought us to superb animal sighting places. They also spotted many animals we missed.
The animals were amazing, and Johnson's team made sur we saw everything we could. Highly recommended!
QA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing budget safari
The communication before the tour was excellent - Fredinah was always on hand to answer questions. The tour was even rearranged a little so that my husband spent his birthday on safari rather than travelling - the staff were very professional and ensured my husband had a surprising trip! We would definitely recommend this tour. The guides were knowledgable and food was plentiful. Excellent trip all round!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Professional, detail oriented and excellent communication.
Compass Odyssey was great with communications. Darren answered all questions promptly before our trip, checked in with us during our trip and followed up with us after our trip as well. The accommodations that they recommended were fantastic, especially Batonka Lodge. We were very happy with our tour operators in Zimbabwe, Ruth and Mortimer. Ruth and Mortimer were prompt and flexible in all our arrangements. They made us feel welcome in Victoria Falls and helped make arrangements during our stay there seamless. When one of our group members had a fall during our stay, Ruth drove us to a medical clinic late in the evening and made sure we were looked after. Ruth also followed up with us after our trip to make sure we returned safely. We especially enjoyed our tour of Victoria Falls with ranger Baks, who was knowledgeable and friendly. Our stay in Chobe at the Garden lodge was also enjoyable. The food was incredible, the staff friendly and our safari guide was also knowledgeable.
EE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari, good service!
We spent 4 very happy days with Ene in Tarangire and Ngorongoro. We saw much different animals and heard much interesting information about local lifestyle. Very impressive was also vist to Hadžabe tribe. We slept in tent hobuse at almost fully clear land, which was particulary nice and romantic.
Big thanks to Ene and Emmanuel for these amusing days!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I have made countless trips to Kenya, I guarantee you there is no better service to be found.
I have used White Plains Tours for more than 14 years and have never had a bad experience. Joseph Mwangi is an excellent planner and always provides the experience expected. I have used them for groups ranging from 1 to 23 people and the level of professionalism is outstanding. Whether you are looking for the typical Safari experience, or you need a more customized itinerary White Plains delivers.
I highly recommend White Plains to anyone visiting Kenya. I have made countless trips to Kenya and East Africa over the last 20 years and I guarantee you there is no better service to be found. They are simply the best.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 21-day private safari
We can’t say enough nice things about Shadows of Africa, Jake, Stacy, and especially our fantastic driver-guide, Fredy. Over several months, Jake and Stacy helped us plan the most fantastic 21-day safari imaginable. Their great suggestions and patience resulted in the best trip we have ever taken. And then, there’s Fredy: Warm, funny, patient, and always looking for ways to make our experience the best it could be. Thanks also for teaching us some Swahili. We’ll never forget “Sawa Sawa,” “Hakuna Matata,” and our favorite, “Pole, Pole. Sisi ni waze!” (Slowly, slowly, we are old!) Asante sana, dear friend. We miss you!
We visited parks in Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti (Ndutu and Seronera regions), as well as Zanzibar, and took countless tours, from tasting banana beer and visiting a coffee plantation, to hunting with Hadzabe tribesmen and observing Datoga blacksmiths at work. Of course, we saw an amazing variety animals, not to mention all of the big five (including three rhinos and two leopards in trees). Thanks to our wonderful guide, Fredy, we saw so many animals up close that we usually didn’t need our Nikon P900’s 83x zoom lens.
With only one exception, our lodging was great throughout Tanzania (staff warm and accommodating, rooms comfortable and roomy, and food tasty and plentiful, especially the soups). We stayed in Moivaro Lodge (Arusha), Lemala Mpingo Ridge (Tarangire), Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp (Lake Eyasi), Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Kenzan Luxury Camp (Ndutu), Ole Serai Luxury Camps, Moru Kopjes (the 5 lions roaring outside our tent all night were a nice touch!) and Turner Springs, My Blue Hotel and Maru Maru Hotel (Zanzibar). The only bad experience we had was at My Blue Hotel in Zanzibar, and Julia at Shadows of Africa quickly solved that issue for us.
We will never forget our amazing Tanzanian experience, and we are so grateful to Shadows of Africa for making it possible. Fredy, we will never forget you. We wish you all the best!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent , Fantastic guide. Special thanks to Thomas for making trip a memorable experience!!!
The service lived up to expectations. KhiliHolidays ensured that we were informed about every little detail prior to the event.
The only thing I wish is that this package included Mt Kilimanjaro tour instead of Lake Manyara. Lake Manyara does not add any new perspective after visiting Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best safari in kenya
We were on a 5 day long safari from Nairobi to Amboseli national park and tsavo east and tsavo west. Everything went smoothly with James in the beginning. he always responded to our queries by email within 1 day and although the deposit is made prior to the safari by bank transfer, all went great.
Niki was our driver and we always felt in safe hands. he is a very experienced driver who knows a lot about kenyas history and wildlife and explained everything whenever you had questions. we felt very comfortable and Niki always met our expectations. He made sure we see lots of animals and most of the time was one of the first drivers who arrived when an animal was seen. we would definitely choose wildlife safari again and choose Niki again as our driver, he became a dear person to us! thank you again. we would highly recommend it.