35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Morningstar went out fo their way to do a GREAT JOB!
Our trip started with a visa issue that was OUR FAULT. Morningstar found some contacts and a way to make sure our safari went off on time adn without a hitch. Also, the accommodations, transportation, meals, guides, etc were all flawless. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic family trip with Jema Safaris
After researching safari operators on Safribookings.com, we were able to compare itineraries for our planned trip in Tanzania, over the Christmas holiday break. We chose Jema Safaris, mainly for their responsiveness in answering questions and clear communication via email and Whatsapp. We also preferred working with a smaller tour operator, expecting a more personalized experience. Jema Safaris did not disappoint. We travelled on a private safari with the six of us (mum, dad, four adult children ages 18 – 22 years old) and our experience was beyond our expectation.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our tour guide, Hassan, was waiting to bring us to our first lodge, where we were warmly greeted by hotel employees. Our luggage arrived a day late, but Jema Safaris helped organize picking them up late at night. For the next eight days, we would embark on game drives through five different national parks in Northeastern Tanzania: Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Manyara. Every single day was meticulously planned and carried out by Hassan from Jema Safaris. All lodging and food were planned for and taken care of by the tour company, meaning there was absolutely no stress about check-in, dining (including the accessibility of every meal, given that two of our family members have allergies and dietary restrictions), or safety. We had medication that requires refrigeration and the vehicle we drove around in had a fridge. Jema Safaris also stocked the fridge with water bottles and binoculars (we brought some of our own as well so that everyone had access to a pair).
The land cruiser we rode in every day (for over 1,500km total!) was comfortable and had windows at each seat, making even the longer drives feel pleasant. We had an excellent view of our surroundings, roof up or down, and Hassan was both familiar with our path through the national parks and with the vehicle he was driving. He knew exactly at which moments and for how long to stop to get the best views of all animals and was willing to stop when we spotted something we wanted another photo of. We never felt unsafe in the vehicle or like Hassan was unsure where he was going.
Each lodge we stayed at had excellent dining, clean rooms, beautiful surrounding landscapes, friendly staff, Wi-Fi, and amenities. We stayed at Planet Lodge in Arusha, Eileen’s Trees and the Country Lodge in Ngorongoro, and Moyo Luxury Tents in Serengeti. We were impressed by the attentiveness and welcoming nature of the staff. We spent Christmas Eve at the Moyo Luxury Tents and the staff sang a traditional Tanzanian welcome song complete with clapping, dancing, and lights. For our daughter’s birthday on the 18th, both the Country Lodge (for breakfast) and Eileen’s Trees (for dinner) sang another host of songs and surprised her with cakes and candles.
Jema Safaris ensures that you not only have the most incredible time viewing the stunning landscape and animal views that Tanzania has to offer, but that you learn lots, all while taking in Tanzania’s national language of Swahili and the culture in all surrounding areas. By the end of the trip, we were beginning to memorize the Tanzanian welcome song (”Jambo!”) and could say a whole host of words in Swahili. Hassan taught us endless facts about Tanzania, the animals, the landscapes, and the Maasai and Tanzanian people from different tribes. On our last day, he even brought us to a village at the base of Kilimanjaro where we learnt how coffee is made by hand and tasted traditional Tanzanian food.
As for the animals we saw—the list seems never-ending. We saw the usual animals that many people hope to see on their game drives (lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, baboons), but Tanzania’s explosion of wildlife did not stop there: we saw countless birds (storks, vultures, egrets, flamingos, guinea fowls, ostriches, toucans, starlings, weavers, korri bustards, eagles, secretary birds, kingfishers, falcons, Egyptian geese, herons, and so many more), antelopes (Thomson and Grant gazelles, impalas, elands, bushbucks, dik-diks, waterbucks, red duikers, hartebeests, and Topi), monkeys (blue Celebes monkeys, vervet monkeys and the rare Arusha-native black and white Celebes monkeys), big cats (cheetahs and leopards), and more (wildebeest, hippos, water buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, mongoose, agama and monitor lizards, hyrax, turtles, crocodiles, chameleons, and even a scorpion). We also got to see two of the sixteen(!) black rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater National Park from a distance, which was magical. The highlight of our safari was watching a group of female lions hunt a warthog piglet in front of our eyes. We were also lucky enough to watch both elephants and ostriches mating. You WILL see animals every day!
But the wildlife and landscape in Tanzania does not stop with the animals. Every day, we witnessed something new, including but not limited to the enormous baobab trees, different types of acacias, “kopje” rocks (including the very one that the Lion King copied for its drawings), waterfalls, stretching endless plains (which is the English translation of the Maasai word “Serengeti”), a volcanic crater (Ngorongoro), tall mountains, thick rainforests, woodlands, and valleys. The weather in December was excellent (70s-80s Fahrenheit every day)---not too hot or cold. You will want to bring sunscreen, but it’s available to purchase in Arusha as well.
It’s a good idea to bring cash---ATMs are available but they have a maximum daily limit. Most places accept US Dollars.
We instantly felt at home in Tanzania, thanks to the local people and most of all, our fabulous guide Hassan. We cannot stop talking about our experience with Jema Safaris and will remember this trip for the rest of our lives!
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jeff was very professional, perfect guide for this safari!
Very good communication before & during the safari. The transport was perfect & the safari too, very good explanations from the guide. I’ll recommend!
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip ever
Our decision to explore Namibia stemmed from its reputation for impressive and remote landscapes. Little did we anticipate the extraordinary warmth and hospitality of the Namibian people, adding a distinctive layer to our travel experience.
Engaging the services of Great Explorations Namibia, we were assisted by Anja van Neel, who demonstrated exceptional proficiency. The entire experience, from meticulously planned routes to budget considerations and hotel selections, showcased a commitment to excellence. This was particularly appreciated as first-time travelers to Africa, navigating an unfamiliar environment.
Our two-week itinerary, centered around hotel accommodations instead of camps, allowed us to appreciate Namibia's unique charm. Notable places such as Sossusvlei's towering red dunes, the otherworldly landscapes of Deadvlei, and the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park enriched our journey.
In summary, our experience was nothing short of stellar, and we eagerly anticipate a return visit. Our unequivocal recommendation stands at 100%.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Namib-Naukluft National Park by Javier Jerez
Awesome
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect organization
All was good with Jocky tours! We also asked to modify the itinerary when we were there already and the day after it was done!
And our guide Isaac was fantastic, funny and very qualified!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic experience created by our wonderful guide Zachary
We booked the 7 days midrange private tour with the 4x4 Jeep. The experience was fantastic and will never be forgotten. A crucial factor that made this a memorable trip was our guide Zachary, he is a veteran in the industry and a champ in spotting the animals, sharing his knowledge always with passion and a smile.
Apart from the safari, all were very helpful, for example by assisting in booking train tickets. Customization of the trip wasn't a problem at all. We highly recommend the company and in particular Zachary.
The accomodations were fine, don't expect too much from it but definitely value for money. I would advice to take the 4x4 Jeep instead if the van as apart from the extra comfort, it also gives a better opportunity to see more animals as it can cover more off road side paths.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent service from start to finish.h
From start to finish we had an amazing experience. From booking via email, Caroline always provided speedy replies and answered any questions we had before making the booking. Airport pick up and transfer was seamless. We were taken around Arusha by Jefferey and given a tour of a few spots. All the hotels/camps we stayed at were to a very high standard. Our guide, Camillus, was incredibly knowledgeable, kind and welcoming. He really looked after us well. Everyone we met was so polite and went out of their way to be helpful. We couldn't have asked for a better experience and we will certainly be back again in future. Thank you for the perfect holiday.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Leave it on him , he will do the best
Great organised tour package , everything was perfect as promised , they even organised complimentary airport drop . Resort were great but the best part of tour was our guide David , he actually worked hard so that we can see all big five number of times and explained the characteristics of each animal in detail . Thanks team Explores
