US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding local tour operator
Safari Soles is a local safari tour operator based in Arusha, Tanzania. My wife and I went on our first Safari in July 2019, and I really had no idea about the best way to go about booking. What I quickly learned is that there are plenty of western based operators who will charge you a small fortune. Now, don’t get me wrong, they have a place and I am sure there are plenty of people willing to pay a premium for the perceived dependability of a company based in LA, New York, London etc. I say ‘perceived’ because, in the end, I had such good service from Safari Soles, that I really began to question how much value those big companies really add. Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.
We booked a 4 day, 3 night safari with a guide and a cook. We camped which was excellent. We went to Tarangire National Park, The Serengetti and finally the Ngorongoro crater. If you need a little more comfort, Bryson and the Safari Soles team can arrange lodges instead of camping for an extra fee. It was truly amazing, I didn’t know what to expect but this trip exceeded my expectations is every way. Our booking covered the 1 for transfers to and from JRO airport, the first and last night in a hotel in Arusha (we were given a choice of 3) the services of an English speaking driver/guide (who had the sharpest eyes and spotting skills imaginable) our cook (who also helped with camp set-up and breakdown) 3 meals each day, campsite fees, and park entry fees. Only tips and souvenirs were extra. Bryson also added a short shopping tour of Arusha on our last morning.
Bryson and Safari Soles are super-dependable and trustworthy. We paid a 10% by Western Union (for which Bryson proactive emailed me his passport and ID cards for identity verification, we then paid the balance in cash (US$ in new bills are required everywhere in Tanzania) when we arrived. It feels really good to be putting money directly into the hands of local companies and not have fat margins skimmed off by middlemen. For me, this is really important.
Go on a safari and see these magnificent animals, it was wonderful.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It’s a great trip, everything was wonderful !the
Good serivice, the driver and guider they could speak English, they’d tried to show us every interesting things, looked for animals, also knowledgeable about these.
The accommodations in Naivasha was the best, not really good in Amboseli, but also very good, food was tasty in these lodge.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Adventure
We were well prepared for our trip with the information that was provided to us ahead of time by Kenneth. We had high expectations for our Safari, because our friends had gone and recommended that we use Kikwetu. Even with the wonderful review from our friends, we were amazed with our trip! Our guide, Livingston, was fun, knowledgeable, a phenomenal driver and guide, and accommodating. Livingston knew where numerous animal hideouts were to be found. He always asked if we were ready to move on and catered our safaris to things that we desired to see. We learned that each Safari vehicle only contains the person or group that booked the trip. Kikwetu NEVER puts people or groups together to fill a vehicle. This made our outings uniquely individualized. We also met many interesting people around the hotels.
The hotels were always clean and comfortable serving wide varieties of foods. Each hotel was special in its own way. I enjoyed having monkeys all around us at our first place. The second place had a beach nearby which permitted us to take a powerboat to an island and walk with zebras, Giselle, giraffes—they were a little shy—and more, but get close-up to hippos and birds. Later that day we walked back to the beach and rode a camel. What an amazing day! Our final hotel had a private yard with a river behind it. We saw many four legged visitors on the other side of the river and showered in our attached outdoor shower (There was also an Indoor shower).
We couldn’t have asked for anything more, and we are recommending Kikewetu to all of our friends and family members.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical trip on africian safari in Botswana
I think very highly of Kalahari Breeze Safaris. We booked them in October 2018 for our June 2019 safari. Everything happened as they explained. Maria was patient and kind with all of my questions. We saw amazing wildlife and had a superior and outstanding guide - can't say enough good things about him. The camping safari was an adventure I'll never forget. I felt safe and well cared for throughout the entire time.
US
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best time of my life.
I had such a great safari that I couldn’t even fathom using an other safari company. Have Ernest and Karen with us was amazing because they could help us with any information I was lacking (like my very own Encyclopedia). 10/10 would do again.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A once in a lifetime trip that did not disappoint.
From the moment we arrived at Belmond Eagle Island Resort, we were made to feel like royalty. The entire staff greeted us at the entrance in song, followed by refreshments and tour. The accommodations redefine the term "glamping" with our beautifully appointed tent that included an outdoor shower (as well as an interior shower and soaker tub), a walk-in closet and infinity pool on our deck. The food was as expected, just wonderful.
We chose the month of June as it's the ideal time to see the wildlife due to the fact its the wet season. Unfortunately, it just happened that it was the driest June they've experienced in 10 years. That said, it did not hamper or affect our visit in any manner. While sitting on our deck in our first minutes of arriving, we watched elephants, hippos, antelope, eagles, warthogs etc....thinking, who needs to go on a drive when you're surrounded by all of this wildlife.
We were assigned a guide when we arrived. The daily routine was, your guide comes to your tent at 6:00am with coffee for your wake up call. Breakfast at 6:30 then meet at the jeep for 7:00 - 7:30. The morning drive goes until approx 11:00am, return for lunch and then 'siesta' time until 3:00 when you meet at the main lodge for "tea" then back to the jeep for 3:30 for your afternoon drive. The afternoon drive lasts until sundown which ends at a scenic spot at which the guide sets up a little bar so you can enjoy a cocktail while you watch the sunset.
Being winter at that time, the morning temperature can be quite cool (between 5-10 degrees celsius). While they advise you to wear layers, fleece lined ponchos were provided as well as blankets for the morning drive. By the end of the morning drive however the layers are peeled off at the temperature shot up to the mid 20's. I don't think we saw a cloud the whole time we were there.
As a professional photographer I was thrilled that we had drives that included the beautiful 'golden hour light'. I was also very happy that our driver had a good understanding of light for photography and would always position our vehicle for the best possible angle to take pictures.
I won't get into the actual wildlife we witnessed, only to say that we pretty much saw it all, including the Big 5 - Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo. Our guide was amazing in his ability to track the various animals along with his knowledge of the area and wildlife.
Being a private reserve, we rarely saw another vehicle which for me enhanced the experience. As a bonus, I treated myself to a helicopter ride over the area which was a highlight of the trip, to see and photograph the animals from a different perspective. I would highly recommend the Belmond Lodges for that 'once in a lifetime trip and experience'
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The whole Safari was spectacular
Everything was great . From the trip to NBO national park to the safari at Masai Mara and L.Naivasha, everything was on Point! The lodges, scenery and the whole experience.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
We had a fantastic trip with this company. I would highly recommend them. Kenneth was very easy to work with and was responsive with all communication. The company allowed us to customize our trip to fit our needs. Chris was our driver/guide was amazing. We went to Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and the Mara. We saw the big 5 and more!
Book a trip with Kikwetu and you won't be disappointed.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Safari Experience
Our experience with Trek2Kili was absolutely fantastic! Communication leading up the safari was great and we felt like our experience was truly top-notch. We would highly recommend Trek2Kili for anyone looking for an incredible African safari adventure.