US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good Time Safaris Ltd is a RIP-OFF!!
Must sadly agree with others we were conned by Victor Godwin. Consider yourself warned if you book with him. Had the EXACT same experience as others:
We (a party of three) agreed to a safari itinerary via email communication and paid in advance, all inclusive. When we went on the safari, Victor called and asked if I could please pay for park entry fees. He promised to reimburse me once we got back to Arusha. Now the problem is that the drivers do not have funds for the park entry fees so you have no other option than to pay or not enter the park. Of course, he does not refund your additional expenses.
On our trip we had two vehicles on the tour, one for the three of us (a couple and an individual) and the other for a family. Long story short, he played the parties against each other, for park admission, hotel accommodation upgrades, etc. Each of us got taken for $600, for a total of $1800. The other family actually ended up missing their flight for a trip to Zanzibar!! When confronted, Victor claimed he would reimburse us all. We suspected, however, that being thousands of miles away in the US, we would never see that money.
It’s been 10 months since our safari. He stopped responding to my emails and we’ve never been reimbursed. I couldn’t make a claim against my credit card, as I didn’t pay Victor as part of the tour, but paid for entry directly to a park.
Victor is not a member of Tanzania Tour Operators Association. Make sure your tour operator is part of this organization. This essentially means that they are not able to help any customers who might have problems with Victor. Another reason for staying completely clear of this guy.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fabulous!!
We are back in Canada and dealing with jet lag, but just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful trip that you arranged for us! Richard did an amazing wine tour for us, and the hotels you arranged were fabulous! We loved Majeka, and O on the Kloof was funky and fun to stay at - we just wished we'd had more time to stay at both! We'll definitely recommend you for friends visiting and we will be back in a couple of years too! Thanks for everything.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Owner Paul Mwangi did everything possible to make our stay in Nairobi pre and post Safari enjoyable
We used Simba Paka to drive us in and around Nairobi, to and from airports, to dinner in Karen, to elephant and giraffe sanctiaries and to markets for shopping. Communication was rapid and reliable, and and pick-up times were respected.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
African Adventure Specialists will fulfill your dreams and will change your life forever.
There is absolutely nothing but positive things that I can say about this entire group. I had the pleasure of dealing with Martin, Andre and Winnie and they take all of your worries and concerns away by managing your trip from top to bottom with the utmost professionalism, knowledge, customer service and FUN that you could possibly imagine. From the airport pickup to the airport dropoff (which leaves you feeling as if you are leaving friends and family behind) everything is arranged to your specifications and more. Their knowledge of the history, customs, animals, food, destinations, etc. is beyond your expectations. My niece and I spent a full day in Nairobi before a safari in Samburu and another in the Maasai Mara. Our day in Nairobi was full of adventure and fun and everything flowed perfectly. We were allowed as much or as little time as we wanted at each destination and at the end of the day, we knew that AAS had arranged the perfect day for us, based on our interests. The hotel in Nairobi was excellent and Martin was even nice enough to spend a lot of time the week we were on safari trying to retrieve a toiletry bag that I left at the hotel. He went way and above the call of duty to do that for me. We stayed at Elephant Bedroom Camp in Samburu and it was spectacular. They call it Elephant Bedroom Camp for a reason - the elephants enjoy a stroll through the camp, leaving you with the most exhilarating feeling that you can imagine to have an elephant join you for breakfast! From Samburu, we went to the Mara and stayed at my favorite camp, the Mara Ngenche. I have stayed there several times and it never disappoints, no matter how many times I go back. I literally cannot say enough wonderful things about this team and the experience of a lifetime that they arrange for you. The entire process is seamless and perfectly executed with the nicest people I've met in my lifetime. Thank you to Martin, Andre and Winnie for making our dreams a reality and even better than expected.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
12-Day Safari in Kenia and Tanzania plus 3 Days Zanzibar
The trip was truly amazing and I would recommend AMAZING MEMORIES SAFARIS (AMS) without reservation.
I found the company's name on the website and was intrigued by its strong reviews. I did more research and obtained quotes from 2 other providers, but they could not beat the price offered by AMS.
My husband and I booked a tour that we found on the website of AMS (the "honeymoon" tour), but customised it a bit with Anne's help, covering Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Zanzibar. We corresponded with Anne exclusively via email which was easy and productive, because her responses were always prompt and very clear. Anne also picked us up from the airport in Nairobi, and her colleagues delivered two heavy suitcases to us for the return flight, which we didn't need for the safari and were able to store in the office. That was super helpful!!
The tour itself was truly amazing. We saw so many animals and were able to take spectacular pictures thanks mainly to our great guides/drivers, Kennedy in Kenia and Ikamba in Tanzania. They were great in pointing out animals at far distances which we would have never seen without them, and both were very professional and likeable at the same time.
We were also very happy with our itinerary--though if you hate long drives, I would probably stick with either Kenia or Tanzania instead of going to both.
As to the accommodations, most of the hotels and lodges (Eka hotel in Nairobi, Kibo Safari Camp in Amboseli, Mara Sopa Lodge in Maasai Mara, and Next Paradise in Zanzibar) were very comfortable with excellent food, and we really liked the experience of the tented camps in the Serengeti (Katikati and Ang'ata). Only the Crescent Camp in Lake Naivasha and (to some extent) the Rhino Lodge in Ngorongoro were a bit in need of repair, but we only spent one night in each--so it was ok.
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Machame route 6 days and 3 days of safari
The 6 days on Kilimanjaro was the best!
The crew was really good, and they did there very best for giving us an experience for life - and they did.
Thank you so much :-)
FI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded our expectation! Flexible, customized tours beyond the usual.
Nick is very professional and prompt. One of the many things we did appreciate is not only he responds quickly to our inquiries but he gave detailed explanations. Buya-buya is also flexible and went the extra mile with our requests. We felt secured and safe during our tours with buya buya. I would recommend everyone to support small company like buya buya because it will make your tours more personal.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great staff, amazing sights
I enjoyed the trip to Masai Mara and time we spent in Nairobi. Our drivers were friendly and helpful, and became more than just drivers but spent time with us as we explored the city and the nightlife. They were flexible in their schedules to accommodate our plans, and spent large parts of the day with us.
The safari time was amazing, the guide was very knowledgeable, and we had a great time. The accommodations were actually nicer than I anticipated, which was a little disappointing. It may sound strange, but I was hoping for a more authentic experience vs. staying in a very nice resort that only caters to rich tourists. The trip to the Masai village was good, but it felt a little like the whole town was set up to cater to tourists vs. just the way that regular people lived. I suppose there is no way to avoid that since we were foreigners paying for the experience.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, friendly and knowledgeable!
Federica and Ruan were great at organising a customised package to fit our likes and interests. They were very efficient, and quick to reply, and they provided a personal touch and friendly atmosphere the whole trip.
Thanks!
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Simply fantastic!
The best tour guides you'll find!
Attentive, friendly and fun. If you want to experience an amazing tour these are the greatest. Let them take you in an adventure like no other can.
You guys rock!