AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous and memorable
Before: Communication with Serengeti Smile was always very smooth and clear. Erick deserves to be mentioned here. He was always ready to answer all possible questions we had and adapt the trip to our needs. We went for a 4 day safari.
During: The safari was an amazing experience. We were very lucky with our driver/guide Baraka. Besides being a very good driver, he knew a lot about fauna&flora, which he showed/told us about, and he was a good companion to chat along and make jokes along the days we were practically travelling together. Baraka drove us to cool spots where we could see all possible animals. He had a plan on his mind where to go/what to see, so we could take advantage to the most of our safari experience. On the top of that it was very interesting to talk to him about the situation in Tanzania/Africa. 5 stars to Baraka as well! The accommodations Serengeti Smile booked for us were very good and the respective staff was always very kind to us. As being 2 women travelling there was no weird situation or anything that would make us feel uncomfortable nor insecure.
After: We couldn't praise more the services of Serengeti Smile. Everyone very professional, punctual, friendly and so on. So we definitely recommend their services and am not surprise anymore for such good reviews (as ours). We don't regret any cent we paid!
Thank you so much for such a fabulous and memorable experience!
br, Cláudia and Marina
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
John Paul is a fantastic guide. He is professional and patient. He makes sure we are safe and have an enjoyable time. Above all, he is very caring, always ensuring our friend who has leg injury to be as near to the washrooms, and helped to get in and out of the jeep safely. I highly recommend John for a wonderful safari experience.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Animals, Guides, and Camps/Lodges
My dad and I highly enjoyed our safari with Camptrek! We were super excited for the birds and saw more unique birds than we imagined. The parks were all very nice and teeming with animals of all sorts from dik diks to baboons to rhinos, etc. At our favorite lodge in Lake Naivasha the middle area out on the lawn was teeming with hippos at night, which was such a surreal experience. Our guides and John were very accommodating from the start. We unfortunately had to end our trip early once we got to the Serengeti, but John and his team helped quickly get together the support to get to the Nairobi airport on time for an evening flight. Overall highly recommend booking a safari with Camptrek!
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Poor alignment on expecations.
We booked 1 day safari with Steven. However, our experience fell short with the expectations that were created by Kima Safari. Much to our surprise, the trip from DAR to Mikumi starts with the safari car so that means limited airflow due to no AC throughout the trip. This was rather difficult to endure during our 7 hour drive back in 40 degree heat. Moreover, we were promised a breakfast at the arrival which in the end was not offered. On our way back, the car broke down which caused a 2 hour delay in our trip back. We also wanted to pay in 2 parts and we were overcharged with the second payment.
Once we explained the situation to Steven, he told us that the 'driver forgot the breakfast' and that overcharge was 'his mistake'. Initially we were promised a minor refund for this but now we have been waiting for a response for a week and have not yet heard from Steven. On a positive note, we were able to see most of the animals which was definitely a memorable experience.
I believe better alignment on expectations from Kima Safari's side would have made the day trip more enjoyable and I recommend going over the itinerary with the driver prior to the trip in order to avoid any misunderstandings.
SK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari!
Thanks to our guide Denis, we had an amazing and unforgettable trip! The accomodation, food and Safari experience were just perfect also with detailed planning and organization. Thanks a lot!
GR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our tour operator was agile and experienced, having done this trip numerous times in the past.
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We had a marvelous time climbing, or hiking I should say, Mount Kilimanjaro – a mythical place that takes you along its different zones to experience one of the most formidable hikes around the world. Spirit of Kilimanjaro, and in our case particularly William and Paul our two mountain guides, were there for us to make our dream come true. There was no request that they wouldn't consider, taking into account our inexperience as hikers. They, alongside their team of cooks and porters, were very supportive and discreet, allowing us (father and son) to enjoy this unique trip. Having extensive experience, we felt the comfort of being in the hands of professionals throughout the hike. And certainly, they did prove their expertise on summit day, a day (or night, I should say) with extremely windy conditions. It was unfortunate that these extreme conditions prevented us, and in fact everyone, from reaching the summit. My son, followed by two guides, pushed harder than I did (while I was escorted back to camp) to try to reach the summit – something that ultimately did not work out. They were there for him until the moment the attempt was aborted for everyone. Food, tents, and all extra accessories we requested were well taken care of. All in all, a fantastic experience one should not miss, especially if it's done with professional people like Spirit of Kilimanjaro
HU
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional safari tour
It is really hard to say how we are satisfied with Mateo Travel and Adventure. I hardly explain how we are grateful to Patrick. He organised us everything. They picked up us from the airport and at the end of the 6 days Big 5 safari tour our guide, George dropped off and helped us with the security check-in at the train station (Emali). Patrick organized us the train tickets and the transfer from Mombasa to our next hotel. We just had to get in and get out of the car. Our guide George is the No1. He has 20 years of experience. He knows everything about the National Parks, animals. He was really patient with us because we wanted to take photos about every bush and every animal. So he had to stop every 2 second but he happily did it. The accomodations were also perfect.
So long story for short don't hesitate booking at Mateo. You won't regret it. I guarantee.
PS. We saw much more animals than we would have tought it. We catched the big 5 of course.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They are marvelous
I had a wonderful experience and since it was my first time in Tanzania they gave me a lovely life experience safari.
NO
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tanzania Explorer is an operator who listen to customer wishes.
Our wish: A tailor-made safari in Tanzania and a few days relaxing at Zanzibar for three generations.
In January last year, we went to a tourism fair in Oslo. We met Sondre (Founder of Tanzania Explorer (TE)) and Stian (Safari Planner at TE) at their booth at the fair. We had a good chat and they convinced us that Tanzania Explorer was the company we were looking for, taking us to safari at the mainland Tanzania and the relaxing at Zanzibar. We would be three generations spanning from 73 years down to 10 years. For us, the most important was a safe experience and, at the same time, compressed into only 8 days at Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar.
Stian came up with a proposal and together we made some adjustments until we had the final plan. Stian and Sondre also visited us a couple of moths before departure. We all had a couple of hours with discussions, sharing more information and clear ambiguities out of the way. TE took us seriously.
On Friday the 16th 2024 we arrived at Kilimanjaro Airport where we were met by our Safari Guide Joshua. We got along with Joshua and were impressed by his knowledge about Tanzania, the area and animals, his kindness and his caring for us. After a night at Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, our first safari was in the Lake Manyara National Park, then Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti followed and gave us a lot of fascinating impressions. “Staying in a tent” gave us a new meaning. High quality “tents” with very good beds and plenty of space, with bathrooms just like home, fantastic nice staff and high quality meals.
Did we see any animals? YES, we did!!!
We did morning and afternoon safaris and also safaris moving from Lake Manyare National Park to Ngorongoro Crater and, the next day, to Serengeti. Lots of different animals next to the car and a bit away and also a lot of different birds. To see all these animals in their proper element, was an experience we will never forget.
What about the safety? Taken care of!!! We were not allowed to go outside when it started to get darker, but “Security”, that is Masai-people, took care of that. And they were outside the entire night, just for safety.
After the safari at Tanzania mainland we went by plane from Serengeti airstrip to Zanzibar and stayed at Uzuri Villa for the nest three days. Perfect. Banja, from TE, met us at the airport in Zanzibar and took us to Uzuri Villa. On the way he explained the story of Zanzibar and the role Zanzibar has in Tanzania and also how life at Zanzibar is. At Uzuri Villa we were met by Sondre and Elna, the owner of Uzuri Villa.
And Sondre, Stian and others from TE had contact with us all the time. They really took good care of us.
You all made this trip a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. This is a journey we will never forget.
Best regards from Jorunn and Tor Arne from Norway.
Remember: Do not expect to carry your own baggage. It is taken care of by others.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable and fantastic tour operator
Had a really great time with a great and helpful staff