NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent safari operator
Maurine very helpful and professional on planning the safari, competitive pricing, and Moses did a great job as driver/guide. Staying at 3 different luxury lodges in Masai Mara gave a varied and brilliant experience for our 4 days safari. Saw all the amazing animals we wanted to see
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic - "Hakuna Matata"
We had an unforgettable experience in Tanzania thanks to our guides, Maila and Nixon! Their knowledge of the parks (Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area in our case) allowed us to observe the animals up close while learning so much about the local wildlife.
Beyond the safari, we also shared wonderful moments of connection over meals, discussing our cultural differences with great curiosity, respect, and humor. These conversations made the experience even richer and more meaningful.
Always smiling, patient, and caring, they made sure we felt safe at all times. Each day was perfectly organized and full of emotions.
A huge thank you for these memories that will stay with us forever! We wholeheartedly recommend them!
CH
An authentic, tailored 10-day Ethiopia experience beyond our expecations
I honestly cannot remember the last time I experienced so much in just 10 days (Lalibela, Omo Valley, Addis, Danakil, Tigray)! Among numerous providers, I came across SimienEcoTours through my own research. From the initial contact to travel planning, preparation, and execution, everything was 100% perfect. As a frequent traveler, this has been my best experience with a travel agency so far.
But let me start from the beginning:
My travel buddy and I only had 10 days but wanted to see as much as possible within that time. We had very little idea of what would actually be feasible. Franziska worked closely with us to design our (rather ambitious) tailor-made itinerary. We especially appreciated the transparent and friendly communication, the efficiency, and the excellent availability (via email as well as phone).
What happened after we booked is ultimately the main reason why we recommend this agency so highly. In the past, once a trip was booked, we usually had little to no contact with the agency until departure. Simien Ecotours, however, prepared us step by step for the journey. The word “attentive” describes the agency very well. From general information about the host country, entry requirements (visa), and a packing list, to setting up a WhatsApp group that included Franziska, Marco (the managing director), our guide, our drivers in the different destinations, and the team members working behind the scenes on logistics — everything was thoughtfully organized.
Perfectly prepared, we traveled to Ethiopia, where we were warmly welcomed at the airport. I was especially grateful for the seamless support with importing my drone. This would not have been possible without the agency (and after the trip, I can confidently say I would have missed my drone very much if I hadn’t been able to bring it).
Our guide, Hailu, accompanied us throughout the entire journey, including domestic flights, so we never had to worry about airport transfers, check-in procedures, or logistics. Hailu is an open-minded and thoughtful person who truly loves his work and his country. We always felt comfortable with and around him. Spontaneous requests or adjustments to the program were never a problem. His English was excellent. What impressed us most was his knowledge — especially about his homeland, but also far beyond that. We learned so much from him and took away countless insights.
You know a guide is exceptional when a certain sense of melancholy sets in while saying goodbye at the airport at the end of the trip.
It is also very important to mention our drivers. In the different regions, we had different local drivers. Most importantly: every single driver drove safely, carefully, and at an appropriate speed. At no point did we feel unsafe. The drivers were always courteous and ultimately much more than “just” drivers.
Overall, the trip was perfectly organized from A to Z. There were not even minor waiting times or issues anywhere. It was a perfect, authentic travel experience far away from tourist crowds.
We would love to end with some constructive criticism - but quite honestly, we simply cannot think of anything. Thanks for everything to the entire team!
Sven and Zoran
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A very professional and friendly operator with care for every detail.
We had an unforgettable experience during the three days safari in North Tanzania. The operator had arranged all details from pickup by a great driver to lodge facilities and lunch on the way. We visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorogoro crater. All very impressive and accompanied by a lot of interesting information from our driver, Laurian.
LK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best company for safari in kenya
The communication with paul was very nice and straight to the point. All the details were as we had talked and no any surprises or any changes. Our guide was so knowledgeable on all the parks we visited and he was very friendly. The accomodations were on top notch and the staffs were always welcoming. All in all we can always recommend the company to anyone visiting kenya.
DK
under20 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good but a long day
Our 2 days safari to lake Navashia and lake Nakuru was wonderful however we were quite surprised of how long we had to wait before we had lunch and also that we had to eat with our tourguide at a random hotel which we were unaware of and ended up being quite a wierd experience. But overall the experience with Arosy safari was good and we absolutely loved our 1 night stay at lake Navashia crescent camp where the staf was nothing short of incredible.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience! Everything was amazing!
My experience was incredible! Victor, the director, ensured every day that all my needs were met. Traveling alone, I felt safe, receiving a message every evening asking if everything was according to my desires. The communication, the hotels, the parks, the price, everything was perfect! Unforgettable trip!
NL
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An excellent organisation with clear and professional communication for a great safari.
We booked a three day safari to Ngorogoro, Terengine and Lake Manyare, and had the time of our life. Our online communication was smooth and professional and the tour was perfectly organised from the beginning to the moment we got back to our hotel in Zanzibar. First of all we were picked up on time from our hotel, had flight tickets already booked for us and a great driver (Laurian) waiting for us at Arusha Airport. We had three days of an unforgettable experience, slept in a good hotel, had good food and lunch on the sites prepared and we got lots of interesting background information from the driver. Besides that, the atmosphere was relaxed and with humor. The way back to our hotel in Zanzibar was all perfectly well arranged as well. Thank you, it was a great experience and you almost felt like family!
RS
20-35 years of age
Two days tour in Lalibela
Desta organized everything and it was a such a great experience. The accommodation was perfect with incredible view from the balcony. As a family business they made me to feel like a member paying attention to a details even outside of the tour program.
Now I proudly can say that I have friends in Lalibela!
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
Our guide, Michael, was fantastic. He was incredibly enthusiastic every day and took us to see all five of the Big Five, along with many unique experiences, such as a pride of lions on rocks in the rain. He was outgoing, warm, and had a strong sense of community. Throughout the safari, he constantly exchanged information about the animals with other guides. He was also an excellent driver, leading novice drivers he didn't know on safaris in the wild. Highly recommended.
(automatic translation from Chinese)
