DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience whit Rioba Safaris and Denis
I contacted Rioba Safaris, and from the very beginning they were extremely helpful and patient while we were planning and deciding on the safari route. Jonas was very informative, kind, and always available to answer my questions.
I was welcomed immediately upon arrival at the airport, and we left straight away for the safari. Denis, our tour guide and driver, was very patient, knowledgeable, and experienced. He was always helpful and made us feel comfortable throughout the trip. Thanks to him, we were able to see the Big Five and many other animals. The drives were very smooth and comfortable, allowing us to fully enjoy the journey without stress.
I spent seven fantastic days on safari. At the end of the trip, Rioba Safaris also organized the transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport with Jonas in a very comfortable van.
If I return, I would definitely book another safari with Rioba Safaris and Denis.
Points for improvement:
After I paid the deposit, I was informed that some of the hotels were no longer available. This was communicated only after the payment had been made. It may have been due to the fact that it took about one week to organize and finalize the customized tour. Still, availability could have been checked more carefully before requesting the deposit.
That said, suitable alternative hotels were offered, and we were very satisfied with the accommodations in the end.
The only small issue during the safari was that there was just one binocular available, and it was not really suitable — more like a toy than proper safari equipment.
With our tour guide, we spoke both English and German, although the German could be improved.
For these reasons, I am giving 4 stars as an incentive to further improve the service. I hope to give 5 stars next time.
Overall, we were very satisfied with the experience and had a wonderful safari.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Quick response, flexible planning, fine for a budget safari
We had a good experience, very quick and easy communication with the kind office woman Jemimah, flexible planning according to our wishes. Kim and Bonni our guides were very nice. Bit of a mix and match with different people you meet on the way but makes sense as it is a budget safari.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good people - few snags in process
Booked many months ago and coming up to date had heard nothing - sent emails and called and everything quickly ironed out
Had good Safari driver in Pilanesberg - Moloko, and good driver from there to Cradle of Humankind and then hotel - Carson
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Efficient and very easy
Willy was a great driver, made the 6hr drive from JHB to Hoedspruit effortless and smooth, I could even catch a nap on more than one occasion during the trip
BG
My tour operator was Dooreen. She was very enthusiastic and funny.
The tour was very good. And good value for money. Perfect lunch.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good safari
Dorine is good guide. She is explain correctly all animals environnement and I like it.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Doreen show her best to drive us around in Safari.
The lunch menu is good and the tour was fun. It has many different animals inside the Safari.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well organized
The hike to the top of the Kilimanjaro was perfect.
Then the trip to Arusha park: saw the Giraffes from really close and the white and Black Calabus monkeys.
Nice and green park with a lot of trees and waters, sweet.
AR
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
AN OUTSTANDING TEAM OF GUIDES
To evaluate the service fairly, I believe it’s important to divide the experience into different stages:
Guides and vehicles
Outstanding. David, Yusuf, and Muita, together with their assistants Jacob and Kelvin, were very professional, kind, and attentive.
Always willing to help, with knowledge and experience that turned the safari days into something truly unforgettable.
They were the best part of the trip and more than enough reason to choose the services of Lion King Adventures.
Purchase process – María
Excellent service. Very efficient, smooth, and professional. We exchanged many emails reviewing options and changes, and she always responded quickly and clearly. This part of the experience was very positive.
After-sales service – Rose
Unfortunately, problems arose. I detected a billing error of more than USD 9,000. After several days, I was told it was an “administrative error” and that I still had to pay it. We were 15 people, with flights already issued and only two months before departure, so I had no real alternative. I paid so as not to disappoint my grandchildren and because it was impossible to restart the process with another provider so close to the trip.
I requested a phone number for emergencies, which was provided, but I did not receive adequate responses.
THE COMPANY
After the trip, I had numerous contacts with their CEO, James Mlanga, who impressed me with his professionalism and sincere desire to resolve the issues.
After his intervention, my conclusion is that Lion King is a fully recommendable company.