AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our trip to Kenya arranged by Mara The Wanderlust was very well organised from start to finish
We booked our Kenya trip through Mara The Wanderlust, and to be honest, we were a little skeptical at first as we couldn’t find many reviews online. However, once we got in touch with Naomi, we felt much more assured.
She managed everything really well and was always available for even the smallest queries. Her response time was incredibly quick—usually within minutes. She also helped us revise our itinerary multiple times without any hesitation to make sure everything we wanted was included. The pricing was also the best compared to about 15 other agencies we spoke to.
Naomi is a very sweet and approachable person overall, and she even personally came to pick us up from and drop us back at the airport, which was a very thoughtful touch.
Our driver and guide, Glen, was clearly very experienced and well connected within the parks. The game drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve were great—we did full-day drives from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM for two days and had a wonderful wildlife experience. He was always punctual and knowledgeable during the drives.
The only small downside was that the safari vehicle wasn’t very new or particularly well maintained, which was a bit disappointing.
That said, overall the trip was planned smoothly and we had an amazing time in Kenya exactly the way we wanted. Everything was well coordinated and stress-free. A great experience overall!
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good Operator, Yet need Correct Guide
Good Points
1. All mid range accomodation they arranged are very good.
2. Best payment terms - I paid more than 80% just day before starting of Safari.
3. They arranged well for my birthday - Celebrations and Gifts.
4. Prices are also reasonable.
5. Northern Tanzania national parks are amazing which will take your breath away.
Bad Experience
Our initial guide driver KeiC spoiled the trip. He has big attitude problems since beginning. Our vehicle broke down multiple times in an easy path where hundreds of other vehicles passed, he didn’t even have any clue what to do next. Luckily other Safari drivers helped over and again. KaiC arranged some one who dropped us in wrong camp. Utter confusion.
For last 2 days they changed driver, but we lost previous time which is key in Safari. Substitute driver was better, Guide Abdul is average.
Do I recommend Rafiki Tembo
Yes, but they need to improve their selection of guide drivers because customers are spending so much money for this experience, can’t afford a driver guide like KaiC.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good
Reliable company and punctual according to the scheduled times with nice lodges. A great experience with all the animals in the different national parks. I would recommend Wagatil for a safari!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very knowledgeable about the parks and animals, patiently answered questions & went above and beyond
The tour was great! Clean jeeps, good driving, knowledgeable guides. The food wasn’t the best, all the served meals were the same and the box lunches included chicken that had been sitting in a car for 6 hours. At the Masai Mara camp the food was uncovered with flys swarming around and at one point a beetle was observed crawling in the rice.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Strong communication, and knowledgeable guides provided an enjoyable trip
My partner and I went on a custom trip with Madagascar natural tours for most of the month of February, and despite it being the low season the itinerary was able to be flexible and enjoyable while working around a cyclone that hit during the beginning of the trip. I recommend being very direct if there are specific things you want to do that aren't included in an itinerary you're given. I also recommend if you want to get more off the beaten path that you are forthcoming with this to both Harilala, who created our itinerary and was very helpful communicating through the whole planning process, and with the guides you are assigned when you arrive.
There were two guides we had for different sections of the trip, Nambinina and Lala, and both were flexible and great conversationalists if you have cultural and wildlife questions to ask them. Their openness to conversation even on controversial topics made this trip really memorable as Madagascar has a very diverse and interesting cultures. At one point during the trip we asked to change hotels and both Madagascar natural tours and the guides were extremely accomodating and the move was convenient and had no difficulties. I definitely recommend Madagascar natural tours for those planning a custom small group trip to the island.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Easy to deal with, provides what have been promised.
We had a good safari with Bush craft safaris where we did everything according to the itinerary. Pick up and drop off were easily organised and the trip went smoothly.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The driver was good and knowledgeable.
The safari was good, the vehicle was well maintained. Only bummer is they fill it with all 7 people and during Safari no-one wants to sit in the back seat as the view is limited.
Otherwise, we could see most of the big five except the rhino and buffalo
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good safari
The safari was very good, both in Serengeti, Ndutu and Ngorngoro. We saw lots of wildlife! The driver/guide was knowledgeable and friendly, but sometimes a difficult to communicate effectively in English with. There were some logistical shortcomings in the beginning and the end of the safari, but the middle days were great. The lodges we stayed at were good, particularly the first one, Tukuone.
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A trip to remember
We went for a short trip to Uganda, especially for the Gorilla trek. Deluxe Vacations Uganda planned a great week for us and everything went smoothly. All rooms were more or less ok, except for some minor details. The only bad experience was the last night, where we had some encounters with bedbugs. All in all it was a great experience and we would recommend Deluxe Vacations Uganda!
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing safari - 3 national parks with stunning scenery
The hotels were excellent; a safe in the room at the Eileen Tree Inn would have been a real plus.
Three national parks with diverse landscapes and fantastic highlights.
Food – the packed lunches were good, and the picnic areas were well chosen.
(automatic translation from German)