Family Trip Planner

Rating this safari tour operator is a little difficult as I believe that a company is only as good as their travel agents and the people they contract with in Africa.  My travel agent was the only reason I chose this company. She made the trip and itinerary come alive for me and I was "sold" the very first time I spoke with her.  Unfortunately, I have heard she is leaving this company, therefore I would have some trepidation about recommending the company.  

The trip did not start out the best. When I arrived at Kilimanjaro there was no one to greet me!  Fortunately two gentlemen from another tour company assisted by calling the contract company in Africa's representative, Justin, for me.  Justin laughed and said he thought I was supposed to have arrived the day before, then had a taxi take me to my hotel in Arusha where he met me and minimized the issue with a brief apology.   Not a good way to start a journey!

Happily, the contract guide was fabulous.  He was with us the entire time we were in Tanzania and not only found game for us, but provided interesting history and facts about the animals and the country.  He was truly amazing and I would not hesitate to recommend him as a guide.  He made the time in Tanzania much more memorable. 

When we flew from the Serengeti to Kenya (several take-offs/landings) we arrived at Arusha where Justin met us and drove us to Kilimanjaro (Serengeti-Arusha-Kilimanjaro-Nairobi Wilson). A very harrowing experience through traffic and nearly hitting a man on a bicycle.  We found out later we could have flown directly to Kilimanjaro, but Justin wanted time to "chat" with us before we left Tanzania!  That does not show thoughtfulness toward the traveler.

Upon arrival at Nairobi Wilson we were met by Daniel, a 'stand in' for our scheduled guide Ken.  On the way to our camp we had a short game drive with very little input from Daniel.  After the experience with our terrific guide we were not impressed with this "welcome".  However, upon meeting Ken later in the evening our hopes brightened considerably - especially since he told us he was the best guide in the Maasai Mara.  He proved to be very good and made sure we had superb game viewing.

The accommodations were wonderful:  Mt. Meru Hotel in Arusha was beautiful - with a large garden area in the back, gorgeous pool (although it was too cold for us to use), friendly & helpful staff, and I had the best Caesar salad ever!

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (Tanzania) is a marvel.  How they got all the materials up there is a wonderment. We had quite a walk to our room (although some were farther than ours), but we managed.  The meals were all buffet and I would rate them only a "good", as I've had much better.  There was quite a variety, but there was just something missing. I'm sure others have rated their food higher - all depends on taste. The rooms were huge and hot water bottles were placed in our beds - a very nice touch since it was quite cold.  The best part of the lodge (in my opinion) was the view into the crater and watching the sunset.

Kati Kati Camp (Serengeti) was fabulous on all counts. Not luxurious, but that's not what we wanted, as we asked to be on the plains surrounded by the sounds of animals.  Our tent was large & clean with a sink, toilet and bucket shower.  Our dining tent was open and faced the plains.  It was staffed by wonderful men who looked after our every need and served the most delicious food - with a new soup each night: tomato, peanut, & cucumber - each one better than the previous.  Sitting around the campfire with our glass of wine watching the hyenas circling was something I will never forget, nor will I forget drinking coffee watching the sun rise on the Serengeti.

Sarova Mara Camp (Maasai Mara, Kenya) was like an oasis. Unless we looked at the sides of our 'room' we never would have believed we were in a tent - beautiful wood floors, marble bath and shower, mosquito netting around our beds (although it was not needed when we were there).  The grounds were beautifully kept and the facilities were exceptional. From the moment we entered the staff was there to assist and during our stay always greeted us by name no matter where we were.  The food here was also buffet and was very good - something different every night and I tried several new dishes. They had a pasta station at night and an omelet station for breakfast, along with salads, pastries, coffee and many kinds of tea.  I also had a wonderful massage the night before leaving - only $60/hour and well worth it after riding the bumpy roads in a Land Cruiser all day.  Sarova Mara would definitely be on my 'recommendation' list!

You could not have planned the trip better. It was fantastic! Our safari driver from Rangers was great - again could not of been better. He pushed every day for us to see everything possible. Hes fun and incredibly knowledgeable and has a great command of the English language.You were right to schedule one day in Nairobi - so glad we did not change it to two days. We saw the last of the Big 5 - the black rhino in Kenya. We loved all of our accommodations and the people are so friendly, polite and helpful.We saw the Great Migration in Tanzania. We would not of changed one thing. People from other tour agencies were dissapointed that when they arrived in Kenya when we did as all of the Wildebeest had already migrated to Tanzania.What you scheduled for us was perfect. I do think that Tanzania is not well known but Kenya is to the average American like us. If it wasn't for you we would of never known about Tanzania. Tanzania has it all - except the black rhino at the Govenor's Camp- no need to even go to Kenya but I did want to go the the Elephant and Giraffe orphanages. We loved Capetown, the shark cage trip and the tour operator was wonderful. The 1/2 day Capetown trip was great. We went on the historic Capetown walking tour at 11:00 after we checked out. We added the Olduvai museum at the crater to our trip.  We had a wonderful time and saw so much in 17 days including traveling from the East Coast;  Arusha, Tarangire National park,  Ngorongoro crater, Central Serengeti - Turner Springs, Norther Serengeti - Kokatonde, Masai - Mara, Nairobi, Victoria Falls and Capetown. A trip of a lifetime.