Reviews of safaris to Serengeti Migration Area
379 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Serengeti.
JONI
California
"Amazing trip of a lifetime!"
I visited Kenya and 1 other country between 3 Oct 2019 and 16 Oct 2019
"This is my second Expert Africa safari and it could not have been any better. All expectations were met, the camps excellent, the access to animals for viewing beyond dreams.
Richard is incredibly knowledgeable, extremely helpful and 100% committed to planning a perfect trip. I never felt pressured to select certain camps, just really enjoyed working with Richard and letting him suggest an itinerary based on what we wanted to see and experience! He was diligent in finding camps for our group of 6 and arranging the trip in order to visit different areas with a wide variety of wildlife.
The first hand knowledge of the EA staff cannot be surpassed. A top notch company!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari
Richard is incredibly knowledgeable, extremely helpful and 100% committed to planning a perfect trip. I never felt pressured to select certain camps, just really enjoyed working with Richard and letting him suggest an itinerary based on what we wanted to see and experience! He was diligent in finding camps for our group of 6 and arranging the trip in order to visit different areas with a wide variety of wildlife.
The first hand knowledge of the EA staff cannot be surpassed. A top notch company!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Michigan
"Our 5th safari"
I visited Tanzania between 12 Sep 2019 and 29 Sep 2019
"We have used Expert Africa for all of our trips and have never been disappointed. They provide expert guidance on chosing camps that suit us, as they know the types of camps and locations that we will enjoy. They have often given us new places to consider and their recommendations have been excellent.
A traveler should keep in mind that animals move about and you can't be assured of finding everything in one area. On this trip, we traveled to the eastern Serengeti and to Ruaha and the Selous in the south in order to find a variety -- more lions in one area, more elephants in another, for example. We had excellent sightings in each area." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Tanzania safari
A traveler should keep in mind that animals move about and you can't be assured of finding everything in one area. On this trip, we traveled to the eastern Serengeti and to Ruaha and the Selous in the south in order to find a variety -- more lions in one area, more elephants in another, for example. We had excellent sightings in each area." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Sisters
London
"My Sep 2019 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 7 Sep 2019 and 20 Sep 2019
"It was great trip.
We felt it was in the right order too, starting in Arusha, moving on to the Crater via Manyara, and then the 'real safari' in the Serengeti and Ruaha.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No it was all really great and went very smoothly. Everything went to plan.
Maybe a mention should be made of the Tsetse flies in the Ruaha bush in case it was a deal breaker for some people!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
We felt it was in the right order too, starting in Arusha, moving on to the Crater via Manyara, and then the 'real safari' in the Serengeti and Ruaha.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No it was all really great and went very smoothly. Everything went to plan.
Maybe a mention should be made of the Tsetse flies in the Ruaha bush in case it was a deal breaker for some people!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr D.
Cambridge
"My Sep 2019 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 4 Sep 2019 and 14 Sep 2019
"The management and implementation of our safari package by Lemala was excellent in every way.
However our experience with Expert Africa did not live up to expectations. We chose Expert Africa because of their reputation and reliability which unfortunately for us proved not to be the case. Our main areas of concern being.
Wrong information regarding being able to book our flights to Africa. Also no proper discussion re: internal flight options.
Receiving incorrect forms and documents.
Poor advice on immunisation requirements.
MOST IMPORTANT. At no time were we informed that the gates to Tarangire National Park closed at 6:00pm. No one is allowed access after that time. If our flight had not been changed 2 weeks before our holiday we would never have reached our first lodge. A lack of awareness of this caused much stress to us, our guide and our lodge staff." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
However our experience with Expert Africa did not live up to expectations. We chose Expert Africa because of their reputation and reliability which unfortunately for us proved not to be the case. Our main areas of concern being.
Wrong information regarding being able to book our flights to Africa. Also no proper discussion re: internal flight options.
Receiving incorrect forms and documents.
Poor advice on immunisation requirements.
MOST IMPORTANT. At no time were we informed that the gates to Tarangire National Park closed at 6:00pm. No one is allowed access after that time. If our flight had not been changed 2 weeks before our holiday we would never have reached our first lodge. A lack of awareness of this caused much stress to us, our guide and our lodge staff." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Good
T & S
North Carolina
"September 2019 Safari"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 3 Sep 2019 and 25 Sep 2019
"We knew this was going to be the trip of a lifetime, but nothing could have prepared us for the experience we had. By the 3rd day we had run out of superlatives and by day 8 we were tongue tied when trying to describe how remarkable the wildlife was, how fabulous the food, how gorgeous the accommodations and how well we were treated. Even now, two months later we have difficulty.
We would not hesitate to use the services of Expert Africa again, in fact we would insist on it for trip planning in that part of the world. We would also insist on having Lyndsey Marris as our personal representative. Lyndsey was outstanding from day one, asking all the right questions about our travel experiences, our wishes, making suggestions before I had a chance to even think to ask, and somehow despite her being in London and our being in the United States we never waited more than 24 hours for an email or telephone response. We don’t know how she managed to work around the time difference, but she did. Her recommendations were spot on and she was flexible with changes; nothing seemed beyond her. We met and formed a friendship with a family from greater London while in Ruaha who had also used Expert Africa and had Lyndsey as their agent and they had the same experience and praise for her as we did.
We were provided with daily itineraries including private drivers, reservations at restaurants, all flight arrangements, hotel and safari camp reservations and accurate information about all of them. In over three weeks of travel there was only one hiccup and that was minor and no doubt precipitated by a flight delay causing us to arrive in Nairobi 2 ½ hours late. The driver who was to have met our flight was not there and we were unsure on how to proceed. As it turned out, a very attentive gentleman had been observing our situation and eventually came over and asked what had happened and it turned out he worked for the same company, Southern Cross Safaris, who was to drive us that day and the next. He took over and got us transported to the hotel and put us back onto our activity schedule to see the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Center. The driver from Southern Cross Safaris was delightful and informative and we met him again the last evening of our trip when we came back to Nairobi to fly home. The only adjustment we would make to our stay in Nairobi would be to give up the convenience of an airport hotel for the apparently unique, lovely experience of staying at Giraffe Manor. We didn’t know Giraffe Manor existed so it wasn’t something we asked Lyndsey about, but we really wish it had somehow come up.
I would suggest to anyone going on Safari to stay in multiple camps in diverse geographic areas. Lyndsey gave us a perfect itinerary in the perfect order: Nairobi, Selous, Ruaha, Mara River, Grumeti and finally Mafia Island and a flight home from Nairobi. Each of the areas had its own flora and fauna and special emphasis. Selous is private, no traffic or competition to view the animals, you can go off road, but the animals are very spread out due to its size. You have the opportunity to see the rare wild dog, but fewer cats. Ruaha, on the other hand, is a national park; you cannot go off road, there are many more vehicles, but it is definitely the place for cats. Mara River is all about the wildebeest crossing. It is also a national park. Grumeti is a private paradise in the Serengeti that gives you the absolute best of the best. Mafia Island is an exquisite respite from the “always on alert” feeling of safari.
If you looked on a map you might wonder why we worked from south to north just to fly much further south at the end, but Lyndsey explained her thinking, we took her advice - she was exactly correct. The wildlife built up as did the camps as we went along. Not once did we feel we were taking a back step in the quality of anything. And going on safari is quite tiring despite the fact you are being driven everywhere, so a restful beach idyll at the end is perfect.
We will definitely return to Africa. We would repeat this trip in a heartbeat. In fact this trip was so fantastic it will be difficult to resist literally going back to the same camps, but Africa is huge with so much variety, we will most likely expand our horizons. Where ever it is, Expert Africa will help plan our trip." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari
We would not hesitate to use the services of Expert Africa again, in fact we would insist on it for trip planning in that part of the world. We would also insist on having Lyndsey Marris as our personal representative. Lyndsey was outstanding from day one, asking all the right questions about our travel experiences, our wishes, making suggestions before I had a chance to even think to ask, and somehow despite her being in London and our being in the United States we never waited more than 24 hours for an email or telephone response. We don’t know how she managed to work around the time difference, but she did. Her recommendations were spot on and she was flexible with changes; nothing seemed beyond her. We met and formed a friendship with a family from greater London while in Ruaha who had also used Expert Africa and had Lyndsey as their agent and they had the same experience and praise for her as we did.
We were provided with daily itineraries including private drivers, reservations at restaurants, all flight arrangements, hotel and safari camp reservations and accurate information about all of them. In over three weeks of travel there was only one hiccup and that was minor and no doubt precipitated by a flight delay causing us to arrive in Nairobi 2 ½ hours late. The driver who was to have met our flight was not there and we were unsure on how to proceed. As it turned out, a very attentive gentleman had been observing our situation and eventually came over and asked what had happened and it turned out he worked for the same company, Southern Cross Safaris, who was to drive us that day and the next. He took over and got us transported to the hotel and put us back onto our activity schedule to see the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Center. The driver from Southern Cross Safaris was delightful and informative and we met him again the last evening of our trip when we came back to Nairobi to fly home. The only adjustment we would make to our stay in Nairobi would be to give up the convenience of an airport hotel for the apparently unique, lovely experience of staying at Giraffe Manor. We didn’t know Giraffe Manor existed so it wasn’t something we asked Lyndsey about, but we really wish it had somehow come up.
I would suggest to anyone going on Safari to stay in multiple camps in diverse geographic areas. Lyndsey gave us a perfect itinerary in the perfect order: Nairobi, Selous, Ruaha, Mara River, Grumeti and finally Mafia Island and a flight home from Nairobi. Each of the areas had its own flora and fauna and special emphasis. Selous is private, no traffic or competition to view the animals, you can go off road, but the animals are very spread out due to its size. You have the opportunity to see the rare wild dog, but fewer cats. Ruaha, on the other hand, is a national park; you cannot go off road, there are many more vehicles, but it is definitely the place for cats. Mara River is all about the wildebeest crossing. It is also a national park. Grumeti is a private paradise in the Serengeti that gives you the absolute best of the best. Mafia Island is an exquisite respite from the “always on alert” feeling of safari.
If you looked on a map you might wonder why we worked from south to north just to fly much further south at the end, but Lyndsey explained her thinking, we took her advice - she was exactly correct. The wildlife built up as did the camps as we went along. Not once did we feel we were taking a back step in the quality of anything. And going on safari is quite tiring despite the fact you are being driven everywhere, so a restful beach idyll at the end is perfect.
We will definitely return to Africa. We would repeat this trip in a heartbeat. In fact this trip was so fantastic it will be difficult to resist literally going back to the same camps, but Africa is huge with so much variety, we will most likely expand our horizons. Where ever it is, Expert Africa will help plan our trip." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs D
Hampshire
"A very enjoyable trip to Tanzania"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 31 Aug 2019 and 15 Sep 2019
"This trip to Tanzania for a safari followed by time relaxing on Zanzibar, was a long-planned trip for my brother and I, and our wives. My wife and I had previous experience of safaris, but my brother did not, so I felt the pressure of "getting it right". We decided to plan it with Expert Africa following a previous very successful trip planned with their help, and I am delighted we made that decision. A meeting with Expert Africa's Olivia helped her to perfectly judge our requirements, and the result was a highly successful holiday that exceeded all our expectations."
Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs A
East Lothian
"Brilliant first safari - thank you Expert Afr"
I visited Tanzania between 3 Aug 2019 and 11 Aug 2019
"I had refused to do a long haul flight since our honeymoon 30 years ago. My husband was not convinced about going on safari but wanted us to go because he knew I would love it.
Expert Africa were brilliant at asking what would make the trip fantastic for us and what would make it bad. Their planning and advice meant we had the most mind blowing and amazing experience. We stayed in Arusha two nights, Little Oliver's in Tarangire two nights, The Highlands in Ngorongoro for two nights and Lemal Kuria Hills in Northern Serengeti for three nights. Everywhere was great and there is nothing we can fault about the camps, the service, food wine and outstanding hospitality.
Our eyes were wide with wonder from the moment we left the airstrip at Tarangrine airport and saw beautiful birds and incredible wildlife so close. Obviously we experienced a lot and so some experiences were better than others for us. The hospitality and exclusive feeling of Little Oliver's plus our brilliant, knowledgeable guide meant our time in Tarangire really stands out but that is very much a personal comment and does not mean the other camps and game drives were not brilliant.
Needless to say Duncan enjoyed the safari tremendously and I simply loved it!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Expert Africa were brilliant at asking what would make the trip fantastic for us and what would make it bad. Their planning and advice meant we had the most mind blowing and amazing experience. We stayed in Arusha two nights, Little Oliver's in Tarangire two nights, The Highlands in Ngorongoro for two nights and Lemal Kuria Hills in Northern Serengeti for three nights. Everywhere was great and there is nothing we can fault about the camps, the service, food wine and outstanding hospitality.
Our eyes were wide with wonder from the moment we left the airstrip at Tarangrine airport and saw beautiful birds and incredible wildlife so close. Obviously we experienced a lot and so some experiences were better than others for us. The hospitality and exclusive feeling of Little Oliver's plus our brilliant, knowledgeable guide meant our time in Tarangire really stands out but that is very much a personal comment and does not mean the other camps and game drives were not brilliant.
Needless to say Duncan enjoyed the safari tremendously and I simply loved it!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dip & family
Cardiff
"Northern Tanzania Safari"
I visited Tanzania between 29 Jul 2019 and 10 Aug 2019
"Excellent safari, we did the whole of northern Tanzania circuit. We really enjoyed every bit of it.
Credit to Expert Africa for organising such a lovely trip for us." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Credit to Expert Africa for organising such a lovely trip for us." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Marilyn & Duane
CA
"Excellent trip, well organized, great guide"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 26 Jul 2019 and 16 Aug 2019
"A long trip, which cover. Overall key to success was our driver/guide Felix. An excellent spotter with terrific knowledge of the parks. We were very lucky to be with Felix for 10 days.
We thought all our lodges and camps were fine. Tarangire Safari Lodge was our overall favorite with great location and comfortable basic room. Nomad Serengeti Camp was the best camp, but also quite expensive. You do get great service for the money.
Animals and a sense of central Africa are why we went. Our hopes were well met. Every day was a new adventure.
There were no logistical problems, everything happened as planned. We simply had to be ready to get up and going early every day to see as much as we could.
Thanks for arranging such a great trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: One suggestion about dinners. Only Nomad Serengeti Camp offered a communal dining table for dinner. We would have like that option at every camp. Our fellow travelers seemed to be a folks we would have like to get to know a bit better." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
We thought all our lodges and camps were fine. Tarangire Safari Lodge was our overall favorite with great location and comfortable basic room. Nomad Serengeti Camp was the best camp, but also quite expensive. You do get great service for the money.
Animals and a sense of central Africa are why we went. Our hopes were well met. Every day was a new adventure.
There were no logistical problems, everything happened as planned. We simply had to be ready to get up and going early every day to see as much as we could.
Thanks for arranging such a great trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: One suggestion about dinners. Only Nomad Serengeti Camp offered a communal dining table for dinner. We would have like that option at every camp. Our fellow travelers seemed to be a folks we would have like to get to know a bit better." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Rusty Hudak
Stow, OH
"Our trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 21 Jul 2019 and 2 Aug 2019
"I was absolutely delighted with the trip. The Expert Africa folks were all great to work with. if one person happened to be out of the office, someone else would respond. We never had to wait long for a reply through the planning process and all 'connections" and hand-offs in were seamless. You guys are true professionals.
The contractors you provided us with in Rwanda and Tanzania were equally well beyond satisfactory. I hope to go back someday. I hope you offer a discount for repeat customers as i would like to bring family members :)
Thanks much!
Rusty Hudak" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
The contractors you provided us with in Rwanda and Tanzania were equally well beyond satisfactory. I hope to go back someday. I hope you offer a discount for repeat customers as i would like to bring family members :)
Thanks much!
Rusty Hudak" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
379
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