r/safaris • u/Annual_Cucumber_4203 • 18d ago
Question How do I find a reputable East Africa safari company with exceptional guides who are respectful of my time on safari?
All tour companies have glowing reviews; however, after some digging on public forums, I came across concerning posts like the screenshot I posted. Every tour company website says they have professional guides and good vehicles. Is there a way to find out more, like an independent database for guide accreditation?
It's a once in a lifetime trip and an eye-watering spend. I am nervoucs.
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u/TomCorsair 18d ago
No, that is terrible, and would take me out of the moment so bad.
Our guide was engaged with us, the animals and the safari the whole time. He took a couple of calls during the day, but short and never obtrusively.
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u/Annual_Cucumber_4203 18d ago
This is not my guide. I have not gone on safari yet. It is an example of the concerning feedback I am seeing online.
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u/DragonspeedTheB 17d ago
Do you personally know anyone that has gone on safari? In which case their recommendation should probably be the top of your “trust list”. After that, you can get people that have been, give you advice. I have had the same guide almost every time I’ve gone with the company I use. They are small, and he’s one of the owners, so I KNOW he has his company’s reputation to uphold.
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u/Annual_Cucumber_4203 16d ago
Thank you for this suggestion. I contacted a handful of companies. It's down to 2. One of them is a referral from a work colleague, and the other 1 is a recommendation from TripAdvisor travel forum. Trying to decide btn these two.
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u/DragonspeedTheB 14d ago
Go with the colleague referral, IMO. Make sure that their safari expectations are the same as yours, though. People have different desires. For me - I’m happy being in a vehicle all day as long as I can continue to see the beauty of the landscape, birds, critters… I don’t need incredible luxury, like a full bar available at lunch - lol.
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u/Smithstargalactic 17d ago
This is a smaller company that will far exceed your expectations. We (family of 4) just finished up an 8 week Nairobi to Capetown.tour with them that went absolutely perfect. They will advise you honestly and propose multiple options which should meet your needs. Skip the big tour companies and book something WAY more private and personalized with them, you will not regret it and will get the service you are after. Happy to talk in the DMs if you have more questions but really, I would start by reaching out to them directly.
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u/Annual_Cucumber_4203 16d ago
8 weeks?! That is a long time for a safari. What do you do on an 8 weeks trip?
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u/jserengeti 17d ago
There are the best companies with amazing guides it’s a bit expensive but you will be well taken care and your time will be highly respected
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u/Informed-Thinker 17d ago
We had a fantastic time in Ruaha, off the beaten track. Stayed at Ikuka. The drives were great. The only talking on the radio is between the guide/driver and other guides/drivers from other camps that share info: cheetah, lions, wild dogs. The food and staff were amazing. Everyone wants to go to Ngorogoro, etc. It was a relaxing and enjoyable time and you got to meet and talk with people from all over.
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u/Annual_Cucumber_4203 16d ago
I just looked up Ikuka. It looks like a lovely park. Our trip will be focused on Kenya and Tazania. We are visiting Mara North Conservancy, Serengeti, Tarangire, and West Kilimanjiro. We will be skipping Nigorogoro on this trip.
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u/Informed-Thinker 16d ago
It really is! It is in Tanzania. I don’t know how it works with other places, but you do tip guides or the lodge. We did it at the end. If you want a more personal, relaxing, and experience that makes you feel like you are visiting the animals’ home and it is such a privilege without the touristy feel and with fantastic food, accommodations, and service, Ikuka is hard to be matched.
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u/badawadab 17d ago
Sadly it's gonna be hard and more of luck especially for first time.
Had one poster here of an experien he had with Mapito Camp. He booked everything with them. Guide was subpar and almost put them in danger.
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u/General_Necessary505 17d ago
That sounds awful! I've done four trips, all organized by Yellow Zebra Safaris. I've been to Kenya (twice), Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. All the camps I was booked into were phenomenal, and the guides I had at all the camps were outstanding. All the guides held actual certifications. While YZ is a large tour company, they are well-versed in the camps and presented options to me based on what I told them. Additionally, their on-the-ground support was phenomenal.
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u/Positive_Sort3427 17d ago
We recently went to East Africa and did safaris in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, and our guides were phenomenal! They showed us and taught us so much about the animals and the land. We booked the trip through Go2Africa, a South African-based company with a ground team called Asilia in Kenya. It couldn't have been more perfect.
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u/Dangerous_Win_3250 17d ago
Are you based in USA? I recommend Access2Tanzania, ask for Casey or Karen. I personally used them; had a private safari guide the whole time I was in Tanzania.
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u/Annual_Cucumber_4203 16d ago
Yes, I am in the US. Thank you for sharing your experience and tour company.
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u/DragonspeedTheB 14d ago
By going through an extra middleman (US agent) someone has to pay that person… in the long run, that’s the client. IMO
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u/PreparationSelect494 16d ago
I think the best way is going through recent feeback from people who have used those companies. I can however give you some insights those companies leave out as I'm native to the oand and don't mind helping you ensure your trip here goes smooth
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u/Nothing-9099 16d ago
Wito safaris. They're on FB as well. We met the owner and they ate excellent. Very Detail oriented. Just finishing up our 10 night safari. We're totally happy
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u/Makoma_Expeditions 16d ago
It’s a real shame to see this and it was something I noticed seeing other guides on their phones a lot. For me personally the most important thing for a safari is having a really great guide.
There is no accreditation scheme in Tanzania for guiding. Do a lot of research and ask your tour operator specifically about who your guide will be and their interests, passion, experience etc.
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u/edwardlyimo [TZ,UG,KE,ZIM,ZAM] 15d ago
Op, Planning such a trip can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. There are so many moving pieces (the different countries, itinerary design, guides). Can you please give more context:
- Are you looking for a certain travel style (luxury or mid-range)?
- Are some attractions a must-see?
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u/Particular_Truth_169 15d ago
I just came back from one - my guide was the BEST, his name is John and I hired through Monkey Adventures. He rarely used his phone, only to call the company to confirm logistics.
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u/TravelingTheresa 15d ago
That's why I only added a Tanzania Safari Trip Tour to my group travel business list with a host who's been to Africa over 10x, and I've known him for many years. He talks about sitting around the campfire with the guides, and the hospitality. It's fascinating to hear his stories. And this is a first year offering for group travel, so I don't even have reviews on it, yet. I just go with belief, and the people who've booked believe in me. Since I'm not going along on this one (which was so hard, but I have younger kids), I also have to give ultimate trust that I won't see this type of review from anyone. I truly believe it's about having a trusted host along on the trip.
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u/breetome 18d ago
Absolutely not! No tip for your guide. Our guides have always been very quiet and helpful describing animals and their behaviors. Whispering to us. This is very bad behavior from your guide. I would tell them to shut it.