An Unforgettable 12-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Our 12-day budget safari through Kenya and Tanzania was truly a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and were fortunate to see an incredible variety of wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
In February, I booked our trip directly with Perfect Wilderness Tours and Safaris. From the beginning, Jancinta was very professional, helpful, and responsive. She answered all of my questions and provided all the information we needed to prepare for the trip. Throughout our safari, she was always available via WhatsApp and was quick to assist us whenever we needed anything.
Ezekiel picked us up from the airport and brought us to our accommodation. He also drove us from Naivasha to Arusha. He was very friendly and made the long journey comfortable.
Our guide and driver in Kenya, Paul, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable about the parks and wildlife and always knew where to position the vehicle to give us the best possible views of the animals. Thanks to his experience, we were fortunate enough to see all of the Big Five in Maasai Mara, Nakuru, and Naivasha, including a black rhino.
The hotels we stayed at in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Naivasha were clean and comfortable, and the food was also very good. We spent two nights at Rhino Camp, where the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The meals were simple rather than elaborate, but they were delicious, with a variety of beef and vegetables.
Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to see the wildebeest crossing the Mara River. We were told that there had been considerable rainfall, which made the timing of the crossing less predictable. It also rained the day after we left Nakuru. Of course, wildlife and weather are beyond anyone's control, and this simply gives us another reason to return. On our next visit, we would definitely like to spend more time in Maasai Mara and the Serengeti.
After Kenya, we were originally scheduled to stay in Namanga, near the border. However, Jancinta kindly helped arrange a nice hotel for us in Arusha instead. This was much more convenient since we were scheduled to visit Tarangire National Park the following morning. We really appreciated her thoughtfulness and flexibility.
In Tanzania, we continued our safari with Arunga Expeditions & Safaris. The owner, Benja, provided us with a detailed briefing at our hotel in Arusha before the trip and also checked in with us on our final night. He also kindly upgraded our two nights of camping accommodation to rooms, which was a very thoughtful and appreciated gesture.
We did spend one night camping in the Serengeti, which was a particularly memorable experience. We had elephants and many baboons wandering around near our campsite. Being so close to the wildlife made us feel truly immersed in the African wilderness.
Our Tanzanian team — Savana, our driver-guide, and Freddie, our chef — were all professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. Savana had an excellent understanding of the area and wildlife, while Freddie did a wonderful job preparing our meals throughout the safari. In the central Serengeti, we were fortunate enough to witness a pride of lions feeding on a buffalo, as well as seeing cheetah cubs. These were among the most memorable moments of our entire trip.
Overall, our 12-day Kenya and Tanzania budget safari was an exceptional experience. We enjoyed the wildlife, scenery, accommodations, food, and, most importantly, the professionalism and hospitality of everyone involved.
A special thank you to Jancinta, Ezekiel, Paul, Benja, Savana, and Freddie for making our journey so enjoyable and memorable. We would highly recommend these companies and their teams, and we hope to return to East Africa in the future and have the opportunity to travel with them again.
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such an incredibly detailed and thoughtful review of your 12-day Kenya and Tanzania safari. It truly means a lot to our entire team to know that your journey was a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We are especially grateful for your kind words about Jancinta. We are delighted that she was able to assist you from the initial planning stages, answer your questions, and remain available throughout your safari whenever you needed support. Providing reliable communication and assistance before and during our guests’ journeys is something we take great pride in.
We are also very happy to hear that Ezekiel made your airport transfer and long journey from Naivasha to Arusha comfortable and enjoyable. We will certainly share your appreciation with him.
It is wonderful to know that Paul helped make your Kenyan safari so special. Seeing the Big Five, including the black rhino, is an incredible achievement, and we are delighted that his knowledge of the parks and wildlife helped you enjoy such memorable sightings. We will be sure to pass your kind words on to him.
We also appreciate your understanding regarding the wildebeest river crossing. As you rightly mentioned, wildlife movements and weather conditions are beyond our control, and the rains can significantly influence the timing of the migration. We love your positive outlook that it gives you another reason to return, and we hope you will have the opportunity to spend even more time in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti on your next visit.
We are equally pleased that the accommodation, meals, and hospitality along the way met your expectations. Your lovely comments about the team at Rhino Camp are especially appreciated, and we will make sure your feedback reaches them.
We are glad that Jancinta was able to make the adjustment to your itinerary and arrange accommodation in Arusha rather than Namanga. We always try to find practical solutions that make our guests’ journeys more comfortable and convenient, so it is wonderful to know that this change made such a positive difference.
It is also fantastic to hear about your experience in Tanzania and the wonderful memories you created there. Your Serengeti camping experience sounds truly unforgettable, especially with elephants and baboons moving around near the campsite. Those close encounters are part of what makes an African safari so unique.
The sightings of the lions feeding on a buffalo and the cheetah cubs in the central Serengeti must have been incredible moments, and we are delighted that they became highlights of your journey.
Thank you as well for recognizing Benja, Savana, and Freddie and for sharing such kind words about their professionalism, knowledge, friendliness, and hospitality. We are very happy that the upgraded accommodation and Freddie’s meals added to your experience.
Most importantly, we are grateful that you enjoyed not only the wildlife and landscapes but also the people who helped make your journey special. Your appreciation for Jancinta, Ezekiel, Paul, Benja, Savana, and Freddie means a great deal to everyone involved.
Thank you once again for choosing us for your Kenya adventure and for trusting us with such an important journey. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to East Africa in the future. There is always more of Kenya and Tanzania to discover!
Regards,
Lesley
7
799pingz
August 10, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Thanks Chris!
Our experience with Chris Asante was perfect from start to finish. He’s reliable, respectful of nature, and made sure we felt safe and inspired every day.
事業者からの返答
Hello,
Thank you for taking your time to share us a review.
We are happy that the experience with Chris was Perfect from start to finish that he is reliable, respectful and made sure that you felt safe and inspired. We look forward to welcoming you again on another adventure with us.
Warm regards,
Clara
Q
Q453YXchrisg
June 12, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Hakuna Matata Maasai and Serengeti!!!
Where to start!!!! What a trip, definitely a trip of a lifetime. We had a fantastic guide, Doppler who had a great knowledge of both the animals we observed and the use of the game trails to see more and more animals. Ratpanat Safari camps were pure luxury, their staff both friendly, professional and provided a second to none service. We were fortunate to see the African Big 5 in Maasai and also in Serengeti, and fell short in Ngorongor crater as the leopards hunt on the slopes and not on the crater floor. I would recommend this company and their attention to detail to anyone enquiring about a safari of this nature. Also we were part of a fantastic group of Colombians and Spanish who kept us all laughing and singing as we went. Muchas Gracias a todo y Hakuna Matata!!!!!
事業者からの返答
Hello,
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that your safari was a trip of a lifetime — that is exactly what we aim for. We are so glad you enjoyed your time with Doppler; he truly has a gift for reading the land and finding the perfect moments to experience wildlife.
It’s wonderful to hear that you found the Ratpanat Safari Camps to be a luxurious and welcoming home during your adventure. Our team will be so proud to hear your kind words about their service and hospitality.
Seeing the Big Five in both Maasai Mara and Serengeti is an incredible achievement — and while the elusive leopards gave Ngorongoro a bit of mystery, it only adds to the magic of the wild! We are also happy to know that the group spirit with the Colombian and Spanish travel companions made the journey even more special.
Thank you again for your recommendation and your heartfelt words. Muchas gracias y Hakuna Matata! We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure someday!
Warm regards,
Clara
C
cdrsuresh
September 12, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Memorable Trip to Kenya And Tanzania
I took their 11-day Kenya, Tanzania tour. It was good except for the last leg of the tour, viz return trip from Arusha to Nairobi for which we had to wait about 2 hours for pick up. Considering the peak season, I had booked the tour for August 2024 in Mar itself. The situation subsequently changed with the violence in Kenya and MPox threats. However, they didn't give any discounts.
Tour vehicle was good. Accommodation at Nairobi and Arusha was average. Maasai Mara was below average. In Tanzania, it was good, especially at Ngorongoro and Tarangiri. Overall we enjoyed the trip.
事業者からの返答
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed most aspects of the tour, especially in Tanzania, with highlights like Ngorongoro and Tarangire. We apologize for the delay in your return trip from Arusha to Nairobi, Your feedback on the accommodations and Maasai Mara experience is valuable, and we’ll review these areas to ensure we improve.
Regarding discounts, we strive to offer competitive pricing while maintaining high standards and this was a high season -discounts may not have applied. But we understand your concerns and will consider this for future planning, especially in unpredictable times.
We appreciate your input and hope to welcome you again for an even better experience in the future!
Warm regards,
Clara
5
524shengw
September 6, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
A wonderful trip to Kenya and Tanzania with Perfect Wilderness Tours and Safaris
We were on a 11-day trip to Kenya & Tanzania. This was our trip to visit Africa and it was the most amazing experience ever. Our guide Chris, safaridoctor (Kenya side), and Gelasius (Tanzania side) are very experienced and have great knowledge about animals, birds and plants. With their exceptional effort, we were able to see all big 5s plus many others. My husband is a photographer so they stopped and tried to get closer with different angles for my husband to have a better shot whenever we saw something interesting. For example, Chris made a second trip to the same location to allow us spot a group of Rhinos. Gelasius recommended us to have lunch in the car by a pond to watch lions and got a once a life time chance to see lion sipping water from the pond. The lodges service were also excellent! By the way, Betty from the office is extremely helpful and always answers our questions quickly.
事業者からの返答
Hello,
We're delighted to hear that your 11-day trip to Kenya and Tanzania was an amazing experience, and we appreciate your kind words about our guides Chris, safaridoctor, and Gelasius. It's wonderful to know they went above and beyond to ensure you had a memorable journey. Betty's exceptional service is also highly appreciated. Thank you for choosing us and hope to see you in the near future.
Regards
Sylvia
8
858gwenl
August 19, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Incredible staff, amazing service, the trip of a lifetime!
Everyone we came in contact with was incredible. The service, accommodations, and guides all exceeded our expectations!
Betty in the office looked after our every need and ensured every accommodation was above and beyond anything we expected. We would turn down little roads to nowhere, and find ourselves at beautiful places to rest our heads. I don’t know how she has found all of these gems, but…we were astonished! We did modify the trip so that we were not sleeping on the ground…due to mobility issues.
We were picked up by Paul at the airport, who was so friendly and knowledgeable we had hoped he would be our guide the whole time!
Moffat, our Kenya guide, was friendly, and did an excellent job getting us great views of all of the big five! He had extensive knowledge about the animals and happily shared his country with us.
Nico, our Tanzania guide was funny, kind, and never gave up on showing us everything we wanted to see! He listened to us and literally checked every box for a great guide! He even laughed at our jokes and made a huge impact on all of us!
Every day we felt we had seen everything possible, and every day, our guides showed us there was more to see! From Lion cubs to Giraffes drinking from a watering hole, from baby warthogs to adorable dik diks…Africa’s big five…and what we called the little five, made for the trip of a lifetime!
事業者からの返答
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review. It's great to hear about your incredible experience. The exceptional service, accommodations, and guides truly exceeded your expectations. Betty's attention to detail ensured that every aspect of your trip was above and beyond. The surprise discoveries along the way and the adjustments made for your comfort due to mobility issues show a great level of care. Your guides, Paul, Moffat, and Nico, seem to have made a significant impact with their knowledge, friendliness, and dedication to making your safari unforgettable. It's heartening that each day brought new and exciting wildlife encounters, making it a trip of a lifetime.
Regards
Sylvia
6
695suzanned
August 17, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
PW helped us have a fantastic trip while staying in our budget
We loved Perfect Wilderness, both Kenya and Tanzania. We were a party of 6 and had a vague idea of going on safari. They helped us with all the details and more. We stayed at a variety of different places each night and it was fun to experience them all. We were having trouble with the Kenya Travel VISA due to some weird things, but PW stuck with it and we were able to get all the proper paperwork. We loved Betty at the office who emailed and texted our many questions; and our airport pick up guy Peter. We also decided to book him for our free day in Nairobi, and he took us to a neat giraffe sanctuary and also a neat store called Kobe Tough which I will review soon.
Our Kenyan safari driver was Sam, and our Tanzanian driver was Freddie. These gentlemen were both so very kind and thorough with getting bottled water, our park entrance passes, lunches, and all the little details to make our trip so wonderful. They were prompt and safe drivers, with a lot of fun and exciting surprises mixed in. It’s dusty in the Dry Season, so after dropping us at our hotels each afternoon they’d have to spend more time checking on and cleaning up the vans and preparing for the next day. Tip appropriately 🙃.
The parks were amazing and the animals showed off for us constantly. Drivers know the trails and we saw plenty of animals all day every day. We realized we saw some new animal every day! POV: I would skip Manyara N.P. and fill it in with a more thorough day at Ngorongoro, or maybe the old olduvai gorge, or the suspended bridges or a bike ride or hike. This park needs to recover awhile and let the animals come back.
Pro tip: get all the travel visas online before you go! And don’t get them too soon, as they are only good for something like 3 months.
事業者からの返答
Hello,
We're delighted you had an incredible experience with Perfect Wilderness in both Kenya and Tanzania. It's wonderful to hear that our team, including Betty, Peter, Sam, and Freddie, contributed to making your safari memorable. Thank you for your detailed feedback about the parks and your suggestions. We appreciate your recommendation and are glad the animals put on a show for you. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future.
Regards
Sylvia
M
momcag
August 2, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
A Trip to Remember!
We recently returned from our Amazing Safari with Perfect Wilderness! Before we started our safari, we did the elephant sanctuary and LOVED it - highly recommend! We started in Kenya...had a couple minor hiccups but Everline was ON it to rectify and we are easy travelers so it didn't impact our trip! Biking in Hell's Gate was super cool and a fun way to start the trip. Really enjoyed Maasai Mara and loved the animals we saw....watched a cheetah on the prowl. Met the Maasai Tribe, which was really interesting. Have cash on you as there are many opportunities to purchases things. Crossed into Tanzania, which was an easy process. Mustafa was Awesome in Tanzania - the Serengeti is a MUST! Probably our favorite as we saw everything here! Watched a Pride of Lions sleeping then start the hunt...we saw the whole process and while it was a bit sad for the zebra - the whole experience was incredibly insane and amazing! I may skip Manyara and upgrade your hotel in Arusha we didn't love the Venus Hotel but it was fine. We loved our rustic, moderate accommodations. Loved Osinon in the Seregenti and really loved them all. Our itinerary was well planned and made the safari so easy and relaxing! A Bucket Trip for sure! Happy Travels!
事業者からの返答
Hello,
Delighted to hear about your incredible safari with Perfect Wilderness and for your positive rating. Your journey through Kenya and Tanzania sounds truly amazing, from the elephant sanctuary to the exciting biking in Hell's Gate. It's fantastic that Everline swiftly addressed any minor hiccups during your Kenyan leg. The experiences in Maasai Mara and the interaction with the Maasai Tribe must have been fascinating. Your description of the Serengeti, with Mustafa as your guide, is captivating – from watching a Pride of Lions to witnessing the natural hunt. Your advice about skipping Manyara and possibly upgrading the hotel in Arusha is noted. Overall, your well-planned itinerary and memorable experiences make it sound like a bucket-list-worthy trip.
Regards
Sylvia
N
Nicolas_M
July 20, 2023 · via Viator
Perfect once in a lifetime experience !
Incredible safari!! We visited the best of Kenya and Tanzania with amazing guides (George and Sereva, and the best private cook Christian)
Perfect Safari helped us make such wonderful trip absolutely smooth and no issue at all. Everything went as planned.
Our guides went above our expectations to make sure we saw as many animals as possible and yes we did see all the big 5! Every park we visited was very different, different landscapes, different animals. We loved sleeping in a tent for 3 nights, zebras came visit us early morning it was so wonderful! I would highly recommend Perfect Safaris, and we will definitely come back to Kenya, people are so welcoming and nice!
事業者からの返答
Hello Nicholas
Thanks for taking your valuable time to give us a five star rating. We are glad to hear that your 12 day Kenya Tanzania safari with our company was absolutely amazing.
We have the best proffessional team, who goes out of their way to ensure that our clients get the best memorable experience.Kenya is the best tourist destination with several unique game parks with the big five as the major attractions.
Our guides George and Antony are among our best proffessional guides very informative and knowledgable with alot of experience in the field.
We are looking forward to serve you in the near future.
Regards,
Faith
R
ronni808
March 21, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Loved this tour agency - great value and customer service!
We highly recommend Perfect Wilderness! We did the 11 days, 10 nights Kenya & Tanzania Private Lodging Safari. Great price and our agent, Everline, was wonderful. Very responsive and answered all of my questions before and during the trip. We had a number of snafus (covid test issues, truck breaking) which could have really hampered our safari, but she was able to handle them all. We had our own driver and truck which was nice because Everline did warn us that we should bring everything we need. There are not much chances (or items are not available) on the road. Here are my takeaways: the Kenya side of the trip was “budget”. The Tanzania side was upscale and very enjoyable (they partner with Mama Savana. Ask for Harun as a guide). I would upgrade accommodations in Kenya, especially the Masai Mara camp (Lenchada). I would upgrade to another day in Masai Mara and Serengeti. Skip Hell’s Gate, Naivasha and Lake Manyara – very little to see. I would have added Amboseli. It’s pricey, but my guides really recommended it. Bring US$. Credit card machines were always “broken” and you lose on converting money to local and then using their conversion rate back to dollars to pay your bill. Most importantly, remember to bring the Hakuna Matata attitude!! You can’t enjoy yourself if you’re sweating the small stuff.
2人が参考になったと回答
事業者からの返答
Hi Ronni,
Thank you so much for this wonderful review to our company. Am glad to read that you had a wonderful safari with us and Everline back in office was of great help not only in booking but also throughout the safari. Also our guides Nathan and Haruni did their best to give you the memorable experience during the safari.
Yes challenges comes up during the safari but what matters is how to handle them . Am glad you had come with hakuna Matata attitude Lol! (No Broblem attitude)That is all one needs.
Back to the Accommodation. Yes this is a basic budget accommodations. Some people love and some don't we will be more clear on the same. For Hell's Gate is majory for preople who love to biking it is indicated online maybe that point was missed. Yes it is always good to carry cash along. You can never tell when it comes in handy. Thank you for this detailled review because it serves as an eye opener to our clients.
Thank you so much. We appreaciate you.
Nairobiの類似ツアーを比較
最安値: Safari Tour; Nairobi National Park — $37
最高評価: NAI NAMI: Nairobi Storytelling Tour — 4.9 (954 件のレビュー)