Clients Trip Reports East Africa: Jun – Aug 2025

Photographic Safari to Tanzania

Hello Africa Adventure Company,

…My wife, Arlene, and I had a wonderful time, and it was such a privilege to see so much wildlife (animals and birds) and the breathtaking migration of thousands and thousands of wildebeest.  It was great to have so many game drives and I enjoyed each one.  …I greatly preferred the open game drive vehicles over the closed one…

The guide, Hillary, was very kind and friendly, helped with all kinds of “creature comforts” and was very good at finding and identifying the animals.  We saw several of the hard-to-get ones, like black rhino, cheetah and leopard, and had many opportunities to see and photograph so many others as well…Hillary and the driver, Yuseph, were very patient to let us take photographs and fully enjoy each stop…

Our one non-nature stop at Olduvai Gorge, was very interesting and we enjoyed a narration and the museum.  I would recommend it to other explorers interested in the discovery of human origins.

The staff at the lodges were extremely friendly and helpful, way more than I expected…The food was generally very good…and I can’t say enough good things about the staff at each location.  Anita at Kahawa Cottages was an incredibly excellent hostess and her staff prepared some of the best food one could imagine.

This trip was my third with The Africa Adventure Company and I would not hesitate to recommend you to others and have already done so.  I thank you and also the very kind and friendly people we met in Tanzania for making this a very memorable trip.  I admired greatly the friendliness of the people of Tanzania, not only toward us, but toward each other.

Stan Chapman, Aug 2025

 

Plains and Primates Safari to Kenya and Uganda

Hi Alison & Team!

We had an amazing trip and can confidently call this the best family trip of our lifetime!   I’ve included some specific feedback below and want to thank everyone for making this dream come true – you are clearly experts in Africa, and we plan to recommend you to any and all friends/family interested in trips to Africa!

• Your ability to create a customized experience based on our feedback and budget was PERFECT!!  We LOVED everything about Kenya and the adventure of Uganda – two very different experiences.  We also enjoyed Kigali and wished we had maybe more days to experience the City.  (A good reason to go back!)
• House of Waine…The staff was friendly and breakfast was very nice.  THANK YOU for arranging the Retirement Cake.  That was very thoughtful of you and a nice way to start our trip.
• Offbeat Mara.  We enjoyed the experience of taking bucket showers and the staff treated us like family.  We enjoyed the smaller camp and getting to know the staff a bit better in this smaller environment.  Our guide “Benson” was fantastic, and the game drives were not crowded which we appreciated even more after entering the park.

• Little Governor’s.  …We appreciated the running hot water and the food was fantastic!  The staff was fantastic…  Our guide “Koros” was fantastic!  He started the trip by asking us what we wanted to see, and he worked so hard to make everything happen!  We felt very fortunate to see two river crossings in one day and believe Koros put us in great viewing positions based on his experience.

• Uganda was exactly as you described… it was definitely an adventure!  The country had a very different feel than Kenya and felt a bit more out of our comfort zone.  The Mahogony Lodge is located in such a beautiful setting the rooms were magnificent – different than the tented camps.   The staff, food and beverages were great.  We enjoyed our happy hours at the bar each night.  Special shout out to Michael the bartender.  I asked the staff shortly before our dinner on 8/3 if they could add a birthday candle to Marya’s dessert and they came up with a full cake, candle and birthday song.  THAT exceeded our expectations by a long shot!!

• Eric was fantastic!  He was a little quieter in the beginning, but we really got to know him well because we spent so much time with him and REALLY enjoyed our conversations about wildlife, culture, politics and family life.  Our first gorilla trek…an amazing experience to be so close to the gorillas…
• Kigali is such an exciting city.  We loved our tour with Eric around the City which mostly consisted of Museums that helped us understand the history of Kigali.  Ideally, we would have loved another day to experience more of the modern culture – local markets, local food, etc.
• Marya and I keep talking about how much seamless coordination occurred during our travel, handoffs and clearing customs.  ALL of your ground staff were exceptional, and we are so impressed with how many people were involved in getting us to the right place at the right time with very little to no effort on our part – it was truly incredible!!
• Ok…. I could go on and on about other details we enjoyed (the people, cultural experiences, each of the animal sightings, etc.) but I’ll stop here and THANK YOU and the entire team for organizing such an incredible trip.  From start to finish we simply could not be happier and know it must take a lot to make all of this happen.  We appreciate you all!!

The Miller Family, Jul 2025

 

Conservation Safari to Kenya

Had a great time on our safari vacation!! All our needs were met at each of the locations. Security was excellent and I had no worries! We appreciated that we had the same guide our entire time at each location. Also had the same driver for all transportation from the airport and other events. Nicolas was great too, and at the last minute, included the elephant orphanage which we enjoyed. Surprised at how many animals we saw and how much knowledge the guide had of the animals and life of the people. We saw more than we expected. Thank you for setting up an experience we will remember for our lifetime!!  Thank you Elena, for all your patience with my numerous calls and making sure I went on the trip!. …

Irene Prepula, Jul 2025

  

Best of Tanzania with Great Guides

The Africa Adventure Company has delivered again! We had such a great experience, with everything coordinated perfectly by AAC and your team on the ground. We saw beautiful sights, awesome animals, and great people!

Arusha – Rivertrees Country Inn
This is a lovely place, very lush, full of monkeys(!), creeks running through the resort. Taking nature walks through the trees and creeks was so refreshing and enjoyable. The accommodations were large, clean, and comfortable…The food here is very good and the staff are friendly and helpful….We enjoyed a wonderful massage at the spa to get us ready for safari. The masseuse is excellent.

Our Safari

Jabshir…was our guide last year, and we loved him so much, we requested him again. And, again, he did not disappoint. He is so knowledgeable about the country, the parks, the animals, the birds, and nature in general. He told us lots of great tidbits of info and stories. He has such sharp eyes, and catches everything, even at a distance. Amazing!

Tarangire Ndovu Tented Camp

This tented camp was lovely, clean, and comfortable. The staff were attentive, friendly, and helpful. The common areas are spacious, with a great view beyond the pool…When we arrived, we had to be escorted to our tent since there were a couple of elephants near our tent. Exciting! The bed was comfortable, and the hot water plentiful. At night, we heard all sorts of animals calling out.  The food was very good…The dining area staff did a great job taking care of us for our meals. 

Ngorongoro Crater – Crater’s Edge

What a beautiful lodge! Very luxurious and well-appointed…The rooms are lovely, with a spacious outside deck with seating areas. Lots of lush views…The dining area is cozy and includes a fireplace and heating lamps. Good options on the menu, the food was beautifully presented, and delicious. The wait staff were helpful and friendly. We couldn’t ask for better people.  Outside the reception building were a few Maasai women selling hand-made beaded trinkets. They were so friendly and eager, we purchased a few memorabilia. We were glad they were there and for our experience with them.

Northern Serengeti – KasKaz Mara Camp

…Israel is another great guide. Personable, knowledgeable, quick-witted, he too had a lot of information he shared about the area, wildlife, and his background…

This was our second trip to KasKaz Mara Camp, and it was just as great this time. We remembered several of the staff members, and they remembered us as well, which was very nice. They treat us like family and are welcoming, friendly, and took great care of us. The manager, Bacari, ran an efficient crew and introduced us to all of them upon our arrival. That was a nice touch. Chef Top Gun and his crew provided excellent meals and great home-made baked goods. All their soups were so delicious.

The Nairobi Crowne Plaza hotel we stayed at was as nice as any 5-star resort you could find. Wonderful staff and good security in a gated compound to make us feel safe. The breakfast buffet was varied, plentiful, and tasty.

We cannot thank everyone involved enough for making our second trip to Africa a life-inspiring adventure. You all are the best, and we’re sure we’ll be using your services again in the future.

Richard and Linda Puckett, Jul 2025

 

Private Safari to Tanzania, Island Getaway & Ethiopia Visit

Dear Mark and Team,

First of all, just a heartfelt thank you for making this the greatest trip imaginable.    Everything went incredibly smoothly and we were blessed to be in your capable hands.   It is as if you got to know us and booked the most perfect spots.   I like fancy hotels but will take TAASA Migration Camp over Four Seasons…any day of the week.      Little Chem Chem stood out as our favorite as the entire experience from the mating lions to the sunset from the treehouse (with bar and modern toilet of course), to our guide there by the name of Whiteman who is incredible.   And Queen sets the tone perfectly.   Our day at the school was memorable… But the setting, the reception of the staff, and most standout of all was the chef Frederick who is I believe 23 years old, and I contend he would be welcomed at any Michelin restaurant in the word.    It was bizarrely phenomenal.   Similar kudos to the chef at TAASA Migration Camp, especially the last night where they made a special bonfire and setup all to ourselves.   Incredible.    And every connection and person was great.   Addis was an excellent idea…our guide…named Gates I think, was fantastic…The best was being met at the plane and walked through the craziness of entering Ethiopia.

As you said, our guide, Emmanuel was a true treasure as was Ahmed.   We are so lucky to have spent this time and bonded (as you knew we would).    Each day is an adventure, and he approaches it with the same enthusiasm as we did.   His skills were amazing – drive 500 metres that way because he saw some discoloration with the grass and there’s 3 lions sleeping.   Over and over.    Leopard on a branch …..WOW

Even as I write this I am lovestruck for Africa…

So there you have it…THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU…Speak soon…

Jeff Sackman and Elisa Benayon, Jul 2025

 

Celebratory Flying Safari to Tanzania and Kenya

Hi Elena

We just arrived back in the US and honestly had the time of our lives. It is a trip that we will remember forever, and it will have a special place in our hearts. 

Each lodge celebrated our anniversary in a very special way. Our guides in Central Serengeti (Robert) and Northern Serengeti (Hassan) were absolutely amazing sharing their incredible knowledge of the area and the wildlife and really went the extra mile to make sure we had a great time. The lodges were each beautiful and unique in their own way and we loved them all.

Thank you for all your guidance and advice, it was sincerely appreciated!!!

Kirstin Salzman, Jul 2025

 

Safari to East & Southern Africa

Hello Miles, Hello Maria,

Thanks for welcoming us home.  Wow, we had an incredible experience.  Still absorbing everything we saw and did.  The one thing we wanted to immediately say is that the whole trip went off without a hitch.  The schedule was bang-on.  We were met by your agents at the right time and place, and at each step of the way we were taken care of and assisted as needed.  The accommodations were top notch.  Most of all, the people – especially our guides – were key to making this an experience of a lifetime.  We would recommend The Africa Adventure Company in a heartbeat.  From the beginning of the planning process to our final departure from Cape Town, it could not have been better.  Thank you so much for arranging the surprise “retirement” wishes.  I was blown away by the surprise celebration from the lodges and the personnel.  That was very much appreciated and unexpected.

Thank you for everything. 

Sincerely,

Tim and Peggy Hanrahan, Jun 2025

 

Galloping Gnus Safari to Kenya and Tanzania

Hello!

We had an absolutely amazing time!…

We can’t say enough great things about Servuli and Simon in Amboseli!  We miss Servuli as we spent so much time with him. He is definitely knowledgeable! He filled our heads with so much information. I wish we would’ve had a recorder with us every day! And he answered all our questions. All of our guides really went out of their way to show us everything!! They were friendly and fun! Too many highlights to list!

Our favorite camp was Little Governors! It was so beautiful, and the staff made us feel so welcome as they did in all the camps but that one just sticks out as exceptional! Thank you for the private dinner on our last night that was a great ending to a magical trip! We also loved visiting the coffee plantations and meeting Anita, please tell her Thank you for the gifts! Can’t wait to put a picture in the frame! So beautiful!!…

We’re hoping to return to Africa someday❤️

Thank you for setting this trip up for us! We would highly recommend you!

Jennifer McClellan, Jun 2025

 

Wilds of Tanzania Private Tented Safari

Good Afternoon Elena and the AAC team, especially Kerry and Megan,

We had a wonderful trip to Tanzania. It was divine intervention that led us to The Africa Adventure Company. Elena, your friendliness started this journey. When I couldn’t find an appropriate chaperone for my sons on the autism spectrum you gave me the encouragement I needed to go on the trip myself. I’m glad you organized this trip.  I won’t say once in a lifetime trip because Isaac already wants to go again. Our guide could not have been better.  He became our family in Tanzania and showed us the best of everything Tanzania had to offer. The accommodations were top notch throughout all of the parks. Who knew tents could be that lavish. Even though we only spent 2 or 3 days at the various lodges, we were treated so well, it felt like we were leaving family when it was time to go. We have a ton of pictures that chronicled the memories… Thanks ever so much for this trip of a lifetime. 

Love

Sonya, Isaiah and Isaac Pittman-Mathis – June 2025

 

Best of Tanzania Premier Safari

Alison and Shelley,

We have returned from our trip to Tanzania, and I wanted to give you a recap of our trip. Our travel mates that we recruited (the Bewleys and Grossmans) had high expectations for this trip based on our reports to them of our previous trips with AAC. At the end we all agreed that all of our expectations for this trip were EXCEEDED. 

OVERALL

Everyone had a wonderful trip and a good time was had by all. Our guides, Wilson (8 days), and Mitzuga (3 days at Little Chem Chem), were outstanding. Each day they were able to find unique viewing opportunities and were very knowledgeable about all the animals and Africa. Each place we stayed was beautiful, unique and different from one another, and the staff could not have been nicer. The food was very good at each place and a couple could have qualified as “five star”- always amazing considering their remoteness.

Kahawa Cottages, Arusha

We enjoyed meeting Anita who was a very dynamic personality… Kahawa was a beautiful property, as were the rooms there. In fact, after two days Woody said “I could just stay here for two weeks”. Anita assured him that “whoever put your trip together picked some really nice places and this will probably be the lowest.” She had dinner with us every night and her chef was one of the “five stars.”

Gibbs Farm

We did not stay here but had a wonderful lunch. It was a spectacular setting with amazing views. We took a tour of the property and their gardens and definitely worth the stop.

Lion’s Paw

This was another spectacular setting with amazing views of the Crater. Each of the cabins were very nice.

Obviously, the game viewing in the Crater is unique with outstanding diversity and numbers of animals.

Little Chem Chem 

We took a vote at the end of our trip, and this was a unanimous favorite. Queen, the camp manager was delightful. The tents were great and the setting beautiful with herds of zebras, wildebeest and buffalo parading by our “back lawn” every day. We had dinner at a different location on the property every night, and the chef here would definitely get 5 stars. For Ed’s birthday the staff prepared a birthday cake and did singing and dancing around our table and had a small gift for him and Mary. On this concession we saw “Omo” the rare white giraffe and went to a Masai village where we met the “Big Chief” (along with 2 of his 4 wives and 5 of his 23 children). He was so gracious and welcoming. When he heard it was Ed’s birthday, he gave each of us a Masai made beaded ring and had a ceremony to bless our marriages and wish us “a happy and long life.”…

Lemala, Serengeti

Another beautiful property with baboons, buffalo and antelope grazing outside our tents. Each tent had its own soaking pool with indoor and outdoor showers. The Serengeti was a totally different landscape. The animals were less abundant (zebra and wildebeest had moved north), but there were still unique experiences every day. We saw prides of lions with lots of lion cubs, we saw a hippo come out of the water and chase some lions.

River Tree, Arusha

We finished up at River Tree – very relaxing 

Thank you so much for planning and executing such a wonderful trip for us. We have many memories and thousands of photos.

Ray Rhodes, Jun 2025

 

Wilds of Tanzania Safari

Hi Elena and team –

I most certainly write on behalf of all four of us – our trip was absolutely amazing.  We truly can’t thank you enough – as everything was seamless.  …We have sung the praises of The Africa Adventure Company and shared far and wide that anyone interested in going to Africa (and we highly recommend it) – no doubt should book through The Africa Adventure Company.  

Many have asked what our favorite part of the trip was – and there were so many highlights – but I think that Scott and I both agree (and likely Maya and Tess too) – that our guide Jacob made the trip!  It was wonderful to connect with him over the course of our trip, to learn about his life, and to have him share his knowledge and passion.  

Your team on the ground were terrific.  Everything well organized, explained thoroughly, planned out.  We enjoyed our time with Anita and her husband – a beautiful residence and great conversation.  The extra night there, and day in Arusha was nice before the long travel day back home.  

We also all agreed that our favorite “lodging” while on safari was the Singing Grass – although all accommodations were wonderful.  The atmosphere was laid back; we invited Jacob to share a few meals with us there.   And thank you for dinner under the stars!  The lions were roaring in the background.  We had come back that evening after watching 6 female lions on the hunt – only to catch a gazelle – that 7 female lions were fighting over, along with 14 cubs!!!  Just one of the highlights.  

We did decide to do the balloon ride – funny stories from that as well… all memories of a lifetime. 

As we have settled back into the routine of everyday life – I have shared my favorite video with many both at work and outside of work – we came upon a solo hippo napping in a small pond of water.   When we backed up to see it – it rolled over, stretching all four of its legs high in the air, promptly rolling over to continue napping.  The video is great – especially with my loud giggling, and others a little quieter in the background.  It was just totally unexpected – and a reminder to just relax and enjoy!  

I could truly go on and on – and I didn’t even touch upon a fraction of the trip! … 

A huge thanks to all of the team – 

Best,

Betsy, Scott, Maya and Tess Weber, Jun 2025

 

Wilds of Tanzania Safari

We really had a marvelous time with virtually zero glitches. Stand-outs include:

Anita and Kahawa Cottages. She was an excellent host and her staff was wonderful. Great food and beautiful, lush grounds. Cottages were large and lovely. We took a walking tour of the coffee and flower fields. She was a great dinner companion. She has quite a life story!

Ephraim was, as expected, kind and patient and definitely an experienced guest host and game drive guide (13 years!). We appreciated his eye to traffic and road safety. He drove cautiously and more slowly than other drivers on the memorable drive to the Serengeti, which we appreciated….He was always on time and paid special care to Pam who appreciated the step stool and help with on- and off-boarding the vehicle each time. He was clear with his explanations about the schedule. He has a quiet and calming approach. He was knowledgeable with the wildlife when we asked him about what we were seeing.

All 3 parks were unique and held many delightful wildlife surprises…Weather was perfect.

Of the accommodations, the hands-down favorite was Mpingo Ridge. Lovely in every way. We agreed that spending another day there just to enjoy the property would’ve been nice. We enjoyed great food the entire trip; Mpingo Ridge was the best. Also, the farm stop for lunch on the way to the crater was a really great surprise- unforgettable! Very glad we chose a night drive – with the surprise visit from a male elephant who shook the tree to intimidate! Very fun!

The other 3 camps were also unique and staff very accommodating. Appreciated that Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp tent was so close to the crater rim as we got a head start on others…Walking around the camps we felt safe the entire time with the escorts. Food was prepared well, and beverages were consistently offered. …Staff was very attentive.

…Africa Amini Life Original Maasai Lodge…the 2-hour drive to/from the lodge was fascinating, so we’re glad we went. The pool and spa was wonderful and a great way to “dust off” after the Serengeti…the scenery was stunning, and we saw a giraffe tussle in the shadow of Mt. Kili- unforgettable. 

We used the business lounge at the Arusha airport at the end of our stay and really appreciated it. 

Thank you so much for the lovely care you and team took to ensure a “best trip ever” vacation. We really appreciate it and would once again recommend The Africa Adventure Company to any interested travelers. 

Shelley Wedergren, Jun 2025