It Started in Africa
It Started in Africa
4.6
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Our guides are our stars and the ones who can transform a great safari in a life changing experience. It Started in Africa offers day tours to Ngorongoro Crater that can start on any day of the year, with or without advanced booking.
Arusha, Tanzania
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It Started in Africa
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
456 reviews
Excellent
383
Very good
34
Average
9
Poor
6
Terrible
24
Marta F
2 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Before settling for It Started in Africa I did a lot of research. The company was suggested by a friend, but I wanted to be careful in my planning and make the best quality-price ratio for such an important trip.
The turning point for me was the caring and helpful attitude of Bernard, the owner of the company, through the stages of the planning. We exchanged almost 50 emails in 5 months and I always received a quick and kind reply.
We chose a Five Days Safari with one day in Tarangire, one day in Ngorongoro Crater and 3 days in Serengeti. Since the Serengeti is immense, we thought of moving to Serengeti North for one day in the hope of seeing the animals crossing the river. Unfortunately, we were not warned that the journey from the Central Serengeti to the North would last between six and eight hours, spent entirely on the main road without taking advantage of the game drives.
The day after we decided to return to Central Serengeti earlier and after we explained to Aaron and Elia (our driver and guide) that we weren't pleased with how the last day went they did everything they could to make our safari the best experience possible. Elia and Aaron were super helpful and accommodated all our wishes: we followed only game drive routes to go back and saw beautiful settings and a lot of animals!
At the end of the safari, we saw 4/5 of the Big Five!
A special mention goes to our trip to Mataruni Village. On our first day in Tanzania, we arrived at 1 pm at Kilimanjaro Airport. They came to pick us up and organized a trip to the village, famous for its waterfalls and coffee plantations. Our guide was Abdul, the main organizer of the trekking on Kilimanjaro: he gave us a warm welcome to Tanzania and after the trip drove us to Arusha to start the safari.
To conclude, my advice is to read a lot about the places you want to see, and the best routes for the period you are planning to go and not be shy about asking a lot of questions.
I recommend this company. They are small but nice, the lodges and camps were very good and the price was competitive compared to others with the same offers.
Thanks It Started in Africa: it was truly an amazing experience!
The turning point for me was the caring and helpful attitude of Bernard, the owner of the company, through the stages of the planning. We exchanged almost 50 emails in 5 months and I always received a quick and kind reply.
We chose a Five Days Safari with one day in Tarangire, one day in Ngorongoro Crater and 3 days in Serengeti. Since the Serengeti is immense, we thought of moving to Serengeti North for one day in the hope of seeing the animals crossing the river. Unfortunately, we were not warned that the journey from the Central Serengeti to the North would last between six and eight hours, spent entirely on the main road without taking advantage of the game drives.
The day after we decided to return to Central Serengeti earlier and after we explained to Aaron and Elia (our driver and guide) that we weren't pleased with how the last day went they did everything they could to make our safari the best experience possible. Elia and Aaron were super helpful and accommodated all our wishes: we followed only game drive routes to go back and saw beautiful settings and a lot of animals!
At the end of the safari, we saw 4/5 of the Big Five!
A special mention goes to our trip to Mataruni Village. On our first day in Tanzania, we arrived at 1 pm at Kilimanjaro Airport. They came to pick us up and organized a trip to the village, famous for its waterfalls and coffee plantations. Our guide was Abdul, the main organizer of the trekking on Kilimanjaro: he gave us a warm welcome to Tanzania and after the trip drove us to Arusha to start the safari.
To conclude, my advice is to read a lot about the places you want to see, and the best routes for the period you are planning to go and not be shy about asking a lot of questions.
I recommend this company. They are small but nice, the lodges and camps were very good and the price was competitive compared to others with the same offers.
Thanks It Started in Africa: it was truly an amazing experience!
Written January 5, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaubTraveler
23 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I spent a lot of time searching for a Safari operator. A friend of mine recommended this operator with high praise. I reached out through their website for an inquiry and quote for a mid-range Safari. The turn around for a response was very quick! I was inquired about how long I’d like to be on Safari, my range of cost, and what I want to see. I had a lot of questions and all we answered thoroughly and quickly. The planning was very easy and adjusted to my wants and needs. Based on other quotes I received I believe what I paid for my Safari and what I received was a fair price.
As a solo woman traveler safety is always a concern. Never did I feel like I was in an unsafe situation. I also felt my guide, Erasto, was great in this aspect and respectful. He seemed to care for my wellbeing during the whole trip. He also was my lucky charm as I was able to see the big 5 both in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Erasto was very knowledgeable and excited to make sure I was having fun and enjoying myself throughout the trip.
My Safari experience with It Started In Africa was absolutely amazing. I highly recommend this Safari company.
Thank you!
As a solo woman traveler safety is always a concern. Never did I feel like I was in an unsafe situation. I also felt my guide, Erasto, was great in this aspect and respectful. He seemed to care for my wellbeing during the whole trip. He also was my lucky charm as I was able to see the big 5 both in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Erasto was very knowledgeable and excited to make sure I was having fun and enjoying myself throughout the trip.
My Safari experience with It Started In Africa was absolutely amazing. I highly recommend this Safari company.
Thank you!
Written May 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annabellem578
Dubai, United Arab Emirates17 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Summiting Kilimanjaro has been on my bucket list for many years and it was made even more special doing with it with It Started in Africa. From the first time I first reached out to the company with an enquiry, Bernard was extremely responsive and helpfuI, always happy to answer my questions. I did the 7 day Lemosho route with 3 friends, and we an epic time due to the support of our amazing guides (Abdul and Rama) and the other staff in our group. They were incredibly supportive, keeping us all in positive spirits when the going got tough. The food also exceeded all of our expectations, kudos to our amazing chef Zachariah!
I’d highly recommend reaching out to IT Started in Africa is you’re thinking of doing Kilimanjaro!
I’d highly recommend reaching out to IT Started in Africa is you’re thinking of doing Kilimanjaro!
Written May 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DeblinaC
London, UK41 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
It Started in Africa is a local, boutique safari operator and I found them after nearly 3 months of researching various operators for our planned Serengeti trip. They offered complete transparency and flexibility in planning of the itinerary based on our budget and available days and gave us hotel/camp options across the price spectrum for each location. They were patient and prompt with numerous emails, queries and changes esp the one-man wonder Bernard K'angoma. The safari itself was impeccable with a lovely big safari jeep all to ourselves and an experienced safari guide Erasto who ensure we had wonderful sightings of the Big 5 along with countless species of birds and animals. All the camps were lovely and we even got a free upgrade at Serengeti to the Intimate Experiences camp. Food was delicious, homestyle and hearty. The hotel in Arusha on our way in and out, Onsea Lodge was a wonderful little haven though their spa could do with better functionality and staff. But their food and service was impeccable. If you are planning a safari to Serengeti and want a personalized quality trip that doesn't cost the earth you should definitely consider It Started In Africa
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ferro500
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Couples
For our first safari experience, we chose It Started in Africa following a friend recommendation and we couldn't have made a better choice.
Everybody was kind and friendly, all emails were answered within 24 hours and everything was organized very well (a lot of patience in answering all our doubts and crafting the tour on our desires with many excellent suggestions).
We did a 4-day private safari and it was the best experience ever! We visited three parks: Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Our guide Jarabu was great, very knowledgeable providing us with lots of information about the parks and the animals. His huge experience in Safaris and his safe and patient driving, made us feel super leisurely and gratified. And became a friend not only a guide but a companion of the trip.
Also the accommodations booked by It Started in Africa were super, very comfortable and clean.
After the safari we also spent a day in Kilimanjaro base in which we visited a Coffee farm and a waterfall. It was very interesting and the local lunch was delicious.
Everything went perfect and we loved our trip.
We highly recommend It started in Africa!!
Everybody was kind and friendly, all emails were answered within 24 hours and everything was organized very well (a lot of patience in answering all our doubts and crafting the tour on our desires with many excellent suggestions).
We did a 4-day private safari and it was the best experience ever! We visited three parks: Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Our guide Jarabu was great, very knowledgeable providing us with lots of information about the parks and the animals. His huge experience in Safaris and his safe and patient driving, made us feel super leisurely and gratified. And became a friend not only a guide but a companion of the trip.
Also the accommodations booked by It Started in Africa were super, very comfortable and clean.
After the safari we also spent a day in Kilimanjaro base in which we visited a Coffee farm and a waterfall. It was very interesting and the local lunch was delicious.
Everything went perfect and we loved our trip.
We highly recommend It started in Africa!!
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
af1402
Kyiv, Ukraine9 contributions
Mar 2023
This was one of the best safari adventures I have been on. Bernard organized the perfect itinerary for us, with a lot of back and forth with me to ensure that the trip was exactly what we were looking for. Martin the guide met us at Kilimanjaro Airport with a very comfortable land cruiser (which sounds like an oxymoron but it really was!) that we spent the whole week in. He was incredibly knowledgeable, flexible, and with a great sense of humour. We visited four different national parks (Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Tarangire), and each one was an amazing experience. All in all, I highly recommend It Started in Africa, and will definitely recommend them to everyone I know.
Written April 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olivia
7 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
It Started in Africa offered me an unforgettable wonderful hike to the top of Kilimanjaro. I did the 4-days Marangu route in February 2022. The company prepared and organized the trip well. They were uncomplicated, gave me all necessary informations and offered the tour for good value (what i'm sure about after talking with other tourists during the hike who booked with different companies). For preparation the guide helped me to choose the right warm clothes. During the trip the team served me nice food. The guide was experienced and I enjoyed the good company of the friendly and helpful cook and porters. They also supported and motivated me much, so that i could make the last difficult hundred meters to the top. And that was an incredible amazing experience!! Unique wonderful nature with a stunning view. Thank you It started in Africa for the trip, I would definitively book with you again.
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana Anica
2 contributions
Sep 2022
We had a unique experience. It was recommended to us by a friend and we had a fantastic experience that we highly recommend.
During the preparation of our safari days, Bernard, was always attentive and with quick answers and always available for any of our questions. It was a pleasure to meet you in person. Thank you very much.
Our whole experience was fantastic and we had Martin as our guide who was amazing. Always very professional and concerned in finding the best spots to show us all the animals. He was always very careful, patient, and available, and with a lot of knowledge of all the parks and animals.
Martin was amazing since the minute we pick us from the airport until the last minute he drop us in the airport. He was also very available to help and guide us during our stay in Arusha in the days before and after the safari.
Thanks also to our cook, Mandy, who made us really good food.
Thanks for the amazing days we had and the unique and unforgettable experience you gave us.
During the preparation of our safari days, Bernard, was always attentive and with quick answers and always available for any of our questions. It was a pleasure to meet you in person. Thank you very much.
Our whole experience was fantastic and we had Martin as our guide who was amazing. Always very professional and concerned in finding the best spots to show us all the animals. He was always very careful, patient, and available, and with a lot of knowledge of all the parks and animals.
Martin was amazing since the minute we pick us from the airport until the last minute he drop us in the airport. He was also very available to help and guide us during our stay in Arusha in the days before and after the safari.
Thanks also to our cook, Mandy, who made us really good food.
Thanks for the amazing days we had and the unique and unforgettable experience you gave us.
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brittwalk
Vancouver, Canada1 contribution
Dec 2019
Our guide and driver were both very good and over all we enjoyed our safari
But, cannot and will not recommend this company to friends and family who are planning trips to this area because the company itself was not very good at all.
We ran into an issue going into the Ngorongoro National Park and the companies card wasn't working so they asked us to use our card and were promised the 300 US dollars would be waiting for us back in Arusha.
Well when we got back to Arusha it was not waiting for us, instead it was then promised it would be waiting for us when we got picked up in Zanzibar by another one of their staff. Once again, the money was not there.
The company then promised that we would get our money before we left Zanzibar 10 days later. Wel,l eventually the company just stopped responding to emails or whatsapp messages and we never received our money back.
You do not treat customers this way and we will warn people to never use this company.
But, cannot and will not recommend this company to friends and family who are planning trips to this area because the company itself was not very good at all.
We ran into an issue going into the Ngorongoro National Park and the companies card wasn't working so they asked us to use our card and were promised the 300 US dollars would be waiting for us back in Arusha.
Well when we got back to Arusha it was not waiting for us, instead it was then promised it would be waiting for us when we got picked up in Zanzibar by another one of their staff. Once again, the money was not there.
The company then promised that we would get our money before we left Zanzibar 10 days later. Wel,l eventually the company just stopped responding to emails or whatsapp messages and we never received our money back.
You do not treat customers this way and we will warn people to never use this company.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennie G
1 contribution
Oct 2021
"We travelled as a group of 6 young people adults (recent arts school grads) for a 4 daylight, 3 night private safari through Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We had a in object of fact subsequent to in a lifetime experience and would enormously have the funds for an opinion choosing It Started In Africa--it's a satisfying value. There were a few aspects of our vacation that we wanted to inflection for potential travelers:
"
"
Written November 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boa noite,
estava interessado em fazer uma viagem identica à sua, consegue-me informar onde consigo saber preços e se o staff fala portugues?
Obrigado
Pedro
Written October 16, 2016
Sorry I can only answer in English . Can you please rephrase your question in English ?
Written October 25, 2016
Can anyone give me a rough idea of the cost of a 5 to 10 day safari with this company (especially interested in the budget options).
Many thanks
Written October 5, 2016
I looked in my files and found some additional information which may be helpful. Remember that these are costs from a year ago when we booked and may not be current. The cost for an 8 day safari was $160 US per person per night (total ($1280) for the basic safari. Each night at Christina House in Arusha was $30 per person and you almost have to stay one night, depending on when your flight arrives. Upgraded accommodations while on safari (lodges, etc.) cost more per night.
Written October 6, 2016
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