Nov 11, 2024
All I wanted to know before a Safari - This is a translation of my review written in catalan. So please note the expressions that may look weird.
My experience with crater explorer was very satisfactory. From the beginning we had a very fluid communication with the organizer Emmanuel. He gave us the information we wanted and then he was not pushy to close the sale and gave us time to think It about while we keep ask him questions. When they tell you the price for the first time, if you come from an economy like Catalonian's, you think it's a lot of money. But if you then know the price of the tickets to the national parks, a driver and a private chef who accompany you every day, the food, the gas consumed by the jeeps they use... and that includes both nights before the safari as the night after to simple but correct hotels, and the transfers to the airport...then you understand what you pay for.
When we arrived Emmanuel told us to change the route and start with Serengetti instead of Tarangire. The hours to see animals (game drive as they call it) are the same. The reason for the change is that Cràter Explorer is a small agency and as such tries to square all the tours of its clients always in a way that doesn't hurt you too much. So, on our first day we met people who had already had a day of safari for example. And instead the last one we went alone as if it were a private safari. The camps you go to are the same as the other agencies that offer the camping safari. The tents are big enough. There was room to leave backpacks inside without problems. The mattresses are fine, but they are mattresses. They are not fancy like the one for the gym or for doing yoga. In one of the camps there was no hot water. In Ngorongoro, which is where it is cooler (7 degrees Celsius at night) although there is hot water. We weren't cold though.
Charles was a very good driver and guide. Some maneuvers he did allowed us to be very close to lions, even lionesses with their cubs. He is a very calm man. He will answer all your questions but don't expect him to take the initiative to explain things to you without you asking him. There is a lot of noise in the Jeep and he doesn't speak too loudly. Take the opportunity to ask questions when you stop to see an animal. However I 100% recommend Charles as a driver/guide. Emmanuel the cook was lovely. Every day he got up at the crack of dawn to prepare us a packed lunch, and then breakfast. When we arrived in the evening he would prepare lunch for us. It's good, western, recognizable food. There are usually some carbohydrates, either pasta or rice, protein and vegetables. The vegetables are boiled. Nothing comes raw.
And I don't think I'm leaving anything behind. I have written the review that I would have liked to read before hiring them. With all possible details. Enjoy the tour with them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 10, 2024
Unforgettable safari experience with a team that made everything smooth - We had a great safari and a great experience thanks to the Crater Explorer team. Emmanuel ensured the communication was constant when booking, and was clear about prices and different packages. Charles was an excellent and experienced guide, knowing when to approach animals, when to wait and where to find them. He was also an excellent and safe driver on the roads and also during the game drives. And chef Emmanuel took really good care of us, putting a lot of good food on the table and even preparing me special food when I had a stomach issue.
Some practical tips:
-The safari was a joining safari, so we were together with other tourists and we had good fun, but bear in mind that it means you may have to adapt a bit to different timings, picking people up in different locations and so.
-We slept on camping and it was more confortable than expected, matresses are provided as well as sleeping bags. I would recommend to bring some toilet paper and sanitising gel as these are mising from most of the toilets on camp and in the road.
-Camps had wifi to check in with those back home and share pictures, but not a lot of data so if that's important to you you may consider getting a sim card.
-The landrover where we did the safari had various sockets and we were able to charge all our devices there.
We did a 4 day safari and it was enough for us, every game drive is different but after these days you have been able to see most species. On our last day we tried to have as much communication as possible with Charles, the guide, to explain what we wanted to see more and less and it was great to spend more time with our favourite animals and spend a long time with a pride of lionesses and her changing out by the river.
100% recommend the safari experience and to do it through Crater explorer!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 8, 2024
Tour is possible for Koreans. - Korean. If you are thinking about booking an African tour yourself, you can do it here. Emanuel is a little Korean! He doesn't do the tour directly, but the contact between the booking and the progress is good because he does. And the most important thing about this is that his company is growing now and is doing everything well with no problems. Don't worry, you can sign a contract with this company. Seychelles was a place to visit once in a lifetime. It was truly terrifying to spend a free time with animals in the quiet hours of the dawn.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 3, 2024
Professionalism, humility and simplicity - It was a great experience from the beginning to the end. Emmanuel was very responsive to my queries prior to booking. The safari was professionally organised. Charles, the guide and driver was top notch. Although quiet, he responded to all our questions, and knew the right places for animal spotting. Emmanuel, the cook was great. The food was nice and he organised the trip really well. I would definitely recommend them!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 7, 2024
Amazing company, took care of us like a family.. Perfect for safari on a budget!!!! - This safari/company was AMAZING!!! Our guide (Samuel) and chef (Emanuel) took care of us like family. We had so many amazing vegetarian options, which was also a huge plus. of course the parks itself are phenomenal so you really can't not have a good time. I would hundred percent recommend this company as their communication was awesome and they really allowed us to optimize our experience on a budget!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 17, 2024
Best safari in Africa!!! - Our Tanzania experience wouldn’t have ever been complete without a safari. Thanks to Crater Explorer and our dear guide Samuel, we had an unforgettably beautiful 4-day trip. We had a blast. Asante sana for your kindness, warm heart, smiles and passion for animals! Also a big thanks for the cook for cooking nice meals! We will never forget this and the black rhino and whole group of lions and cubs was beyond our dreams and we were so lucky to be able to see them! thanks SO much for everything guys!🙏🏻
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 14, 2024
Hard but Great Experience - I participated in a 3-night, 4-day tour in August. I wanted to travel to Serengeti and Ngorongoro, so I requested quotes from over 10 companies and chose this one as the most affordable option.
We visited Serengeti on the first and second days, Ngorongoro on the third day, and Tarangire on the final day. We were fortunate to see all of the Big Five animals, and we were able to capture moments of lions and elephants passing right in front of our vehicle.
Our dedicated chef prepared our meals. In the morning, we had light snacks and could make our favorite drinks with hot water from a thermos. At lunchtime, the chef packed the meals in a cooler box for us to bring along, and we enjoyed warm dishes in the evening. Everything was delicious.
For the tour transportation, they offered us complimentary transfers from the hotel in Arusha where we stayed the night before, to the hotel near Kilimanjaro Airport where we were supposed to stop after the tour. We had already booked hotels for before and after the tour, but it seems they have partner hotels and can arrange accommodations for the pre- and post-stays at a discounted or even free rate.
Thank you for the wonderful experience.
They provided plenty of bottled water, so there was no need to worry.
For those considering a similar tour in the future, here are some tips:
1. Showers may not have hot water and the availability may be limited. It's advisable to bring body wipes, and remember to bring your own towel. However, there might not be a place to dry them.
2. There were toilets without toilet paper, so it's good to bring your own.
3. Camping in tents for the entire trip can be physically challenging. Upgrading for some nights might be a good option.
4. Be cautious of dust as you may encounter a lot of it throughout the trip. Pay attention to your backpack and clothing.
5. Nights in Serengeti and Ngorongoro can be cold, so you will need a long-sleeve shirt, sweater, and a light coat.
6. Since there is no electricity in the tents, having a flashlight can be helpful. One that can be hung inside the tent will be useful.
7. Traveling on gravel roads may cause motion sickness. It's good to have motion sickness tablets. We also used insect repellent, cold medicine, and anti-diarrheal medication.
8. You may feel unwell from sunburn, so apply sunscreen. It's good to have a hat and sunglasses.
9. The customary tip for the chef and guide is $10 per person per day, so factor that into the estimated cost.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 3, 2024
great safari experience - I recently went on a safari with Crater Explorer, and it was fantastic. The team was incredibly knowledgeable, and our guide provided fascinating insights into the wildlife and landscapes.
We visited breathtaking locations like the Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater. The accommodations were comfortable and integrated into the natural surroundings.
Overall, it was an unforgettable adventure, and I highly recommend them for a well-organized and enriching safari
thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 25, 2024
amazing experience - This safari tour was the most amazing experience i have got during my entire life .
strongly recommanded!!!
Additionally, mans from this company was all good guys!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 25, 2024
perfect experience - good food, good drive , they were very kind to us
it values money
can see various animals very closely
it was perfect experience for us
Review provided by Tripadvisor