Our safari team next to Safari jeeps
Nkollo Tours & Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2018)
- Member Of:
- TATO & Tanzania Tourist Board(TTB)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $3,470 to $13,881 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
AE
Email Souad Kharrat | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Marvellous
With Nkollo tours, the service itself was an experience! Our trip started from Zanzibar whereby everything was very organised and we just had to “NOT WORRY” about anything!
We went to Nyerere national park for 2 days. There, everything exceeded our expectations by all means. The guides were extremely professional and made extra effort to make sure that we will see all possible kind of animals, they were very respectful, helpful, and experienced.
We were glad to spend such a memorable one of a kind wild experience with them!
During our 2 days trip, he was in contact with us all the time to make sure that everything is perfect & we’re enjoying the game drive, he never failed us in any thing and was always responsive.
We were very appreciative to his whatsapp messages every now and then to check on us.
As much as we enjoyed our trip & the service with “Nkollo tours”, we asked him to plan our remaining days in Zanzibar.
Thus, we booked Safari Blue with him the other day.
One we arrived, we were surprised by a boat decoration from him for our honeymoon, it was another one of a kind experience, floating on the island in a special boat with heart shapes and flowers. A special decoration for our special occasion!
You will rarely find a business that would offer extra thing without a return!
We took all our activities in private which made it even more luxurious and relaxing!
Me and my husband highly recommend Nkollo and will lastly say, he is the person to go for in Tanzania!
NO
Email Eirik | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and service minded, knowledgeable and good humored
The safari was well organized, and everything was taken care of. We stayed at good hotels and lodges, where everything was ready upon arrival. Nkollo provided us with a good and detailed itinerary.
The car did not break down and we did not get stuck in the mud, yet managed to see all the big five due to the guide's skill, caution and knowledge.
We got a perfect safari with a great guide, Immanuel, in the best kind if vehicle for the experience (land cruiser, six seater, with raisable roof). I highly recommend both Nkollo as an operator and Immanuel as a guide.
Email Josh | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari Experience with a Great Team
We had a fantastic time doing the 3-Day Nyerere NP Fly in/out Safari with Night Game Drive. Allan made the booking process very simple and communication in the build up to the safari was easy and all of our questions were answered promptly. We were picked up from our hotel in Zanzibar and then had a great flight in a small plane to the airstrip at Nyerere which meant we could begin our game drive right away.
On the Safari itself, our tour guide David was brilliant, very friendly and knowledgeable and was great to chat with throughout the 3 days. David and the driver had a great eye for spotting animals and, being on a private tour, everything was done at a pace that suited us which we really enjoyed. Our driver was great at managing the conditions when there had been rain in order to get us to great spots for seeing animals. Throughout the tour Allan kept in touch to ensure that everything was going well.
The night game drive was a real highlight on our safari tour. It allowed us to see many hippos wandering around out of the water, as well as elephants much closer than we would tend to see in the day.
The staff at the lodge were very friendly, the accommodation is quite basic as you would expect but has everything you need. The food and drink offered throughout the tour was good quality and we were always well fed.
It was just a great experience throughout and I would highly recommend to anyone.
FR
Email Nathalie Briot | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magic
All was marvellous and the team was fantastic. Good travel with taxi and plane. During the 3 days, David was a really good guide with a lot interesting informations and very good services. Déo was a really good driver, we saw all the animals lions Buffalos girafes elephants hippopotams yennas wild dogs and many others. The night gaming was magic. The
African's menus were delicious and we had 2 sun down very Nice.
Thanks a lot for all. We are enjoyed 🥰.
(Excuse me for my bad english. I'm from France😉)
NL
Email Celine Serry | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Disappointing Experience with Nkollo Tours - Unfulfilled Promises and Poor Service
We had a deeply disappointing experience with Nkollo Tours during our private fly-in safari from Zanzibar to Selous, Tanzania. The communication was severely lacking, with multiple schedule changes not being communicated to us, resulting in significant delays and missed safari time. Our flight was rescheduled without prior notice, causing us to miss 2 hours of our first day’s safari. We only became aware of the rescheduling when we arrived at the airport, prepared to board our flight at 06:00, and were handed new tickets. Moreover, the flight we were placed on included a stopover, contrary to the direct flight that was promised to us. As a result, instead of arriving in Selous at 06:50 as initially planned, we did not reach our destination until 08:15. After contacting Nkollo Tours about this delay, we were promised compensation through extended safari hours, but this was not honoured. In subsequent correspondence regarding the flight rescheduling, they asserted that they are not responsible for the issue and advised us to contact the airline directly. However, it is standard practice that when a flight is rescheduled, passengers are rebooked on a comparable flight, not one that includes a stopover and is significantly less expensive.
The second day was equally unsatisfactory. Our safari, originally scheduled to start at 07:00, was delayed by two hours without any communication, forcing us to wake up unnecessarily early (again!). The driver then proceeded to rush through the park at high speeds (60-80 km/hour), despite being informed of my mother’s back pain. This reckless driving led to a broken phone, a broken camera lens and injuries to my back and hip. We passed the elephants twice this day, yet the driver refused to stop for them, citing the need to be on time for lunch. Because the safari tour started two hours late, and the full itinerary was still followed, the driver maintained high speeds, which made it impossible for us to capture decent photos or to enjoy the safari experience properly. Lastly, if the driver did stop for us to look at the animals, a huge cloud of sand came up because he had to brake so hard for the car to stop. In subsequent correspondence, they claim that driving at such speeds would have caused the vehicle to break down. However, as someone who frequently drives, I observed that they were indeed driving at significantly high speeds, certainly not the 30 km/hour limit that is required within the park. They also claim they are not liable for any damages suffered, but I feel this is unjust, as these damages would not have occurred had they adhered to the appropriate speed limits.
On the final day, our scheduled walking safari was also delayed, with no timely notice, leading us to cancel it altogether. We had asked the tour operator the day before if the start time could be pushed to 08:00, but were informed that if starting at this time, we would not be able to see any animals. We were therefore advised to begin at either 06:00 or 07:00. We agreed to a 07:00 start, but upon arriving in the dining room, we were informed by one of the employees of the lodge that our tour guide had notified them at 00:00 the evening before that our tour will start at 08:00. Given that we had to wake up 05:30, we were already in bed by this time, unaware of the change in schedule. Given the previous warning about the likelihood of not seeing animals, we cancelled the walking safari altogether. Although we received a $100 compensation for this, we were still extremely disappointed with the overall experience we had with Nkollo Tours. Additionally, the lodge’s pool was out of service, and we were not informed of this in advance, which diminished the value of our stay further.
In conclusion, the experience was severely impacted by poor communication, lack of professionalism, and failure to deliver the promised service. We are seeking compensation for the missed safari hours, damaged property, and the subpar experience, but Nkollo Tours insists that the cost of the tour has increased, and therefore refuses to refund any portion of our payment, despite the numerous delays and damages we endured. The second day, they even bought us two bottles of liquor, which we interpreted as acknowledgement of their mistakes. However, they are now citing this gesture as a reason for refusing to refund any portion of our payment. We strongly advise other travellers to be cautious when considering Nkollo Tours for a private safari.
Reply from Nkollo Tours & Safaris
Posted on Aug 26, 2024Dear Miss Celine Serry,
Thank you for sharing your review about us not only in Safari booking but through all our business platforms. We understand you are frustrated and as tour operators, we face challenges sometimes during our operations and we apologise for that. However, we are sad that you provided a lot of misinformation regarding our operations that downgraded our reputation. We believe that our team efforts will keep us going forward and positive responses appreciated by other clients regarding our service standards. The refund requested after all the services were completed is $1050 which is sincerely unfair since We received your quote request and sent the quote at the cost of $1800($900 per person) through Safari booking, flight rates and other costs went higher but we opted to get the lowest commission instead of charging you more with the same standard of service. For Selous(Nyerere), we have flight agencies working with airlines and only small planes can fly in park airstrips. The park has 2 airstrips. Our guides in Selous arrived at the airstrip at around 6 am ready for the safari. We arranged a transfer from your hotel in Zanzibar to the Airport. After arriving at the airport, it was at that moment we were informed of the 1hr delay and we had no choice but to accept their policies. unfortunately, our beloved clients insisted that we refund you some amount due to the delayed flight. We responded that it was beyond our control that the airline was responsible in case of the compensation and that we could help contact them. The other claim was that their flight changed from Unity Air to Auric Air which you thought was a cheaper flight, which happened that it was $100 higher. You agreed to proceed with the flight but insisted on us refunding.
Day 1, the safari started at around 9 am, the game drive went on until 4 pm and get ready for the night game drive at 6 pm. You didn’t like the dinner from the lodge so we had to prepare an extra meal for them.
Day 2, We planned to start at 7 am however upon getting permits at the main gate, all tour operators were told to wait by authority officials due to network issues and finally, we began at 9 am after getting the permits. We extended the day until evening and had a boat sunset safari. Luckily we have beautiful pictures of all the activities. We are saddened that our beloved clients claimed not to see animals close while we had pictures during their safari. The roads are not in good condition if you drive at high speed eventually it will break down in the middle of the park, The speed limit maximum is 50km/hr. We informed you on how to handle personal stuff with care due to the bumpy roads. Our terms and conditions are also clear that personal items at hand should be handled with care due to road conditions. Furthermore, we advise our clients to have travel insurance in case of damage or loss associated with the safari. Her phone fell off her hands and the screen went broken. Later on, our clients also claimed the camera wasn’t well and had back problems due to the speed. After the sunset boat drive, you asked for liquors and it was okay with us and it wasn't part of any negotiation or compromise. You eventually insisted we should pay for the phone screen, camera and medications.
Day 3, There was a miscommunication since only our guides and staff are allowed to brief clients in case of any changes but unfortunately, we failed to understand how the hotel staff gave you information that pick up time was 8 am instead of 7 am. The guides were there at 7 am but you were disappointed and didn’t want to proceed with bushman walking safari despite having enough time for that. Due to this, we made some $100 refunds only to find that our beloved clients wanted $1050 more as a refund (out of $1800 received)just after we accomplished the safari. More claims came including the pool damage at the lodge that we are answerable and we should also pay a 20% refund for that. We kept explaining that it wasn’t our fault that we didn't get quick updates about facilities from the lodges we should talk to the management but you gave us 14 days to pay them $1050 otherwise you would take things legally. We agreed with you that you follow the laws and talk to your lawyer regarding this. A month later, you sent another email insisting on paying the same amount and we replied to you with an official email that it wasn't our full fault and explained in deep. We are truly hurt after we received a bad review on our safari booking, google and here as well. We sincerely don’t deserve such feedback.
Furthermore, we value and welcome feedback from our clients, we have thoroughly reviewed the complaints raised in the review and found several discrepancies and inaccuracies:
Flight Rescheduling: The review claims that the flight was rescheduled without notice, leading to missed safari time. However, as per our records and communication with the airline, all flight changes were beyond our control, and clients were promptly informed of these changes. Furthermore, as part of our standard procedure, alternative arrangements were made to ensure that the clients' safari experience was not adversely affected, including offering compensation for any inconveniences.
Safari Experience: The review mentions that the safari was conducted at high speeds, causing discomfort and damage to personal property. Our drivers are trained to adhere to park regulations and maintain speeds that ensure both safety and optimal wildlife viewing experiences. After reviewing GPS logs and consulting with our park rangers and officers, we found no evidence of unsafe driving speeds or practices. Additionally, we have never received any direct complaints about damaged property or personal injuries from any other clients using the same guides.
Communication Issues: The review suggests a lack of communication regarding schedule changes. Our company prides itself on clear and timely communication with our clients. We have documented evidence of all communications sent to the guests, including updates about itinerary changes, which were acknowledged by them.
Pool Availability: The review mentions that the lodge’s pool was out of service. Unfortunately, maintenance issues can arise unexpectedly, and we strive to inform our guests as soon as we are aware of any such occurrences.
Compensation Offered: The guests were compensated for any perceived inconveniences, including receiving a $100 refund and additional amenities during their stay. We regret that they still felt dissatisfied, but we believe these gestures demonstrate our commitment to addressing concerns and ensuring client satisfaction.
Please be assured that we are taking your feedback seriously and will use it to improve our services. We are dedicated to providing exceptional safari experiences, and we work tirelessly to meet and exceed our clients' expectations. While we understand that unforeseen challenges may arise, we believe this review does not fairly represent the quality of our services or the experiences we provide. We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future.
Should you have any further concerns or wish to discuss this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Thank you for choosing Nkollo Tours.
ES
Email Jesus | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
very efficient and thoughtful operator
Well coordinated safari. It adapts to different needs. The cooks were very good. Nothing like the fast food of other operators. It was well cooked local food, also with vegetarian options.
Our guide Maliaki was perfect, a kind person and a great professional: good driver and guide. He has a lot of experience and knows where and when to go to the best places. He explained us a lot of facts about each animal, plants, history and facts of the parks. Thank you Maliaki!!
FR
Email Carlos | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Really helpfull and professionnal tour operator
Amazing Safari with Nkollo Tours and Jafari our guide.
We could saw many animals (girafes, lions, Hyppos, Impalas, éléphants)
The lodge was also amazing and peacefull !
ES
Email Laura Arellano | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best salary experience
My experience with Nkollo tours safaris was excellent.
Since the first day until the last day.
The driver Godbless was helpful, nice, and as a driver was the best one.
The boss Allan was so kind with us and the company is so serious and helpful.
Thanks so much and we repeat experience for sure.
Email Jess Z | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Tour to Materuni and Chemka Hot Springs!
We had a fantastic experience with Kareem as our driver and guide to the Materuni Waterfalls, the local coffee farm, and the Chemka Hot Springs! We started the day at Materuni after a lovely transfer there with Kareem. Our local guide Gody (Fetty) was full of knowledge of the local Chaga traditions and foods. He was also very funny and a great photographer. The hike to the waterfalls wasn’t overly difficult, but you will need to walk on some logs and use a walking stick. It is quite muddy so I would highly recommend you wear the rain boots they suggest because your shoes will get quite dirty. After the hike the Chaga tribe made us lunch specializing in banana flavors and offered locally made banana beer, wine, and schnapps. The coffee tour was very fun with song and dance. The local children took videos and photos and their photography skills were crazy good! The coffee was very good.
After the waterfalls, our driver then took us to Chemka hot springs where our feet were tickled by little fish and we got to go on a swing into the water. The place was very beautiful and serene.
Kareem went far above and beyond and took us to a local food spot called Uzunguni City Park for dinner and we tried some local dishes called Chipsi mayai with goat. Kareem really was the highlight of our tour as he provided a lot of local knowledge about each place and he took us to an ATM when needed and to dinner. We are so glad we took this tour and we highly recommend it to anyone!
AT
Email Ali & Ibis | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania: A once in a lifetime experience
We chose Nkollo Tours for our honeymoon safari after months of researching different tour companies, and we’re really glad we did. From the start, Allan was incredibly helpful, he answered all our questions quickly and thoroughly, was flexible with special requests, and offered a wide range of accommodation options. We stayed in seven different places, and each one was clean, comfortable, and welcoming, with friendly staff and great food.
The payment process was simple: half upfront, half when we arrived. Once we landed in Tanzania, everything was already arranged. Kareem picked us up from the airport, and from that moment on, we didn’t have to worry about a thing. Meeting Allan in person was also a nice touch, he made us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for.
After a relaxing first night in Arusha, we began our safari adventure. We spent five days exploring Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, and we were incredibly lucky to have Emmanuel as our guide. Emmanuel was the heart of our safari, his deep knowledge of wildlife, sharp eye for spotting animals, and warm personality made every day unforgettable. He made sure we saw the Big Five and so much more, and he took the time to share stories and insights about Tanzanian culture that added real depth to the experience. He was patient, thoughtful, and clearly passionate about what he does. Traveling with him felt like being with a friend who genuinely wanted us to have the best experience possible.
After the safari, we did a day trip to Materuni Waterfall and the Chagga village. Kareem drove us there and joined us for the coffee tour and traditional meal afterward, which were both well organized and really enjoyable. The hike to the waterfall was beautiful but slippery, a perfect way to wind down after the excitement of the safari.
Overall, our honeymoon with Nkollo Tours was everything we hoped for and more. Everyone we met was kind, professional, and easy to talk to. The whole trip felt personal, well thought out, and full of moments we’ll never forget. We’d absolutely recommend Nkollo Tours to anyone planning a safari in Tanzania and we can't wait to go back.
