The Amazing Shadows of Africa Guiding Team!
Shadows of Africa
- Offices In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $4,329 to $25,972 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
IT
Email Angelica e Francesco | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional trip
for the first time in our lives we entrusted ourselves to a travel agency for a trip, we were very hesitant, but following some videos seen online and after reading many reviews, shadow of africa was our decision.
It was a wonderful trip and Sonja, the girl who followed us, proved to be extremely professional and patient, answering our thousand questions and giving us lots of useful advices.
all the accommodations were wonderful, we stayed in the heart of the Serengeti first and Gorongoro after with our driver, Dickson, who proved to be exceptional as a driver, as a guide telling us a lot of things about Tanzania and his people, but above all rest assured that he knows the animals perfectly, he anticipates their moves and always arrives first in wonderful places. we saw leopards and lions a few meters away, as well as all the other animals. thanks to dickson we saw all the big five and we will never stop thanking him.
Everything with Shadow of Africa worked perfectly, the drivers all proved to be extremely professional and provided us with a lot of informations, answering our many curiosities.
all the excursions carried out with Tales of Zanzibar, their partner, were magical, we were accompanied by professional people, in love with their work and who gave us unforgettable moments.
our week ended in their office, where Bernard welcomed us with his incredible smile to say hello in person.
we always felt pampered and with the knowledge that everything was perfectly organized so
we give 5 stars to shadow only because we can't give 6. thanks so much to all your stuff
Email Anastasia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari in Kenya and Tanzania
We had a truly once in a lifetime experience with Shadows of Africa. The team helped us organize a 10 day safari in Kenya and Tanzania. Karen, our project manager, was amazing, super helpful and quick to reply, provided us with super detailed information and helped us adjust the itinerary as needed. Our guides Titus (in Kenya) and Gerald (in Tanzania) were incredible - they helped us see so many animals (they also knew a ton!), took really good care of us and were super fun to spend time with. We were also very happy with the logistics and the choice of lodges. Super grateful for such a fantastic and smooth experience!
5-Day Tanzania Honeymoon Safari
We had an unforgettable Honeymoon thanks to a fantastic 5 day, 4 night safari in Tanzania!
*Safari Planner - Jake*
I worked with Jake to put together the ideal itinerary including flying directly into the Serengeti from Zanzibar to reduce the overall non-game drive time spent on the read. Jake was very patient and reorganized the proposed itinerary several times before we landed on the perfect amount of time to spend in Serengeti, Ngorongo, and Tarangire while ensuring we stayed 2 nights in each of the incredible lodgings to avoid too much repacking .
*Guide - Frank*
Our guide Frank was phenomenal! He did a great job explaining what the next days' schedules would be and was always courteous and flexible with any requests we had. Frank was an amazing guide in so many ways - his wildlife spotting and coordination with other drivers meant we saw more animals than we ever imagined we would. He also regularly washed the vehicle which was an unexpected surprise - there is something magical about waking up and seeing a sparkling clean vehicle ready for a big day of safari adventures. Frank was also an excellent driver - we were so impressed by how smooth the overall experience was given how rough the roads can be in late November. Frank was like part of the family and after 5 days together we were sad to say goodbye!
*Shadows of Africa*
Having reached out to 5+ tour operators when I was in the planning phase I was immediately impressed by the level of quality of their website, their tour outlines, and overall professionalism. Going on Safari confirmed everything I expected and more! It was clear Shadows provides a level of service above other tour operators in a few ways. I'm sure there are more but a couple of the highlights:
1 - Lunches during game drives are *warm* :D The guides work with the lodges to get warm meals prepared in advance. I had no idea the level of service we were about to receive until our first couple lunches where it was clear most operators would have you eating a cold, packed lunch. Shadows on the other hand would have a protein, one or two vegetable dishes, and rice. etc. all ready to be served warm.
2 - The safari vehicles was practically new! It was in such good shape, and our guide mentioned it was only the 2nd or so time it had been used as of November 2024.
Email Dan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Phenomenal 13-day Tanzania Safari
Our family of seven just returned from a phenomenal 13-day Tanzanian trip with Shadows of Africa over the Christmas/New Year holidays. I contacted Karen, who welcomed my questions, connected with us via Zoom, and provided fantastic presentations via email. The presentations included maps, routing, and photos of all the proposed lodges and tented camps. As it was already July and we were planning to go in December, the trip required a fair amount of logistical organization as the itinerary evolved and lodging options became unavailable. Karen handled the entire process with aplomb sending an updated itinerary with photos of the new lodge or camp.
As it turns out, we were delayed inbound to Tanzania and Karen re-arranged our first day and obtained alternative accommodations while we were enroute. The following morning, our guides Charles and Loma arrived at the lodge in two brand-new Toyota Landcruisers. Both were very experienced guides with 7-8 years’ of experience with Shadows. On the first day, the guides took us for a short orientation to the Shadows office. We were met by Ben, who reviewed the trip with us and discussed our revised itinerary, expectations, and our personal priorities. This was a very nice touch. We were then off to the Serengeti.
Throughout our journey, Loma and Charles were wonderfully kind, respectful and interested in our comfort, interests, and needs. As communication even with radios and Wi-Fi on board can be sketchy, Loma and Charles were constantly speaking with other guides along the road. Between the two, we always had a line on where the animals could be found. Both were incredibly knowledgeable about the animals, the birds and even the bugs. Having chased nature with binoculars and a camera around the globe, the most important thing has been the guides we’ve traveled with. Charles and Loma were right up there at the top and made it a fabulous, informative, fun and entertaining trip. The whole family continued to talk about how we missed them after returning to the States. I can’t say enough about Shadows and everyone we worked with.
Email Liz and Jerry | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable, attentive, organized and highly capable -- everything you could want.
When we first started exploring the idea of an African safari, we had little knowledge of what to look for or expect.
We found
a number of highly rated operators, but with no way to distinguish between them, we sent out multiple feelers which is when Shadows of Africa began to break from the crowd. Their representative (Karen Maki) was consistently responsive and attentive, quickly collaborating to put together an itinerary that addressed every detail of the trip.
This included
night-time and walking safaris, multiple options on where to stay, all transportation details (in addition to our outstanding guide Charles Lucas) and even the restaurant where we would wait for our driver to the airport at the end of the trip -- every detail was considered.
The execution of the tour made this the trip of a lifetime.
First, our guide, Charles Lucas, was top top notch. He knew the animals, the birds, made good suggestions on when to linger or move, and knew the sites and lodge destinations (not trivial -- he ended up giving directions to a number of guides from other tour operators who were clearly lost), and he was an excellent 4-wheel driver (again, not trivial -- the roads are unpaved and we saw other tour operators get stuck); and he is very nice person indeed.
And as for what we saw -- everything we could have hoped for:
-Beautiful landscapes at Lake Manyara, the Serenghetti, Ngorongoro crater and Tarangire
-and wildlife galore: giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, rhinos, antelopes, elephants, hyenas, jackals .. including a cheetah that we saw hunting and taking down a baby gazelle and (on a night safari) lions with a cape buffalo kill where the alpha male chased down the former alpha male and in the process ended up charged by an elephant .... All in all, an astonishing trip.
CA
Email Luann | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
AMAZING! Efficient, kind, caring, extremely knowledgeable
We did a12 Day Safari tour in Kenya and Tanzania. Karen Maki was on top of everything! Plus she had the patience of a Saint - we had so many questions!! She also found us tickets to the Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary - a miracle as we should have booked them months in advance.
The Safari vehicles were clean and in great working order, no breakdowns at all.
our Safari guides we James, Alex, and Adam. They knew everything and answered so many questions on the animals, their behavior, eating habits etc etc. The well being of the animals were very important to them. the food was good, the accommodation was excellent and everyone was very friendly and accommodating.
I HIGHLY recommend The Shadow of Africa tour company
Email Ruth | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous Chimps and Gorillas tour in Rwanda - beyond our expectations!
Great tour with cultural and wildlife aspects. Our guide Paul Ruganintwari was very helpful and good company. Hotels were excellent, and meals were included, with just alcohol to be paid for. 3-course dinner each evening. Lovely scenery with plenty to look at while Paul drove to the next location.
Really enjoyed the kayaking on Lake Kivu
We were fortunate to see so many chimps ( including a baby ).
Gorilla trek was beyond our expectations and we were very lucky with the weather. We watched a large family group including a silverback, 4 mth old and 1 week old baby.
Take USD for tips, but before the tour we needed Rwandan Francs for Kigali.
I chose to pay for a porter to help me on the slippery bits of path and to support the local community.
We hope to return to Africa soon and I would be very happy to travel with Shadows of Africa again. We were very impressed. Thank you to Karen for all her help with the organisation of the trip and fast communication.
CA
Email Ana L | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Honeymoon
We booked with Shadows of Africa for our honeymoon trip and had a fantastic time. Prior to the trip communication was easy and we felt that all our questions were answered promtly and effectively. As first time Safari travellers we had a LOT of questions. Any requests or changes were easily accomidated and our specialist Karen was wonderfull.
The real magic happened once we got onsite and we ended up having an unforgettable experience. Our guide Charles was very knowledgeble, helfull and overall was fantastic.
The lodges were wonderfull and during our trip there was an issue with one of our originally booked camps and prior to arrival we got upgraded to another camp that ended up being our favourite stay during the trip.
I apreciated the environmental commitment and the elimation of single use plastic bottles at most camps and the safari vehicle. We were given a metal water bottle and the car came equipped with a 20L jug of water. Most of the camp also provided drinking water in jugs.
Email Hector X Cruz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Trip of a Lifetime!
I had dreamed of visiting Africa for 45 years, ever since I was 6 years old. When I was finally able to begin planning my long awaited trip, I researched the countless operators extensively.
I wanted a company with a proven track record of delivering bespoke, individualized itineraries suited for what I specifically wanted to see in my dream safari. I didn't want a package deal put together for just any tourist.
I'm incredibly blessed to have found the great people at Shadows of Africa. My point person for 9 months was Karen Maki who was very knowledgeable and tailored a beautifully curated tour hitting my main focus areas: the Great Migration, a River Crossing, the Big 5, the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Lake Amboseli.
During those 9 months, she patiently revised and changed lodging and accommodations until they were just right. I can't thank her enough for her patience, professionalism, and flexibility.
I had incredibly high expectations for this trip and Shadows of Africa delivered in every way.
I want to specifically thank our guides: Anthony, Zamo, and Charles.
We spent the most time on our trip - about 8 days - with Zamo, and he is an exemplary guide. Without him, our adventure wouldn't have been anywhere near as incredible as it was.
Zamo is an extraordinary safari leader, supremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, their behaviors, territories, and the landscape. His skill in anticipating and predicting animal movements put us in the exact right spot for remarkable encounters dozens of times.
Most incredible of all, I told him that my biggest dream was to see one of the legendary wildebeest river crossings. I knew it was difficult to see one and there was no guarantee, but thanks to Zamo's expertise, tenacity, and perseverance, he put us front row to an absolutely breathtaking crossing of thousands of wildebeest across the Mara River from Tanzania into the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life and I owe it all to Zamo Tito. He is a credit and an asset to Shadows of Africa.
Were there some hiccups? Of course. There are bound to be a couple in journeys of this length and complexity, but Shadows and their personnel handled everything in due course.
I highly recommend Shadows of Africa. Don't hesitate in using them to book your dream African safari!
Email Ryan Loew | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easily the best experience of my life
Apologies as this will be a long review, as I tend to write a lot. The 11 day safari with Shadows of Africa easily was the best trip of my life. First, let me start with Karen. Karen treats you like she's been your friend for a long time that just happens to be a safari specialist as she's extremely personable and clearly wants you to have the best possible experience. Despite being 10 hours ahead of me, she responded to any and all questions I have within minutes and I question if she ever takes a break. Throughout the whole process, she has been amazing...Karen, if you read this, I can't thank you enough. My other notable tour specialist was Frank that handled everything in Tanzania. Frank...Frank is on top of everything, literally calling me the second we got to the Tanzanian border, giving us suggestions on how to tip, what to do, and literally was on top of everything in Tanzania. Also, Frank is extremely genuine as well, following up daily regarding how things are going, what we love(d), and is again is just on top of everything.
Secondly, the guides. Our first guide was George who clearly has a ton of experience in Masa Mara and Kenya, and was on top of where to go and was on top of where all the animals were. George is very nice guy and on day 2 of safari I was elated on the experience he gave us and also can't say enough great things about that man. Our second guide, Charles Joseph, is younger, super enthusiastic, and is obviously very proud of his country and loves sharing whatever he can about Tanzania as well as anything related to plants and animals. Also, after traveling with him for a week I'm seriously impressed on how he can remember where everything is throughout such a massive area without a map, as I need GPS to go across town. We did have a transfer, Nickson, great young kid who is also enthusiastic about his town and country; hope his pig farming business goes well. Lastly, our last guide, Martin, friggin pro at everything Amboseli, suggesting good photo shots of Kilimanjaro, animals, and again, extremely knowledgeable about the region.
Lastly, a far as the accommodations and food, everything was top notch. We did do the 11 day tour and the nights in Masa Mara and Northern Sarengheti were in raised tents, but the staff more than made up for it as, how often in your life do you see lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, elephants, etc...
My only one real suggestion is if you do plan on doing the 11 day tour, if you're looking for gifts, wait to go to the large shop in Arusha as they by far have the best prices for souvenirs, as the local shops outside Masa Mara are kind of a rip.
To finish, we loved our safari and if/when I come back to Africa, I will be sure to contact Shadows of Africa as they went above and beyond.
