The Africa Specialists Reviews 

Nick's service and knowledge were exceptional. Every detail was taken care of - Nick really listened to our needs, which were varied. He pulled it out the bag to get maximum luxury without blowing our budget. His advice on where to stay meant that we had the most amazing game viewing experiences at Asilia lodge in Naboisho where we were treated to unparalleled access to prides of lions, which we followed up with relaxation in the glorious white beeches at Breezes in Zanzibar.

We would never have chosen to stay in Stone town for a night before going home, but so glad that we took Nick's advice - it was amazing and allowed us to go sightseeing on our last day to maximize every second of our trip.

Traveling with 3 generations from 16-75 all with different demands Nick satisfied all our requirements.

It was evident that Nick is well known and highly respected in the tourism industry in Kenya and Tanzania, where the owners and managers knew Nick personally and spoke about his in the highest regard.

The properties Nick guided us to were delightful- intimate, comfortable and focused on service.

Nick was a pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Nick was always responsive, professional and went above and beyond to make sure that we had an unforgettable trip. We can't recommend Nick and The Africa Specialists highly enough - they really exceeded our expectations. If you're looking for a bespoke, luxury African adventure, look no further than Nick and The Africa Specialists. You won't be disappointed!

What an amazing journey through Tanzania that Nick put together for us. We have just returned, and everything went seamlessly well - hotels, airport transfers, safaris to Tarangire and Ngorongoro. The meticulous organisation meant we could sit back and enjoy every day. I thoroughly recommend planning your trip through Nick and his team at The Africa Specialists.

I have used The Africa Specialists several times now and find them professional and able. Always on the end of an email with an immediate response when flight schedules change or help is needed. No hesitation at all in recommending the company.

Totally wonderful company, went above and beyond. 100% recommend Nick and his guys for start to finish professionalism, care and ‘grind’ on your behalf.

We booked our family Safari with Nick at the Africa Specialists once we had spoken with him over the phone. We only gave him a couple of days to plan and book our experience but he managed it allowing us to travel 4 weeks later to have our fabulous trip to Kenya.
We had our flights messed about by Qatar on the way there, I contacted Nick to say we were in trouble, and he acted immediately, late at night to try to shuffle our onward journey. I was so relieved to have his support! His intervention got us back on track and we ended up having a wonderful time away. Not only did Nick give us great advice on where to go in Kenya for our trip, but saved our bacon at short notice! Thanks, Nick, I would thoroughly recommend speaking to Nick before planning a trip to Africa, but maybe give him a bit more time to book it than we did. So grateful we had an amazing time, thanks Dermot and Kelli.

We spoke to Nick regarding our honeymoon to Tanzania - safari at 2 different parks (3 nights each at Nyerere and Rhuaha) and then onward to Zanzibar for 6 nights. We don't usually use agents, but being that we left it a bit late, and had no experience of Africa or safari decided to on this occasion. It did seem to cost a chunk more than you may be able to do independently, but Nick's expertise, advice and friendliness when going over options was so helpful we do not regret this at all.

We had the most amazing time, Nicks advice prior to going RE North vs South Tanzania for safari was invaluable. We discussed with our guides and others guests who had been around at the same time who mirrored Nicks advice (great migration is great, but outrageously busy). We saw an incredible variety of animals across different terrain and barely saw other cars at all - the only "big 5" animal we didn't see was a rhino. The guides and camps were fantastic. Lake Manze and Mdonya Old River. I would note that Mdonya does have the tzitzi fly, but we weren't bitten much (they report them not transmitting disease in this area so is only an annoyance) and the camp fires kept them away over dinner/drinks.

Zanzibar was fantastic as well - the advice and expertise available regarding places to stay, and be able to scuba dive was brilliant.

Would not hesitate to recommend or use the team again.

This was our first trip to Africa and we were very pleased with how everything transpired. The safari camps on the Tanzanian mainland and the resort in Zanzibar that Nick recommended were all top-notch in terms of quality and service. Everything went seamlessly in terms of in-country flights, ground transfers, etc. We also received a lot of valuable information prior to our trip that made us feel well prepared for the journey. We highly recommend The Africa Specialists for anyone who is considering going on safari.

First engaged with Nick from The Africa Specialist in 2019 to organise a special holiday for a joint 50th for my wife and I. Nick really helped us refine our requirement to meet a budget. We then went ahead, paid deposit, then covid struck. WIth Nick's help we just bumped holiday out first one year, then another. He ensure all our bookings were honoured. Eventually went to Tanzania this August and had a great time. All the logistics were great (Internal flights, transfers etc) and al the accommodation was top notch.
Nick kept us informed through the whole process.
Cannot recommend highly enough.

Nick and the team were fantastic at listening to what we wanted on a family holiday, tailoring that based on our needs, budget and helping us visualise what it would look like to start getting excited early! They were always on hand when we needed them, especially as it got closer to the holiday and were worrying we had forgotten something. Would highly recommend them to any family thinking of going on holiday in Africa.

My sister booked a trip to Lake Manze with The Africa Specialists for June 2020. With Covid, the trip was delayed multiple times. Nick was extremely accommodating for all the changes. In the end, myself and my husband and another couple joined my sister and her husband. Nick ensured the booking and payment process was as smooth as possible. And Lake Manze, in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, was a very special place. We loved it and highly recommend it!

Nick did an AMAZING job planning our trip! We were fully looked after and he booked us at incredible locations. I couldn’t say anything was lacking. The animals sightings were phenomenal and Nick had planned all the logistics so that we didn’t have to do a thing! We will be back!

Big thank you to Nick for helping with our trip to Kenya. He was more than just the logistic guy. He took the extra time to answer all my questions about what traveling with teenagers for a safari. He give me his honest opinions without over selling his services. We loved our trip and the attention to details were amazing! Thanks for the fancy "app" that was sent to us for our adventure..so easy to use throughout our entire time. Highly recommend this company for all your planning needs.

Thank you very much for the perfect organization of our trip to Tanzania even under the most difficult conditions in Corona times. The very expert advise has led us in Tanzania to great destinations: Katavi impressed us with its remoteness and wildlife, Greystoke Mahale with the incredible Chimp trekking, and last but not least Kichaka Camp Ruaha was an absolute experience by the great foot safaris with Moli. It was a extraordinary trip from start to finish. Thanks a lot to Nick and his company
Andree and Anja

We had a great experience with AS. They had solid recommendations on where to stay based on our goals. We went to Ol Pejeta and Lewa, mainly for the Rhinos, and we were not disappointed. Also, many cats, Grevy's Zebra. We then went to the Masai Mara where cats and hoofed animals are everywhere. Staying in the conservancies allows off-road, up-close encounters. Still, the reserves are pretty good for mass wilder beast.

Thanks again to Nick and AS - great service!

The Africa Specialists helped us booked our trip in Tanzania and reschedule multiple times through the pandemic, it couldn't have been such a success without them.
I would definitely recommend them as they offered competitive prices for the best experience.

This was our first time using a travel company and could not be happier with our choice. Nick created the perfect honeymoon itinerary for us on short notice. Being that it was our first time to Africa, I had tons of questions and Nick was always timely to respond by either email or phone call. He offered excellent feedback and suggestions that turned out to be spot on.
The travel rules changed 3 weeks before our trip (rapid testing requirement was added). Nick notified us immediately and also arranged for our COVID PCR tests while in Zanzibar.
We could not have asked for a better guide and the accommodations were excellent as well. Nick advised all of the resorts that we were on our honeymoon and each resort did something special for us which was much appreciated.
We are grateful for Nick helping to plan the best trip of our lives so far! We were also happy to be able to contribute to the areas tourism during these tough times. Our trip was the first time our guide had worked since COVID started...and each resort we stayed at had less than 20 other guests. It was almost as if we had the place and the herds to ourselves. We will definitely use Nick and the Africa Specialists in the future!

Most often when traveling, I do all of the planning and booking, but felt that for this trip to Zanzibar and Tanzania, my husband and I needed to rely on the expertise of a travel company. After considerable time spent evaluating a range of options, we elected to book with The Africa Specialists, and we could not be happier that we did so. Nick, our travel planner, was absolutely instrumental in creating the ideal itinerary for our 2 week trip. Not having travelled to either of these places before, we fully depended on him to guide us through the planning process. Nick was exceedingly patient and professional as he fielded my many questions to build a personalized safari that was within our budget and met all of our needs and interests. Through emails and video chats, he listened to what we wanted, offered great feedback and suggestions, and customized an itinerary that was perfect for us. I can honestly say that anytime he expressed an opinion or made a recommendation in response to a given query, his judgement was spot-on. There is not a single decision that we made based on his advice, from the number of days in each location, to the sights to see and the accommodations at which to stay, that we regretted in the least. With all the information he provided beforehand we felt extremely well-prepared. And, as travel dates, participants and preferences changed throughout the time of planning, Nick was very flexible, helpful and timely in adjusting our arrangements. Everything was extremely well organized and we were very well looked after from the minute we landed in Africa.
From the transfers, accommodations, guide, food, and staff- We could not have asked for better. Not only were our accommodations exactly as pictured and described, they were better. We also often commented during the trip that our guide really “stood out” amongst others that we encountered. He was a seasoned professional who went above and beyond and many times we were able to see rare animals and witness beautiful scenes because of his skills and knowledge of the area.
All in all, every detail was impeccably planned and executed before and during our trip. We are avid travelers and appreciated the high level of experience, planning and follow through on all aspects of our vacation. Thanks to Nick at The Africa Specialists for making this a trip of a lifetime! He is truly great at what he does and certainly has my highest recommendation.

This was our first experience to travel with The Africa Specialist to East Africa, Tanzania. However we have previous experiences with South American Specialist, and Nick French, knows our travel wishes quite well.

Since due to COVID-19, our original travel plans to South America had to be postponed again, we asked Nick which options we do have for traveling still in November. A last minute itinerary to go to Tanzania turned out to work great for us and we had an amazing time.

Visa, negative Covid-19 test, vaccins all had to be done quickly and because of all uncertainty, we could settle the total amount close to our actual travel date.

The properties selected, especially the ones for safari: very homely and intimate, but also the transfers in all locations, the domestic flights, all went great and smoothly.

Only 1 time a driver showed up late due to traffic jam in stone town, and we missed the transfer in Dar Es Salaam from domestic to international airport.

The Vamoos app is great for pre-vacation preparation, but also during the traveling itself. Great!

We can definitely recommend to travel with Africa Specialist. The additional challenges and uncertainty due to COVID-19 were fully taken away and we had an amazing and relaxing holiday.

Best regards,
Inez and Luc

As independent travelers who don't typically use travel agents, my husband and I were somewhat nervous about contacting The Africa Specialists and entrusting them with our holiday to Kenya. Within seconds of speaking to Nick, we realised that there was nothing to be concerned about. Nick instantly understood the type of experience we wanted (something other agents had struggled with!) and lined up a truly amazing safari at a fantastic price. From the moment we initially spoke to the moment we landed home, he was always available to assist with any queries we had without irritation or complaint. In this new COVID era, visiting another country can seem daunting but we always felt that we were in safe hands and that Nick’s suggested operators (notably Asilia Africa) had implemented thorough COVID protocols.

All in all, we would thoroughly recommend The Africa Specialists and have indeed done so to several friends who are now enjoying their own African adventures via them!

I have just returned from a two week safari to the Greater Mara area in Kenya which was arranged by Nick from The Africa Specialists. As always Nick's advice and guidance was absolutely spot on.
I stayed in two of the Asilia camps, Naboisho Camp in the Conservancy and Rekero Camp in the Masai Mara Reserve, and both camps provided an outstanding level of guiding and overall service.
The game viewing from both properties was quite incredible. If you want to see lion cubs, then go to Naboisho now as there are a total of 18 cubs within 15 minutes drive from the camp! Leopard, cheetah and serval sightings were common. There is only a handful of people travelling to the Mara at the moment so now is a perfect opportunity to visit and avoid all the usual high season crowds. Perhaps there is a link between the very low number of visitors and the spectacular animal sightings!
The Kenyan Authorities and all the camps have robust and well organised Covid protocols in place which should reassure anyone thinking of going over there now.
I have used Nick and The Africa Specialists for a few years now and have always received super service. It is a competitive market place but quite simply I won't use anyone else.