The Chalo Africa Inc Team
Chalo Africa
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- ATTA & APTA
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $500 to $1,600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Ed Dugan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
In a word: Outstanding.
If you don't want to read a positive review don't read this. The three ladies of Chalo Africa went out of their way to make sure that I got every consideration on this safari. Having never been to Africa before I really didn't have any idea what to expect. I went to four camps run by the Massie tribe. I saw all of the big five, and the ugly five and several of the little five. I took over 2,500 pictures (probably close to 3,000) in my eleven day safari which I finally got down to just 533 pictures. The camps (tent) were well maintained, clean and the beds were certainly comfortable. Hot water bottles in the bed every night while we dined. Dined is the correct term, as the food was wonderful. My guides were extremely informative and bent over backwards to show and explain flora, animals and whatever I asked about. If you are a 'birder' you won't be disappointed either.
Chalo Africa was in contact with me almost daily before my trip and several times after to see that everything went as I wanted it.
I have already committed myself and my oldest son for next March. All I have to do is convince my wife to come with me. She gave the trip to me as a 50th anniversary gift.
Take a good zoom camera and a "Good" pair of Binoc's. You won't be sorry.
Have fun, I did.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The proper African experience!
Challo Africa lived up to my expectations during our tour of the Masai Mara,Kenya.
They really ensured we were looked after and the accommodation they suggested in the African bush was exactly what I had in mind.
The lodge itself was beautiful,a cosy house set in the remote wilderness.The service we were given was one of the best I've ever had the opportunity to experience and the safaris were conducted by an extremely experienced,yet friendly guide.
This is the company to go with if you're looking for that genuine African experience.
US
Email D. Cantwell | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Chalo Africa was very knowledgeable and provided most excellent service and planning! Go with Chalo!
I contacted over 20 companies in preparation for a safari and Chalo Africa gave us the best deal for what we wanted to see. I read the reviews and decided to book with them. Then I decided while in Tanzania it would be great to get to Nairobi, Kenya to visit the Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Sangeeta came up with another itinerary, but it was a bit over our spending limit. Sangeeta worked with me to change a few lodging choices to meet our maximum budget. Then again, she reworked the itinerary and was as professional and friendly as possible. Then, with two weeks until the safari start, Kenya Airways changed their flight schedule, which we had booked independently. Sangeeta promptly offered her assistance to help us work through the necessary changes. Smita was also very thorough and friendly in answering questions and getting all the finance data in order. Sangeeta also contacted us just before, during, and after our safari
to inquire how things were going for our family. Customer service seems more of a catchphrase these days, but Chalo Africa actually provides it honorably, in addition to thoughtful planning and execution. If ever we get the opportunity for another safari anywhere in Africa, be assured we will go with Chalo Africa! Many thanks to the Chalo Africa family for not only an incredible safari experience, but the confidence of knowing we were in good hands throughout our trip.
IN
Email Shridhar Jaju | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I doubt it could have been much better than how Chalo Africa planned it for us
I happened to come across Chalo Africa's website when I was on Google researching for a South African honeymoon. I contacted them just out of curiosity, but it turned out to be the best decision I took.
Sangeeta got in touch with me immediately, and helped me plan a perfect itinerary. She had immense knowledge about every place that she suggested and with that kind of insight, it becomes quite easy to choose what you want and what you don't want in your itinerary.
I had done a bit of research myself previously, and therefore bombarded her with a lot of doubts and questions. And she answered them all very satisfactorily. The planning went so smoothly that my trip for January 2015 was booked by June 30, 2014. The other tour operators that I had contacted didn't have packages for tours in December 2014 / January 2015 till the last week of August 2014.
The implementation bit was just as smooth as planning had been. I had been recommended Phinda Private Game Reserve for the safari part of my tour by the Chalo Africa team, and it was worth every penny I spent of the whole trip. Sangeeta and Smita had intimated the staff at Phinda Vlei Lodge that my wife and I are both vegetarians, and we didn't face any problems on that front. They also knew that we were honeymooners, and thus we were treated to a lovely candlelight dinner on the patio by the private pool of our cottage on our first evening. It was pure luxury in the jungle.
The game viewing was also excellent. We saw four of the Big Five, with only the leopard eluding us. In fact, when we arrived, our safari vehicle was due to leave for its afternoon game drive at the same time. However, since we had been traveling for the last 18 hours or so, we opted out of that drive. As luck would have it, that vehicle saw a leopard on that drive but none on the next seven drives of which we were a part. Had we not been so tired (read: lazy) that evening, we would have seen all of the Big Five.
The non-safari part of our honeymoon had also been perfectly planned by Chalo Africa, and it went off seamlessly. All our transfer vehicles were ready on the time as stated. The accommodations were all as we had expected them to be. And Sangeeta and Smita were in touch with us throughout the tour to see how we were doing.
The best part about Chalo Africa is that with Smita in India and Sangeeta in the USA, at least one of them is reachable 24x7. And they not only have the knowledge of the places to visit, but also of most of the accommodations they suggest. A first person's opinion can be a big aid in planning a trip.
On the day I returned to India, I spoke with Smita and told her that my wife and I also have Kenya & Tanzania on our bucket list. Someday, hopefully in the not-too-distant future, when I do sit down to plan that trip, that is the first phone call I'll make.
A hassle-free experience
I went to Nairobi on some business and then used Chalo Africa to plan a 3 day trip to Masaai Mara after my work in Nairobi was done. I have to say that my experience was pretty smooth and quite enjoyable. The taxi drivers hired by them were helpful and courteous. The Kichwa Tembo camp was luxurious and the game drives were elaborate and adventurous with experienced guides. I even got a free upgrade on the room I had booked there. I definitely recommend Chalo Africa for planning a tension-free trip to Africa.
IN
Email chakrapani | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
responded well in crisis
i went to masai mara in august 2014.tour booked by chalo africa. my kenyan airways flight from mumbai to nairobi was late by 8 hours.i was really afraid of missing connecting flight to mara,but i made it with 5 minutes to spare.during that period sangeeta and smita took care of the things and every body was informed regarding the late arrival. camp booked by them is good(ilkeliani) and guide is also good. i will recommend them any one..
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceeding expectations in Tanzania courtesy of Team Chalo Africa. Thank you.
Just back from a wonderful safari arranged by Sangeeta and Smita in Tanzania. We were booked into the mobile Ubuntu Camp by the Serengeti Western Corridor to see the migration (glam-camping at its best) and then onto Kitela Lodge (located serenely in the midst of a coffee plantation) for Lake Manyara and Ngorogoro Crater safaris. Both accommodation, food, safaris and staff by Asilia Africa Group were wonderful and we would highly recommend Chalo Africa for organizing everything including internal flights, transfers and being available at all times for questions and allaying worries. Having offices in Washington and New Delhi meant that regardless of time of day I usually got a reply within the hour.
Thank you very much for a memorable holiday.
IN
Email Natasha Jog | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The African Safari
Still recovering from an incredible holiday in Africa, and a week in Kenya that will be etched in our memory forever. Travelling with children, specially on a wildlife focused trip can be intensive and challenging, but courtesy Smita and her team at Chalo Africa, we had a schedule that was perfect and the right mix of fun and more fun! From home stays to small resorts and big establishments, we sampled a bit of it all, and every stage was as promised, most of the time even better. And not to mention the travel and safety tips, that were a huge help. A big part of the experience was courtesy Tony, our guide and friend for one week in Kenya. His insight, knowledge and gentle demeanour was much appreciated. Thanks all for a very very memorable trip, and hope to be back soon.
IN
Email C Bhattacharji | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Patiently guided us, provided many options, gave a good plan, provided a fantastic guide/driver.
Everything was bang on. From the pick-up to the drop-off, things went very smoothly. The key was Tony, our tour guide who was brilliant. His knowledge about the wildlife, the layout of the parks and driving skills were very good.
At one point there was no chef when we arrived at a cottage we had hired, at another place, Keekerok Lodge, the food was substandard for a hotel of that level. Otherwise Keekerok and its location are excellent. But these were minor issues compared to the overall, thoroughly enjoyable trip.
Chalo Africa kept track of these issues as well as our general well-being.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful experience
Thanks Smita for organising a truly memorable trip to Kenya- no easy task with 4 adults and 2 eight year olds. We enjoyed every moment of our safari to the Mara, Ol Pejeta and Nakuru.
Smita met with us and helped plan the trip from start to finish and was there to answer endless questions. Her turnaround time was always no more than a few hours at most. She kept in touch with us through the trip to ensure that things were smooth with no unpleasant surprises.
Tony our guide was competent, friendly and patient. He knew the parks really well and we had some really wonderful sightings with him. The kids loved him too.
Thanks much to Chalo Africa for making it all happen. I cannot recommend them highly enough.