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
IN
Email Sanjeev Nambudiri | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The architects of our truly memorable Africa experience
My family & I had the most incredible trip to Tanzania & Kenya and we have Chalo Africa to thank. We are extremely picky about where we stay, what we do and the overall experience and this has sometimes made our holiday planning hard for the travel agencies we talk to. Right from the start Smita & her team were very helpful - gave us great advice and took onboard our specific requirements. In the end the plan they out together for us was absolutely fantastic - the places they booked us into, the instructions left for our care at those places and the overall tours were impeccably managed. Africa is spectacular anyway - the way our tour was put together with so much personal care made the vacation even more so for us.
IN
Email Haimanti&Debasish | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable, Understanding, Reliable, Someone with whom we would happily work with again
Back in June 2023, we had no idea about how a Safari trip should look like and the only thing that we knew for certain that both of us have back issues and hence, can't travel between places by road. None of the group travel operators would accommodate this customization. While looking for a boutique tour operator, I stumbled upon 'Chalo Africa' and Smita's phone number from the internet. I tried my luck, made the call and rest, as they say, is an extremely satisfying experience. She talked with us over the phone, re-assured us that the travel is not strenuous and the hotels that she would chose would ensure that we get the physical comforts as we needed. I confirmed the package but honestly, we tuned our expectations such that we don't feel disappointed.
Now, after the trip, I would like to correct myself and admit that all the hotels that Smita and her team arranged for us just exceeded our expectation in terms of hospitality, care and most importantly, the warmth of the people, be it the manager or the guide or even the askaris would took us to-from the tents. We visited Amboseli (Elarai Camp), Ol Pejeta (Asilia Bush Camp), Mara (Asilia Rekero) and Naboisho (Asilia Camp), in that order. Each one of them were unique in their own ways. In Amboseli we were looking at the Kilimanjaro peak while lying on the bed, in Ol Pejeta we visited the Rhino Sanctuary, in Mara the Hippo hustled beside the tent at night and pooped everywhere and when we thought, we have experienced it all, the camp at Naboisho, just overwhelmed us with it's sheer luxury (not even counting the lions those roam around in that conservancy like street dogs in Bangalore. When you guide says "do you want to see lions?", it is better to challenge him by saying "no we want to drive for an hour without seeing one"). Overall, from the moment the Asilia person picked up from our hotel at Nairobi to the moment they dropped us back there (9 days later) we could totally focus on the nature only and not worry a bit about the logistics including the flights and all. It is a bit on the costlier side, but worth it.
I would like to conclude by saying that this trip has helped 2 people who had no idea of a safari and in not at the best of their health, to overcome their inhibition and fear and we are grateful to the whole of Chalo Africa team for that. Smita said that "you both will fall in love with Africa when you complete this trip" and we can shamelessly agree to that now. We are going back soon.
US
Email Jon | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brilliant Uganda
Chalo Africa organized exactly the trip we desired. There was quite a bit of driving, but that was by our request. We started by visiting the Uganda Wildlife Education Center - UWEC - a great introduction. We were quite awake after arriving despite the long journey. The first day involved birding on Lake Victoria and Mabamba Swamp. Fantastic. Shoebill and many others. Water lillies. Then days of chimp trekking and gorilla trekking. The walks were a bit strenuous but very satisfying. Everyone should have an understanding of these proud, intelligent creatures. We also had a wonderful wildlife drives with elephants, lions, hyenas, cape buffalo, zebras.... We were taught a great deal about botany, butterflies, birds, plant medicine, cultural life of Ugandans, as well as animal behavior. I really loved all the places we stayed but particularly the rustic ones. I would not hesitate to go again.
IN
Email Kehkasha sehgal | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Two weeks of perfection
We had a brillaint time. Apart frm it being a beautiful place we had lovely accomodations where we were put up. The best thing about chalo Africa was the like mindedness with Smita! It made all the difference while organising and planning and especially beacuse everything was perfect and suited us. The support we recieved was great! And they just understood us every step of the way!
Email Chhot Kumar | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They made paradise a reality! It was all perfect!
When you do a trip to East Africa, one has to be very particular as to which agent you go through, as a lot could go wrong. Chalo Africa was the perfect choice, as everything was superb. The accomodation, the food, the personal care, the guides and ofcourse they made certain that it was all worth every penny, as we saw a wealth of wildlife. It was an experience of a lifetime. I would like to say, our guide, Fredy was excellent. My advice to everybody is, if you want a good introduction to East Africa, make sure you go through Chalo Africa, who did it via Asilia. It was a trip of a lifetime. Thank you!
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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.
HK
Email Mic | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive, Helpful, Organized!
They are patient about understanding your needs and requirements. Make good recommendations to you based on your budget and wish list. They provided details about what you need to pay attention to before the trip, and also open a whatsapp group during the trip in case there's any assistance needed from them. There's a strike in Kenya airport which affected my flight to Tanzania - the Chalo team immediately assisted us in finding solution and offering information about the latest situation of the strike. I appreciated much their help before and during the trip. Special thanks to Smita and Malvika who assisted my trip planning all along!
KW
Email Bashaier Aljaafar | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Seriously much of thanks You truly deserve every amount paid to you and all the respect and appreci
The trip was truly more than wonderful and the organization was beyond my imagination, as well as the treatment. I did not imagine people in Kenya being so kind and respectful. They really embarrassed us with their generosity and kindness in their treatment.
Your organization is beyond wonderful. We did not get tired and we did not have to worry about any of the airlines being late or waiting for the driver
KW
Email Afrah suliman Alrashidi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Something that words cannot express, truly something beyond description. Excellent, excellent, excel
Literally, what I am saying is not a compliment, it is the truth. Everything is wonderful, the service is excellent, the prices are good, and the people are trustworthy and take care of us and everything we need. We never feel that we are lacking in anything, ever. Indeed, Smita and Malvika have never failed with us in anything. They follow up with us from the beginning and are with us throughout.. I highly recommend them.
ID
Email Robert | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Made our Safari Trip Memorable
Smita was very helpful in planning our Safari trip. She takes account the budget we had for this trip and made it possible. The trip was everything we would wanted. Thank You Smita and Team
