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
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Email Steve B. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Gabon -- Unique Country, Unforgettable Trip, Great Travel Company
I just returned from two of the most remarkable weeks I have ever had in Africa. Chalo Africa put together their first two Gabon Safaris in July and August (2019) and I was on the second trip. It wasn't a safari for the inexperienced traveler; internal transportation in Gabon is a mess so traveling between three amazing national parks (Lope, Ivindo, Loango) was very time consuming. But the experience in each park was unique and worth the effort. And Chalo did a fine job of arranging the best transport possible, given the challenges.
One of Chalo Africa's owners, Sangeeta Prasad, accompanied six of us on this journey in order to get some first-hand experience
in Gabon. The whole group, including Sangeeta, was a fun collection of unique individuals. We laughed a lot.
Among our outstanding experiences were:
-- seeing members of the world's largest mandrill troupe (Lope Park),
-- spending several days viewing forest elephants, red river hogs and gorillas at Langoué Baï in Ivindo Park,
-- and cruising the lagoons and waterways of Loango National Park.
Loango was the overall wildlife highlight. There, we trekked through rainforest following habituated lowland gorillas (less than 30 yards away), had an amazing guide, Dmitri, who wandered into the mangroves in pitch darkness and came back to the boat with a 4 foot Dwarf Crocodile (fairly rare), and we saw large numbers of elephants, extraordinary birds, red river hogs, hippos and much more. Note: we weren't at Loango in the correct season to see surfing hippos and elephants on the beach, but the stay at Loango Lodge was very comfortable and our two nights at their Akaka bush camp was a great experience.
Chalo Africa put together a unique trip to little-visited places. Their entire staff (including in-country operator Guillermo) could not have been nicer. This trip had logistic challenges (i.e. catching trains in the middle of the night); but it was full of good times. I recommend it to other experienced travelers .
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Email Chhavi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Madagascar, South Africa & Namibia - Unforgettable experience
My 5th grader and a small group middle school and high school students along with educators and a few parents went to Madagascar as a part of a school organized trip in Northern Virginia. We wanted to extend the trip for a total of 4 weeks (2 weeks - Madagascar/School trip and 2 weeks - Family trip with 2 boys 14 yrs and 11 yrs - South Africa/Namibia), and decided to work with Chalo Africa for the entire trip (as they were recommended by the school). From start to finish - and they were incredible. They by far exceeded all of our expectations and went above and beyond anything we could have ever imagined. We are last minute travelers, so booking safaris and other unique experiences in such short notice is incredibly difficult to do alone. But they have many connections & contacts and were able to provide us with top notch accommodations in less than a month before our trip. We are not typical touristy travelers, as we tend to enjoy non-obvious type vacations that create long lasting memories and experiences. Sangeeta listened to our needs and from talking to us - she suggested traveling to Namibia (which wasn't even on our radar), and created an itinerary that fit perfectly with our travel style. She recommended that we participate in Rhino conservation where a group of scientists sedate the endangered rhino and perform rhino notching. I didn't know what to expect, and had never heard of this before. I have to say that being a part of this experience of Rhino darting/notching is something our family will never forget. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. We received a leather bound journal and itinerary, information guides on animals - geared for the kids, a safari cross-body bag and binoculars. They provided us with detailed information about clothing, what to bring, what to expect, helped us figure out immunizations/shots etc. Madagascar was organized by teachers from the school and they worked with Sangeeta and her team to create the itinerary. My husband and my 11 year went to Madagascar and really enjoyed the trip. We were also able to communicate with the team and the ground team through Whatsapp during our entire stay. Any questions or concerns were handled immediately. It was such a pleasure to work with them. Our trip was complicated, with several stays, flights, and requests - and I'm so impressed that they were able to figure it out in such a short time. I have already recommended Chalo Africa to several of our friends who were amazed when they saw our pics of our accommodations and destinations. We will definitely be using them again.
IN
Email Saumil | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A brilliantly planned holiday...
Thorough in their research and with an eye for minor details, we thank chalo africa for managing and micromanaging our trip. The places of our stay were uniquely exotic and their activity suggestions truly commendable. We will be booking with chalo africa in our future trips to africa too.
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Email Elisabeth | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Can’t imagine using anyone else again!
I am a French teacher, and have been touring French-speaking Africa with my students for a decade and a half. With that said, this is the first time I used Chalo Africa, and the last time I’ll ever use another company other than them. From start to finish, the entire Chalo Africa team made me feel as though I was their only client. In addition, the tour itself (of Madagascar) was the best I’ve ever experienced! From the tour guides, the naturalists, bus drivers and all the eco-activities, everything was TOP NOTCH. As both an educator and former resident of Madagascar, I can honestly say that this tour exceeded all of my expectations. This team is fantastic!
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Email Raghav | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very personal and outstanding
We worked with the Chalo Africa team Sangeeta, Malvika, Smita and Tanvi to plan our Tanzania visit. They had been recommended by our friends. Found the whole experience very personal to plan out the various details and very responsive. Their knowledge comes from personally leading expeditions and a true love for Africa. That showed in our itinerary. Our experience was very very good. Even during the safari, they had opened a Whatsapp group to keep in touch and made sure that we were taken care of.
Highly recommend them.
SG
Email Aniruddha | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Experience
Extremely helpful, accommodating and very honest.
I was a little sceptical about the whole experience prior to my visit. But, I have to be honest, I was mind blown.
Highly Highly Recommended!
NZ
Email Marion | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trustworthy and efficient.
Hi Malvika
Just winding down our trip now and would like to thank you and your crew for the work you have done on our behalf.
We have had an amazing trip.
Jock’s was outstanding, the Blue Train was interesting and unique, and the accomodation and golf, first class!!
We have loved the South African experience and would definitely consider another trip.
Thanks once again
Marion
Email Owen Shaffer | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Most Interesting travel agency specializing in Africa
I have already been on no less 17 safaris and have visited Chad,Ethiopia, Namibia,Uganda, and South Africa 3 times, Zambia 4,Zimbabwe 5, Tanzania 4, Botswana 4 as well as having taken various safaris in Kenya where I reside. I must say that I have worked with various travel agencies which specialize in safaris;nevertheless the best I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with is Chalo Africa. They specialize in tailor made safaris and will go anywhere which you'd like. It's thanks to Sangeeta Prasad that I have made some of my most extraordinary safaris. I have visited Zakouma National Park in Chad,Gonorezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, as well as my visit earlier this year to Ethiopia.
I have to say that my visit to Omo National Park which Chalo Africa arranged to the Mursi and Surma tribes was the most astonishing cultural experience which I've ever had in Africa. I also couldn't believe flying overlooking the vast emptiness Gambella National Park where there was only the 6 of us,our guide,pilot and co-pilot.We saw thousands of white-eared kob and Nile lechwe. It was literally mind blowing. I also went to the Bale Mountain National Park where I saw the Ethiopian wolf the world's rarest canid, Mountain Nyala, Menelik's Bushbuck, Bohor bushbuck and the mountain reedbuck.I also found the Ali Deghe Game Reserve interesting because I saw sommerlings gazelle and grevy's zebra.
Earlier this year when I visited Zimbabwe,Zambia,Malawi and Botswana I have to say Chalo Africa did a superb job.They offer the most competitive pricing as well as excellent back up service.I am so impressed with Chalo Africa that I am taking two trips,one to Gabon and another to Uganda next year.
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Email Bhupendra and Krutika | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tanzania Safari - Once in a life time unforgettable Experience!
Since last couple of years, we were thinking of going to Tanzania with our two grown up Children. Tanzania is a birthplace of mine and my wife. We wanted not only to do safari in Tanzania with our kids but also wanted to visit our Birthplaces. (Near Singida and my wife’s birthplace in Dar-es-salaam). While searching on Internet, I came across “Chalo Africa”. After talking to Sangeetaji and explaining the places we wanted to visit, Sangeetaji in the Chalo Africa USA office prepared a Draft copy of Itinerary. We changed the itinerary a few times and she customized our 12 days Itinerary with suitable Camps/Lodges included visit to Singida and Dar-es -salaam. She suggested different options and answered all our queries. How can I forget Malvikaji? Malvikaji and Sangeetaji from Chalo Africa provided good details in Itinerary of what we will see/visit / activities for each day. Their Digital Itinerary was Superb and Excellent.
We just came back from Tanzania Safari (August/September, 2018) three weeks ago. Everything went as planned and we had an amazing time. We are extremely happy with all the arrangement Chalo Africa provided as per our itinerary, making sure that lodges/camps could meet our special food requirements (Indian /American Foods). Chalo Africa had used “Kibo Guides” from Arusha as a ground Handlers. Our vehicle Land Cruisers was brand new with low mileage. Our Driver/Guide, Samson Peter Mweta, from Kibo Guides was excellent and knowledgeable of all animals. He was well informed and answered all our questions in details. His communications and service were outstanding. He took care of us very well. He stayed with us during the Safari and our visit to Singida until he dropped us off at the Kilimanjaro Airport. During our stayed in Parks, all our Camps/ Lodges like Kilivillas, Maramboi Tented Camp, gorongoro Sopa Lodge, Kubu Kubu Tented Camp and Mara River North Camp were very nice with all amenities provided. Food/Drinks at the Camps were very good and Camp Staff was very hospitable. We visited Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti NP. We saw all Big fives and all different animals, Birds etc. At the end of Safari at Mara River, We saw Wildebeest River crossing Migration for nearly three hours. Once in a life time unforgettable Experience! During our Safari trips, Chalo Africa also stayed in touch with us through WhatsApp Group to ensure everything was going good.
Our both Children were also happy that we planned our trip with Chalo Africa with Kibo Guides as ground handlers. We highly recommend planning your next safari with Chalo Africa. It was a trip of a lifetime. Thank you “Chalo Africa “and their Team!
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Email Kumar S. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great choice of camps in the Mara!
We visited the Mara in August 2018 to catch the migration. After contacting several tour operators, we settled on Chalo Africa. We had a great experience with the team. They were happy to suggest camps according to our requirements. We saw some incredible river crossings. The team were always responsive to all our queries.