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
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.
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 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.
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 Pranav | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great guidance and support through the trip!
This was a first trip to Africa, and we were looking for someone who would guide us in the right direction in everything from choice of parks to visit, duration of stay and the hotels we stay at. Quite happy to say that ChaloAfrica proved excellent on all accounts.
From the start there was a constant dialogue and we first got advised on which country within africa to visit. Once we set our vision and standards, they were able to guide us well as to which country to visit.
After that, getting into the details of the country with where to go and what to do proved a daunting task for us but they smoothened it out with their knowledge.
Once on the trip, they kept in constant communication through message, and it proved helpful to us as on our first night we had a bit of an issue with the hotel, and we just let them know on message and by the time we woke up the next morning, it was all sorted out.. That was pretty good and exactly why we went with them - we wanted a hassle free trip!
All in all, we had a great trip and are already looking forward to planning our next trip with Chalo.
US
Email Sonal | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip-beautifully coordinated,great places to stay,knowledgeable guides & great communication
We had an amazing time in Africa thanks to Chalo Africa. Multiple reasons why me and my family are thoroughly impressed with them:
1. Great communication and great patience : I atleast shared 100 emails with ChaloAfrica not because the plan was not clear from their side, but because my plan kept changing - both on the dates and the number of people who were joining me. However, Chalo Africa's representatives were both very patient and accommodating plus also gave wonderful suggestions based on the different input size of the group. My parents were joining a bit late and it was a complex itinerary but through detailed communication, Chalo Africa made sure that it was very well co-ordinated. Also, they were genuinely interested in us having an amazing time and kept sharing well-thought about articles for us to read that can prepare us for the trip and also get us excited.
2. Stay Places : Our favorite part about the safari in Kenya were the conservancies which Chalo Africa team suggested and also partner with Porini Camps which are in the conservancies- the regular national parks are amazing - don't get me wrong but staying in the conservancies is a really fun experience. First, we stayed in tented camps that are between the jungle - a hippo grazed right next to our tent one day and a bull elephant passed around 50 feet from us while we were having lunch. However, they keep you safe with guards who know the jungle really well. Also, in the conservancies you can do guided nature walks (we saw tons of giraffes, zebras and many other animals while walking an it is certainly a different feeling). Also, the food at Porini Camps was fantastic - here also, Chalo Africa had communicated our dietary preferences really well and it was all really well taken care of.
3. Invested in your trip : Chalo Africa was really invested in our trip and also created a What's App group with all their representatives in it so that they can help answer any question we have right from the time we left our home country to the time we came back. This was really helpful as we could ask anything on What's App and they were very prompt to reply - great service.
4. Partnership with great camps and guides : As mentioned, Chalo Africa partnered with Porini Camps and we loved it. Also, the guides were very knowledgeable, friendly and made sure that they catered to every member of the family. Good guides and camps are necessary for having a good experience and Chalo Africa made sure we got the best.
Overall, I highly recommend Chalo Africa for their great service - they put in a lot of effort to make sure you have the best time. I have traveled around the world quite a bit but Kenya trip was extra-special all thanks to Chalo Africa.
US
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!
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.
KW
Email Pia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super professional
Smita was the one who helped us organize this amazing adventure, and honestly it was like working with a friend.
From the start, she was extremely patient, very professional, attentive to our needs and to all details, ensuring our experience would be smooth and flawless (and it was). So thank you Chalo Africa for your follow-up and efforts in making this an unforgettable trip!
CA
Email Chelsey | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Last minute, unforgettable adventure!
The Chalo Africa team organized a fantastic, unforgettable experience in the Okavango Delta. They accommodated my unique time constraints and pointed me towards a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Excellent communication and reasonable rates. Would recommend!