Reviews
superb
We had a wonderful 3 days with the gorillas in Rwanda followed by a very exciting horse back safari trip.
Deborah was fantastic with all the organising. Her communication was first class, she kept all the wheels perfectly oiled and ensured that a complicated trip ran smoothly. We are considering another African trip and will certainly ask Deborah to organise it for us, she was superb - thank you Deborah!Jeff Wrinch
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Email Betsy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Yoga Safari, start to finish, did an impeccable job of planning- attentive to every last detail.
Sky and Telescope Star Gazing and Safari- Botswana and Victoria Falls-2023
After cancelation of my trip in 2020, I waited more than three years for this highly anticipated adventure. Deborah remained in contact with me throughout the waiting and planning process for rescheduling. She arranged an impeccably planned itinerary from the first light air flight from Maun to the Kwai Private Reserve to the goodbyes to our new friends at the Victoria Falls Airport. As this was a special birthday trip, she also arranged for champagne in the tents/rooms upon arrival at each camp and lodge. As well as a birthday cake and song by the staff at the Chobe Game Lodge. The stunning beauty of Botswana, the fresh air and clear skies both day and night, the lovely people who attended to every need at the camps and lodges, the delicious food, the majesty of the abundance of animals we saw in their natural surroundings and the absolutely breathtaking unveiling of the night sky provided memories I will keep forever. Steve was a most delightful guide and his expertise navigating the overwhelmingly beautiful night sky was truly amazing and very much enjoyed. Sean’s guidance for astrophotographers was equally appreciated and enjoyed. Without a doubt, I have brought the stunning beauty and romance of southern Africa home with me in memories to cherish forever. It is impossible to imagine this trip could have been enjoyed any more than it was. With no hesitation, I would do it all over again and, with no hesitation, will use Yoga Safari again when I plan my next adventure to Africa.
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Email Steve & Bonnie G. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Yoga Safari handled it all, from flights, to accommodations to activities!
We chose Yoga Safari on the advice of a friend who had used them. Best choice ever!
After asking what we were looking for, Deborah came up with a spectacular itinerary for us. We visited several safari camps on our trip, and every single one was incredible. Each move to the next camp went seamlessly. All of the short plane hops were met by our next guide along the way. Every detail was planned out perfectly.
There are not enough words to describe the adventure we had. We were stunned by the beauty and majesty of Africa, and awestruck by witnessing all the wildlife in their own, undisturbed habitats. The people we met, and the memories we created will be with us always.
What surely would have been a daunting task of trying to coordinate this journey on our own, was handled expertly by Deborah, and we cannot thank her enough for this experience. We cannot wait to go again!
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Email Peter and Joanne Black | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Once in a lifetime amazing!!
The perfect blend of value, comfort, education, adventure and planning. We saw everything you can imagine (lions, leopards, elephants, hippos) and some we didn’t think possible (up close encounter with very rare pangolin). We learned so much from our wonderful guides. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime Yoga Safari!
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Email Ali | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing value for a luxury safari planned last-minute
We contacted Debbie to plan a super last- minute budget safari for my partner and I in the Okavango Delta. With a low budget and less than two weeks out, Debbie negotiated a phenomenal deal for us at Nokanyana. The lodge was beautiful and far beyond our expectations given the tight timeline and budget. Debbie arranged a 3 night stay and a private dinner for us to celebrate Valentines. She shared detailed documents with us listing everything we could expect. She was invaluable in the planning of the safari. Our transfers to and from the lodge were friendly and smooth. The guides were excellent. She even offered to store our luggage for us in Maun. We were thrilled with the lodge she chose and it was a luxury experience all around. Overall we had a wonderful time and are very happy we worked with Debbie to plan this. We highly recommend Yoga Safari and plan to use them again for our future safari dreams. Thank you!
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Email Christiaan Boll | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It was just the trip I needed. local knowledge of the land will give you the best experience.
just the trip I needed to relax and recharge. there's nothing quite like going out to the middle of untamed land. I like to go back every 5 or 6 years. Botswana is truly beautiful. Yoga safaris with local knowledge will get you in the right camp for your best safari experience.
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Email The Larsons from Maine | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I wish I could rate this trip TEN stars
We traveled to Uganda with two other couples (one of whom has already submitted a detail review to this site) with the express purpose of trekking with gorillas. It turned out to be SO much more than that. I am a planner by nature and arrive at every vacation with a detailed itinerary in hand, so leaving all of the logistics up to someone I had never met pushed me a little outside of my comfort zone. But....from our first email contact with Debs to our last, I knew we were in good hands. Debs provided an extensive schedule ahead of time so we knew what to expect and even gave us a spot-on packing list so we were well-prepared. Our group was lucky enough to have Debs and Steve along with us, and after two weeks filled with their engaging, amazing stories and guidance, I consider them life-long friends. I am not being dramatic when I say that every moment of this trip was sheer perfection. The local guides, the spectacular locations, the beautiful lodges with personal service that was BEYOND....I'm not sure I can ever go on safari again because it couldn't possibly live up to this experience. If you are lucky enough to trek with gorillas in Uganda (a life-changing experience), do NOT miss the chance to stay at the Mahogany Springs Lodge. It was our final stop and our favorite. From halfway across the world, I still dream of the views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and of the lodge kitties curled up on my lap. Before we said goodbye to Debs and Steve, we were already planning where our next excursion with them would be. 100 stars; no notes; an absolutely PERFECT experience.
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Email Rick Kostelnik | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I would go anywhere in the world with Debs knowing that she will have planned a memorable adventure
We travelled to Uganda in November of 2022 with two other couples. 4 of the 6 of us had previously been to Namibia with Debs Carter. My wife and I have known Debs for over a decade. We had no worries that everything would be well thought out and executed perfectly. Prior to our trip, email communication about the trip was easy, timely and detail oriented. We also knew Debs' standards and that the lodges that were booked would be fantastic.
First stop - Entebbe - Boma Lodge
We stayed the first two nights at the Boma getting adjusted to the time zone and relaxing in a comfortable garden environment. We had a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria for all of us to relax and get to know each other and our drivers from Classic African Safari - Milton and Male.
Second stop - Murchison Falls National Park - Paara Lodge
We had a long drive to this national park, but it was so wonderful to see how the Ugandans live both in cities and in rural towns. The lodge was very nice and located along the Nile. An elephant even visited us while we were in the pool. The next two days were spent on boat rides on the Nile and game drives. The group was flexible and made sure that we got to see the top of Murchison Falls. Just fantastic days in Uganda seeing amazing animals and birds.
Third stop - Kibale National Park-- Ndali Lodge
Another fun drive through small towns to the area near Fort Portal and the Kibale National Park. The Ndali Lodge was nestled by a crater lake and had amazing views from both sides. The lodge was exquisite and the food and drinks were top notch. We absolutely loved this place. We had two days with the Chimps in the park and were amazed at how close we were able to get to these primates.
Fourth Stop - Queen Elizabeth National Park - Twin Lakes Lodge
Our drive from Ndali Lodge to our next stop was highlighted with more game drives and a wonderful lunch at Mweya Lodge on the Kazinga Channel and another boat ride with wonderful bird life. More wonderful game drives for the next two days and some unexpected happenings with local children and angry elephants! Twin Lakes was a lodge that was added to our trip when the first lodge that was booked burned down just a few months before our trip. Debs was able to effortlessly pivot and book a very comfortable alternative.
Fifth Stop - Bwindi National Park - Mahogany Springs Lodge
Our final destination was our absolute favorite lodge. So welcoming with views of the mountains and the impenetrable forrest. The service was the absolute best and we felt personal connections with each person of the service staff. This was coupled with two days of Gorilla trekking that is an experience that you feel blessed to be able to do once it has happened. We also were ale to be involved with a wild pangolin release because we were in the right place at the right time. These days were some of the best on our trip.
We had a small plane ride back to Entebbe and one final night at the Boma.
Traveling with Debs and her husband Steve is like traveling with friends - because they are friends. But, these friends have done all the leg work for your trip and Debs' standards are top-notch. Although things are very well orchestrated and managed behind the scenes, it all seems seamless as your day unfolds in front of you. Debs truly is an expert at what she does. From the review of "Logistics" at dinner for the day ahead of us, to the wonderful sights and camaraderie during the day, it is easy to say that our trips with Debs have been some of the best of our lives. We are looking forward to more adventures with Yoga Safari.
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Email Maureen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic!!
Yoga safari created the most amazing safari for me, based off of one email where I stated my needs/hopes. Everyone of my hopes were achieved, and I had a spectacular week out in the delta (this being my third safari I have some experience!)
It was truly amazing...
CA
Email Deb Cooke | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Nepal Yoga and Stargazing Safari was AMAZING!!!!
This tour had something for everyone. We learned about the culture and history of Nepal at Boudinath and Bakhtapur in Kathmandu. Trekked up to Basanta Lodge and Australia Camp. Visited many villages to see how the Nepalese people live. White water rafted down the Seti River. Saw Mount Everest on an optional flight. We saw all kinds of birdlife like the colourful White-throated Kingfisher and the Crimson Sunbird, many raptors like the Crested Serpent Eagle and the xxx duck that flies over the Himalayan Mountains to breed. For wildlife enthusiasts, we saw the xxx monkey, the endangered one-horned Indian Rhino and the endangered Gharil crocodile. There were many beautiful butterflies visiting the gorgeous flowering plants.
The accommodations were varied and unique. The historic Yak and Yeti hotel in Kathmandu. Stunning views of the Annapoura Mountains at Basanta Lodge. Drifting off to sleep listening to the rushing water in a tent at Seti River Camp. The Temple tree Resort was like being on a tropical island in the middle of Pokhara. Greeting the resident frog in my room at the spa-like Kasari resort in Chitwan.
Our guides and porters were first class. Very knowledgeable and helpful.
Our hosts, Deborah Carter and Steve O’Meara were fantastic. Steve gave us an astronomy lesson each night at Basanta lodge and Seti river camp when we were away from the city lights. Deborah led us in a yoga session each day to stretch out all our muscles that we used in that day’s activities. The whole tour was well organized and ran smoothly. They made sure we were all very well taken care of and that we all had an opportunity to experience our various interests. We were all able to relax and enjoy ourselves without any worries.
I will definitely travel with Yoga Safari again. If Nepal is not on your bucket list, it should be. Contact Deborah at Yoga Safari and go!