CZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya -- Dream Coming True
I have booked my 5-day Kenya budget joining group safari with Absolute Holiday Safaris in advance before departing from Europe. The manager - David - was able to reply promptly to my e-mails and tailored our trip according to our needs.
First we visited Masai Mara NP. It was absolutely amazing (recommendation: have at least 3 days for Masai Mara in your schedule and make sure there's an early morning game drive included).
Later we moved to Amboseli NP as we continued to Tanzania via Namanga border crossing.
The number of fellow-travellers in a van varied -- first day it was 7 of us, the next two days 5 and the last two days we could've called it a "private" safari.
Ratings:
Booking process/communication: 10/10.
Safari organization/logistics: 9/10.
Driver/guide: 10/10. Nicknamed "Animal", he was on the radio with his colleagues all the time, not missing any important event in the savannah.
Vehicle: 6/10. Pop-up roof minivan, not even 4WD. Rough times on unpaved roads.
Sleeping: 9/10. Permanent tents with beddings, shower and toilet. You should bring your own mosquito net.
Food: 5/10. Lunch boxes OK. Avoid eating any "meat" in the camps. As a bonus we got diarrhea on the very last day. Don't forget to buy enough water before your safari starts.
Number and variety of animals seen: 10/10. We managed to see the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Overall African experience: 9/10
FYI: Be aware in Kenya they don't accept US dollar bills issued 10 or more years ago! If you try to use them to pay for anything (your safari, bus ticket, in currency exchange) they're gonna tell you it's a fake money. Experienced this behavior multiple-times.
This was my first time in Africa and I consider it my best vaccation ever. I can recommend Absolute Holiday Safaris to all of you.
If you're interested please see my pictures from the trip: https://goo.gl/photos/4zfekxXzufmwQWT3A
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Masai Mara, Nakuru, and Amboseli
Before booking I many great reviews, so i was fairly certain that this was going to be great safari. Even worth these expectations, I was 100% blown away by so many aspects: firstly Esther was so quick with her responses and amazingly helpful with all of my million emails!; the accommodation was a much higher standard than expected - especially love the Masai Mara camp; food was delicious; tour van - everyone got a window seat; and omg... Patrick! I absolutely love him, he is funny, personable, extremely helpful, eagle-eyed spotting animals, one hell of a good driver, and so incredibly knowledgeable about everything safari! I honestly could not have gotten a better guide!; most of all... as a female traveling by herself, I felt incredibly safe.
This is my first stop of many affixed countries to visit this holiday... future guides have a lot to live up to!
Thank you!
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Where wild animals play the leading role
The six days in and around the Kruger Park were unique. The transfers were well organized and I felt very comfortable in both lodges (Tremisana and Marc's Tree House). In Tremisana I could observe warthogs and baboons just from my veranda, Marc’s Tree houses are very nicely located along a river and on the way from the main house to the tree house you surely meet some nyalas. Both lodges are well managed and very personable. The game drives were, of course, the highlights of each tour. I was often lucky enough to observe (and photograph) many wild animals in their natural environment such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, black and white rhinos, impalas, kudus and one leopard. For the cheetahs I have to return. The bushwalks were interesting and informative. All guides I met were enthusiastic about their job and educated us a lot of interesting things during both the game drives and bushwalks.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Most beautiful holiday ever
We had an amazing time in Tanzania, for the greater part thanks to Makasa.
Our safari trip could not have been any better. We saw the most amazing animals, and not only in a lazy, sleeping position, but also in full action. A leopard climbing up a tree with his just caught prey in its mouth, group of lions eating a buffalo who had just been killed by them, three cheetahs hunting an impala but being scared off by a lion cup, a group of lions climbing a tree one by one, and so on. Of course, seeing some amazing actions requires an awful lot of luck, but we also had an excellent guide (Nurdin Kuwe) who was up for anything and enjoyed the whole trip just as much as we did, which really made our safari experience one we will never forget.
Makasa's accommodations were also more than just average and our email contact with the office, before as well as during and after our trip, was excellent (quick, trustful and extremely helpful).
So to anyone contemplating whether to make a safari trip in Tanzania, don't hesitate and book it with Makasa. I'm sure you will not be disappointed.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Davis, an incredible and recommended host!!
We booked the 3 day Selous Game Reserve ('Off the Beaten Track') Safari with Kanuth (However, our guide was Davis - who runs and owns Nyasi Adventure - therefore we want to review this company too) and were not disappointed whatsoever. From the moment we were collected from our Guesthouse, to the moment we returned, we had a fantastic time with Davis, and our cook, Mariam.
We were picked up early on the first day, and driven into the centre of Dar to pick up Mariam (our cook) and some supplies. We then headed out of the mayhem of Dar (a relief for us) onto the roads to take us into the Selous Game Reserve. We stopped for lunch, and a quick snack and toilet stop too. After a bumpy few hours (as the road conditions change, including the type of soil - which makes a lot of difference!) we arrived at the Hippo Camp. We checked into our hut, which was plenty big enough, clean and had a good view over the river. After checking in, we waited for other guests from other companies, who were also staying at Hippo Camp, to arrive and get ready for our river Safari.
This part of the Safari was great. We got to see Hippos, Crocodiles, Kingfishers, Stalks, Monkeys and Yellow Weaver Birds (plus probably more that I can't remember unfortunately). We had the chance to get close to three bloats of Hippos whilst the sun was setting. This was pretty special. Our boat guide gave us a fantastic insight into the river animals, and was able to answer all of our questions.
Back at Camp we had a nice meal with Davis, before retiring to our comfy bed. The next day we went into the Game Reserve. Just before the entrance, we spotted two Giraffes in an open air strip. Our first Safari animals, our favourite Safari animals! The first time you see these animals in the wild, it is a unique and fantastic feeling; something which you never get from a zoo, or enclosed animal parks. In the Game Reserve we saw countless Impalas, Crocodiles, Warthogs, more Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Gnus, Vultures, and Monkeys. We also saw some 'Umbrella Birds', which we could watch for hours, providing us with much entertainment as they hunt for small fish.
We were warned we'd be lucky to see Elephants and Lions, given the poaching that occurs on the other side of the river at Selous. However, we were blessed by seeing two Elephant herds and three prides of Lions. One pride of which had not been seen in a region of the Reserve since 2008!! And they had cubs!! The Elephants wandered lazily through the Savannah, one herd had a calf with them, and an adult Elephant wasn't too impressed with us following it after a while! With the Lions, we were able to watch two prides with earlier kills.
The final day of our trip was spent being shown around the Hippo Camp by a former local poacher and tribesman. His insight and knowledge to the local flora and fauna was impressive and captivating. He told us about how many people worship the Baobab tree, and how they copy the lifestyle of the Colobus Monkeys. After this, we set back to Dar, stopping again for some lunch and a toilet break before we hit the nightmarish traffic of Dar (oh how we did not miss Dar whilst on Safari).
Overall, an amazing experience that we will never, ever forget, in part due to the animals we saw, but also in part due to the fantastic hospitality and welcoming nature of Davis, Mariam and everyone at Hippo Camp.
Many, many thanks Davis!! And good luck with this new adventure for you, we hope to see you in the future!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Experience and Outstanding Staff
We booked the 3 day Selous Game Reserve ('Off the Beaten Track') Safari with Kanuth and were not disappointed whatsoever. From the moment we were collected from our Guesthouse, to the moment we returned, we had a fantastic time with Davis, and our cook, Mariam.
We were picked up early on the first day, and driven into the centre of Dar to pick up Mariam (our cook) and some supplies. We then headed out of the mayhem of Dar (a relief for us) onto the roads to take us into the Selous Game Reserve. We stopped for lunch, and a quick snack and toilet stop too. After a bumpy few hours (as the road conditions change, including the type of soil - which makes a lot of difference!) we arrived at the Hippo Camp. We checked into our hut, which was plenty big enough, clean and had a good view over the river. After checking in, we waited for other guests from other companies, who were also staying at Hippo Camp, to arrive and get ready for our river Safari.
This part of the Safari was great. We got to see Hippos, Crocodiles, Kingfishers, Stalks, Monkeys and Yellow Weaver Birds (plus probably more that I can't remember unfortunately). We had the chance to get close to three bloats of Hippos whilst the sun was setting. This was pretty special. Our boat guide gave us a fantastic insight into the river animals, and was able to answer all of our questions.
Back at Camp we had a nice meal with Davis (our Kanuth Guide), before retiring to our comfy bed. The next day we went into the Game Reserve. Just before the entrance, we spotted two Giraffes in an open air strip. Our first Safari animals, our favourite Safari animals! The first time you see these animals in the wild, it is a unique and fantastic feeling; something which you never get from a zoo, or enclosed animal parks. In the Game Reserve we saw countless Impalas, Crocodiles, Warthogs, more Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Gnus, Vultures, and Monkeys. We also saw some 'Umbrella Birds', which we could watch for hours, providing us with much entertainment as they hunt for small fish.
We were warned we'd be lucky to see Elephants and Lions, given the poaching that occurs on the other side of the river at Selous. However, we were blessed by seeing two Elephant herds and three prides of Lions. One pride of which had not been seen in a region of the Reserve since 2008!! And they had cubs!! The Elephants wandered lazily through the Savannah, one herd had a calf with them, and an adult Elephant wasn't too impressed with us following it after a while! With the Lions, we were able to watch two prides with earlier kills.
The final day of our trip was spent being shown around the Hippo Camp by a former local poacher and tribesman. His insight and knowledge to the local flora and fauna was impressive and captivating. He told us about how many people worship the Baobab tree, and how they copy the lifestyle of the Colobus Monkeys. After this, we set back to Dar, stopping again for some lunch and a toilet break before we hit the nightmarish traffic of Dar (oh how we did not miss Dar whilst on Safari).
Overall, an amazing experience that we will never, ever forget, in part due to the animals we saw, but also in part due to the fantastic hospitality and welcoming nature of Davis, Mariam and everyone associated with Kanuth.
Many, many thanks Kanuth!!
JP
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Time In The Wild
Had my first time Safari after many visits to Africa , it was a wonderful experiance .
The booking and setting of the Safari were easily arranged by e-mails with Mr. Richard Kilonso , from World Tour& Safaris Tanzania .
We went to Tarangire National Park , Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara in a 3 days Safari .
It was realy amazing as for the season , when sun comes after rain , we saw all Animals with their young babies coming out of the bush to dry up ! Great Photos were taken !
I realy recommand ' World Tours & Safaris Tanzania ' , The Ｄriver/Ｇuide & Shef did a great job and were very helpful !
I defently come again for Safari with them !
Don't miss Lake Manyara & its Flamingos !!!
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Northern Circuit Adventure in deed!
We had 4 great days on safari with northern circuit. Our guide had fantastic knowledge about the animals mowements on Serengeti and this made ut possible to se all the wild animals we had been dreaming about seeing for so long. We saw Giraffes, Hippis, Lions, Leopards, A rhino, Cheetahs, Elephants, Zebras, Wildebeest, Impalas and so on. Our Safari was during the great migration, it was great to see!
Our chef was great to, and we had some fantastic meals in the wild. Also, NCA offered great service, picking us up in the airport in Arusha.
I would definetively recommend a safari with NCA, and the time of year we went was perfect for us, not to hot and we got to see a lot of cool animals!
HR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful and Highly Recommended
Doyen Safaris has greatly contributed making an unforgettable time for my sisters and daughter who for the first time visited Africa, and for the first time experienced beauty of Kenya. And although I am experienced safari person, I did enjoy myself as well.
With Doyen organizing our visits to Masai Mara, Naivasha, Nakuru i Amboseli, wonderful driver and guide, Patrick, we got to really enjoy our family gathering and time spent together. I would to give special thanks to our driver and guide, Patrick, who is the best driver of all safari drivers, not only being careful and experienced driver to take us out of muddy situations on the road, but as well very patient and caring person who truly wanted us to enjoy our time.
Thanks to Doyen Safaris and Patrick, we have managed to see all the Big Fives, and much more! We took many beautiful photographs that will keep our good memories of this holiday. However, as what Patrick has said 'the best memories are those seen with your eyes and kept in your heart'.
Thank you, Doyen Safaris!
Natasa
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Booking was done excellently!
Booking was done excellently.
The safari itself was horrific: staff members at the camp itself were not sufficient as in the past. Their services were poor, from reception to the restaurants to the guides on the night trips.