CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3 days and 2 nights in the Mara
First off, I am a solo female traveller in my early 30s. That being said, I was nervous about doing such a trip in an unfamiliar place alone.
From the moment I arrived at the offices in Nairobi, David gave me a description of what to expect and made me feel welcomed. We waited for the other members of our group arrive (which took less than an hour) and then we were off to the Mara. Our driver, Stanley, was spectacular - he knew a lot and was a skilled driver (half way to the Mara the road isn't paved). Most long car rides to places are tiring but this was not - you get to see more of Kenya and its landscape than what is just in Nairobi.
Once at the camp, we were all taken to our rooms so that we could freshen up and then head out for the afternoon drive. The drive was unlike anything else I've ever seen. I've travelled a lot and to various parts of the world but this was unique. We saw many animals and birds.
The whole experience was wonderful. I feel those that don't enjoy it are going into this expecting luxury. But why would you want luxury in an environment like that? Don't you want to experience the natural beauty in as much of an authentic way as possible?
The worst part of the tour was the handful of people who complained they couldn't get wifi and so on and also complained they couldn't get close enough to the animals and so on. There were many of us that loved all of it - travel is a privilege, many do not get the opportunity so stop complaining and enjoy what is there. For the price, what we get is excellent: you get a safe mode of transport, good accommodations, knowledgeable and helpful staff that are do their best with what they have at their disposal.
Since being back in Canada, I have not only recommended that people go on a more camping style safari but also with Absolute.
Thank you again David and Stanley. Your hard work is appreciated!
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Aardvark expedition- best tour operator in Tanzania
We had the pleasure to go on a 4-days safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro national parks with Aardvark Expeditions. I can really recommend the company, and. Mr. Philemon, that runs the company, really offers what he promises and can design the trip after your preferences.
We had a experienced guide that took us around, and we were very happy with the accommodation, services and food that was offered.
In Serengeti, we stayed at a luxury tented camp, Katikati tented camp, which was really comfortable with good beds etc. at the same time as we were in the middle of the park and zebras walked outside the tent when went out in the morning. The staff were very service-minded and the food really good, the breakfast buffet excellent. In Ngorongoro we stayed at a lodge with great view over the crater, and the trip down into the crater is something of the most beautiful I've ever seen!
Philemon also offered airport transfer and hotel in Arusha for the first and last night, which was very convenient.
I would definitely go with Aardvark expeditions again if doing another trip in Tanzania!
BE
Fantastic experience!
Great and reliable organization, excellent tailor-made program including several attractions on different locations - we most certainly got the best out of it!
35-50 years of age
small company, friendly, easy and professional
The team were fantastic. Our guide knew his stuff, the cook truly spoilt us, and the ever smiling porters made this trip truly memorable. The organising and communication was very easy, and nothing was ever a problem. We climbed that great mountain in the best conditions possible knowing that we were slightly off season. Definitely recommend them.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful honeymoon organised by Extraordinary Africa
Alex at Extraordinary Africa did a brilliant job organising our honeymoon. We initially started planning our trip with another company, but they didn't help us narrow down our options and listen to what we actually wanted from the trip. Alex certainly did this and came up with some fantastic options for us to choose from and helped us go back and forth whilst we put our whole trip together. She always responded very quickly to all our queries and happily picked up the phone on the weekend - this level of service was great when we were busy at work Monday-Friday.
For the safari element we stayed at Ol Seki camp in a conservancy by the Masai Mara for 4 days and it was exactly what we wanted - wonderful guides, food and the view from the "tent" was exceptional. Our connections to the Seychelles went without a hitch, but we were very aware that Alex would be at the end of the phone if we needed to alter anything!
We wouldn't hesitate in booking with Extraordinary Africa again - the personal service made sure we got exactly what we wanted (and more!) from our holiday.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!
Me and my husband did a 3-day Safari with It Started in Africa. Our safari experience was amazing! Communication with the company was very efficient and the whole process was very organized.
Solomon was a great guide, very warm, friendly and knowledgeable. We saw almost all the animals we were hoping to see.
We spent the first night at Heaven Nature Camp which was nice and clean. The second night we stayed at Serengeti Heritage which was one of the best parts of the trip. Extremely beautiful nature, great service and food. Simba camp, where we stayed the third night, was nice but it was really cold. Also the toilets were really below standards. But the location was amazing. Christina's house was a great ending to our trip. It's a place that I would definitely love to stay at again.
The food that was served by Serengeti Heritage and Christina's house was great. the food prepared by the chef in Heaven Nature and Simba Camps was good, but the lunch boxes were not. One of the days I couldn't eat anything from the lunch box and I just had some snacks that I brought with me. the car was good, but there were no seat belts.
We had a wonderful time in Tanzania, and I would definitely recommend It Started in Africa
QA
This was my fist time in Africa and in Kenya, and I did a six day safari by myself.
There are no better words to explain my experience with everyone or everythin more than excellent. My expectation were all filled n taken to some extra mile. Thanks for everything.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent preparation of our trip
Excellent organisation of our trip in the Kapama Reserve. Everything went well. We had a very good support from SA360. They sent us, prior to our tour, all the relvant information and answered all our questions.
The tour in Kapama was wonderful, very nice accomodation, warm welcome.
Safari organised very professionnally with excellent rangers and trackers.
If you want to travel individually, do not hesitate to get in touch with SA360. They did for us an fantastic job!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
great
i really enjoyed my safari with Joeddy tours, paul our driver guide was knowlegeable with his work as a guide
Knowledgable, friendly, professional service
This is the second time we have used the services of Joseph at African Coast Travel. From the planning stage of our holiday, right through to seeing us safely across the border to our next lodge, Joseph was so easy to deal with. Emails were always answered quickly and he always listened to what we wanted from our trip, never trying to push activities etc on to us. Once we landed in Victoria Falls, Joseph was there to meet us and took care of everything, so we could just relax and enjoy. We would definitely recommend his services to anyone planning a trip to Botswana, Zimbabwe or Zambia.