SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Quick tour in the Arusha National Park...
Had an excellent day-trip in the National Park close to Arusha with a guide and and a characteristic Land Cruiser! Got picked-up by the driver in the morning and after a quick stop in Arusha we went to the National Park. It is a perfect park for a full-day activity with changing scenery and lots of things to see. Don't miss out on the giraffes (though I don't think it is possible to...), the fig tree, the lakes and what ever you do; don't miss the opportunity to hike in the park. If you ask me, there is no safari like a safari on foot! On our hike we had our guide/chauffeur from the Hazina Africa (who was really cunning and knowledgeable), an aspiring guide (he too was excellent) and lastly we had an armed park ranger for safety!
All in all: a great, trustworthy company with solid guides and a fantastic park that gives you great value for your money!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing safari, amazing guides.
My wife Shirley and I went on safari with Hazina Afrika in February, 2012. This was our second Tanzanian safari, and we thought we had seen it all the first time (different operator). We could not have been more wrong.
We flew to Ndutu in the Serengeti, then travelled south, over to Ngorongoro, before returning to Arusha 6 days later. Staying at a combination of permanent lodges and temporary camps, we saw incredible wildlife. Our guides Fazal and Rama (we were with a group hiring 2 vehicles, and we switched drivers from day to day) were very knowledgeable about the area, the wildlife and animal behaviours, something I was not aware of from our previous safari. From a wildebeest birth in the Serengeti to a zebra "kill" in Ngorongoro, plus a stop in a TRUE Maasai village (not like the tourist trap we visited on our first safari) we saw incredible sights, and made several new Tanzanian friends as well. I would highly recommend Hazania Afrika to anyone going on safari in Tanzania. If you want to climb Kili, they can arrange that too (we hired our own guide for Kili, but if we go again we will book through Hazina).
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The expertise and personalized service of Awaken to Africa gave us a fantastic trip !
We were extremely pleased with our trip to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit planned and executed by Awaken to Africa. Grace Evans gives very personalized service in planning the trip, combining her own expertise with that of her partner in Tanzania, David Mshana. Awaken to Africa is both the agent and the operator in country, so you’re not just “handed-off” to a sub-contractor once you get there. The excellence and effectiveness of coordination between her in the US and him in Tanzania is unbeatable. David has 20+ years experience in various types of safari trips. He is a walking encyclopedia on flora, fauna, and birds. (Even if David is not available to be your guide, he has such long experience and network, that I would trust anyone he recommends.) His experience is paramount for the in-country planning. This was especially critical to us, since we were traveling in the off-season, when roads were iffy, etc. Everything was great !
Grace spent a lot of time with me, not just e-mail, but on the phone, to determine our desires, priorities, budget, and expectations. She also addressed and reassured us on all concerns, especially those we had about health and safety, which are their top priority. She also provided examples of how the unexpected can happen on this type of trip and how they deal with that, which gained our trust. This resulted in her planning the trip that was all we hoped for, and went way beyond our expectations. Once we got there and were in David’s care, (and I do mean David’s care because he saw to our every need and concern,) everything was tailored to our preferences. All connections were made, from the moment we stepped into the Kilimanjaro terminal, until we were dropped there at the end, and all of the logistics were perfect.
He was so expert in how to use our time most effectively. Whether it was the last hour before the time when vehicles must be off the road in the national parks (so that poachers can be identified and caught), or the few hours before we had a plane to catch, he made the very best use of the time, or when we had what felt like an extra day that allowed enough time to drive a little farther where we saw the cheetahs ! He scheduled where we went, certainly based on what we wanted to see, but also on avoiding crowds. Yes, we saw the Big Five. He knows where to find them, and it was amazing how he spotted even the small animals. But the trip is SO MUCH MORE than just that. It is the overall experience in the place, which David’s experience just max’d for us. He’s also been in the business long enough, that he has relationship with all of the other experienced guides, and is able to find out real time something like where the rhino is right now! Seeing the migration was a top priority for us. For the time of year, he and Grace knew where the animals would be, so chose our lodging to be most convenient to it. So when we were there and asking if it was possible to “go back to see it again”, we were close enough to be able to do that. Again, it was this personalized service that was really great.
Another plus, was that given that safaris take a lot of time in the truck (which was clean, well maintained, and stocked with our choice of drinks, snacks. It’s also conveniently equipped with charging outlets for cameras, etc.), it’s nice to share that space and time with someone who is just nice to be around. David was so knowledgeable and very fluent in English, so we could have good conversation. He never displayed temper or impatience, or appeared tired of what he was doing. It's also evident that even after all his years of doing this, he clearly enjoys his work, still enjoys looking for the animals and watching them.
It matters that he’s a partner in the agency, so that he, too, cares about the quality of the overall experience, and “repeat business”( and there are groups whom he’s been guiding for years, who moved with him when he joined Grace.) He was so flexible with how quickly we did or did not move when we had stopped to watch animals, or enjoy a view. As he said, some people just check off the sight with “what’s next ?”, and the opposite is photographers who literally sit in one place for several hours. He’s happy doing both, and everything in between. I think that’s a good indication of how personalized the schedule planning and the service are.
One more thing in the course of our planning and on the ground over there, it was very evident that Grace will only operate with those companies (accommodations, activities, etc.) who treat the Tanzanians well, and that David cares deeply for the welfare of the animals. I respect and appreciate this very much.
Heard enough? Certainly from our experience, you can’t go wrong with Awaken to Africa!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hazina Afrika brings you to the safari experience in the best of ways. Put yourself in their hands.
Hazina Afrika could not have exceeded our hopes and expectations. My daughter and I were treated to a five-day safari especially and mindfully designed to introduce us to the unique and exciting beauty of this land. We stayed in a variety of different types of lodges, all superbly clean and comfortable and welcoming. But the high point of the safari remains the care taken by our excellent driver/guide, Rama, and his partner, to ensure that we saw and understood the wildlife and the many varied environments. It was unquestionably a highpoint of my life, and Hazina Afrika made it happen. Five stars!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
After having travelled a lot of the world I felt that Africa was missing on my map. I love to travel independently, but with Africa I thought I would be better off booking a tour especially as I wanted to see the wild and remote parts of Botswana. Friends recommended Anthony Washford and African Adventure Safaris, because they didn't only feel safe in the bush with him but also felt that they could totally be themselves and relax in his company. I also decided to go with his company because their itinerary covered unusual destinations with a ring of adventure to them: Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Nxai Pan, Khama Rhino Sanctuary. I loved the trip, its roughness, fun spirit, the camping adventure in the wilderness, nights around the campfire and the relaxed attitude. I left the tour having found new friends. Anthony burns for wildlife and will pass his passion on to you and offers you the opportunity to leave civilisation behind. I loved it and will be back!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mala Mala is Luxury Safari at it's Best!!!
I didn't know what to expect when arriving at Mala Mala Game Reserve in South Africa. It was the 5th Safari in 17 days that had included Zimbabwe and Botswana and each place was unique and spectacular. I stayed at Rattrays and was lucky enough to have my own luxury villa which in all honesty was wasted on just one person!!! The accomodation was spectacular to say the least!! The staff were attentive and very friendly and our guide was fun and very knowledgeable for as young as he was. We only spent three days but probably saw the most animals that any other one Game Reserve although each one was spectacular. The guides are in constant communication and are quick to respond to an animal sighting and really do their best to track down the animal in question. We saw a Leopard and her Cubs, Lions at a kill, Lions and Cubs playing on the River Beach. Rhinos and their young, Girraffe, Elephants. The highlight for this particular stay though was a chance encounter with two Hyena pups whose mother was nearby. They got so curious that they came right up to the vehicle and climbed up onto it and was chewing the guides shoe laces and were so playful they tried to chew my camera strap that was swinging around....amazing experience!!! I posted part of it on YouTube at screen name jet400a. I will post the whole 15-20 minutes worth soon. My video of Duba Plains in Botswana is also on there.
The food, just like every other camp, was 1st class. I can't say enough great things about Mala Mala and its accomodation and staff!!! 5 Stars all the way....can't way to go back and take my family!!!!!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The spirit of the leopard was evident in the great care and attention to detail in trip plans.
My friends and I went on our first ever safari with Roho Ya Chui. It was a magical adventure. We were in the Maasai Mara in Kenya which is so beautiful. We ventured out early in the morning each day to have the best light for photo taking. Our guides were so knowlegable and helpful and we were able to explore the small and large wild life that the Mara has to offer. I recommend fullfilling a dream and taking a trip to Africa. Roho Ya Chui is a great way to make that dream come true!!!!!!
Excellent attention to detail with superb staff and guides
This is the second time i have organized a large group to travel with Journeys Discovering Africa/Far Horizons and, once again, we received excellent service. The booking process was facilitated by a competent staff. Accommodations, food, and service at all locations exceeded our expectations. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable and easy to communicate with. Overall we had a wonderful experience and will definitely travel with this tour operator again in the future.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Two tours with CrissCross Safaris
Thinus has organized and led two very successful sixteen-day group tours for me and a dozen of my friends, all from Oregon. Our first visit, in 2009, stretched from the Fish River Canyon near the Orange River to Etosha National Park. We returned in 2011 to travel from Windhoek to Victoria Falls. We have nothing but wonderful memories of the places we visited and the things we saw. Thinus, with his personable manner and varied background, was able to make our trip a comfortable adventure with a mix of learning about the various cultures in the area and the viewing of plenty of wildlife. It would be hard to find another tour guide with such breadth of knowledge of and contacts in Namibia. Our first trip involved some camping along with staying in small communities and guest lodges. Each day brought a different environment – a different world! For our second trip, across the Caprivi Strip, we opted for staying in comfortable lodges and out-of-the-way places. My thirteen-year-old granddaughter will never forget the many wonderful experiences she had on our tour, especially the visit to the school in Rundu, interacting with the San people in Tsumkwe, or riding the elephants in Livingstone.
We have many choices in the places we want to travel to and a large selection of tour operators to choose from. We could have done any better than travelling with Thinus of CrissCross Safaris in Namibia. No doubt we’ll return again in the near future.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing tour and good prices
Very well arranged tour!
Excellent safari vehicles, we got a 4x4 safari land cruiser with a popup roof and the guide was knowledgable
Will return again