US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari Adventure
After years of watching Discovery Channel and National Geographic, it was unbelievable to see the same sights in person—all thanks to Earthlife! Our guide, Aggrey was just as excited as we were to see each animal, whether it was the first time on the trip or the thousandth time that day. We learned more from him than from years of watching wildlife documentaries. Whether it was watching lions hunt and devour a kill or warthogs herding/chasing their young, he ensured that we got the best view. His experience and skill as a guide enabled us to see multiple Mara River crossings and countless big cats. We saw the Big 5 all thanks to his great eyes: the elusive black rhino had not been spotted in Ngorongoro in three days, that day Aggrey found us four, even spotting two from the lookout on the rim. He made many people very happy that day and impressed many of the other guides. Our entire experience on safari, arranged effortlessly through Earthlife, made for an amazing adventure.
PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience with Focus in Africa!!!
In September 2015 we (my husband, my mom and me) spent wonderful 4 days on safari in Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngoro Ngoro. We arranged it via Internet from Poland, with no prior safari experience so we were not sure what shall we wait but everything was much better than we could expect. The safari was organized by Focus in Afrcia, a non-profit organization working mainly on improving of Tanzanian educational system. One of the ways of gaining funds for this purpose is organizing of safaris (and also Kilimanjaro trekking and climbing but we didn't do it). Nelson, the owner (or manager) of the foundation is smart, perfect English speaking person who knows his business and do not waste time for unnecessary things - either e-mail correspondation or arranging details already in Tanzania was quick, concrete and didn't bear any unexpected problems. So, from the begining: we were picked-up from Kilimajnaro Airport by a driver who took us to hotel in Arusha where we spent a nice afternoon with some cold beers what was the best thing that we could expect after a long journey. Nelson came to the hotel, spent with us about 30 minutes and explain all details about the safari. What was maybe not very nice was the fact that he asked us to pay the rest of total amount (we sent 25% in advance) already in the hotel a day before departure for the safari itself so we had no occassion to see his office or the jeep we were supposed to go with or anything that would give credibility to Nelson's words. As we travel a lot and have some experience in paying in advance we kindly refused to pay in hotel and finally meet Nelson again next morning and gave him money after meeting our driver Brison, checking the car and so on. So, we depart from Arusha about 10 am and started the safari.
1) Accomodation - First night in Country Lodge - perfect. Second night in Angani Tented Camp - very simple but also perfect, especially the elephant walking around the camp when drinking beer in front of the camp (btw - no bar or restaurant in the camp - we brought some beers and snacks from beyond the Serengeti). Staff in the Angani Camp was horrible but believe me - during safari nothing is able to spoil your good mood! Third night in Ngoro Ngoro Wildlife lodge - perfect. Nothing to add, organization was fantastic.
2) Meals - generally very good but breakfasts in Tanzania (it's not Focus in Africa's fault, wherever you go in Tanzania, problem is the same) are very, very, very simple but when check-out from hotels we were given lunch-boxes which was in general good. Dinners both in lodges and Angani Camp were absolutely fantastic. So, however meals are good and enough, it's good idea to have some snacks like rice wafers. Water is provided by the company.
3) Driver Brison - if there were something that might be improved in our safari it was Brison's attitude towards us. He's a very young, nice but really not-involved guy who was a really good driver (we felt safe whole 4 days even on very difficult roads in Serengeti) but not a guide. We didn't wait him to be very talkative or involved in our matters but he didn't show any initiative, seemed to be bored all the time and during stops he couldn't take his eyes off his mobile phone. I must admit that when we asked some questions about wildilife, animals etc. he gave us response so I suppose he has very wide knowledge and especially in this context it's a really big pitty that he doesn't want to share it with tourist. What was good - after 2 days of admiring zebras, gnus and all the horse-similar animlas which are fantastic but after seeing hundreds of thousands of them you may get used to it, Brison realized that we'd like to see big cats and took us to places where they really were! So, I think Brison has a potential but still need experience and and shall try to be more open towards travellers.To be honest - he did well all the cars staff - we had a flat tyre twice and despite the fact that our car was not equipped with a large jack (what was Nelson's oversight I think) Brison changed the tyre within 15 minutes.
4) Car - Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4, a little bit old and raddled, no large jack and only one spare tyre so after the first flat tyre we didn't have anyone more in case such a problem occurs again. Brison being aware if this situation lend a spare tyre from another driver from Focus in Africa met in the middle of Lake Manyara. Considering the fact that another day we had another flat tyre - I have to prise Brison for being far-seeing.
5) Price- I'll not give here concrete amount that we paid for the safari (if anyone is curious please send me a private message) but it was really reasonable and the conditions we were provided significantly exceeded our waitings.
6) In general -the safari arranged by Focus in Africa is absolutely worth to be recommended, it was one of the best travel experiences in our whole life!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great trip
This was our first trip to Africa and we did not really know what to expect. Overall, other a few minor glitches (stuff happens, like vehicle breakdowns), the experience was seamless from being greeted at the airport on arrival in Victoria Falls to being met prior to departure from Maun at the end. Essentially, the ground reps looked after getting us around in Zimbabwe and Botswana, and we felt safe the whole time. The two main accommodations (Khulu Ivory and Chobe Elephant Camp) that Thierry booked us into were amazing. Great staff and food and lots of wild life. The third (Oddballs) was probably more rustic than I would have chosen in retrospect, but it was still an enjoyable experience. Overall Thierry spent time to take our interests into account and design a semi-custom itinerary that met our desires. I would definitely use his services again.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very professional organisation providing a wonderful travel experience
Cuan made himself available to answer all our questions and make suggestions for the trip. He kept us up to date with bookings etc. In Africa we were met and transferred to all our locations. The quality and variety of accommodation was superb. There were many opportunities to see animals in their natural environment with excellent guides. The service in both Australia and Africa was outstanding.
IL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing safari, great guides, excellent organization
This safari was everything we expected, and more. Our guides were very knowledgeable and extremely nice and fun to be with. We felt safe the whole way, even when the weather wasn't good and the water was choppy. The Zambezi Classic Short was just the right length of time canoeing, and we were happy we didn't opt for a shorter excursion. Doing a semi-participatory safari rather than a luxury one was also a good choice. Helping to set up camp, cook, wash etc., was a wonderful experience for us. We were a group of 5 women with varying dietary needs. Natureways catered to most of our needs.
We also used Natureways to book our activities in Victoria Falls. Kelly-Anne was always promptly responsive and gave us excellent advice, as well as booking everything we asked for and greatly facilitating our trip.
Overall we had a great time and highly recommend this outfit for a canoe safari on the Zambezi, or any other needs in Zimbabwe.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good care from beginning to end and worderful travel
Elisante was a good travel agent, he did a travel for us with our ideas.
And the price was competitive.
From first travel day the personal atencion was perfect, with drivers, guides...
100% recomended
AR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
100% Satisfaction!!!
Besides encountering wildlife, which is the first picture that comes up to your mind when you think of a Safari, a game drive, etc. You have to be surrunded by the best Safari team. That is, Iris, Nikita, Rosie and best driver ever, dear James.
I felt absolutely taken care of by these people at totally different times and situations.
Iris is the manager and she was very dedicated to her business, in the matters of customer satisfaction, right from the beggining, we could comunicate and she understood and fulfil every single request of mine.
Nikita was ever kind and service at her best, she was available any time of the day and totally took care of me while in Arusha Town.
I have to say I have built an excellent relationship with driver James, not only because he is very passionate with his job, and truly a hard working man. He was always ready to fulfil all my safari adventure desires. I do miss James. He is not the driver you find on every trip. He made sure I could get my "Big Fives" list completed. Amazing!!!
If you make it to the lovely Coffee farm, you will encounter Rosie, best cook and friendly person, striving to learn spanish at every moment.
Besides Lodges and specially tented camps, which were absolutely amazing to experience and stay at, I totally can say that if this team was not there, you could not have the best experience out of a Safari.
It has been a lifetime experience and I do not regret a little bit of it. Wonderful, Just wonderful!
Thank you guys!!!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Trip and Great Guides!
We arrived in Tanzania after 23+ hours of flying. My husband’s suitcase arrived but mine did not. Mark met us at the airport and I was rather upset, his confident demeanor immediately calmed me down. Not only did Mark spend days tracking down my suitcase, it was delivered to me at a Masai Village.
Mark and Justin are knowledgeable, kind, funny, charming and can spot a lion miles away. They did everything to make us comfortable and happy. Most importantly, the sheer vastness and beauty of the landscape is breath taking and the animals were unbelievable. It was not only the trip of a lifetime but it was just a fantastic experience all around. I dream of going back to Africa!
SI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great African experience with Blue Crane Safaris
Great trip in Africa ! Our 14 days Self drive trip from Windhoek to Victoria Falls has ended a few day ago and we had to write this review to share the great experiance we had. After we had checked a lot of offers for our holidays - traveling through Namibia to Botswana and than Victoria Falls we had chosen Blue Crane Safaris and that was for sure the best possible decision. They offered good price, they responded to all of our emails in very short term, they suggested what to visit, which roads shall we take and many many more. They had really helped us a lot. When my son was sick almost in the middle of the desert they gave us all the informations about the nearest doctor and helped us organize meeting with the doctor. The next thing is the car we get... It was almost brand new car. Really great car for driving across gravel roads. Not to mention accomodations which was all above our expectations. We choose medium price level accomodations but that were in our opinion almost all luxurious level and consequently the food was great and there was plenty of choice every day. So a brief summary, You have to book you holidays with Blue Crane Safaris and you will be amazed with all the beauty that Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa has to offer. A big thanks again to our agent Mr. Derek Jacobs who helped us organizing that outstanding vacations, and we will for sure meet again one day.
Igor
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievable experiences for the whole family
Our time in Gondwana game reserve was marvellous. Perfectly organized by Elela Africa we learned a lot about nature, from the insects up to the elefants. There was something for everybody, especially for the kids (14,12,9), but also interesting for adults. We never got bored. From the three weeks, we spend in SA, this week is the one, we still talk about a month later.