US
An Awesome Experience of a Lifetime
While I have experienced driving through a game reserve, this was the first safari for a friend and me. We are retired nurses and admittedly adventuresome. As we approached this trip, we felt some trepidation because there were some unknowns. The safari, however, turned out to be so much more than we ever imagined.
Our safari guide was Ben who had 18 years of experience and was simply awesome. Of the hundreds of questions we asked during our 10-day safari, I think he only once said he didn't know. In addition to recognizing all the animals we saw – including birds – Ben provided detailed descriptions of their behavior and habits. We learned about coalitions of lions (groups of males), bedazzles of zebras (tight clusters to fend off predators), towers (groups) of standing giraffes, and saw giraffes on a journey (the term for a traveling group). We learned how young male baboons take turns serving as sentries by perching on the very top of dead trees, so they can warn their troops when they see a predator.
Ben's senses were astonishing. One of our experiences, for example, happened while we were stopped to gaze up at two bateleurs (scavenger birds). Suddenly, Ben said, “I smell a kill”. He drove off on a side road and we came across four lionesses resting in the shade after having gorged themselves on a close by waterbuck carcass.
Ben could also recognize anything he saw. Yes, we occasionally approached a form that turned out to be a tree stump. But he could also make out the outline of lions in the very tall grass at nightfall. While in camp, he could interpret the calls of different animals and said he always slept with his ears open to what was going on.
The food was superb. Mr. E (Enoch) was our professionally trained chef. He made everything from scratch and cooked on an open camp stove. We had stews, pasta with Bolognese sauce, lasagna and the most delicious baked casseroles, and bread – all made in great cast iron pots. We frequently commented that it could have been a five-star restaurant.
Our camp assistant was Kennedy, a very personable young man who was studying to become a safari guide. He made sure we were taken care of and helped us navigate any activities associated with camp life.
There were no ticks, mosquitos or even flies. The main challenge was the unseasonable heat in early March, although it was a dry heat unlike the humid heat we experience in the Eastern U.S. Safety was not an issue. It quickly became apparent that our guides were trustworthy and very capable of protecting us. We learned – and immediately became comfortable with the fact -- that predators don’t enter camp looking for unwary tourists.
If you go, try to get the Moremi (or Chobe) Game Reserve Tourist Map. These beautiful souvenir guidebooks are available at the entrance gates to the various game reserves. They show all the common animals and birds, with little boxes to check off as you see them. I highly recommend Moonstroll Vantage Expeditions. This safari is an experience of a lifetime!
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trust, quick reply and friendly
Dear Habil,
We couldn’t imagine a better guide than you. We really enjoyed during our two days safari trip.
You were always friendly and have a positive energy. You are a very good driver too, this you need for the whole safari trip. You knew the roads and routes in the park, what helped to enjoy more. You were always on time and despite of some very difficult roads, you were always trying to find the spots. Thank you so much.
Also my thanks to Bridget. You replied so quickly with all our questions, always kind and you did your most best to arrange our trip in one day what is really unbelievable.
It was our first time and we had to do a lot of research. Mostly every agency advice a two night tour. We didn’t had that time. But in two days/one night we saw the most beautiful animals from the park. In our believe we had the best price, value and experience we could get. We would recommend the private tour, it was for sure the best choice we made.
AA Mara lodge was really beautiful, very natural and around the lodge we saw from near so many beautiful giraffes and zebras. Even better than in the park. The pictures on the website are different than the personal experience. It was more beautiful than the pictures. We liked our private lodge, clean, enough space and all for us with the private balcony. The lunch is a la carte and was more than good. The dinner is a buffet. The staff is also too kind.
Thanks so much to Gemfinders Tours and of course Habil for giving us this beautiful experience.
Kind regards,
Antonio & Soenita
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Top quality service, reliable and personal touch!
Excellent service en value for money! Friendly people and very experienced.
If you're looking for quality from a small local company, you've come to the right place. You won't find it better!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Authentic and reliable.
Gemfinders Safaris provided an unforgettable travel experience! From start to finish, their team was incredibly professional and accommodating. The itinerary was well-planned, offering what we wanted. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and ensured everyone felt safe throughout the safari. The meals exceeded our expectations. They go above and beyond to create memorable journeys for their clients. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fantastic travel experience!"
PH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!
The safari was amazing! A life changing experience. Everythjng was very organized, I was informed of everything beforehand and I got helped dealing with different stuff like the buying and activation of the Sim card (which can be tricky) and Qatar Airlines lost my suitcase and Joshua helped me talked to the airline and deal with all the issue to have it back. Great driver and guide (Samuel), great accommodation and great food.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an incredible solo female trip around Uganda it was!
I had the most amazing week with Musa while exploring Uganda! From the initial conversations of trip planning to my actual time in Uganda, the process could not have been better without the help of Yaneta safaris. Musa as a local guide has many connections and first-hand experience that creates a once in a lifetime safari experience. He's incredibly knowledgeable about local wildlife which helped me view all the wild animals in the parks. I fell in love with each accommodation i stayed in with a great experience, and I was very impressed with the quality of the "mid-range" selections. They were all beautiful, safe, and welcoming. If your planning a tour in East Africa, I highly recommend the chimpanzee and gorilla treks- they were highlights of my trip! Ultimately, I was so happy with my decision to plan my trip with Bracius a tour consultant from Yaneta safaris.
Thanks again for the life-long memorie
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredibly safari experience
We went on a two-day safari with Nhlalala Travel in March/April and had the best time! We already felt very well looked after beforehand. Our (many) emails were answered very quickly and we received a great overview of the planned days. On the first day of the safari we were picked up at our accommodation in Pretoria and drove (super safely) with Norman to the national park. Norman grew up in the Kruger National Park so he was very knowledgeable and could answer any questions and tell us lots about the park and surrounding areas. There we had a private safari with Jerry on the first day. Jerry was a great guide, he really did his best to ensure that we saw as many animals as possible and catered to all our wishes. He kept chatting to all the other safari guides to figure out where the animals were. We were extremely lucky to see the big 5 on the first day and soooo many other animals. In the evening we had a nice meal at the accommodation and spent a lovely night there. The next morning we went on another great safari and then headed back to Johannesburg. Nhlalala Travel was super accomidating and dropped us off at the airport, where we ended this great two day trip. The whole experience was really great, well organized, great value for money and the people super nice. I would recommend the company to anyone and will definitely do another safari with them in the future.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So helpful and arranging !
My experience with Dowel Tours & Travel was the best, Christine helped me to plan my trip based on my requirements and also arranged for all the activities within my budget.
They organized the transfer for me from Nairobi to Diani! A private vehicle was waiting for me in Diani to bring me to my hostel. I had a wonderful time at the beach thanks to Christine! They also organized the transfer on my way back.
I recommend booking with Dowel Tours&Travel, it is one of the best companies I have ever traveled with. They are responsive and make sure that you get everything you need!
Thank you so much, asante sana!
LU
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience with a reliable team
The team of Sekanka travel have been great in organizing the tour in a flexible and complete way.
The guide was very expereinced and always available to satisfy our requests and to do the extra mile to make us live the best expereince possible.
We are a family with 3 kids and we were always feeling safe, even if living the savana at a close contact with animals.
The staff hasn been always helpful and quick to prepare tents and great dinner.
I recommend Sekanka travel for a great experience in Botswana!
BR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the best services I've ever used in my entire life.
By far one of the best experiences of my entire life.
From the impeccable service to booking, to the guide service.
On the first day we visited the Maasai tribe, which was surreally cool.
On the second day, of game day, we were lucky to have a super prepared, fun and intelligent guide, who guided us early through the savannah.
The place we stayed was very wonderful, super comfortable room, warm shower, and a very beautiful living space with wifi.
We had the great opportunity to see a mother lion with her cubs, and even leopards sleeping in trees (something that was only possible thanks to the experience of our guide).
I recommend this company with my eyes closed!!!
Even when we had a problem with the payment on the card, they were super helpful, kind and helped us resolve it as smoothly as possible.
I don't think there are enough words to thank you for this sensational experience they provided us.
