20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an "awesome" experience
My family had wanted to go to Africa for years, so it was quiet daunting when I was asked to organise a trip of a lifetime. We started looking in December of 2015, we wanted to find the best of the best, that was able to provide us with everything we needed and able to accommodate to us as we had some plans of our own as we have family out in Africa. After 2 months of research I came across Earthlife Expeditions. At first we wondered if this was a genuine company – only because it was not like the others that we had come across (big brands) but I very quickly learned that even though this may be a small company everything was about us and our trip.
Myself and Deo must have exchanged over 100 emails with one another from December 2015 right up until December 2016 – Deo ensured that what we wanted is what we got with every one of our needs met. We started of with a Low-Mid range safari and quickly realised that someone with a back problem would need something a bit more luxurious and Deo was able to provide this, finding us the best hotels, lodges and camps for the right prices – we did not feel much of a difference with the cost. Deo also promised to provide us with one of his best safari guides, and did he!!!!!
Junior is an amazing guide – going out of his way to make things comfortable for us during travels, funny, honest, friendly, entertaining and going out of his way to make our experience “awesome” :D. He got to know us individually and tried to tailor what we all saw to what we liked, especially the boys on the trip that wanted to see a lion hunt (OH and did we see the most amazing hunt ever with a lion and 2 lionesses). He also helped us get some amazing snaps with his photography knowledge and made our trip the most memorable ever. I and my husband were able to celebrate our 1 ½ year anniversary – because Junior spoke to all the guys at the camp, we had a good sing along and dance with an awesome cake that the chef had made us. From the moment we met at the airport when he came to collect us to the moment he dropped us to the airport and saying our goodbyes, it was like we were saying bye to family.
Being Hindu I had totally forgot to tell Deo about our dietary requirements. No meat on certain days, but this was not a problem – Junior and Deo quickly realised we were slightly fussy eaters and because of the relationship they have with the hotels, lodges and camps they were able to accommodate.
After our Safari we had a week and a half at our own leisure which we spent with family, we were finding it difficult to get transport to the airport with all our luggage, I asked Deo if he could recommend someone and he sent us one of his cars (without charge) and guess who came to drop us off? Junior!!!! We were so happy to see him again and sad to say goodbye as it felt like we were leaving Family.
Tanzania is a beautiful country, Earthlife Expeditions made it even more beautiful by providing us with an experience of a lifetime and we will definitely be going back.
Thank you Deo and Junior – you guys are “awesome” – we miss you and will be back soon.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable experience with impeccable service
Paul Tickner Safaris arranged my trip to southern Tanzania to the Ruaha National Park and nearby area in January 2017. I was a bit hesitant prior to the trip as it was my first visit to Tanzania and I was traveling alone. I absolutely enjoyed every part of the trip, thanks to Paul's arrangement and company!
The lodge Paul arranged, Ikuka, was spectacular! The service there was impeccable with amazing staff. The view from the lodge overlooking the Ruaha National Park was something that will stay with me the rest of my life! The safari guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Paul also took me to visit local conservation projects which were the highlight of my trip and shared with me his expert knowledge on the African wildlife.
Paul is a highly experienced safari operator with solid wildlife conservation knowledge and experience - which are an important factor for me when booking my travel. I can't wait to return to Tanzania and explore other parts of the country.
Thank you, Paul Tickner Safaris, for an unforgettable experience and lifelong friendship.
SK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
all in all nice experience from pick up to drop off .. :-)
We booked our 2-day safari trip to Mikumi NP app. 2 months before our trip to Tanzania, from the beginning we had a nice talk with Ms. Mwajabu, the manager of Hello Tanzania, who is a really nice & caring lady. I had a lot of questions before the safari, the answers were fast and fulfilling. The pick up time was early in the morning around 4am, cause our flight arrived that early, Mwajabu and our driver were already at the airport waiting for us. After 5 hours driving we were in the park, changed the car to open roof and went for the game drive. We saw a lot of animals, it was a great experience to be so close to the wild animals, we were happy. In the evening we went to our acommodation, Tan Swiss Lodge with a pool, it was nice spacious room, with aircondition, TV, mosquito net etc. Another day we started with a tasty breakfast, after that we had another game drive in the park. Later we went back to DAR, but unfortunatelly we missed our flight to Zanzibar due to huge traffic jam in DAR. But during getting stucked in that jam I wrote Ms. Mwajabu, she immediately acted, she pre-booked our flight with the airline for next day, she offered us 1 night in the hotel near the airport and also dinner, and all that FOR FREE. It was very generous and we didnt expect such kindness within this for us unpleasant situation. So I would really like to thank a lot Ms. Mwajabu for such a nice taking care of us. The last day before our flight back to Europe we had a half day more, we used their services again for taking us to the city center, the driver was waiting for us all the time, with our luggage in the car and after we finished he took us back to the airport. Great Service. I recommend Hello Tanzania to everyone. Asante sana Mwajabu & Athman & staff of Hello Tanzania!
TR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Could not ask for a better TOUR!
We were 4 person and booked a day trip to Mikumi National Park Safari with Hello Tanzania, Mwajabe. I am writing this comment on behalf of 4 person.
Mwajabe is an extraordinary person, she replied all our questions patiently from the very first moment. We were in touch with many other companies, but did not bother talking with other companies once we found her. She also fulfilled all of our requests perfectly. We could not ask for a better tour. As we landed to Dar es Salaam airport, she welcomed us with a huge smile on her face that made as feel at home after such a long flight. We are strongly recommending her to those seeking for a safari tour in Tanzania. We had concerns about online booking as it was our first time in Africa, but you may book everything with Mwajabe without any second thoughts.
Thank you so much for making our trip memorable!
US
Thank you for being understanding
Unfortunately due to personal emergency, we had to cancel our tour to Uganda from the US. Edward and his team were very understanding and had meticulous follow up. The attention to detail and communication during the planning process was exceptional but to see this service after we cancelled is rare in a company.
We hope to reschedule soon.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience ever great for kids
We went on a 4 day/3 night Safari with Ryan, Thale and their son Felix. We have two young children age 7/5 which is one of the reasons we choose Wild Planet Safari as they were so flexible and accommodating. We had the best experience ever from the information received before we went and a great time during our stay. We had the safari all to ourselves and as such were able to taylor it to our needs. We went to an elephant sanctuary on the first day which I would highly recommend where we paid to interact with elephants including riding them. Kruger park is an amazing place made even more interesting by Ryan who's passion and knowledge is never ending. Ryan was always able to spot everything from animals in the bush, birds in trees and even tracks in the road. Also the meals we had cooked by Ryan and Thale were amazing giving us a real taste of African cuisine. We will hopefully return one day when the children are older and can enjoy a different experience if we do we would choose to go with Ryan again I can't imagine anyone being as amazing as he was throughout our stay. Thanks Ryan and Thale for an amazing holiday.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A wonderful trip in Uganda
I have visited Uganda twice on behalf of the Queen Elizabeth Parks project, and both times (and for previous trips by colleagues) Range Land Safaris have been key to our visits. On my most recent trip, Ronnie and his colleagues organised my movements between Entebbe, Jinja, and Queen Elizabeth national park on the western border near the town of Kasese. I consider Ronnie a personal friend, and both he and the other drivers for Range Land Safaris are extremely professional, punctual, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The time I visited Uganda previously was my first trip to Africa and Range Land Safaris made me feel safe and I knew I was in good hands. Their contacts and knowledge of Uganda means you are never without accommodation or areas to stop for food without worry. I cannot recommend Range Land Safaris highly enough to anyone wishing to visit Uganda, or the surrounding countries in which the company operates. My time in Uganda on both occasions was absolutely superb and Ronnie and Range Land Safaris added to my wonderful experience, a fantastic team of professionals who deliver a superb service.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent experience and service
I booked to self - drive a Toyota Land Cruiser with Range Land Safaris after previously using them in 2015. I had previously been impressed with Ronnie's level of expertise in wildlife and his professionalism. I was therefore keen to book with them again and this faith was repaid in spades. The car was in immaculate condition! Ronnie picked us up at the airport at 03.00 and took us in to the centre of Kampala to find the best Forex to exchange money. He then drove us to the correct road to get to Fort Portal before handing over the car, which was a pleasure to drive.
Although I have been to Uganda several times and would regard myself as an experienced traveler, I would want to know that the vehicle I was driving was safe and durable. This was emphatically the case; we had no problems throughout our seventeen day stay and the car successfully navigated the most challenging terrain. At all times Ronnie was available with phone support and with a back up team ready to give assistance. Although it was never needed it was nice to have that reassurance.
I would thoroughly recommend using Range Land Safaris and I cannot wait to use them again this summer.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
a smooth operation and very friendly we were made welcome everywhere
We enjoyed staying at the Outlook lodge, Francois and his staff very pleasant, food also very good. Skukuza rondavels need an upgrade. Base camp well run, food excellent but the coffee was terrible, tasteless brown water. Transfers at Kruger Park int airport took very long on both arriving and departing we had to wait for a long time for the transfer bus to arrive.
The safari tours were all excellent, also the SSD run by SAN Park. The outlook guides knowledgeable, friendly really showing as much as they could find. Due to cyclone Dineo all the dirt roads were closed but no rain fell during our trip. I want to mention guide JoJo (assistant base camp manager ) as the best all round.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding service, amazing itinerary and attention to detail.
Planning your honeymoon trip is no easy feat and we obtained several price quotes from different agents. We quickly realized that this would be the most expensive trip we have ever taken and we wanted to make sure we would get our money's worth. Several other tour operators took a day or two to respond to our emails, had a very vague explanation of the differences between different camps and safari locations. To Rose's and her team's credit, the service they provided was impeccable. Not only did Rose respond to our emails immediately, she was always available for a phone call and seemed to have all the answered right away. She effortlessly helped us navigate the complicated world of many African camps and locations and steered us to design the most amazing 2 week itinerary ever. We didn't quite know what to expect, but what we got was the most amazing trip of our lifetime. Every camp Rose selected for us was better than the next, luxurious accommodations, out of this world service and delicious food were a staple every place we got. The itinerary was designed in a very logical fashion so that our transfer times were minimized. Most of the camps we stayed in belonged to &Beyond which gets major credit for the ultimate level of luxury and service they provide. However, coming back to Rose and the Luxury Safari company, the cherry on the cake came when we had a last minute luggage issue and needed Rose's help. Due to weight limitations, we had to make some last minute logistical plans and we gave Rose no notice. However, she amazed us by quickly finding and putting together a solution that would ease our travels a lot. Fortunately, in the end things worked out and we didn't require to use the plan Rose organized for us, but we remained eternally thankful to her and her staff for coming through at such short notice. In summary, you can probably book a beautiful African vacation through many travel agents, but if you are looking for getting a very punctual, personalized service and great attention to detail, go with Rose Hipwood and the Luxury Safari Company like we did and you will be very happy you did! Keep up the amazing work and we will cherish our amazing honeymoon memories which became possible due to the hard work by Rose, the Luxury Safari Company and her staff!