DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent mountain trekking and Safari
Both, the mount meru trekking and the four day safari were excellent. Great guides, good organization, catch up from the airport, hotel stay before, between the two different tours and afterwards. Absolutely to recommend.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Popote is the Best
I found out that Tanzania is a great country and its people more so and it all started with Popote Africa Adventures. My son, his girlfriend and I choose Popote to climb Kilimanjaro because of the price and the reviews we read on line were great. Even before we booked with Popote, we had lots of questions and the owner Sabino answered all our questions and made our decision to book with them that much easier. They are local company, professional and knowledgeable, that will do everything they can to assist you. We choose the 8 day Lemosho Route and all three of us summited with the help of everyone at Popote, what a team.
We were picked up at the airport with no problems and then Sabino and the our two guides met us at the hotel the evening before we started our climb. They went over the itinerary and went through our gear to make sure we had everything. Whatever we missed they provided. They checked in with us each night to make sure our health was fine. Went over the next day’s hike and advised us on what to wear. Our two guides Jerry and Dickson were outstanding, walked at a comfortable pace and always seemed to know when we needed to rest!! They were very knowledge about the mountain, vegetation and climate, always pointing out facts that added to our overall experience. Jerry and Dickson had so much experience climbing Kilimanjaro and knew so many of the other guides and porters on the mountain, they commanded a certain kind of respect due to their experience.
The porters worked hard to make our trip enjoyable, our tents were always ready and set up upon our arrival at each camp. They were experienced and picked the best spots to set up our tents. They were always smiling and friendly, jambo jambo!!!
The food was incredible and way beyond what I expected, this was my biggest worry before we left. We camp often and have never eaten as well as we ate on the mountain, portions were more than what we could eat. I couldn’t believe the meals they prepared for each of us!!! We even had popcorn and freshly roasted peanuts as a snack!!!! , breakfast, lunch and dinner were all outstanding - I can't believe we were having such great meals even after 8 days on the trail. Our waiter was Crazy Willy, he made sure we ate all our food and he has a witty character and entertained us with his humor. Crazy Willy also joined us on Summit day, we were happy he joined us and helped us summit the mountain. Crazy Willy also provided us with a pail of warm water after our hikes so we could wash our face, hands and feet just before dinner.
Thank you guys for making our experience unforgettable!!
I highly recommend Popote, great job boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent service
I found Them to be very professional from the beginning till the end,at all times..
Service was great and would highly recommend to use them without a doubt...
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Perfect Honeymoon!
First off, Laurette provided us with exception service and catered a set tour to our liking, adding a few days and helping us secure more private hotels as this was our honeymoon.
From the moment we landed in Zambia to the minute we left Cape Town, everything was perfect. Transfers were on time, hotels and locations exceeded our expectations, and the activities that were booked were incredible. We met many couples and didn't hear from them of one other thing we would have rather done than what was already booked with Laurette.
I started communicating with Laurette about a year and a half before the trip and she ensured that she stayed in communication, provided us documentation timely, and let us know promptly if she needed anything from us. This trip would not have gone as smoothly without her expertise.
I will be recommending all of my friends and family travel to South Africa and use Pembury for their bookings.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good service and wonderful tour guides
Like my four friends, I didn't know what to expect of Speke Tours when our Team leader booked them to organise for us a four days trip around Uganda last week (between 12th-16th). Our destinations were Murchison Falls National Park and Mghahinga National Park. The two are famed for being Uganda's biggest park and home to Mountain Gorillas respectively. As I write this, it is two days since we concluded our trip and I am so glad we opted for this Kampala based Safari Company. Our guide Peter was fun and very knowledgeable, especially about big mammals and birds. He had his facts right and knew how to paint a picture with just words. Loved it. On the otherhand, the accomodation facilities where we were booked were simple but lovely. Such included Murchison River Lodge and Travellers Rest Camp in Kisoro. Even better, they were within easy reach from the starting points of most of the activities in the parks. As such, we were able to catch up with most of the animals on our list without so much hustle. The biggest highlights were gorillas, giraffes, elephants and lions. Generally, the trip was fun except for the drive on the bumpy-murrum-road connecting Hoima District and Masindi. Luckily, the car was in perfect shape to counter the challenge with ease. Given the above experience, I highly recommend this company, especially for group travellers and family travellers.
Solomon Oleny
[email protected]
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
My Nile River Adventure of a Lifetime
Planning this trip started with a spectacular documentary on the Murchison Falls where the Nile River drops 40 m creating a rich habitat for aquatic wildlife particularly Hippos. The internet revealed that East Africa Jungle Safaris based in Uganda were offering good value 4 day safaris featuring the Murchison Falls. I booked this first.
As a water engineer, I have always been fascinated with the Nile River and its contribution to the lives over 100million people living along the river from Lake Victoria in Uganda , through Sudan and ultimately through Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. The Pharohs made good use of the Nile; making a rich contribution to human society. Remnants of that era are awesome.
I asked East African Jungle Safaris if they could put together a personal trip from Cairo to Alexandria by car then on to Luxor by overnight train. At Luxor I would take a river cruise to the Aswan High Dam where I would transfer to the ferry from the dam wall to Wadi Halfa in Sudan. In Sudan I would visit ancient relics and the irrigation based settlements along both sides of the Nile. At Atbura I would embark on the train to Khartoum where the Blue Nile joins the Nile. From Khartoum I would fly to Entebbe in Uganda where I would undertake the safari to Murchison falls, then visit Jenga where the Nile emerges from Lake Victoria ( the official source of the Nile). I also requested boat trip on the lake.
They put the trip together in conjunction with tour agents in Egypt and Sudan. The combined expertise resulted in a remarkable experience for me. In Egypt I had a personal tour of the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum, then by car to The Australian War cemetery at El Alemain and to the Roman Fort and Museum at Alexandria, followed by the first class train ride to Luxor, then the 5 day river cruise to Aswan stopping at the Temple of Karnak, Valley of Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Morman and Temples of Edfu and Sobek. Finally a Tour of Aswan High Dam. The Dam was completed in 1968 with a primary aim of regulating the flow of the Nile. It has reservoir capacity of 132 Billion cubic metres and is the 6th largest artificial storage in the world. It serves the irrigation needs of Egypt 85% and Sudan 15%.
Lake Nasser is 550 km long. The ferry to Wadi Halfa has 1st and 2nd class sleepers and travels overnight once a week. Early next morning you pass Abu Simbel, 4 colossal (20m high) statues of Ramses in front of his temple. These were salvaged from the rising waters of Lake Nasser by a complex engineering feat in the 1960s. The ferry docks at Wadi Halfa and you are now in Sudan where I was met by my Sudanese guide with 4WD. The passanger train from Wadi Halfa to Atbura no longer operates.This is Nubian Country. The Nubians ruled Egypt prior to BC 3500. Today they live a simple life based on irrigated cropping on the Nile. I stayed in a Nubian house at Wawa; then camped on the sand dunes at old Dongle which was once the Christian capital of the Nubian Kingdom. We moved on to Atbura (railway centre) via Karima and Jerbal Barkal: a magnificent elevated view of the Nile on a bend in its natural state flowing through the desert.
At Atbura, I took the modern train to Khartoum where I visited more Nubian Pyramids and the museum before flying out to Entebbe in Uganda where I was met by Fred Ssebunya, principal of East African Jungle Safaris. He introduced me to his 4 day Murchison Falls guide and off we went on an awesome experience with the falls and the wildlife, staying in his villa overlooking Lake Albert. You could hear the hippos in the distance at night.
I wanted to interface with Lake Victoria so he took me to Jinga Town and out to the official source where Lake Victoria becomes the Nile River. A boat took me to the rapids and the local tourist shop perched on the rapids where I purchased my shirt "I've been at the Source of The Nile Jinja-Uganda".
I finished off with a 2 day boat cruise to Kalangala Island on Lake Victoria. I then over-nighted in Entebbe and flew out the next day.
This 30 day adventure in Feb-Mar 2017 met all my expectations for variety, excitement and value. I requested midrange accom and the total cost (Cairo-Entebbe) US$ 8000.
My trip was totally safe and comprehensive taking all history and excitement associated with the Nile River and its people. All guides spoke English and were excellent.
It is thoroughly recommended. Full Marks for East Africa Jungle Safaris. Fred Ssebunya
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Windhoek - Vic Falls Self-Drive Safari
The holiday is over, a pity, was wonderful. Thanks for the good preparation. Everything worked out very well. We flew over the Victoria Falls on my birthday. An absolute “Have to do”.
Chobe bush camp was great. A great cook. Thank you that you have convinced me to go to the bush camp.
The transfer with George was relaxed.
N1 is of course to wean, but the location is simply top. And 3 Monkeys right next to it, top.
Thanks again for everything.
We have recommended Irina and you already
TR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
better than our expectation
I always was wondering about Safari. I found an opportunity to meet Paul who is owner of safari tour. He suggested me to see ngorongoro and trangeri national parks. He did not recommend me to see serengeti since I had limited time. I was lucky because I saw hunting between lion and gnu in trangeri. That's way I do not regret to go to Serengeti. As I know, a person sees hunting during his life just one time. It was life time experience. Paul met me with his driver whose name is Alfa Mniko. He is great man. In safari, if you want to enjoy, it depends on driver because you are always with driver. His ability is so important to tell you about safari and animals. I spend three nights with Alfa by staying in lodges. I enjoyed too much. I suggest everyone to meet with Paul and Alfa.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing Safari
We stayed at the Africa Bush Camp. A beautifull place to stay at. The staff where friendly to us and the food was good. The safari itself was amazing. A dream come true for me and my wife. I hope i can comeback someday!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A truly special experience, a must on your trip to Africa
We loved everything about our canoe Safari. The animals, the scenery, the excitement, the peacefulness, the guides who were extremely knowledgeable, the equipment and the food. We couldn't fault it! It was the best part of our three week trip to four countries in Africa.