50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Well Customised and Personalised
This is my second review of Elida - I held off writing it until we were back in Australia since I noticed there was a 'credibility deficit' to a review if it came from Kenya. So a quick note first to note that the earlier review about Kilimanjaro and Amboseli is also from Australia even if posted from Kenya.
We used Elida Tours and Safaris again, this time for a customised self drive trip across Kenya and Uganda. David organised all the vehicle particulars/paperwork for us to allow us to cross the border, secure insurance and so on. It was well priced, but its the local knowledge and management which pays off. His firm advice about where to buy insurance for example meant we paid what was required, not what people asked. His provision of a 'fixer' to help us through the madness which is the Malaba border crossing (thousands of trucks, no signage, no guidance) made that experience (to and from) as pain free as anyone could hope.
Once again David was easily contactable, got us what we needed, gave us good advice and was helpful in every way.
I am very happy to be emailed about any of the reviews I have posted about Elida Tours and Safaris.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Emanuel, Geoffrey were good to work with in booking our Safari. Paul was an excellent driver/guide
Overall very good. Took the 3 night 4 day tour from arusha. Clearly spelled out the itinerary and we were thrilled with the animals that we saw.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari to Tanzania with Born Free Safaris
I cannot say enough about Born Free Safaris. From the time we contacted Alana and her staff they were with us all the way. We told her what we were looking for in an African Safari, the fact the I was an avid photographer and we wanted the "real" African experience. We told her the level of accommodations we were interested in. After that she went to work and came up with a plan. After some fine tuning we had our trip to Tanzania set to go. She held our hand - literally every step of the way. Everyone at Born Free is a true professional, answering all of our questions - and we had a lot!!
Everything on the trip went off without a hitch. We hooked up with Rashid of Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Company who would be our guide for 9 days. We traveled to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. We were constantly amazed at his knowledge and his ability to spot animals from a far distance while he was driving. No question was too trivial.
On a 1 to 10 we rated this trip a 14!! The best trip we have ever taken - and we have traveled a lot. Our hats off to Born Free Safaris and Rashid at Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Personally the only thing we would do differently would be to not stay at Olduvai Camp. It was not our style. Others really liked it - we didn't. No plugs, animals scratching at our tent all night long keeping us awake. Maybe a fluke, but wouldn't do that again. Also probably didn't need 4 days in the Serengeti -2 would have been enough. Still loved every second of it though, just saw the same animals over again - but you never know if you'll see some situation that you haven't seen before. That's what's so interesting about a Safari!
So many things stand out it's hard to say, but watching 2 lions mate was amazing and seeing the wildebeest migration go on and on was fascinating. I could not get enough of the monkeys and baboons and my wife is in love with the giraffes. With so many photographs and videos, we will relive these memories for years to come.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great week!
We had a truly wonderful time with a great guide. Thank you to him and the team at Armadillo for a wonderful holiday.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
10-Day Luxury Wildlife Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holidays met all my expections plus!
This trip lived up to my expectations and beyond. I saw everything that I wanted to see and more. My tour guides went beyond the call of duty. Abraham was guide in Tanzania. He could spot animals that I would have missed, He taught me so much about the animals and the Tanzanian people and culture. He was a pleasure to be with. Ubezi was my guide in Zanzibar. He made sure I learned everything about Zanzibar. When I went on the Blue Safari, I got ill. I asked to go to the hospital. While there Ubezi stayed with me until I was discharged. All went well and by the next day I was almost 100% back to normal. It was comforting to me, knowing I that I was in good hands. The memories I have are wonderful. I hope to be able to come back again.
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!
My girlfriend and I used Boundless African Jourmeys' services to go on a safari in Kenya and Tanzania. They were professional and very easy to work with from the get-go. We were initially dealing with four safari companies, and settled with this company because of exceptional customer service and value for the money. We were in contact with Annette who responded pretty fast and helped us to plan the whole trip. She booked some amazing hotels and provided us with a great guide (Joseph). It was the best trip we've had and Annette and Joseph made it all possible.
There were few things that tainted our great experience. One was the vehicle! we requested a 4x4, but ended up getting a van. So, make sure you stress about this, if you decide to go with this company. The other was the Maasai village that Joseph took us, to. It was a village very close to the Sekenani gate, right before you enter Maasai Mara game reserve. We were exploited in this village! Those greedy youngsters over charged us during village tour and almost forced us to buy their goods. My girlfriend and I kind of felt helpless while we were there and just wanted to get the hell out! So, save your money and stay away from this village. I've seen some better villages in the Tanzanian side.
Overall, I would highly recommend this company! They are very service minded and thrive to make sure their customers have the best time in Africa.
A general hint: don't buy any soverniers from roadside shops. They are crazy expensive. You'll get a much better price at the hotels or the airport. Also, if you are going to Massai Mara, try to book your stay at Ashnil Tented Camps. You will not be disappointed!
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great and unforgettable time in Uganda with Mamalandsafaris
If you want to feel a little touch of Africa- so you should book with Mamalandsafaris Uganda, despite the fact that you always will be a tourist and be treatet as a tourist. Moses Wabwire, our guide, read every wish from our eyes and was always polite, helpful and respectful. In addition he acted very professionally and his profound knowledge about Uganda, its nature and people was a treasure for us tourists. We loved all places and accomodation like Kidepo NP, Murchison Falls, Budongo Eco Lodge, Pumba Lodge, Apoka Hostel Bandas (very lovely place with animals coming very close like elefants, zebras, warthogs etc.- great great experience!!!Bwindy NP was one of the highlights when we met with mountain gorillas deep in the rain forest. Great accomodation there as well- Gorilla Mist Camp...Too nice to be real...Great views.. Unforgettable. Despite all of that beauty we should never forget how people live there, what their life is like and do something...help somehow...By the way.. we always felt safe and welcome...Friendly service everywhere.....While writing this I could start packing again.....
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Fantastic Experience
Good communication throughout . The safari itself was organised well, and wasn't cramped. We had a fantastic guide (Hoppy) who looked after us impecibly from picking us up to dropping us off. Would definitely recommend doing the 3 night classic safari with this company.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Unexplored Eastern Uganda
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip, and would certainly recommend it again. Part of it that was so nice was how personal it was. My father and I were the only ones on the tour, we had a personal driver, a personal guide at Kidepo, Kotido and Moroto. Seeing a part of Uganda that most people don't, and really couldn't up until about 5 years ago was fun. It was peaceful, beautiful, and I feel like they really try and personalize it. They have a route that we took, but seemed pretty flexible about how long we wanted to be in any one place. It was also a nice variety. I've been on safaris before where it's just game drives everyday for a week, and that's too much. This was a nice mix of wildlife, culture, and outdoors activities.
Two other things to be aware of (not criticisms, by the way, just so that you know what you're getting into). This is not a fast paced tour. You typically have an activity in the morning, and then travel in the afternoon. I enjoyed this, it wasn't rushed, but if you need every hour of everyday to be filled, this may not be the tour for you. Also, It does take some time to get places in Uganda, especially the eastern part of the country. So if you want to see it, be prepared to drive hours everyday. As I said, this didn't detract at all from the trip for me, but some may not want to be in the car as long.
Overall, I loved it, and I think Grassrootz did an excellent job. I'm actually going to be asking them for details about what tours they offer in the Southwest part of the country soon. Thanks for an amazing journey!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good safari experience
Very good organization of the safari and good selection of the accomodations.
Maico, our guide, spoke a good Italian and he was very friendly and helpful, with a lot of knowledge about the environment and animals we were experiencing. We were lucky enough to see a lot of animals, everything we could have hoped for and more. We recommend Savannah Explorer.