FR
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
unforgettable tour
with a couple of friends we were looking to make a trip to South Africa, combining safaris and walking treks off the beaten tracks. We approached Thierry from Biwakwango, a local travel agency. The various proposals that were given to us, did meet our expectations. So we chose one of their proposals and in the end this choice was very judicious. We went for 19 days in November 2015 and did safaris, treks in the Drakensberg (climbing the amphitheatre) swaziland, lesotho and mountain table, as well as visiting the Cape region and its vineyards. Thierry very quickly made us feel comfortable and more than just a guide, we found a real pal. His extraordinary knowledge of wildlife, his capacity to do treks in beautiful an amazing places and his devotion to cook for us every day a different meal, have contributed to make this trip an unforgettable one. We are strongly recommending Biwakwango
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not the "walk in the park" that our itinerary had led us to believe!
The following is from my journal of our time in the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park:-
Locals, with produce on tables, children playing and several dogs greeted us as we all got out of our vehicles at the meeting point for hikes in the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Wandering around, I noticed that several people were wearing or putting on harnesses with carabiners, my first thought being they were generally younger than us so presumably they were rock climbing… Returning to our vehicle, our guide handed us ours much to my surprise! I was wondering how what had been on our itinerary as a “walking tour of Grand Tsingy” had become one that needed rock climbing equipment!!
It was very hot as we started our hike, first through forest where we spotted (Von der Decken's) sifakas high up in the trees. After a while, the scenery changed as we entered a massive limestone cave where we needed to hook our carabiners onto a metal cable as we edged along a very narrow ridge and then ascended a vertical metal ladder. So far, so good. But, as we continued to climb, often having to heave ourselves up using single foot ledges and becoming more and more aware of these spectacular but jagged limestone formations that we would fall onto if we slipped/our climbing equipment let us down, the fun for me stopped. Perhaps not helped by my heavy camera equipment/backpack, I wasn’t really enjoying the challenge despite the amazing vistas once we got up high.
The descent included crossing the very wobbly suspension bridge, hooked on via the carabiners, and squeezing through low-ceilinged caves.
It was a long walk back to the car but we were rewarded by seeing Giant Couas, large colourful birds, walking amongst the trees. We both felt challenged and exhausted after the climb so declined the chance to do the same in Little Tsingy even though we were assured it was less challenging!!
To put this into context, we had had no sleep the night before (an elder had died in the local village which was 'celebrated' by loud music playing from 9pm till 5am) - and I had caught a stomach bug and, although older, we are both regular sports players so consider ourselves quite fit! So, make of my review as you will but, whatever your circumstances, this is quite a challenging hike!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Tour of Bwindi & Murchison
Had a brilliant trip over Christmas & New year, David from Visit Uganda Safaris was absolutely excellent, even giving us a free tour around Entebbe before we left for the airport. Great driving, great knowledge of all the parks and really great flexibility & helpfulness throughout our whole trip.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
ACZ Safaris made my biggest dream come true!
Having born in USA but with roots from Kenya, I have always wanted to visit the land of my ancestors. Since I was a child I wanted to take a group of my friends to this beautiful country I only saw in pictures, I approached a number of tour operators and finally decided to try ACZ safaris. John promised to arrange everything for me and within a few minutes he sent some itineraries and their quotes for me to choose one that fitted me and my group best. I chose 6 days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli National Park and my friends agreed on my choice since it was within our budget.
We arrived 2 days before the date we planned to start the safari, John advised us to try day tours within Nairobi city and we started with David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust then Giraffe center and the Bomas of Kenya where we were entertained with traditional dances, this was the best welcome to my ancestors land. The next day we visited Safariwalk in KWS Headquaters, KICC, Carnivore for lunch and lastly the Nairobi National museum.
On the day we were starting the safari our tour guide arrived 30 minutes earlier to the hotel, Martin our guide was well informed and he drove very safely. He always stopped for us to take pictures and to explain to us about the animals we spotted. I am very grateful for Acz safaris for planning our safari from the Hotel booking before and after safari and the whole safari package. I will definitely be back as soon as possible.
FI
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Tarangire National Park by Hannu Kauhala
We started our safari with this one so it was special to us to see the first elefants etc.
FI
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Serengeti National Park by Hannu Kauhala
We saw the migration. So maybe we saw 10 000 or 100 000 animals. It was just incredible.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
best safari experience
We went on a 2-day Safari-trip to Mikumi NP Tanzania.
Gecko adventure was very reliable and answered quickly to all questions I asked per mail in advance. They called to confirm the Pick-up and were more than friendly. The Pick-up at the Hotel was on time and the Driver and tour-guide (Chris) was professional, well-informed and looked after us and our wishes. Thanks to him we saw a lot of wild animals and got informations about them.
Highly recommended!
FI
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Hannu Kauhala
This goes with the Ngorongoro crater. That was the place to be. But outside it the massai people had too much cattle in national park.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Just note this is the authentic safari any where else is a lie you will experience the best
Good and educative I look for another chance to experience it
FI
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Hannu Kauhala
The birds very really great. I do not know many flamingos were there. Maybe 10 000. And the scenery was just great.