DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari with ups and downs but definitely worthwhile
As a group of 56 people we took a 3 day safari at the end of September to see the beautiful Serengeti. We booked our trip over Fourways Travel Agency and were guided by Masumin Safaris. The communication via mail was really friendly and easy.
1st day - 22.09.14:
09.30 Pick Up
10.30 Buying groceries
11.30 Driving
The Car was in moderate shape. Nice to have 8 seats for ourselves and enough space for our luggage. The cigarette charger was not working (I guess we wer expecting to much from Tnazanian standards).
13.30 Start Safari
14.30 flat tire (rear right)
15.00 pushing car (engine didn't start)
17.15 2nd flat tire
19.00 ride to camp with another company
19.45 arrival at camp
The time at the campsite was truly intense. One is used to see animals in cages at the zoo. In the Serengeti it is the other way around. For our own safety we were eating (Meat smells delicious for wild animals) in a big fenced hall. It was a mind-blowing experience. Being a guest in the wild, where the animals are superior. This “humiliation” felt amazingly good!
On part of the agency, the tents were pretty old (e.g. broken zipper) however we could fix it and were probably once again expecting to much from Tanzanian standards. Maybe this experience helped us too.
2nd day - 23.09.2014:
05.30 wake up (planned start of safari 06.00)
09.20 departure new car, Start of safari
18.30 finished game drive
I will never forget this day. Even though we started late we had perfect timing, being able to see a gepard hunting from under 20m distance. We were so excited when he finally began to run and chase the antelopes that were lying in the savanna around 100m away. The leopard chased one of the younger antelopes down and running with a speed of around 100km/h he managed to jump to catch the antelope by the neck and tear it down. We were so stunned and almost all of us had tears in our eyes. The rest of the day was full of great views and thousands of beautiful animals. For a fee of 15$ we were invited to visit a Massai village and exchange thoughts with some of the English speaking villagers. We visited the huge Ngorongoro crater and saw all of the local animals – even one of the few rhinos. Thank you so much.
3rd day - 24.09.2014:
06.00 wake up
07.30 breakfast
08.30 Start of safari
10.15-11.00 break
11.00 Safari
17.00 Return to Mwanza
The last day was a combination of returning to Mwanza (our starting point) and more Safari. We saw a family of elephants, many young giraffes and plenty of Zebras, Gnus and Buffalos. We returned to our starting point and received our car, that we were allowed to park at the company. The next day we received a refund for the missed hours due to the broken tires, which were 20% of the expenses of the agency. The rest (more that the half of the money) goes in to Serengeti park fees and is not refundable.
Overall, the agency and the gear was ok, the guides and the food were good and the Serengeti was perfect! Thank you so much for this unforgettable experience.
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly, knowledgeable and organised
The Spotted Safari Tour was an excellent aid to viewing wildlife at the Masai Mara. Our guide (Clevers Tumuti) was very knowledgeable both about the wildlife and also Masai culture and customs. He was friendly and organised and really helped us through our safaris. I would happily recommend Spotted Safaris to visitors who like getting good value for their tourist dollar.
VU
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Was wonderfull, a fantastique experience, I hope to go back.
Monique did help me a lot in planning our holidays in S.A early this year.
The hotel, lodges and Safaris that she had recommended where exactly in the range we where expecting.
The Sabi Sand in Kruger Park with the big 5 within 500m from our Lodge (the gourmet food in our lodge and the setting, the rooms and mostly the staff where Magnificent) , and the lodge at Victoria Falls in Livingstone (Zambia) was magic.
Giltedge Africa (formerly Southern Africa Travel) can only be recommended regarding their extensive knowledge of the region and their advice.
I can only recommend them.
Christian
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I found their services good and most important to me reliable.
They are good in communication and kept me updated. The safari met my expectation. Most outstanding was our tour driver, he was very friendly, dedicated and knows Masai Mara very well. We managed to see the big five courtesy o our tour guide.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Qualified
Tour 18/10/2014 - 6/11/2014 Uganda - private group 6 persons (Belgium)
We got everything as specified in their programme. Very good guide/driver.
Sipi Falls, Murchison Falls NP, Kibale Forest, Queen Elisabeth NP, Bwindi.
Visit to local projects is also very interesting.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Brilliant Management
Well multilingual personnels, equipped with problem solving abilities
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic trip in the world of the lion king.
I travelled on my owned to Kenya this summer and loved it. I was paired with people my age and who had similar interests. Young, fun, smart people from all over the world. Everything was awesome, guie, food, tours. Got to see the big 5 and so much more. Got to be close to all the animals roaming freely in the Masai Mara, meet people and stay in decent places.
Logistically, it wasn't perfect, but you can roll with the situations.
Loved it and David made it really simple and was very responsive.
Highly recommend them.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience in Tanzania Southern Parks
Tour well organized in really beautiful places. Strong and comfortable car, prudent driver. The managers carefully followed us but with discretion. No problems at all.
The only remark, so as I have experienced even in other trips in Tanzania, is that guides have not so much knowledge about the wildlife, just sufficient.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a down to earth experience. Very well organized, good food, no nonsense
We went do Maun not sure what to expect.
We had 8 nights in the North of Botswana: for a Westerner used to comfort and not knowing what the bush looks like and sounds this was the perfect trip.
A no nonsense atmosphere, good accommodation and very good food. Unbelievable what the cook could make on a would bush fire.
A guide who knew about everything that moved and flew.
We went home very tired but completely satisfied.
Looking at our pictures I realized that we had seen nearly everything one could think of !
In terms of price quality I don't think this can be improved.
Safari Holiday
I checked out many companies before I decided to go with Kenya Bush Excursions. Communication was fast and clear, and Doris took the time to explain things via email. Our airport pickup was there when we arrived, and there were no unwelcome surprises. Our guide Pius was the best, and when we got to Serengeti in Tanzania after being in Kenya at Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Game Reserve for a week, we missed his company. He was very friendly, and had a lot of knowledge to share with us. He also gave us advice on what to do and what not to do. All in all, we were (couple + friend) would really recommend Kenya Bush Excursions