SE
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Overpriced and overrated
absolutely, the great migration is a spectacle you must see at least once. But other than that, I found Tanzania to be mostly disappointing. Not so much what we all saw, but more the overall experience. If you keep in mind that you are visiting the most expensive national parks in the world, you expect something in return. In the Serengeti, for example, I think the roads were extremely bad. We did 10 days of full day safaris, which at the end I almost couldn't last because of the back pain. The rest camps are completely worthless and unpleasant. Again, for the most expensive national parks in the world you can really expect more. The distances between our sightings were often enormous. Everyone drives through the Serengeti at unprecedented speed to make sure you don't miss a lion that is then sitting 200 meters off the road... And which you are watching with 70 other cars... Guides do not behave professionally, push the animals too much and the tourists are also 'once in a lifetime safari poop', which you can see from their behavior. It is often noisy during sightings and I found it difficult to enjoy it. All in all disappointing, not value for money and the safaris were not romantic and relaxing as I often feel in private parks.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Gorilla Trekking =)
The booking was unproblematically, they answered fastly every question we had. They were very customer-oriented and they considered all our wishes regarding accomodation and others.
The guide was always on time and well organized. He had good knowledge about the animals we saw. He was very attentive regarding pee breaks and photo stops.
All in all we had an amazing trip.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Onesmus is the man!!!
My husband and I are in our early thirties and pretty much got hooked on Africa in 2014. We visited Zambia, South Africa and Botswana. We always tried to support local ventures and booking with Safaribook Evolution to Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara was a great choice. Steve the owner is a Kenyan and I communicated with him via email. He was always very polite, very efficient and prompt in his responses. His tours are operated by his own people (driver/guide/chef). He is not an agent like so many. His pricing is extremely competitive and he offered us excellent value for money. We did a 4 day trip with him toward the end of March. Because this was technically low season we got a great price. All meals are included and he thoughtfully provided water for the entire trip.
The best thing about the entire trip though was our tracker/guide and friend, Onesmus. Onesmus is a Masai and grew up in Masai Mara and boy did he find those animals. There were times were were in stretches when we were the only vehicle and we were surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of animals. We left Nairobi around 8am. It just so happened that we were the only two people on the trip. We joked that we were VIPs. We left Nairobi, no traffic which is always a blessing as you can just never tell. Great weather and scenic drive to Lake Nakuru. As we were passing Lake Naivasha, I had asked Steve via email if we could stop over and do a boat tour, he said no problem. He arranged everything for us. We did the tour. If you are fond of birds and hippos, please do this. Lake Naivasha is home to many species and the setting is magnificent. After Naivasha and lunch we headed, up to Lake Nakuru. Upon entering we saw the elusive black rhino. Zebra, wildebest, all types of antelope, buffalo and flamingos in the hundreds. We saw a family of lions sleeping, baboons playing and several animals on the water's edge.
The safari vehicles in Kenya are small mini buses in which the entire roof pops open, in my opinion these are much better than the open land rovers used in South Africa etc. Although we were technically in the time of the long rains, the weather held out enough so the roads were dry and we could cover any terrain.
We overnighted in a local basic hotel. Dinner was provided and it was delicious. Although it was basic, we were comfortable and safe, what more could you want? We headed to Masai Mara the next day and that was an adventure. The road as Onesmus said is a glimpse into the real Kenya. We settled in at our camp which we loved. It was tented in serene surroundings, cool in the evening with the sound of thousands of animals. We did a game drive that evening and again saw soo many animals. Onesmus asked us if we would mind waking up early to do a full day game drive. He really went above and beyond to find us animals. Since he grew up there he knew all the locals, was in contact with the rangers. My friends, we saw lions mating, cheetahs kill a wildesbeest, a lion and two cubs kill an ostrich, lions hunting, crocodile eating a dead hippo and we went through the entire park seeing thousands and thousands of animals and again this was in low season. Imagine if we came during the migration?? Now I think it is worth to say that a real live safari is nothing like Disney, you cannot arrange for animals to be somewhere performing activity for your pleasure. You just have to be lucky and have a skilled tracker. We were blessed enough to have both! Everyone should go in with no expectations and just savour the entire experience.
Having been to Chobe, Kruger and several game reserves, I can safely say there is no place like Masai Mara and majestic does not even come close to describe the sight of thousands of animals on the plains... It is ideal for viewing as the land is so gently undulating.
Dinner on the evenings were provided by our personal chef Simba. The food was plentiful, delicious and filling. Packed lunches were provided and I simply cannot find a fault or have a regret. We had our packed lunch under a tree in the open savanah.. AMAZING!
I would wholeheartedly recommend Steve (Safaribook evolution) and encourage everyone to support local small businessmen. They provide the best service and always aim to please. Hopefully you will be lucky like us to get Onesmus. We are already planning our next safari to Tanzania with Steve and the gang!
Thanks guys... Asante!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I expected this to be the vacation of a lifetime. Moriti Safaris exceeded every expectation!!!
I was completely unprepared for Moriti Safari. I had mentally readied myself for the usual hustle and chaos that comes with most vacations as you try to maximize your experience in the limited time available. But the thoughtful planning by Shaun and William, precision execution by Liana and Jan, and the culinary masterpieces created by Lindsay left me speechless. We were under the caring and watchful eye of William from day one (especially my 5 year old daughter whom I think adopted William) all the way through the trip, and even to our departure flight. I returned home feeling relaxed, fulfilled, and in awe of the beautiful world of South Africa that they so lovingly introduced me to. I feel I now have an adopted family in Moriti Safari and I cannot thank them enough for taking such great care of us. The weather in early April was perfect! Cool mornings and warm sunny afternoons. We will be back! (But with much less luggage next time
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Botswana's Green Season Highlights
We spent 8 nights in Botswana on a fly-in-safari visiting various camps at different locations. Each of the 3 camps was just wonderful with very attentive staff, great activities and the locations, including games, accommodation, food, etc. were just great.
Everything from start to finish was very well organised and we always felt well locked after.
Thanks for that
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Makgadikgadi Pans National Park by Ross
Let me qualify this review -- I went to the pans in the winter (July) which is not the height of its wildlife season. If you can get there in the African summer when the rains are falling and animals are bearing their young and the birds are migrating, I think it would be a very different experience.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Erica is outstanding and has planned numerous safaris for me
Wow! Where to start and how to describe the wonderful and outstanding help Erica has provided me for trips to Botswana and Namibia and Zambia. Erica has planned numerous safaris for me and is ALWAYS available and is incredibly responsive. She's got a great team that will meet and greet you and make your trip seamless. For first time safari goers you can absolutely trust Erica and can feel comfortable she has your best interest in mind. Most importantly, she will plan and design a safari that's right for YOU. Her first priority is to her customers. She's also got extensive experience and has been to almost all the camps in the delta. Even after planning a half a dozen safaris for me I still experience something new each time i return. Enjoy the trip, Glen Weaver.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Hwange is definitely a good place to visit. Thouroughly enjoyed our stay.
We stayed at Little Makalolo camp. Our guide, Mike was excellent and the staff at Little Mak were terrific. We had a great time there. The camp is near a waterhole where there is a hide and we had some wonderful experiences viewing elephant and buffalo very close. What great photo opportunities that was. The food was good, accommodation excellent. One of the highlights was viewing lions being chased by elephant. We also saw a herd of Sable - not always easy to find. Definitely recommend Little Makalolo and Hwange National Park.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Great Lakes Safaris by Debbie Stewart
The Guides were excellent, very knowledgable and patient, the itinerary was good and they tried to ensure we got the maximum amount of enjoyment from our time at each destination.