US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding Tour Organization at Outstanding Camps!
I cannot find the words necessary to explain how outstanding our second safari experience has been. Originally, our agent at Sun Safaris was Celeste. She went above and beyond to make our choices of safari camps come true. She also gave us multiple options to fit our budget as well. It was unfortunate that she had relocated. This is not a negative, it is just a statement of fact. That was when we met Michelle. Michelle picked up right where Celeste left off and completed and followed through with all of the plans that we had previously discussed. In the end, we added more time to our safari because Michelle was able to help us save a few dollars by booking our own flights. This gave us the ability to stay one week longer for a total of 31 days.
About four weeks before departure, Michelle emailed me to tell me that tone of our camps had moved as part of a renovation. This had us very concerned because it was one of the highest priced camps and their location was renowned for their elephant viewing. So hearing that they had moved made us really uneasy. Michelle spent hours and multiple phone calls and emails to make sure that we were going to receive the experience we were promised. Michelle even reached out to the head of marketing (Shelley, from African Bush Camps) and had her email me directly. Between Michelle and Shelley, they were able to make us understand that the experience would be exactly the same. Shelly from African Bush Camps made it a point to meet us upon our arrival and to make sure that we did not have any qualms going into camp. She also spent the last day in camp with us and make sure that our experience was all that was promised. I would have never expected this kind of customer (family) service from any company here in the United States, but this is how business is done in southern Africa. Their word is their bond, and to that they are very true! Our experience was amazing and at all times were made to feel like family and not just a random guest. So a huge thank you to Michelle and Shelley for all that you did to make our safari experience the over the moon experience that it was!
I would like to give a lilt feedback on each of the hotels and camps that we stayed at. Each one had its own unique attributes. I can honestly say, that at no time were we ever unhappy with any of our accommodations. None of my feedback has any bearing on the game viewing at any of the lodges. Nature shows herself on her own terms and no game lodge can guarantee viewing.
-The Met Court at Emperor's Palace - It is a nicely appointed and centrally located hotel. It has a great morning breakfast and a nice bar to relax at in the evening. The rooms are very quiet and comfortable. It is a great value for the cost.
-Ilala Lodge - We were fortunate enough to have a room in the older section of the hotel. All of these rooms are on the ground level and the catering facilities are upstairs. The room opened on to a green space where the elephants, monkeys, and warthogs would walk right up to our patio doors. This was a bonus. The hotel also had a great breakfast service included. One of our most favorite aspects of the hotel was the patio pool bar. We are not big drinkers, but the bar served a lovely pot of coffee with Amarula in the afternoon and evening! The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Because we were there for an overnight and then later two nights, we got to know the staff and when we returned, they wanted to see our pictures and hear about our adventures. They were so warm and inviting. The location of the hotel was ideal for us. We were close to the falls without being right on top of them. We had a short walk to the commerce center of Victoria Falls as well.
-Somalisa, Hwange - By far, without a doubt, the best safari camp experience we have had! To begin, the camp is located on a remarkable piece of property in Hwange. It was a two hour drive from the main camp. It was worth every minute of drive (there was excellent game viewing on the way as well). The tents are all canvas mounted on elevated platforms. It had a great outdoor bathroom (with running water and flushing toilets of course). It also had a great bucket shower system that I was initially concerned about. It turns out that is was awesome! It was just like any home or hotel shower, except the ceiling to the shower is the wide open sky and the elephants were walking by while you showered. It did get quite cold at night and in the morning. Our tent had a propane heater that was turned on for us before bed and at wake up time. It was more than adequate. Now for the guides and the staff......there are not enough kind words that I can use to praise them. From the moment our guide picked us up, right up to the time we were returned to the main camp transfer, we were made to feel like part of their family. In the bush, the staff treats one another like their family, and we knew that from our previous experience. We never expected to be invited into that family. It was great to be able to be part of all of their lives. I also really liked how the camp supported local communities by selling their products. I purchased some beautiful hand sewn items for gifts. I knew that my money was supporting a greater cause than just a curio shop. Thank you, thank you, and thank you for our amazing experience. We WILL be back SOON!
Chobe Elephant Camp, Botswana - This camp was set up a bit different than others we has stayed at before. The main lodge is a little more modern safari chic. The lodge and staff were very accommodating and friendly. Our guide was extremely knowledgable and was more than willing to stop and observe any animal that we were interested in as well as showing us the smaller animals and plants that we would have otherwise missed. The food was OUTSTANDING! The chalets were spread out a bit from the main lodge which was very nice. The chalets are very spacious and clean. We had an amazing view of the valley from our front porch. We also enjoyed the outdoor shower as well. In order to get into the national park, there was a bit of a road transfer each day, but again a leisurely drive. The camp also provided us with a boat tour on the second afternoon. That was amazing to view the land and animals from a different angle. I know that I said that the game viewing does not impact my rating of the lodge....I do need to take a moment and tell you about a very unique experience. While on the boat tour, we were able to sit for half an hour and watched a small family of elephants win across the river! It was an experience that I will not soon forget! Thank you!
I cannot find the words necessary to explain how outstanding our second safari experience has been. Originally, our agent at Sun Safaris was Celeste. She went above and beyond to make our choices of safari camps come true. She also gave us multiple options to fit our budget as well. It was unfortunate that she had relocated. This is not a negative, it is just a statement of fact. That was when we met Michelle. Michelle picked up right where Celeste left off and completed and followed through with all of the plans that we had previously discussed. In the end, we added more time to our safari because Michelle was able to help us save a few dollars by booking our own flights. This gave us the ability to stay one week longer for a total of 31 days.
About four weeks before departure, Michelle emailed me to tell me that tone of our camps had moved as part of a renovation. This had us very concerned because it was one of the highest priced camps and their location was renowned for their elephant viewing. So hearing that they had moved made us really uneasy. Michelle spent hours and multiple phone calls and emails to make sure that we were going to receive the experience we were promised. Michelle even reached out to the head of marketing (Shelley, from African Bush Camps) and had her email me directly. Between Michelle and Shelley, they were able to make us understand that the experience would be exactly the same. Shelly from African Bush Camps made it a point to meet us upon our arrival and to make sure that we did not have any qualms going into camp. She also spent the last day in camp with us and make sure that our experience was all that was promised. I would have never expected this kind of customer (family) service from any company here in the United States, but this is how business is done in southern Africa. Their word is their bond, and to that they are very true! Our experience was amazing and at all times were made to feel like family and not just a random guest. So a huge thank you to Michelle and Shelley for all that you did to make our safari experience the over the moon experience that it was!
I would like to give a lilt feedback on each of the hotels and camps that we stayed at. Each one had its own unique attributes. I can honestly say, that at no time were we ever unhappy with any of our accommodations. None of my feedback has any bearing on the game viewing at any of the lodges. Nature shows herself on her own terms and no game lodge can guarantee viewing.
-The Met Court at Emperor's Palace - It is a nicely appointed and centrally located hotel. It has a great morning breakfast and a nice bar to relax at in the evening. The rooms are very quiet and comfortable. It is a great value for the cost.
-Ilala Lodge - We were fortunate enough to have a room in the older section of the hotel. All of these rooms are on the ground level and the catering facilities are upstairs. The room opened on to a green space where the elephants, monkeys, and warthogs would walk right up to our patio doors. This was a bonus. The hotel also had a great breakfast service included. One of our most favorite aspects of the hotel was the patio pool bar. We are not big drinkers, but the bar served a lovely pot of coffee with Amarula in the afternoon and evening! The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Because we were there for an overnight and then later two nights, we got to know the staff and when we returned, they wanted to see our pictures and hear about our adventures. They were so warm and inviting. The location of the hotel was ideal for us. We were close to the falls without being right on top of them. We had a short walk to the commerce center of Victoria Falls as well.
-Somalisa, Hwange - By far, without a doubt, the best safari camp experience we have had! To begin, the camp is located on a remarkable piece of property in Hwange. It was a two hour drive from the main camp. It was worth every minute of drive (there was excellent game viewing on the way as well). The tents are all canvas mounted on elevated platforms. It had a great outdoor bathroom (with running water and flushing toilets of course). It also had a great bucket shower system that I was initially concerned about. It turns out that is was awesome! It was just like any home or hotel shower, except the ceiling to the shower is the wide open sky and the elephants were walking by while you showered. It did get quite cold at night and in the morning. Our tent had a propane heater that was turned on for us before bed and at wake up time. It was more than adequate. Now for the guides and the staff......there are not enough kind words that I can use to praise them. From the moment our guide picked us up, right up to the time we were returned to the main camp transfer, we were made to feel like part of their family. In the bush, the staff treats one another like their family, and we knew that from our previous experience. We never expected to be invited into that family. It was great to be able to be part of all of their lives. I also really liked how the camp supported local communities by selling their products. I purchased some beautiful hand sewn items for gifts. I knew that my money was supporting a greater cause than just a curio shop. Thank you, thank you, and thank you for our amazing experience. We WILL be back SOON!
Chobe Elephant Camp, Botswana - This camp was set up a bit different than others we has stayed at before. The main lodge is a little more modern safari chic. The lodge and staff were very accommodating and friendly. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and was more than willing to stop and observe any animal that we were interested in as well as showing us the smaller animals and plants that we would have otherwise missed. The food was OUTSTANDING! The chalets were spread out a bit from the main lodge, which was very nice. The chalets are very spacious and clean. We had an amazing view of the valley from our front porch. We also enjoyed the outdoor shower as well. In order to get into the national park, there was a bit of a road transfer each day, but again a leisurely drive. The camp also provided us with a boat tour on the second afternoon. That was amazing to view the land and animals from a different angle. I know that I said that the game viewing does not impact my rating of the lodge....I do need to take a moment and tell you about a very unique experience. While on the boat tour, we were able to sit for half an hour and watched a small family of elephants win across the river! It was an experience that I will not soon forget! Thank you!
Hippo Hollow – This was just a quick overnight stay for us. We needed a place to overnight so we could get into our next camp. The property is gorgeous and the staff was very friendly and attentive. As I said, we arrived late in the day and did not participate in any game activities. We did enjoy a wonderful dinner at the lodge restaurant. They were very helpful with their advise on the menu with my gluten allergy. The food and service were top notch. The rooms were very comfortable and clean. The complimentary breakfast was very satisfying. We transferred out the next morning. It was a great rest stop on our way to our next camp.
Umkumbe – This was a lodge that we stayed in two years ago. The lodge has expanded since we were there last. The accommodations were very comfortable just as we had remembered. The view from the deck/pool area was great. You never knew what would come walking past while you were relaxing. The chalets all have nice little patios on the front. It was a great area to relax in the sun in the afternoon. The game rangers were adequate. They tended to be very predictable in where they drove. With that being said, on a morning drive, many people slept in and we only had three of us on the vehicle. We ended up spending two hours observing a giraffe give birth. It is definitely one of the top ten experiences in my life! There was excellent viewing but sometimes it was rushed. The chef was excellent. He had great gluten free options for me at every meal. Last time we were there, we met the owners and her parents. It turns out her parents were there again and we did get to speak with them again. The owners were there, but did not interact the same way they did last time.
Africa on Foot – This was the other camp that we stayed in two years ago. The camp was exactly as we remembered it. It is very comfortable and relaxed in every way. The staff was very welcoming and attentive. The guides were good and the tracker Enoch is even more outstanding than two years ago. He was one of the main reasons we returned. Enoch and his brother in law, Isaac from nThambo managed to track a pack of wild dogs for us. That was a huge bonus for us! The main reason for returning was to spend time in the Buffle Dam Tree House. It was worth the wait! THANK YOU! The afternoons in the tree house right by the camp was wonderful for an afternoon muse or nap in the queen sized bed on the second platform. The food was always well prepared! Our favorite meal was the bush braie. It was stunning to pull up to the candle light setting! We also really enjoyed interacting with the guests from the other camp. It was a mesmerizing night under the stars! I really like the addition of the curio. There are very good quality items at reasonable prices. I wanted a safari logo shirt and they did not have my size. So the manager and I worked out a way to ship one to me now that they are in stock. Thank you for turning me on to Cape Velvet! Now I need to figure out how to get it here in the USA. Overall, this was another amazing stay! Thank you to all that make the camp as special as it is!
nThambo – AMAZING! The elevated tented accommodations were beautiful. The view was breath taking. The layout of the tent was spacious and the bathroom was very well appointed. We had a monkey or baboon visit our tent while we were out. I left a protein bar in my open bag. It was totally my fault. We did not have any other instances of animals in the tent. The main lodge was very comfortable and spacious. We had a couple of warm afternoons that allowed us to lounge by the pool and soak up some vitamin D. BONUS! The staff was top notch all of the way. The food was some of the finest we had during our entire safari. Our guide Isaac is one of the main reasons we went to nThambo. His love of the bush and his tracking skills were the finest we have come across. He also has a great personality to go along with his skills.
nDzuti – A quaint manor house setting that has a gorgeous view. We had two of the four rooms in the guest house. The rooms are HUGE and the bathroom is equally spacious. The owners are also the guides. They were very welcoming and interesting to be around. They were very knowledgeable! They also had so many great stories of their 30 plus years of experience shared around the camp fire. They had just added a new patio and bar that added to the ambiance. The owners warned us that we may not have as much game viewing that we had at other lodges due to their drought. Again, I do not rate a lodge based on game viewing. It turns out that we had outstanding viewing. The camp is not a traditional camp that has strict time frames for meals and game drives. We were able to sleep a little later in the morning and still had three full hours of drives. Then in the afternoon, if the tracker would come and take us out for an extra mid day drive if there was something of interest. Then we did a typical evening drive as well. I have to say that we had our BEST sundowner at the dam with hippos playing and other large animals drinking. It was such a peaceful hour that will be very hard to recreate. We really enjoyed having the extra time sitting and observing that we did not always have at other camps.
Cape Town Hollows Hotel – This place has a very special place in our hearts. This is where we got married two years prior. It is a centrally located hotel that allows you to be in the center of all of the action within minutes or just quietly relax you’re your mountain view. The hotel has since undergone a major renovation. The rooms are a little brighter and have very new comfortable furniture. The views are still panoramic and unobstructed! The view from the room is worth the 17 hour flight! The restaurant has also been rebranded. It is a nice intimate setting. We enjoyed sitting in the back by the fireplace at the high tops by the bar. The food was very flavorful and the portions were more than ample. The wine list and bar seem to be expanded from our last stay. The prices are still very affordable as well. I especially enjoy an evening coffee by the windows before bed. The breakfast buffet was outstanding every morning. It was great to see some of the same faces at the hotel when we checked in. The service was outstanding like last stay. Although there were many changes to the hotel, it still remains an inviting boutique hotel in Cape Town. It is where we will when we return. It is like a home away from home!
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience
Nice tour: Lake Mayara-Ngorongoro-Serengeti. Very good driver (Protus) who gives you a safe feeling on the long rides and an inspiring guide (Emanuel) with a great passion for life/wildlife. We saw everything we wanted to see in good company.
US
Experience level: first safari
Awesome Kenya Safari
An awesome safari, the only way to describe my 7 night Kenya Safari hosted by Odyssey Safaris. My internet searches led me to Safari Bookings a one place site that I could use to research and compare what was on offer. One safari stood out. It ran every week (which meant definite departure) , the price for each weekly departure was published (I hate those from $... prices call us for details) and it was an US and African co-owned business (this meant Odyssey had skin in the game both in taking my money and providing the service). In addition I liked the itinerary and the quality of the accommodation and the inclusions.
This led to the initial tentative call that ended with me feeling a high level of comfort with Odyssey Safaris. Mark who is a director of Odyssey Safaris answered all my questions and within an hour emailed me an 80 page information package with everything I needed to know such as itinerary, accommodation, inclusions, exclusions, what to expect, how to get a visa, insurance options etc. What stood out during the booking process was the promptness of the responses. And also a no pressure approach. A couple of weeks before departure we received details of our guide which included a photo. I really appreciated this.
Our guide was Odyssey's head guide Erastus. He was outstanding, great sense of humor and amazing eyesight. Our safari began with a long drive from Nairobi to Samburu national reserve. On route we met Eliud the African director of the company. We appreciated the short meeting and it reflected the value that Odyssey placed on ensuring a great experience for its clients.
Day to day:
Samburu national reserve (2 nights): I had no idea what to expect of Samburu. But I was pleasantly surprised by the large elephant herds we came across. My best memories of Samburu are of elephants drinking and playing and cooling off in the river. Our camp Ashnil, Samburu, was inside the park next to a river. Great location as on day two we had three elephants feeding behind the tented camp and one more big guy come & push a Duma palm tree to knock the fruit off & pick & eat the fallen fruit. All this right behind our camp about 20 feet from us. The key to accommodation is location (best inside the reserve) while comfort and food are secondary. However, Ashnil Samburu is very comfortable with good food and pleasant service.
Also on day 2 in Samburu, our guide spotted tracks of a large male lion along the dirt road. Soon joined by a another large male. We followed the tracks but lost them as they left the road to cross the river. That same evening our guide searched for them but to no avail. But when we returned to camp, we were told two big males had walked past the camp on the other side of the river. Man, lions can be sneaky. But we did see a lioness on day one and two cubs hiding in the tall grass on our exit from the park. We could hear lion calls during the night.
Sweetwater Game Reserve (1 night)
Sweetwater tented camps had the bets location. Right by a waterhole, teeming with Impala, waterbuck, warthog, some rhino and buffalo. A constant change of animals coming to drink & feeding on the plain. All visible from the camp. It also (along with Saravo Lion Hill Lodge in Lake Nakuru NP) had the best food.
Our game drives led us to vast plains full of various antelopes, rhino and buffalo plus a pride of 5 lionesses. A word of caution. Our guide did say that when he was here a month earlier the plains were mostly empty.
Lake Nakuru national park (1 night)
The accommodation and food was on par with Sweetwaters. Also great views of the lake. But since the lake level has risen and its alkalinity changed, the flamingos, it was famed for have all left. But it has rhino, zebra, buffalo & giraffe. We missed out on seeing a large pride of lions which others had seen. But that is the way game drives go.
Masai Mara game reserve (2 nights)
Two nights at Ashnil tented camp right by a river full of hippos. We could see them all day & hear them all night. Highlights of the game drive was a 2 day old hippo kill attended by hyenas and vultures and a failed hunt by a cheetah. It was surreal to see how the cubs followed mum at a distance & lay down during the hunt. We also came across lions on several occasions but they were mostly sleeping, I guess full of hippo.
I highly recommend Odyssey Safaris.
NL
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream safari
African Heart made my dreams come true! Going on a safari was my dream. When I was young, Animal Plant was my favorite TV-show and I was always watching it. The nature I saw on Tv was magical and I couldn't believe that somewhere on this planet it would look like the world I saw on Tv.
A few months ago I went to Tanzania. My trip to Tanzania changed my life. The people, the nature, the culture and the animals were even better than I expected. African Heart organized a safari, perfectly fitted to my wishes. I want to thank African Heart for making my dreams come true. Everything was so good arranged. From the begging till the end. I was nervous about this trip because it was my first trip alone. The people from African Heart helped me and made me feel safe. I will definitely visit Tanzania again.
Thank you African Heart Expeditions!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall, great value
We went on a safari with Northern Circuit Adventures in July 2015. Overall, we had a fantastic time. We had just climbed Mt Kilimanjaro so we were looking for a cheaper safari and Northern Circuit Adventure provided the value for which we were looking. The tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads were great, never having an issue with warmth. The safari car (Toyota Land Cruiser) was a beast; we had no issues whatsoever and gave us a surprisingly smooth ride (considering how rough the roads were). Our driver was impressive, giving us the most time in the parks that he could and he was always on his radio/phone finding where the rarer animals were (leopard, rhino, lions....). And our cook was fantastic too; can't believe how good the food was. Only reason I say 4 stars is that it is a cheaper option, so you are putting up your own tents, helping pack the car, etc. I had no problem with that (and expected it based on price) but if you do, might want to go with a more expensive, more inclusive option.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best selection of hotels and places
We opted for 6 nights 7 days safari luxury tour. Excellent selection of hotels given by the Company. The driver - Mr. Benson was courteous, helpful and most importantly showed his willingness to guide us - and not just a duty. We are pure vegetarians and had no problems with food. In fact, the food was much tastier that what we expected. Throughout support and guidance provided from Campofrio team.
The only regret we had was that we were promised for a new van, but were provided with an old one. The roads of Masai Mara are v.v.bumpy. It was a nightmare for us, since we are not used to such roads at all!! Suggestion : Either opt for flights or else make sure you get a new van / car to at least Masai Mara.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
top safari
We-a family of 4- booked a safari with African Heart Expedition. The 6 days camping safari was amazing in all aspects. The campsites in Ngorrongorro, Serengeti and at lake Natron were all located on top locations. The landscape was overwelming. The acomodation was basic but clean. Our cook Foraha was a real prince in his kitchen, our guide Salim outstanding. His 14 years of experience prooved to be usefull in many ways. He was smart, kind and had a nose for spotting wildlife. The fact that we saw 50 lions , a cheetah hunt, a leopard in just 1 day almost looks like a fairytale.
The road to the less visited lake Narton area was certainly an adventure, the visit to a local Masai village fantastic.
Also the transfer to Zanzibar and the stay in Stonetown was well organised by African Heart Expeditions.
Thanks to African Heart Expeditions our stay in Tanzania was unforgetable ! Many thanks to the entire staff!
Highly recommendable !
NZ
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fun filled,lots of wild life,very experienced operator .highly recommend this company.
Great communication with all aspects before and after trip,plus extremely well priced for the high quality
of this safari.
Loved the closed pop up top comfortable vehicle,great viewing,plus plus for all seasons.Did feel for the folk who paid a small fortune at the lodges to view wild life in freezing open safari vehicles,they looked miserable .
Everything ran like clock work,nice tents with toilet attached,great food and wine,sundowners always in a great spot .
We were a group of four fit seniors,one a birder like Jane,so we got to learn more about local species,we were very lucky to see a lot,thanks to Jane and Glo.
Could not fault anything,Janes driving skills are a legend,and so are some of her experiences in Australia and Africa.
Great team,will try to go again.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Safari in Kenya and Tanzania
We are very pleased with the service mindedness, the service itself, the expertise and the advise that Jambo African Adventures has given us. The travel scheme and the locations to visit matched perfectly with our ideas. During the Safari we were accompanied by pleasant knowledgeable guides, that were also excellent drivers.
Last but not least we saw many different animals thanks to the spotting skills and perseverance of our guides.
Because of this the four of us have had a Safari that was far beyond our expectation.
US
A tremendous safari with film permits in the Serengeti with Ethan Kinsey Safaris
This was our second time in the Serengeti with Ethan Kinsey (ethan-kinsey.com) as our amazing guide. This time around we had film permits which allowed us off-road access to the wildlife. The wildlife was as expected with great opportunities in both the Northern Serengeti and in the Namiri Plains area. The two locations provided good variety of scenery and different environments for the wildlife. We mixed wilderness camps with the Namiri Plains Lodge and both types of camp were great - a blend of privacy with luxury. You can view some of my photos at https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottseyephotos/ to see what you can expect - an unbelievable experience!!