PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
amazing experience! amazing job before and during the trip, everything was perfect
perfect! the agency is really fast in answering doubts and always available! the best service and ever had!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
PINCH ME! Was I dreaming what a lifetime experience we got from Karumuna Safaris
Just got back from doing a never to forget Safari tour with Karumuna Safaris in Uganda.
First, it was so hard for us to pick a country in Africa to go and see the Big 5 but one day I stumbled across some information about Uganda. Uganda had so much more to offer than the other African countries as they had the lot, the Big 5 and the chimpanzees and the all mighty gorillas. It was then not that hard to make our decision in which destination we were going to take. I did some research and was told by other travellers about this boutique safari company Karumuna Safaris. I contacted this company and spoke to the principal Richard and asked him for a quotation on a 14-day Safari around Uganda to see all Uganda had to offer me. We started asking a million questions and he was so professional in putting together and organising the safari for us to suit all our needs and asks, we must have changed it at least 5 times, he was so good he told us the good things and the bad and made us up an extraordinary 14-day package for us while at the same time liaising with us step by step. When we got the final 14-day safari tour it was so cheap compared to the other countries we first had in mind like Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa with the bonus of seeing Chimps and Gorillas. The big day arrived, and we did not know what to expect but when we started on the first day we walked with Zebras, antelopes and monkeys running all around us, what a start and how can it get better. The next day just got better and the following even better, the 14-day tour was an amazing safari as each day was better than the last. I could go on and on forever but yes, we did see the big 5 and the cheeky chimps and the amazing Gorillas that we will never forget and of all the intimate contacts with the animals. Richard was correct when telling us he would put a Safari together which you will never forget the experience, Yes, he was right. He took us all around in a safe and protective way but brought us up so close to wild animals where your jaw just dropped. His experience was second to none. We stayed in amazing places with fabulous views and the food was what we did not expect it was so up market and so tasty. We did not worry about anything, he looked after us all the way and what he said prior all came true. We had no unexpected experiences or surprises it all ran like clockwork. I can honestly say if you want to go to Africa to experience the best thing in your life you need to go to Uganda and yes, I will and have no hesitation in recommending Richard from Karumuna Safaris as he will make sure you will be as happy and carry the fond memories forever like he did so for us. We are thinking of a definite return and we will of course contact Richard to take us on another memorable experience. Thank you very very much Richard and all your team that put this wonderful Safari together for us we cannot fault it in any way, you are truly good at your job.
QA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Poor communication and questionable integrity of owner/director. Avoid this travel agency.
Did poor job and did not pay for services that had been paid for by us. Would not recommend.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Tarangire National Park by Ekaterina Shcherenkova
We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a lot of other animals.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The safari was excellent and memorable!
Our tour guide helped us to get acquainted with african wildlife, stunning nature, traditions and customs of native people. I recommend everyone to choose Kili Serengheti Tours as their tour provider.
Epic adventures in Mozambique, Southern Africa's last frontier
The trip started in Cape Town, South Africa and goal was to reach Arusha, Tanzania. Natasha and I are well travelled and along with our trusty land cruiser, we thrive on adventure. We decided to take an alternative route north, hugging the coast of Mozambique and Tanzania en route to Arusha.
If you want the iconic never-ending golden beaches, warm waters and seclusion, then Southern Mozambique is for you. South of Inhassoro, the pace was slow. We don't travel more than 350km's a day, and we spent at least 3 nights at each spot. We camped mostly, but there's a multitude of lodges and hotels that cater for just about everyone. Mozambique still offers great value for money, and is probably on par with South Africa. We took every opportunity to go snorkelling, various island excursions and found the day trips along with some relaxing on the beach, the perfect pace for us.
North of Inhassoro is were you leave the typical Mozambique tourist trail and head inland. We visited Gorongosa National Park, a once iconic game reserve that is being rebuilt. Its been on our bucket list for a while and I think it will not be long until it reaches its former glory.
From Gorongosa headed along the ENI road to Isle de Mozambique, an island off the Mozambique coast. This was one of the highlights of the trip, it took three days to explore alley's and fort, it was like stepping back into a bygone era.
Ibo Island is another gem. We took a traditional dhow to the island and spent the next couple of days exploring the surrounding islands and eating amazing seafood.
From Ibo, we headed north, crossed over the Ravuma River into Tanzania.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Experience
My first experience with Encompass Africa was in 2010. A wonderful trip to Sth Africa, Botswania and Zambia. From my first meeting with the team explaining what I was interested in to arriving back home was great. They gave me an excellent itinerary, each park was very different which meant that I had encounters with a huge variety of wildlife. Communication was great and everything went smoothly - pickups were there, planes were organised etc etc. Just brillant. Consequently I have recommended Encompass Africa to family and friends heading to Africa. So given that I was heading back to Africa a few months ago - my first port of call was again Encompass Africa (via email and phone - no need to visit office) and again another brilliant encounter! This time to Kenya and Rwanda. Giving details of dates, number of days/nights that I had for Safari - the team put together a number of proposals- taking into account that I was a single female travelling solo. I choose an itinerary with 3 destinations in Kenya- one of which I was unsure about 'Amboselli' - but Jono suggested it was great - large number of elephants and bird life. So I took his advice as I feel that they know the continent - and it was amazing. So very pleased that I went to Amboselli. All the camps that I have stayed have been great/luxurious/decandent - smallish in size, not loads of people, great food and drinks, the guides brilliant, the service wonderful. On a number of occasions, I was the only person in the jeep on the game drive - briliant for sitting and watching as long as you like. On most occassions - 4 to 6 max in the jeeps. The communication from Encompass Africa is brilliant and your itinerary and docs all loaded up onto a cloud - which you can access with a password - thus if hard copy misplaced easy to access again. They follow up with you once home and ask for feedback on the camps etc. Would highly recommend this company if you want an African experience that is well organised, in fantastic camps, a wide variety of wildlife, slightly off the beaten track.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Horrible experience! Stay Away
The guide Humphreys was disrespectful to stay the least. Our trip to Amboseli was the worse trip we have taken so far. It started with Humphreys coming late to pick us up at Nairobi and taking us via dirt road to Nairobi National park to "pay" some fees where he was turned down. We reached Amboseli late and the car broke down in the middle of the park! We were on a custom itinerary and we decided to meet at7:30 am and were having breakfast in the hotel. Humphrey claims that he came and was waiting but did not bother calling us. When we came out to the parking lot he was not there and his phone was not reachable. No-one in the hotel knew where he was either. He finally came and from the minute he came he started yelling at all of us (my husband, parents and in-laws) in front of the hotel staff for being late. He called us unprofessional several times in public and threw our luggage in the car. He cancelled our safari on his own without telling us and we came to know that only after we realized we were on our way to Nairobi. So much money paid for what?
When we came back to Nairobi and called the Bornfire office, initially they were sympathetic and agreed to look into the matter, and later sent us an email justifying each and every action of Humphrey and proved us wrong. Even the CEO was cc'ed in the email and we addressed an email to him and have not received a response. We have taken many trips to different part of the world, but this has been the absolute worse! Please please stay away unless you want to be humiliated.
RU
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded my most optimistic expectations!
Serengeti Wakanda Tours was the first company that responded to my quote request (I sent three, as was recommended by safaribookings). From the very beginning, my communication with these wonderful young people was so easy, that I decided not to look any further. Further on, the feeling of being in good hands was only growing. From discussing technical details to confirming final arrangements of the trip, the communication was so smooth, held in such a warm and friendly manner, that by the time I got on the plane I knew I was going on one of the most exciting trips in my life. And indeed, that what this five-day safari trip was! Not only because Serengeti is a huge and beautiful national park full of wild life, where I happened to be during the migration season; and Ngorongoro appeared to look and feel like a combination of a paradise and the Noah's Ark, with "every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort":) That of course! But hadn't been the tour organized so thoroughly, and hadn't my hosts taken such a good care of me, I probably wouldn't have such wonderful memories of this first safari in my life. Thank you, dear Batho and Carlson, for this wonderful trip, for all the little extras you provided for me (having wine with every dinner was very nice, and I would not have been able to explore Arusha without you and Olivia). Thank you, guys for your professionalism and for such a caring attitude to your clients!
NL
Super nice!
The whole trip was wonderful. Everything was well organised. We had a very well organised driver and guide. He was always on time and he communicated well with us. The accomodation was beyond our expectations. The safari tents were beautiful. The view and scenery along the way were spectacular. We saw lots of animals including 4 of the big Five-excluding Leopards!The cultural visit by the Karamajong people was special and gave us some insight about their beautiful culture. We had the time of our lives.