MX
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beautiful park with lots of animals but crowded
Chobe is a beautiful park next to the river. I saw many animals including elephants, hippos, lions, anthelopes and birds. However, too many cars on the same route. We were like 8 cars chasing two lions and at one point the lion had to go around a car. I felt so bad that we were harrassing the lions...
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A once in a lifetime trip that did not disappoint.
From the moment we arrived at Belmond Eagle Island Resort, we were made to feel like royalty. The entire staff greeted us at the entrance in song, followed by refreshments and tour. The accommodations redefine the term "glamping" with our beautifully appointed tent that included an outdoor shower (as well as an interior shower and soaker tub), a walk-in closet and infinity pool on our deck. The food was as expected, just wonderful.
We chose the month of June as it's the ideal time to see the wildlife due to the fact its the wet season. Unfortunately, it just happened that it was the driest June they've experienced in 10 years. That said, it did not hamper or affect our visit in any manner. While sitting on our deck in our first minutes of arriving, we watched elephants, hippos, antelope, eagles, warthogs etc....thinking, who needs to go on a drive when you're surrounded by all of this wildlife.
We were assigned a guide when we arrived. The daily routine was, your guide comes to your tent at 6:00am with coffee for your wake up call. Breakfast at 6:30 then meet at the jeep for 7:00 - 7:30. The morning drive goes until approx 11:00am, return for lunch and then 'siesta' time until 3:00 when you meet at the main lodge for "tea" then back to the jeep for 3:30 for your afternoon drive. The afternoon drive lasts until sundown which ends at a scenic spot at which the guide sets up a little bar so you can enjoy a cocktail while you watch the sunset.
Being winter at that time, the morning temperature can be quite cool (between 5-10 degrees celsius). While they advise you to wear layers, fleece lined ponchos were provided as well as blankets for the morning drive. By the end of the morning drive however the layers are peeled off at the temperature shot up to the mid 20's. I don't think we saw a cloud the whole time we were there.
As a professional photographer I was thrilled that we had drives that included the beautiful 'golden hour light'. I was also very happy that our driver had a good understanding of light for photography and would always position our vehicle for the best possible angle to take pictures.
I won't get into the actual wildlife we witnessed, only to say that we pretty much saw it all, including the Big 5 - Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo. Our guide was amazing in his ability to track the various animals along with his knowledge of the area and wildlife.
Being a private reserve, we rarely saw another vehicle which for me enhanced the experience. As a bonus, I treated myself to a helicopter ride over the area which was a highlight of the trip, to see and photograph the animals from a different perspective. I would highly recommend the Belmond Lodges for that 'once in a lifetime trip and experience'
SA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Have a fantastic time.
Very good and very friendly staff. Need to improve on itinerary detail e.g. about accomodation type.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly, Fun & Unforgettable Experience
We (me & my colleague from office) had a weekend available to us between our trip to Nairobi. After a quick search on net, we realized most of the tours are 3+ days. Unfortunately that did not work for us. On Friday afternoon, one of our friends suggested us to contact Sylvester of Seven By Far tours. And the efficiency with which he arranged the tour surpassed our expectations. By Friday evening our customized private tour to Masai Maara was confirmed
- in one of the best resorts inside Masai Maara (Sarova Maara)
- with one of the friendliest & knowledgeable game guide (Alex)
- in one of those cool 4x4 vehicles with pick & drop from our hotel in Nairobi
- at a much affordable price
Everything was on time and as stated; Saturday morning the tour started. Alex was a fantastic tour guide. He was friendly and very knowledgeable about Masai Maara & some history of Nairobi as well. And what eyes did he have - he spotted a Leopard sleeping on a tree some 50m away from its hanging tail. We ended spotted pretty much all minus the Rhino in the 3 hr game drive- Thanks to Alex.
Later in the evening we had a fun night at the resort with Masai dance and Indian music (sung by locals). Most memorable experience and must visit again place.
Sunday was as packed as Saturday and we were back in Nairobi in our hotel by afternoon.
Thanks again to Sylvester & team for arranging this at short notice. Wonderfully organized trip - we loved the place, loved the resort and liked Alex. I do hope for planning another tour for entire family and friends this time and of course with Sylvester & Alex.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything is more than Incredible!! For your best Safari
Everything happened in Tanzania was like a dream for us.
My wife and I had the best and most incredible experience ever in Tanzania.
It is all because of Charles Joseph, the driver and guide, and Pascali, the cook.
We spent 5 days together and I just can't have enough word to explain how thankful we are.
Every single minute is full of joy.
Our journey was fulfilled with happiness and pleasure.
Charles Joseph's characteristics are awesome.
He always tries to entertain us.
He is always punctual.
He always cares about us.
He never neglects maintenance of his vehicle.
everything is more than perfect.
Pascali is the best safari cook.
We were so surprised that he cooked so tasty and delicious food within such a limited facility in camps.
We sometimes felt cold at night, and in that time, his soup warmed us not in the meaning of physically but mentally as well.
Yes, we completed Big 5.
On last day, Charles Joseph made a great effort to find the last piece, Rhynos.
and we made it by finding a family of them with a baby in Ngorongoro.
To see many animals in wild life is one of our major purposes in our journey.
but, what remains in our memory the most after leaving the country is one that we sung Jumbo song altogether on the way.
After we departed from the safari car, my wife kept crying for more than one hour at the airport because she missed both of them so much.
We are really really happy and lucky to have a safari with Charles Joseph and Pascali.
Words cannot explain how much we feel in that way.
Honestly speaking, I sent emails to 4 companies to ask for quotation and their context of safaris.
"It Started in Africa" always reverted emails to me faster than any other companies with full of answers.
We exchanged our emails more than 50 times, which obviously displays their dedication to customers and aspiration to entertain people who go to Tanzania.
For sure, I recommend you to travel in Tanzania with "It Started in Africa"
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Deal to visit Masai Mara
Good guide and vehicle , excellent accommodation
The owner visited us to know our specific requirements and made sure we had a good time
Exceeded expectations
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Matoke tours offers you the best possibility to see and experience Uganda!
Matoke tours has perfect transport, drivers, guides and accomodaton. In three weeks we saw 5 of the 10 national parks with all the wildlife and lots of possiblities to interact with the locals. A plus for us was that Matoke stimulates local projects for tourists. This is good for the locals but also for tourists to see and experience communitylife.
JP
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Birding Tours
The 18 days tour was excellent and very pleasant. The guide, Tom was an expert for safari and a skillful driver. He did safari, safety first, and solved a couple of car troubles well. He was also flexible for modification of accommodations and our demands. He is not an expert for birding, but followed our stop-and-go instructions very well, and assigned proper local birding guides. The cook, Alan was a very good chef, his cuisine was much better than restaurants and lodges. As a result, we got many bird species, over 300, plus many animals.
Our accommodations were not high class and some of them were modified one day before, but very comfortable. I appreciate George, he arranged a total plan. I think the tour cost was proper. I did recommend this tour company to my friends.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good organised
Experienced a good organised safari. We experienced that some mistakes were made on our trip back home, but they correct it very quick and in a good way.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous safari experience
I found the services provided by the ACT staff – Abigail to be very efficient and friendly. I usually had email responses overnight. All of our requests were considered and great patience was shown as we made many changes and requests to our programme. Muli surprised us with gift at the Airport for the kids – wrist bands and Maasai kikois. Everything was perfectly arranged.
Beyond our expectations of what we would see and of how close we would be to animals. Anthony the guide was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. Vehicles clean comfortable and well maintained. Food great and plentiful.
I have no hesitation in recommending Africa Celebrity tours and will use them again for our next African adventure, whenever that may be.