US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime: Five countries, six camps, Vic Falls, Big Five plus more game than could be c,
In June/July 2016 we undertook a trip to Southern Africa to fulfill a lifelong intention. We stayed at six camps, safari style, and had a great time. All of our expectations were met or even exceeded. For example, we never expected to see honey badgers or sitatunga, given the secretive nature of those species, but we did! All travel arrangements and connections worked smoothly, which is astonishing since we had several dozen transfers and meeting points; all of the connecting personnel were prompt, professional, and welcoming. I had a concern with my ability to use my CPAP (breathing) device when sleeping in camps without 24H electrical supply, but in every case I was able to run on a battery overnight and recharge during the day, so anyone who uses CPAP will be OK.
Here is a capsule summary of our experiences.
- African Rock Motel (Gauteng): an excellent overnight stay, very comfortable, and I enjoyed a superb impala steak, one of many firsts on this trip. We appreciated breakfast pack they gave us to take on our very early departure.
-Ongava tented camp (Namibia): our first safari experience. We loved the outdoor dining at one long table with the watering trough in clear view - several dinners were interrupted as we rushed to get cameras to record, the giraffes, rhinos, kudu, etc. Here as at all other camps the guides were well trained and could identify birds, trees, plants, etc. Without much effort we saw over 50 species of birds, about 37 of which were new to us. Best highlight was a view of a large group of white rhino early one morning in the Ongava reserve. We heard lions roaring around the camp at night - very exciting! We found that Namibia is extremely cold and dry in winter, we used a lot of lotion and lip balm, but this did not detract.
-Elegant Guesthouse, Windhoek: very comfortable with accommodations easily up to a three or four star level in the USA. No restaurant, but staff helped to get a takeout order for us, and set up a place to eat in the breakfast room. Also an early departure, for which the security guard came out and made us coffee and tea before we left! I was anxious to find that the airport is a long way from the town, but this did not cause a problem as our contacts factored it all in and we made our flight with lots of time to spare.
-Savute (Botswana): all camps had something to offer, but this was our favorite. Lots of game all over the place, and many wonderful sights. Best highlight was watching two very young lion cubs playing like kittens, tied with the view of two honey badgers.
-Camp Okavango; a unique experience where we saw the waters of the delta at first hand. The most luxurious of all the camps we stayed at, with a very nice dining location overlooking the river. This was the only place we encountered a lot of mosquitoes, but we had plenty of repellent, good mosquito nets, and we took the malaria pills as well, so not worried. Best highlight: being woken from an afternoon nap by ominous thumping on the roof, which turned out to be three gorgeous green wood-hoopoes breaking up palm nuts. We saw sitatunga antelope here, a rare sight.
-Moremi: game was a bit scarce at this time of year, but we still saw all the big 5, plus wild dogs and hyenas. Best food of the three D&D camps, which were all good.
-Islands of Siankaba (Zambia): another unique experience, this time allowing us to get closer to African village life. Employees are almost all villagers who have been selected and trained. The chef here is amazing, delivering each morning fresh croissants that would have done credit to a French hotel in Paris. Among several memorable meals, the mouth-watering Chateaubriand was undoubtedly my favorite. The highlight here was of course the Falls, just an overwhelming spectacle that has to be experienced in person. We found the trip to Livingstone Island a bit wet and cold for us, but the younger people really enjoyed it.
-Notten's Bush Camp (Mpumalanga): here there was much less game than in Botswana, and the effects of the two-year drought were manifest. Nonetheless, the guides worked hard, and we saw all the big 5 plus their babies, plus giraffe, hyena, hippo, wild dog, etc. The highlight was undoubtedly watching a cheetah rapidly gobbling a fresh kill - this is a rare sight since cheetahs are getting hard to find. We had dinner twice with Dave, the owner, who also drove us to our departure flight. We enjoyed our conversations with him. He was great company, obviously passionate about the bush, and committed to sustainable development that supports the local people.
All in all, a memorable experience; we could not have asked for more!
PT
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
perfect by all means
excellent communication during the sales process. Super fast and helpful. Transfers and safari experience were handled smoothly and professionally. Everyone was professional and very kind. Will come again
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional & organized safari operator
When looking to book a safari in Kenya I reached out to several different safari companies. It became evident very quickly that Africa Safari Classics was in a different class. Not only was Maurice extremely responsive, he also understood exactly what I was looking for & catered the proposal to my request. Before we left, Maurice came to our apartment to give my family a rundown of what to expect on the safari & answer any questions that we had. He also was there the next morning to introduce us to our guide/driver and make sure everything was good before we left. This was not something that I expected but it was much appreciated & showed a high level of customer service. The safari was amazing - we saw more animals than we thought we would, had a very knowledgeable guide & stayed in really great camps. If I was to book another safari, I would absolutely book with Africa Safari Classics.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A bespoke Safari experience..
This was to be my first East Africa experience and i selected this company based on the recommendations of a friend. I was able to work with David to craft a wonderful and unique safari/ cultural experience in Tanzania. I had to adjust my itinerary several times due to unique factors, but all along David was able to accommodate.
This was not a low budget trip and my accommodations were all top notch.The guide and driver provided, Lazaro and Wilson, were wonderful ambassadors for their country and Masai tribe. I left the country regarding them as friends, not merely service providers.
If you are looking for an upscale safari experience, at a reasonable cost, I can recommend this company
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable, well organized and fun
Our family went on a safari and Kilimanjaro trip with Caracal and it was absolutely lovely. The communication before the trip was very informative, we got all the information and breefing in advance. During the safari we had a guide called Max, a young tour guide who impressed us with his knowledge. He put a lot of effort in showing us the big five and he succeeded! Before taking off to the kilimanjaro we met up with one of the owners of the company and our tourguides for the Kilimanjaro and they made sure we went up the mountain well prepared. We would definetely recommand this tour company!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience with Kili Brothers
I just returned from a two week trip in Tanzania with Kili Brothers and it was absolutely amazing. I would 100% recommend this company and can't wait to come back.
I began my trip with a 7-day Machame climb with three other climbers from the USA. From the beginning, Kili Brothers was accommodating and helpful. Our guides, Ibby and Said were encouraging, Fun, and very knowledgeable/professional. All four of us made it to the summit! It was a great time, and it was one of the best feelings of my life. Our group also had the Kili Brothers photographer/videographer who captured each day of our climb and after we returned to moshi, they put together a video recapping our experience and the drive of all the photos-- definitely utilize this option. We were the only group on the mountain with a photographer!
After the climb, my mother flew in from the USA and met me for a 7-day safari with Kili brothers. Our guide was Hussein, and again, he was amazing. Totally knowledgeable and fun. We saw the big five, cheetahs, wildabeast migration, everything! We were so sad to leave.
George was very very responsive to all of my emails throughout the process. He answered every single one of my pestering questions and it made me feel very confident leading up to my trip.
If anyone has any questions about my experience, feel free to reach out. Thank you George, and everyone else at Kili Brothers. I had an amazing time and can't wait to return.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An amazing experience!
Although i travelt with my one car ,i still decided to make a custum made trip with Ajuba Adventures. It was unforgettable! Their highly experienced and correct driver/ guide, took me in there specialy equiped car,to beautiful places and showed me wildlife that i never would found by my selve. It was a great plessure to travel with Ajabu Adventures!
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exciting and thrilling Safari with the team from Kenya Walking Survivors Safari
It was an Exciting and Thrilling experience, which we shall cherish for a long time. Right from arranging our stay, food and SIM for communication it was all flawless. Even Rare animals like the Sowa cat and the Black Rhino were both sighted and, even the most sought after animals like Lions, Elephants, Rhinos walked past our vehicle so closely that, we felt we could touch them. Most of the animals we observed, were from such a close distance, we could almost smell them. Food was made as personal as possible by a special cook assigned for the entire safari. I would recommend Kenya Walking Safaris to all my friends and assure them that your trip will be cost effective and well arranged.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Big five an amazing experience
What can I say..... What an amazing experience. The communication before I went was spot on, Andre's instructions were clear, precise and when I arrive at the airport everything went like he said it would. I had the pleasure of meeting andre while out in South Africa. He is a top bloke, who is very passionate about South Africa and will do anything to make sure you have an enjoyable time and that you are happy with everything.
The safari was everything I wanted it to be with in the first three hours of the safari we saw all of the big five. We saw countless animals; lions, buffalo, leopards, elephants (x20 and in herds), Giraffes, Rhinos (at a distant lol), Warthogs, Empla's, Waterbucks. The animals were so close it, it was brilliant. The safari staff were great and their ability to spot the animals is just incredible.
I wasn't really knowing what to except when it came to the accommodation. But I can report I was very happy, not 5 Star, But clean comfortable and the service from the staff was amazing, really 5 star. I really felt like they cared about my experience.
Lastly if your thinking about about going on safari do it, It will truly be the experience of a life time and If you choose South Africa, use safaribooking.com YOU won't regret it.
Experience level: first safari
budget trip and accommodation
I had a good time at maasai Mara.the staff at steps helped me to know around. they were on time and polite.. definitely coming back