SK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5-day Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara
I took a 5-day safari trip with Tekko Tours visiting Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara early in November 2015 and it was one of the best experiences in my life! The communication with Maggie was smooth and fast. She is very responsive and I didn't have to wait long for her reply. The itinerary of the trip was exactly as we planned beforehand. My driver Jackson is a very polite and knowledgeable man, always willing to help and go the extra mile for the customer. Hid driving skills are impeccable and I didn't have to worry for my or animals' safety. We had some delays during the trip and even a car malfunction, but Jackson handled everything professionally and with to my complete satisfaction. When his car broke down and we couldn't reach Maasai Mara, he coordinated with another group in order for me not to miss my game drive. I recommend the Tekko Tours to all my friends considering a safari in Kenya, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Even the price is competitive, you will definitely get your money's worth.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rather poor
Quick answer to the mails, friendly and helpful office staff. After booking and paying the contact ends, besides a voucher sent to you about 2-3 weeks before travel. At least a follow-up mail confirming flight details etc. one week before departure would be a nice move.
Pick up and transfer to ole sereni hotel worked well. However they charged me over 300 USD for that one night. On the website I found afterwards prices between 180-220 Dollars for a night. That's what I call a rip off, especially after paying a couple of thousands for a 8-day safari.
The 8-day cheetah safari: Generally confortable lodges and camps. Unfortunately the downside was our driver, he spent a lot of time on the phone taking personal calls - even during game drives!!!- very unmotivated just doing his job. Did not stop at different amazing sights like baby giraffes right next to our car. Everyone in our group was quite frustrated about this. Sometimes we had to intervene and demanded a stop. Otherwise he would have just drove by amazing photo opportunieties etc.
Take a shot while driving? Nearly impossible as our driver seamed to try escape someone - His driving was wreckless especially during the gamedrives. By far to much speed. I was lucky not to hurt myself as there where quite dangerous situations standing up in the vehicle and someone driving it like that. I almost fell a couple of times or bumped in really hard.
It certainly felt more like a formula one race rather than a game drive, and I think with this kind of driving a lot of animals heard us miles ahead.
The jeep was in quite bad conditions. One of the windows was broken, you could not open it anymore.
The windows quite dirty, never cleaned during the trip and old seats. Flat tire and breakdown aswell but not surprising.
Further our driver seemed to be really, really bored. Not many infos and a appalling attitude. Well I understand that the driver makes this safari most likely many times a year however for most of the customers it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's so sad if goes this way.
The somak lounge which you will be taken before and after the safari is just okay. Pre safari there was nothing on offer, just some drinks in the fridge which had to be payed for.
Upon arrival they gave us some fish and chips which was quite tasty with different sauces. Drinks at a surcharge as well. Wifi was not working, which would have been appreciated after 8 days offline.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
We had a private safari in masai mara and nakuru. It was an excellent 4 days safari. Our driver sammy know much about the surroundings, wildlife and African way of life. He was an excellent driver, because the traffic is like wildlife in the city. Our hotels and campsites were booked and were also excellent. We had a great time and enjoyed every minute of it. Hope to travel in future again with Kenya safari bookings.Bravo Stephen and the staff
US
After traveling the world over this team of caring and Highly skilled staff her the very best.
I cannot recommend any higher equatorial star! They gave us a glorious experience full of thrills and some of the Best shoes around! Navigating the monetary portion of the trip took a little planning converting American dollars into Kenyan shillings, and cash seemed to be the easiest method. We felt like family when this trip was done
Overwhelming game.Safari heaven for first timers
I was overwhelmed by the vast numbers of game and superb birdlife in Chobe, the last of the 4 National Parks we had visited during our 10 day wild camping safari trip.Well, it's the perennial river isn't it? The lifeline of water which sustains truly enormous herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and provides the ideal environment for Malachite Kingfishers and Fish Eagles. And which of course brings day trippers in their thousands into this easily accessible Park. We came into Chobe via the Ngoma Gate and had previously been in Moremi and Savute, classic Parks with iconic landscapes. It was a shock to gradually find a one way road system as we approached the most popular part of the Park and to be jostling past so many other vehicles, packed with first timers , eager to tick off the star sightings. Not that anyone could be disappointed in that.If you only have a day to fit in a safari (though why why why?)then Chobe Riverfront is THE place to come.
It's not got the iconic African landscapes of the Delta or Moremi and it hasn't got that wild bush feel, but it packs such a punch in terms of animals that you can't fail to be impressed. For a first timer, it must be safari heaven. I love lion and on our first morning drive, a male and female sauntered lazily past our vehicle, almost within touching distance;a young male began calling further off then followed the pair up into the shrubbery to find shade.
And this is where, like all National Parks, it can be frustrating because the rules mean no off roading, so unlike Sabi Sand or other private concessions, you can't follow them; you can only sit and watch as they disappear out of sight, thrilled at the encounter as ever but wanting more.
We chose Mosu Safari Tours for our 10 day safari trip, an excellent operator who assigned us Custard as our guide/driver and Kilos as our cook, with LT as camp assistant.They made our trip, really first class guys. A testament to their expertise, both Custard and Kilos had been employed by the BBC while they filmed their documentary about the lion pride that had learned to take down elephant.Custard knew everything there was to know about the animals and got us some incredible sightings and Kilos' cooking is well known as the stuff of legend.
One of the most thrilling moments of the whole trip came as we left Chobe by the Kasane Gate; just 100 yards away, resting beside the main road ,we spotted a pack of wild dogs with several puppies, a superb sight.
We took the Sunset Cruise with Thebe River Camp, where we stayed for two nights and fortunately found ourselves with just two other fellow birdwatchers.
I didn't think there was much else to see to be honest after 9 days and 15 or so Game Drives but the view from the river was wonderful.And the birdlife was mesmerising, with malachite kingfishers the highlight.The river bets very busy and there are some big, crowded boats around so it may be worth checking how many fellow passengers there are,depending on what you want out of it.
Being in the boat also gets you closer to the elephants,as they seemed to me much calmer round these than the vehicles.We followed a mother and calf as they swam back to shore, the baby using his trunk like a periscope.A beautiful sight.
Thebe River Camp was first class, with a nice bar area, spotless showers and toilets and well maintained.We enjoyed our stay here very much,especially after the wild sites we'd been in the rest of the trip.No hyenas at night! The camp is well protected by electric fencing so it's very safe.
We did our trip in mid till late September and this time , for me, was just too hot.40C or 104F in the shade.Like being in an oven.Next time - Green Season!
IE
Review about Waterberg Plateau Park by Geraldine
The wildlife was more sparse on the Plateau but the views were stunning.
IE
A very dry, very warm, very dusty desert paradise
My 3-day stay in Etosha National Park was the highlight of my Namibian Trip so there was lots of animal activity around the watering holes, both day and night. The game drives were excellent with knowledgeable guides, excellent cook and comfortable tents. On each game drive there was a variety of animals but on one special day we came upon a large herd of elephants which included bulls and babies. Mingling with this herd were zebra, springbok, kudu and giraffes. but I enjoyed sitting at the watering hole viewing area watching the dramas unfold.
Review about Botswana by scotlandmac
I was a bit frustrated by the National Park rules on off roading and night drives.Using private concessions would get over this but they seem phenomenally expensive.
IE
Review about Namibia by Geraldine
Outside Etosha there is a great variety of wildlife. The beautiful red dunes splendid in the sunrise. Can drive for miles without seeing another vehicle.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5 Stars All Around !!
Ancient Wild was a great tour operator. Michael answered every last one of my questions leading up to trip via FB and was very patient explaining all the details. I normally am very OCD with my vacation planning, but Michael handled everything wonderfully! We spent 12 days touring Kenya and Tanzania and every suggestion and budget lodging was on point. Loved the culture, the experience, and beautiful beautiful Africa! Highly recommend you book with these guys! Very affordable and very customizable !