US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beyond my wildest dreams!
What can I say other than John Peter is the very best! I typically do not work through tour agents but I was traveling solo and was needing extra support given all the options. Working with John Peter and African Paradise Safaris was the wisest and best decision I ever made! John Peter always got back to me with a day and went above and beyond to help me connect the dots on all my travel questions and concerns. I felt like I had a true friend supporting me and answering all my questions and providing realistic options based on my budget. So grateful, and can't say enough about the wonderful communications and how they far exceeded my expectations.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy Travel went above and beyond in assisting us in our trip to Tanzania. Fantastic people !!
We thoroughly enjoyed working with the people at Easy Travel. They were warm and welcoming and provide excellent services. We loved it so much and would like to return for another excursion. When we do, we will reach out to Easy Travel because they are extremely thorough and helpful. This is a GREAT group of folks !!
KR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond Safari
It's been a decade to cross off the bucket list. Africa is the most place I wanted to go so bad. With tens of research, followed by the instinct I finally chose the company, Soul of Tanzania.
Indeed, we just relieved as soon as we met our guide, Heaven at the airport. As we felt like it would be a great journey, it went so fantastic during our safari.
The lunch time, as I viewed through the reviews, we served warm and nice meals like a picnic. It was much more ROMANTIC with 'real nature' than I thought. People around us wondered about our company, even one of them came to us and asked in person.
During the safari, Heaven tried to show us 'Big 5' and it really worked. Thanks to Heaven's efforts, we could have some great chances to see wildebeests' migration, cheeta's eating on the tree and zebra's bath and drinking. When I was in the middle of the wildebeests on the field, it's like we are in the heaven on earth.
As Heaven wrote on the back widow, we flew really high. Thank all other staffs as well for prompt replies and the support with heart to be our trip great.
Especially, thanks to Heaven, we enjoyed our trip with Heaven who loves and is passionate and thankful about his job. We were not only exploring the nature, but also learned and touched a lot from his attitude. Also, we were a great team!
Above all, the most important thing to be a great trip is not just where to go, but who is going with you. Anyone who is interested in. Just take this. You'll be on the right track.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Magnificent - Surpassed all our expectations
We had a fantastic and special 15 night holiday in Uganda arranged by Matoke Tours.
The service from Matoke was excellent, from initial enquiry to the end of our trip. Communication and recommendations were good, payment was easy and safe and the service provided was at a fraction of the price available to us in the UK for the same accommodation.
We expected a great trip but this surpassed all our expectations. As with all trips to countries like Uganda you need to be prepared for poor roads, long transfers and limited healthcare etc.
All the lodges we stayed at were different and were as we expected. Food and service was very good (although we did struggle with the large food portions).
The food at Mahingo was probably the best. The new managers there were very welcoming and there was a lot to do there in the form of activities. If I were to do this trip again I would have 2 nights there. Bakers lodge was probably our favourite,with the hippos round and about. That said, they were all really really good.
Everything went to plan without any hitches. We were impressed by the schedule...the timings for the activities and transfers were perfect.
We saw so much and Uganda was far more lovely than we could have ever imagined.
Wild Waters was beautiful...we just had a day relaxing there. I think 2 nights is enough as you are a bit trapped there.
Robert was one of the best guides we have come across on our travels. He is a real gentleman in every sense of the word. He was knowledgeable, fantastic at spotting animals, and good at getting us the front seats on boat trips. Robert really made our trip special, we could not have asked for a better driver/guide.
The parks were fantastic, lush, green and we saw tree climbing lions, leopards and hyenas up close. The boat trips were fabulous for spotting birds and crocodiles. The highlight of the trip was the gorilla trek. We got ridiculously close to the family we trekked too. Once in a lifetime stuff.Be warned, don't turn up expecting a gentle walk to see them. The terrain is seriously up and down and some people with us struggled as they were ill prepared and unfit. Carrying your own backpack isn't a matter of pride, employ a porter and put some money back into the local economy.
We had a holiday that will live on in our memories.
I would happily recommend Matoke to anyone who wishes to travel to east Africa and Uganda in particular. It was first class.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brilliant and diverse safari in Uganda with Gatatu
Five members of a photography club went on a safari with Gatatu. We had very diverse experiences on that trip. We were driven by Stephen who was an excellent driver, very knowledgeable of the area and of the animals. His assistant Leonard was great company who also knew the area well.
To give you an idea; we were met at the airport and driven to a lodge by Lake Bunyoni, tranquil and beautiful. From there we drove to Queen Elisabeth Park to see the animals, elephants, lions, bock and more. Stephen and Leonard had a sharp eye and an encyclopaedic knowledge. We stayed in Irungo Forest Safari Lodge whilst exploring the park. A great place.
Other notable trips included the trek to the gorillas. That was sensational and well worth doing, brilliantly guided by expert trackers. Also we made a boat around the shore of lake Edward where the animals had come down to get water. That was an absolutely fabulous sight and also expertly guided by very knowledgeable people on the boat.
On the 5th day we were delivered back to the airport. There was great continuity in having the same driver. Accommodation was fantastic and very varied. The food was always excellent and no one experienced any problems with food related infections.
I would say Gatatu delivered a fabulous package facilitating all those experiences. It was excellent value for money and definitely lived up to, and exceeded expectations.
I have no hesitation in recommending Gatatu very highly indeed and would definitely return for more!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Guide Kakasii is an enthusiastic and skillful safari professional who made our experience fabulous!
When my 78 year old father wanted to check off a safari on his bucket list, and my mother refused to go, I stepped in to help. I researched exhaustively, learning as many of safari ins and outs as possible. I networked with people whose views I respect, including an American living in Tanzania working for a mission. I had a Skype session with Brenda at Tanzania Choice Safaris, and ultimately chose them with Kakasii as our guide for a 10-day custom safari. In a nutshell: BEST. DECISION. EVER.
Guide Kakasii and his wife Brenda at Tanzania Choice Safaris are top notch people offering a spectacular safari experience. Are they right for you? It depends. Do you want a personable, knowlegeable, and experienced guide who will tailor your trip to your desires? Do you want to get up and at 'em in the morning and make each day count? Do you mind getting of the main roads and driving longer to achieve a better experience? Do you want your experience cut short or diminished because of some company-mandated mileage and/or diesel limits? (Ask! Because most do this!). Do you want good value in your lodging and food choices?
When you hear Kakasii exclaim "I love my job" in his accented English, you know right away it's genuine and his enthusiasm is infectious. He's a relationship builder and you will discover everywhere you go that he is liked and respected. Those relationships matter. Guides who've built relationships talk with other guides. If one has spotted a leopard in a tree, he'll tip off his friends. Kakasii takes advantage of experience, intuition, and tips from other professionals to bring you to the most wildlife in the time you have allotted for the trip. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, because it is, after all, wildlife. But in our 9 night safari we saw everything. We started with the Big 5 and surged right past that to see things like leopard tortoise, serval cat, mongoose, dikdiks, elands. My father stated elephants as a favorite and we spent intimate time with dozens of elephants in 2 different parks. My nephew said lions was his wish and we encountered many lions in 3 different parks, many very close up, including a dramatic standoff between a lioness with 3 cute small cubs and 3 other lionesses. But maybe best of all, on our Ngorongoro Crater day Kakasii suggested we get up very early and get underway before most other safari groups. It was a brisk 45 degree morning. There were buffalo right outside our lodge. We proceeded down to the crater bottom and I could tell Kakasii was on a mission. 20 minutes later we rolled to a stop and in front of us was a single black rhino-- the last animal on our list and maybe the most emotional. Almost brought tears to my eyes. We watched it for maybe 25 minutes before it slipped out of sight into a slight gully 300 yards away. Trip made right there.
In addition to the flora and fauna of Tanzania, Kakasii also can add whatever cultural experiences you wish. We visited a Masaii village where my son and nephew participated in a welcome dance before we toured the village. Want to bring home fresh Tanzanian coffee? Kakasii knows a coffee farm where you can get 1 Kg of beans of your choice for a modest 250 TZ Shillings (about $9). Already bought all of the souvenirs you need? You don't need to stop at any souvenir stands like the other drivers will force you to do.
If you are truly interested in making what is likely a once in a lifetime safari trip the best experience it can be, then you need to speak with Tanzania Choice Safaris before you book with some other company. Tell them Mike from Iowa sent you.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We saw many animals thanks to our guide, Dotto, and the only surprises we had were all good ones!
We saw many animals thanks to our guide, Dotto, and the only surprises we had were all good ones! Our agent, Myriam, was very quick to answer our demand and some adaptations. In the company offices, we have had a briefing the day before beginning the safari to make sure to clarify whatever was needed, as well as a debriefing the last day of the safari to make sure that the safari had met our expectations. It did indeed! As honeymooner, we had some good surprises (room updates for example), but I don't doubt that for "regular" travelers, the Easy Travel team makes its best to offer an amazing safari experience to its clients.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
10 Day Namibian Explorer (Camping)
Wild Dog Safaris were a highly reliable, professional and well organized group to deal with when it came to booking a tour of Namibia. I had a holiday with my three teenage sons, who had never experienced Sub-Saharan Africa before and this tour was an excellent introduction for them to the beauty of Africa. There was great variety in what we saw, excellent support, organization and catering from our two guides Gabe and Abi and a fun and relaxed atmosphere throughout the 10 days. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in a guided introduction to a beautiful, friendly and safe country.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable Safari
The whole 3-day safari was perfectly organised. We were picked up exactly as promised, and taken to Coffee Buzz, where breakfast and drinks awaited. After signing various disclaimers etc we were soon off on the 3-hour river cruise, which was really informative, and we got really good views of a wide variety of animals, with excellent commentary from our guide.
After an excellent lunch at Coffee Buzz, we then set off in our jeep for the main safari. Our driver - Lance - was brilliant, always smiling, and fully of useful information. Almost as soon as we entered the national park we encountered wildlife. Our first game drive lasted from 13:30 until 18:30, and we saw so many different animals on that drive, from the various antelope, to elephants (there are lots of elephants!), giraffe and a large pride of lions. The park is less crowded than ones in other countries, so when we saw something interesting we often had the whole view to ourselves.
The camp site, which was exclusively for the 7 of us on our safari, was basic, but the tents were good, and there were bush toilets - no fancy mod-cons here, so you get the real bush experience! The evenings were spent around the camp fire, eating excellent food (prepared by the hard working pair who stayed at the camp site throughout our safari), drinking wine and chatting/laughing a lot.
Two more game drives on day 2 revealed even more unforgettable sights - seeing a pride of lions feasting on a dead elephant was the highlight - and Lance has a sixth sense when it comes to spotting wildlife - we would be merrily cruising along and then he would grind to a halt and would point out something that we would never have known was there.
Day 3 comprised another couple of game drives and another river cruise, so all in all we really had value for money.
I cannot fault anything about this safari, and would highly recommend it.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
You"ll come home with the biggest smile and long life memories that you will not stop talking about!
Karumuna Safaris showed my partner and I a life time experience that will be in our memories and hearts for ever. Can’t fault our 13 day safari tour as we saw the Big 5!! Elephants galore, giraffes, zebra's, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, primates Gorilla’s & Chimpanzee and all the extra wild life that Uganda houses. The breath taking country side and the amazing sights, with all the National Parks as well as the local community. We did extra as we wanted all the highlights and wonders of Uganda from seeing the Shoe Bill Stork to White Water Rafting on the Nile in Jinja and so much more. Wow Wow Wow!!!
Karumuna Safaris top priority is you the client, they are not happy unless you are happy and they make sure you are happy!! Which was easy for them as all the staff from Karumuna Safaris, Richard the principal, Jonah, Onan and Mosses, are very friendly and helpful with any queries just like the rest of Ugandans. They make sure you see and do what you have requested and their driver/guide (Mosses) has an amazing insight and has friends at every stop which made our Safari even more enjoyable. This Safari was more than we could ever imagined.
A Big Thank You to Karumuna Safaris and we look forward to our next visit :-)
