US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
E-trip provided wonderful service, an excellent guide, and a truly wonderful experience.
Ben and Aurelie Jennings, the tour operators, were fantastic. We had to postpone our original trip and there was no problem. We were welcomed in Arusha by the Jennings and a wonderful lady (Jo) from J & J Guesthouse. Our driver, Amiri, was not only very personable, but thoroughly knowledgeable in all aspects for our trips to Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, knowing both the identities and ecology of the animals (including birds), geology, history, plants, culture, etc. Ben provided us with very nice Zeiss binoculars which made game viewing so great (better than the binocs that I had taken), as well as books about the wildlife and ecology. The trips to all three places were unbelievably fantastic, and we just couldn't get over everything we saw. Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, around the next corner were three lionesses sleeping in a tree next to the road. Ben also scheduled a trip to Ruaha NP in southern Tanzania, which was different compared to the Serengeti, but also wonderful. He had suggested Mdonya Old River Camp, and it too was wonderful. Our guide and driver there were also fantastic, and we identified another 80 species of birds (in addition to the 100 from the other 3 parks), and even got to see African wild hunting dogs. I can't say enough good things about the entire trip, and would highly recommend using e-trip, which provided so many good recommendations, great scheduling, and fantastic people and accommodations for the safaris.
Safari
I must admit last October was one of those memorable vacations that I'll live to remember in my life time. This with appreciation to African Habitat Safaris touring agency that transformed the five-day tour into a great lifes experience. First, it became clear I had a great tour to look forward to with the preliminary preparations that involved advance booking of accommodation and tickets involved. Lake Nakuru pink-carpeted with the Flamingoes was a superb view together with the very unique white rhino and the hot springs thereby. The full day game drive, and bird watching and wildlife tour across Maasai Mara crowned it all making the entire excursion a complete cycle. I applause the Rachael for such tour operations proving unique and distinguishing the tour from any other day.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional personal service and attention to detail
Sun Safaris did an exceptional job helping us plan a custom 8-day safari (which was really an extension to a 10-day Sun Safaris trip that friends had already asked us to join). We asked for a wildlife-focused itinerary that would complement our friends' 10-day safari in South Africa. "I want it to be the same, but different," I said. (Big help, I know.) Somehow they read my mind and delivered the perfect mix of safari experiences. Each of the three lodges (Ngoma in Botswana, Elephant Camp in Vic Falls, and Somalisa in Hwange, Zimbabwe) offered exceptional wildlife viewing, luxury surroundings, great food and an unparalleled level of personal service. But they were markedly different in scenery, style and ambiance. We had thought that 18 days of wildlife viewing might be too much of a good thing, but thanks to Sun Safaris' careful planning, we left wanting more. Somehow they put together a package that was well-rounded, interesting and affordable. Though Jako was the planner of the trip, Michelle took over with grace and enthusiasm. She made sure that all the last-minute details were taken care of and that no question went unanswered. I would highly recommend Sun Safaris to anyone who wants to "do their own thing." They will help you figure out what that precisely means and make it happen!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nicky created the ideal itinerary for us and was helpful and patient in answering our questions
Everything about the trip was perfect. The itinerary worked out great, all the arrangements, tours, transfers, etc were smooth, and the Deserts and Delta lodges were amazing. Trip of a lifetime, and the agency did a great job.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
a very good operator
when you choose and pay online an operator for your travels and holidays,you never know what you can find in the reality, also if the reviews on tripadvisor are the best ones....this time we met a very good,professional one.The driver was not young, so very careful in the savana,not a race but a long,well planned walk...the hotel proposed were good or simply beautiful.The general organization precise and well managed. In few words, someone you can trust
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
3 days in Bwindi Nationa park
I went for the safari trekking with Encounter Safaris, as they were the first to reply my mails and the most accurate (on internet, I've found that price are not differing a lot between operators).
Me and the other guest, Ana, had the beautiful travel across the south part of the country. Our cicerone was Joseph, which is a very good driver and extremely funny! He also knows a lot about safaris and we spent our time together happily talking about everything.
We spent out two nights in the budget Broadbill Camp, which is very ok considering to be in the middle of the jungle: I was able to receive calls and call my office :( . The food vas very good as my fresh Club Beer, always available (you have to pay it apart).
We were lucky to quickly find the gorilla, after only 1 hr walking.
I won't tell you if the experience worth the price and effort related to do this safari but it was, for me, something that I wanted to do from long time and finally did. You will have what you ask: Gorillas in their natural environment.
Take care that the area can be very cold!
At the beginning I was supposed to go alone, and previously paid a full amount for a single person travel.
Fortunately Chris has been able to match me with another guest (Ciao Ana!),so that I had the full refund of the difference single traveler - group traveler. Thumbs Up for Counter Safaris!!!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The perfect African horse riding holiday: fantastic landscapes, horses, crew and logistics
The landscapes are varied and stunning. The horses are simply fantastic. The crew is amazing, they take great care of both horses and guests, always with a smile. The holiday has a very personal feel while being very well run. It is the perfect mix of camping and comfort (good food, drinks, comfortable beds/stretchers, bush showers). The safaris offer some of the best riding worldwide. The rides are challenging and as such will please the guests seeking an active holiday. Yet, thanks to the great crew, horses and logistics, the holiday can also be one of the most relaxing one.
A Bad expirience to the most beautiful place Masai Mara
This tour is not what is expected, the trip to and from is terrible, the tour guides are not good, the accommodation is bad. It is a trip that will not make the experience of the Masai Mara memroble.
You do not get what you expect and the game viewing is done in a mini bus that has the roof modified.
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best safari ever. Mawalla is just excellent guide. Highly recommend
The perfect tour. Everything on time. Clear communication. Friendship atmosphere. Love it
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing honeymoon! Can't thank Alexandra enough
Alexandra at Extraordinary Africa organised the holiday of a lifetime for us for our belated honeymoon in March 2016. Everything from start to finish was faultless; from the advice she gave us about where to go, tailored to our needs and requests, right through to the quality of the accommodation. We were provided with a detailed itinerary, there were transfers and welcome parties whenever we needed it, and it was reassuring to know Alex was always on the end of the phone, had we needed her. Our safari lodge, Notten's was superb and exceeded our expectations. We saw amazing game, (seeing all of the Big 5 except the elusive cheetah), the hospitality was second to none and the food was delicious. We then had a quick stop off in J-Burg at a smart airport hotel before our transfer to Mauritius. We then stayed in luxury at Lux Belle Mare, again with fantastic food, a great beach, free water sports all day and a lovely relaxing atmosphere. We can't thank Alexandra enough for organising our honeymoon and would recommend the company to anyone thinking of travelling to Africa!