CH
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great organization for our trip to Namibia
A dream came trough when we travelled in Namibia for 3 weeks. The communication with NIT was very easy and fast and within a short time all our Lodges were booked. The route and Lodges they recommended were above our expectations, the tour description excellent!
Everything was well organized for the whole trip and all we had to do was relax and enjoy our trip. I can recommend NIT to everyone who thinks about to visit these beautiful country.
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Uncomplicated and swift service for our tailor-made African adventure.
They answered all our questions and requests very quick and reliable. Based on their advises we booked a really costumized tour.
Some weeks in advance we received a helpful information package and at the arrival in Namibia they gave us road maps and a detailed itinerary. So we felt well prepaired and could enjoy the trip from the very beginning.
The car and the equipment was excellent and the campsites/lodges were all nice. Every day we experienced some (for us) new things. Driving trough the stunning desert followed by a catamaran trip on the atlantic ocean, another day seeing wild elephants directly on the road, or climbing the high red sanddunes, biking up in the hills, driving trough the etosha national park for three days and watching rhinos at the waterhole at night...
During our stay in Namibia we talked to many other tourists and realized, that our itinerary was very well set. The route, schedule, driving distances, overnight stays etc. matched perfect and everything worked like a charm.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent service from the initial enquiry and throughout the safari.
I had originally asked for the Mara Serena lodge but it was unavailable for the dates required. Equivalent accommodation was very quickly proposed and arranged. The driver Moses was very knowledgable and was also able to network with other drivers during the safari to find the best viewing opportunities. We were able to view different prides of lion including one pride feasting on a kill and fending off jackels. We also saw the 5 brothers cheetah family and had an excellent leopard sighting. Moses covered vast areas of the Mara to maximise our viewing opportunities . Some other companies' drivers went off the tracks to gain viewing but Moses respected the rules of the park and our viewings were excellent due to his positioning of the vehicle and knowledge of how the animals moved. This was particularly noticeable when we stopped a short distance from a herd of elephants but another vehicle went too close and was warned off by the matriarch. The accommodations were both very nice, particularly the Ashnil camp on the Mara river with its resident banded mongoose and bushbuck. from the lodge we could view hippos, crocs and waterbuck at various times in the river and on the opposite banking. I would travel with Arkman in the future.
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It is well organized and trust able tour operator.
We spent very nice time, and we had chance to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi NP. It was fascinating to have possibilities being near the group of gorillas family in the rain forest. Encounter organized everything (starting from buying permits, transportation and accommodation) very well. They bought permits for us in advance and then our guide picked up us from our hotel in Kampala. Transportation and accommodation were comfortable and .... the day when we see gorillas was ... amazing. I can recommend Encounter as a trust able agency...... just go and see mountain gorillas.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenyan safari with family
We were meet at the airport by flexivel safari representative Betty.We took of heading north of Kenya to sambauru game reserve a place that I have wanted to be what a wonderful experience on the first day of our safari! Our Driver Jonathan spotted us a leopard,lion grevy zebras,Oryx's, buffalos and the most beautiful reticulated giraffes.
On the second day we visited a samburu Masai village where we were welcomed by traditional Masai dance.where we learned more about the community I was totally amazed by the rich culture.
On the third day we took off for Nakuru game reserve our driver always made us very comfortable by engaging us in general talks and telling us about the community that leaved along the area we passed.
All in all we visited the most game reserves that I always dreamt of visiting.
Thanks to flexivel Kenya safari crew and in particular our driver Jonathan for enabling us see the Africa's Big Five.I highly recommend these company for any one visiting Kenya.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic trip to Amboseli
We went to the Amboseli National Park Mount Kilimanjaro was beautiful
Harrison our driver was so informative he gave us so much information about all the Animals and birds we thoroughly enjoyed everything about our trip his driving was excellent we would highly recommended this company
We will return
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing once in a lifetime trip with knowledgeable coordinators and staff to help along the way.
This is my first safari and when I started my research it was difficult to decide which company was best suitable. I wasn’t sure how many days was ideal, or what a realistic budget would be, but after e-mailing and obtaining prices from a few companies I decided to book with Shadows. I choose a luxury tent experience (options were tent, luxury tent, or hotel). After the experience, I think what we paid (~$3,200 USD pp, ~$500 USD/day) was reasonable for 7 nights and 6 safari days.
COMMUNICATION: From the beginning, I worked with Jake and he was nothing but professional, responsive, and very helpful in all aspects of the planning process. As our trip came closer, he would touch base via e-mail to see if we have any questions, and to ensure that we were planning and packing accordingly.
During the planning, I was very confused about how many days I should go for and wasn’t sure what parks I should go to. Communicating via e-mail was nice but I wanted a more instant response and to talk to a live person as I wasn’t understanding the breakdown of the safari trip. I was able to speak with Jake and get a understand of what a safari trip was like, and this helped me with my expectations greatly.
Prior to arriving, my partner and I also got into a bit of a tangle in Rwanda and was afraid that the same situation would happen when arriving in Tanzania, JRO. I had reached out to our coordinator in Tanzania, Natasha, and cc’d the group. Our concern was addressed and taken care of. Airport pick-up and drop-off were also stress-free.
THE EXPERIENCE: Knowing what I know now, I would say for my partner and me, 30 y/o active couple, 4 to 5 safari days would have been ideal. The rides are long and bumpy. Our guide, Loma, was amazing; laid back, always on the lookout for animals, and had suggestions when we asked/were curious about other things/experiences during our safari. We were lucky and got to see all the animals we wanted to up close, except for the rhino that was far in the distance.
For the 6 days, we went to Arusha National Park, where we did a hike and a kayak ride. The hike was nice as we came across some giraffes and got some fun photos, but I would skip the kayaking experience. Lake Manyara National Park, which I personally didn’t enjoy because I felt like I didn’t get a lot out of that day. There are flamingos there, but we aren’t allowed to go up close to them or get out of the car. The next 3 days were spent in the Serengeti (south, east, centre and west). Jake had recommended more time to spend here as the park was very big and that the animals roam around. Yes, the animals move around freely, and you can be driving for hours not seeing anything new or fascinating, but we also came across some neat things. We were lucky enough to see vultures surrounding three hyenas eating a zebra, family of elephants up close, lions (literally behave like cats), etc. Ngorongoro Crater, we were hoping to see rhinos up close but instead, they were far in the distance…. But we did get to see hippos.
Whenever we were having our picnic lunch around others, my partner and I noticed that our meals were nicely prepared with a lot of options, not to mention tasty. We were very happy with the food. The overnight experiences were also nice. Overall, we enjoyed our lodges/big tents as they were all very comfortable. For all the reasons I have mentioned, I would 100% recommend this safari company.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience
I booked the 6-day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli tour with them and I couldn't be happier with their service. Although it was a budget tour, their service was professional through and through. The communication before the trip was always prompt and detailed. The drivers/guides are experienced and patient. You can easily pay 3 times more money for a more luxurious trip and you'll see exactly the same animals. I would 100% recommend them to someone travelling on a budget and wants value for their money.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
8 days Uganda
I contacted ATA for advice on a roundtrip through Uganda. I had basically no idea, just wanted to do the gorillas. Nicholas and his team (always very responsive) put together a very compelling itenerary (that was also priced competitively). Ziwa/MNP/Kibale/QENP/Bwindi/Lake Bunyonyi. I'm glad I followed their advice regarding the lodges and things to do - it was a memorable trip. It would have been a very good journey even without the gorillas, but of course they were the icing on the cake. The schedule was well timed - we covered a lot of ground, but it made a lot of sense. In hindsight, the suggestions for particular lodges were always spot on. Kaye, the guide, was knowledgeable and a safe driver. One thing I regretted: I should have chosen one leg of the flights to/from Kigali instead of going both times through Entebbe. This might have saved some time.
I'd gladly recommend ATA to friends.
BG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience! It was a real touch to the nature.
Everything was great! The tent was very good and the people were very kind with lot of knowledge and experience.