Amazing
I am a Kenyan, born and raised in Nairobi and hadn't yet visited Masai Mara until Last year December(2013). My family and I were hesitant because of the rains and Mara is known to be impassible during the rainy season but we decided to go ahead and not cancel our booking. Aren't we glad we went to the Mara. By road, its almost a 5hr drive on tarmac road until you reach Narok town where the tarmac just starts reducing until there is none as you get near the park. I have been to some Parks and Reserves in Kenya but Mara was the best. We saw a lot of lions(which isn't easy), leopards playing around and some of the prettiest tallest giraffes I have ever seen, among other wildlife. Now we know what the fuss is all about and cannot wait to back during the migration period. We booked directly through Sarova group and stayed at Sarova Mara and it was fantastic, best customer service ever. Our tour driver/guide was from Somak Safaris and he knew his wildlife.
P.s if you can, splurge more on hiring a land cruiser than a tour van when planning to tour Masai Mara. once you get to the rough roads, that's when you really appreciate the 4wd.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The best company to visit Africa with!
I was lucky enough to be on one if Africa Expedition Support's tours in 2006 and again in 2007. The knowledge that they have of the whole of Africa is second to none, their stories and sense of fun was an unexpected bonus which really made the trip for me. I have done a few safaris over the years but Africa Expedition Support's safaris are the ones I remember the most and which were the most impressive. Not only do I always recommend them to anyone I know who is thinking of going to Africa but I am also counting down the days until I can do another trip with them!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A perfect Safari
Perfect organization and very serious throughout. Notifications pre safari took place via email and phone with Robert and post-safari briefing with Greyson for final verification that all went well. We had a great time with our guide Rama. Planet Lodge in Arusha and Country Lodge in Karatu good starting points to move to the parks. Thanks to them our nature adventure was unforgettable.
FR
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Really being in Africa
For the beginning of 2012 we had signed up for a trip through Botswana and Namibia with Indigo Safaris. We were thoroughly satisfied with the way everything was organised and with what we saw and there is very little we can add to the laudatory enthusiasm of the other reviews, but we particularly and unforgettably remember - from Namibia - the long, steep sweaty climb in the deep, hot, sifting, flowing sand of the dark-orange dunes, and driving up the long, dry, sandy bed of the Hoanib River in its remote valley and, sitting still in the infinitely silent midday heat under the endless deep blue sky, watching a group of dusty desert elephants clustered around their young ones, lazily fanning their ears as they eyed us from under a spreading canopy of acacias.
Christopher Bartlett knows Africa well, is a very competent and resourceful guide and inspires total confidence. Do not hesitate. No problem with the five stars.
Experience level: over 5 safaris
Knowledgeable and entertaining guides
What an awesome experience to go out on a tour with guides who know their country, and can present it in an entertaining way. There is nothing boring about museum visits or city tours with Flight of the Eagle Tours. Can definitely recommend them to anyone of any age, as they are accommodating and make every excursion a great experience!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful time, lifetime memories
When planning an holiday you are always worried is the travel safe, are the operators friendly, will we have a good time... With flight of the eagle the answer is yes yes yes!!!!! We had a fantastic time, Johan and Elize are wonderful people, answering questions, going out of their way to make the trip something to treasure!!! Thank you for a great time... Flight of the eagle you guys are tops!!!!
DK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent and personal service
It all started with a cosy stay at a small hotel in a secluded corner of Arusha, organised by African Guides. Here we were picked up by our driver, guide and new friend (all in one person) who took us on a fascinating three-day trip in the Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara National Parks with overnight stays at cosy lodges right next to each of the parks. The view from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater at sunrise was fantastic, and so was the safari game drive in the crater. All the iconic 'species from television' showed up, including the rhinoceros, but believe it or not - to me, as a North-European - the most fascinating experience was to see lots of white storks walking around here in their winter residence. Lake Manyara National Park was similarly fascinating. In a way it was actually more exciting (for the grown-ups at least) than the crater because the lush woodland around the lake made it difficult to see the animals until they were suddenly there, right in front of us. Altogether the experience was very different from that of the Ngorongoro, and the wildlife was also very different, lots of elephants, giraffes, monkeys and birds (and butterflies). All in all, three wonderful days at a beautiful time of the year with perfect service and lots of happy memories. Asante sana, kwa kweli!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime
We returned on January 25, 2014, from our amazing Kenya safari. Words cannot adequately describe our wonderful adventure. The trip was truly amazing: the animals, the landscape, and the Kenyan people. Every aspect of the trip provided by Odyssey Safaris was first class. We loved the places we stayed and are grateful to Mark Cahill and his team that everything about our time in Africa was absolute perfection.
Our guide, Erastus, was the key to our unforgettable safari. Not only is Erastus a great guide and driver, he is also a very nice man. His ability to spot all of the various animals was remarkable, and we thoroughly enjoyed his narrative about what we were fortunate to be seeing. We found four of the Big Five on our first afternoon; and watched a leopard on Day 5 chasing an impala for the kill. Wow! Four female lions with two cubs, a week-old baby giraffe, two cheetahs, a serval cat, black rhinos, and elephant families with babies, were some of the highlights to go along with viewing thousands and thousands of other animals. And to finish it all off on the last day, we watched four adult male lions with the hippo they had killed that night.
We will never forget our wonderful adventure to Africa. Thank you, Odyssey Safaris!
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Adventure in Tanzania
"Climbing" Kilimanjaro was on the Bucket list and in 2011 we decided we had to go. We attended a presentation of Paka Adventures and landed on using them as our operator. We wanted to relax, go on safari and of course our main goal - Uhuru Peak at the top of Kilimanjaro. We arranged flight tickets from Norway to Dar-Es-Salam by ourselves - arrival Sept. 2013. The rest was arranged by Pakas. What a trip we had. Relaxed at the Lighthouse Beach Resort, adventure at Selous Game Reserve and to top it all - all ten of us made it to the top of Kilimanjaro.
Surprise of the trip - all the good food we where served :-)
KW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, courteous and efficient customer service!
From my very first inquiry to my return flight home I was especially pleased with Big Time Holiday’s professional, courteous and efficient customer service. They were able to customize my vacation to my requirements and budget and were able to offer me some package options very quickly after my inquiry. The staff was professional, warm and welcoming. I felt very at ease when I left for my safari to Kenya. They were able to answer all of my questions and helped me through the process of preparing for my trip. Big Time Holiday helped to make my journey in Kenya an unforgettable one. It was a trip of a lifetime. I was extremely satisfied with the service they provided and have already recommended them to family and friends. Looking forward to booking with Big Time Holidays in the near future for another great safari experience :)