20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour operator was good
The service was excellent from booking to actual safari and see the big five animals close.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great trip, Shinzelle more challenging than expected.
We had a 2 night safari, organized by Shinzelle. The 4.5 hour van transport to and from Hoedspruit, used by multiple safari tour providers, was comfortable with pleasant driver. 2 nights at beautiful Khaya Ndlovu, a private game reserve, included an evening safari drive (reserve staff guided) on our arrival, a full day tour of southern Kruger Park with a very intelligent guide arranged by Shinzelle, and an early morning safari drive (reserve staff guided) on our day of departure. We loved the location, as well as the comfort and beauty of the accommodations. The guides were smart, kind, and funny - top notch. The lodge staff were lovely, and all of the food was seriously outstanding. We were in southern Africa for another 2 weeks of safaries in the national parks of 3 different countries. Still, we very highly recommend doing the private game reserve experience - completely different and absolutely worth the time and money.
Challenges with Shinzelle started prior to leaving for Africa and continued until 2 months after our return. We don't know but it seems to be a one-person business, because when Danielle had an illness or her young child had an illness or she was traveling, etc. she was often out of touch. When we shortened our planned stay from 3 nights to 2 nights, well in advance of the trip, we did not receive a 'confirmation' of booking changes, nor an accounting of the refund, nor the refund. All of that took 4 months, multiple outreaches to Danielle, and great persistance on our part.
Great safari vacation, will use a different tour operator next time.
US
Very nice safari experience
Tour guide, driver, and safari guide were all excellent and professional. Great experience!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable!!!
Prior to coming to Burundi I communicated with the company a year beforhand. Eraste was receptive to all my concerns and answered all my questions promptly. He suggested a program that he thought we would like and we loved the program. We were able to see almost every part of Burundi. Apart from the popular tourist attractions we did many things that tourist don't typically do.
It did seem that we were the first guest that did this tour; exploring every corner of Burundi. Having that said there were some challenges we encounter along the way but Eraste managed to resolve them.
I highly recommend Empirical Tour and Travel as they will accommodate your needs.
NG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Richard is very friendly and a wonderful human being
Destination Connect is fantastic and they make the holiday very enjoyable by me.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great safari for the price, but budget level is quite basic.
First off, communication with Charles was excellent. He was responsive to all of my questions and helped with other travel arrangements.
We did a 7 day budget group tour to Massai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, Hells Gate, and Amboseli. We usually had 6 people in our van and occasionally 7.
The wildlife viewing was simply incredible. The guides are constantly communicating to each other what they're finding. The parks are gorgeous, and it was interesting seeing the differences between each of them. Our guide was great about stopping for as long as we wanted at each viewing.
So much of your experience depends on the guide you get, which I don't think you'll know till the morning of your trip. Ours was great at finding the animals and answering our questions, but he didn't really offer information without us asking.
Things to be aware of:
This tour included a substantial amount of driving, and you're also in the van during all of the game drives except for Hell’s Gate.
This was a budget tour, and accommodations reflect that. We had broken mesh and zippers at one of our tents. Hot water was not consistently available. There was some construction until pretty late at night. Food was very functional. Not a lot of variety, but it'll keep you fueled.
Each of our accommodations had wifi sometimes, which was great for checking in with family.
Ask about how much drinking water you're allowed.
Game drives typically start very early to get the best opportunities to see what you're there to see....wildlife!
Overall, it was a very positive experience, but I wish Charles had explained a bit more what "budget" really meant.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An experience of a lifetime!!!
Loved our 3 days safari with Meijo. Game river was super knowledgeable and helped us spot and find lots of animals very up-close. Game drive was as long as the daylight allowed, so there was no cutting corners - geep was also very well equipped and the group felt very comfortable spending a whole day in the car.
All in all, this is an experience of a lifetime and a definite highlight of our Tanzania trip, with so much seen and done during this safari tour. The only reason for 4 stars is that we were not warned in advance just how cold Ngorongoro crater was at night (we were camping), so we did not pack enough warm clothes and had to do an emergency shopping (NOT an easy task in Arusha) one day before the trip, after other tourists warned us.
NO
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Super helpful
Had our original plans ruined by airline delays and reschedules. Rams went out of their way to help us find and book an alternative trip. Could not ask for better service!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great fun
Great adventure. We moved to places we didn't know about. There's alot of patience for questions in case you have inquiries. He answers and it's really affordable with a personal touch
BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was a very good Safari in Tanzania
safari in Tanzania: We took a trip to Tanzania in July/23 and we chose Telly Safari through the Safari bookings website to do all the transfers, book accommodation and safaris. the chosen package was the 3-night Safari in the Luxury category. The company was always extremely punctual in transfers, the guides were very attentive, and the hotels we chose were wonderful and we stayed one night inside the Serengeti, a surreal experience. as we arrived early in Arusha after almost 48 from Brazil we stayed overnight in the city on behalf of the company as well and the last night before leaving for Zanzibar. Airport transfers in and out were included as well. I highly recommend the company!!
