AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
7-day Machame Route & 4-day Lake Nakuru/Masai Mara Safari
I done the Kilimanjaro 7 day Machame route as well as the 4 day safari. Everything went smoothly and the company arranged everything so my journey was hassle free. The company staff were always there to help if need be. The safari was the best part of my trip, we had an amazing guide and I'd recommend this company to my friends.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
We found Matoke Tours to be excellent in organising the tour that suited us.
Our tour was exactly how we had hoped and more from the National Parks we visited to the fantastic accommodation that was organised by them and the overall service. We highly recommend Matoke Tours, you can't go wrong by using their services, just tell them what you would like and they will organise your tour accordingly.
RU
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Super
I would say Bencia Africa Adventure & Safaris is the best tour operator in Kenya. They made our Safari successful with their best professional and friendly approach. They placed our comfort before profit and provided services that must have severely limited their profit. Their driver, the vehicle, the hotels and resorts that they provided in the package was worth more than what I paid. Driver Piter is finest drivers on Kenyan roads and in game parks. His knowledge and understanding of wildlife and nature around helps one enjoy the safari and see all that is there on offer. His patience and friendliness is non-comparable. I highly recommend Bencia Africa Adventure & Safaris to anyone going to Kenya for a short or long tour. I am sure Alfred will offer you what ever you want and not expensive price.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
We visited two lodges in Okavango Delta in Easter and it was fabulous.
The visit in Okavango was memorable! The whole trip was planned by Cross Country and it just went perfectly. They have booked a combination of two different type of lodges ; excellent idea. The transport between them was with a small plan, which was an experience itself as such. From plane you could see an elephant herd and the landscape - it was breath taking. I warmly recommend Cross Country services for your holiday and I already did and some of my colleagues became their client as well.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kenya with Kenya walking, great experience!
I visited Kenya in June first week with Kenya Walking and undoubtedly it was a great experience. Not only where are safaris amazing but the guides were extremely enthusiastic and helpful. I would also like to recommend Jacob who was our cook for the entire tour. I would go to the extent of saying that his food was far more delicious than our buffets in luxury hotels. Mr. Otieno was very helpful in suggesting us the best places to visit in our limited duration trip. Except a few organizational level issues(which i think is very common), there is nothing I can complain about. Overall it was an amazing experience! Cheers!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
More than a dream come true.
I had planned our first trip to South Africa for more than a year. The adventure began at Madikwe Game Reserve. Would reality live up to expectation? Three days at Jamala Lodge exceeded everything we hoped for. The luxury, the impeccable service, the extraordinary food, and the incredible game viewing was everything a dream could be. We saw all of the Big 5, plus so much more, on our game drives -- elephants, buffalo, lion, both white and black rhino, giraffe, zebra, and an amazing array of all the antelope and deer that South Africa has to offer. We had a leopard walk by so close to our vehicle that I could have reached out and stroked its back. Equally amazing was sitting at the "sofa safari" on the deck of the lodge and watching this same array of wildlife wander down to the water hole. One morning at breakfast, a pride of five lion visited the water hole; one evening a leopard. Our final morning was capped with a visit by a white rhino at the water hole. Our first morning at the lodge began with an incredible roar of a lion awakening us at 3 a.m. Jamala Lodge, even though the price may seem expensive at first glance, is truly a bargain. An enormous chalet with bedroom looking out at the water hole, a beautiful bath, a plunge pool and totally private outdoor shower, a fully stocked (and included) mini bar, two three hour plus game drives a day with the best tracker one could hope for, and amazing food every day, throughout the day. All alcohol was included, and surprises every day with specialty cocktails presented at the end of an evening game drive. Madikwe Game Reserve, and Jamala Lodge will give you memories to treasure for the rest of your life.
Amazing experience
After starting our South Africa trip in Cape Town, Addo Elephant National Park was the first self drive safari we did. It was an awesome experience. We had the possibility to get realy close to giant elephant. But there is a lot more to see. We didn't see any rhino, lion or leopard, but we did see a lot of warthog, zebra's, buffalo, kudu and a lot more. It's a giant park, but it is not busy at all. This gave us the real safari feeling.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about South Africa by dfross
South Africa provides everything one could hope for as a safari destination. Incredible beauty, both driving to and from the game reserves, as well as at the game reserves, and a diversity of wildlife that is beyond any expectation. The people of South Africa were so friendly, and English was spoken everywhere. Never once did I feel unsafe.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Authentic wildlife and photography safari in Ruaha National Park Tanzania
In the short time I was there we had an amazing safari, wildlife experiences and photography we're key on my list. Totally living up to my expectation's in every way, Wildlife Connection a conservation initiative with Paul and Hannah was really impressive. The concept of human and elephant conflict with local farmers to protect these magnificent animals is awesome and a must see while you are there.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best vacation ever (with a few glitches!)
An African safari has always been on my bucket list, as well as my mothers, so we were both excited for this trip. Noah was great in preparing our itinerary, which we changed numerous times to fit our wants. His communication was excellent; he was always prompt in replying to our questions (remembering that he is halfway around the world!) All of the lodges he selected were superb!
Our trip did not get off to the best start, as there was no guide to meet us at the airport (there were about 100 other guides there though!) A gentleman at the airport was able to call Wildebeest Safaris for us, arranged a cab to our hotel (which Wildebeest covered), and confirmed that our guide would meet us at the hotel the following morning. Our guide, Dennis, was there early, and we left by 7:30am. Two of the first three police safety checkpoints stopped our vehicle, questioning the condition of the tires (they were worn out) but let us proceed. The roads in Kenya are terrible, and sure enough, a couple of days later, we had two flat tires within an hour (both rear tires). Luckily most safari vehicles carry two spares, so we were able to make it to our lodge in Maasai Mara only a little late for lunch, and Dennis had the tires repaired by the next morning. Our only other issue was the trip between Kenya and Tanzania. We were required to change vehicles and guides upon entering Tanzania, and there was a mix up as to who would provide our lunch, so no lunch for us that day. Hamsa did offer to stop and get us something to eat, but we had some snacks with us, and figured we could eat a big dinner. (The lodge food was excellent everywhere we stayed!)
Other than that, the trip was fantastic. Both Dennis and Hamsa (our Tanzanian guide) were very friendly and knowledgeable. They knew when and where to find the animals we wanted to see, and showed us many additional things we did not expect to see. They both worked with the rangers and other guides via cell phone and radio to find out where the animals were that we wanted to see, and they were great at making sure each days' game drive offered something different. Hamsa was especially knowledgeable, expanding on our questions and giving very thorough answers. He explained the education process he went through to become a guide, and he seemed to know all of the other guides we saw.
The last day of our trip was back in Kenya (Amboseli NP), and it was Dennis again who met us at the border (on time, and with 4 brand new tires!) He again was very good, planned ahead, and made sure to get us to the airport early (no easy task with Nairobi traffic on a Friday afternoon!)
The safari vehicles had some minor issues (i.e. the aforementioned tires, a broken door handle, etc.) but being 70 series Landcruisers , had certainly lived a rough life. Most safari vehicles we saw appeared similar. Just remember this is Africa - don't expect to be chauffeured around in a brand new Cadillac! The issues we had prevent me from giving a full 5 stars, but I would certainly use Wildebeest Safaris again.