65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Just what I wanted - a three night safari for wildlife photography
Gorillas and Beyond were recommended to me when I was looking into the possibility of undertaking a short taylor-made safari after attending a conference in the Rwenzori area. At first I was thinking only of the primates in Kibale Forest National Park, but Wyclef at Gorillas and Beyond suggested adding a day at Queen Elizabeth National Park. His three night programme met my aims as a wildlife photographer perfectly and the accommodation he arranged was excellent. He also arranged perfectly-timed transport for me back to Entebbe to have lunch at the airport before my flight home.
The seven hour chimpanzee trek in Kibale was a great experience - more strenuous than I expected, but as a keen hill walker in Britain that wasn't a problem for me - but the highlight as far as my photography was concerned was the boat trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park. My images can be seen in the gallery 'Africa/Uganda' of my website, www.ianimages.co.uk.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything was just perfect with Matthew who took care of us all the trip !
What we bought was what we had. And Matthew is always around if you have questions or you want to plan something different the next morning. Service was excellent !
Also the drivers were really nice and good safari guides.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience
It was a private tour to have taken a tour only by me. Because it was the off season.
A tour guide was very kind and spoke to only me about animals and Tanzania.
I wasn't good at English, but he spoke politely.
He found many animals. Lion, leopard, giraffe, elephant and buffalo…etc.
The three days I spent in Tanzania was a good experien.ce for me.
I thank him! Thank you very much.
DK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
All wonderfull
The men behind Bateleur Eagle Safaris are The epitome of Security, kindnes, knowlegde and you just feel yourself in competent and safe hands. If I ever go back to Keneya again I Will defently use Bateleur Eagle Safaris
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Stunning wildlife
It was very pleasant to communicate with King Tommondo. They were always available and very nice.
On the safari you came very close to the animals, but there was no danger. The drivers were experienced and had many interesting details about the places we were and the animals we saw.
Summarized one of my greatest experiences.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
my awesome 3 days Murchison Falls safari
I and a couple of friends went on a 3 days safari to Muchison falls park, the safari was well organized by jewel safaris Ltd . our guide Moses was amazing ,he literally knew every bit of the park , very knowledgeable . I recommend jewel safaris for any travel around Uganda.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
George Munge has proven to be a dedicated, detail oriented, passionate voice for Tanzania.
My experience is not with Northland Africa Adventures...but with George Munge, our safari leader. In 2014, our entire family gathered in Tanzania for a life changing experience. Our safari guide and leader was George Munge...who, happily for us, has since launched his own company, Northland Africa Adventures Ltd. Our experience with George was the following:
- outstanding attention to detail
- has a complete knowledge of not only the area (where he actually grew up), but of the customs and personality of his people
- the ability to easily engage with and generate complete trust in his abilities by everyone who travels with him
- has the drive to provide the best experience for his "flock" and ensures that local vendors do as they are supposed to do
- is a family oriented man who cares deeply for his family and has the work ethic to provide leadership for them
- a person who is looking to the future and creating the best company he possibly can.
Our family has NO DOUBT that George will be an outstanding success. He knows the landscape and the vibe of Tanzania. He provides a safe and wonderful atmosphere to learn and his drive to provide the best experience will prevail. Africa is a wild and wonderful and for first-timers... a daunting place. George Munge alleviates any fears one might have and I would highly recommend him not only for the Northland company that he operates...but in any situation when you need someone in your corner. This company, though young, is in extremely good hands and we can't say enough good things about George.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Full of warm hospitality
They are full of warm hospitality.
When our flight to Kenya was delayed, the operator replied quickly. We really appreciate their sincere response for our request. The guide was also good, he is very kind person.
We made some really good memories thanks to them!!!!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beware of what you are getting into!
We were very disappointed in this tour. Starting out with being picked up late at the airport. We arrived in the pouring rain with no cell phone service and the driver was 15 minutes late in picking us up, which would not have been a big deal if we had a way of getting ahold of someone to see if they were coming or had forgotten us.
Secondly, the driver was drunk from the impression I got. He drove those roads at 120kph which I finally had to tell him to slow down. These are dirt/ clay roads! There was a man on a bicycle carrying long wooden sticks which the driver hit as he drove by the man! I know I'm in a different country but is this a normal occurrence? He proceeded to tell us we would be in the car for 6 hours...? Now, I'm confused because the itinerary I was sent said:
"Transfer to Sigunga village where you will take a boat to Mahale mountain national park. Have a picnic lunch at Sigunga village before boating to Mahale. The boat will take approximately 3 to 4 hours"
As we drove at top speeds we came to a village where we were told he had forgotten dinner and would be right back. 30 minutes later he returns with a chicken and throws him in the back of the car. After driving for 3 hours I ask about lunch because it's now 3pm. He hands me a box lunch which was not vegetarian like I had said several times that I was. I could not eat! I had a banana. At 630pm we arrive at this boat in the middle of nowhere. There is 1 man waiting to take us to Mahale. This is scary for 2 women traveling alone, especially with my sister who has anxiety. If we had been informed ahead of time what was going to be going on we would have felt more comfortable. Especially since it took 7+ hours to get there when we were thinking it was a 3hr boat ride. We get on the boat and it is now getting dark. I'm in a strange place in the middle of this huge lake on this boat not knowing where we are going. We arrive at dark, can not see anything. We ate dinner at 9pm! This is not acceptable, especially since we had no lunch!
If it wasn't for our guide Huessein it would have been a horrible experience. Luckily he made it amazing for us.
Last thing, when we left and stayed in Kigoma town, we were dropped at the hotel with NO information. Nothing about lunch, dinner or the museum tour. Food was terrible. The staff didn't understand what I was talking about. So I messaged Joshua with whom I had been speaking with, very little information again. I got ahold of the driver to ask him about the museum and he said Oh, we will go tomorrow before the airport. Again, he could not tell me how far the airport was and said he would pick us up at 8 for the tour to the museum. He then said the airport was 2 hours away. I told him we left at 1230. The next morning after our tour we realized the airport was 5 minutes from us! We spent 3 hrs at that little airport waiting.
I just don't understand why the itinerary I received was not followed nor was I ever given correct information. Mahale was such a special place and I would love to return. I'm not trying to be mean, I just want to inform anyone traveling here the situation.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
All according to expectations and as agreed.
We arranged a personalized safari which was all that we expected and more. The places recommended by the agency were fantastic. We did not encounter any problems with what was promised and all went according to plan. We even saw a place which was not in their recommended list but they still arranged to book it for us without hesitation. Again, all was as promised.
Newton was our contact at Bateleur Eagle Safaris and he always answered promptly to our questions. There were some minor changes to the timing of our flights booked with Bateleur Eagle Safaris and we were informed immediately.
The safari itself was an incredible experience that I would definitely recommend this tour operator!