US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Stand on the Roof of Africa with African Traits!
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro has been a dream of mine for over 6 years. This January, African Traits helped make this dream a reality. I climbed the 6-day Machame route with my father and a happy, hard-working team from African Traits. My father and I could not believe how well we were taken care of during the journey! We felt cared about and safe, and had the absolute time of our lives. Our team was passionate about assuring we would make it to the summit, which was such an exciting and inexplicable feeling of accomplishment.
African Traits is an extremely personable, well communicative, unbelievably helpful tour company for Kili climbs, safaris, treks, authentic cultural experiences, and more. The owner, Godfrey Willy, makes any trip easy to book. He is reliable and professional. WHEN I come back to Tanzania (and probably climb Mt Kilimanjaro again!!!) I will definitely be using African Traits.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Africa on a platter
I spent a good two weeks in South Africa and looked after by Adventure Anywhere on safari. The staff was organized - made my experience of South Africa a pleasure. They put together nice itinerary for Kruger. Tank you!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
unfortunate experience *updated*
Update February 2nd, 2017:
The owner of the company called me with concerns about my review, so I will clarify that further.
I said the food was not good, which was too blanket a statement. There was a buffet for every meal, and most people could find something in it that appealed to them. There was always a certain amount of Indian food, as Kenya has a large East Indian population. I wouldn't go expecting gourmet offerings, but the food was satisfactory. Mark (the owner) said he eats fruits and vegetables every time he goes there, but it seemed to me like no one wanted to risk it on my trip.
As for options that cost more, I was referring to side trips that are offered if you have the time.
Another point I didn't make in my review was to be sure to bring extra cash-like at least $250. There are many things you will need it for, and they gladly take American dollars, so no need to change money.
Original review:
My experience with Odyssey started out well: I though they had good communications and returned my emails and calls promptly. Where it all fell apart was when they had a problem with the return ticket and did not give me accurate and timely information. This caused me a lot of anxiety and anger, because they were not honest and forthcoming about what was happening. It turned out fine in that I did get home, but my feelings about the trip are tainted.
The tour itself seemed to be ok, with a lot of driving and very little rest or down time. Also, the food was not good. Many of the options are not really available at all, and most cost extra money.
I would caution anyone interested in this company to be aware of every detail stated in the package, and keep a careful eye on arrival times and any changes that are made.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The experience was ok but not over the top considering the name 'celebrity tours'
The lodge was great, the safari was not good, there were no animals to see. Our driver din't communicate clearly e.g he Said it was 20 dollars to visit a masaai village n on arrival to the village, it was 20 dollars Per person. Some drivers were getting to close to the animals n he Said it was not allowed and he was actually obligated to report if he saw one but he din't coz he Said they were masaai's. Our car had a problem driving back to nairobi which made everyone tense.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
This was the trip of a lifetime!
This trip of a lifetime was guided by Stephen who has vast knowledge of the flora and fauna of East Africa. He is personable with a great sense of humor. We traveled to eight different National Parks and game reserves in Tanzania and saw the exquisite animals of the country: lions, elephants, impala, giraffes, zebra, hyenas, flamingos and a baby leopard…..and more. A fantastic journey and all from the comfort of our safari vehicle. We learned so much about the raw, wild beauty of this land. This is a journey that no one should miss.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
great!
Personal trip with guide Johnny. Nice travel from Lilongwe to Zomba. Stayed in beautiful lodge (casa rossa) .After that to Cape mc clear in beautiful lodge.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic Trip to The National Parks, plus Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking
The service from Justus for the booking and assistance with Visa's, hotel reservations on arrival and departure from Entebbe and flights from Southern Uganda back to Entebbe was great. Jimmy was our driver/guide and he was very knowledgeable, helped us with everything we needed. He came up with some surprise stops including a walk with the Rhino's at a rehabilitation centre on the way to Murchison falls National Park. Would recommend Gorilla Bookings to travellers
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Vacation Ever
This was genuinely the best time we had ever had on vacation. In addition to the trip itself being incredible, the staff was very easy to communicate with and helpful. I would, without hesitation, recommend this company to anyone traveling to Africa.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fully adapted for your request, about plannig, timing and selected liodges. Very vocational
We stayed a fantastic 10 nights traveling by road with adventure markers, guided by Stephen. Very vocational, pleasent and trustfull driver. We visited mikumi 3 n. Ruaha 3n. Morogoro 1 n. And Selous 3n.
Good 4x4 wheels car, perfect for a pair.
Whole our expectation has been done.
You can go there with this company, i trust them a lot.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful lifetime experience
"It Started in Africa" were true professionals from the first email(there were many) to the final airport drop off!
Together we put together an amazing tour starting with the gorillas in Rwanda and travelling through Kenya and Tanzania on Safari. The itinerary was our own and we chose exactly where we wanted to go, when we wanted to go and the level of accommodation that we wanted.
The office staff are very responsive to all questions and are happy to accommodate every request. The drivers are knowledgeable, competent and fun.
I found that we go so much more for our money than we would have if we'd booked though a company here in Australia. It's important to support this local business and cut out the middle man.
I fully recommend It Started in Africa. You will not be disappointed.