FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
P-E-R-F-E-C-T !
My wife and I have booked the 4-Day Selous Ngalawa Safari with Indigo Safaris at the end of October 2019. Our contact was Corinne Bly and she was perfectly professional : efficient, clear and nice. Nevertheless, it's impossible to write a review beyond on Indigo Safaris. It was just the service provider for the booking. The one that has leaded our safari in Tanzania was Bush Routes. But, once again, the service was perfect.
Just on little critical on that point : the information about our service provider during the safari was not clear. Corinne Bly told us that our tour will be conducted by their partner, Ngalawa Camp (the place were we stayed for nights in Selous). Actually, the real service provider was Bush Routes. Corinne Bly also gave us the name and the phone numbers of two contacts from Bush Routes but there was a changing of last minutes for our guide and we were not informed. In short, even if everything was fine, it would be better to be clearer, more transparent on these information, just to reassure the tourists that just dont't really know who they're really dealing with.
For the rest, everything was just perfect. A chance for us, even if we're supposed to share the tour with other tourists , because of a lack of booking on this period, there were just the two of us, with the guide, Romani. He is a truely good person, and professional too. That was one of our best meeting in Tanzania. He was a really good guide, and we've learnt a lot with him. We had the chance to share all those four days with him, including meals at Ngalawa Camp. Discussing with him about everything, even about life in general, was really really interesting and precious.
The program of those four days was nearly perfect and in compliance with what was announced : on the first day, Romani took us at our hotel in Dar es Salam, and we've drived for nearly six hours, across the villages. It was contemplative. After a short rest in Ngalawa Camp, we took a boat for a safari on the river with other tourists from the camp. It was so peaceful, and still contemplative. We've seen a lot of animals and we've watched the sunset on a little island. And the second and the third day, we've driven all the day, from about 7.30 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. in Selous Reserve. How to summarize it : it was just wonderful ! Even if we've read that it's not the most beautiful in Tanzania, and even if there are not all the animals we are expecting to see (for example, no rhinoceros), Selous Reserve is not crowed of tourists, and it's really appreciable. And there are so many things to see ! Contemplative, again and again. A little disappointment about our last day, specially the walk in the reserve. Clearly, it is a truely touristic attraction. It's quite interesting to walk in the bush after two days in the car, learning about trees and animals prints, bones and... poops, but it too formatted. And it's quite unpleasant to face an insisting guide (not Romani, a guide from the reserve) asking for a tip. So, this part of the safari was not necessary, on our opinion. We had more fun on our way back to Dar es Salam . We had two car breakdowns, especially the brakes (!), but it was like a part of the "folklore" : Romani (that is an outstanding driver and also a mechanic) fixed it quite easily, and it was for us a time to stop in a village.
Finally, about Ngalawa Camp, there are only good things to say : when we book a safari, there as so many offers that it hard to know what is good or bad, specially when you have a little budget. However, even with a little budget and a booking for budget tented camp outside Selous Reserve, with no doubt, it was wonderful. Ngalawa Camp is lost in the bush and is a real peaceful place to rest. The view is also contemplative (again, again and again !), and the common places really lovely. At night or in the very morning, to sit on the terrace of the restaurant, having a drink, a dinner or a breakfeast, watching at sunrise or sunset, by candle light, discussing with other people, was truely precious. The staff is incredible and generous, from the manager to the cooker. The food (breakfast, lunch, dinner and water included !) was so good and in quantity. They make you feel at home. As for the budget tented camp, don't be afraid ! These are more bungalows than tented camp : the walls are tented camp, but on a cement slab, with private bathroom. A lovely place for an honeymoon !
We absolutely recommend Ingido Safaris, Bush Routes and Ngalawa Camp !
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great nature experience marred by unprofessional company
An amazing trip that was soured by, Doreen Kesiime, the owner. I was willing to overlook some of the more annoying/disappointing things.Like being harassed on a daily basis for proof of payment. I made a late booking-10 days b4 travel- on a Friday evening before a long weekend and informed Doreen the bank would therefore authorise the transaction on Tuesday. Despite this I received multiple messages on a daily basis during the weekend requesting proof of payment, repeatedly informing me about difficulties obtaining permits last minute, etc, all of which we were both aware of!
On arrival in Entebbe, Doreen was picked up joined the tour for the full duration. I was therefore expecting everything to go according to plan.Between her fielding numerous personal and work calls during game drives and walks in conservation areas, littering in conservation areas, making several inappropriate remarks( eg how she would report homosexuals to the police and going into graphic detail why she found anal sex disgusting, commenting that my preference for coffee made " a woman dry down there"), I decided her presence did not add value to the experience. Changes were made to the itinerary without discussing it or informing me- I did the Gorilla trek form a different location( only informed on arrival to Bwindi), only 2 of the 5 accommodations on my itinerary were booked( one was changed due to tracking from a different location).
Again,because I truly enjoyed the activities thus far on the tour( Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National park, Batwa People community walk, Gorilla Tracking) I didn't make too much of a fuss.
The last straw however was being taken to an inferior accommodation then the one in the itinerary at Lake Bunyoni. This was the afternoon following the gorilla tracking when I was looking forward to a decent shower and bed to sleep in( not always possible at the other accommodations booked- at one lodge the drain was blocked and flooded the entire room)) What was infuriating was that this was the only stipulation I had made prior to commencing the tour when I picked up that the itinerary hotel did not match the website hotel. After the Bwindi changes , I was assured that the hotels booked henceforth were correct. A 3 hr standoff ensued with Doreen initially stating that the resort name didn't exist and was an error on her website( this despite seeing her view it on booking.com at dinner the night before!). She tried to convince me that we were at the correct place( the names were similar) When shown their website and availability, she continued to try and coerce me into staying there.Various reasons for the incorrect booking and not being able to book me into the original hotel were then given: a late booking, reading the name incorrectly, no funds available, the manager refusing to refund her, etc.I even offered to pay for the booking and she refund me in Kampala, which she refused. Out of frustration I requested to cancel the rest of the tour and be taken back to Kampala that evening.She eventually relented and I was taken to the hotel on my booking.It was unfortunate that a refund of approx $40 spoilt what was supposed to have been an extraordinary day. Or that I had to waste precious time to get the 3rd of the 5 accommodations I had paid for.
The positives remain the natural beauty of Uganda and the efforts and knowledge of the tour guide and driver, Nelson.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent experience from start to finish
I enquired about a safari with CATS Africa through Safaribookings, and they replied very quickly with all relevant details. Joyce was then very helpful and responsive in planning my safari until we got to the perfect trip for what we wanted and our budget. Payment was confirmed very quickly, which was reassuring. Everything was very professional, and other members of the office (John and Anne) were also helpful.
On the actual safari, everything went perfectly! Our driver/guide, Cyrus, picked us up exactly as arranged and off we went. Cyrus was not only very knowledgeable about the parks we went to and the wildlife, but also about modern Kenya in general and he was very interesting to talk to over our 5 day trip. He was experienced, kind and helpful. We went in 4x4 (Which I would personally recommend over a minibus) and it was really comfortable. We visited Nakuru, Naivasha and the Masai Mara - the trip was well planned in terms of time spent in each area and our accommodation was great. And of course we saw some amazing wildlife! The variety of the three parks was excellent, and while there was a fair amount of driving, it didn't feel like too much to me - especially as the road to the Mara is now pretty much fully paved. It was a bit wet in the Mara but that's December I think, and can only be a good thing. There was still a really high density of wildlife to be seen.
Overall, a fantastic experience that we won't forget for all the right reasons! CATS Africa are a trustworthy and experienced operator and I'd have no hesitation recommending them to others arranging a safari in Kenya.
IL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Horrible safari
The safari was ok but the service was really bad!
For one day we did not have breakfast after we woke up at 6 a.m.- and it was written in the schedual that we suppose to have a full breakfast!
We went for the safari with a broken car and we had 3 flat tire!
So we spent half of the day just trying to fix it! And the guide was so relaxing and "hakuna matata", he did not apologise for us and he worked very slowly.
So in the end we fixed one of the flat tires!
It was really bad experience. When I came back from the safari so the manager asked "how was the safari" and I said "that it was not good and I want to talk with you" he just said ok and than he just gone and I could not talk with him!
Hope for you to take other company!
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
BST organised our Morokolo Lodge Safari tour
Exceptionally fast, clear and efficient communication. Everything was done via email and then super quick WhatsApp. Couldn’t have been better with our flight time known by BST. Our driver was there to meet us at the airport.
Safari was fantastic (3-days).
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Memorable,safe,need a repeat tower, the best
Excellent service, simple and good communication, fwish it was a forever travel, made me feel comfotable and at hoe, no hustles. I love Africa
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience, customer service was very good and guides were excellent.
Communication was excellent.
Got furnished with all the information prior to arrival and during my stay.
Will recommend anyone to use their service, you won't regret it.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3 day Tanzania safari (solo)
Selecting a safari tour operator is a daunting task, and I could not have been happier with my decision. From the initial inquiry all the way through my trip the communication with Allen Tanzania Safaris was easy and quick. Silas reached out to me the day before my safari to let me know my driver's name, to confirm pickup location and lunch option for the first day. Amani was a wonderful guide, even spotting a leopard in a tree while driving that I couldn't even see when I zoomed in with my camera! He (Amani) was a wealth of information as I asked questions about places or items we saw on the way to the different parks, different animals and birds, and always communicated exactly what the plan was each day.
The lodge that Allen Tanzania Safaris use (Eileen Trees Inn) has to be one of the most beautiful properties I have ever stayed at, the pictures online do not do it justice. The food and service are superb!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly recommend Kenya Best safari tour
Lovely experience of the morning &evening game drives,amazing safari,hospitable staff and excellent follow up communications.
Anytime Mara 2 serengeri safaris......my babies will never forget the wild experience---it was great great.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Journey with Kanyezi
Had been thinking about visiting South Africa for a long time and finally decided to make the trip with Kanyezi. I have to say first that I could not have made a better choice. From the day of arrival in Cape Town to our departure at Johannasburg, Kenyezi delivered on all that they had promised, guiding us on an adventure of a lifetime. Tours of Cape Town were fantastic and included a tour of the City, a visit to a Cheetah rescue facility, a penguin colony, a local market, a visit to a winery and trip to the Cape of Good Hope. The hotel we stayed at was first rate with more than one restaurant choice and beautiful African art in the lobby.
From Cape Town we headed up to the Sabi Sabi National Reserve for our Safari Adventure of a lifetime. We stayed at the Bush Lodge which was the most amazing and beautiful place with large suites, a watering hole, amazing staff and the best food. Try the local delicacies if your are an adventurous diner. If not, there are choices for all palates. We went on Safari twice a day for four hours at a time and as promised, got to see the Big Five on every day of this adventure, plus a couple of rare finds of a Cheetah that had just made a kill as well as a pack of wild dogs. There was also an opportunity to visit a local village to meet the people and included stops a school where all of the children were excited to meet us. Also included an optional chance to see a shaman, which to me was a hoot, and we also met a group of local women who invited us to dance with them as one of them played a drum for us. Was a wonderful day.
After the safari we chose to go to Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls, the Seventh Wonder of the Natural World. We stayed in a very nice motel accomodation right on the Zambezi River and besides visiting the Falls we were treated to a great buffet style dinner where there were local drummers and dancers and we got to play along with drums that they passed out to people at the tables. On the second evening we took a cruise along the Zabezi River where we were treat to snacks and drinks and saw a family of hippos swimming across the river. An amazing site.
Thank you Chris, Chip and Manny for making this trip an adventure of a lifetime. We hope to join you again in the future. GO KANYEZI