50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Bernhard was an excellent guide and shared his extensive knowledge and experience with us.
Bernhard is an excellent guide and showed that he knew the park and the animals extremely well.He freely shared his knowldge and took us to all parts of the park.He also distinguished himself from the other rangers by providing personalised service (teas and coffees) and allowed us use of his binoculars. He is highly recommended and I will not hesitate to use him again! Well done Bernhard!!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Diverse habitats but not the fantastic spectacle of some of the other Tanzanian parks
Arusha is a great place if you already have experience at the major parts. On the positive side, it isn't crowded with tourists. It has diverse habitats from forests to lakes to savannah to mountains. There are quite a few large mammals, but no predators or elephants. The flamingos around Momella lakes will blow your mind (and are so much closer and easier to enjoy than at Lake Natron, the other famous flamingo destination). It has a lot to offer for serious birders, but doesn't have too many of the spectacular birds that interest casual birders. We only went there self-guided, so I can't comment on going with a guide. There are a couple of great lodges just outside the park, Hatari by the north entrance, and another I can't remember by the south entrance. The park is small enough that you can see most of it in two days (excluding hiking in the forest, which I can't comment about; supposedly climbing Meru is fantastic, and a much different experience than the crowded slog up Kili). The small size makes it manageable, but is probably also the biggest negative and why I said it is good to visit after a major park- Arusha just doesn't have the vast open spaces and throngs of animals of Tarangire, Ngorongoro, or Serengeti.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Sabi Sand Game Reserve by Caroline
This was more of a canned experience with the rangers knowing exactly where to take you. For that type of experience however, it was exceptional.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beautiful country with friendly people, incredible scenery, and amazing wildlife.
I did a one day safari to Ngorongoro crater, and then a trek on Kilimanjaro. Both amazing experiences, both showcasing the range of natural scenery, animal, and plant life that Tanzania has to offer. Everyone--both tour operators and locals--was friendly and welcoming. A wonderful vacation overall, and I hope to be able to come back soon!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Mkhuze Game Reserve by Caroline
Once again its been a while since we visited and they have since introduced more wildlife. A wonderful memory is watching (from a distance) the hippo come out of the water after dark.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful scenery, abundance of wildlife, good tourism infrastructure
Toured Murchison, Queen Elisabeth, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi, Mburu, Kazi GA Channel Ziwa sanctuary. 8 days 7 nights. Ecovic and our tour guide Frank was flexible and very accommodating. From Canada where it is colder so be prepared as mosquitos and heat/humidity can be more than you may be used to but some repellant fine. Be prepared to do some hiking up and down to see chimps and gorillas. Maybe bring a fan. Don't forget sunscreen. Bush tents are very luxurious for a tent but rooms are better. But you are there for the wildlife and adventure which you will certainly get! Food was fantastic at all accomodation. Leopards are probably the hardest to find but if lucky you will. We did. Guides talk to each other to help know where the animals are which is good. Roads in west were all great. Kampala city roads not good off the main highway but you aren't there for that. Felt safe everywhere we went, (even checked out the DRC border south of QE which was very quiet!). 8 days for all that would be minimum time required. Prices are cheap for food and souvenirs, especially just off the main tourist trap of Bwindi. Sometimes menus don't have all the items on the menu but they still have good food options. I had steak a few times that was very good and was only $10. Fruit is plentiful and cheap. Drink bottles water which is readily available. Good cell service everywhere although wifi can be limited to only certain areas of a hotel.
It was my second trip to Uganda in 3 months and thought my visa was still good but had just expired. Was able to be issued a tourist visa upon arriving thankfully at immigration in airport for usd$100 so that was a big relief.
Our guide Frank was fantastic and highly recommend him.
Lifetime highlight: baby gorilla at Bwindi held my hand!
In towns we didn't go out after dark and in Kampala watch out for pick pockets. That said, there is a nice mall in Kampala called Acacia that is like anything in Canada, even a KFC! Uber works in Kampala and is fairly cheap. Bring some toilet paper as if you have to stop in a small town bathroom you might just have a hole in the floor. If you forget something you can always buy whatever you need in Uganda. There are hundreds of small pharmacies everywhere in towns if you need malaria pills or get a bought of watery diarrhea.
Stop at some roadside markets for souvenirs, food, etc. Bring lots of usd $1's and $5's for tips. USD is pretty widely accepted. Just ensure they are clean notes as the banks will discount what Ugandans receive in exchange rate if they are marked or dirty and Ugandans will give you a lower rate as a result if paying in USD, (10% discount). Remember that prices are usually negotiable and tourist prices for regular goods are 1.5-2x that of Ugandan prices but still very cheap by western standards. Overall a fantastic trip! And much cheaper to see Gorillas in Uganda than in Rwanda. Plus English is spoken everywhere so communication is no problem.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Ithala Game Reserve by Caroline
Been a while since I visited but the birding is exceptional. The game viewing less so but the accommodation was pretty good.
JO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kind people and amazing safaris!
Visiting Kenya is an absolute must if you love nature and wild safaris. The people are so kind and friendly. I travelled solo to many tourist attractions and villages, and felt safe throughout. They warned me of possible theft incidences especially in the capital Nairobi, hence, I was being careful with my belongings (as I would in any other country) so nothing happened. Safaris were an absolute delight, but make sure of the following: a) do your homework on when is the best time to travel for best experience, b) make sure you check the accommodation from different websites/ reviews/ images, again for better experience. My travel agent Beast Spoor, whom I was lucky to have selected, made it memorable! Thank you so much and looking forward to coming back soon!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve by Caroline
This is a wonderful park that I visit often. I always stay in park accommodation and although the camps vary in quality (love Nselweni) being in the park is the best. The tar roads are pretty bad with potholes but they are presently repairing them. The other roads are fine. The game viewing is generally good and I enjoy being able to use my own vehicle.