20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable School Safari Trip
We have just returned from a wonderful 11-day Safari in Kenya with Africa Celebrity Tours. We were a large school group of 26 people in total. The booking process went very smoothly, and the operations manager Muli was very patient and understanding about changes to numbers of people who were coming. He worked with us to design a detailed itinerary through Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli. He took into account special requirements we had as a school group, which was very helpful. Communication all through the booking process was fantastic and Muli usually replied within only a few hours despite the time difference.
On the ground in Kenya the wildlife beat our wildest expectations. The Drivers were very knowledgeable and skilful at spotting animals. Within our first three hours on Safari in Masai Mara we had already spotted the big five. They also pointed out birdlife and smaller animals, which the children were equally as interested in by the end of the trip. The food and facilities in the hotels were excellent. They were all in the heart of the national park so we could start spotting wildlife as soon as we left the gates.
An unexpected highlight was Hell’s Gate National Park. Our guide told the kids that the park was the inspiration for the pride lands in which the Lion King is set. We spent the morning on a cycling safari in which our guide pointed out Pride Rock. We then had a 2-hour hike through the gorge in which Mufasa dies in the film. There aren’t any lions or other large predators here in real life, which makes it possible to cycle and hike, and also explains why it attracts much fewer tourists than the other parks. However, the opportunity to cycle with giraffes, Zebras and Buffalo more than makes up for this, especially if you need a break from the vehicle for a while.
Another highlight was visiting a Masai School one morning in Amboseli. Our children enjoyed interacting and sharing gifts with the local children before playing a game of football. They were impressed with how keen and energetic the local children were despite having very basic facilities in the school.
Thanks for an unforgettable trip! I would not hesitate to use this company again in a few years time.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly and knowledgeable
We enjoyed the group tour immensely! It definitely exceeded our expectations. The guide was very friendly and went out of the way to ensure we had a memorable experience..
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Experience
Extremely helpful, accommodating and very honest.
I was a little sceptical about the whole experience prior to my visit. But, I have to be honest, I was mind blown.
Highly Highly Recommended!
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trustworthy and efficient.
Hi Malvika
Just winding down our trip now and would like to thank you and your crew for the work you have done on our behalf.
We have had an amazing trip.
Jock’s was outstanding, the Blue Train was interesting and unique, and the accomodation and golf, first class!!
We have loved the South African experience and would definitely consider another trip.
Thanks once again
Marion
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Water, Wilderness and Wildlife Safari through Zimbabwe and South Africa visiting heritage sites
John Cooper, the owner operator of African Adventure Safaris prepared an amazing itinerary for our group of six to some different places not generally on the tourist trail but most certainly worthy of a visit. We flew into Harare, Zimbabwe via Johannesburg from Sydney and spent two days recovering from the flight at Wild Geese Lodge. During this time we were able to grasp some of the economic hardship that is Zim at present, yet the spirit of the people we met was one of supreme optimism.
We travelled by road to Lake Kariba and stayed in the new Kariba Safari Lodge. A wonderful place with private amenities, delicious food and friendly staff. Three days on a houseboat allowed us to explore some of the lake which is over 200 kilometres long. The houseboat provided queen bed, A/C and ensuite for each of our party and the off shore excursions allowed us to get close to Hippos, Crocs, Elephants and other wildlife.
We flew in a charter aircraft to Mana Pools Lodge on the Zambezi River. Here Elephants would stroll through the grounds, Hyenas could be heard at night and we met a herd of Elan that actually posed for our photographs rather than run away as they usually do. Waterbuck, Baboon, Buffalo, Crocodile, Kudu and a variety of birds completed the African Cocktail.
A trip to Southern African would not be complete without a visit to Victoria Falls. The Kingdom Hotel is so centrally located and was our base for two nights after we had flown from Mana Pools. There is so much to do in Vic Falls one really needs two full days at least. We chose to Walk with Lions, a Helicopter flight and a walk through Victoria Falls National Park to view the amazing volume of water that the Zambezi River dumps into the gorge. Any spare time was easily consumed shopping in the various markets and stalls.
Hwange National Park, 14,500 square kilometres of untouched countryside is an ideal environment for Elephants, Lions, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Hippo, and Buffalo. We were so fortunate to stay at Bomani Tented Lodge and were taken to the site on a purpose built small train designed specifically for this trip. The "Elephant Express" is a unique experience as is "The Hide" inside the park. The "Elephant Express" crew seemed excited as we pulled up short of our accommodation. We were "detrained" and taken to view the first sighting of a Lioness with 3 week old cubs. Whereas the is such a range of animals in Africa, lions still hold a special place in one's experiences so to view this mother, her cubs and other pride animals on our first day was amazing. Shepherd our driver guide was so attuned to the animals and their surroundings. A nature walk was a special experience and then being in "The Hide" when several herds came down to drink at the waterhole was unforgettable. Virtually standing under Elephants only 7 metres away watching their interactions with one another was special. Having seen a range of animals we were still up for a close encounter with a Lion and on our last morning we located a Jackal that did not run away. Closer inspection lead us to a Lion who had killed a Buffalo the previous night and he was content to guard his kill and ignore us when we were only metres away. Some great photo opportunities.
Amalinda Lodge in the Matopos Hills was our next location. A stunning landscape, supposedly home to Leopards and where we met Ian Harmer a "Rhino Whisperer" who took us for close encounters with endangered White Rhinos.
Our last safari stop was at Camp Shawu in Kruger National Park for three nights and John had "saved the best till last". Here we were able to view ALL of the BIG 5. Whilst Lions are pretty cool, seeing a Leopard is REALLY special. Our game drive that afternoon allowed us to view not one Leopard but two in different areas. Plus earlier that same day we viewed Wild Dog which we had not seen anywhere else.
This was our SECOND trip with John Cooper from African Adventure Safari Company: www.africanadventures.com.au
We were delighted we travelled with John again. Our first experience 5 years ago was great, this time was even better. FIVE STAR!
MX
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I can't imagine this experience without the magic of service from Natural World Kenya Safaris
Just finished a week ago our Safari with this company. We went through Kenya and Tanzania. Drivers were AWESOME. Always making an effort for us to watch all the animals. Ask for Thomas or Paul Mbaya in Kenia. they both are AMAZING!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Tarangire National Park by Kirsten
A typical first stop on the way to the Serengeti, Tarangire is a great first stop! Can get your first taste of many different kinds of East African wildlife as well as see the Baobob tree!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Serengeti National Park by Kirsten
Our favorite part- definitely the bush vibe we were expecting coming into Tanzania. Huge park with lots to see- many diverse animals and landscapes. Loved seeing all of the rock formations while driving around looking for lions. We got close to many different cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs), saw many baby animals, and were lucky enough to spot a serval cat! Great place to see a ton of wildlife without seeing too many other cars- making for some great photos!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Kirsten
Good place to see a high density of animals all living close to each other, with a great vista at the top. Best place to catch the infamous rhino. Definitely one of the busier parks, so feels a little bit less like a national park and more like a tourist attraction. Harder to get photos, unless game drive goes further away from the heavy traveled areas.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Kirsten
Great place to see birds in their natural environment- especially flamingos and pelicans. Also can see lots of herd animals drinking at the watering hole. Wasn't lucky enough to see the climbing lions- hopefully next time.