35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The most visited National Park in Uganda, definitely deserves a visit
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited National Park in Uganda. Located on the Western Region, the Park occupies more then 1,900 square kilometers. I started early morning with a Game Drive in the plains. Beautiful scenery and I had the chance to see some lions and lots of monkeys. I strongly recommend a visit to Kawe village were Salt mining is done for centuries. The highlight of the day was the cruise where you can see all kinds of wildlife. Elephants, crocodiles, rhinos, the list goes on...If you visit the Western area of Uganda, don't miss this beautiful National Park.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Often described as a good introduction to the wildlife and birds of Kenya, this park is a must see.
We were originally planning to skip Nairobi National Park in favor of other destinations, but something came up forcing us to remain in Nairobi an extra day. I'm very glad we visited. It's so much more than just the juxtaposition of megafauna in view of the Nairobi skyline. We saw nearly 100 species of birds in a few hours, and we got to see a lot of large mammals easily, including a lion with blood dripping from its mouth, having just come from a kill. You can actually get out of the vehicle and walk around the hippo pools trail -- the park has a guard at the trailhead who will take you for a tip -- which allowed us to see insects, a nile crocodile, and a number of birds up close in the tall acacias there. It was great because visitors aren't allowed to leave their vehicle in many Kenyan parks. If I make a return trip to Kenya, I will make a point to visit Nairobi National Park again.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Saw 3 of the Big 5
We went through the tour company Quality Touring Services (http://www.qualitytouringservices.co.za/index.htm). The guides were very knowledgeable and professional. We first drove through the park in a small bus that holds about 30 people. We saw a lot of wildlife right away: warthogs, red hartebeests, an eland, a black-backed jackal, zebras, helmeted guinea fowl, elephants, male and female ostriches (and their eggs!), kudu, leopard tortoise and another small one I can't remember, and black-headed heron.
I highly recommend taking the open air vehicle tour because they can go off the main roads, whereas the personal cars cannot. That's where we got to see two male lions very up close and personal! It was awesome.
The restaurant told us they were only serving breakfast, which was very delicious, however, we saw that the table next to us (also with our party), were able to order lunch. That was a bit disappointing!
Go into the interpretation center to read about Hapoor the elephant. Very interesting story.
Overall, it was really great. Many of the watering holes are on the side of the roads so we were able to see many animals. That's the only part that seemed a bit artificial. Oh and we stayed along the edge of the park for some of the tour so you can see fencing and also electrical towers, etc.
LC
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Botswana by Horst M. Vogel
What I said about the Okavango Delta applies to virtually all destinations in Botswana. Their remoteness gives you the feeling of being one with nature even if only for a short period of time. Enjoying a campfire under the nightly glitter of the overarching Milky Way is somehow surreal.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kenya by Steve
Kenya has some of the greatest bird diversity in Africa, and it was a wild place to visit. In some respects, bird and mammal diversity is restricted to the large parks, or at least the regularly birded destinations. We tried to visit places off the beaten path, but we had a hard time stopping on the side of the road without attracting a scene. The human population is blosoming, and the countryside and many parks are suffering from people trying to support their families. If you stick to your itinerary with a tour group, you'll be exposed to some of the best parks Kenya has to offer.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about South Africa by Gail
It was the only safari I've ever been on, so I don't have anything to compare it to. However, for a first time, it was wonderful.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mind blowing Safari & Beach adventures with Original Tanzania
We booked our safari adventure with Original Tanzania as a once in a lifetime holiday experience to celebrate a 40yr milestone birthday. This was a lifelong ambition of mine, my husband had visited Kenya many years ago and my 13yr old stepson was a perfect age to have his mind completely blown...
The three of us had detailed communication with Sarah and Elias about our best options, must see places, preferred modes of transport and accommodation and they came up with a stunning itinerary to maximise our time in the North of Tanzania before flying to Zanzibar for a relaxing luxury week on the tropical sands.
Original Tanzania were recommended to us by friends who had experienced their Kilimanjaro treks and backpacker safaris so to hear Elias' first hand experiences of various lodge accommodation and National Parks got us really excited and looking forward to our trip. All of our questions were answered in detail and we were given plenty of useful hints and tips prior to departure.
We were met at Kilimanjaro airport by our guide Deo at an ungodly hour & taken to our hotel in Arusha. After a lazy morning acclimatising Deo met us again and took us into Arusha for a look around and for some haggling at the local Masai market.
Early next morning we were on our way! Our private vehicle was fully kitted out with plenty of room, a fridge, a ton of bottled water and USB phone/camera charging points, and so we set off on our adventure.
Deo was a fantastic guide, he and our son hit it off straight away. He was very knowledgeable and patient which paid off for us getting the best views and photos of all the wildlife. We also had a good giggle along the way!
We visited Lake Maynara, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park. All of the accommodation chosen for us was spot on with each being very different from the last but still providing us with exactly what we wanted at the end of each day. The food and service were great. My son has a nut allergy and each lodge was pre-warned, very accommodating and each morning he had his own specially prepared lunchbox to take out with us. My personal favourite of all the accommodation being Kati Kati tented camp where we experienced lions and elephants and god knows what wandering through camp at night - amazing!!! We were all completely blown away by the variety of landscapes, the number of animals we saw and how close we got to them. Only missed out on the elusive Mr Rhino..
At the end of our safari we were due to fly from Arusha to Zanzibar. Our flight was overbooked, however Deo had stayed with us until check in and the internal flight operator had arranged for a group of us to be transported to Kilimanjaro airport for a later flight. All we needed to do was ask Deo to contact Original Tanzania to let our pickup in Zanzibar know we would be late. Despite this hiccup, it was easily and painlessly resolved and as soon as we were in wi-fi reach Elias contacted us directly to make sure we were OK.
On arrival in Zanzibar we were met by our driver and a guide who gave us lots of information about tours and sights and activities in Zanzibar along with his number should we wish to organise anything. Our beachfront hotel was rustic yet charming and we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery and took a well earned rest after the full on, non-stop week in a truck.
We loved Tanzania and its people and would not have changed a single thing about our trip. We would like to thank Elias, Sarah and Deo for providing us with such a memorable and amazing experience and also for their little personal touches which made it an extra special holiday.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
6 Days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli
We went with this company in 6 days Safari. 3 days Masai Mara, 1 day lake Nakuru and 3 days Amboseli. Everything was fine. In the Masai Mara we saw a lot of animals, saw lions, cheetahs, jaguars. In Amboseli watched hunting cheetahs on antelopes. Certainly it is a merit of the driver. They were talking on the radio and inform others what animals are located where. On the second day in the Masai Mara we had lunch next to a herd of giraffes, it was great. In Nakuru was a very nice hotel, and in Amboseli we lived in a nice camp. Near the camp we saw gazelles, monkeys and many different birds. Thank you for a delightful vacation.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Ultimate safari getaway
I went by myself with ultimate safari experience a few years ago, and I have to say I was amazed at the quality of the itinerary. The tour had 11 people for two weeks and we had an amazing time. Being an expert for African Safaris you can tell research and hard work is put into the itinerary. Best price I've come across and one of the best Safaris I've been on. Reccomended. Luxury Safaris at unbeatable prices. Looking forward to my next safari. Thankyou team.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip our Family has ever been on.
Our family has visited many places in the US, as well as Mexico and Canada. We live in the beautiful pacific Northwest and normally go to Hawaii during the winter for some warm weather . That said, our family was amazed by the beautiful locations this company took us too, the incredible animals, and the wonderful people we met along the way. What made the trip even more special was our guide Charles. He immediately made us comfortable in his country the minute we landed, won over our children (Even our shy seven year old), and educated us about his country and his culture. I would absolutely recommend this Company to anyone thinking about going on Safari in Tanzania.