BG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience
We had a private safari to Amboseli and Tzavo West organized by Jocky and enjoyed every minute of it. The minivan was comfy as can be with a professional driver who took very good care of our comfort and safety. With his persistency and experience he managed to show us all the animals we wanted to see including a lioness and a baby lion, which are not so many in Tzavo. The lodges in both places were ok, but one can pay for a more luxurious accommodation. We had all the costs negotiated from the beginning and were not asked for anything in addition. Reliable company
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3 Fabulous Days in Ongava / Etosha
My time in Ongava Game Reserve and Etosha was fabulous! Admittedly, this was my first safari so I don't have a point of comparison but I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. At Ongava, I liked how the animals were more integrated into the land so the guides had to do some tracking for us to see them. My favourite were the lions since we got to see them hunt (positively primal), play, play fight and do all sorts of high-flying acrobatics when the mother and cubs greeted. Walking with the white rhino was pretty spectacular too. Etosha itself was very different, with animals congregating more so at the watering holes, so it provided a nice contrast. I enjoyed watching the crashes of zebras run, the springbok males locking horns over the females, the innumerable giraffes of all colours from orange-brown to dark brown, seeing oryx, wildebeest, ostrich, etc... Seeing the pan itself was also pretty spectacular. Facilities-wise, Ongava Tented Lodge was beautifully appointed with fabulous food and it's own watering hole where we were able observe white rhino, black rhino, elephant (they had broken in from Etosha the day I arrived), kudu, etc... daily. It does get quite cold in the evenings so definitely bring warm clothing and treasure the hot water bottle that they leave in your bed in the evenings! For photos of my Namibian adventure, click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolyncheng/sets/72157655744210916 (the animals are at the end of the album).
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing once in a lifetime experience, made possible by Joao, Baraja and the Team
We floated a question on a Search Engine requesting for a Tour Operator who could plan a safari for us .Joao picked up our request with such alacrity that left us wondering if he is on the computer all the time! A string of E-mails followed and the rest as they say is history! Within a fortnight our trip was finalised. We landed in Tanzania and were met by Dickson who was to be our Guide for the next 6 days. Not only did we see the Big 5 (Dickson made sure that we did..) but the entire experience of the Trip-be it the Balloon Ride or the Night Safari or the Game drives or the packed lunches or the provision of the Field Glasses, were meticulously planned.All this was possible because of the professionalism of the Team- Joao ,Baraja,Sylvia,Elizabeth et al.Once we moved to Kenya,Patricia and Martin took over to give us an equally enriching experience at Amboseli and Nairobi.The Lodges that had been booked for us were wonderful especially Kibo Lodge in Amboseli.A Big Thank you to the entire Team of "It Started in Africa". Even before we touched down in India, we had started planning for another trip next Year!!!!
TR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Serengeti National Park by Pinar Erc
Serengeti is beautiful to visit but it is quite large. So to spot animals you need time or you need to be lucky. Game drives are a bit tiring but it is all worth it. I would definitely come back and stay more. Wildlife is enchanting.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very professional and excellent host.
Allan thank you for sending some of the photos that you took - what beautiful memories! We've told several people about our safari and have recommended you and your company very highly. We can't imagine having had a better safari experience with anyone else.
Pauline & Jack Seattle WA USA.
2014
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tanzania is an excellent safari destination with lots to be seen.
I visited Tanzania in December 2023 and did a 9 day safari over the Christmas and New Year period. I booked through Doreen Paradise and Wilderness, who were excellent. I was taken on a circuit of the national parks in the north of the country, and had some great wildlife viewing as well as some cultural encounters with the Maasi people.
The only real downside is that a lot of the roads are not metalized and can be rough and corrugated. So driving what can be long distances could be difficult for those with a bad back or similar condition.
Another piece of advice I would offer is always to go with a reputable travel company unless you are very confident of making your own arrangements. The bush in Tanzania is very different from European or North American city life and one could feel very lost without a ready made support network.
But I had a great time and would recommend it highly.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional Camping Safari
As a senior single female I found the camping experience to be very comfortable and safe. I was very pleased with the cleanliness of the tent and the beds and bathroom with hot water shower adjoined to the tent.
The game drivers worked hard to reach every interesting animal encounter/occurrence of the day. I did the 4 day 3 night safari and was thrilled to witness lions mating, several lion kills, a leopard, a mother cheetah with 4 babies and much more. The birds are spectacular as well. I had 2 different drivers and they never gave up the chase to find great animal encounters and then wait patiently until everyone in the vehicle had taken all the photos they wanted.
Meals were filling in a serve yourself style with lots of tea and coffee included. Other beverages were available for purchase. The staff at the camp was very efficient as well as friendly and polite.
Overall this was an extremely good experience and I will recommend Jocky Tours to my friends as a trust worthy, well priced, good value for money company
TR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Heaven on earth
The scenery is excellent. Very suitable for safari if you have short time. All land is visible, you can spot lots of animals in a short time. A little bit cold in the rim. It is a must if you are travelling to Tanzania for safari.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Holiday in Zimbabwe: Mana Pools, Hwange and Victoria Falls
We wish to thank Suzanne and Luke so much for organizing our trip in Zimbabwe, for we had a fantastic time walking in the wild, following footprints, running into wild animals, canoing in the upper and lower Zambesi, a.s.o.
The main difference between the experience of the safari in Zimbabwe and other African countries we visited before is that here we have been feeling in the bush more like players rather than onlookers.
It was surprising and adventurous (we had indeed great experiences!!) even though we always felt safe thanks to our skilled guides.
We also wish to thank Suzanne and Luke for taking so good care of us, meeting us at the airport and at the hotel before the departure. We will certainly come back in the near future !
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A beautiful country with complexities that you can feel. Very organized for tourism
My tour operator was Mzansi Experience. Not expensive and really very good. The parks are wonderful and full of animals, it is a very varied landscape. Tourists are welcomed with kindness and attention everywhere. Unfortunately I can't say I've lived the cities, because are described as dangerous, and in hotels they don't recommend walking - even during the day - so I didn't visit either the center of Cape Town or Johannesburg