US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing self drive Namibian Adventure!
First off just want to give a big thank you to Extraordinary Africa and Alex in particular. Our trip more than exceeded our expectations. All We knew was that we wanted to go to Africa and our time line, that was it... From the very beginning Alex bent over backwards to help us figure out what country was best to visit during March/April. Being the wet season she suggested Namibia, not the most traditional first safari destination, and it ended up being the best possible introduction to Africa. Not very many Americans travel to Africa, so there is a lot of misinformation, and trepidation about traveling to Africa, especially off the beaten path. The Extraordinary Africa staff quickly answered all of our questions (even the ridiculous ones, without making us feel silly for asking) and made the planning process smooth. Our itinerary was tailored specifically to our needs and we left the planning process feeling like we got exactly what we wanted. Once on the ground in Windhoek, Extraordinary Africa arranged seamless transport to our hotel and coordinated our link up with local staff and for the delivery of our vehicle. Throughout the trip Extraordinary Africa, or their local representative, were accessible 24/7 to add tour and game drives to our booking. One day they were able to book us a Quad Bike trip less than two hours after we called. Namibia was an amazing country, the stark beauty of the desert was best experienced from the self drive safari we booked. It gave us the freedom to go at our own pace, stopping and climbing any interesting mountain or rock formation along the way. We ended up spending nearly a month driving around Namibia, experiencing many different environments and biotypes. From the deserts of Soussusvlei, to the Big Five sightings in Etosha National Park, and the lush river valley of the Okovango, to the urban environs of Swakopmund and Windhoek, Namibia was an amazing country. I will definitely be back in African and will definitely be booking with Extraordinary Africa again.
Eric
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Customer service and very professional
We had occasion to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro on August 9th. 2014 and had it not been for this outfitter, we would not have accomplished such a feat. We had started to prepare for the climb about a year befire and spent much time determining which outfitter to use. We were concerned because 4 of the 5 climbers in our group were over 55 and one, who was 67, had a heart condition. Our tour operator had recommended Kilele Savane, but we found scant information on the web about this outfitter. We asked for references, which were supplied, but none responded to our inquiries. We also asked a bunch of questions about equipment, food, conditions etc. and all were answered very professionally. In the end we decided to take the plunge after the tour operator mentioned that the owner of Kilele, Frank Mella, had himself been a guide, climbed the mountain hundreds of times in 20 years and that her own daughter had used this outfit.
It turns out that our fears were unfounded - we could not have asked for a better team. We had 19 porters, a cook, two assistant guides and a head guide - a total of 23 support team members. The guides were incredible with a total of over 500 climbs between them. Without their expertise and patience, we would not have made this grueling ascent or descent.
Other little things made such a difference to our experience. Flight delays and lost luggage were handled with ease. Frank himself provided ground transportation to a late-arriving participant, taking him directly to the gate so he could catch up to the rest. He also provided his own sleeping bag, back pack and poles to one whose luggage did not make it. Then there were the times when Patrick (aka Marathon Man) brought us tea one hour before we reached each camp just to lift our sagging spirits. Last, but not least, were the delicious meals and snacks provided by out Masai cook Samson and served by the ever-considerate Ezron. What a team!
I would not hesitate to recommend Kilele Savane and the three guides that made all the difference - John Lyimo , Nyanda Benedicto and Ruta. Their strength, sensitivity and knowledge were astounding.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
EASTCO - Not to be relied on
We made our safari booking with EASTCO many months in advance but found that everything was still being put together at the last minute and in a slightly shambolic manner. The owner, Simon, advised us when we arrived in Arusha that our itinerary was being reversed due to road conditions making the original route too arduous. Whilst this may have been accurate and necessary, it wasn’t a sudden occurrence and Simon should have been aware in advance and had our new itinerary in place before our arrival. We met Simon a couple of days before the start of the safari but he didn’t even know then who our drivers would be for the trip, and on the first morning we had to chase to find out if anyone was going to turn up when we’d been ready and waiting to go immediately after breakfast as agreed. After a couple of hours or so, the two drivers did arrive but they seemed to have little idea as to what the itinerary was. The first day was wasted as we went to the wrong place and ended up driving all day, missing out on an afternoon’s walking safari at Boundary Lodge.
The next day was fine with an excellent day at Tarangire National Park, but the following morning we discovered that one driver was complaining about not being paid and was refusing to take us any further, so we ended up spending 3 hours at the roadside waiting for Simon to send out a new driver and vehicle – another half day wasted. As it happens, we were happy to see the back of that driver as he had a surly attitude and little regard for us as clients.
Things picked up after that, with a much better driver, Julius, who, together with the other original driver, Rogers, worked hard to make the trip enjoyable. Julius’ engineering skills also came in handy in dealing with a number of problems with the slightly dated safari trucks. The high quality of the game viewing in the Serengeti also started to make up for the earlier problems. After travelling some distance to the northern Serengeti we found ourselves in an excellent camp for 2 nights (supposedly) in order to witness the wildebeest migration. On the first morning however, we received a call to say that we had to commence our return trip early because Simon had been unable to alter our onward flights to Zanzibar which had been booked as part of the original itinerary. We had to immediately leave our morning’s safari, pack our bags and set off on the road again.
We’d lost confidence in Simon’s arrangements and began to get concerned about the Zanzibar flight booking. On the morning of our final day we made direct contact with the airline at Arusha who told us that they had our booking but the flights hadn’t been paid for, despite our already having paid Simon in advance. Simon assured us that a man was being sent to make payment and thankfully (but when we were just 30 minutes from the airport) we found that the airline had been paid – but why did it have to be last minute and stressful?
Simon met us at the airport with a slightly begrudging apology, preferring to blame the first driver for all the issues but failing to acknowledge that the drivers are his responsibility. He admitted that he had recently sold off his vehicles to his drivers on the basis that they would contract back to provide a guiding service. It turns out however, that some of them just sub-contract out the vehicle to other drivers over whom Simon has no control – hence our first driver problem. Simon offered to refund us for the loss of the first day, but that appears to have been a false promise with no sign of any payment (or indeed correspondence) after 6 weeks. We are not entirely surprised.
The Serengeti was spectacular, we loved the camps and lodges, we saw pretty much everything we wanted to see and our two eventual drivers had a fantastic attitude. I would urge anyone to visit Tanzania, but DO NOT use EASTCO if you want a well organised and stress free safari.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A wonderful trip with a great guide and driver
Tanzania is maybe not the best country to take on a self drive Safari which is our normal method. Instead we used the services of Ernest of Chabo who provided us with safety, security, and fantastic game experiences in the southern park areas. We rounded off with a few days at the beach on the mainland, again first class.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A true and unique wildlife experience!
I have had the best time on this bush trip/ranger experience organised by Elela Africa. Sandra is a true professional in every sense of the word: she promptly replies to emails, is knowledgeable, delivers great personal service, and is above all passionate about Africa and wildlife conservation. The entire trip was perfectly organised from A-Z!
Our one week bush trip was filled with game drives, walking safaris, sleep outs, but also talks and discussions on wildlife conservation for those who were interested. The locations were simply stunning and it was great to stay in two places with such different and diverse landscapes. A sleep out on a hilltop, sundowners at a baobab tree high up on a rock whilst watching wildlife passing below, a super close encounter with a young male elephant, sing-alongs around the campfire on a dry riverbed, hearing all kinds of animal sounds/calls at night...this trip was filled with highlights. Being out there in the bush, back to basics really intensified the experience. A real treat for the senses!
So if you’re looking to spend some time in the bush and have a true and unique wildlife (conservation) experience , I can highly recommend it.
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I totally made the right choice with Cul Tours & Safaris; a wonderful adventure and experience.
I am not a tour guide kind of traveller so I was hesitant to sign on with a tour company, but I am very happy that I used Cul Tours for this trip to Murchison Falls National Park. Stephen was prompt in all our correspondence and tried always to do what he could to arrange my trip to meet my desires. He arranged for me to see and do every single thing I wanted during my very limited time. Solomon, my guide and driver from Cul Tours, was a safe and courteous driver (to pedestrians and other drivers) which was very important to me. He's a wealth of information about his country, which made the drive-time additionally interesting. He truly seems to enjoy his career as a travel guide. Because Cul Tours & Safaris is a small, locally owned company, I received exceptional service, and my comfort and satisfaction was clearly a priority for them. Highly recommended, without reservation.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tailor made holiday in beautiful Zimbabwe
Nyati made our holiday (honeymoon) in Zimbabwe very special. Everything was tailor made. So we could see the very best of Zimbabwe. Very friendly people, beautiful country, amazing wildlife.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A once in a lifetime experience, thank you Extraordinary Africa
Alex organised an amazing trip for us gorilla trekking in Rwanda, probably one of the most emotional experience of our lives. The highlight was obviously coming face to face with a silver back whilst his babies scampered around us but the golden monkey trek did not disappoint either. Our guide was also wonderful, he was a wealth of knowledge and keen for us to see and learn as much as we could during our time in Rwanda. Our trip was everything and more than we expected we only wish could have stayed longer. We would not hesitate to recommend Alex, in fact we have already discussed a future trip to Africa and will be using Alex for that too
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Lodge at Pilanesburg, the safari, the staff were amazing. The tours, tour guide in CP as well!
Christel was amazing and the trip would not have been as wonderful as it was without her help! The itinerary she set for our group, especially since we had time constraints, was so perfect. There were so many small details that made the trip which catered to our group and it made all the difference. Not only did I have all the help and assistance inthe planning, I also appreciated her availability while in SA. I will definitely recommend Round Afric Travel again with glowing reports. Thnaks for the one in a lifetime trip!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great family hotel
We stayed at Zabezi Sun for 3 nights in September with our 2 children (ages 8 & 10). The accommodation and food selection was great. We ha good help organising a sunset cruise and the boys loved swimming in the pool. We found it a little tiring getting through passport control to visit activities in Victoria Falls. If we came again we would make sure we only had one day in Zimbabwe not over 2 days like we did this time.