35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommend this unforgettable adventure!
What an incredible safari tour in Tanzania Mikumi National Park with Kihindo Tours and Safaris. The quality surpassed expectations, offering excellent value for money. So well looked after all the way - and what an outstanding experience to see so many beautiful creatures in just 2 days. Our guide, Isayah, was outstanding—his deep local knowledge and friendly demeanor added immense value to the experience. Highly recommend this unforgettable adventure!
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable, Understanding, Reliable, Someone with whom we would happily work with again
Back in June 2023, we had no idea about how a Safari trip should look like and the only thing that we knew for certain that both of us have back issues and hence, can't travel between places by road. None of the group travel operators would accommodate this customization. While looking for a boutique tour operator, I stumbled upon 'Chalo Africa' and Smita's phone number from the internet. I tried my luck, made the call and rest, as they say, is an extremely satisfying experience. She talked with us over the phone, re-assured us that the travel is not strenuous and the hotels that she would chose would ensure that we get the physical comforts as we needed. I confirmed the package but honestly, we tuned our expectations such that we don't feel disappointed.
Now, after the trip, I would like to correct myself and admit that all the hotels that Smita and her team arranged for us just exceeded our expectation in terms of hospitality, care and most importantly, the warmth of the people, be it the manager or the guide or even the askaris would took us to-from the tents. We visited Amboseli (Elarai Camp), Ol Pejeta (Asilia Bush Camp), Mara (Asilia Rekero) and Naboisho (Asilia Camp), in that order. Each one of them were unique in their own ways. In Amboseli we were looking at the Kilimanjaro peak while lying on the bed, in Ol Pejeta we visited the Rhino Sanctuary, in Mara the Hippo hustled beside the tent at night and pooped everywhere and when we thought, we have experienced it all, the camp at Naboisho, just overwhelmed us with it's sheer luxury (not even counting the lions those roam around in that conservancy like street dogs in Bangalore. When you guide says "do you want to see lions?", it is better to challenge him by saying "no we want to drive for an hour without seeing one"). Overall, from the moment the Asilia person picked up from our hotel at Nairobi to the moment they dropped us back there (9 days later) we could totally focus on the nature only and not worry a bit about the logistics including the flights and all. It is a bit on the costlier side, but worth it.
I would like to conclude by saying that this trip has helped 2 people who had no idea of a safari and in not at the best of their health, to overcome their inhibition and fear and we are grateful to the whole of Chalo Africa team for that. Smita said that "you both will fall in love with Africa when you complete this trip" and we can shamelessly agree to that now. We are going back soon.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rafa is a Safari-GEM ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We went on our very first Safari trip with Rafa. From the moment we met, I could feel this would be a special experience. Rafa promised we would be going against the tourist crowds and see the big 5 still. We had a unique experience of admiring the animals closely without being surrounded by other tourists and felt safe at all times. It’s like the jungle was ours ✨ Rafa is very passionate and informative. You will learn lots about the animals and the fascinating biodiversity of the jungle. Never have I met someone with such great eye vision, Rafa never misses any of the hidden animals while you need to look 3 times before even noticing. We had a lot of fun, such a great human experience in addition to the fulfilling Safari experience. A once in a lifetime experience ✨
Let’s be explorers and not tourists
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Terrible Experience with Seven By Far Tour Agency - Beware of Scams and Unprofessionalism
We recently returned from a safari trip to Kenya with Seven By Far Tour Agency, and my experience was nothing short of a nightmare. Having had a fantastic trip with them last year(and gave a glowing review), we blindly chose them again, only to be deeply disappointed this time.
From the moment Sylvester, the owner, received the payment, his behavior turned suspicious and scammy. The originally planned stay at Kempinski Resort in Masai Mara, which I had specifically chosen, was not booked as promised. Despite multiple follow-ups, Sylvester only managed to arrange the flights but messed up the visa process until the very last moment.
To make matters worse, the Kempinski Resort, which Sylvester repeatedly confirmed as booked, turned out to be sold out. He then suggested another hotel, which, upon verification, was never confirmed either. Subsequently, he tried passing off a random lodge as a 5-star property and expected us to pay three times the standard rates. Thankfully, I verified this directly with the hotel and found his claim false.
As a last resort, we contacted the Kenya police, who instructed Sylvester to fulfill the original agreement. We reluctantly settled for Keekorok Lodge, which was far from our initial choice. Sylvester had agreed, in both conversations and with the police, to refund $1080, but upon landing in Kenya, he continually postponed the payment date. In the end, he only paid half, citing a dubious withholding tax for the remainder, which I suspect is a form of financial fraud.
Our tour guide, Hassan, was the only bright spot throughout this ordeal. His professionalism and commitment ensured we had an excellent safari experience despite the agency's shortcomings. He is knowledgeable, can spot animals from miles away, and is always mindful to give them space. I wholeheartedly recommend Hassan to anyone planning a trip to Mara.
In light of these issues, we are filing a formal complaint with the Kenya Police against Seven By Far Tour Agency and its owner, Sylvester. Based on our harrowing experience, I strongly advise fellow travelers to steer clear of this agency to avoid potential scams and unprofessional conduct.
Note: This review is based on factual experiences and is intended as a cautionary tale for other travelers.
(screenshots removed for privacy reasons)
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Viatu ensured a hassle-free experience and crafted the perfect vacation for our family.
We had an incredible experience with Viatu during our self-driving trip in Namibia. The personalized service was exceptional, providing us with our own dedicated contact person whom we could reach out to anytime for assistance or queries. The booking process with Viatu was highly professional, and they tailored the trip perfectly to suit our needs. Overall, Viatu ensured a seamless and well-organized adventure, making our journey through Namibia truly unforgettable.
NO
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We got god help with locations and activities when booking, before we left and during our trip.
It was a really nice vacation with my family. We went for 8 days, did hiking, saw rock paintings and went on Safari. Viatu helped us on the road as well and all places were super clean and friendly. Have traveled with them before and would do it again!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Serengeti shall not Die - Raphael / Mawe will bring life and understanding to these words.
As an experienced World traveler I have learned that a great adventure requires
the Best tour guide you can get. Raphael ( Rafa) and Mawe African Ventures customized two memorable trips to the Serengeti , Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Parks
and provided life memories I will never forget. Traveling solo with Rafa from the Northern border ( Mara River ) to the Southern gate in this magical wonderland of wildlife was a mind blowing experience. Witnessing the wildebeest / Zebra migration , hearing the migration melody , and seeing up close the African Big 5 was only part of the trip experience. His vast knowledge of the wildlife, birds, geography, and ability to share cultural insights about TZ and the Maasai people was a bonus.
I found Rafa to be reliable, respectful,
full of positive energy, and fun to be with. His attention to detail and safety were greatly appreciated. It takes great effort to travel and see the Wonders of the World and Rafa / Mawe enhanced my experience with lifetime memories of these trips.
SK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not recommended at all.
I am not sure if the other reviews are real about Trots and Safari operator. I have completly different experience with this company of my 3 days trip to Bwindi:
1. They have been lying from the beggining. Edison was trying to convinced me (and in the end he did), that they are able to transfer us to lounge in Bwindi from Entebbe airport in 6-7 hours, even when google maps shows time 9-10 hours. Unfortunately I have believed them because of smooth communication and calls with Edison. We arrived at Entebbe airport at 3 pm. We get to the lounge after 12 hours of driving at 3 am next day. Even if we had a good car (look at point two in review), we can not make it in 6-7 hours. It is impossible. If I have knew that, I will never booked this trip. The night driving in the roads of Uganda are not safe at all, do not believed them, if they tell you it is safe! We drove 9 hours at night and have been scared to death.
2. Trots and Safari company has only one car- this company car was broken after first 2 hours of the trip- actually first borken thing was our left front wheel. Took 2 hour to repair it. In total, car has been broken 3 times during our 3 days trip. Every time something different- wheel, engine, cables. It did not make it to the end. We get another 2 cars from insurance company, what was called to transfer us to the hotel. That car should have never been used for that kind of trip. Totally unprepaired and unsafe for trip. We had only luck, that it did not broke in night at Bwindi forest. During our trip we really felt unsafe and that ruined our trip.
3. We did not have any lunch box or dinner on our first day, Trots and Safari are selling this trip as a full board trip.
4. First night we slept 2 hours because we arrived at 3 am, instead of 8-9 pm like was planned by Edison (unreal even for google maps planning, I am ashamed, that that I have believed to this guy). We did trek to gorillas, permits cost 1400 dollars, and we have been too tired to even enjoyed it after 2 hours of sleeping.
4. Our guide was Jimmy- he did everyting what he could. But he did not know even in what accommodation we sleep. And Edisons phone at night was turn off, when Jimmy was trying to reach him to ask, where we should sleep.
5. In the end of trip I have asked for partial refund, they have stopped communicate with me.
I would like to recommend to anybody, who wants to book trip with Trots, first think twice before booking, do not believed everything, what they are saying and be prepared, when you will arrived to the airport and you will give them rest of the money for the trip, they have stopped to being interested in service.
CO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most amazing experience ever
This was the trip of a life time! Our guide, Jackson is the key reason it was so amazing. He was full of information on everything from animals, to landscapes to culture, to history. I never imagined I would see wildlife so up close. Beyond that Jackson was warm, full hearted and engaged with us every minute of the tour. He was just really fun! He and the touring company planned the most wonderful mix of places for us to visit. In addition the accommodations that Kanje grand tours choose for us were wonderful, luxurious, and supported by a generous staff. We especially loved the Ngorongoro Retreat with the beautiful walking paths, beautiful pool and great food. This trip is a must do!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
PERFECTLY organized climbs up Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro! Kisaza exceeded our expectations!
Organizing climbs up two different mountains is not an easy task, but Kisaza Tours did it perfectly! We communicated with the owner, Steven, via email for a month before our arrival. He answered every question right away. Everything he promised was delivered better than we expected! We had climbed Kili 10 years ago and knew mostly what to expect, and were pleasantly surprised that Steven's team for us was even better than the team we had a decade ago. Our friendly, upbeat Kili guides evaluated our hiking ability each day and checked our vitals. They made sure we were eating well. It was easy to eat since our amazing cook made fresh, healthy 5 star meals that made other people in the dining huts very jealous. Summit day was tough, but our guides Moosa (Moses) and Hillary got us to the top with their encouragement and making sure we were stepping the safest route possible (there was a lot of snow!).
The Mount Meru team was also fantastic. Great guides, cook, and porters who were always smiling. We still can't believe everything we were able to do and see in such a short amount of time. If you are thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro, or Mount Meru, or both, don't hesitate to book with Steven. Everything will be perfect, which does not always happen on a trip of this type. We loved our experience so much that we are actually returning in a month to do a different trek with Kisaza Tours and hopefully go over to Zanzibar.