A Guide is more than a guide
My family of 6 people (including one 10 year old) recently returned from a safari in Tanzania organized by Msangi of Bright African Safaris. The trip was spectacular in every way, not the least of which was our guide throughout the twelve days, Athuman Abuu. I am writing this review to focus on the relationship between Athuman and our family. In essence Athuman became one of our family in that we spent all day together sharing incredible experiences. From what I have read and heard from other safari goers, this is not unusual at all. What was different was that we invited Athuman to join us for meals (we paid a nominal fee to the camp for his dinner). We never thought not to offer this when on the first night we discovered that he was to eat elsewhere. I can truly say that having out guide join us for meals enhanced the friendly, intimate time spent together in this very special experience. I highly recommend to other safari goers to extend this gesture to your guide.
Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great time in Uganda as a single traveler
As an independent traveler, was a little worried if I might be lonely on a 9-day tour through Uganda. However, CUL tours was fantastic! Stephen and Milton designed a great custom tour for me at a competitive price point, and I never had to worry about being alone or bored. I received many quotes, and theirs was the best by far on both price and options. Being on this trip made me feel like I was traveling with a good friend who knew all the great local hangouts and best roads. I learned so much about the country, saw everything that I wanted to see, and had an exceptional time. This is a small but growing local company, that takes its time to design custom experiences for people. I recommend them highly.
Quick, efficient and friendly
Encounter Africa Safaris helped us secure necessary filming permit for Kampala. They were efficient, quick, know what they are doing and have very good communication back and forth.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Truly amazing experience with a first class company
We visited SA in August and booked the three day Lion King tour for our family of four. This was without doubt the most wonderful experience we could have wished for and one that surpassed all our expectations. Kruger tours (Dave) were fantastic in all areas and communication was brilliant prior to and during our stay in SA which was reassuring. Daves knowledge and personality are second to none and we are sure that our visit wouldn't have been half as good without him, he captivated our children with his tales of safari and impeccable knowledge of the animals and the environment in which they live, was the perfect host at all times and definalty put the icing on the cake! When we return, we will have no hesitation in booking with Kruger Tours. We must also mention Mark who was our guide in Kruger as his enthusiasm was a joy to behold, he too has a fantastic knowledge and both are a credit to their industry.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great adventure with friendly and supportive staff.
I went on the 5-day/4-night camping safari and had the best time. As a solo traveller, I joined a small group of friendly people and together with the driver we had an awesome safari adventure, seeing the Big 5 and also some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. I had a couple of separate issues before booking that the friendly guys at the Arusha office helped me to sort out before heading off. To top it off, the meals were delicious (though I'm not very picky) and the campsites were fun and social. If I ever come back I'll be in contact with Karibu Tanzania again.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of a kind experience!
Where should I start? It is a unique experience to get close to the animals, to learn their natural behaviour or in general it is a very good experience to be behind the border of a safari car. Do fully recommend it.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Terrible service and trip
i, Antelope Safaris is the touroperator to avoid. I was together with my wife on this trip and the service was below all levels. everything they promised could not be delivered:
1. Guide was not interested at all- the first afternoon game drive was a rally: we drove with 70 kn p/h to our lodge.
2. The only comment he made was: "elephant" or "buffalo", hardly spoke any English
3. Guide forgot guidebook and binoculars. Tomorrow, tomorrow he said.The next day he got us broken binoculars and a dirty old guidebook.
4. We called Antelope safaris several times. They did not call back for the following reason: it is expensive to call a foreign number- as if we did not roam and as if Skype does not exist!
5. Very expensive operator (well you save money by not giving tips- they definitely did not deserve it
6. They came over to our place in Dar in order to apologize- see above to read how it went. They later explained that the" man did not like the fact that we complained"
7. They did not give any compensation- that strengthened our feeling that they really did not care about us, but just about earning easy money.
Conclusion: a guide can make or break a tour. Especially when that bad service is not backed up by skilled staff at the agency, but by people that hardly care if things go the right way. Avoid this operator.
18/18 at Uhuru!
Everything about our trip with Trek2Kili was fantastic, a group of 18 students from the UK with very limited mountaineering experience (and widely varying fitness levels) all made it to Uhuru peak and this simply wouldn't have been possible without Trek2Kili's excellent guides and KPAP's porters. In our downtime after the climb our safari guides were also brilliant, very enthusiastic and very informative (and we saw lions twice in one morning), and they arranged us a very good deal on a resort in Zanzibar.
Would wholeheartedly recommend!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great company, complete arrangements
We had a great time with Kilimanjaro Champion. As from the first contact by mail with George. He made us a personal itinerary bases on our wishes. Then from the pickup from the airport to the dropoff at the airport it was arranged. During the safari the acccomodations (hotel before safari as well as the tent during) were great. The driver/guide George was also great, he knew a lot of the animals and was helpfull. During the safari we had our own chef which made breakfast and diner and he did that very well. You get a lot of value for your money with this company.
I can recommend Kilimanjaro Champion to everyone.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amzing amazing service. Extremely nflexible and convinient.. Vey accomodative and thoughtful
Exceeded all my expectations..Amazingly superb...Thumbs up to one David Kimani for making our experience worthwhile.