US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
They made planning easy and delivered exactly as planned.
Planning our trip to Africa seemed daunting and confusing at first. Working with Ben and Aurelie helped me focus on getting the exact experience we wanted. They were responsive immediately to my many questions. Their attention was personal and the follow-up on requests showed a great attention to detail. Ben and our driver/guide Yusuph met us at Kilimanjaro Airport to welcome us and take us to our hotel in Arusha. We were exhausted from the long flights and felt well taken care of. Our safari experience was wonderful and Yusuph was kind, thoughtful, protective and very knowledgeable. Somehow, Ben and Aurelie managed to understand exactly what we were looking for in accommodations, because they chose perfect lodges and hotels for both the safari and the added trip to Zanzibar. Every detail delivered to us met or exceeded our expectations. Not one detail was overlooked.
I have traveled extensively and do most of my own planning. I am so happy that I found e-TripAfrica to assist me with planning and experiencing this trip of a lifetime. Many, many thanks to Ben, Aurelie and Yusuph.
IE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Africa Safari Review: Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nairobi, Gorilla Experience
I have been dreaming of going to Africa for over ten years and this year that dream finally came true. Our travel company was wonderful (Steady Safaris Uganda Limited) - particularly our agent who helped us every step of the way (Carlos Olaaka). I gave him some vague ideas and s
he came up with a wonderful itinerary and recommendations on where to stay. We went through several iterations and our agent was always helpful and very responsive. If I contacted him during business hours I never waited more than an hour or two for a response and many were much faster. Every partner they worked with in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya was very professional, on time, and provided excellent service. Honestly, after having visited I would imagine that you can't go wrong - everyone we met had nothing but positive things to say about everywhere they had been. If you're on the fence or worried, don't be!! Everything was taken care of every step of the way and I felt 100% safe and cared for the entire time.
What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of our trip?
We were fortunate enough to see FOUR leopard on our trip - a mother with two cubs and another with a kill in a tree. We saw a pride of lions feeding on a zebra that must have been killed during the night. We didn't see the actual hunt but we saw one of the splinter groups that split off and even that was pretty incredible - zebras and wildebeest everywhere in Kenya. The absolute craziest thing we saw was a group of crocodiles eat a hyena. It was the most awesome and horrific thing I've ever seen!
And the highlight was the gorilla trekking
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful way to experience Africa.
Our trip to Africa was an amazing and visually uplifting experience with Shadows of Africa. We researched where we wanted to travel to and Shadows created a fantastic trip catering to all our needs. Our Guides Peter, in Kenya and Ritchard in Tanzania were fantastic, spotting animals from outstanding distances and hidden beneath bushes, their knowledge of all wildlife was extensive. The accommodation was fantastic and we were greeted with a cool towel and fruit juice every place we stayed. The tented camps are a fantastic way to spend a night in the teaming game parks. We experienced the Big Five from fantastic vantage points. I would really encourage anyone thinking of traveling to Africa to contact Shadows of Africa.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience and service
SafariBookEvolution is a professional company that organises safari from scratch, not an agent.
They have a lot of experience in what they do and they are locals. They have their own people too who are equally experienced and dedicated.
The communication between us was by email and, I must say, answers were received promptly.
The prices they offer are very competitive. Everything we were promised, has been delivered, or even more.
They give you advise and help when needed.
In terms of actual conditions: we went to Maasai Mara and Naivasha Lake. Everything was punctual and well organised. Lodge was exactly as described. Food (plenty and tasty) was provided throughout all tour as well as water. Our safari vehicle was a mini bus (much more popular in Kenya than jeep) - comfortable and giving great view.
Our driver - Ambrus did everything he could in his power to show us as much as possible.
We saw vultures eating a wildbeest or lion cubs consuming zebra. We saw big 5 and tens of thousands of other animals. It required a lot of patience, focus and dedication from his side to show us as much as he did.
I think it is crucial to keep in mind that supporting local communities is so important. I can highly recommend this company. There is also no downside I could possibly think about.
Steve (owner) went an extra mile with us and I am sure he does it with each of his customers. He is polite, friendly and straightforward.
Steve thank you very much for everything and best of luck for the future!
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderfull and unforgettable experience!
In August 2015 we made a journey through South Afrika. A part of it was organised bij Tailor Made Safari's. Without exaggerating it must be said that this part of our yourney was a real highlight! The way in which arrangements were made, the professionalism of the guide, Paul, his way of communicating, the humor with which he shared his knowledge with us, the wonderful meals that were prepared by Nicks wife Freya en the barbecue that Paul surprised us with, were wonderful. It was even so that we asked Nick to arrange one more safari for us with Paul after we left St. Lucia and went to Hluhluwe. From six in the morning till six in the evening we had a second wonderful day with him. If it would have been possible we would have taken him with us to Swaziland and Krugerpark! So, nothing but compliments for the organization of this part of our journey!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best value, incredible safari, and patient attention to customers wants and needs.
Everything was truly fantastic. My friends and I really enjoyed our time at that Loyk Mara luxury camp. Communication with Michael and the others was easy enough - when talking directions for pick up it got a little bit tricky but a person helped out and before we knew it we were on the road.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very satisfied with the overall experience
Stayed at the Loyk Mara camp for our 2 nights and 3 days safari. Good experience overall, staff very friendly, pleased with the service. The food was also good, but could have been better if provided with more options. The tents were spacious, luxurious and safe, giving a good feeling of spending the night in the jungle with roaring lions a few miles away.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top notch guides, well-organized
Relied on Snow Africa for a Kilimanjaro climb, a one-day trip in Arusha NP, and a 3-day trip to Lake Manyara and Ngorngoro Crater. All three trips were well-organized, and the guides/ drivers were excellent. On Kili, Florent (the owner) and Julius (Lead Guide) are both very experienced and capable, and kept things moving without a hitch. Julius in particular has incredible experience on the mountain and because he loves being there, is a joy to be around. Likewise for Charles, our driver/ guide for LM and NCA. He knows wildlife, birds and plants intimately, and has great connections among the rangers. He was able to organize a last-minute ranger-led walking safari along the crater rim and a great visit to an off-the-beaten-path Masai village. He was enthusiastic about everything we saw, despite having seen much of it before. The safari vehicles were in great shape. I wouldn't think of using anyone else if/ when I return to TZ.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Time :)
Myself and the wife travelled with Budget in late June & July 2015. Great company, would have no hesitation recommending them to friends and family. Everything was perfect from start to finish.
SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We are a family of five and it was truly memorable and special holiday. Everyrhing was excellent!
Right from the time we asked for a itinerary our experience was great. Maturaf was helpful, listened to what we wanted and accommodating. Our guide on safari was superb very knowledgable and well spoken he ensured our safari experience was superb. The lodges were fabulous, the surprisingly good. We had 9 days in Tanzania followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar including a day in stone town. We loved it and regional tours took all the hassle out of our trip. We would highly recommend them and if you can Arun to guide you even better.