Awesome experience!
There were so many choices for safaris tour operators but we ended up choosing Bright African Safaris because of their promptness to answering all of our questions with details. The cost of for 2 of us for a 7 days private safari tour in September 2014 was very reasonable! We were impressed with them the moment we landed at the airport. Msangi met us at the airport, apologized for not being able to accomodate us at the hotel he promised initially and told us that he had to put us else where. We were happy with that lodging as well as all other lodging accomodations he chose for us. We had Othuman as our guide and he was wonderful as well. We saw so many animals on our trip. There are so many "Oh WOW!!" moments -- ex: being able to see lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalos and leopard up close (less than 5 feet away!!) The only thing we did not see was a rhino but no one else saw one either during the time we went. =) The only thing I wish we did was to add "cultural" part to our tour, so we can taste some of the real Tanzanian foods, instead of Western foods at the lodges. Overall, VERY satisfied with Msangi and his staff!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I couldn't have asked anymore of our guides, they took great care of us and made it hugely enjoyable
Prior to the climb, our guides gave us a very informative brief, explaining the various climates and terrain we would face and how best to tackle them. Throughout the expedition, we were instructed based on their experience which was the best advice I could have had.The entire climb was absolutely incredible and a definite highlight of my life so far. I would push anyone to do it with a tinge of jealousy that they would be about to embark on one of the greatest adventures.
Well, not what we expected
We closed our booking a few days earlier with kanut. Talked on the phone and he seemed really nice. First of all the driver- lynus was terrible. He was angry and rude most of the time. On the way to the first park he almost fell asleep on the wheel several times. On the way it started raining and the rain got in to the jeep. When we told him he just got mad and said it's not his fault. The cook that came with him was an 18 years old boy who didn’t knew how to cook anything. On the second day our driver got into a fight with another driver that almost got violent. All and all we enjoyed our safari but not thank to kanut safari but because it was beautiful.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Time of our life...
We recently booked a 10 day holiday with Gondwana Safaris, including camps in Botswana and the Victoria Falls. We we very impressed how these guys from the word star helped us plan the trip and how well they knew each loaction and camp they suggested. We dealt with Steffi in particular and were met by Mark upon in arrival in Maun. It was a trip of a life time and we saw and experienced all we had in wanted and more. Kwara Camp and the Chobe Houseboat were without a doubt our favorite. We can certainly recommend Gondwana Tours & Safaris to anyone asking.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An absolutely first rate Photographic Tour, a great group and we learnt so much.
Duration: 12 day Photographic workshop visiting the highlights of Namibia (+ one day either side of the tour and 4 nts in St Lucia, SA).
I should start by explaining that I have been on safari tours before with this company and knew the high levels of service that would be provided. Also, I have done a small amount of wildlife photography and although I am happy with it, there is significant room for improvement in all aspects of my photography knowledge. Landscape photography was however something completely new to me and 12 days of complete submersion in this subject was very daunting to say the least.
I should not have worried.
Tailor Made Safaris and their partner company Lime Photo were first rate. The level of tuition was outstanding with Nick and Emil making themselves available to us probably way more than they should have. One catered to the needs of those newer to digital photography like me and the associated software and one to the more proficient guests. "Classroom" theory dealt with Lightroom and Photoshop as well as composition, balance, interest, subject matter and much, much more.
The practical’s covered, star trails by different methods, astrophotography, sun rise, sun set, blue hour, dawn and dusk and obviously daylight shoots as well as covering the elements covered in the theory sessions.
At the start it has to be said that I was completely out of my depth (as perhaps were others) but we were all treated as individuals and it took no time at all for our hosts to gauge out ability levels. Noticing I was struggling without me having to ask for help showed an understanding of guests (my) shortcomings and I was given assistance when needed but was pushed to stretch myself too. My learning curve was vertical; there was no curve, which gives one a fantastic feeling of achievement when good shots are taken.
It has to be understood that this is a work shop; but this is NOT grinding, boring and tedious work. This is enlightening, broadening, exciting and exhilarating work. Yes there are some very early mornings and long days but the rewards can be seen in your photos… No pain, no gain!
The inclusion of the option to take a photography flight over the dunes was outstanding and for many, a once in a life time opportunity. This is a completely different type of shooting to that we had been learning to that point. This is a point and continuous shooting on auto focus style while looking for patterns, composition, balance etc…it definitely got the heart racing. Seeing Deadvlei, Dune 45 and wild Oryx on the dunes from the air was amazing!
Due to the scale of the country and the high number of Photographer Bucket List locations visited, there is quite a bit of traveling but due to the structure of the tour, the transport arrangements, the views and photo opportunities en-route the traveling is easily considered to be part of the experience rather than a chore. If you offer to assist with the driving as I did, it makes the journey even more of an experience.
Due to the traveling, the preferences of the guests, weather and the need to sometimes split the group to get the best from the locations, the tour; and so the timings need to be a little fluid, this requires one to go with the flow and it keeps things interesting. This type of tour can’t be run to the tick of a Swiss watch.
The accommodation ranges from basic but comfortable to Namibian 4 /5 star, the food ranged from marinated fillet steak sandwiches cooked by Nick and Freya under the stars in a stunning national park to good wholesome hotel and/or restaurant fair…I would go for the steak in that location any day!
A few words about my fellow guests, I had a good idea before I left the UK that this was going to be a great tour because of those running it, but without the ladies and gents that attended; their humour, their understanding of limitations in fellow guest’s abilities, their appreciation of the needs of others; their willingness to help when needed and their tolerance of seven other strangers in close proximity for 12 days, this would not have been the outstanding experience that it has been. My thanks to all of them.
All in all… A fan-bloody-tastic tour. Nick with his un-flappable attention to tour detail and logistics, his concern for guests comfort and enjoyment and his calm, always patient teaching method. Emil with his exuberant and ever present photographer’s admiration of every vista that this magnificent country presents to you, his un-ending enthusiasm (even at 02:00) and his phenomenal knowledge of photography. They make an ideal team.
In all my reviews ask “Would I go back?” But this applies to properties and sightseeing tours/safaris, so it’s not appropriate here. So I will ask "Would I book with Tailor Made Safaris for another Photography Workshop?"
Absolutely!
This was a tour of more shooting and more tuition, great coaching, low guest to instructor ratios and first rate sights all at a good value for money. Enjoyment level 10 out of 10.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Efficiency, knowledge and courtesy: Experience joy with Migration Kili Expeditions and Safaris
I was so impressed by the organisational capacity of the owner of Migration Kili Expeditions and Safaris on my expedition to Kilimanjaro , that I asked him to create another custom-made safari for me in which I not only visited Tarangere , Serengeti, Ngorongoro but saw the Olduvai gorge - the birthplace of humanity. The guides on both expeditions were exceptional : Rogath Ephren Mtuy- who not only holds the world record for ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro and return to Marangu park in 14 hours and 50 min , but is an expert on the local plants and flowers and their healing properties or other uses. Cyprion , my guide on the safari , not only looked after me - erecting tents, managing a superb cook, manoeuvring his jeep according to my whims as a photographer , but had a depth of knowledge about, and respect for all the animals and their way of living and being . Both guides clearly loved their work and their courtesy and charm were outstanding.
As an older lone traveller , journalist and photographer, being explicitly catered to , this experience was way beyond expectations : not just what nature had to offer and my increased understanding and respect for other species, but in my trust of the organiser and guides who showed a responsiveness and intelligence, a depth of caring ,without patronisation , rarely met with in life.
I have written 2 articles for Projects Abroad and Ujumbe Magazine, Arusha - at present on
www.mytripblog.org/pg/bog/laolao
entitled ' TRUST ME TRUST ME : you can travel alone.'
and 'THE WILDERNESS IS THEIR HOME'
They include photographs . Perhaps you would like me to forward you the articles ? Let me know how .
Namibia. A place of Barren Beauty.
This was my first visit to Namibia and my first photography workshop. The tour was to start at Windhoek go slightly north and West to Spitzkoppe (between Usakos and Arandis on the B2) then south via Gaub, Solitaire, Sesriem, Aus and across to Luderitz; back to Aus and seehiem dropping down to Fish River Canyon for a short visit before heading back north to Keetmanshoop and then returning to Windhoek via Marietal and Rehoboth.
The trip took 12 days with ample stops at the numerous must see sights for photographers which included, Spitzkoppe itself and the spectacular surrounding red rock formations, Dune 45, Deadvlei and sossusvlie, Sesriem Canyon, Luderitz Town, Kolmanskop deserted mining town, the aforementioned Fish River Canyon, the Mesaurus Fossils, Giants Playground and the quiver Tree forest.
There was a lot to fit in and had the tour extended further north to Etosha National Park there would have been the wildlife too, however this was Landscape photography tour/workshop.
Namibia is another whole scale of massive with a very low population meaning one can drive for hours without seeing another vehicle which for a Brit is a little un-nerving to begin with that said we were a convoy of three 4X4s so it was not an issue.
The countryside is stunningly beautiful in a hard barren way and utterly silent however the nights are even better (if really quite cold at times) with the most magnificent clear skies and more stars than you will probably have ever seen.
The heat (and the cold) have to be planned for, this is not the place to hop out of your car to climb up as dune to take a few snaps without a wide brimmed hat and way more water than you think you need. We did a properly organised trip to Deadvlie to scout for and to take shots, we had all the kit knowing that there was a 1.1Km trek across the dunes and that we would be spending a few hours on the pan taking shots and despite drinking way more than I thought I needed, I got mild sun stroke! Be prepared or you will have problems.
The driving is very easy with the only issues to be aware of is petrol stations and places to have punctures repaired.
While many of the hotels may display a 4 or 5 star rating these ratings should not be confused with those in Europe or USA. The quality of service encountered can be quite perfunctory to almost bordering on rude. There are however bright beacons of light that shine so brightly that this high level of service takes you by complete surprise! The speed of service can be slow to the extent of being glacial! If you want a quick meal…forget it. This is not a slight against you, they just don’t do “Quick”. We popped into a fast food joint on one occasion for a snack and it took nearly 40 minutes to get our food!
That said the sights we saw are out of this world, the fun we had was continuous, and I am not sure I will have the chance to take shots like I did again in a long time.
Definitely worth a visit!
IN
Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ngorongoro and Serengeti
We went for a 3 nights 4 day trip to ngorongoro and serengetti from dar by road with Diagle tours. The tour organizer Sam ensured our comfort during all these days and organized a perfect tour according to our budget. I have been in a similar trip but didnt enjoy as much as I did with Diagle. Thanks for everything Diagle.
BR
Always in our memories
The safari experience that my wife and I did with Daigle Tours will always be in our memories. The special touch was the guides who were always attentive and friendly with us. Being in Tanzania again, I would look for Daigle Tours to repeat the adventure.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!!
We had a great experience with this operator, they were very professional, knowledge, and we got to see a lot with them during our trip. The place where we stayed was very welcoming and comfortable. The food that was served was also great. If one day we returned to Africa we would definitely use there services once again.