ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Necessary but tirying
We went on the 6-day safari. Most of the animals we saw were in Masai Mara, we could see the big 5 in one day. However Amboseli and Lake Nakuru were more beautiful. I think you should go to see those too (the Kilimanjaro views are amazing). The big inconvenience is the distance between the parks cause it takes half a day to get from one to another and sitting in the car for so many days is exhausting and not comfortable. The other objection we had was our guide, Ali. He didnt explain anything, he was not very nice and when we talked to him about a problem he responded us in a bad way. These people have to know that we pay a lot and come from very far to enjoy that trip so we just want to enjoy what we paid for. He was unrespectful to me with the things he said. That was not nice and we didnt feel comfortable. The last days he changed and started explaining some things and being friendly. Accomodations in Masai Mara and Amboseli are tented camps, they say there's hot water but its cold, but the place itself is not bad (except Amboseli, cause there were many insects in the tent and the mosquito net was full of holes). Food is ok, buffet with some meat, rice or pasta and veggies and fruit.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not to be missed. EXCELLENT!
This trip is trip of a lifetime! I have been around the world but this trip,the country the scenery food and the WILDLIFE is xtraordinary. Thank you to claws of Africa for organising such a beautiful trip for us. Though we choose our accommodation but tour was just beautiful. The scenery is out of this world and memorising. We were to catch the beginning of the migration which is something to watch. Our guide Dickson from Claws of Africa was excellent with his vast knowledge of the all the parks. He was patient and full of knowledge. I would highly recommend Claws of Africa to be your tour operator. The owner Fatima is excellent in responding to any queries you might have and very accommodation.
Highly Recommended Claws of Africa.
Beautiful Country - Tanzania
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thanks, KETS, For An Incomparable Adventure
It was 5 am when we heard a gentle knock on the door of our Nairobi bungalow. It was Lucky, our safari driver/guide with KETS (Kenya Expresso Tours and Safari), and our 11-day, epic adventure was about to begin.
It was a 5-hour drive from Nairobi to Voi, the entrance to our first park: Tsavo East. At the entrance gate, Lucky lifted the pop-top and we assumed the standing position in the van, clutching our cameras, and having absolutely no idea what to expect. First impression of Tsavo: the desert-like terrain appeared too barren to support dense populations of wildlife. On the contrary, just 30-minutes later, a parade of 40-elephants trotted passed the van. Jaws dropped and eyes bugged as we entered a world of wonderment that touched us like no other life experience.
Our guide, Lucky, was a perfect fit for our style of safari-ing. A perfect gentleman and professional with an easy laugh, he handled every detail of the trip so all we had to do for 11-days was to maintain our balance in the van as the best of wild Africa unfolded beyond our pop-top. Our safety and comfort were top priorities for Lucky, as was his commitment to fill each game drive with rarefied experiences. His laser-sharp vision perfectly complemented his psychic-powers and instinct in choosing the right road at the right moment to locate wildlife. At Masai Mara, he stopped the van and said, “Watch this.” We had a ring-side seat to observe 4 male lions surround buffaloes, which resulted in a tense stand-off. Suddenly, the buffaloes charged and the lions scattered like terrified kitties. Later on the same drive, he located a pair of mating lions.
We couldn’t have been more pleased with the lodges at Tsavo East/West, Amboseli, Naivasha, Lake Nakuro, and Masai Mara. And the lodges’ buffet meals…vegetarians, prepare to eat the best, most varied meals of your life. Lucky used his charm and persuasion to get us the best rooms overlooking the waterholes. At Naivasha’s Sopa Lodge, who needs a waterhole when hippos are grazing in the garden right outside your room?
We decided go with KETS based on internet postings as well as the competitive price. But even with all the glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, there always remains the nagging possibility that high expectations may collide with disarming realities. But our expectations were met and then blown off the charts with each park we toured. Paul, the owner, knows what customers want and is eager to oblige. The money exchange was effortless. I sent a $1,000 deposit via Western Union, and paid the balance (also via Western Union) the evening before our safari began.
This may sound nuts, but 4-days after we returned home and still wobbly from travel, we tallied our British Air miles and bought 2 tickets San Francisco-Nairobi for next August. The expression “we’re hooked” applies here.
Thanks, Lucky and KETS, for countless, priceless memories.
Our Tsavo East experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxGOLZgIYx0
Our Tsavo East experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTcYTpqtu8w
A word about our stay in Nairobi: we wanted a rural place to stay away from the bustle of the big city that was also within walking distance of Dame Daphne’s elephant orphanage (we had adopted an orphan, Mbegu, and wanted to visit as often as possible.) We also wanted a place that bordered Nairobi National Park, so we could continue our safari independently on foot. Our criteria for the ideal rental did indeed exist: Nyati Hills Cottages on Masai Lodge Rd. Who knew we’d see more rhinos looking out the kitchen window than we would see on an 11-day safari? We loved the proximity to wildlife, from the hyraxes at Rolf’s Place to the baboons in our backyard. And we thoroughly enjoyed the trek to visit the elephant orphans. Nyati Hills was THE place to stay both before and after touring the national parks.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memories for a lifetime
We had an amazing four-day safari in Mikumi and Selous with unforgettable memories.
The start was great, the communication was easy and Moses was very flexible to our needs.
From the first moment Zack was the perfect guide with an impressive knowledge about animals, their behaviour and the ecosystem. He knows the huge biodiversity of Tanzania very well and identifies animals easily by voices and tracks. It was a breathtaking feeling to see elephants close enough to touch.
Besides nature and wildlife, Zack takes us on a journey through the impressive culture and daily life of people in Tanzania. We are very thankful.
Zack was not just a top tour guide but also a very kind and friendly company.
Moreover, accommodations were wonderful and the food was really good.
It was an adventure of a lifetime. Next safari is safe!
We are very thankful and highly recommend Sweet Memory Adventure. Asante sana!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by EnergyRouter
Contrary to the other destinations in Kenya, Lake Nakuru allows you to see flamingos, hippos, and lots of monkeys and baboons. It is a great addition to a safari because of its vast wetlands and lake, which is different than much of the typical bush scene you get in other parts of Kenya. We stayed at the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, which was great! View my video of Lake Nakuru at http://youtu.be/BXETOPnwEhQ?t=2m21s
ML
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
That was an outstanding experience
We stayed for an ever too short 11 days and we saw a real paradise for wildlife. Our driver Tony was a real friend to us and met our expectations in stopping the engine right in THE good spot giving us the precious information we needed to understand. He advised us so well as for the timing and the organization changes that every time we gained in watching the right animal at the right time.
That was the best holiday !!!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by EnergyRouter
Maasai Mara is the epitome of an African Safari. You have every typical African grassland animal you could want to see, a vast expanse of land protected land, and indigenous tribes of people who still live in their traditional way. We went to meet some of them and see their village, which can be seen here: http://youtu.be/p8wUKAiRai4
Maasai Mara has it all. Hands down.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
It was unbelievable for us to be so close to animals i've never before seen in their natural habitat. Our guide was very good at helping us identify and learn about the animals and the beautiful, unique birds we saw on our safari. This was an experience we won't ever forget.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great place to visit on a Safari tour!
Ol Pejeta Conservancy was our first stop on our Safari in 2011. It was a great way to start out and we were able to see several animals right off the bat. We stayed at the Sweetwaters Tented Camp, where the tents and restaurants have spectacular views of wildlife and are literally out in the bush. They are safe, and you can see it on YouTube at http://youtu.be/-Tapks-e7Ys?t=4m49s
The conservancy itself gave us many opportunities to view Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Gazelle, Waterbuck, Elephants, Chimpanzees, and many other animals up close. In addition, we were able to get up close to a rhino and even touch it! Watch the videos at http://youtu.be/DZESAy7YCro?t=1m16s
Ol Pejeta is definitely worth spending a day or two in as part of a safari. At around 90,000 acres, it has tons to offer and opportunities to see the Big 5.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing
African Overland is a great company. We were impressed right from the start of planning the safari. Our inquiries were handled promptly and this really impressed us. We have nothing but high praise for African overland. All their staff handled us graciously and with a lot of expertise. We were happy with our guide who was extremely knowledgeable. He took us to 3 parks and also gave cultural tour of Lake Eyasi. We can say again and again that we were given the best guide possible during our tour. Going on safari had been our dream for a long time, and we are happy African Overland fulfilled our long time wish.
Our stay included both mid-range and high end accommodation. Lake Burunge and Tanzania Bush Camps were our favourite. All in all, we can proudly say we had a high class safari at very affordable price. African Overland is indeed quality oriented and are experts at what they do – which is delivering epic Authentic African Safari. We would not hesitate to recommend a better safari company to choose for your trip in Tanzania. Thank you African Overland. Looking forward to have many more exiting safaris with you.