CL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great guides
I recommend the experience booking with Big Time Safaris. We were a family group of 5, with a preference to see as much of the Masaai Mara and Serenguetti as possible. Martha, our sales representative from Big Time Safaris, was very proactive, accomodating and patient to help us arrange for a private camping safari, providing several options and establishing a fluid communication through whatsapp to clarify doubts.
Once in Kenya, our guide, Zack Ouko, exceeded our expectations in terms of assuring a smooth coordination of lodging, meals and general logistics. Once inside the parks, he proved superior in spotting animals, providing us with detailed information (he carried zoology and picture books to help with our questions), which lead to some exclusive sightings and a very exciting experience. Once in Tanzania, our new guide, Ziggy, was also very helpful in navigating the parks and campings to focus all of our attention and time in the many animals we found in Serenguetti, Ngorongoro and Taranguire. Our cook, Simon, was superb, accomodating for a vegetarian in our group. Although the hotel in Arusha was below our expectations, the general experience was great.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Addo elephant Park is really worth a visit
We spent two nights in Addo, sleeping at the Nyathi rest camp. This accommodation is beautifully positioned in that it is really very remote (no wifi or cellphone signal - sometimes a blessing....). There is a limited amount of game to see at the camp but the scenery and peace make up for this. The accommodation is very nicely appointed and the kitchen has pretty much everything one could want (only two of every piece of crockery and cutlery - which is a bit limiting). Parks people at the camp were friendly and attentive.
We really enjoyed the park, the lists of animals that one can see does not compare with Kruger BUT this does not mean that the game viewing was not great. We saw many, many elephant. So anyone wanting a close encounter of the elephant kind - this is the place to go.
I have never seen quite so many Kudu, there are quite literally herds of Kudu - usually one encounters a solitary Kudu half obscured by a bush - not in Addo, they are as plentiful as Impala are in Kruger - well not quite but one started to think that way. The bush pigs are very plentiful. We also saw lots of zebra.
The waterholes are the places to go to, easy viewing but one has to pick your time - as is the case at any waterhole - the animals are there and then they are gone.
We are not big "birders" but we saw some nice birds and the cherry was the secretary bird - wonderful.
The roads have been pretty well maintained and the restaurant and shops (some very nice up market curios - similar to what we have seen in the airport at ORT) are in pretty good shape. Overall we were impressed.
Addo clearly has some problems with regards to over grazing in some area and while one could be critical I would rather see it as a work in progress - especially when one considers the state of some other parks in South Africa/Africa.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Real Experince
Thanks Mr. Fred, it was all good and affordable, i and my family we had five days tour to Murchison falls and gorillas in western side but it very well organised by Mr. Fred and trust worthy because we booked five months before and we got every thing we wanted,
thanks so much gorilla safaris Uganda company limited
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Exceptional Safari
We chose to contact HM Safaris for our Family Safari (5 people) after seeing the sample itinerary outlined on their website. We were not disappointed at all. Sue put together an itinerary for a private safari that encompassed everything we were looking for, wildlife, culture and an end at the beach!
Our guide, Salehe, was exceptional. He has an exceptional knowledge of the wildlife and history of the region. We enjoyed the stories of his life in Tanzania and he taught our kids a bit of Swahili along the way. We spent time in Northern Serengeti and saw a few wildebeest crossings. Truly a highlight! Additionally we spent time in Seronera, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and finished our trip off on Zanzibar.
HM Safaris did a great job setting everything in motion. We were greeted as we got off the plane, and were in their care until we got back on a plane 17 days later. Truly a once in a lifetime experience without a worry or care the entire time.
I highly recommend them to plan your safari to Tanzania.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3-day Mikumi Park safari
Overall, a wonderful experience with Gombe Safari! My boyfriend and I booked last minute (only about a week before) when we decided to go on a 3-day tour from Dar. Our driver Yunis was very knowledgeable about the park and took the time to track down all of the animals we had hoped to see, which we appreciated. The accommodations were nice for the price (slightly roughing it but better than camping! Running water and electricity for a fan were awesome). The food was local and well made by the two cooks on-site. Everything with the tour ran perfectly on time and our driver was very flexible based on how many game drives we wanted to go on each day. I would definitely recommend this tour company!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip Of A Lifetime!
This was truly a trip of a lifetime! Lema and Rama (our chef) made every effort to make sure our experience was just what we wanted. Lema has to be one of the most caring people I've ever met. It was very clear through our experience and some of our conversations that he not only cares about his clients, but also every employee that works for him. He cares about his country and making a difference. If that isn't reason enough to want to do business with Oreta, let me tell you a little about my experience. My friend and I (two women in our early 30s) went on a 4-day camping safari after an 8-day Kilimanjaro trek (My friend had already made our trek arrangements before I joined the trip with another company - but after my great safari experience, in the future I would go with Oreta for the trek too). Lema was very responsive and honest in all his communication before the trip. His prices are more than fair and he is willing to work with you to find something that works for your budget (it's hard to tell when doing business in Africa who to trust and what's "fair" and I'd happy put my word in for Oreta). We visited the Terengerie, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater National Parks. They were all very different and amazing in their own way. Lema had his chef revamp our meals for the trip. As they're typically similar to the trek meals, we were tired of this after 8 days on the mountain so his chef whipped up some local food which was amazing (one of the dishes was similar to a goulash, ask for it!) Everything was fresh and delicious. Lema is a great driver, navigating the rough roads better than any other driver we saw out there. He also has a keen eye for seeing things that are hidden to the average Joe and is very knowledgeable about the animals and their behavior. Lema allowed us quiet time when we wanted it and shared some of his amazing life stories when we asked. He has quite a story - ask him about it! The first day we camped on the site of a lodge between the parks so we had access to WiFi and bathrooms/showers. The next 2 nights were camping in the parks (with the wild animals!) which was fun but not quite as plush as the first night - but hey, we signed up for camping! The bathrooms on the second night were maintained by the park and, let's just call them a little wild. The tents are regular camping tents (at first I saw other people in the big green tents but later I found out they're not waterproof so you'd be worse off in one of those). We saw a ton of amazing animals and had a fantastic time. I know how important reviews are when you're researching safari companies from afar and at this time Oreta doesn't have a ton of reviews. That's because they're one of the newer companies but I think so far the reviews they do have speak for themselves - you've found the diamond in the rough! Go with Oreta if you want a truly bespoke experience, want to support an amazing local company and want to get a good deal for your money. I hope this helps!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, Exceeded Expectations, the Thrill of a Lifetime
My daughter and I did a 3-day Chobe safari in December. We were picked up at our hotel, escorted through the boarder, the water safari, awesome buffet lunch, and three days camping in the jungle. It was all amazing. The camp site had great equipment and the staff cooked delicious meals. We saw so many animals. In the morning, right behind our tent we have about 50 impala and two giraffes. We were the only two on our trip so it was a very special time with my daughter that I will remember for ever. Our guide was amazing and really tried hard to find all the animals possible. I would highly recommend this company and can't wait to do it again.
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great and reliable tour operator
We just came back form a eastern safari tour with Regional Tours, Zanzibar.
Everything worked out perfectly. The tour operator manager Maturaf is very nice and helped us even in other area of his business. The guide Edmond was fantastic and full of attention. He was always on time, taking care of us, driving smoothly on bumpy roads after lunch. It has done everything possible to satisfy us and help us to see the Big 5. And we did ! The first day, at Ngorongoro crater, we saw a leopard ! And a family of lions lying around in the Serengeti national Park. Not mention about elephants, rhino and buffalos.
The stay at Zanzibar, The Z Hotel is a heaven after the safaris !
Last but not least, Regional Tours is the most competitive company we have seen on the web.
I can only recommend it
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
nice experience!
I want to tank Safarihub , for the awesome safari , Me and my family , had a really good time , experiencing the wilderness that is Kenya !
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything we could of wished for
I was quite sceptical of Meru Slopes tour at first. It seemed too good to be true, it was the cheapest safari we found and included transport and accommodation. I had visions of getting there and someone taking our money and running or being left stranded at the airport, but that couldn't of been farer from the truth. The taxi was awaiting our arrival, even though we had huge delays, the hotel was very clean and comfortable, the staff were friendly and the food was lovely.
So maybe it was the safari that was going to suffer with the price I thought, but again was wrong. The guide was extremely knowledgable about all aspects of the wildlife, fauna, history and our surroundings, he was friendly and fun alongside it which made the whole group feel comfortable. The accommodation was no different to anyone else's and at times, actually better and the food along the whole journey was great. I would 100% recommend Meru Slopes Tours to anyone and I think they go to show that you don't need to pay through the nose to have a wonderful experience.