20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible day safari in Moremi National Park thoughtfully organised by the lovely Lelobu Safaris.
After talking to the lovely, friendly people at Lelobu Safaris about what I was looking for in a day safari, I found that they went over and above to go beyond all of my expectations. I had the most incredible day in Moremi National Park spotting all if the African animals I had dreamt of seeing, with the added bonus of watching a lioness attempt a kill to feed her hungry cubs. My tour guide was very informative and experienced and all the timings were spot on. Lunch was delicious, and Lelobu Safaris made sure that there was something for everyone to eat, meeting my gluten free dietry requirements. This was amazing! Lelobu Safaris were super stars, I would 100% use them again.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable 12 day safari for retired ladies from Canada
We just returned from safari in northern Tanzania and a week in Zanzibar.It was a very exciting trip for four retired gals.Magda met our every need from start to finish. We had our own 4 wheel drive vehicle with guide Meleck.He was extremely knowledgeable about all the animals and where to find them,also his driving skills were superb.Highlights were lions mating, 2 honeymoon couples we called them, and cheetahs hunting,3 brothers who worked as a team. Also lots of elephants, hippos, buffalos, gazelles,giraffes, baboons and even a couple of rhinoceros.Also a leopard and 11 lions up in trees.We especially enjoyed picnic lunches with Meleck chatting about our day. Magda was kind to arrange a visit to a medical clinic and orphanage which we were interested in. Tents lodges very comfortable, meals excellent, gorgeous views and conversation with other travellers interesting.Many photos taken.Last week relaxing at Blue Oyster Hotel on beach in Zanzibar,swimming and beach walking. Stonetown last 2 days, hotel charming ,great rooftop breakfasts. Thanks Magda, Edward and Meleck for an unforgettable holiday.
Experience level: first safari
amazing services.The best choice
The experience was up to my expectations.i would definitely use your services again and would recommend you . excellent treatment
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ticked off the bucket list
Ticked the following off our bucket list:
- Climb Kilimanjaro
- Go on Safari in Tanzania and visit the mighty Serengeti and splendid Ngorongoro crater
- Go diving off the coast of Zanzibar
We had an incredible time, and thank the Safarihub team for all of their effort.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Weekend in the Serengeti
We were 4 volunteers going to the Serengeti. We all had a great experience. Ernest is the best driver I have been been on a safari with, especially with the roads that were difficult to drive on because of the rain.
The weather wasn't ideal as it was raining a lot and the grass was high, but Ernest managed to make us see everything. The food and the car were very good. We all had a good time. He managed to find other people to go on the trip with us and reduce the price. Very professional and well-organized. Recommended.
MY
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Experience - excellent service , knowledgeable guide and attention to details
I corresponded extensively with Liza Yamazaki of Hazina Afika over internet when planning for our first safari for 12 of us . We decided on 7 day private safari tour in Central Serengati and Ngorongoro Conservation area . Liza was very professional and excellent in all aspect - prompt with answer to all our queries , very informative on safari matters, honest and upfront on fees. The tour more than lived up to our expectations .
We are all "Wow!" by this safari . We enjoyed our "game hunting" everyday in our 4- wheel drive. We were lucky to see thousands of wildebeest and zebras moving in unison in many areas - some stretching right up to the horizon in flat plains . Another unforgettable sight was a pride of lioness and cubs (more than 10) feeding on a carcass of a zebra . Then we saw the majestic lion king walking slowly down the slope to feast on the zebra while the lioness and cubs were playing or sleeping nearby . They are oblivious to the vehicles nearby just a few feet away. We saw vultures hanging around the area waiting for their turn . The next morning we passed by the area and observed the vultures fighting over the remnants of the carcass. It is nature at its best .
There were so many animals including elephants , leopard , cheetahs, herds of gazelle, impalas, monkeys, hordes of hippopotamus in the water .dik dik , foxes , buffaloes , rhinoceros in the distance etc
There are also so many types of birds.
In addition to animals and birds , the scenery of endless plains ,beautiful flat top acacia trees, bushes, streams and water was really very beautiful and refreshing . It was a 360 panorama of the horizon as you turn yourself round .
All in all , it is hard to put in words for the 7 day wonderful safari . You have to experience it yourself .
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A review of the Lodges and Company
My husband and I went on a 21d overland Safari with Crisscross. We were accompanied by Thinus himself. Rather than going into details about where to go, I would like to review CrissCross as well as some of the lodges we stayed at rather than Namibia itself which is a must do location for Safari.
Communication with this company and their response time is superb, especially when you consider that when Thinus is on the road, wifi is sketchy and that he may be limited in how often he could see to business. I found this company to be highly responsive and excellent in providing several options and listing suggestions. I am an avid researcher and all their suggestions were what we were looking for after. Kudos to the support staff as well as the organization that they maintain. Please understand that in Namibia, as well developed in infrastructure for an African nation it is, there are still small barriers that would make it difficult towards organization but this company overcomes this well.
A criticism I would have of the company is that during the organization part there isn't a clear idea of the amount of driving and time required in a vehicle. Distances that are covered at highway speed in developed nations take much, much longer. As such, much of my distress during our safari was the amount of time spent cooped up in a vehicle. I would have appreciated knowing in advance the approximate time it would take to journey from one destination to another. I find being stationary in a car exhausting (more so than a very active day) so would have really appreciated either a few extra days to recoup. The car is a comfortable 4x4 and was very reliable for our long journey. However, now knowing the distances that need to be covered and the very straight, unfortunately repetitious scenery (not many villages or natural sights) I think I would have changed my safari and included some flights instead.
The Lodges presented as choice were amazing. Paying more to stay at certain locations are definitely recommended. In my opinion places to "splash out" include (in order of importance): 1. Mowani camp in Dmamaraland (this is a must! I would never think of staying anywhere else and when I sleep I wish to dream of the scenery here), 2. the Premier Waterhole room in Okaukejo (too bad there wasn't room service! food here was terrible but the Waterhole is superb!), 3. Hoodia Lodge in Sossusliev (unless staying in the park which is also a nice option).
Other highly recommended lodges or trips for interest and for uniqueness: 1. Senyati (very hot rooms but a real introduction to Elephant herd behavior...did you know they line up for water? so polite); 2. Ndhovu (Hippos outside your tent...need I say more? Yes because they have a resident Hippo named Chomp who is adorable); 3. Tenting in the Okavango.
CrissCross managed to find us an outfitter (maun_backpackers.com) that did camping in the Okavango Delta (Botswana side). This was by far my favourite part of this entire safari. We're talking about real camping here, not a lodge and I loved it. I would highly recommend this over any other tour if you love to camp. Elephants, hyenas, the possibility of wild dogs, tracking a black rhino, swimming in the Okavango... all experiences that I wouldn't have thought possible unless you camp.
Finally, I would like to recommend Thinus as a guide. He is an excellent source of information for history as well as provides a unique view and opinion on the Apartheid movement that I had not considered before. I did initially have an issue with Thinus smoking while we were on game drives, but after letting him know of this, he desisted. It would have been nice if he opted first not to smoke around us nonsmokers rather than needing me to bring this to his attention. In addition, please be aware that your guide is with you the entire time, even for meals. If you're looking for a romantic holiday or special time with your significant other to reconnect, you may want to tell your guide. We asked to have several dinners by ourselves just to give us time to spend together as a couple. A suggestion I have for the company is to clarify expectations with your guests regarding smoking and meals at the start of the tour. It would have made some uncomfortable situations less of an issue.
The strengths of this company lies in its organization as well as ability to provide guests with a variety of tour options at various price points. I would recommend CrissCross Namibia.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Matoke Tour
Deciding to use Matoke Tours was by far the best decision in my safari vacation. Anatole was our driver and guide during the 7-day tour through Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Always with a smile on his face and a deep concern for our comfort and positive experience, Anatole represented Matoke with excellence.
SA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Drove around Kampala and then to Kabale. Had best Experience ever.
These guys are real proffessionals in this industry. In their office in Najanankumbi- Kampala, all welcoming and giving info about the cars and best places to visit in Uganda.
They check the car with you before you take it and keep in touch all throughout your movements..
I do recommend these guys for car renting/services for all while in Uganda.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Custom Safari Trip to Tanzania to view game and Uganda to view primates.
Matoke Tours exceeded all of our expectations from initial booking to after tour debriefing. Our service representative responded promptly to all of our questions, concerns and other communications. The accommodations they provided for us were exactly what we wanted, mid range in price but comfortable and more important, interesting. We mainly stayed in tent camps near the animals we wanted to see. All in all Matoke arranged a great tour for us.