CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A unique, unforgettable and worry-free Christmas adventure
Around a year ago we planned a ten-day trip from Canada to Kenya for the Christmas holidays. We hoped to spend some time relaxing on a beach as well as visiting a couple of national parks. Lucy collaborated with us to put together a ambitious itinerary which fulfilled all of our objectives, despite our time constraints and distance.
The overland drives across the Rift Valley from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru, then along the Mau Escarpment to Masai Mara were fascinating, with some amazing views. Covering that distance on the ground gave us an appreciation for the diversity of Kenya's geography and people. Kenyans drive on the opposite side of the road than what we are used to and the roads can be challenging, so we were grateful to have friendly and professional drivers to safely and efficiently transfer us from place to place.
The lodges that Lucy booked for us were outstanding – spacious, comfortable and well appointed – and the staff were warm, calm and solicitous without being overbearing. Being greeted with a refreshing warm washcloth on a tray everywhere was delightful! The game drives were fantastic, and the incredible guides helped us see over 30 different species of African wildlife. These professional naturalists helped us appreciate not only the animals’ beauty but their complex social interactions as well.
Lucy also arranged a quick turboprop flight from an airstrip just outside of our lodge in Masai Mara to Ukunda Airport in Diani Beach, enabling us to spend a restful couple of days at a resort on the Indian Ocean, complete with beautiful white sand beaches and ocean swimming. We concluded our visit with a full day in Nairobi with a car and driver, and visits to a number of local attractions, including the Giraffe Center and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to visit baby elephants.
We were well taken care of from our arrival in Nairobi onwards. The overall trip, while ambitious, was worry-free for us. We've already started thinking about plans for another visit and are very happy to have worked with Lucy and her team for a unique and unforgettable Christmas trip!
EG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tranquil
Kruger park is amazing, with so many different species in their natural habitat. The tour included exactly what was in the description
PT
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A real adventure!
It was a good adventure! The wildlife, the parks were amazing! The only thing we did not enjoy was our guide. Not very nice, not available to show us around the park, we were always the last to leave the the camp and the first to return. The last day we waited 2hours for him to get inside the park, he was sitting aroud and talking to some other drivers. Our cook was great, and al the meals were perfect!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible time in South Africa on trip organized by Tailor Made Safaris
This was probably the best vacation we ever had. We hate guided tours but wanted a trip where hotels/cars, etc. was pre-arranged. We couldn't have been more pleased with the accomodations, vehicle, food, safaris and personalized service of Tailor Made staff (thanks Nick, Freya & Claire). Claire met us in St. Lucia and Nick met us at Royal Natal Park.
South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland are great places to visit; people were so friendly, we felt very safe and the scenery is incredible. Favorite spots: Royal Natal Park (the view from our room was incredible), Sani Pass in Lesotho and the 3 days we spent in Little Bush Camp (we saw so many animals including lions, cheetahs & leopards).
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari
We went on the 3 night 4 day Safari to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. From start to finish it was an amazing experience - we were picked up at the airport in Arusha and went straight onto the safari. Our driver Florian was great - very knowledgeable and a good chat. We saw plenty of animals, including leopards, rhinos, lions so close you could touch them and many, many elephants. The chef prepared delicious food everyday, and overnight stays in tents in the Serengeti and on the edge of the Ngorongoro crater were a highlight - wild hyenas and water buffalo were roaming between the tents in the night!
Highly recommended.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unique experience
We loved our trip to South Africa, nature and wildlife are so unspoiled and beautiful. Capetown was a surprise, and the weather helped a great deal, sunny almost every day with very little rain and not too hot for sightseeing.
Our stay at the Black Rhino Game lodge for the safari was also fantastic, all went smoothly with the airport transfers and the reserve was amazing, we saw lots of wild animals, loved the game drives and our guide was great. Highly recommended!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
great experience
Southern Africa Travel (Giltedge) was so helpful in booking our trip to South Africa (which was also our honeymoon)! They listened to our wants and helped us plan the trip exactly as we wanted. We had a great time and loved all of the places we stayed!
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wow, up close and personal with the magnificent wild life of South Africa!
After several trips to South Africa I have finally found what I have been looking for. This time I got to experience the real deal, staying in a bush camp on a private reserve. Wall to wall wildlife which because you are on a private reserve, you are driven right along side as the guides can take you off road. The accommodation was comfortable and clean in air conditioned tents; the food to die for (home cooked, traditional South Africa Food); my guides went above and beyond to give me my fill of wildlife and were very knowledgeable and passionate about their work. This trip has been such a highlight in my life so much so that I am returning to repeat it this coming winter.
NG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hustle-free Holiday
The best experience ever with a tours company. Hustle-free and affordable
IE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Aquila is terrible. May as well go to a zoo!!
Terrible. Not really a safari. Beside main road, loads of fences and gates. Few animals. Day at zoo would.be better