US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
INCREDIBLE
The accommodations were spectacular at the private reserve Kwa Madwala we stayed at. The food prepared by the staff daily was delicious and fresh.
The weather was great - not too hot and not to cold. Our safari guides did their best so we could see all the animals. They would communicate with other safari guides consistently throughout the day to see what animals were spotted and in what areas. We got lucky to see the Big 5 twice plus cheetah, and other animals.
Our entire trip was planned out perfectly and we had no issues with transportation, etc. The staff in general was very welcoming and great to talk with. You can tell that everyone at the private reserve we stayed at valued their job and wanted to provide great customer service.
The scenery was incredible and it was a trip of a lifetime. Looking forward to going back again someday.
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible experience thanks to this fantastic company
I would highly recommend this company. Everything was just fantastic. We had trouble with lost luggage on our way to Tanzania and the guide, Freddy was so helpful sorting it out resulting in their safe arrival. He was so knowledgeable on safari and his sharp eye meant we saw all big 5! We were so impressed with the food, Robert the cook was highly skilled particularly when you take into consideration the lack of equipment / supplies when out in the wilderness.
The only thing we could fault was the Fact that the truck was a little old and had high seats meaning if you’re over 5 5” you’d have to duck down slightly to look out the window. They do have newer trucks though with lower seats so it depends on who the guide is.
Overall it was a once in a life time experience and we would recommend Shemeji to anyone interested in a budget safari in Tanzania.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent trip, great company
Namibia was an awesome experience. Partly due to the setting, partly the wildlife but all of it possible due to Gaynor, Previous and the folks at Nature Tours Namibia. They put together an awesome trip with hands down the best guide I’ve traveled with in any nation.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Uganda and Rwanda Experience
I recently had the opportunity to spend 20 days in Uganda and Rwanda and my chosen operator was Destination Jungle. Months of planning my trip involved research but also frequent correspondence with Christina Olah from Destination Jungle. Christina provided me with excellent service during the months leading up to my dream holiday. Every detail was covered in a professional yet friendly manner.
Upon arrival at the airport in Entebbe, I was met and transferred to my accommodation and was excited to meet with Christina that evening. She took the trouble to travel from Kampala after work to meet with me. I was grateful for this kind gesture.
I was assigned a Driver/Guide named Kasule Hussein who I soon realized was not only knowledgeable about all aspects of the two countries, but was also very personable.
Throughout my travels, Kasule ensured that I was safe and well looked after at all times.
All details of the itinerary had been planned to perfection by Christina and everything fell into place as it should have.
I was very sad to farewell Kasule at the end of my journey in Kigale as we had got along very well.
I would book again with Destination Jungle without hesitation and am happy to recommend DE to any future travellers.
I had the holiday of a lifetime.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything we imagined and more!
If you are at all on the fence about booking a safari to Tanzania/serengeti, I say book now!
I'll start with the cons:
1) long turnaround time to hear back from tour company prior to trip. We had to follow up several times on multiple occasions, and it still would take 2 to 3 weeks for us to get a response.
2) no a/c or minifridge in keep, although advertised. The weather was mild enough that we did ok, but the afternoons would get unbearable when the jeep wasn't moving.
Pros:
1) CLEAN! We have been to several national parks across the US, and travel frequently internationally as well, and by far I was so impressed with the cleanliness of the parks and especially the restrooms at the parks (random I know, but still important!)
2) safe! We never once felt unsafe, not from animals nor from locals when we went roaming around in the city. Although aggressive salespeople, the people are harmless.
3) the beauty and the nature and the animals! We saw everything and words nor pics can do justice to the beauty of the serengeti and also the ngorogoro crater.
4) our guide hassan was very well informed and had an answer to all of our questions. He was very mild mannered, detailed, and made sure we were comfortable at all times.
5) the food is nothing special, but we didnt really go for the food anyway.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thinking of Africa - Book Safari Partners
Safari Partners did an excellent job helping us to plan our trip to Rwanda and Tanzania. From the beginning, communications were excellent. Chris was very responsive to all of our questions and provided sound advice based on his years of experience planning travel to Africa. Having grown up in the tourism industry myself and traveling a great deal, I must say that Safari Partners raised the bar. Every aspect of the trip was top drawer. We chose to stay at 3 star hotels and we found the ones that Chris booked to be superb. Chris’ advice on time spent in each place proved to be wise. The ground services were excellent. The guides were on time, very knowledgeable and DID EVERYTHING to make our trip enjoyable and comfortable. This trip exceeded our expectations
We found Rwanda to be very clean, safe, modern, progressive and comfortable as Chris indicated it would be. Being with the gorillas there was an experience of a lifetime. In Tanzania our guide went to great extremes so that we got to see all of the "Big Five" as well as many other interesting animals. We even witnessed the migration in Tanzania. We all highly recommend that you book your next safari with "Safari Partners."
BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!
Everything was great, considering I booked a budget safari. Masai Mara is big, I could see all the animals several times (except for the rhinos which are rare in that park) and also visit the Masai village. Food and accomodations were ok for a budget safari. The guide was very good and would get us very close to the animals. Transportation could be better, we were 7 people in a van, I think it should be limited to 6 people, because if you were in a row with 3 people one of you would not be able to stand up and look through the open roof if the other 2 were standing.
an exelent holiday
our holiday was well orgenized. we felt you consider all our wishes
the guide was very good and have a lot off knoledge in different issues
we will gladly recomend your company to our friends
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everyone, should see and experience Tanzania
It was unbelievable. I was super worried about my 25yr daughter (Jacinta) safety, so I went with her and made sure we booked a great company. Mid/Range tour Serengeti with Lion King Adventures for 7days and everything was perfect. I’m pretty fussy and was totally blown away with service, accommodation 5+, security, food and the most amazing people we met, including locals.
Would highly recommend Arusha Giraffe Lodge prior or after tour. Arrange Lodge driver to pick you up (low price), because you really need security and safety at all times. Best(chef-Jasin) in Arusha and beautiful accom/family owned. My son is head chef in very exclusive restaurant and would very much love meet Jasin and learn his techniques. Staff incredible, a must especially if you like lovely accommodation, secure place, transport at decent price. Please tip well, they deserve every penny you can afford. Much better than a 4.5* hotel and they never ask
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Above our expectations!
We wanted our first trip to South-Africa to be perfect. You do not fly daily to the other side of the world. Thanks to Safari's Op Maat (Tailer made safaris) we've made our dream trip!
From the first moment of contact they offered advice. Not an e-mail was too much, and every time we got back quickly response. We finally choose a self drive combined with guided activities. We wanted to see the best of KwaZulu-Natal and close the trip with five days in Cape Town. That has certainly succeeded! Even above our expectations!
The accommodations were all very nice and we found ourselves again and again in a new world. A week before departure we received a book with our personal journey. We also received a TomTom, telephone and South African SIM at home. Our personal travel book contained clearly defining information, lots of tips and fun facts about the area.
In Cape Town we had a Dutch speaking guide. He made sure that we have seen and heard everything about the beautiful Cape.
We want everyone who wants to make a memorable journey through South Africa advise to book with Tailer Made Safaris. Thanks to Geert, Freya and Angela.