DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Third travel with Gondwana Tours: Unique journey to Zambia and Zimbabwe
We just came back from a stunning, exciting and to Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was already our third trip with Gondwana Tours & Safaris and again perfectly organized by Mark Hathaway. During booking our second trip with Mark from Gondwana Tours to Botswana, Mark told us about Zambia / South Luangwe, that it is still wild and he believes it would be ideal for us. To be honest we had never considered Zambia as a destination before but were completely enthusiastic about the information, stories and lodge suggestions he shared with us. Thus, we started planning our third trip with Gondwana Tours. The service and consultation was again fabulous, the routing was a bit complex and Mark was extremely patient in answering all our questions and rearranging the journey so it fit our flight dates. The travel was as always perfectly organized, the lodges knew all our wishes and preferences and everybody knew that we are Mark’s clients. Also during our holiday in Zimbabwe, when one information about the flight was somehow “lost” at the hotel and not transferred to us, Mark was within seconds available via WhatsApp and immediately solved the problem for us (even though it was a holiday). We loved South Luangwe National Park and Mana Pools and had wonderful sightings and stayed in fabulous camps. To sum it up, we can only recommend Zambia and Zimbabwe and will never book our Africa travels with another agent again. Thank you Mark for proposing us Zambia and planning this unforgettable trip for us!!!
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience ever with Best Camping Tours & Safaris
We had an amazing time while camping with BCTS. They were absolutely professional, from the airport complimentary pick-up to the end of our safari. Everything was perfectly organized and we felt super safe in every moment. All the staff were very kind and helpful, and the service they provide is superb!
The camping was so comfortable; the tents were spacious and had thick mattresses and blankets, the bathrooms had hot water showers, the dining room had light and plugs in order to charge the mobile phone or camera batteries. But the real highlight is that the camping is right at Talek gate which means that you can wake-up at 6:25 a.m. and being in the park spotting giraffes at 6:30 a.m. since it is really close to the gate in contrast to other low-cost safari companies that offers cheap safaris but being to far away from the gates (which means to lose so much time before entering the park). Another point to have in mind is that we had several safaris, specially at sunrise and sunset, which are the best hours to spot felines.
The food was absolutely delicious (thanks Steve!) and the camping was guarded by two Masais (John & Bill) that did not allow any animal to get close to the camping and were very nice and kind. Our driver Joseph had such a good eye when finding animals hidden in the bushes. He was trully professional and accomplish strictly the safari schedules.
To sum up, it is a great option to go on a quality and also budget safari, 5 out of 5!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall, the trip was well organised, site selection good with accommodation well chosen.
Booking directly online sometimes can be hazardous however dealing with Sylvester Sala at Seven by Far proved to be a good choice. Communication before the trip started was more than adequate and everything promised, was delivered. Travelling by myself did provide challenges as my driver/guide was a little less communicative than I would have liked on the long drives between reserves ranging from 5-7 hours each though he was fine when in the reserves and was a good 'spotter'. The animals definitely lived up to expectations and the reserves did too. The Masai Mara and Amboseli were the standouts though Lake Nakuru did allow me to see the white Rhino however the anticipated flocks of pink flamingos did not eventuate.
MY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!!!
Ernest from Worldwide Safaris Tanzania provided us with an amazing 7-day African safari experience. The trip was well organised and safe. We started at Arusha and then headed to Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro National Park, Manyara Lake and Serengeti National Park. All these parks have amazing views with so many different wildlife to see. The guide, Danford also made our trip wonderful with his vast knowledge and sense of humour. He was also very patient and accommodating. Some of the highlights are the wildebeest migration across the Mara River in Nothern Serengeti, lion hunt, leopard feasting on a tree and the beautiful views.
The accommodation provided during the trip was perfect. The lodges including the tented ones in the parks are very comfortable, clean, with friendly staff and have excellent food. This has got to be one of the best life experience thanks to the well planned trip. We will definitely come back.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It Will Change Your Life
Three friends and I picked Uganda because our top priority was trekking the mountain gorillas, and we were pleasantly surprised when it turned out that everyday of our 15 day safari provided a highlight that was almost as awe-inspiring as the gorillas. We picked Karumuna Safaris because it was owned by a Ugandan, competitively priced, and we knew the money we spent supported local businesses and individuals (versus booking with a company headquartered outside of Uganda.)
We arranged the tour through Richard, the owner, and he was very responsive and patient in answering our many questions. For example, he provided us with a list of accommodations on the budget plan, and when we decided we wanted to upgrade to the mid-range category (which I highly recommend, since it's worth paying a little extra for nicer places), he worked with us to ensure that we approved of the replacement properties. And, after staying at them, it is clear that Richard understood what we were looking for in hotels. They were staffed by the kindest, most service-oriented Ugandans, and the individual rooms were charming. The hotel staff went out their way to meet our every need, and when there was confusion, our guide stepped in to make sure that everything was taken care of.
Now, about the safari itself--there is no way to describe the reaction when you spot your first elephant or giraffe on the savannah. It creates an insatiable need to see every living creature in the national park. We were a demanding group, but our guide aimed to exceed our demands, and did so with good humor.
I recommend going on a private tour since the group will spend many hours together in the car (make sure the vehicle has a roof that opens up to allow 365 degree viewing) and are literally on top of each other as you scramble with your binoculars and telephoto lens to capture a lion and lioness as they emerge from the bush. And, I recommend going with a company, like Karumuna Safaris, that hires local ranger guides at each of the national parks you visit. We saw many other groups that relied upon their tour guide to scan for animals because the tour company didn't bring aboard a local ranger guide that specialized in that particular national park. The local ranger guides made the safaris much more rewarding and informative.
Everything was not perfect, and much of what wasn't perfect can't be fixed by a tour guide or company. Uganda is a country that has yet to adapt to the modern, industrialized era. No tour company can improve the weak and intermittent hotel wi-fi reception, or avoid the slow-going, dirt roads, which are utilized by every mode of transportation, including pedestrians and cyclists carrying their goods to market, the local farmer herding his cattle, and the occasional baboon.
At the end of our incredible 15-day journey, I really felt like our tour was designed to strike a balance between immersion into the local people and their day-to-day living, and spending time in nature, with the animals, birds, wide open plains and unforgettable, star-filled, night skies.
Our guide's motto was "Your wish is my command." And, he did everything within his power to turn our wishes into his commands. I have been told I sometimes have unrealistic expectations. Nonetheless, Karumuna Safaris exceeded my expectations, and when something didn't go according to plan, the company did whatever was within its power to fix it. When I return to Uganda, I have no doubt that I'll book my return trip with Karumuna Safaris.
Our Knowledgeable guide Rodgers, unique safari vehicles windows seats for everyone, Real African exp
I will highly recommend it, Excellent Communication skills, Unique African experience, Value for Money, Phenomenal and Memorable experience!
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our expectations exceeded
Afroriginal Tours and Safaris organised our first 8-day safari-trip to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro-crater.
We (family of 4) got a very spacious 6-p landcruiser with a very good, kind and safe driver/guide (thank you Moses!). Accomodation varied between tented camp and more luxurious permanent lodges. But all were better than we could hope for. Even at the remotest place, staff will do their utmost to make your stay as comfortable as possible. We saw hundreds of elephants, lions, zebras and wildebeast and many, many other animals including leopards, cheetas, black cobra and serval. What an experience!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari and Gorilla Trekking with Saso Tours
A friend and I wanted to go on a safari after completing a service trip in Uganda. We had to rely on the internet for information and reviews. Saso Tours had been highly rated so we opted to travel with them. Are we ever glad we did! Everything from beginning to end was super - Wilson at Saso made all our arrangements - he was professional and helpful with all our questions (We were two middle aged women traveling alone in an unfamiliar country). Our tour guide, Michael, was excellent - knowledgeable, friendly, fun and took great care to make sure we made the most of our safari. Our accommodations and food were top notch - we could not have asked for a better experience. Do not miss out on the Gorilla trekking - it is worth every penny!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
chaz tours and travel is the best tours in kenya
chaz tours and travel are good in communication they have great services and good experience in the safari
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience, very well organized tour
They promptly provided all the information and the support before the trip. The communication was excellent both by phone and by email (we always got answers after few hours).
Safari: the driver was expert and he gave us a lot of information about animals, the vehicle for the safari was OK with new tires, lodges were very comfortable and always nice.
Overall a great experience!