CA
Dirty tent. Vehicle breakdowns. Terrible ending.
I went on a 5-day safari with Bobby Tours. Price was comparable. It's run by Bobby's son Kassim who appeared nice at first but turned out to be an arrogant pr*ck. The tent isn't the canvas ones like the other outfitters. It's a big "Costco" one with holes and has that bad old tent smell. Their main campsite is run down and only one shower works and it's pretty bug infested (though I find that interesting). The vehicle broke down several times too. Anyway, we finished the 5 day safari early because Lake Manyara is an easy 2 hours on the way back. I asked Kassim if we could do a day trip to see Kilimanjaro in a car on the 5th day instead, paying for the extra fuel costs. Instead of politely declining or offering an arrangement at an extra price, he just YELLED (RAGED) at my girlfriend and I on the phone. I asked him if there was a bus to Moshi, only an hour away. He then told me he didn't know - ironic since he's a tour agent that advertises Kilimanjaro treks - and that getting there would cost $100 in a taxi of van one way. Fortunately, my Airbnb host saved the day and took us to Moshi for free, and I hopped on a bus back for $2. In short, Kassim ruined our trip of a lifetime. Once he gets your money, you're useless to him. Don't give business to this entitled brat and avoid Bobby Tours.
I went on a 5-day safari with Bobby Tours. Price was comparable to others. It's run by Bobby's son Kassim who appeared nice at first but turned out to be an arrogant pr*ck. The tent isn't the canvas ones like the other outfitters. It's a big "Costco" one with holes and has that bad old tent smell. Their main campsite is run down and only one shower works and it's pretty bug infested (though I find that interesting).
The vehicle broke down several times too. Anyway, we finished the 5 day safari early because Lake Manyara was an easy 2 hours on the way back (probably worth skipping if you're going to Serengeti). I asked Kassim if we could do a day trip to see Kilimanjaro in a car on the 5th day instead, paying for the extra fuel costs. Instead of politely declining or offering an arrangement at an extra price, he just YELLED (RAGED) at my girlfriend and I on the phone.
I then asked Kassim if there was a bus to Moshi, only an hour away. He then told me he didn't know - ironic since he's a tour agent that advertises Kilimanjaro treks - and that getting there would cost $100 in a taxi of van one way. Fortunately, my Airbnb host saved the day and took us to Moshi for free, and I hopped on a bus back for only $2.
In short, Kassim ruined our trip of a lifetime. Once he gets your money, you're useless to him. Don't give business to this entitled brat and avoid Bobby Tours.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded any preconceived expectations I had prior to the experience.
Priscilla and Bernard were knowledgeable in all aspects of our trip. They were friendly and familiar like family, yet extremely professional during our tour. They both went worked hard to make sure our group was attended to and provided with whatever we needed. I loved the feel they both brought to the trip. Not intrusive, but there whenever we needed them. A delicate balance to maintain for Tour Guides. I loved them so much I'm booking again for Rwanda & Uganda 2020. My hope is to bring a larger group with me to experience East Africa. The Safari Tour will forever be a part of me.
ES
It was truly amazing
My experience with Outback Adventure Safaris was simply amazing. It all started when I met Eric at Entebbe airport and he drove me to Kampala. I really enjoyed that hour drive as he delivered so much information about the city and the culture! I knew straight away that I wanted to get the company’s detail in case I would like to tour around the country while acquiring a great amount of knowledge about the area so few weeks later I contacted them.
We headed to the southwest part of Uganda, a town called Kisoro. It borders Rwanda and Congo. I would highly recommend visiting Kisoro and staying few days...there is so much to see!
We spent some time at Lake Mutanda which was one of my favourite spots and the experience was truly amazing! Swimming in the lake, taking a boat to explore the other islands surrounding it or having a drink on top of a tree overseeing that incredible amount of beauty was something I had the chance to experience with Outback Adventure Safaris.
They provide exceptional service. They are informative, reliable, professional and fun! I would definitely recommend them to anyone that wants to explore Uganda in the company of great people.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Give Top Cream Safari a chance and they'll impress. Trustworthy/great communication, simply the best
Mini Version: We went for a 5 day Safari and the communication, service and friendliness of this tour operator is something you not only need but want when you are checking off this bucket list item. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Now to the long version:
Before arriving in Kenya:
We decided on going to Kenya after I was dragging my feet for several years. I started reaching out to multiple tour operators in both Kenya and Tanzania. We settled on Kenya because of the direct flight from JFK so I narrowed the search down to tour operators in Kenya, and as you know by this point probably there are quite a few of them. What narrowed down my decision to choosing Top Cream tours initially was the price they provided for the same service others were offering however this wasn't the deciding factor. We had the choice narrowed to a few but when you are sitting thousands of miles away and contemplating whether to trust a tour operator with no presence in major travel review sites, it was this tour operators instant and courteous communication that made me pick them and we are so glad we did!
After arrival in Kenya:
Erastus made sure to visit us in the hotel to go over the tour details and provide us a receipt for the payments we did online and in person. He brought the drive with himself so we get aquatinted. John(our driver) is a fantastic tour guide, we are quite people and enjoy our times away from the hustle of NYC and John gave us the quite ride we needed, with his driving we felt safe and had no problem communicating any changes or requests.
Throughout the trip the tour operator made sure to reach out to us to make sure we are all good and don't have any issues, we even decided mid-tour to extend the trip 1 day beyond what we initially planned for and they were so accommodating. We left all the decisions at their mercy and were not disappointed at all.
On our way to airport Erastus made sure to meet us and make sure we have had a good time. They even walked us to the gates. After we returned home, they reached out and made sure we are safe and that we were happy with their services.
One of the concerns I had was deciding between the Jeep and the Van, We chose to go with the latter and I can tel you the quality of the Van they provided was very good and we felt very confident that it won't leave us stranded. I doubt it would be any different for the Jeep so book with confidence.
Disclosure: I have not been paid or compensated in for this review in any way.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Can't imagine traveling to Uganda with any other guide...Twaha is, hands down, THE BEST!!
This is my 7th consecutive year traveling to Uganda and using Twaha as a safari guide. Each year he manages to somehow make the experience even better than the last. I have now experienced Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls (at least 5 times), Quads on the Nile, boat rides to the falls, birding adventures, chimp trekking, Nile river rafting and the most AMAZING lodges! I don't even look at the itinerary anymore...I just let the Wild Jungle Trails team handle all the arrangements. Each year they pick the perfect places and set us up with the best guides at each adventure. I always receive the best customer service from start to finish.
If you are looking for a stress free, safe guide who knows all the ins and outs of Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.....Wild Jungle Safaris should be your only option. I recommend getting input from their staff in regards to realistic travel times and accommodations to ensure your expectations are met and your trip is enjoyable! I can't imagine experiencing Africa with any other safari guide!
US
An amazing trip in one of Africa's best safaris (per CNN) and an incredible gorilla trek.
Uganda Safari Chapter delivers excellent service with itineraries, on the ground pick ups and excellent guides! Going to Kidepo Valley National Park was a highlight with its beauty, remoteness, and huge herds of Cape buffalo and elephants. Wildlife viewing was quite good with several lion sightings, 50+ zebra and many other animals. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is an amazing experience. As you look into their eyes there is a moment of recognition which is surreal. At both national parks, Uganda Safari Chapter put me in beautiful lodges / tented camps with excellent service and great food. They know what they're doing!
DE
The experience was one of a kind.
Really nice company with friendly operators, you get value for your money.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari in Masai Mara
The safari met our expectations on 100%. Our gide, Patrik was very experienced, very knowledgeable and very professional. He show us everything, and made our tour unforgettable. Many thanks to Ruth, she organized the tour very well, answerd for all questions detail and fast, and she is very beautifull. I will use their services again surely.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing trip
We were ten in a Group of friends who decided to climb this highest free standing mountain in the world and we managed to reach to the top thanks to the Guides, the potters ,cook ,waiters and the whole team. It was a really good experience, its view was incredible!
Our experience climbing Kilimanjaro organized by this Local Company Bujo tours
ES
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thieves
How is it possible that this guy is still offering on the net? How can one stop an evident thief?
Again, do not use them, do not book with them and do not pay anything!