US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing experience with a wide variety of wildlife
We took a friend's van into the park and drove ourselves all over. As far as I know, this is the only national park in Kenya where this is allowed. Just minutes into our drive, we encountered a large, male rhino that jumped out into the road directly ahead of us. A few turns later, we found ourselves surrounded by a herd of at least 40 African buffalo! We saw many lions, giraffes, baboons, and zebras. The opportunities to see wildlife seemed endless, especially at water holes. Not having a guide, we chose our routes using "dumb luck" and it worked out well for us. We had to plan very carefully, since there are few toilets available and no food in the park. The weather was very comfortable and pleasant. Given the chance, I would definitely return to this park.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Trip to Rwanda Organized by Umubano Tours
I recently finished a fabulous trip to Rwanda (July 03 – July 08, 2015) that was organized by Umubano Tours. This was my first trip to Rwanda and I have come back with great memories. I had been in touch with Herbert (Head of Operations and Owner) for almost eight months prior to my trip and he helped me create an itinerary that included everything that I wanted to do and more. Herbert was always very professional and prompt in responding to my emails, answered every question with detailed answers and provided me with valuable suggestions.
Also before I write any further, I want to thank my guide (and now friend) Didier for his wonderful personality, kind and helpful nature and immense knowledge that made my trip all the more special. Didier is such a gentle soul with so much genuine love for Rwanda. I really enjoyed his company and I am so glad he was my guide.
During my stay in Rwanda I stayed at the following accommodations: “The Manor Hotel” in Kigali, “Mountain Gorilla View Lodge” near the Volcanoes National Park, “Lake Kivu Serena Hotel” on Lake Kivu and “Nyungwe Forest Lodge” at Nyungwe National Park. Each accommodation was extremely comfortable, the rooms were nicely appointed and clean, locations were beautiful, all necessities were taken care of and everyone was super nice and friendly.
The activities that I embarked on were: Kigali Genocide Memorial, Cultural Village tour near Volcanoes National Park, Gorilla Trekking, visit to a Fishing Village near Lake Kivu, Kamiranzovu Falls, Murambi Genocide Memorial and the National Museum. Each and every one of these activities was very well organized, very educational and had a profound impact on me.
I think what impressed me the most was the resilience of the people of Rwanda to overcome their tragic past and their determination to move forward and work towards building a bright future. It was amazing and heartwarming to see how friendly the people of Rwanda are and what an effort they are making to turn their lives around. I feel honoured and privileged to have visited this wonderful country and I have come back with amazing memories.
I would very strongly recommend a visit to this beautiful country and would have no hesitation in recommending Umubano Tours as the trip organizers. Thank you so much Herbert and Didier for the wonderful time that I had in Rwanda.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
a greatest tour operator!!!!
I was looking for a half day trip to Lake Naivasha in Kenya. I was suppose to catch my flight back to Japan that day, and most of the tours were not suitable for my flight schedule, however Ancient Wild Safaris made an arrangement for me so that I could go to the airport on time. Also when I ask them if I wanted to add some places to stop by during the tour, they also made an arrangement with extra fee. It was really helpful. They always try to make a tour that suites for you.On the tour day,the driver came to pick me up on time and took me places with great explanation. The driver guide is really kind and very professional. I had a great time. Ancient Wild Safaris always reply to my e-mail very quickly, that was a good point as well. Definitely I will use Ancient Wild Safaris next time when I visit Kenya!!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Was a great experience
It was during Easter holidays and I booked a 4 days safari with them, me and my family and friends had an awesome experience, the prices were super okay and reasonable compared to other companies and operators, I ended up in the middle of other clients who had booked and paid more , but we got the same services . It was awesome, thanks guys. Tuonane tena
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari through Uganda and Rwanda
We wisely decided to make use of Encounter Africa Safaris rather than doing a self drive safari. Planning the trip and choosing accommodation was made easy because of their recommendations. Tolbert, our guide, was extremely well organised and his ability to plan ahead made for a relaxed and very enjoyable experience. The choice of lodges proofed to be good. At times a local ranger or tour operator was used to add value to our experience.
Thank you for an experience amongst the gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys which we will never forget.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Another Excellent Safari Experiences!
What a wonderful company to deal with! Baraka (in the US office) was very quick with responses, he planned a wonderful Safari for four of us.
This is the third long safari we have taken with Good Earth Tours and it was just as good as the other two. Having been to Tanzania many times before, we knew exactly where we wanted to go and where we wanted to stay and it was all arranged with no issue and at good prices being repeat customers!
Good Earth is not the cheapest but it is worth every cent. Accommodation was amazing, food and service fantastic. But the best was our guide/driver Joseph, words can't describe what a wonderful guide and person he is. If the sun too bright for photos he would move the van to get the best shots, he obviously is a keen photographer as he was so aware of all the issues photographers face. He will go extra distance to make sure you see absolutely everything!
Definitely book with these folks and if possible, ask for Joseph.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Breathtaking. Beyond amazing and beyond what words can explain. Experience of a life time !!!!!!
Their communication, organisation and tour guides were brilliant. Everything from the minute we met them were profesional. They were AWESOME!!!!!
20-35 years of age
7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb
My friend and I had been talking about climbing Kilimanjaro for a couple of years and decided to do so this summer. We did a large amount of research about the climb and found Kilimanjaro Brothers to have excellent reviews. Therefore, we contacted them and, having just returned from successfully reaching Uhuru Peak with Kilimanjaro Brothers, we are more than pleased that we did so.
From the outset, the communications with George were clear, friendly and informative. Enquiries were answered quickly. We felt that we knew exactly what were getting. We felt that were getting the personal touch from the beginning and that lasted right the way through the trip.
We booked the 7-Day Machame Climb and we were well looked after. We were picked up at Kilimanjaro Airport by George in the early hours of the morning and taken to our hotel in Moshi (paid for as part of the package). The hotel was lovely - comfortable and clean. We had a briefing the day before the climb which prepared us for everything to come.
The climb was excellent. Our guides - Priscus and Saidi - were excellent, as was the group of porters that helped us make it up the mountain. The food was excellent and James made sure that we were well stocked with food and water every day. We could not have done it without them, but they made it an enjoyable experience and one that we will never forget.
After the climb, we were returned to the hotel where we were given a special presentation of our certificates and we were treated to non-alcoholic champagne and a series of gifts which was very kind of George and his team.
I believe that this personal touch that Kilimanjaro Brothers has is what sets it apart from other companies that we contacted. I hope that this company goes from strength to strength but does not lose this personal touch which made the entire experience one that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Thank you, George, Priscus, Saidi and the whole Kilimanjaro Brothers team!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5 Star Experience from Start to End
My husband and I were introduced to Odyssey Safaris (OS) through Groupon (which we decided not to use--keep reading). We contacted OS and received an immediate response. We were impressed that a real person, Mark Cahill, made himself available to speak to us. He proposed a safari in Kenya that was comparable in pricing to Groupon but in keeping with our availability. Prior to paying for our package, there was a political incident in Kenya that compelled us to ask for a change in destination. In short order, Mark prepared an alternative package in Tanzania--visiting 4 natonal parks within close proximity, at nearly the same price. He suggested that we consider doing a stopover in Amsterdam on our way back to the US, which was rewarding and gave us a break from a very long flight back to the West Coast. He also accommodated our request to pay for the airline (KLM) fare directly.
We had never done a safari and were a little apprehensive. Even though they provide a detailed itinerary and responses to FAQs, I sent Odyssey a few emails about logistics. They responded almost immediately with helpful information (even though some had been answered in their brochure materials).
Now, about the trip itself. We were amazed beyond belief. The entire experience was flawless. We were met at the Kilimanjaro Airport by Mweta, who was a very experienced guide. (He said he's almost ready to retire but he had plenty of energy for us!) He stayed with us for the entire trip being guide, educator, and driver. I don't understand how a person can manage to avoid the major pits of the road, identify birds in flight, and see a giraffe in distance, all while answering our questions about the culture, the weather, the politics, etc. Every single day was unique: we saw dozens of animals on our very first day (Tarangire). But every subsequent day we saw new animals as well as coming across those we'd seen in different habitats and different situations. The quality of the guide will shape your experience and ours was exceptional.
We appreciated the sequence of the National Parks, spending approximately one day at each. We started with Tarangire (which is sometimes skipped in shorter safaris of fewer than 7 days: what a shame!); then Lake Manyara--not to be missed; then Ngorongoro Crater; finally Serengeti for 2 full days. By the 8th day (our first day was just for landing, dining, and sleep), we were ready to go home, satiated on a feast of mammals, birds, some reptiles, panoramic scenery, and a few experiences with the Maasai.
Let's move on to lodgings and meals. We were again, delighted with our accommodations. We had no idea that they would be as luxurious as they were. Even the "tents" were completely furnished with beds with firm comfortable mattresses, mosquito netting, bedside tables, sitting areas, and complete bathrooms including hot showers and flush toilets! Several of the tent sites used solar power, which made sense. Every lodging was unique, e.g. the tents on boulders overlooking a lake; the tents in the middle of a plain, set in a circle; the lodging on the top of a large hill, with a bathroom suite that would rival any 5 star hotel in Europe or the US. The safari-lodgings we stayed in were run by a French company but, thankfully, the staff were all Tanzanian. They were, without exception, gracious and accommodating. The meals were (to us) tasty and healthy. The breakfasts catered to Westerners, i.e. fruits, croissants, toast, eggs, bacon. We wished they offered an occasional choice of local cuisine...Maybe next time. Important to note that neither of us became even slightly ill during the entire trip.
In addition to being able to observe wildlife and take in breathtaking scenery, we were able to take a walk with a few Maasai men across the plains as they talked about their everyday life; and visit a village to see a welcome dance, go inside one of the dwellings, and visit a kindergarten. These were just glimpses but will leave lingering memories.
We could say so much more but it would take many pages. Suffice it to say, we would use Odyssey Safaris to plan other trips in the future.
For those of you who are new to safaris (as we were): you'll experience much jostling in the vehicle as you dodge thousands of ruts (our guide was a genius in his ability to maneuver around them but you'll stlill be jostled); dust in capital letters, and the noise of the vehicle can be noticeable. But these are details if you want to see animals in the wild, sometimes within feet of your vehicle; if you want to see panoramic scenery and skies like you've never seen before, stretch before you; and appreciate the friendly waving of children by the road as they herd their goats and cattle.
Don't miss this experience: it will bring a new meaning to the word awe.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience and fantastic Guide
I had a long weekend and wanted to do something memorable in it. I got in touch with a number of travel companies however Gorilla Trek provided the most active and comprehensive itinerary which is why I chose them.
From the moment I arrived to the time I left, everything was taken care of. My guide Eric was just awesome. Cannot recommend him highly enough. He looked after me the whole time, was so insightful and really put 100% in each day. He really made the whole thing (well that and the Gorillas!).
Overall an amazing trip. Recommend the company.