US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I've done six safaris. This is one of the best!
This was my sixth African safari. What was unique about this trip was the 1:1 attention I received from Ernest, a partner of Eagle Eye Safaris along with Karen Blackwood. Although I am an experienced photographer and user of Lightroom and Photoshop, Ernest was able to help me up my game. He also coached me on using the flexible spot for focusing in the bush, where the autofocus challenge was selecting the animal rather than the surrounding branches.
Eagle Eye Safaris also offers to help with logistics regarding travel to and from the Lodge, and while Karen couldn’t attend this safari, she managed not only my South African Travel, but also reviewed all of my travel plans from the US, through Tanzania, and to South Africa. She made suggestions and caught some conflicts that would have complicated my trip. With her help, it was seamless. Her attention to detail is exceptional, and she and Ernest are a perfect photography and safari team. I would absolutely recommend them, and would love to go on safari with them again.
The accommodations were the best I’ve experienced, particularly the stopover at Loerie’s Call on the drive to Sabi Sands, and the place we stayed at the Park, the Nkorho Bush Lodge. The latter had two showers (one inside & another out), a huge bathtub, and two quite large rooms. I have stayed at a number of nice lodges in Africa, but it doesn’t get much nicer than this! Nelspruit at Loerie’s Call was worth the stop. Instead of a 7-8 hour drive from Johannesburg on unpredictable roads, we had a second day with only a three hour drive. The overnight accomdations were of the five star variety.
Sabi Sands itself was manageable in terms of size and did not involve long drives to find the game. The routine was relaxed in the sense that you had a break in the middle of the day when you could use the pool, or work with Ernest on your photographs, or just shower and have a nice breakfast and lunch. I’ve been to other safaris where the break was shorter and the drives were longer.
Sabi Sands can also be called “leopard city,” in that we saw leopards every day, usually multiple cats and sightings. On three occasions we even saw cubs, and I got a perfect shot of one peeking around the trunk of a tree after his mother had warned him of a hyena. In all of my other safaris what was typical was to see a leopard once, often fleeting or not at all. Another advantage of Sabi Sands is that drivers can go off road, which sometimes means crashing through the bush to get to a wildlife encounter. One of the most awesome of these events I’ve ever experienced occurred when hyenas had taken a kill away from a leopard, and a pack of wild dogs came and treed the leopard, and then tried to take the kill away from the hyenas. The sights and especially the sounds were quite incredible. I will post it on my blog: http://GrandAdventures.org.
The other nice thing about this trip is that due to the exchange rate between the USA and South Africa it is exceptionally affordable at the present time.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Once in a lifetime!
I took an amazing safari with Green World. Prior to my safari I had done a medical aid mission and Green World was highly recommended by experienced mission members who had taken tours. I was a little nervous about traveling by myself so I picked a shorter tour mostly to see the gorillas but really wish I’d also done the Chimp trek as well. You can also stay in Bwindi am extra day or two and see the other hikes they have. Those hikes also sounded incredible. Seeing the gorillas was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. You are so close and it is so exciting.
Betty, the owner of the company, was very reassuring, nice responsive to my questions, and flexible with options. My hotel in Bwindi was very beautiful and comfortable. My guide was so knowledgeable and nice. I felt at ease with him and he was a very safe driver. He knew all about the communities and the wildlife. He was nice to talk to on the drive and willing to stop anytime for pictures. Can’t recommend the company more!!!!
CZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Not recommended by travel professional
I honestly wouldnt recomment this company. We booked the Kilimanjaro climb and the safari with them for family of 3 people. We requested german speaking guides, which was promised, but in reality they didnt provide german speking guide, so communication was not possible.. The worst thing was, that during the kili climb the guide decided to shorten the climb by 1 day withou asking - reason was that the climbing team wanted be at their homes for Christmas.. So instead of planned hike last 3 days was rush and run on the mountain.. Ongoing safari was OK, instead of vehicle in very poor condition, even for african standards. Apparently this company doesnt have many own cars or guides - they subcontract from other suppliers, so they dont have much controll over quality. After journey was finished, they refused to compensate us for the missing german guide and the 1 lost day in Kilimanjaro. Jan
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
In Beacon Safari we trust! Unforgettable 5 days safari (with BIG 5)
Duration: 5 days (February 2019)
Private tour (2 person)
Location: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha (Kenya)
Accomodation: Fisi camp (Budget), Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge (Mid-range), Lake Nakuru
Vehicle: pop-up roof minivan
Going on a safari in Africa is a new experience for me. I approached it with some trepidation, and chose the safari operator based on reviews on the internet. It worked out perfectly! Communication with Robert (the owner) was courteous and ABSOLUTELY clear. But, the most important part of the safari, in my opinion, is your GUIDE. He is the one that will make or break your trip. Our guide Eric definitely contributed to make this trip unforgettable, thanks to his professionalism, friendliness and great commitment to show the best of this beautiful nature and wildlife in Lake Nakuru and the incredible Masai Mara. Yes, we were able (and lucky) to see all Big Fives! Perfectly organized and conducted Safari. We found the itinerary, camps, food, etc. all to our satisfaction. All the accomodations they recommended were very good (a special mention for Fisi Camp in Masai Mara).
Beacon Safari made our stay in Kenya feel easy, fun and safe. So, based on my experience, I highly recommend this company.
If you have any questions or would like to see some safari pics just message me or visit my website: www.amphotography.it
Good luck!
Alessandro
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
When you have a very knowledgeable guide and attentive staff you have an amazing experience!
Our tour of the Okavango Delta was 15 years in the making, having fallen hopelessly in love with Africa after a 2004 guided tour in Kenya and Tanzania. During that trip we spent our non-game viewing time in lodges. This time we wanted to be full-time “in the bush.” Early Kingfisher Safaris guide, Samuel Mopalo, and his attentive staff of 4 made our 2018 trip the most amazing trip ever. There are numerous reasons for this: Sam is a certified Botswana guide with 20 years experience. Botswana guide certification is the gold standard for African safaris guides and his father was a guide before him. He has mastered tracking, identification of over 60 mammals, numerous reptiles and nearly 600 bird species and he loves sharing his knowledge. In addition, Sam is a master wildlife photographer. He knows how to position the vehicle for light and distance resulting in perfect photo opportunities. In short, Sam has mastered the art of safari guide, but perhaps the best thing about Sam’s skills is his ability to take advantage of luck. By that I mean when an opportunity presents itself, he moves on it to present to his guests that unique safari experience. When a lioness walked (roared) near the camp one morning before daybreak he asked that we leave before breakfast to catch up with the cat as the sun was coming up; and we did, long before other guides/tourist, giving us a breathtaking experience, memories and great pictures. This is Africa! The entire 11 days couldn’t have been better and I didn’t even mention Sam’s good natured manner, the superior service from the staff, and the delicious food. In summary, go with the best, go with Early Kingfisher Safaris.
ES
Phantastic organization, excellent guides, different game viewing different reserve, friendly staff
A wonderful safari adventure, unforgettable, unique. Well, very soon we noticed what Charlotte meant at the welcome meeting: "You will get the real feeling of Africa.." Yes, the treehouse and especially the 1 bed with 1 blanket a bit small for 2 elderly women.... but it was part of the adventure. We enjoyed the warm nights on our terrasse with nothing but the stars above, listening to the frogs, zicades and grills with a bottle of wine, slightly shattered of the daily activities, but happy. My phone had died the 2nd day because of the power cut and I had forgotten my PIN number - how wonderful that has been! Me who has a 24 hour service with my mobile clinic, cut off completely!!! Phantastic!
Charlotte always caring that everything is well organized and everyone o.k., Victor planning the next day program, the guides so enthusiastic explaining their nature, animals, plants, the staff always friendly and with a smile on their face, everything well organized. We have been the oldest ones (and to learn how to climb onto the jeeps without looking like grandmas) and the ones with the longest stay. Luckily we found a very nice group and we have been together most of the time. In the evening interchanging information about other countries, customs, cultures,. We have been a Southafrika couple, two Japanese women and an Australian chap, and we from Germany and Austria. So even more information!
Wonderful photos are reminding me, I put quite some all over in my house.
Thank you very much again and hopefully Viva Safaries stays like this and in future will go ahead offering unforgettable, wonderful safari adventures!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding, knowledgeable, caring and flexible
What a magical experience from arrival to departure! I can’t make enough positive comments about my experience in
Tanzania with Leadwood Expeditions. At very short notice, the evening before actually, they went out of their way to arrange a tour that I wanted to do that had not been included in the itinerary. What a team! The drivers/guides had an uncanny ability to find the animals and sights that every person has gone on safari to see, and they do it with class, easily negotiating a line between stopping long enough for those who want to watch a specific animal for hours , and those who want to move on to see other sights.
Their friendliness and attention to detail were outstanding and I would certainly recommend them to anyone considering an African safari.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
15-day Kenya-Uganda-Tanzania safari
In February 2019, my friend and I finally embarked on our 15-day journey around East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) with Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris after planning, then booking the trip via their online payment platform months ahead of departure (in May 2018). Our itinerary included the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Jinja, Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro crater. From the first day we made contact with KWSS and throughout the entire trip, their founder, Mr Otieno, showed incredible professionalism, always responding to all our requests / questions in a timely manner. We enjoyed spending time with our three very experienced guides. In Kenya, Ken showed incredible determination to track various animals during game drives, even managing to show us the Big 5 within a day. The Uganda leg consisted in a lot of driving all the way to the extreme south west of the country with Daudi who proved to be an excellent driver. In the Bwindi forest which is shared between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, we got the chance to spend one hour with a family of wild gorillas. This was probably the shortest hour of our lives, an absolutely breathtaking experience which we will cherish forever. The last days of the trip were spent in Tanzania with Godlove who's communication, plus knowledge of the region, wildlife and flora impressed us greatly. KWSS being on the more cost effective end of all the safari solutions we found online, it wasn't without some apprehension that we made the choice to go with them despite their good feedback online overall. Reflecting back on the experience, I have to say that they absolutely delivered and that we were glad we chose to support a great local business. Keep it up KWSS, you guys rock!! Check out my instagram feed for pictures / videos. It's "zayvyer" :)
Cheers!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
well organised , safe, excellent guide and cook, with endless wildlife
Su and I decided on Kalahari after a wide search of safari company's, "big is not always the best". This small operation was flexible with attention to our needs and wish list. George visited our accommodation the evening before the safari, just to let us know we would be picked up in the morning and what time we would like to leave. At the start of the journey, George and Kaiser (guide) kindly stopped off at the warehouse,so as we could pick up some beer and wine for the adventure ahead.
The itinerary was great in that we started in Victoria Falls and finished in Maun and didn't have to back track , all along the way wildlife and bird life was aplenty. The abundance of sighting was greatly attributed to Kaiser's vast experience as a local and a guide, he was tireless in his effort to find wildlife, which was always rewarded with amazing close up viewings of animals ,such as wild dogs and all the "cats"
The camping was great and George always supplied plenty of wholesome food and camp was always set up in great locations , sure you could spend a lot more money and have more up market "glamping" but we often had more sightings than some of the "high end" safari tours.
At the end of the safari, Christopher (co owner) dropped into visit us on the night before we left Botswana just to see if everything was ok, get some feedback and if we needed any assistance.
Being a local company this on the ground personal service is a nice touch but importantly if something unforeseen happens, staff and owner are not far away.
I wish Kalahari all the best in the future (importantly all staff employed are locals)
Simon
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The trip of a lifetime and Leadwood made it all possible
The entire team from Leadwoood made this trip more than memorable. Elias, John, Remi, Roger, Tonny, and the rest of the team gave everyone red carpet service! From the first night to the last drop off, the service was totally seamless. They take great pride in their country and it's natural beauty and it shows in everything they say. Every question, no matter how mundane, was answered thoroughly and with a smile. This was my first trip to Tanzania and I didn't realise what a great sense of humour Tanzanian's have. Every member of the team was funny in their own unique way and enjoy a bit of subtle, good natured ribbing. Some of the drives were long and dusty, but never boring. I would go again with Leadwood in a heartbeat!