DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great host with unbelievable knowledge and dedication - very much customer focussed!
We only had one weekend in Kampala and wanted to explore the wildlife and other interetsing things near Kampala so I asked at our hotel reception. I got a reco to write an email to gorillabookings and from that moment everything went perfect. In 30 minutes time we have negotiated a full two days safari to Lake Nburo and Jinja at a very affordable rate. We had a great, gentle, friendly and very knowledgeable guide (Allan) who made this weekend a great experience to us. We have not only seen hippos, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles and a lot more at lake Mburo but also learned a lot of interesting things about Uganda, it's wildlife, traditions etc. from our guide Allan. Same applies to the tour to Jinaj, source of River Nile. Great experience. We definitely could recommend touring with gorillabookings - and if you are lucky, you will get Allan as your guide :-)
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Far, far exceeded our expectations, the place, the people, the food.
First, Tongesai Mtematsaka was excellent with communications and service. We couldn’t have asked for better. My questions via email were promptly answered. His English was excellent, and better. He was always on time in meeting us, coming and going. Our two hour trips from VIc Falls to the sable sands lodge, and then from the lodge to the Vic Falls airport were a highlight to our entire Africa trip. My wife and I will be discussing various aspects from the discussions with Tongesai for some time to come. By patiently answering my many questions he educated my wife and I about Zimbabwe and the region - culture, practices and assets of the people, typical family life, economy, weather, etc., and possibilities and trends into the future - all believable and detailed.
The staff and facilities at the sable sands lodge were all excellent, beginning with Michelle’s clear instructions and cautions. She was a delight. We were asked if we wanted to take a charming hut as close as we could get to the marvelous watering hole there and got it. Incredibly we were greeted by a dust-cloud from a herd of maybe 100 Cape buffalo running to the water - unbelievable! The meals prepared by So and Derik were really good, throughout. MC, our drive guide was excellent and very accommodating to all the guests in the comfortable and safe-feeling, open 4x4. We met some nice co-guests. We saw so many animals on our safari that I will not attempt to recall here. I would just say that the many watering holes in the Hwange park were impressive, As an environmentalist myself I was very impressed with the solar powered system for exploiting the aquifers, and the foresight of the authorities in developing and maintains these. I know the history going back to the 1920’s, but if there wasn’t maintainence and upgrade the animals could not continue, especially with drought effects of climate change. Finally, I must comment on the fact that our first night in our hut was spent listening to the rumblings of the elephant just outside out hut. In the morning the tracks outside our hut showed how close our visitor was. We knew then that Michelle’s cautions were serious. But then more, the second night we had a lioness spend the night outside our hut, perhaps roaring a mating call. At first light MC came by with the truck and asked if we wanted to see the lion. I shot out with my camera. What an experience!!
We hope our parting tip to the group of 16 people providing excellent service was meaningful. I will certainly recommend this trip to anyone who will hear me. What a privilege!!!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
More than 10 years of service and still as good as new
Silas has been working with my non-profit and me for about 10 years. The first time I met Silas I could tell he had a gentle and caring spirit and he has NEVER let us down.
Whether he is driving for just me or for my team, we insist on Silas. Why? Because he is trustworthy, makes himself available as needed, is skilled and knowledgeable about his country and cares for his guests as he does for his countrymen as well.
My only reluctance to write this review is that I want to be sure he is always available for US!
As many times as Silas has been part of our trips to Kenya (1-3 times every year), he is considered more than a guide or even a friend. He is an important part of our Kenyan family.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
African Travels provides comfortable and heavenly road trip from West to East Cape in South Africa.
We had the best service ever experienced, with our tour operator Marieke from African Travels.
We build our road trip up, she gave us all the advice wanted and needed.
The guesthouses were all comfortable, clean, silent, and the hosts were friendly, kind and helpfull.
To start are roadtrip we were handed a full tour description from guesthouse to guesthouse, with all vouchers needed and extra information about the area we were visiting.
Marieke was stand by when nescessary, but evereything was so well prepared!
Many thanks to African Travels for making our trip excellent!
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
HAKUNA MATATA program - Just GREAT !! Seven By Far organization is a must
The trip and program of my journey in Kenya was one of my best !
The weather was not good when I arrived and Seven By Far changed the order to make sure I could benefit of the best conditions for my safari.
The visits , the driver and guide were beyond my expectation. I took a private tour with 3 participants and have enjoyed every day.
The drive was sometime a bit long, but the reward was there when we arrived at destination.
The choice of lodges, the communication on changes when we had to adapt the program, the safari itself is an extraordinary experience that I recommend with this Tour Operator.
Great quality of lodge and food.
Lacking words to express my satisfaction but I was able to take many pictures to remember back home
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic 5 Day Safari Tour and our Guide Jaco really is an asset to this company!
We did the 5 Day safari and panoramic tour in Kruger Park and it was absolutely amazing.
Our Guide Jaco is super knowledgeable, interesting, helpful and passionate about the wildlife.
We learned so much from him, and never had a dull moment.
I would highly recommend Red Africa Safaris to anyone, and we are hoping to go back again on another tour in Botswana and Zimbabwe at some point in the future.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We habe experienced a fantastic Journey with a Great travel guide , who left many deep impressions.
All things were well organized, the tour guide was technically and human excellently. I already feel like returning to kenya and getting to know the country and its people. Our tour guide will always be Free Africa Tours and Safaris Ltd. Thank you Silas for everything.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic trip, local based company
I with My Fiance had really exceptional 12-days safari with Gecko safaris in Uganda and Kenya. We decided on this company because they offered us direct approach from the beginning – they helped us in planning our journey, gave many practical tips and took care of us from the moment we land in Entebbe airport. Our guide was Robert who took us his courtesy and professionalism. He was always smiling and helpful all the time . The time we spend in Bwindi ,kibale, Queen Elizabeth national park Masai Mara and Samburu was unforgettable. Robert could somehow find and show us the animals we wanted to meet the most. Observing all these beautiful animals from so close distance is breathtaking but I am convicted that trip of our dreams would not be so perfect without Gecko safaris. Thank you all very much and see you next time!
RO
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
If you want to see animals without crowds, Mikumi National Park, Tanzania, is the place to go.
Mikumi National Park is a unique experience that puts you directly in touch with nature and its rules. We traveled with Tanzania Horizon Safaris. They were fabulous, everything arranged, so all we had to do was sit back in our 4x4 safari jeep and enjoy the scenery. Our driver and guide, Said picked us up at the hotel at the agreed time (7 AM). The drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi took about 6 hours due to traffic upon leaving the city. He was nice and friendly, very well documented and he gave us a lot of information about Tanzania. I can't even describe the incredible beauty and how serene this place is. There was an amazing variety of animals and birds there: wildebeests, impalas, buffalo, impalas, elephant, zebras, lions, giraffe, hippos and even crocodiles. We slept at "Vamos", a brilliant lodge in the buffer zone of Mikumi and I have to say that accommodation was above our expectations. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and even had a balcony. Also, the food was really great. Big thanks to Elizabeth from Tanzania Horizon Safaris who is kind and courteous. She went well beyond our expectations to ensure we had the best time in our safari, for a once in a lifetime experience.
The weather was gorgeous and the overall experience was fantastic, definitely worth a visit!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thank you Silas + your Team (Nelson, Felix and Daniel), for this unforgettable journey through Kenya
My Tour in Oktober 2019 was the second Tour with you and thought me, you can´t be surprised so easily...;-)
But you have compiled an incredibly, beautyful Tour for uns indivituality.
I have learn so much new things about Kenya. You have us, your country with a lot of passion shown to us in a professional and stayed in great accommodation. You and your Team have always ensured that it is good for all of us. Thank you for this incredible time.
Warm Regards, Bettina