US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Exceptional Rwanda - Uganda weel long adventure!
We had the opportunity to work with Olive; she was excellent and able to ultimately construct just the agenda we wanted (which was a bit different than the pre-planned package). William was our guide. He was friendly, professional, organized, informative, and helpful. We stayed in wonderful accommodations (Garr Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and Enganzi). Each place was different in style, but all had one important thing in common - friendly staff. As this trip was a celebration of Larry's 50th birthday, we were very surprised when the staff of the Garr Hotel came out with a cake and William, our guide, came out with a small gift. Wonderful personal touch! Our permits for the Gorilla experience were acquired via Olive - and that eliminated a large amount of worry for us. The food was plentiful and good. More than enough water was supplied each day. In 6 days, we interacted with Gorillas, visited a village, hiked a gorge, took a boat trip, visited a market, went on a safari, and visited places Dian Fossey frequented. The experience was authentic and fun! We have three suggestions for potential travelers. First, plan well in advance of your trip so that you can listen, learn and plan the best trip possible. Second, be aware of physical fitness and realistic about potential limitations. Enganzi, for example, had more stairs than we have ever seen at a lodge/hotel. The room and view were well worth the effort, but guests should be aware of these sorts of things. We also strongly encourage you to use the porter service when hiking for Gorillas. It is not expensive, and it is very helpful regardless of physical fitness. Third, realize that some things may be lost in translation and/or via e-mail communication. Be detailed in your expectations and ask for confirmation in writing of what you understand to be the case - it will help to eliminate any disappointments or issues on the trip itself. It is also a reason to start the planning process earlier rather than later.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
You really should choose this!
All staff very nice, we were well served, it's amazing safari.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Trip in Affrica
We got very good arrangement and see everything we would like to see there, wonderful!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent time, great trip on a tight budget
Well done to Andrew and his team, in partuclar our guide Omari who was brilliant. From the start Andrew came to meet us and really understand exactly what we were after before customising us a tour, and he hit the nail on the head perfectly in terms of the budget, quality, tours, etc. Well done, will most certainly recommend and use again
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The experience were great, the service was great but things were not clearly organised.
The service was great, the safari was wonderful but there were some circumstances that were not well organised. The car we left Nairobi with was not up to standard which took up half of our first day, water was not provided (which according to the outline was). But all was handled properly.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unforgettable!
I travel to Africa every year and this year I brought my aunty with me. I did a self drive tour last time I was in Namibia and it was no where as good as the experience we had with Criss cross. Thinus tailored the tour to our exact needs and his wealth of knowledge was invaluable. We had a magical time, always felt safe and highly recommend Criss cross. This was my 7th year travelling to Africa and this tour was by far the best value for money, the best tour guide I have ever had and the best itinerary as we created it with Thinus's help. You will never regret travelling with crisscross.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A great holiday!
What a fantastic time we had in Zimbabwe! Favourite place of all - The Zambezi River! The fishing and game viewing was brilliant. Loved Imire and riding the elephants too! Thanks for organising the accommodation and flights for us Debbie - you were so professional and soo accommodating and we loved the room you booked for us at Chikwenya! Thank you!
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari in Kenya & Tanzania
We did 11-days Nakuru/Naivasha/Masai Mara /Serengeti/Ngorongoro/Manyara/Tarangire/Amboseli tour. This safari in Kenya and Tanzania was our first, and it exceeded all our expectations. Noah Kuti and his team did a great job. We loved every aspect of our tour. Everything went very smoothly and was very well organized. The accommodation was wisely selected to cover variety of lodges, resorts and tented camps in both central (and crowded with fellow tourists) and more remote (quiet and exclusive) parts of the parks. We liked the diversity. The tour route was planned very well. Some of the parks we chose ourselves, but additional recommendations from Noah were spot on. And I just need to tell you about our guides. They were amazing. Especially our guide in Kenya Ronnie, very knowledgeable and sharing our passion for photography. We saw the Big 5 in first three days with him, numerous spotting of rhinos, cats hunting, kills, cats with cubs, etc. I have some 5000 photos from the trip. Thanks guys! I can definitely recommend the Wildebeest Safaris Ltd to everyone who is looking for an excellent safari experience.
And of course the parks themselves were truly beautiful. Exceptional scenic beauty and wildlife in abundance. We would love to come back someday!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The trip of a lifetime!
Thank you for a perfect trip and a wonderful adventure. The plans worked perfectly, and accommodations were fine. We preferred the Park to the private game reserve, though folks there were also very accommodating and friendly. “Hippo Hollow” was also fun, and a great way to end the trip.
Most importantly, Anthony Hawell (Hoppie) was a fantastic guide, on every dimension. He is extremely knowledgeable, and knew the answers to all of our questions. It is clear that he loves the Park, and this made touring with him a very special experience. He led us to remarkable sightings, including a beautiful leopard and so many lovely birds. He would pull into some amazing sight, like a watering hole with a variety of animals to see, and quietly point out key features, giving us plenty of time to absorb what was there, and ask lots of questions. We never felt rushed or pressured. He took excellent care of us. In addition he was delightful company, so funny and kind, and quickly came to be a real friend, not merely a guide. I especially enjoyed the after-tour, stimulating conversations, over dinner or drinks, where I learned a great deal. It was a trip of a lifetime, and I will never forget it.
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience with It Started in Africa!
Just returned from a 5-day safari organised by It Started in Africa, what an outstanding experience! Our safari exceeded any expectation I ever had.
We visited Tarangire Park, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, the itinerary was great. We saw lot of animals and most of them really close! It was so exciting!
The team was fantastic! We chose a group safari and I couldn’t be happier with our ‘safari-mate’ Satish! What an incredible person to share this experience! Jonhson, our guide, was kwnoledgeable, familiar with local environment, nature and wildlife. He’s also an excellent driver and always kind! Pascal, our cook, was amazing! The food was incredible and soooo tasty! He was also so polite that we were grateful to have him in our team.
Thanks to all the people that made this experience unforgettable: Mathias, Andrew, Ludi and all the people in the guest house.
I would like to make special mention of João Oliveira (Marketing/Operations Manager).He was very helpful in all subjects and sent prompt responses. He was a big help in the planning of the entire trip and always friendly.
I must say that was an unforgettable experience with the most fantastic group we could ever wish, I would happily go to a safari with It Starded in Africa again and again!