50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Magic surroundings, unique scenery,
The Okavango Delta scenery is quite unique and as you have to fly a small plane to get to one of the lodges, you can realize it as soon as you board. It is very remote and with the water reflection the light is a wonder and you ear the bush noises so clearly day or night (you can ear hyenas grunting , lions roaring, bell frogs croaking etc.). For wildlife, scarce elephants and hippos are guaranteed. But you may not see cats if you don't book in a lodge offering game drives. Most of the lodges have boat activities and bush walks (a great experience indeed), but few have game drives. If you think you will be frustrated not to see lions, choose lodges with gale drives. If you can afford to stay in two places (one in the north, one in the south), it might be advisable as you'll probably see different things. Quality wise, the accommodation we booked was not a bargain. Lodges are very expensive and the service is not quite as good as we might expect for what we paid (I know, it is the bush but...) The thing is if you are used to other safari accommodations (I live in South Africa and have tried quite a few..) you can have real value for money (even if it is not as spectacular as the Okavango)...
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Zambia by Pim
Five stars for most boxes. And 'only' four for birding because I didn't encounter much that I hadn't seen on previous safaris, despite South Luangwa's abundant bird life.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience!
I traveled to Kenya with 3 friends after booking with Odyssey when I found a Groupon deal for different days that they honored for us. We spent a week traveling to Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. I was concerned that a week wouldn't be enough, but we were busy all day long and traveling from park to park was an adventure in itself with things to see along the way out the window. We absolutely loved our guide, Erastus, and even cried at the airport when he dropped us off! He was extremely friendly and jovial, and I would highly recommend requesting him if anybody else goes with Odyssey. We saw all the animals we hoped to see (elephants galore, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, warthogs, lions, cheetahs, monkeys, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, etc). 3 out of 4 of us are vegan and had essentially no problems with finding good food to eat. All the lodges were top notch accommodations, and the Kenyan people were all so friendly!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mixed Experience, Look for Another Option
** UPDATE JUNE 2016
Since my review cannot be deleted, I would like to add the following update. I have been refunded the amount I was owed.
Here are some reasons for considering this company:
1. Affordable - The cost of the safari was far lower than any other company.
2. Flexibility - Joseph was flexible in terms of changing the itinerary. I was scheduled to go to visit the Hadzabe community, but decided I would prefer to go to Lake Manyara and Arusha National Park instead. Joseph was kind enough to accommodate my request.
3. Great Guide - Henry was a great guide and driver.
4. Tented Lodges at an Affordable Price - Since it was rainy season, I did not want to camp. I stayed in tented lodges, and Joseph made it possible for me to do so. All other companies were so overpriced! I especially appreciated staying at Rhino Lodge near Ngorongoro Crater--really nice rooms and food.
5. Airport Pickup and Drop off - Joseph sent drivers to pick me up at the airport and drop me off.
6. Payment Options - All the companies wanted me to pay ahead of time to reserve a spot. Joseph allowed me to pay on arrival, and half in cash and half by credit card.
7. Prompt Response - Joseph was available by email and by Whatsapp. He emailed introductions to former clients in order for me to check the references for the company.
For the price and overall service, I would recommend African Traditional Safaris.
** ORIGINAL REVIEW
I contacted African Traditional Safaris through this website. I was contacted by Joseph who sent me some options for a 7 day safari. He said that I can pay half in cash and half by credit card.
I was picked up at Kilimanjaro airport and taken to an office in Arusha. There was no sign at the office, only a computer on the desk. I knew the company is not registered with the Tourist Board. I was not sure if this was a scam.
I was taken to a local hotel and picked up by a jeep the next morning. There was one other tourist in the jeep. I was told that the amount I owed by credit card would need to be paid for park entrance fees. We went to Tarangire and I paid for the entrance for the jeep, the other tourist and me on my credit card.
That evening we were joined by three other women who were camping along with the other tourist. They were charged a much lower amount because they were camping and were going for fewer days. I was asked to pay their entrance when we got to Serengeti, little over $400. I was essentially subsudizing their trip.
Later when I went to Arusha National Park I was asked to pay the tourist company directly and I would be reimbursed. Joseph kept making excuses and kept saying he would send me the amount by Paypal. That still has not happened a few weeks later!
Overall, I would not recommend this company.
MO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Making our hobeymoin trip unforgettable with their 5 stars service!
My husband and me had a 14 days tour with Kenya walking as our honeymoon trip,, their package price comes with very good value and hence they are highly recommended. Our guide Anthony is particular impressive with his service and professionalism, he is always caring and attentive. We were able to see the big 5 in the first few days of our trip and we were able to take many good and close shots of the animals, our guide is especially patience to help us to seek out the wild animals like zebra, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, leopards..etc Also the accommodation arranged by this company was very good, all the hotels and lodges we stayed are 5 stars hotels which everyone of them comes with special features. We will definitely choose Kenya walking again when we come back go Kenya for another visit.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Michelle Astbury came through on everything she promised!
Michelle jumped in when I found myself needing to book an entire week in one day. She kept her cool and suggested Shindzela camp to match my wants and she was right on! 11 guests, "tented" accommodations with luxury beds and open air showers; extremely pleasant staff. 48 hours there was perfect for four outings on Land Rovers where we counted 26 different animals we were shown. Drove into camp illuminated by torches with wonderful out door dinners. May be one of the most relaxing times of my entire life.
Michelle had every driver booked to get to airport and hotel we stayed in next in Cape Town and it was so nice that they showed up on time without me ever having to make a call! Smooth as silk. I didn't know there were travel agents like this anymore!
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Experience, Best Guide in the World
My husband and I booked a Safari + extension to Zanzibar trip and everything went very well. We were received by Mr. Otieno in the very first day when everything about the program was explained.
The major plus goes to Samuel, our guide, that was excellent. He knew a lot about the wildlife and was very friendly and funny.
In Zanzibar everything smoothly as well.
Very good hotels apart from just one night, which was overcomed by the rest of the entire amazing experience.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well organised, well trained driver/guide and perfect chosen program according to our wishes.
Quick response to our email, thinking with us and looking for the possibilities so in the end we had the perfect safari with very nice accommodations. Excellent guide. Price/quality relation is very good
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable tour operator; great overall experience
We asked Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris to arrange a hotel and conference room in Nairobi for 3 days, followed by a 4 day Masai Mara fly-in safari. The trip was well organised and the owner, OT, was extremely helpful. The safari was amazing. The driver/guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. We had a great time. We saw all the big cats, many elephants and a great variety of antelope species. The scenery was stunning. The flights, transfers and everything else went very smooth. And all that for a very competitive price. Going on safari with Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris was a great overall experience.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous and interesting 4 day Pafuri walking trail.
We found all aspects of communication to be very clear. Had a wonderful experience living in the bush camp, were very well looked after with excellent meals and all needs catered to. The experience was everything we had hoped for and more. Our guides/rangers were lovely people, very knowledgeable in spoor and animal and bird life in the area, and spared no effort in making our stay interesting and most enjoyable! We would highly recommend this Kruger trail.