20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Royal services
After working in dubai for a year I was coming back home and I needed a vacation and I got a great one, this guy's were professional and too kind not only did they advice me in the best time to fly in but they also picked me up from the airport I was worried about my friends but they had picked them up too.
The trip was wonderful the cars were comfortable, we listened to our choice of music but that's not the great part masaai mara was just breath taking the wildlife wow, our accommodation we camped the tents were nice the beds were comfortable the food was great I mean everything was well organized though I hated the birds in the morning they woke me up, all in all we had a great tour, we got the best services and it was at a fair nd affordable price. Thanks dennis
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience with a sour end
The experience on the whole was incredible. We were met at the airport by a driver (as arranged) and taken swiftly to our tour operator’s (Seth) office. We paid Seth for what we agreed (there maybe more ‘tax’ costs on the day though so bring extra dollars as we did not have enough with ‘extra increments’). After that we were then taken to the hotel as arranged by Seth prior to our visit because our tour started early the next day. I would recommend staying elsewhere as this hotel is very basic with its amenities and food. My partner and I did not believe it was worth the $100 cost for two nights. It is based in the CBD of Kenya so leaving the hotel to explore the city was eerily at times - my partners necklace was actually snatched from around her neck even though it was hidden (luckily it was not expensive).
The following morning we were picked up by another driver to meet the rest of the tour group. We met our driver Stanley who was fantastic and cannot recommend him enough. He took us to see every animal listed on the website and his knowledge of the areas he took us too was very good. He answered every question we asked and helped us if we were stuck with anything. He looked after us as a group and made sure we were all completely satisfied with our journey.
Accommodation at the campsites were as expected (because of the price you pay for the whole package). Food at all places are buffet but selection is not fantastic. The campsite next to the Maasai Mara was a great experience though.
Overall, the experience was great and it will hold brilliant memories for us forever. However, the trip we had went a bit sour towards the end as we had extras in our package which we paid for on arrival but were then changed. After much deliberation, we finally had what was agreed but this did take a lot of time when discussed with the tour operator. There were many messages back and forth which were needless. There had also been another instance on the tour where our driver had taken us to an excursion but our tour operator did not tell the driver my partner and I had paid already for it as part of our package. This could have become very tricky for one of us and someone could could have been out of pocket. This should have been discussed and organised prior to us. I do not feel the situation was necessary or my issue to fix but I was the one to fix this problem. It would have been extremely difficult if I did not have a SIM card (also recommended by the tour operator not to get beforehand).
I would recommend this experience to everyone as it was once in a lifetime opportunity. However, I have learnt a few lessons from this:
1) Make sure you get what you pay and you keep on top of what is offered so you are not swindled out of any money.
2) Be fluid and have a positive attitude as plans can change daily - detailed plans changed completely but we do what was listed.
3) Bring a high powered power bank and a SIM card at the airport as some places of stay do not have internet or working electricity all day.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Malawi by Owen
I liked Liwonde National Park. I think that it's an unknown gem. Nyika and Lake Malawi were fine.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gems of the river and land
The experience was fantastic, we had a great guide. Everything went smoothly, including the frontiers. The river cruise is incredible, and well worth it. The land game drive not so much, we saw only impalas and elephants. But out guide was fantastic and tried to go as close as safety allowed and we were able to be very near the elephants.
The lunch was a buffet at a fantastic hotel, the food was delicious. The only thing is that we didn't have enough time to eat calmly, because time was short...
I totally recommend, although the price is very inflated (all Victoria Falls trips and area are, so, there's no other option)
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience, scenic beauty and the highest African point.
We've been traveling to Tanzania in May 2019 with Lem Carnivores tours.
First of all, we visited 2-days safari: first day in Ngorongoro and then Tarangire. After that, we had 7-days climbing to Kilimanjaro by Machame route. After all these activities we moved to Zanzibar, but this part was planned by us.
We had a great experience by choosing Lem Carnivores. Vicent was very polite and customer-oriented.
All the sightseeings were very unusual and terrific. There won't be enough space in review to describe all the feelings and emotions, but Tanzania is definitely worth visiting! (Especially with Lem Carnivores :) )
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Experience
This was a trip of a lifetime! I would highly recommend anyone to go on this vacation! :)
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing seeing so many animals up close - did not expect such long drive times to different reserves
Used Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris - chose a modified 10 day safari rather than the 12 day mid-priced, also upgraded to Luxury accommodations, and they were very accommodating - I did not recall an airport pickup - so I paid for transportation from another company - both were there even at 11:00pm. Used our tour company - Zachery - he told us he was with us for our 10 Day Safari. Dropped us off at hotel and told to be ready at 7:00 sharp - he would be there and ready, please be on time. I had to email our tour company at 7:25, because no one was there - about 5 minutes later another driver/guide was there, AL - I explained that Zachery was our guide - he made calls and said he was.
Started to Tsavo East - a little into the drive, stopped for about 90 minutes in a very dirty gas station where we believe he was trying to get money into his account, said needed a car charger for his cell. Another stop about an 1 1\2 later for what we were told as a potty stop - went used and wanted to leave - found Al eating and had to wait. Couple hours later stopped at a restaurant for lunch, we refused, well below our standards and supposed to eat at our 1st lodge, per itinerary. Got to 1st lodge after 8 hours - problems with reservations - had lunch and then were told we were being refused, tour company had not paid - went on a game drive on way to new lodge - really nice, lots of animals - got to lodge, standards well below that of the original one in our itinerary. No hot water, food very basic - lodge very rustic, but very clean and we could view many animals, up close. I did receive an email from tour company that Zachery was on way - was sent replying to my email at 7:30am - I do not understand how we ended up with Al.
Day 2 - Itinerary - not followed - did 2 game drives and did see lots of animals - missed Via Aruba Dam on itinerary.
Day 3 again Itinerary not followed - very long day 7am start - went to Mzima Springs, saw Hippos and Crocodiles, then to Rhino Sanctuary, struck out seeing either Rhinos or Leopards - got to lodge 6:30pm in Tsavo West. One of 2 guests at this very rustic lodge, did not get the expected Luxury upgrade - no hot water again- food very basic.
Day 4 early start to Amboseli - lunch at very nice Sopa Lodge, checked in - rested before afternoon game drive, lots of animals. There was a personal stop for our guide to get money - about 45 minutes while we sat in van with up to 30 kids surrounding our van begging for money - we were extremely uncomfortable and told him
Day 5 morning game drive - really nice. Lunch at lodge then a visit, without guide- extra cost, to a Maasai Tribal Village - very enjoyable.
Day 6 very early morning start on way to Lake Naivasha - another very long drive for late lunch at the Sopa Lodge - an extremely nice resort/lodge - many animals walking around. Afternoon game drive at Hell Gate - not many animals, but did see the Geo Thermo Power Plant.
Our favorite accommodations - many animals wandering around grounds - Hippos wandering around at night - really cool - food was fantastic.
Day 7 - a day at "Crescent Island Sanctuary" - supposed to be an included, guided tour - charged $60 for tour - Al was our guide, but there was no tour - just walked for about an hour seeing animals and birds. Did not see or do anything per our itinerary - again supposed to be included, but charged $60.
Day 8 - very early start to Maasai Mara - another very long drive - late lunch at Azure Mara Haven - a Tented Camp, then a late afternoon game drive - lots of animals. Dinner, family style, no choices - food OK at best - had a nice tribal show during dinner.
Day 9 - Very early start - 5:30 for a Hot Air Balloon ride then outside breakfast - highly recommend - really nice and fun. After a morning game drive with the balloon operator - our guide did not show up at meeting place - so he took us to try and see Leopards - no luck - but did see lots of animals. After many attempts to contact Al - he was going to take us back to hotel but Al finally contacted him for a meeting place - continued drive with Al to border of Kenya and Tanzania - had box lunch and continued game drive - lots of Lions this day.
Day 10 - After breakfast - anther extremely long drive back to Nairobi - I paid for box lunches for all because would not eat at the restaurant Al chose - finally in Nairobi, dinner at 6 at a very nice restaurant - Al instructed waitress to give me bill - no problem - then to Airport.
There were many personal stops for our guide. Many of the roads taken were very questionable. The seat-belts were not working in van.
Al was very knowledgeable about the animals and birds - really enjoyed listening to him. Also, he ate every meal with us - the only guide to do so.
We are still very puzzled by the confusion regarding guides and the non payment of the original lodge. The original lodge was very nice and we ended up at a far inferior lodge - not the Luxury upgrade that we paid for.
All in all we really enjoyed our tour.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect family Safari
Tanzania and the northern circuit are great. Lot of wildlife, nice people and an ever changing scenery. We found mild weather, great lodges and good food. Roads are everything from completely new to terrible. Expect no more than 30 kph average after entering ngorongoro area. Guiding was great und reliable, we always felt safe and well taken care of.
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The experiences was very good, every thing worked out perfect
The communication from Switzerland we had on line was very good any question and the answer came strait away. Also the payment with out problem. We had a good car, a perfect driver for our 9 day safari. All in all we had a very good time on our safari with seven wonders safaris.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful country, amazing wildlife, but shocking infrastructure
We really enjoyed the parks and wildlife, but getting there proved a challenge - the roads are appalling, especially the road into the Masai Mara - I would have thought such a busy park would be better served. The number of trucks on the roads is crazy, they should all be on the new railway, not clogging up traffic. If Kenya can fix this it will go a long way into making it an outstanding destination.