PT
Despite teething troubles at the beginning it was really really fantastic!
All in all our safari was truly fantastic and we were very impressed by the amount of wildlife we saw. However, what was not so good was that our first hotel was changed. It was supposed to be upgraded but it turned out that we had actually been downgraded to a horrible Chinese owned lodge that was still in construction. Their was a distinct smell of open sewage from our terrace. Food was like being in a self service canteen. It was a TERRIBLE start to our holiday. We complained bitterly about this to the safari operator and in the end we got better hotels in compensation. So it worked out well in the end. What we also didn't like and I think is really worth saying is that we heard of some drivers being drunk on the job and turning up late for their clients. When you have paid a lot of money and flown half way across the world then you want to have a driver who cares and is responsible. The roads in Kenya are particularly rough and you need a good and competent driver to make sure you are all safe. Our driver was competent and always on time, however, he did have a bit of an attitude problem which was very unprofessional. However, all in all it was a fantastic trip and I can't thank Mr Othiellon of Kenya Walking Survivors enough for all his organisation. He was always very co-operative and answered any email queries I had straight away.
OM
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good experience in Kenya.
Driver is very kind and experienced. Animal is too much and scene is very nice. Food is just ok and the accommodation is also expressed.
Ten days in Madagascar
I love photographing birds, so I was very pleasantly surprised to find many birds I had never seen before. The highlight was a flock of Madagascan Olive Bee-Eaters right in the centre of Antananarivo. I arrived in Antananarivo spending five nights there. Although it was the middle of winter I found myself wearing shorts and t-shirts by the middle of most days. Beautiful sunshine. Antananarivo is beautiful from several vantage points with canals running through it while being surrounded by pretty mountains. The architecture is a unique combination of old European style, complimented by countless ageing French motor vehicles, and more random Madagascan shacks. People are obviously very poor compared to first world nations, but they remain outwardly content with their way of life. It's a challenging confronting country to visit and yet, at the same time, heartwarming to see people happily going about their daily lives worlds apart from the worlds most tourists come from. I spent five nights in my brother's home in Antananarivo. Then we adventured to a small resort on the shores of Lake Mantasoa. The 65km drive was incredibly scenic and took us about two and a half hours. Road conditions were generally good, only requiring us to go very slowly in a couple of places. Traffic congestion entering and/or exiting Antananarivo is a challenge. But once you break free from the city it's easy enough. Our accomodation was right on the shore of Lake Mantasoa and was very affordable, perfectly clean, and incredibly relaxing. I couldn't have wished for better in Australia, let alone Madagascar. We had a wonderful relaxing stay. We mostly self-catered, having found everything anyone could need in a very well stocked Shoprite Supermarket in Antananarivo. However we did eat out at a Swiss-themed Restaurant (yes Switzerland in the middle of Madagascar) near Lake Mantasoa and our meal was great value and delicious. Nicely presented too.
Highlights from this visit included relaxing walks on the shores of Lake Mantasoa; beautiful birds; beautiful sunny weather in the middle of Winter. And being Winter Mosquitos were generally not a problem. I've visited previously and on previous visit highlights included amazing experiences with Lemurs at a Lemur park and also in the wilds of a rain forrest. Lemurs are gorgeous and can be quite sociable. We explored some truly beautiful rain forests (a good four hour drive from Antananarivo). Madagascar has no dangerous poisonous snakes so one can enjoy walking searching for lemurs, chameleons, and many beautiful birds without fear of being bitten. I do intend to return.
I benefited greatly from my brother's local knowledge and his ability to navigate the roads and understand the way local traffic operates. If you are used to driving on the right hand side of the road then it certainly helps. Despite that I would recommend travelling with a local tour operator or someone with local driving experience. The crazy variety of vehicles all the way from bicycles to human-propelled carts to donkey carts and large trucks and the haphazard way they navigate is amazing to see and photograph. I would recommend being a passenger with a camera (or phone) ready to take photographs than being a driver in Antananarivo. Having said that, most road users are friendly so if you must drive, just be ready to take it slow!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memorable for the right reasons
We went to Selous game reserve for 3 nights, 4 days. We stayed at hippocamp. Our experience at the game reserve was amazing, we saw lots of animals, had lots of breathtaking memories made, so many pictures to go through. Our guide Ali, was very knowledgeable about where the animals might be and about their habits. We loved every minute of it. Would definitely recommend.
Hippocamp, was basic but we knew this. The staff were lovely and the food was very good, we didn’t have a bad meal. No internet for 4days was lovely, there is no WiFi, no need to check social media,
Bush babies visited us every night and our walking safari was eventful, heart stopping and exhilarating.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Happy customers of Endless Summer Tours
Rhys took us on a great 3-day safari in Kruger park. He was our (nature) guide, driver and cook, providing us with everything we wanted and needed. Highly recommended!
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super Safari with very nice staff
We had a very good time with KWSS !
Mr. Otieno is very professional and answered quickly to our emails and questions which is a very good quality when you are not used to book such holidays on internet !
There, the staff (Mike as guide, and John as cook) was very kind to us and very helpful ! Our guide was very patient, letting us taking picture for long time, teaching us many things about nature and local culture.
The staff is very punctual so you never wait ! (even at 6:00 am for sunrise !!)
One thing is that the program has been a little bit changed from the initial plan. However, we could adapt it during the trip !
We had an unforgettable time ! The country is wonderful and KWSS helped us to discover it in very good conditions ! do not hesitate ! :)
GH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was nice to meet the wild!
We went on two safari trips with bushtroops: maasai mara and ambosseli. As a family traveling with young children we felt comfortable and safe throughout the entire trip. Our driver, Joseph was mindful of the characteristic of our group as well as attentive to our needs and requests. The accommodations, in Sentrim and Sopa lodge, that were selected for our journey were clean, safe, family-friendly and serene. Sleeping in the comfortable and solid permanent tent is a great first experience in the "wild" for city folks' like us. The food was really good. We enjoyed the African special tea, the most.
We recommend the whole experience.
Please note that the drive to Maasai Mara is longer than to ambosseli, but for what you'll experience, it is worth it.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari in the southern parks with few tourists and lots of animals!
The Southern Circuit (Selous, Mikumi, Ruaha) is really recommendable because you discover the big differencies in the behaviour of the animals in the different parks and the changing landscape on the way. The parks are not crowded at all (maybe Mikumi a little bit) and there are plenty of animals to see. Except of lions or leopards (where everyone is going directly to have a look) you will often be the only car close to the animals.
The weather is pleasant and the accomodations very nice. There are also just a few mosquitos and Tsetse-flies.
We would definitely recommend the Safari in the Southern Parks if you like more remote parks with few tourists.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing and well-scheduled
I was really satisfied about my experience with Safari Specialist.
I did appreciate the customer care from the very beginning. They gave me useful advices, not only about the safari but also with my journey in Tanzania in general. They managed to rescheduled in a very short time the trip in order to meet needs. The driver was great. A very kind guy and the accommodations was very genuine as well as clean.
At the vey end, I felt very comfortable throughout the safari.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mountain Gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National park
Travel Explore Africa Safaris (T.E.A) planned for us a great safari 8 days/7 night’s safaris to Track in PNV and Bwindi impenetrable National park. Everything was well planned and organized -- which we appreciated! And, we highly recommend Wilson Bisaso as a driver! Not only is he an excellent driver with a very good solid car, he is God fearing and very personable and knowledgeable. He is willing to go the "extra mile" for the customer. Really his calm demeanor and reliable services made our tour/trip seamless.
For lodging, we loved the Mountain gorilla view lodge and the Chameleon Hill Inn. These were both highlights. We did two gorilla treks -- one at Volcanoes Park in Rwanda and one at the Bwindi Forest in Uganda. Both were amazing. The guides and rangers were very informative. We were glad to be able to trek in both countries, as the experiences were different. If you go on these "hikes", bring hiking boots if possible, as the terrain is very slippery. There are no "trails" -- the guide simply clears the forest using a machete. And, the gorillas don't follow any set routes. Be sure to hire a porter as well. These local people are very helpful and they depend on the income.