CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Value and meets N. American expectations
The short of it is: They recognized North American standards, and were able to provide great insight and value for our tour without the mark-up of the big brands operators. I also found they provided some excellent input about timing to hit the less busy times and areas.
When I booked my honeymoon, I wanted to make sure the money I was spending went to the local economy instead of foreign agents. Given I was spending thousands of dollars to do this, anybody would be hesitant of the quality of service they're going to get from locals in the developing world. I spent dozens of hours doing the back and forth with several agencies and outfits from N. America, Europe and East Africa in search of that elusive combination of Exclusivity with the perfect variety of activities and great value for my money.
Wild Destinations was recommended to me a co-worker who grew up in Kenya but had lived in Canada his entire adult life. I chatted back and forth with Shaheen, the Principal of Wild Destinations on Skype and email, and found her communication to be detailed and thorough (and patient because I know I'm a difficult customer).
Over several Skype calls we started from a broad description and worked our way down to what ended up being an ideal itinerary specific for our needs. Choosing parks and camps is only the beginning of the equation. I'm an experienced traveller, even in Africa, so I had strong ideas of what I thought I could get for my money if I booked things on my own. Shaheen delivered great points on what I should consider and introduced options that were easily overlooked when you are dependent on online reviews.
This back and forth was super helpful when you are trying to avoid the crowds because the local agents have a better idea of locations that aren't as busy, and since they don't operate to the same scale as major operators, they craft a much more personal connection to the lodge owners and managers.
In the end our itinerary was Samburu, the Mara, and Tarangire at the end of September.
I already felt good about what we decided on. It was about the same as what others offered and included accommodations with great reviews. The extra bonus was the execution. Wild destinations may be a small operator, but they delivered like they were a bigger one. Being met at the airports and lodges, etc are expected, but they added several personal touches to our honeymoon, that including meeting us herself at our hotel both at the beginning and end of our trip, giving us her cell number to call at any time if there was an issue (never had to use it), we were comfortable working through our guides, and they followed up with any nuance even after we returned home.
The best part was that anywhere we went, they booked us into areas where we were treated well, and weren't with the masses if we didn't want to be. Overall, the end to end service left us knowing we'd go with them next time we go on Safari.
You often worry about what your trip will be like on African vacations, but with Wild Destinations, it was hassle free. I do wish I booked with them on the beach part of our vacations as well.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Kruger National Park by Graham
Kruger is the crown jewel of the South African National Park system. It's huge and it has everything. It would be hard to name a better national park in Africa, or even in the world.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Augrabies Falls National Park by Graham
A beautiful park with much more than just the falls and the canyons. We saw many mammals and bird species on our long drives.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
From birds to mammals to scenery, Kgalagadi has it all.
The wildlife at Kgalagadi is the main reason to go, in my opinion. You'll have a great chance of seeing lions, meerkats, eland, gemsbok, ostrich, warthogs and more. As a birder, I enjoyed seeing things like Verreaux's Eagle Owl, Secretarybird, Black-chested Snake-eagle, swallow-tailed bee-eaters and many, many more. The facilities/accommodations are excellent as well, and the park is easily accessible and well-maintained. The massive Kgalagadi Transfrontier Pakr is one of the gems in the excellent South African National Park system, and one of the few that is comparable to Kruger.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about South Africa by Graham
I think you can't really do better than South Africa for a safari/wildlife viewing. It has all the wildlife and scenery you'll want to see, and generally better infrastructure (transportation, accomodation, etc) than most other African countries.
US
Amazing
It was an amazing trip , only if i could stay more :D Totally perfect from the first day to the last !
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Group trip for 38 people
I can absolutely recommend Tembo Adventures for safaris, even with big groups like ours. We have used them for many years, every year with more people going so far. Justin and his colleagues treat you as a customer in a really good way. Justin is reachable on email or phone anytime and eventual challenges are sorted out in the best way. Tembo is positive, knows a lot and are professional. I highly recommend this safari company!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!
Masaii Wanderings was amazing right from the get-go. Donna was able to deal with all my bookings and silly questions (it was my first time to Africa so I had plenty). She was incredibly helpful, professional and courteous! Even with the changes I had, she was able to accommodate me first, and then 2 friends and their slightly different schedules as well!
The camp at Naona Moru (and Diana who runs it) is also amazing and I could go on about the camp but i've left a great review on trip advisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293751-d9830857-Reviews-Naona_Moru_Camp-Serengeti_National_Park.html
I'm told that this camp is use almost exclusively by Masaii Wanderings so I can assure you that it's an amazing camp!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best best best time ever!
My husband and I spent a week in Botswana with Odirile Safaris. We had the most amazing time of our lives. BK tailored our safari to include a scenic flight, nature walks, and a mokoro boat/ camping trip in the Okavango Delta. We camped in the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park with multiple daily game drives. BK was extremely knowledgeable. He knew how to approach animals in the safari vehicle so that we could see them engaging in natural behavior. He answered our multitude of questions about the wildlife and the environment with great depth of understanding. BK and Oris provided excellent food, wonderful hot coffee, warm water in the morning, hot showers in the afternoon, and delightful company. At night we could hear the sounds of elephants, hyenas, hippos, and impalas. During the day we saw a pride of lions as they approached a herd of giraffes. It was thrilling to watch the animals interact. We saw a pack of wild dogs trotting along the road and splitting into groups. BK explained that this is how they hunt. A water buck meandered through our camp site, followed by a lone wild dog. Although we had great experiences elsewhere in Africa, our Odirile Safari was by far the highlight. We didn't just "see" the animals, we watched them live. We are already enthusiastically planning our next adventure with BK and Odirile Safaris.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful 6 days safari
Since the first mail I crossed with Kenneth I was feeling that everything will work out properly, but once I arrived to Nairobi airport it even exceed my expectations!!
I'm very happy with all the days I've expend in this trip and the way that Ken and Livingston handled my stay. The lodges I've stayed in (Sopa lodges) were really comfortable and with a very good food. I'll definitively recommend to put yourselves on Ken hands and you'll have an unforgettable experience.
Thanks for all!!!