US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Open communication and professionalism which exceeded my expectations.
Our group of 18 individuals from Louisiana ages ranged from 5 to 80+. As we prepared to visit Uganda (The Pearl of Africa) we knew that we needed tours and accommodations that would meet everyone’s needs. After reading many reviews, and seeking recommendations from family and friends, we felt at peace with selecting Likana Safaris Uganda as our tour company. Likana Safaris Uganda did not disappoint.
I explained to the team leader, Bonny Kagaba, some of the areas that we knew we wanted to visit, and he was able to make recommendations and created a personalized itinerary that went far beyond our expectations. We inquired about having an armed guard and a police escort to help maneuver through traffic. The team lead, Bonny, had it all set for us upon our arrival at Entebbe airport.
My children’s favorite activity was the rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The guides, Rogers and Nathan, were knowledgeable and safety was a top priority. The top of the falls at Murchison Falls National Park was a 10 out of 10 for me. I am unsure what my expectations were, but this tour of the most powerful waterfall in the world far exceeded it. We did have a member in our group who was physically challenged. When I saw the guides assist him with navigating up the path to see the waterfall, my heart melted. Nathan and Rogers went above and beyond to ensure everyone in their care received the full experience.
We stopped for lunch at Kabalega Diner which included options from vegetable curry to southern fried chicken and everything in between. They even had a kid’s menu.
The boat tour down the Nile River, for me was very nostalgic, as it brought me back to memories of my childhood as I read the biblical story of Moses being placed in this very River. Our guides showed us the best spots to take photos and even took a few for us so that we could obtain group shots together.
Our overnight safari accommodations were at Pakuba Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park. A dinner and breakfast buffet were provided as well as quaint air-conditioned rooms with a mosquito net provided for the beds. Per my request to Bonny, the team lead, during the planning phase, the lodge was able to accommodate us with adjoining rooms with my husband and I in one and our children in the other.
The Game Drive was amazing. Likana Safari Uganda provided us with an open top vehicle which allowed the best views. Since our group was so big, we were in separate vehicles. Nathan, Rogers, and Bonny communicated with one another, to ensure everyone saw all of the animal encounters.
Shopping was completed at Buganda Road Crafts Centre in Kampala and we also visited the National Cultural Center while we are in the area. Accommodations for the rest of our days were at Skyz Hotel Protea Marriott. There we enjoyed top tier spa services, great buffets and live music.
If you are on the fence about which company to use, look no further. Bonny was very easy to work with. He answered all my questions and ensured that my children and the rest of our large group had an amazing experience. Likana Safaris Uganda is a 5 out of 5 for me.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I had a horrible exprience. A strong NO. I wouldn't recommend going with her!
Two travelers, who paid 7000+500 USD for a 9 day trip in Tanzania.
Communication - won't give transparency on breakdown, very nice before you pay her, not at all responsive, no solution mindset and a heavy attack mindset
Service- horrible
Value for money- negative, will loot you
Reliability - not at all (as we learned)
Tour itself- very bad design, didn't take into account our preferences, gave us a very bad driver, the safari jeep had a huge crack, windows won't close properly...
1. The trip experience was horrible.
Most expensive trip we ever did, which turned out to be the most horrible trips we have done.
2. The driver assigned was horrible, didn't give us any space, made personal remarks and commented on our clothing, personality, money we have etc....didnt let us eat a single meal by ourselves.
3. We asked for a day in ngorongoro and we just got half. When requested to add more time, we had to pay 500 USD from our own pocket.
4. Didn't cater to our interests at all. Didn't ask if we want to see migration in Serengeti. Booked all the activities in Zanzibar on the day we were supposed to fly out. The day was known to her and confirmed by her.
5. Lack of professionalism - the communication is not at all professional. She makes personal attacks and guilts you in. Will use a lot of karma and other BS to guilt you to pay her, feel bad.
7. Changing accommodation every night unnecessarily.
8. No transparency on breakdown of prices. Not worth at all.
Don't go with her. Not at all worth it. Infact you will end up mentally stressed throughout. Till date, the prices charged were exorbitantly expensive. A strong NO.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Sammy is the most professional operators that we have ever experienced.Spot on gentleman & courteous
We as a family experienced a vacation of a lifetime. Sammy was always at the right time and at the right place. We have the photos to prove it!! We remain at his service as well as gained a brother!!!
Andy & Family
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Kind, enthusiastic, animal spotter
We had the best experience with Robert. He was enthusiastic and you could tell he definitely loved doing this. He made sure we were comfortable and was on a mission to give us the BEST experience possible. Thank you again for this. We had the absolute best time!!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent tour operator did a great job w/ short notice, tight budget & specific dates.
I very highly recommend Tanzania Roadside Expeditions LTD, Zephania Abduel and our knowledgeable and lovely safari guides Jimmy in Kenya and Ezekiel Maasai in Tanzania for making our bucket-list African holiday a dream come true. This trip was amazing despite our relatively tight budget, only 2 months advance planning with specific dates of travel, lodging needs for a room with 3 adult beds, and hopes for 50/50 safari and resort style vacation which required flights as well.
We actually asked for quotes from a handful of other companies, most of which were either slow to respond, had high quotes out of our range, or said they could not help us due to the short time frame. Tanzania Roadside Expeditions replied immediately and said they could help us. Zephania met with us via Zoom so he could clearly understand our specific needs. (I think he works 24/7 because he was always responsive within a few hours.) He planned the itinerary and booked a vacation package that was perfect for us.
Zephania took care of our ride from the airport to the hotel and included our requested ‘jetlag’ day before we started our safari. We saw 3 different safari parks with different lodging types between Kenya and Tanzania which were all amazingly unique and wonderful. Everyone was so friendly, and we felt very safe. Our guides, Jimmy in Kenya and Ezekiel Maasai in Tanzania, were so helpful and shared their vast knowledge with us inside the parks regarding the animals (got us so close to the animals) and outside of the parks in regard to teaching us about the people and their different cultures.
Zephania’s associate met us in Zanzibar to for our final part of our vacation. We had a tour and snorkeling and plenty of pampering and scuba diving for several days, all of which was perfect.
I cannot more highly recommend Tanzania Roadside Expeditions LTD with Zephania Abduel and guides Jimmy in Kenya and Ezikiel Maasai in Tanzania. They provided excellent service.
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great trip!
Amazing little trip, got to experience the unique nature and wild life close to Nairobi. Terrific guide with experience and knowledge. Easy communication, very responsive and super pleasant company to deal with!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect 8-days in Kenya! Strongly recommend
Our guide Samson is professional and patient. Perfect communication and eyesight. He always could found interesting things and animals while driving before we noticing. Taught us a lot practical Kenyan and Masai phrases. Excellent driving technique! Enjoy our eight days in Kenya seeing splendid African scenery and wildlife. Hope to come again.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A very interesting, very good guide.
We had a great time on the trip, spent 8 days with Edward, saw the animals we wanted to see, and sang and danced together. It's unforgettable.
KR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A completely enjoyable trip
It was a perfectly enjoyable trip.
During the reservation process, manager Derick was always very friendly and quick to answer all my questions 24 hours a day.
The itinerary was to start in Kigali, Rwanda, then head north into Uganda, through Bwindi National Park (gorilla trekking), Queen Elizabeth National Park (game drives), Lake Bunyoni, and back to Kigali.
Godwin, the guide who accompanied us on our 12-day long journey, was friendly and cheerful, which made the entire trip more enjoyable and helped us meet good friends. Not only Uganda's beautiful nature and animals, but also the interesting relationships I made thanks to Godwin made this trip even more valuable.
The accommodations were all better than I expected. In particular, there were places that made you feel the joy of traveling just by staying at the accommodation. Rushaga Gorilla Camp in Bwindi Park and Enjojo Lodge and The Bush Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park were exciting travel experiences in themselves.
I also went on a safari tour in Kenya, and although Kenya is better in terms of majestic scenery, Uganda was more fun because it was cute and you could see a lot of animals, including elephants, buffaloes, and hippos. Next time, I want to go to Kampala and travel all the way down Uganda from the north. Thank you again Godwin.
(automatic translation from Korean)
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very excellent and honest travel operator
Review of the 3 day Murchison Falls trip with Deluxe vacations Uganda Ltd
I and my wife, Jane, recently had the pleasure of embarking on a 3-day safari trip to Murchison Falls National Park with Deluxe Vacations Uganda Ltd, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Ema, our guide, was the best guide we have ever had.
Our adventure began with a warm welcome from our knowledgeable and friendly guide, Ema who picked us from the airport on time welcomed us to Uganda and briefed us about the tour. The journey to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was comfortable, thanks to the state-of-the-art safari Land Cruiser provided by Deluxe Vacations. At Ziwa, we were able to observe rhinos in their natural habitat, a truly unique and exhilarating experience.
We then arrived at Twiga Safari Lodge, where we stayed for two nights. The lodge and its staff were incredible.
The next morning, we had a unique experience starting with a game drive, where we saw a variety of wildlife in their natural environment. The highlight of the day was a surprise brunch at the top of the falls organized by Deluxe Vacations. This was a wow factor for us. All thanks to Godwin and the team for the spectacular arrangements.
The entire trip was flawlessly organized, with attention to detail and a commitment to providing a high-quality safari experience. Deluxe Vacations Uganda Ltd ensured our safety and comfort throughout the journey.
I would fully recommend Deluxe Vacations to any travelers wishing for an excellent tour. The combination of professional and friendly guides, excellent recommendations of Lodges, and well-planned activities made this safari a memorable adventure. Thank you, Deluxe Vacations, for an amazing experience!