US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful, but troubled country, with wonderful scenery and wildlife
Our trip was way above our expectations, Accommodation,wildlife, guides, scenery etc. were all excellent.
Would highly recommend.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very Accomodating and Great Guide
I made reservations for a week long safari by e-mail and all my requests were handled quickly and professionally. We were on a strick budget so SED took my wish list and put together a wonderful trip. We stayed in a tented camp, a lodge, and a private campground. Our cook was very good and helpful and our guide, Apollo, was knowledgable and very helpful. One of our group had been a national park ranger in the United States and he was also very impressed with Apollo.
The night before we left Arusha a representative from SED and Apollo met with us and went over the itinerary and asked each of us what we wanted to see and experience on the safari. One of our group wanted to see a lot of birds so Apollo showed up the next morning with very good birding books (he is very knowledgable in his own right).
Review about South Africa by engeltoy
Nature and the beauty of the country is very important to all who live there. Getting away from the cities and into the bush is the best way to experience the true beauty of Africa
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly recommend Uganda!
I spent 10 days in Uganda on a safari with Destination Jungle. It was epic! We saw so many animals and birds and the country itself is gorgeous. We visited Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Lake Mburo. The accommodations were excellent, the food (especially the soups) was delicious and I loved how few other tourists were around. Our guide, Charles, was first class. He knew the names of all the animals and the birds and he has a great eye for spotting wildlife. We saw 8 lions including four sleeping in a fig tree, three male lions hunting and a lioness who crossed in front of our Land Cruiser! We also saw a leopard (albeit some distance away), hyenas, warthogs, several different species of primates, including chimpanzees and gorillas and many many birds. The chimps and gorillas were absolutely incredible. We had an hour with each of them and it was wonderful to have so much time to watch them. One caveat- the roads are pretty terrible in parts of the country but they're doing constructions to fix them. We went at the beginning of the rainy season and really didn't have any major issues. We had one day of rain but it didn't hamper our plans. Most days we just had 30 minutes or so of downpour and then it cleared up. What an experience! I highly recommend Uganda and Destination Jungle!
Botswana: Not to be missed in any African Adventure.
Firstly it should be appreciated that Botswana is a shining light among African Countries by avoiding the humanitarian, political and economic mess that has characterized to post colonial status of the majority of African states. Secondly Botswana's conservation policies are to be applauded.
Royal Tree Lodge, just outside Maun proved an ideal spot to recover from our international flight with excellent accommodation and what we realized later gave us the best look at the herbivore population at the lodge which can be viewed at close hand on foot or horseback. Royal Tree Lodge funds a Mission in Maun that undertakes a wide range of humanitarian work.
Tusker's was excellent but one night would have been sufficient as a stop over on the way to the Delta, to see what they had to offer: mostly elephants. We chose land transport to get to Xobega Island Camp. The roads are seriously rough but the drive from Tusker's to the boat station made it all worth while and we enjoyed the Game Viewing around the lagoons on the way which I assume would not be included if flying in.
Xobega was magical, especially the camp culture, the bird life and the sunsets.
Our driver was uncompromising in ensuring we had the best experience. Our next adventure, the Chobe Princess is also not to be missed but we were never sure if we were in Botswana or not. We would certainly recommend the Princess ahead of the larger boats but would suggest incorporating a Land excursion in the Chobe national park.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari went beyond expectations in number of animals and expansive areas.
I particularly enjoyed the Rift Valley and certainly visiting the Massi tribe.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I am back from my holiday in Zanzibar..
I booked with African Bush & Beach Holidays, at the time of booking i was worried because i hear that there are companies in Tanzania offering cheap prices but in return you experience regrets.
But it was different, the driver who did the transfers for us was very smart looking, friendly wearing company's uniform with a name tag. We also enjoyed the stone town tour then we went back to the car for the drive to the Spice farms...it was amazing!! especially my children and wife were delighted with the spices..
I really enjoyed the trip and i recommend to anyone who would like to go to Tanzania to book with African Bush & Beach Holidays.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A first rate safari destination - excellent wildlife and great diversity in natural scenery
We (myself, wife and a 6 yr. old daughter) travelled to Kenya in August of this year. We booked our safari through Lucy from Serene East Africa for 3 different locations (Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara). Apart from our flights to/out of Kenya, all other logistics was managed by Lucy who we found to be extremely responsive and client focused. Rinus, our guide and driver was knowledgeable, punctual and most importantly, patient with us (considering that it was our first safari experience). The lodges were quite comfortable, food was great and service was first rate throughout. Other than the long drives between the 3 locations (note to self - next time, spend more time in safari and less time on road), the overall experience was positive. Will definitely recommend Serene East Africa and Lucy to my friends/family travelling to Kenya for safari experience.
This short review cannot do justice to the wildlife and natural beauty of Kenya. Its something that needs to be experienced. We had a great time in Amboseli and Masai Mara watching lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippos etc. not to mention. countless wildebeest and zebra all over the plains. No rhinos for us though - hopefully, next time!! Watching hippos, zebras and waterbucks graze in the lodge grounds in Lake Naivasha, right outside your window was a fantastic experience.
The Masai village tour suggested by Rinus in the end was, however, a bit disappointing. Most of it seemed stage-managed and the villagers were more keen on extracting a few more dollars than showcasing their culture.
TR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Just One left to see for completing Africa's big five.
My friend and I attended 3 days Masai Mara tour at last october. The trip was incredible. Special thanks to our driver/guide who was very experienced, and informative, because we could see 4 big african animals in 5 - Elephants, Lions(many of them), cape buffalos, and white rhinoceros which is offen very difficult to see in just these three days. What was the other unforgettable factor is that we stayed in a luxurious tent where you can wake up with wild animal sounds. I have already planned to go for my honeymoon. Don't think twice,I strongly advice Tropical Vacations for your East Africa trips.