50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent knowledgeable driver/guide whose experience made our holiday superb
From the moment we arrived until our departure we were well looked after and always informed about all aspects of our trip. I would recommend Simba Safaris to anyone thinking of taking a safari in Tanzania.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible; amazing; surreal.
My sister and I decided on the 7-Day Masai Mara/Nakuru/Naivasha/Amboseli Safari/Tour and overall it was amazing. Masai Mara was so incredible...this park is a must see while in Kenya. I would spend 2 full days here as the amount of animals is so incredible. we went during the migration and that in itself is a site to see. Amboseli has it's own incredible features, such as the watering hole...what an experience to see all of the animals drinking and playing and bathing at the watering hole.
There were a couple of things that happened that we were not expecting but dealt with them. One thing that didn't sit well with us was part of our itinerary it clearly stated a boat ride in Lake Naivasha, and this didn't happen. I messaged Tom and he told me this was a computer error and if we wanted to do the boat ride the cost would be $30 USD. this was very disappointing as we now spent the afternoon at the hotel.
we should have done a bit more research in regards to how far the parks were from each other as we spent a lot of our time driving to each park.
the guides were good but Animal sticks out as the BEST! he is so passionate about his tours and it shows through his enthusiasm and stories he tells. he brought this trip, for me, to that level of amazing. he is a very special man and his love for his country shines through in his wonderfulness.
overall it really was a trip of a lifetime.
IS
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Botswana by Inga
Botswana would never be described as a green country. There are great expanses of land that are simply a desert. But it's very beautiful in its bareness and so rich of wonderful wildlife. Keep your eyes out for animals as you drive along. There's a great chance you'll see an elephant or a giraffe just hanging out along the side of the road.
Also while you'll meet other tourists, most of the time you'll feel like there are no other tourist but you and the people travelling with you.
TH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Service & Holiday
The trip was amazing! Thank You so much for you help!!! From the initial planning to the end, it was easy and efficient with Chris. We loved it.
Unfortunately no bait balls or much action at all down in Port St. Johns. The diving at Aliwoal Shoal was great though, and we enjoyed the time with the whales and dolphins.
The SAFARI however was INCREDIBLE!!!! The lodge was spectacular and we saw everything we hoped to see and more... the best part of the trip for sure.. Amazing place!
We got heaps of great photos and endless memories :-)
We had so much fun and already ready to go away again...hahaha
So happy we found your website as your knowledge helped us plan a trip we'll never forget.. Would recommend your service to friends and family, and already thinking about our next trip.
IN
Safari to Kruger National Park
The safari to the Kruger National Park was well organised by Viva Safaris. The Tremisima Lodge for the first night was not very great in terms of room space but that we could see warthogs, guinea fowl, ground hornbill and pied crows from across our window was a treat. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The Katekani Chalet was wonderful. The staff who took us around the private game parks and Kruger National Park were fairly knowledgeable. The Mohololo Rehab Centre was the highlight. We did not see much wildlife at Kruger Park which was disappointing. The food at Katekani was excellent. The stay at the Airport Safari Club on our return to Johannesburg was also comfortable. However, we missed the complimentary drinking water bottles at all the places even though we had to pay handsomely for our stay throughout. The Safari club was specially very expensive. The weather had changed suddenly; it was cold on most days except the last two days when the sun was very hot during the daytime.
CH
wonderful and memorable holiday
wonderful and memorable holiday in your beautiful country.
The safari tour was exceptional allowing us to see the true beauty of your country. The beach holiday was picture perfect and the setting idealistic. It would be amiss not to mention the people we met on our travels. Everyone was just so kind and considerate and allowed us to feel completely at ease and enjoy our surroundings.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Botswana by Julian
I visited the Delta and Chobe; both a great destinations. For my experience Chobe was much better for wildlife but the bush vibe was extraordinary in the delta. Both parks offer very beautiful scenery and are excellent fit bird watching.
CA
A beautiful country with magnificent wildlife.
The wildlife was spectacular.
The quality of the accommodations was highly variable but all were clean.
The roads leading into masai marathon and samburu national parks were extremely bumpy and axle breaking. Very hard on the small van we were driving in.
My guide was a Masai and he was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the wild animals and where to find them.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Botswana by Janette
There is a huge variety of places to visit such as the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Couldn't have asked for a better tour operator!
We heard of Java via friends and after emailing with Java for a tailored trip we decided to go with them: as we have never done this type of trip before and we were spending a lot of money we had quite a few questions. Java answered all of them personally within a day. Our trip was completely tailored to our needs and budget with loads of good suggestions from their side. Even after everything was finalised and paid for Java informed us that the migration moved quicker than anticipated and emailed us different options in order to still experience the migration to the full. It showed they have really good connections with all the different lodges and accommodations and we were told by locals that they are well respected amongst the guides and locals.
Everything was very personal; we were greeted by one of the owners of Java on arrival with drinks and on the last day they came over to see how our experience was and if we had any feedback. There was nothing they could have done better! They really take the time for you and are dedicated to make your trip the best you will ever experience. Our tour guide Boniface was excellent and no drive was too far for him. Where as big tour operators tend to stay close to the camps in order to save fuel, Boniface would keep driving until he found what we would love to see; leopards, a kill; we saw it all multiple times!!
My advice to anyone here looking for a reliable and good tour operator; go with Java Safaris, it will exceed all your expectations!!!