US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our travel experience with Africa Adventure Safaris was beyond excellent. Everything was wonderful.
Olive was in constant contact with me regarding our Rwanda experience. She answered all questions, even multiple times, handled my flight arrangements and shared an American contact, Bill William, with me to answer even more questions. I didn't have to wait for responses; it seems she might have worked day and night. I was unsure about accomodations, but she was not pushy in any way and simply told me that there were 3 levels of accomodations and I should choose for myself. While I was in Rwanda our driver took us to other hotels/resorts and we got to see the rooms and facilities. I was so very, very happy with our choices of Mountain Gorillas Lodge...it was simply the best of all the facilities we toured. We were so excited for our first day of gorilla trekking and it was most memorable. We did not expect the hike to be so arduous; the gorilla family we were trekking kept moving, which meant we had to keep moving. The hike was about 2 1/2 hours up the mountain and the mountain was very steep. Our guides were macheting brush so we could hike; sometimes the inclines were straight up and then straight down as welly as slippery and scratchy. Our garden gloves were well used. My husband really needed 2 porters and we were so grateful to another guest who loaned us their porter. Once we became involved with the gorilla family all of the long, hard hike was forgotten. To be so close with the gorillas was truly "something incredibly indescribeable." Our lead guide was SO good and the tracking guides actually with the gorilla family were so good to us; all guides would help us see gorillas better and make sure we got the best pictures possible. I just can't say enough about the genuineness and expertness of the guides; we were totally dependent on them and they treated us like we were gods. Our second day we took a very gentle hike to see the golden monkeys; we were so lucky to get the same park guide and we (my husband and I) were the only people on the tour. It was rainy, muddy, slippery and we were once again treated with much respect and high regard. It was Bill William's advice that had our schedule be a gorilla trek first day, golden monkeys second day, and gorilla trek third day; we needed the slower day in between gorilla treks. Our second gorilla trek was an easier climb/hike and within an hour we were with a gorilla family--this one being in a bamboo thicket. Our park guides and tracking guides were again so very good. We were glad to have hired porters as they were a help. However, they're really volunteers and I don't know if they're trained; some were quite helpful and others were not. I had one who had a mean, stare down with me as I left because he wanted a bigger tip from me. I was advised to hire a porter for $10 USD, as this was the expected price. Because my husband needed above and beyond help from his porter and used a second porter, he paid each porter $25 USD. I believe my porter thought he should get the same amount and when not given that amount let it be known how mad he was at me. That was a disconcerting experience. I'd like to next address our driver who was so professional and so good. He answered all of our questions, showed us whatever we even thought we might like to see, and took us to out of the ordinary shopping markets and accompanied me in the market, helping me negotiate prices for goods. His driving was impeccable, his manners most polite and serene. He made our journey that very good. Lastly, I would like to say how good Mountain Gorilla Lodge was. The staff made you feel most welcome and were glad to take care of you. The food was that good as well. We had read some negative reviews about the food at the lodge and we can only say the food was GREAT. Imagine trying to cook for tourists, trying to please them all, with limited food supplies and cooking conditions in the depth of the mountains. We loved every bit of our vacation [except the sour porter]. 5 stars plus for Africa Adventure Safaris.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Kosen Safaris is great!!!
Kosen safaris offers a unique individualized experience. Having had the luxury of previous safaris in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and now Kenya and Tanzania, I can express deep appreciation for his knowledge. His ability to meet the needs of his customers is unsurpassed. Kosen learned safari guiding from his father. His desire to carry on this family tradition of practicing respect and honor of all wildlife is clearly demonstrated in his guide service. Kosen likes to share "the road less traveled" and his experience was clearly evident. He was in his element both in the wild and in the city. African travel is not cheap. Kosen is worth every cent. I will book with him again.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
December 2014, one month research trip to Mount Rwenzori (The Mountains of the moon)
Richard, Mark, Stephan and i, planned a trip to the Mount Rwenzori which locals call the “Mountain of the moon”. It was the second time for my colleagues who had begun this scheme and had made the first phase. It was my first time in Africa and in particular in Uganda the pearl of Africa indeed, It was through Mark’s gossip and inspirations about the first trip success and about the beauty of the hidden but wonderful, beautiful mountain sceneries which he believed people in the world had not known yet and wished they could explore and discover the still virgin Eco system of fauna and flora in Mount Rwenzori. The mountain has huts which accommodated us with other Belgian citizens.
Interesting was Meeting an expert Sebastian the Director of Riverine Safaris and a Mountain Guide at the airport who we had informed about our return back to the Uganda in time, he was found waiting for us and since we knew about his services as had lead Richard and partners in the first trip 2010. He warmly welcomed to Uganda and later to the Lodge in Kampala for our first Night.
Sebastian is too resourceful young with all the mountain experience ranging from rock and glacier climbing, Nature interpretation, weather and time prediction skills, through him I was to know why Rwenzori mountain is called the “Mountain of the moon”, the history of the whole mountain, revealing the secretes of the Mountain gods which in the past were usually visible and how those times it was dangerous to annoy them through talking funny stories, making noise and how getting outside the hut at night would make you meet them and take you to the wild of the Mountain, how whenever you happen to see them and try take pictures of them, what danger it was those times.
This expedition was an exhilarating and rewarding Mountain Challenge experience. The central circuit hike took us 28 days and 27 nights. Since we could have more than 1 night in a Camp to pursue all activities according to our research plan. Rwenzori is a very unique block Mountain of such steep, slippery trails and frequent rains. Rainfall and cold temperatures, bogs, mud, steep terrain and high altitude make it a challenging trip but real rewarding in life and what one can never think of.
For peak climbers, it is more awesome and rewarding experience at Margarita peak 5109m which I managed to climb with the support of Sebastian pulling me where it was hard for me to make it, putting all my trust in him that he cannot allow me drop and slide down. According to our guide Sebastian, explained that Ruwenzori’s main four peaks rise above 4000m and which are all viewed while on highest Margarita Peak 5109m a.s.l – on Mt. Stanley
Alexandra Peak 5091m a.s.l – on Mt. Stanley
Edward Peak 4843m a.s.l – on Mt.Baker
Vittorio Emanuele Peak 4890m a.s.l – on Mt.Speke
Reaching Elena hut I began creating fear in my heart moving on too slippery rocks, but I could not late any one among us know on climbing the steep Ruwenzori’s ridges till we finally descended down to Kitandara camp that I could talk. On sharing my fears I had, Sebastian advised us a bout the best dry season being mid-June to mid-September and mid-November to mid-March while the other months is just rain and snowing. Weather condition in the mountain of the moon is unpredictable any time is hot teatime or cold water time.
Please do not ignore reviewing the Mountain Checklist for your trip
walking stick for balance and to probe the mud.
1 snow glasses,
1 day bag
1 sleeping bag
1 pr. of mountain boots
1 jogging suit
2 pairs. of woolen socks
2 pairs. of trekking trousers 2 cotton shirts warm
Woolen underwear 1 warm pullover
1 woolen cap 1 pair of gloves, woolen mitten
1 parka, extra-large with hat
1 torch, headlamp incl. batteries
Necessities on the mountain:
1 trekking bag
1 pr. of jogging shoes
1 sun hat
Handkerchiefs
5 prs. Of socks
1 pr. Snow glasses
Leggings up to the knee(Gaiters)
Rain proof and warm gear
Photo equipment
Pocket knife
Appetizer
Drugs against:
Stomach upsets
Headache
1 elastic bandage, Elastoplasts
Water purification tablets
Vitamin C tablets
Sun lotion 20
Lip ointment
For summit climbers;
1 pair. of crampon Proof Mountain boots
1 ice axe
1 Harnesses
1 pair of crampons
1 pc of 50 meter climbing rope depending on the number of the group
NB: Most of these climbing equipment’s can be hired at the base camp
For anyone out there, mountain climber, any other persons planning and willing to experience mountain Challenge in your life time in the world, plan to meet Mount Rwenzori on the boards of the Democratic Republic of Congo with RIVERINE SAFARIS which with a lot of passion i recommend for any other person intending to reach your dreams of mountain climbing you might have had for various years. Inquire and seek to make a trip with Sebastian
Mc Dons
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They made my trip to Masai Mara worth it.
I had a great time exploring Masai Mara. Right from the beginning of trip everything was as promised by David who took our booking for the trip. The camp was very comfortable and the staff courteous. Our driver and guide Cyrus was very knowledgeable and helped us explore the park and the animals really well. Our Chef Ben also ensured that we get a nice meal at all times. All in all had a great time and left with the desire to come back again.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
Iris & Jordan go out of their way to make sure your safari is a great one. And Philemon was an unbelievable guide. I don't think you could find a better tour operator or guide. I was very well looked after, which was very important for me as I was traveling solo.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Awesome Experience!!
I was fortunate to spend 9 days with Dick Berry from Capture Africa... I have worked with a few of the 'big' names in wildlife photography over the years and honestly had not heard of Dick before he landed here in South Africa. By the 9th day, I had realised that Dick was not only as good as these professionals, but in some aspects was even better!! The photos he shared with my guests and myself were truly amazing and the knowledge Dick has about everything from exposure to settings enabled us to get pictures we never thought possible. His enthusiasm was contagious and he has made me think about photos now, rather than just snapping away
On top of that, he is a great guy to be around and we thoroughly enjoyed his company!! My family loved him as did my own pets... I now not only have someone to give my safaris the edge, I also have made a new friend
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Flexible, reliable and utterly professional - truly amazing safari experience
We had a brilliant experience with BCTS on a short trip to the Masai Mara and I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone travelling to Tanzania or Kenya. We have travelled with a couple of other operators in East Africa and our experience with BCTS was absolutely the best. We had quick responses to our emails and Imraan went to an unbelievable amount of effort to accommodate a last minute request from us to upgrade our accommodation from tents to lodges in peak season due to medical problem arising with one of our travellers. The entire operation is incredibly professional and reliable. We were collected from the airport on time and had a proper briefing at their offices. Our driver Ben was experienced, knowledgable and responsible and we had excellent game viewing. They are very competitively priced and we were thrilled with the high level of service we received. We will definitely rebook with this company again in the future!
Great for Kenya, bad for Tanzania
We did an 8 day private safari this past summer, and KWSS offered the most reasonable price and flexible itinerary, plus they were really responsive on email. Once there, the experience was absolutely bipolar, with an excellent guide and experience in the Kenya part of the trip, vs. a terrible subcontractor and tons of problems on the Tanzania part.
You can read details on my blog:
https://bonatravels.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/country-summary-kenya/
https://bonatravels.wordpress.com/category/tanzania/
Mala Mala, Superb accommodation, superb wildlife sightings
It's always difficult to know just how lucky with wildlife sighting you've been on a trip when compared to those who've come before you but on this occasion we must have been very lucky indeed! As a location for leopards Mala Mala is unrivalled in our experience and we've visited a large part of Africa over the years. The accommodation was excellent as was the food and general service. As very keen wildlife photographers we are always reliant on the expertise of the local rangers, we never have enough time anywhere we go and need the rangers to get us to the optimum locations for photography. They know their area whereas we don't and in this respect they are an invaluable source of the local information every photographer needs. Mala Mala has some of the best rangers we have come across and hopefully our photographs did them justice. We would have no hesitation in recommending Mala Mala as a safari destination not just for leopards but for game photography in general including significant numbers of birds.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Efficient, personally interested in their clients, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile
I was travelling alone in Kenya after a conference and Terminal Tours were efficient and very willing to set up a specific tour programme to suit me, even though I was the only person wanting to go to specific destinations. Debbie and Nelson worked well as a team and were interested in sending me on a tour that suited me. I was impressed with their honesty and willingness to give me a memorable tour.