US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5 Star Experience from Start to End
My husband and I were introduced to Odyssey Safaris (OS) through Groupon (which we decided not to use--keep reading). We contacted OS and received an immediate response. We were impressed that a real person, Mark Cahill, made himself available to speak to us. He proposed a safari in Kenya that was comparable in pricing to Groupon but in keeping with our availability. Prior to paying for our package, there was a political incident in Kenya that compelled us to ask for a change in destination. In short order, Mark prepared an alternative package in Tanzania--visiting 4 natonal parks within close proximity, at nearly the same price. He suggested that we consider doing a stopover in Amsterdam on our way back to the US, which was rewarding and gave us a break from a very long flight back to the West Coast. He also accommodated our request to pay for the airline (KLM) fare directly.
We had never done a safari and were a little apprehensive. Even though they provide a detailed itinerary and responses to FAQs, I sent Odyssey a few emails about logistics. They responded almost immediately with helpful information (even though some had been answered in their brochure materials).
Now, about the trip itself. We were amazed beyond belief. The entire experience was flawless. We were met at the Kilimanjaro Airport by Mweta, who was a very experienced guide. (He said he's almost ready to retire but he had plenty of energy for us!) He stayed with us for the entire trip being guide, educator, and driver. I don't understand how a person can manage to avoid the major pits of the road, identify birds in flight, and see a giraffe in distance, all while answering our questions about the culture, the weather, the politics, etc. Every single day was unique: we saw dozens of animals on our very first day (Tarangire). But every subsequent day we saw new animals as well as coming across those we'd seen in different habitats and different situations. The quality of the guide will shape your experience and ours was exceptional.
We appreciated the sequence of the National Parks, spending approximately one day at each. We started with Tarangire (which is sometimes skipped in shorter safaris of fewer than 7 days: what a shame!); then Lake Manyara--not to be missed; then Ngorongoro Crater; finally Serengeti for 2 full days. By the 8th day (our first day was just for landing, dining, and sleep), we were ready to go home, satiated on a feast of mammals, birds, some reptiles, panoramic scenery, and a few experiences with the Maasai.
Let's move on to lodgings and meals. We were again, delighted with our accommodations. We had no idea that they would be as luxurious as they were. Even the "tents" were completely furnished with beds with firm comfortable mattresses, mosquito netting, bedside tables, sitting areas, and complete bathrooms including hot showers and flush toilets! Several of the tent sites used solar power, which made sense. Every lodging was unique, e.g. the tents on boulders overlooking a lake; the tents in the middle of a plain, set in a circle; the lodging on the top of a large hill, with a bathroom suite that would rival any 5 star hotel in Europe or the US. The safari-lodgings we stayed in were run by a French company but, thankfully, the staff were all Tanzanian. They were, without exception, gracious and accommodating. The meals were (to us) tasty and healthy. The breakfasts catered to Westerners, i.e. fruits, croissants, toast, eggs, bacon. We wished they offered an occasional choice of local cuisine...Maybe next time. Important to note that neither of us became even slightly ill during the entire trip.
In addition to being able to observe wildlife and take in breathtaking scenery, we were able to take a walk with a few Maasai men across the plains as they talked about their everyday life; and visit a village to see a welcome dance, go inside one of the dwellings, and visit a kindergarten. These were just glimpses but will leave lingering memories.
We could say so much more but it would take many pages. Suffice it to say, we would use Odyssey Safaris to plan other trips in the future.
For those of you who are new to safaris (as we were): you'll experience much jostling in the vehicle as you dodge thousands of ruts (our guide was a genius in his ability to maneuver around them but you'll stlill be jostled); dust in capital letters, and the noise of the vehicle can be noticeable. But these are details if you want to see animals in the wild, sometimes within feet of your vehicle; if you want to see panoramic scenery and skies like you've never seen before, stretch before you; and appreciate the friendly waving of children by the road as they herd their goats and cattle.
Don't miss this experience: it will bring a new meaning to the word awe.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience and fantastic Guide
I had a long weekend and wanted to do something memorable in it. I got in touch with a number of travel companies however Gorilla Trek provided the most active and comprehensive itinerary which is why I chose them.
From the moment I arrived to the time I left, everything was taken care of. My guide Eric was just awesome. Cannot recommend him highly enough. He looked after me the whole time, was so insightful and really put 100% in each day. He really made the whole thing (well that and the Gorillas!).
Overall an amazing trip. Recommend the company.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable drivers/guides, excellent cooking, friendly and helpful staff - memorable experience
This was fabulous experience for my family. Aardvark made the safari easy, knowledgeable, safe, and memorable. The guides/drivers were very knowledgeable and safe drivers. They understood our needs and how to make the safari pleasant and enjoyable. They made sure we saw as many animals as possible and educated us on their habits. They also saw to our needs and comfort. The cooking was excellent. The meals were plentiful and tasty! I highly recommend Aardvark Expeditions.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Remarkable experience, wish i could do it all over again
What can I say?The personal touch personified, from arrival at Kili International, where our names were prominently displayed on Safarihub banners,to an expert induction from the General Manager Karsten at our Arusha hotel, before being being sublimely picked up and driven off to our Safari in our new,custom-made jeep.We saw the Big 5 and more and enjoyed the luxury of our carefully selected Lodges. A truly unforgettable experience for me and my girlfriend.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience
We booked a 7 day tour in Botswana through Roho Ya Chui and our experience was wonderful! Ute was able to help us with great amount of questions and provided recommendations relating to the lodges, order of the lodges to stay at, timing of the trip, etc. I cannot praise Ute enough as she had to deal with us a lot, answering multiple questions and changing our bookings twice for no additioanl fee! We decided to stay with &Beyond and chose Nxabega, Xaranna and Sandibe. Ute advised to stay in this particular order and we think it was perfect as we had experienced absolutely different accomodations (from tents to a sort of villa) and safaris. All of the lodges were great with exceptional team members. We were able to see the big five and much more. Special luck with the cats in Sandibe where we were able to see cheetah with a kill, many lions and 3 leopards. Sandibe stood out as it was just re-builta year ago and they are now using solar power (with generator's back-up) which is available 24/7 and you have wi-fi coverage thoughout the lodge and rooms. Otherwise, all 3 lodges were great with outstanding personnel, cannot fault any member of the lodges, they did a great job with acomodating our requests and were just great people to chat with.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Perfect and Wonderful Experience
When I decided to plan my trip with Giltedge Africe (Southern Africa Travel), I knew nothing about the company other than the reviews I read. Let me tell you, I would plan a trip at any time using this company after the experience I had. Working with Robyn-Lea Meyer was wonderful. She gave wonderful suggestions and always responded to my email questions in a very timely fashion. Not ever being on a safari before and knowing that we wanted to go to Kruger National Park, Robyn-Lea suggested Jock Safari Lodge. We took her suggestion and could not have been more pleased. The accommodations are private, comfortable and in a very natural setting, the food is outstanding, and the safaris are given by guides who love their work. Plus there are only two seats per row in the vehicles so each person has a side seat and no one is stuck in the middle. We learned so much from our guide, Cliff, and fell in love with the total experience. A big thank-you to Robyn-Lea for leading us in the right direction. Everything booked by Giltedge Africa went flawlessly, the flights, the drivers/tours, etc. On our next rip to Africa, there is no doubt we will use Giltedge Africa! Thank you for everything!!!
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing safari
I found out about Wild Wings via the internet when looking at doing a safari when in South africa last year and dropped them a line asking for information.. Madi Nothnagel who is one of the tour consultants there reached out to me to udnerstand what i was looking for and came up with an amazing plan which sounded good on paper so decided to give it a shot. I kept low expectations and it was jsut amazing. Everythign that was promised was over delivered. Whlle naturally on safari there are good days and bad days when you just dont see what you want....on the whole though did see what ever I wanted to. The lodges recommened were great.
I did another one last week and this was at short notice and again Madi and Wild wings delivered.
A point to note about Wild wings and Madi was their prompt response and the fact that they would follow up before and after the safari to see if there were any issues. Any queries were promptly replied to. The booking process over the internet was great and safe.
As such would strongly recommend them.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari!
Two weeks ago we did the 3 day safari to Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara with Afrishare. It was amazing! We had booked the safari half a year in advance already. We found them on the Safari Bookings website and they offered the cheapest safari. After reading some reviews we decided to book with them. It was still a bit scary to make the initial payment as you never know how it will turn out when you're there, but we haven't had any problems at all. The contact before the safari with Ibrahim was good. He provided all information and responded quickly. During the safari we were being picked up at the appointed time from our hotel in Arusha. Then the amazing 3 day trip started. Especially the Ngorongoro crater was our favourite. We saw lions, hyenas, hippos, jackals, elephants, giraffes and many more. During the nights we stayed at the quiet tented camp Haven Nature. It was a very nice camp with beds, hot water, light and a delicious buffet (more than we expected as we booked the budget tent safari option). Finally our tour guide Freddy was a well English speaking, very polite and nice guy. We can definitely recommend to book with Afrishare. For us it was perfect.
TR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I can say only one word = perfect organisation
When I decided to make a trip for Rwanda, I contacted around 10 travel agencies. Only Umubano Tours replied to all my questions very quickly. And for this reason I choosed Umubano Tours for realising this trip. My experience and my feelings have right. The organisation was perfect. My guide Didier also gave me a lot of informations about Rwanda, the life of the people. I visited a lot of African countries but this trip at Rwanda was excellent.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Mashatu Game Reserve by Daniel Romo Photography
Amazing experience, wonderful hospitality and truly committed staff. Can't explain how welcomed guests are. While some may pass at the idea of waking up at 5:00 AM to do a game drive, I implore you, you will never experience the wonder of something like that again, especially at Mashatu Game Reserve. All of the guides are experts in their craft and incredibly friendly people. Their combination of love for the wildlife and knowledge of the land is truly genuine.