US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing!!!
My 4 days\3 night safari through Masaai Mara and Lake Nakuru was amazing to say the least! Nelson at Terminal Tours Kenya was the best to work with - email responses were immediate, answered all my questions and he had great follow up. Traveling on a student budget is difficult - I 100% got my money's worth and then some! The accommodations were basic, but I didn't have 5 star expectations based on what I was paying - the food was great, you always had a warm bed to lay your head down at night, especially after wonderful long day game drives where I saw more lions in one day than I have in a lifetime. Our driver Peter looked after us as if we were his family - always checking in, stopping at a moment's request for a photo op, and his ability to spot game - wow!
Highly highly recommend Terminal Tours!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful, short safari on the Tanzania northwestern parks.
Jackpot was able to put together a short, wonderful safari for an incredibly low price. We visited Tangarari, Serengeti, Nogorogoro, and Manyara. There were 7 of us, so we had a full vehicle, yet the Land Rover seemed in great condition (with a fridge allowing for cold beer & stoney tangawizi), the cook was great, in spite of the weird dietary constraints we imposed on him, and our guide was terrific. We had some difficulties (two flats in the Serengeti in spite of almost new tires), but our guide was able to overcome them, we saw EVERYTHING, and had an amazing time. I wish we'd be able to make the trip longer. I do not hesitate to recommend these guys to anyone considering a safari. They were great.
Friendly hospitality at a high price.
The Sunset lodge is a nice and wonderfully located in a private game reserve. If you are looking to get away from the big city and stress, and are willing to be overpriced for it, then this is the place for you.
Unlike what I was told by Rueben, there was no buffet for meals, but a limited tasty set meal each day. On the actual safari days, although it says you will get sausage and eggs and hot coffee, in reality it is one boiled egg, a muffin, maybe no coffee, or one sausage, and the rest of the items mentioned (depending how many people are in the group).
At dinner, all beverages ordered - juice or wine - you will be charged for it, even if it is a glass. I think this this important to mention, because for the price you pay, you would expect a glass of wine or juice would be included with dinner. They never tell you the price or that you will be charged for it until the last day you leave which was a surprise to me. Although it wasn't too expensive, it still was an unpleasant surprise. Another unpleasant surprise is here on Safaribooking.com, it says a 3-5 day safari is whatever, but they charge an extra 14% in taxes which makes it more than originally advertised when you actually book with them.
If a single person did this as a once in a life time event, then I would rate the Themba operators and the whole experience as average and overall a great experience with the wildlife and seeing this part of the world. If I rate this for people who have a family, I would say it was overpriced for what you get, especially the bigger the family.
Considering that a four person family is paying about $4-500 a day to be there, you are paying a lot for limited food and drink (although the family who runs the Sunset Lodge are spectacular), and time. A "3 day safari is really 2 days - or 1 1/2 days" etc because the last day you are only driving back to Johannesburg, and the first day you take 6 hours to get there, and you are paying for any snacks or drinks along the way. This is WAY too much to pay for what you are actually receiving.
However, with this being said, the animals in and around Kruger's park are amazing, and the experience was unforgettable. I will definitely go back, but I am unsure I would use this operator again unless I got a serious discount to match what I felt I received.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing journey to the wild, with a wonderful team of professionals
We were in the best hands with Yassin (guide) and Waziri (cook) during our 7-person, 5-day safari. Professional, smart, caring, careful, calm, and fun - they made sure that we had an amazing experience. We saw a part of the world that we could not have imagined, and gained understanding and appreciation that will last a lifetime. We have encouraged many friends already to think about making this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Communications were excellent during planning. The food was wonderful! Expectations were met and more! It was a "budget" safari, and we expected to "rough it" a bit. In fact, it was less rough than we expected, thanks to the outstanding care provided by Yassin and Waziri.
Our only suggestion for upcoming safari-goers: remember to take a towel and sheet liner.
DK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Just great - a very competent staff who did their utmost to fullfill our dreams
Oh, what an experience! First a fantastic trip to Kilimanjaro with a dream team of porters, cook and last but not least the guides - Livingstone and Sanga. They even managed to communicate in sign language - always smiling and friendly. Then a 9 days safari trip with Augustin as a very skilled driver, mecanicien, guide etc. He knew where to find the animals we would like to see. We wanted to see them all, but we had never imagined that we should see 22 lionesses and youngs in one place in the Ngorongoro Crater + animals all 360 gr. in Serengeti - just to mention a bit. We can warmly recommend Jackpot Safari as a serious partner for a tour in Tanzania. Andrew and his staff can fullfill every wish.
BD
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Life time memorable experience
It was an excellent experience with Absolute Holiday Safari. We four friends availed the tour. Mr David eased our all difficulties. The guide is very professional and friendly. Accommodation and food were very good. Their conduct and behavior are praiseworthy. We could observe all renowned animals including big five. We also surprised to see some to see some animals which werre totally unknown to us. It was really a memorable experience and enjoyable safari tour.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful experience with Safari Partners
After 20 years, we finally got to take our dream trip to Africa to see the animals. The raw beauty of the land, the people, their stories and the animals were extraordinary. What made it it effortless was Chris at Safari Partners. He was recommended to me by my doctor and I would, without hesitation, recommend him to anyone who wants to experience Africa. In addition to setting up a flawless itinerary, he was a great support when my wife had a medical crises in Kenya and we had to cut short the last part of or trip (she had a blood pressure of 80/32 when she got to the ER in Nairobi).
Friends asked asked if I'd ever go back. My answer is an unqualified YES! And, I would have Safari Partners make the arrangements.
An amazing experience with family and friends.
From the start the communications with Chris were helpful and friendly. A very personal approach which we valued. Chris arranged the tour and explained what would be happening. From the time Nicky and Chris arrived at the hotel to collect us we were made to feel like valued friends, with every detail being taken care of. The truck is so comfortable, with a lot of thought about small details. The meals were delicious, and the accommodation chosen was carefully thought out to meet our requirements. Every effort was made to show us what we wanted, and we experienced a wonderful part of the world in all its glory, both with fauna and flora. The knowledge Chris and Nicky shared with us was amazing, and contributed to our whole experience. Thank You does not even begin to cover it.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great tour
Our guide Vumi who was also our driver was really patient with us. He introduced us to the different types of animals and helped us spot the big 5. He never once told us to hurry up even when we are late. The whole safari trip was a wonderful experience. It was an unforgettable experience.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great company that helped me plan a great holiday!
Flight Safaris surpassed my expectations. I am from the States and was very unfamiliar with Kenya and didn't know where to start in planning my vacation. I contacted Flight Safaris early and I'm so lucky that I did. They listened carefully to my wishes for what I would like to do, and they made excellent suggestions on where I should go and how I should get it done. Throughout the planning process they made further suggestions to help me fine tune the safari and each of those suggestions turned out to be highly valuable and made my holiday significantly better. My driver/guide was phenomenal. He was knowledgeable, dependable, always on time, very kind, and made for a great companion while we traveled together. It was amazing how much he knew about Kenya, the wildlife, and he was VERY good at spotting animals while on safari. I would not have seen most of the cool things we saw without his good eye.
Thanks to Flight Safaris for a wonderful holiday! I will certainly be calling if I find myself planning another trip to Kenya!