CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Better then I could have hoped for
I had planned to go to Africa for years. I saved up, researched everything I wanted to do, and convinced a friend to go with me. When I started to try and do the actual planning I emailed about 15 different companies to ask questions. With Go2Africa, right from my first inquiry, I was continually responded to within 24 hours by Ramona. Go2Africa was the only company that would set up a trip to my exact wants. They did not require me to follow a plan that they already had set out. It was, to me, as if Ramona's only job was to make everything that I wanted to do possible! I appreciated having her feedback and opinions while trying to sort out our trip. As we settled on our safari plans, we asked Ramona some questions about one of our other destinations in Africa, and she was able to help us make arrangements for our non-safari time as well. Before departing, Ramona sent us our detailed itinerary with all of our vouchers for our activities. I don't think it would be possible to say that things could have run any smoother then they did. All of our activities, accommodations, transfers were all organized. We were able to do everything, and see everything that we hoped to see. The places we stayed were well beyond what we hoped. The food was amazing, and the entire time seemed like a fairy tale. We got into the habit of "high-fiving" in Ramona's name after each activity or upon arrival at each new location. Both my friend and I have traveled extensively, and we both agreed that never have we had such a flawless vacation. In one of our stops in Botswana, we met a woman from Germany, who had also used Go2Africa for her trip. We spent a meal comparing our experiences with different operators for the same company, and agreed that we had the same service. Our trips were completely different, intersecting at only this one camp in the Okavanga Delta, but our appreciation for Go2Africa was the same. If you are planning a trip of a life time to Africa, I would recommend Go2Africa, and Ramona in a heartbeat.
SS
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari in Kenya!!
This safari was a dream come true!! We saw everything. The Big 5 and more!! Our driver/guide knew how to spot all the animals and find them in difficult to see places. Chose the upgrade to resorts instead of camping - worth the money for comfort and food. Only comment is there is a lot of car time - hard for younger kids so bring books/entertainment. Thanks for a great adventure!!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great adventures in Kenya
When planning our visit to Kenya going on a safari was one thing we really wanted to do. After sending our several emails there was almost instant reply from Bicmac Africa Safaris. All our questions were answered, always quick and very friendly. After booking a safari for several days we also booked a few day tours and we were not disappointed at all.
We were picked up on time and had great drivers for all the parks, they all knew lots about the wildlife and gladly stopped over and over again for us to get our pictures of zebras, rhinos, or lions.
For the big tour at the end of our stay we were able to leave some of our luggage at the office, before leaving for Masai Mara and the biggest surprise, they even managed to have a cake for my friends birthday at the camp we were staying at.
We really enjoyed our tours and our stay in Kenya and would always come back again.
TW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A spectacular alternative to the crowded northern circuit and certainly worth a trip of its own.
Ruaha is my favorite Tanzanian national park due to its fairly remote location and the spectacular landscape. An incredible variety of wildlife and some very well-trained outfits operating there. Ruaha's remote location and massive area, two of the things that are most attractive, are also its main vulnerabilities. I had made many visits to the park when I lived in the area from 2005-2008 and was concerned when I returned earlier this year because of all of the accelerated poaching that's gone on in the area over the last several years. Ruaha's remote location and massive area, two of the things that are most attractive, are also its main vulnerabilities. The quality of safaris for guests however, remains mostly unchanged in my opinion. Most of the game viewing tracks are in a relatively small portion of the park that is well-protected. Having heard so much about how hard the park has been hit, I was surprised at the abundance of wildlife (this is of course not to minimize the scale of the problem in Ruaha, particularly farther afield in the north and out into the WMAs and game reserves).
I've stayed at River Lodge and Mwagusi in the past (only River Lodge on this visit) and have to say that both Chris and Peter Fox run top notch operations: well maintained camps, excellent food and services, and really do a spectacular job training their guides on Ruaha-specific flora and fauna.
Two recommendations:
1. "Ruaha National Park: An Intimate View" by Sue Stolberger, is probably the best guide out there to flowers, plants, and trees of miombo woodlands, not just in Ruaha but for most of the country. It's a bit cumbersome to navigate until you get used to it, as the plants aren't grouped taxonomically, but Sue's insights and comments more than make up for this minor setback. I've seen a number of guides even up on the northern circuit using it as a reference. It is tough to get a copy of, but the main gate of the Park has copies in their storage room if you ask specifically for it. That is where I purchased a copy in May. I think it was US$45.
2. "A Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Tanzania" by Charles and Lara Foley is another excellent resource that has recently become available and can be purchased more widely. It is also easy to use in the field as well with a good index that makes looking up details a breeze.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best driver, the best guide, the best cook, and the best animals
The trip last for 7 days. We went to Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli. Anthony's wife kindly picked us up and sent us to a place to change for Kenyan shilling. The safari van is comfortable, and it even has wifi! The food is delicious, healthy and enough. Our guide and driver Anthony was very professional and easy-going. He could name every animal we met during the trip, and he could find those rare ones. It's joyful to talk with him. The safari is wonderful. It's a memorable experience for me.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good experience and value
We did 4 days/3 nights in the Serengeti and the Crater. Richard's business is operationally excellent. He is quick to communicate with customers before and during the visit. The company does what it says it will do, sticking to a tight schedule to pack in as much as possible in 4 days. I never worried he would run away with our money or that we would be unsafe while on the safari. I know for many other folks with other tour groups we overheard or talked with in camps at night, this is not always the case. We got what we expected with Richard and that isn't always the case. Our guide Frank didn't detract from the experience, but he didn't add much either. He didn't share a lot about the animals with us - I think because he didn't speak English that well more than not knowing anything. We also had some long drives without a ton of expectations-setting in terms of time in the car and broader plan. That said, Frank knew what he was looking for once in the crater and Serengeti and we often found ourselves watching animals at the right time and place. That stuff doesn't happen entirely accidentally. The food is really good and there is plenty. Sokafour (I'm sure I'm spelling his name incorrectly) was kind and both he and Frank extremely hard working in terms of keeping us fed, setting up camp and driving us around. The trucks are a little old and don't have plugs for camera batteries, an important thing to note. Overall a really good experience that met expectations, but fell a little short in terms of being great. For the cost though, it was an excellent value. You might be best to read up on some of the animals before you head out on the safari.
great safaris
I travelled to Tanzania early March... wanted to get to see the beautiful and breath taking Mount Kilimanjaro, The roof of Africa and I must say I enjoyed Chance's company while I was in Moshi, Tanzania. He tried his best to give me the information I required and I would definitely recommend his services!
IL
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience and excellent organization
Communication was efficient but there were a few small bloomers on the way (mixing up Kruger with Madikwe).
Service was excellent, we were picked up at the airport on time, traveled on a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus with a friendly driver who gave us a guided tour. We were excited when we entered the Park as our driver pointed out the impala, giraffes and zebras. The accommodation was wonderful and we received a warm welcome from the owners of Bush Lodge and the rangers. The garden there is beautiful and the water-hole and hide at the bottom of the garden were the icing on the cake. Elephants, lions, impala, zebra, giraffes,waterhogs, rhinos came daily to enjoy the water, as though for our benefit. The ranger-guided tours were exciting and it was great to see cooperation among the rangers in tracking and locating the big 5. Seeing the big 5 at close quarters was nerve-tingling but amazing as the animals either didn't move (lionesses) or just walked by the jeep without paying us any attention (elephant and lions). A bonus was the dramatic starlit nights. Seeing southern hemisphere stars and constellations clearly for the first time, with the expert guidance of our ranger, was particularly exciting for me from the Northern hemisphere. On our last night, we were entertained with traditional local singing and dancing by the Lodge staff. All in all, a fabulous 3 days, highly recommended.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A magical trip indeed!
There were 11 in our group including our own naturalist guide, and we had the most amazing experience. The driver/guides have a preternatural ability to spot wildlife. We watched 45 mammal species (a hundred lions! Hundreds of zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, warthogs, baboons, elephants, impala! And leopards and cheetahs!) and 182 birds species (check out the crazy "secretary bird", "kori bustard" and the ubiquitous and beautiful "superb starling") resting and feeding on the silent plains, usually quite oblivious of us. I wasn't a birder before, but I think I'm going to be one from here out. Zooming through the landscape in an open air land cruiser was breathtaking. The accommodations were very comfortable ("glamping"; imagine a double bed, a private toilet, and a hot shower INSIDE A TENT), and the food was delicious, plentiful and fresh. Me, I can't wait to go again!
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari
Had an excellent Safari with Mr Joseph, coordinated by David very lucky to see Masai Mara at its best. Accomodation and living was excellent n food was amazing...had a wonderful time