US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Zambia by geosync2006
A true "National Geographic" experience in every way!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extremely Satisfied After a Trip of a Lifetime!
I was a bit nervous to plan our honeymoon with someone I had never met before. I had looked around at local travel agents, but they really didn't have any expertise in Africa and I knew that we'd end up on some cookie-cutter trip. Chris is a true expert and has traveled to Africa several times. And let me tell you, he knows his stuff! I actually called him and spoke to him for a while before booking with him. He was so upfront with things and he ended up planning an incredible trip for us. (He's really nice too) I had told him that we wanted to hike with the mountain gorillas in either Rwanda or Uganda, and that we also wanted to go to Kenya and Tanzania. We wanted to do a mix of basic camping, tented camps, and lodging. He hooked it all up and checked in with us as he pieced it all together. He even suggested that we ended our trip in Zanzibar- and I'm so glad we did. It was a relaxing way to wind down after an adventurous 2 1/2 weeks. When I say that there was not one glitch during the total 3 weeks we were there, I truly mean it! We flew into Rwanda and we were immediately greeted by two extremely kind gentlemen who brought us straight to our hotel and gave us a run down of our schedule for the next three days we'd be there. The hotel was gorgeous. We were assigned to another driver that following morning and he came right on time and took care of us throughout our time in Rwanda. He was so great, I hated to leave him! He brought us back to the airport for our flight to Nairobi. Again, all our flight details were handed to us and we didn't have to worry about anything! Got picked up in Nairobi by another professional young woman who was so organized. She knew our entire agenda and went through it with us. Chris put us in a beautiful hotel in Nairobi where we felt very safe. Food was yummy too! During our trip in Kenya, we had a wonderful guide. He worked SO hard and was so professional. Everything was about us. He wanted to make sure we saw every animal, and he busted his behind until we did just that. We felt safe, and well taken care of! We stayed in tented camps in Kenya, and they were incredible! Even our journey from Kenya to Tanzania went so smoothly (I was a little nervous about the transportation). When we arrived in Tanzania, we were picked up for our 5 day camping tour. The guide and cook we traveled with were so sweet and they treated us like royalty. The cook worked so hard to prepare our meals, and his food was soooo good! When it was time to head to Zanzibar, we took a small flight (all arranged by Chris) and it was such a smooth transition.
We felt safe the entire time we were in Africa, and at every location. We never had to question anything. There was not one moment of confusion or miscommunication, not one issue with reservations, or transportation, nothing! To be honest, I was expecting something to go wrong, as things typically do when traveling for a long period of time.
Our trip was unforgettable. Rwanda may have been my favorite part of the trip. The country is beautiful, the people are friendly and hardworking, and seeing the gorillas was a dream come true. With that said, Kenya and Tanzania were a must see- truly breathtaking!
I would most definitely recommend The Safari Partners! You won't be sorry!!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing blend of wildlife, scenery, local people, traveling companions, plus Victoria Falls. Wow!
I was looking for a good safari company with my daughter, Katie. We had chosen one in Tanzania and were prepared to book it. Katie then heard about Open Heart Safari from a friend who knew Tom Bennigson. We both surveyed Tom and his ideas over a long phone conversation with him and came away convinced that he knows what he is doing in Africa, that he understands what it means to be "open hearted" himself, and that he had actually crafted a safari experience that lived up to that name. We then had a conversation with Laura, who was just as courteous and responsive to our questions. We were hooked. We not only felt at ease with the leaders, but we figured that other people who would be drawn to this type of safari would be the type of individuals we would want to travel with.
The safari itself surpassed our greatest expectations. South Luangwa National Park is overflowing with amazing animals - so diverse, abundant, majestic, amusing, accessible, natural, free, and exciting - never mind photogenic! Kafue is pictorial, removed, wild, and thrilling. We did not feel like we missed anything passing up Tanzania except for the hoards of people. We also acquired a day at Victoria's Falls, which deserves a spot on everyone's bucket list.
What makes this safari unique, however is the exchanges with other humans - both with the locals and our travel group. An entire day and night in a thatched-hut village in the bush mingling with the people, two days and a night with both youth and adults engaging in a grass roots community conservation and development project. There were opportunities almost every day to think back and share with our group what we were experiencing and witnessing - always with plenty of laughter. Occasional yoga and other movement, artfully led by Laura and matched to our abilities. We had some wonderful conversations and are looking forward to staying in contact with each other across the country. Who knows - we may even arrange a reunion somewhere!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Botswana adventure
My 16 year old daughter and I joined Jane for a great time. It was my third time in Africa, but it was the time I learned the most about the true Africa. The staff was wonderful and we felt spoiled at all times. We felt safe and had lots of fun. The food was amazing, it was way more than I expected. I chose Ulinda's Safari because I got the feeling that it would be real and I would be given a one on one experience and we did. Im very glad that I chose them to expose my daughter to her first African adventure. I would recommended them to anybody who wants the real African experience. Thanks Jane!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brief jaunt into the Zambian wilderness yielded a leopard sighting and a moment of respite.
I visited the Kafue National Park for a short weekend get-away during a business trip. My expectations for the visit were few but important: to complete my 'big five' by gazing upon a Leopard and to enjoy some R&R. I was able to view the other 'big 4' at a reserve in South Africa.
Well the park delivered on both expectations. During my visit, I stayed at the Mukambi Lodge in the Kafue National Park. The accommodations were great. Spacious lodge with operational amenities. The meals included both Zambian and international fares, which were all delicious and filling. I participated in two drives around in the park: one ride at dawn, and one ride at dusk. It was the dawn ride when we happened across a Leopard, which though brief in sighting was unforgettable. During both rides, we viewed Elephants, wild dogs, and various antelopes. Very enjoyable rides altogether.
I highly recommend considering the Mukambi Lodge as a accommodation and safari operator. The professional staff immediately makes you feel at home and the small quantity of lodges allows you to get to know the other guests. The safari drives are well delivered, with ample occasion to absorb the sights and the wildlife, and are tailored to maximize the wildlife sightings depending on the season.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
My African dream came true
The accommodation in Kenya, Masai Mara in Kichwa Tembo Camp was well selected, the driver of the camp and especially the photo safari with the owner of Roho Ya Chui was an experience. I was able to photograph the Big Five and the absolute highlight was the river crossing of zebras by the Mara River while being attacked by crocodiles. In the evening, the images were discussed, I have received a lot of tips and suggestions. The weather in December was ideal. It will not be my last trip to Africa with Roho Ya Chui.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Mahango Game Reserve by lifeisgreat77
more like a small zoo
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Etosha National Park by lifeisgreat77
if you have been in Khaudum or at the Kwando river, Etosha looks like a big zoo
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Namib-Naukluft National Park by lifeisgreat77
too many tourists in the Namib/Sossusvlei, great, but hard trails in the Naukluft
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Bwabwata National Park by lifeisgreat77
Kwando River is the best, i ever saw!