20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Onesmus is the man!!!
My husband and I are in our early thirties and pretty much got hooked on Africa in 2014. We visited Zambia, South Africa and Botswana. We always tried to support local ventures and booking with Safaribook Evolution to Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara was a great choice. Steve the owner is a Kenyan and I communicated with him via email. He was always very polite, very efficient and prompt in his responses. His tours are operated by his own people (driver/guide/chef). He is not an agent like so many. His pricing is extremely competitive and he offered us excellent value for money. We did a 4 day trip with him toward the end of March. Because this was technically low season we got a great price. All meals are included and he thoughtfully provided water for the entire trip.
The best thing about the entire trip though was our tracker/guide and friend, Onesmus. Onesmus is a Masai and grew up in Masai Mara and boy did he find those animals. There were times were were in stretches when we were the only vehicle and we were surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of animals. We left Nairobi around 8am. It just so happened that we were the only two people on the trip. We joked that we were VIPs. We left Nairobi, no traffic which is always a blessing as you can just never tell. Great weather and scenic drive to Lake Nakuru. As we were passing Lake Naivasha, I had asked Steve via email if we could stop over and do a boat tour, he said no problem. He arranged everything for us. We did the tour. If you are fond of birds and hippos, please do this. Lake Naivasha is home to many species and the setting is magnificent. After Naivasha and lunch we headed, up to Lake Nakuru. Upon entering we saw the elusive black rhino. Zebra, wildebest, all types of antelope, buffalo and flamingos in the hundreds. We saw a family of lions sleeping, baboons playing and several animals on the water's edge.
The safari vehicles in Kenya are small mini buses in which the entire roof pops open, in my opinion these are much better than the open land rovers used in South Africa etc. Although we were technically in the time of the long rains, the weather held out enough so the roads were dry and we could cover any terrain.
We overnighted in a local basic hotel. Dinner was provided and it was delicious. Although it was basic, we were comfortable and safe, what more could you want? We headed to Masai Mara the next day and that was an adventure. The road as Onesmus said is a glimpse into the real Kenya. We settled in at our camp which we loved. It was tented in serene surroundings, cool in the evening with the sound of thousands of animals. We did a game drive that evening and again saw soo many animals. Onesmus asked us if we would mind waking up early to do a full day game drive. He really went above and beyond to find us animals. Since he grew up there he knew all the locals, was in contact with the rangers. My friends, we saw lions mating, cheetahs kill a wildesbeest, a lion and two cubs kill an ostrich, lions hunting, crocodile eating a dead hippo and we went through the entire park seeing thousands and thousands of animals and again this was in low season. Imagine if we came during the migration?? Now I think it is worth to say that a real live safari is nothing like Disney, you cannot arrange for animals to be somewhere performing activity for your pleasure. You just have to be lucky and have a skilled tracker. We were blessed enough to have both! Everyone should go in with no expectations and just savour the entire experience.
Having been to Chobe, Kruger and several game reserves, I can safely say there is no place like Masai Mara and majestic does not even come close to describe the sight of thousands of animals on the plains... It is ideal for viewing as the land is so gently undulating.
Dinner on the evenings were provided by our personal chef Simba. The food was plentiful, delicious and filling. Packed lunches were provided and I simply cannot find a fault or have a regret. We had our packed lunch under a tree in the open savanah.. AMAZING!
I would wholeheartedly recommend Steve (Safaribook evolution) and encourage everyone to support local small businessmen. They provide the best service and always aim to please. Hopefully you will be lucky like us to get Onesmus. We are already planning our next safari to Tanzania with Steve and the gang!
Thanks guys... Asante!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wow! is a word that I would use a lot to describe Tanzania
We had a great tour through Lappet Faced Safaris in June 2024, we went to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Olduvai Gorge, Lake Manyara NP, Tarangire NP and Kilimanjaro. Although the Great Migration was late this year we still saw herds of thousands of wildebeest in Serengeti. We experienced the local culture of a Masai tribe where we joined in tribal activities. In Olduvai Gorge (locally called Oldupai) which lies in the Great Rift Valley it was amazing to see the cradle of humankind and to browse through the exhibits in the museum. It was truly spectacular doing a day long game drive in Ngorongoro Crater with flamingoes, lions, zebra, plenty of other game and hyenas taking down a wildebeest. Lake Manyara and Tarangire were very different but both have plenty to view. Tarangire however is like Grand Central Station on a weekend due to the day tripper access from Arusha. We were truly fortunate to view Mt Kilimanjaro without cloud covering, it was a huge wow moment for us when the clouds dispersed and we saw it for the first time.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Arid bush landscape with good mammal sightings
The wildlife in Sabi Sands was great with good views of several leopards and lions, many elephants, spotted hyena and white rhino and even a couple of black rhino during our two night stay. Highlight was a pack of wild dogs that had just killed an impala and watching a group of spotted hyena at their den. A nice black mamba showed well besides the car on one of our game drives and the bird life around the lodge (Nkorho Bush Lodge) was very good. Just in the bush there were fewer birds than expected.
The lodge itself was very nicely situated with very comfortable rooms and very friendly guides and staff. The game drives were well organized and the guides knew their wildlife well. The guides also always put the wildlife first which was very positive, but still did all they could to allow for good close sightings and for taking photographs without causing the animals any disturbance.
The weather was a mix of sun, cloud and some rain but the temperatures remained mild.
The cars during the drive could seat 10 people, but we were never more than 7 which was very comfortable. It did rain a couple of times, and it was a little disappointing that the cars did not have a roof. We were nevertheless supplied with rain protection, but with heavy rain it was necessary to return to the lodge.
During both morning and evening drives it was relatively cold, mainly due to the strong wind. Both a Jumper and jacket were usually necessary, at least for me.
Food was OK although that would not be a reason to return. Everything else would be a reason to return though.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Game Drive through Murchison Falls National Park and boat trip up the Nile with my two teenage sons.
The owner of Steady Safaris, Carlos, was agreeable and accommodating to the various changes we made in our itinerary. Carlos upgraded our transportation to a Land cruiser to increase our comfort and ability to better navigate the potentially muddy roads in the game park. Our driver, Arthur, was careful and always on time for the drives from Kampala to Murchison, in the park, and on the way back to Kampala. Arthur was happy to discuss various topics with my sons from life in Uganda to Premiere League football in Europe.
In Murchison, Arthur was always ready to assist us in getting ready for early morning game drives, help with our lodging arrangements, and dealing with Ugandan Park officials. Arthur made the whole trip very easy for us. Arthur was also knowledgeable on the various animals in the park and knew where to look to find the more elusive ones. Arthur was also conscientious about park rules not wanting to damage the ecosystem by driving off road.
Should I have the opportunity to travel to Uganda again, I would use the services of Steady Safaris.
US
More wildlife than I have ever seen or expected to see.
All of the National Parks I visited were amazing and full of wildlife.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Gorilla Trekking =)
The booking was unproblematically, they answered fastly every question we had. They were very customer-oriented and they considered all our wishes regarding accomodation and others.
The guide was always on time and well organized. He had good knowledge about the animals we saw. He was very attentive regarding pee breaks and photo stops.
All in all we had an amazing trip.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa is an absolutely beautiful country with very diverse areas and experiences!
We spent 16 days in country and we started with a Kruger National Park Safari with Endless Summer Tours. This was outstanding. Wade, our guide offered knowledgeable insight for the Safari as well as South African life in general. We would highly recommend Endless Summer Tours.
We then spent 5 days in Cape Town. This offered its own unique experiences. Hiking Table Mountain, visiting Kalk and Falls Bay (scuba diving at Falls Bay) doing a food tour thru Cape Town, and enjoying the Cape Town waterfront. Then off to Stellenbosch and enjoying the wineries for 3 days. Great wine, beautiful views, and quaint wineries/farms.
Each area; Safari, Cape Town, and Stellenbosch offered its own unique experience. We loved our trip!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Another fantastic safari in Kruger
This was our second visit to Kruger, and once again it did not disappoint. On our first day, we were treated to the sight of 4 male lions and one female at kill. One of the male lions walked right by our vehicle - amazing. Another highlight was a huge herd of 50-60 elephants crossing the road in front and behind our vehicle - essentially surrounding us. It was magical! During our four days at Kruger, we saw plenty of other animals, including hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, hyenas, wildebeest, buffalo, impala, kudus, warthogs, baboons, and vervet monkeys. On the last day, down near Pretoriaskop, we saw several rhinos - a good area to see these magnificent creatures.
We stayed in the rest camps inside Kruger. The first two nights were at Skukuza and the third night was at Pretoriaskop. In both camps, we stayed in rondavels (round huts), which were very comfortable, including air conditioning, private bathrooms, and outdoor kitchens. There are lots of facilities in both camps, Skukuza being the biggest of the two. There were nice views overlooking the Sabie River from Skukuza - we could see lots of elephants and hippos. The pool at Pretoriaskop - built into the rocks - is especially nice. My only minor complaint is that I found the food in the camps not quite as good as when I was last at Kruger in 2006, but it was still fine overall.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Gorilla Trek
We had a great time on the tour trekking for gorillas, which was organised through Kombi Nation Tours. The planning process was fairly straight forward, with lots of useful information provided. The staff were excellent at answering questions and providing prompt email responses. The driver for the tour was friendly and safe, which was reassuring! Overall a very professional operator, which is reasonably priced and provided a good service.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable
A bucket list item and an unforgettable trip in everyway. From sleeping under the starlight (which the night sky is so much more beautiful since you are away from cities/towns and their night pollution), to camping next to animals without any dividers or fences, to seeing all different types of animals and birds, both from afar and close, to meeting new friends and fellow travelers, to seeing animals both sleeping and active and migrating (part of the Great Migration), this trip was so memorable and magical in every way. So satisfied. Shoutout to our guide Douglas for an amazing job, accommodating our every request to position the jeep to help get the best pictures.