NL
Experience level: first safari
A well planned and organized trip.
Our first trip in South-Africa was perfectly organized by Safari’s op Maat (Tailor Made Safaris). During the preparations of our trip this organization advised us not to travel great distances, but instead to stay in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. We have been really happy with their advice and although we stayed in one province, we still saw and experienced many different things during our trip.
Before we left they send us a beautiful bound book containing a day-to-day description of our journey, but it also contained great trips and fun facts. Next to this, we also received a navigation system and a mobile phone, which we really appreciated.
Sometimes we traveled with our own car through the safari parks and sometimes we went on a safari tour with a guide. We also spotted whales, went snorkeling and went with a guide to the beach during the low tide.
If you want to know more about our trip and everything we experienced, you are welcome to read the daily online blog of our trip, although it is written in Dutch. http://maartenenmarianne-zuid-afrika-2014.blogspot.nl/
Geert-Nick and Freya we want to thank you for making our first trip to Africa an amazing experience! We highly recommend you to anyone who wants to have a great experience in South-Africa.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience
I had an amazing time with the Zazu Tours company in the summer of 2011!
Going into this safari I perhaps had the typical Western idea of what I was going to see, which closely resembled the opening scene from the Lion King movie. This safari certainly met and exceeded my high expectations! Over 4-5 days we went to Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire Park, the Serengeti, and Olduvai Gorge. The number of animals that we saw was absolutely breathtaking, including big game like elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and ostriches. We also saw some of the smaller animals including flamingos, antelope, gazelles, baboons, and monkeys. I'm probably forgetting some, but it was all so overwhelming that I would have to flip through my photos to jog my memory. Our tour guides, Moses and Ramon, were some of the most friendly guys I've ever met! They were both really excited to show us all of the different animals and were very knowledgeable in pointing them out and explaining different aspects of the animals' lives and habitats.
Before I went I was a little nervous about camping in a National Park in Africa with lions and hyenas, but the area where we stayed was enclosed and safe and once I saw the facility I was comfortable.
I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this safari to anyone who plans to spend time in Tanzania. I hope to return someday soon, and this safari will certainly be back at the top of my to do list!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
African Advenatures
I highly recommend Samless Adventures we used to organise and book an 10 days trip in Tanzania with an add on to Tanzania Wildlife Parks.
We had a fantastic trip. The organisation was excellent and all done on-line. Dealing with Neema was a real delight. She made excellent suggestions about how to tailor our itinerary to maximise our time in Tanzania. Neema recommended that we have 2 nights in each of four lodges to allow us to get a good feel for each area. This was excellent advice. I think if we had a shorter time at each we might have felt a bit rushed. She was very attentive and quick with her responses providing a lot of detail and good lodge options.
When our itinerary had been organised she secured the bookings and quickly confirmed them with us including a phone discussion to clarify any outstanding matters.
In Tanzania, the pick up and transfer between lodges was seamless and really well-coordinated,leaving us with very little to do. We continue to be amazed that our transfer from Tanzania to Parks side went without a hitch.
Now we came again for climbing mountain Kilimanjaro for 7 days.
Samless Adventures was a pleasure to deal with. Tanzania is an amazing place
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Full immersion into Tanzania, the culture, the geography, the wildlife, the people.
This is the second time I've traveled with Viewpoint Adventures and I will most definitely travel with them again. Our entire trip was once again so carefully organized and orchestrated by Viewpoint that there were absolutely no worries or concerns about anything. Our tour guides were second to none when it comes to knowledge of Tanzania and it was obvious they are passionate about their country and proud to share it with their visitors by providing exceptional hospitality. The level of expertise and caring demonstrated by Viewpoint Adventures in organizing and accommodating the needs of their clients was superb!
When I travel I enjoy the sightseeing (the safari was unbelievable!), but I also love getting to know the people and the culture. Viewpoint Adventures is able to provide that direct contact and immersion into the lives of the Maasai people, Tanzanian city people, an in depth tour of a small city, the schools, and orphanages. I feel that I came back with a better understanding of just how vast and diverse our world truly is. Because of Viewpoint Adventures, their outstanding staff and the totally enjoyable travel experience they provided, my consciousness has expanded and I am forever changed. I look forward to my next Viewpoint Adventure!
US
50-65 years of age
An awesome once in a lifetime experience that greatly exceed expectations!!!
If I'm fortunate enough to go back for a second Safari, no question, I'm going with Brian and his team at Ecological Wilderness Adventures. He and his guides are all fabulous people who know how to find and identify all the animals and get you in the right spot for the photos while avoiding the crowds. The food and accommodations where fantastic. Great trail breakfasts and lunches, gourmet dinners, wonderful campfires. We slept in great lodges and tents in the wild.
Brian's very knowledgeable and experienced about all aspects of the safari. He enjoys working with you to prepare your custom safari. I always refer friends and they ALWAYS have a GREAT SAFARI.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable
We have enjoyed a long safari ( 15 days ) between Kenya and Tanzania prepared by Sylvester and guided by Benson and Cirilo and we have returned to our country absolutely overwhelmed by the beaty of countries , parks and animals. thansk for the perfect organization and services
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional service .
They took good care of us from the very beginning: since they pick us up at the airport till they drop us off we were very well treated .I would highly recommend their service . It was an excellent value for money.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The National Geographic / BBC Wildlife experience with quality home comforts
Zikomo is family run (Hawaiian natives) with 25 staff. The site itself is their home and they treat all their staff and visitors like extended family.
We sit down together to with our guide for lunch, was introduced to the safari experience, and was asked what we wanted out from the trip.
They exceeded my expectations:
Communication: Quick replies Victora and Zick answered all my questions via phone, SMS, and email.
Food: Their cooks’ culinary skills are excellent. They can make a several types of cuisines using produce they grow in their land. Dishes have a very home cooked taste. They make their own bread and muffins, which are always fresh out of the oven.
They chlorinate and filtered the water.
What we sampled:
Fish cakes - handmade from fresh fish.
Green Thai Curry – prefect cooked rice with authentic curry.
Vegetable quiche – Filled with lots of veggies.
Lodging: comfortable beds, roomy chalets with double and single beds, they fumigate and clean out the bugs. There are electric outlets and usable Wifi.
Safari Guide: The main event, our guide, Masumba, is extremely knowledgeable with the area and the wildlife. He knows how to track animals. At the end of our 2 day safari we saw around 30 different species of animals, learned about their genetic origins, behaviors, tracking techniques, and funny local stories. Masumba can spot leopards hiding in the trees, and the tiniest shrewd. Ultimately we had a real life National Geographic / BBC Wildlife experience. The BBC did film in the locations we visited. In the middle of the safari there is a picnic.
Safety: In the dark they escort you to the chalet
Customer service: Very prompt.
Tips:
Bug spray – For the occasional bug that creep in.
Raised Chalets have indoor bathrooms. Ground Chalets have open bathrooms (no roof)
If you love dogs, bring a dog chew toy, their two dogs are very welcoming and playful. Wished I brought a tug-a-rope toy for them.
Directions from Mfuwe Airport
Driving down 6 km before Mfuwe Bridge is a Zikomo Safari Camp sign post reading 19.4 km to the camp/ turn right and go through 2 river sand beds with villages on sides/ drive towards Milyoti gate
Directions From Chipata
Take the signpost to South Luangwa National Park/coming from Malawi/ as you go under the arch at the end of Chipata town turn right (into M12). Follow the road (M12 becomes D104) for approximately 2-3 hours /114.6k/ to signpost pointing to your right stating 26 km to Zikomo Safari Camp. Drive over two bridges /4X4 car recommended/while passing through villages. Before you reach Milyoti gate, there is a sign post for 3.5km to Zikomo Safari Camp
Our nice trip
I had a great Trip with Baboon Budget Safaris,i met the Operator a great Person with his Team and we Enjoyed our trip.The Arrangements were great from the Airport to our Hotel.The trip went as it was planned with good communication from the Office to guide and as well as to us.Thanks Dennis for giving us a great and awesome experience.Coming soon again.Danke
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great 6-day safari from Mombasa to Kenya
We covered Tsavo E., Amboseli, Nakuru, and Masai Mara. Our driver was very knowledgeable and able to spot animals so we saw just about everything. The price was fair and they were responsive to our calls and emails.