NP
Excellent Service, Enjoyable Safari
My family of four - two parents and two boys ages 13 and 12 made our first trip to Kenya and had a very good experience with Seven By Far. Sylvester was incredibly responsive in our many back and forth emails prior to arrival. We traveled to Amboseli, Samburu, and Masai Mara Parks as well as a day in Nairobi on either end. In each our guides were knowledgeable about the wildlife (and in the birds in which we were particularly interested). We especially enjoyed Samburu and our guide Charles there. The hotels were clean and comfortable and the food choices very varied.
Sylvester personally met us in Nairobi at the end of our safari to make sure all was well. We highly recommend Seven by Far.
Our two boys got a little tired of getting up early for morning game drives, and we would have enjoyed the safari just as much doing only an evening game drive, so something for other travelers with children to think about.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Totally epic
About tours these guys surely know what they are doing and their vast knowledge about birds as their title clearly states is no slander. One week them around national parks in South Western uganda and the fun moments with the guides plus the wonderful Sceneries surely are the things i reckon from that amazing holiday my friends and i took into nature and its hidden secrets as our Guide used to say.
I can only say thank you guys for the wonderful moments.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well Organized Tour Company
Had an amazing once in a lifetime experience with Saso Uganda Safaris. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a well-planned and affordable safari trip.
I was very impressed with the knowledge that both the tour operator, Wilson and the tour driver Fred. All staff went over and above to accommodate myself and my family, including my dietary needs as a Vegan. Wilson and his team provided us with a personalized 6-day itinerary planned around our interested and what animals we were particularly fond off. We managed to see 4 of the big 5 and were able to have close contact with both Elephants and giraffes.
From the start I felt he really understood what we were looking for plus he was able to get what we wanted within our budget! He made some valid suggestions to our itinerary which in the end made a huge difference to our trip. The safari totally exceeded our expectations. The lodges and tented camps he selected had great food and facilities.
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Totally let down, simply heartbroken
Consider very carefully before booking with Mushra Travel, NOT a trustworthy company.
My husband and I travelled to Uganda in October , our itinerary was changed, we weren’t told. We booked as a group, Michael told us 4 other couples were aLready booked on our tour, but we were on our own, not bad you say, but we like to meet people. The tour went reasonably well, although our guide wasnt really interested in us and only did what he really needed to do.
Our last day was to see the gorillas, they messed up our permits even though we booked and paid 10 months in advance. We had to change our flights and extend the holiday by 2 days for them to sort new permits. Our driver repeatedly tried to get cash from us to pay for petrol as he said Michael was not sending him money. Then to end the holiday on a high at 8.30pm on our last night, travelling back to Kampala we were pulled over by armed police who told us they were repossessing the vehicle (and our suitcases) as Michael hadn’t paid the lease. The repossession company turned up and we were faced with 3 men and the police telling us we would not be let go until Michael paid up. Michael would not answer our calls or theirs, what a nightmare!
It’s hard to believe this feedback, especially as most people seem to have nothing but praise for Michael. Micheal promised us a refund of our additional expenses incurred due to their cock ups but we have been home for 2 months and no refund has been received, despite numerous messages being sent. I’m not surprised!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
5-Star Service
Zambezi Expedition Travel and Tours was recommended to me by my host travel lodge in Zimbabwe. I lucked out because they were the most courteous, professional, timely and attentive operators I encountered. I spent nearly a month on holiday in the south and southeast regions of Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana) which included several safaris, experiences, adventures and tours. By far, my experience with Simon and the others affiliated with ZETT ranked #1. I booked ZETT for a visit to Victoria Falls, the Lions Walk Encounter, a cruise on the Zambezi River, and a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Each experience was great, though I did have a hiccup at the immigration department coming back into Zimbabwe. This had nothing to do with the tour company. I did not have enough U.S. cash to pay for a second Visa for reentry and the Zimbabwe Immigration Department claimed they did not have a credit card machine for the transaction — a claim I highly doubt. Traveler Tip: Take enough U.S. dollars for incidentals BEFORE arriving in Zimbabwe and be sure to obtain a “double” or “multiple” entry visa in advance at the airport on arrival. Other than this hiccup, the direct bookings through this tour company and each experience was great. I’d highly recommend.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding 3 day safari with excellent guide/driver and private cook.
African Travel Tour manager Abraham is a most dedicated person to ensure his customer(s) have the best time. Not only during the safari, but also during the preparation. He is very committed and communication is very quick established via WhatsApp. Abraham comes with different options but he also comes with advices with could be not what expected but is (was in our case) certainly for our best interest. Abraham provided us with an excellent driver/guide for our safari to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Valley. He was able to show us the big five. Especially the Rhino was difficult to find. He saw the animals from far distance. Our great cook provided us with great meals in morning and evening but also a great lunch box. After the safari Abraham took the time with us to review the safari and he was also helpful to provide us some activities in Arusha during our stay. We have great memories for life. Certainly thanks to Abraham.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking with Bird's Nest Safaris was the most wonderful experience.
Bird's Nest Safaris services were excellent from the time we contacted Patience by Email. She responded to our Questions very accurately and promptly even though they were many she is really Patient like her name. She was immediate and on point and gave us options. Patience and our driver guide Mike welcomed us from the Airport and transfered us to our first Accommodation which we fell in love with because it was really amazing with breath-taking views. From the time we started talking to Patience and how we were welcomed at the Airport we already felt that really the trip was super organised and we were dealing with the perfect people.
Our skilled, very friendly and knowledgeable guide Mike made us to see everything we needed to see and much more, the stunning and beautiful sceneries of Uganda, he knows where and when to stop and patient with us while taking the pictures, the perfect and genuine smiles of the local people. Indeed Uganda you are the Pearl of Africa, He shared with us about Uganda's Culture and we really learnt a lot.
The accommodation we stayed in were top Notch and views were breath taking with the best services and tasty foods. Gorilla Tracking was the most wonderful experience than ever before.
We will and would recommend Bird's Nest Safaris to all travellers and a very BIG Thanks for making our Safari the very best and Memorable
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Trip of a Lifetime Ruined
I didn't want to write this and usually let my husband do these reviews but this experience was so horrible I wanted to share it and warn other people not to make the same mistake by hiring Mushra to plan your trip. I don't want to go over in detail all the painful memories again but needless to say, every day we had to spend hours of our vacation time dealing with problems not handled or created by Michaels' dishonesty or incompetence (e.g. hotels we arrived at with no reservations made and having to pay out of pocket to stay, no flights between destinations after this was in itinerary, no gorrila permits after having paid for them in April and personally assured everything was set, etc.) Don't want to relive it but anxiety coming from these things happening every day ruined what was planned as a trip of a lifetime.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do not themself drive in Tanzania
Communication with Simon prior booking was good, clear and fast. We booked a small group midrange safari 6 days Tarangire, lake manyara, ngorgoro and Serengeti national parks starting from Arusha.
While on site, we could not find their Arusha office. (The hotel listed on their website had never heard of the company.) The night befor the start of the safari a man from another safari company met us at the hotel, said he talked with Simon and would operate our trip. Overall we got what was agreed on in the itinerary, but days and accomodanditon was shifted with out any prior notice until the very last minute everyday. We would have appreciated to get a new updated itinerary befor we left. The driver/guide was really just a driver and did not tell us much about the parks or animals.
We are overall happy with the trip! Saw a lot of animals really close, an experience of a life time!!
It is hard to give a fare review of Wild Race Africa cause we have not met any of them.
BE
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Overall good experience, but the choice of one hotel in Kitgum was bad.
The overall safari was well organized. Apoka lodge in Kidepo Valley NP is excellent. The hotel Bomah in Kitgum was bad. On our way back the Churchill hôtel in Gulu was good.
The driver was excellent. Only regret the car had no airco.