50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It sounds like a cliche but this trip was a trip of a lifetime. Spiritual, exciting, awe inspiring.
The organisation of the trip was exceptional. We were consulted during the planning and all our suggestions were considered and discussed. Once we all agreed with the itinerary, we were happy for African Ubuntu Safaris to finalise the arrangements. The final Itinerary looked great and we were all excited about the trip.
Cuan from African Ubuntu Safaris communicated regularly with us to ensure we were happy with the plans. Our questions were answered immediately.
The Trip was incredible, we were impressed with the ease of transition from one place to the next. Having someone welcome us at each airport and hotel enabled us to relax and enjoy the journey. Everything was organised and went like clockwork....our drivers and guides were always on time. Our guides were professional, knowledgeable, and passionate about their jobs. They were always extremely helpful and accommodating. We felt valued and that this trip had been planned personally for us. We always felt safe and were amazed that each daily adventure offered something special. We experienced 3 weeks of wonderful experiences, rich, spiritual and awe inspiring. When we thought we could see nothing new, something would surprise us. Our guides shared their love and respect for the animals, environment and culture of all the National Parks and places we visited. It was such a personal experience and fantastic that 7 of us were able to share it. 7 women travelling together. We continue to say it was a trip of a lifetime. Loving reliving the experiences as we share our photos with each other. Finishing our trip with a Glam camping experience was magical. We are recommending African Ubuntu Safaris to everyone. A magical trip of a lifetime!
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience!
As a small group of three, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip & we all agree that it one of the most memorable experiences we've ever had. I have highly recommended 'It Started in Africa' to all of my friends & will continue you to do so. From start to finish, the service provided was excellent, with prompt & efficient email replies to advice & guidance in relation to tour packages. Hendre Francisco lived up to his job title as Happiness Manager & did all in his power to make me happy.
The only negative aspects of the trip were the obvious tourist trap stop offs & unfortunately the Masai Village visit. We felt as though we were being rail roaded into buying over priced souvenirs & paying more than needed for the extras. We did not enjoy the Masai Village we visited as we were told to pay $30 entry & were then pressured to buy overpriced souvenirs before leaving. Considering the cost of the trip in general, we found the extra costs to be unexpected.
On the other hand, we were extremely impressed by the accommodation provided during our trip. We stayed at wonderful lodges & campsites throughout our trip. We were also very happy with Martin, our tour guide. He was very friendly, helpful & accommodating. He happily answered all of our questions & sharwd his knowledge & experience. We were lucky enough to see The Big 5 at the Mara & also experienced the migration of the wildebeest, which was truly amazing. We would like to give a special mention to the Punda Millias lodge where we were upgraded on the final night of our trip ;) We had a wonderful stay there to finish off the fantastic Kenyan experience.
I will continue to recommend It Started in Africa to everyone I know & hopefully they will get to experience a Kenyan safari like we did.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I reccommend this company
Guys, me and my fiance did the 5 days trip with this fantastic company and i really recommend it to everyone.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Driver and cook were both excellent. I felt safe with them and the manager was also very hospitable.
Email me back right away and answered all questions. Manager went out of his way to ensure I made it to my flight on time afterwards.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Enthralling, fun, helpful and professional guide. Destination (Lenana, Mt Kenya)
Mt Kenya was high on the to do list for friends and I. After a research on the Web, I came across Africkenia Safaris, went to their offices in Nairobi and soon-after a refreshing conversation I had with James (kiongozi) where he gave a breakdown on what to expect. The Mt Kenya Hike was fun and educative as the team of guides had lots of knowledge about the area and other stories (ask why Mt Kenya is referred to as Mt Zion by some). We made it to the summit, safe and sound. Thanks guys. My plan is to head back, now using the Chogoria route. I would recommend Africkenia anyone trying to get their safari or hike.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect Kruger Safari
My girlfriend and I recently went on a four-day/three night Kruger tour with Ryan and could not have asked for a better trip. Driving past other tours carrying nearly 20 people with only one guide made us keenly aware of how lucky we were to be able to ask Ryan questions whenever we had them. Ryan's knowledge of the park’s ecology is constantly on display, whether he was talking about animals, insects, birds, or plant life.
Having our own private tour also gave us flexibility. We were able to customize our trip, allowing us to go out to see animals when, where and however often we wanted to. Whether we wanted to take an extra drive, go outside of the planned route to find a lion (success!), or drink Savannah Dry’s until passing out, Ryan was eager to do it. On our last day, Ryan drove all over known rhino routes because we hadn’t been lucky enough to see a rhino up close (which was literally the only animal in Kruger that didn’t practically approach our vehicle). When you are on larger group tours, that kind of personal touch just isn’t possible.
Behind every man is a great woman, and Ryan and Thale are no exception. Before arriving in South Africa, we were in constant communication with Thale despite the fact that she was in her third trimester. We were initially apprehensive about not being able to pay by credit card (extremely high fees) or PayPal (only works with one bank in South Africa), but Thale made us feel completely at ease throughout the entire process.
If all of that wasn’t enough, Ryan and Thale were kind enough to have us over for dinner the week after our tour for our last night in South Africa. We could not have asked for a nicer, more hospitable couple to show us around their beautiful country. They love what they do and it is evident from the moment you first contact them until they drop you off at the airport. We cannot recommend Wild Planet Safari highly enough. Thank you for making it an unforgettable trip!
US
This is really Paradise!
I guess I don't normally go in for writing reviews... but circumstances gave me the chance to visit the Okavango Delta recently... and boy, ... awesome..!!
This is picture postcard stuff... teaming with wildlife in private concessions where you wont see anyone for days.
Just go to the Okavango Delta once in your life.... its expensive but better than East Africa.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Memorable experience with excellent safari operator Jobovic
My african dream. Africa a continent where J dream of returning as soon as possible.
Thank to Jobovic Safaris, especially many thanks Piet and Bryce, for permission to make a memorable trip for me, Daniele and Laura. With us, there were also two American, wonderful and beautiful girls, Kim and Becky, who are travelling around the world, and we enjoyed a lot. Our 11 days tour of southern Africa Wildlife trail started from Johannesburg at 5 a.m. in a wonderful day. We arrived at Kruger Park and slept at Satara campsite, the day after we explored Kruger park up to the north (campsite Punda Maria ) which is a beautiful area, wildest , an one of the best place to see animals in many groups. We then crossed the border to Zimbabwe to find ourselves in the beautiful campsite Norma Jean’s. A magical place, English style , very refined and elegant. Breakfast from the lodge was memorable. The landscape seen from the lodge of lake Mutirikwe was enchanting. Then we visited the Zimbabwe ruins, one of the archaeological sites most famous in Africa. Heading north we put up our tents in the beautiful Antelope Park, a magical place where we found white horses, zebras and braziers always near the river. It was exciting the trip by boat on the river and saw a myriad of birds as the sunset. The next morning we visited Chipangali Park and we saw a lot of animals that have problems in nature.
In the afternoon we reached the overwhelming Ivory Lodge where we saw animals in their natural habit very close. The pool in front of the lodge was lit in the evening and we enjoyed a show of elephants like no others.
We then happily reached Victoria Falls, a unique show, in their full beauty thanks to the rainbow that day gave us. After crossing the border between Zimbabwe and Botswana we reached the incomparable Chobe Park where we put on our tents in an amazing campsite. The cruise boat and the game viewing met our expectations. We saw every type of animals: elephants , giraffes , impala , lions. hippos, crocodiles etc etc. Dinner and breakfast reserved for us at the restaurant of the lodge were fantastic.
On the way to Johannesburg we stopped at Napa and Palapye and we had the possibility to meet local people.
Special thanks to Jobovic Safaris which allowed us to make this journey, for all we have seen and learned of Africa, for the extraordinary sunrises and sunsets, for the chance to sleep under the starry sky of Africa in contact with wildlife, for all the breakfasts , brunches and dinners in campsite and in the most exclusive lodge.
Another big thank goes to Piet and Bryce who allowed my friend Laura, not in good standing with the visa for Zimbabwe, could return to Johannesburg from the border, and then retrieve her a few days later at Kasane airport in Botswana, so that she was allowed to complete her tour.
A big thank to Bryce’s mom who recovered Laura late night in Johannesburg and brought her to the Hotel.
Thank you very much Jobovic Safaris. J hope to see you soon.
J recommend Jobovic Safaris to everybody who wants to see Africa.
Lidia , Daniele and Laura.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
an amazing experience
A flycatcher brought us to him. First we were a little bit sceptical but he was nice a looked serious. And also the tourist information told us that he has a licence. So we booked the one day trip to Tarangire National Park. We paid the fee by the time he picked us up. Our driver/guide was a pleasant man. So we had a great day. The only bad thing was that the vegetarian lunch pack wasn't vegetarian. But on the pack was vegetarian written. So we think it was the fault of the cook and not of ilmaasai company.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Enjoyable and fun
It is hard to compare Aardvark Expeditions services to others since this is the only trip like this I have taken. My trip to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro was the budget (camping) trip. Next time I may pick the stepped up tour since I am 60 years old. I have to say the trip went as scheduled. The food was not only good but remarkable. Drivers / tour guides very knowlegable and friendly and a pleasure to to travel with. I would highly recommend them.