US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wold-view changing adventure!
Brian was an outstanding guide. We were recommended his services by friends who are experts on Africa for various think tanks in Washington, D.C. Trusting their recommendation, we wired some funds after negotiating a fair rate - balancing our students' budget with a Brian's sensibilities for outstanding accommodations and fare. When my wife and I arrived in Arusha, we quickly knew that our guide would be even better than expected. His knowledge of plant and animal life was vast and the organization of the trip was impeccable. Brian also set us up with a guide for the climb of Kilimanjaro; when we had a tight flight connection on the back end of our hike, Brian even arranged for us to stop by a hotel for a quick shower before our departure. The sights and sounds of Tanzania have lived with us long beyond our physical visit and it is owed, in large part to Brian and his amazing company. Thanks for the trip of a lifetime! -Jeff and Rachel Berger, Cabin John, Maryland
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kilimanjaro with Tanzania Expeditions
I stayed at AHLA the night before my hike to Kilimanjaro and the night after. The rooms are nice and the beds are comfortable. The lodge has a wonderful view of the entire city of Arusha, especially at night. It was a cozy, quiet place to say. It's a bit outside of the city center so it wasn't as noisy as some of the other lodges I've stayed at. Hot water is available in the morning and afternoon for showers and although their is a cut off of power after a certain time it usually happened after I was asleep anyway at around 11:30 or 12.
AHLA arranged my hike to Kilimanjaro and it was an incredible experience. The team of porters and guides that Justin (the owner) arranged were amazing. So warm, friendly and welcoming and always concerned with my health and how I was doing along the way. Every morning they would sing to me to cheer me on for the days hike. No other company on the mountain did that. On the worst days this helped me push through. After I made it to Uhuru peak they baked me a cake in the middle of one of our camp sites with nothing but a few ingredients and a small flame. I have no idea how they did it but it was the sweetest gesture and no other company did that. I could not have been more safe this this group of champion porters, guides and the cook. One of the greatest experiences of my life. I paid a fraction of the cost of what I would have paid for other companies and got so much more than I could have ever imagined. If you are looking for a company to climb Kili, look no further. This is the only option.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Valentine is an outstanding guide and trip leader!
I met Valentine as our trip leader while he was with a former company. While I have not traveled with him and Wild South Safaris, I found him to be the most amazing guide. He took care of all our traveler's needs, was extremely professional, polite, and friendly. He is also a wonderful, knowledgeable guide for the bush with tons of information on the wildlife, plants, ecosystems, local people, governments etc. I would travel with him anytime!
The best way to celebrate our 25-year friendship!
July-August 2014
A few years earlier, we were for the first time together in Cape Town and we knew for sure; we will come back to this beautiful country to celebrate our 25-year friendship!
Tailormade Safaris made us the perfect trip; one day after arriving in Johannesburg we were already on the bike to make a sporting tour through Soweto. Along the way we met several nice people and drank some home-brewed beer in a local shebeen.
We were introduced to the beautiful scenery in the Drakensberg where we walked surrounded by different species of deer and monkeys. We drove routes trough a lot of varies landscapes, it was beautiful. Just as the night we spend in a luxury guesthouse in Kloof. After that the journey went on to St. Lucia where we met the many hippos and crocodiles. In Kosi Bay we met the underwater world and we could snorkel among colorful tropical fish.
Then it was time for other kind of large wild animals we encountered in the various wildlife parks such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Tembe Elephant Park and Pongola Park. We were even witnessed the capture of an impala by three lionesses! A unique and very special moment that will remember a long time.
The guest houses and lodges that were planned for us were great too; from pleasant to super luxury!
We have seen a lot and really enjoyed it, as evidenced by the thousands of photos that we have made! In short; we never could have celebrated our 25-year friendship in any other way!!
Greetings from Toine and José from Tilburg
and Ben and Jolanda from Wijk bij Duurstede
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy going, personal, perfectly organized
Thanks for organizing this amazing trip! Dinner at Emerson Spice was exceptional. Pemba very personal and friendly. Safari was perfect. Nice and knowledgeable guide, marvellous lodges, and the animals were our friends. We could take some exceptional pictures. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, ...... everybody was around, and paid us a visit just beside our car.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I would not use this company again
I did not enjoy my safari with this company. The schedule they give you is not the actual schedule you will do. Once they have your money and you are actually on safari, your driver will tell you that the schedule the company gives you doesn’t actually matter. Most days, I would spend about 2 hours actually doing safari stuff (though some days would be more). The rest of the day would typically be spent in a cramped van driving to pick up new passengers. The drivers don’t actually work for the company, they are more like free-lance drivers that take people from different companies. The drivers want to get the most people so they can get more money. So you will drive to place 1, then to place 2, and then back to place 1 to pick up more people. Thus, you spend a lot of time driving the same highways (not on safari) to get more people. When I emailed and complained about this, they replied by stating, “Kindly have the spirit of adventure.” Driving back and forth on the same road in a cramped van is not the “spirit of adventure” I envisioned for my safari. I would use another company, or I would consider just heading to Nairobi and negotiating a much better price there. If I would have done that, I would have saved a ton of money and probably had a better experience.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Honeymoon
We have just returned from Tanzania with the best experience ever! From the professional guides to stunning accommodation - In particular the four seasons lodge in Serengeti and The hideaway of Nungwi in Zanzibar was beyond our expectations. Thank you Zuzana for all the hard work in meticulously planning our holiday! Delighted Honeymooners!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Zambia by Meg
This was our second trip to Zambia (both to South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi)We love the Zambian people, the excellent wild life viewing, the walking safaris, the lack of vehicles (except around the Mfuwe area/gateway to park), and the excellent camps (Kaingo, Mwamba, Sausage Tree and Potato Bush Camps)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Definately go to Africa with go2africa!
'Planning the holiday of my dreams for a big birthday I didn't know where to start but so happy with my choice of Go2Africa and a huge thank you to my travel consultant Ashley Greonevelt. From first contact they were so helpful as I had many questions and ideas. I was a little concerned booking with an agency overseas but realised their knowledge and expertise exceeded any agency I had spoken to in the UK. Ashley discussed my interests at length and helped me select an itinerary perfect for me. I chopped and changed bits through the months leading up to the holiday but none of this was ever a problem for Ashley. South African air lines were fantastic throughout. We stayed in 4 places, Cascades hotel Sun City, Shepherd's tree in Pilennesburg, Madikwe safari lodge in Madikwe, More apartments Cape Town, all exceeded expectations despite looking fantastic in the brochures. Excellent staff, facilities, location, food and facilities. The main aim of my holiday was to go on safari. Both Pilensberg and Madiwke were excellent choices, as we gain different experiences from a national then private game reserve and were lucky enough to see the magnificent 7, forget the highly sought after big 5! The safari guides showed outstanding knowledge of the animals and the landscape making sure each drive was tailored to your interests. I also booked a lot of excursions, including hot air balloon, abseil off table mountain, shark dive, cape peninsula tour, and all transfers through Go2Africa and these ran like clockwork and were the icing on the most amazing birthday cake! I could go on for hours... thank you so much Ashley and Go2Africa it really was the trip of a life time!'
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A passionate family owned company that focuses on wildlife, photography, AND conservation! AMAZING!!
It’s obvious Dick and Capture Africa Tours are passionate about their love for Africa. It’s like travelling with a best friend you never knew you had. Dick highlights the natural beauty of Africa through photography and to put it simply, by having an unforgettable time! He has professional and personal connections that really let you see the real Africa. He doesn't skip out on the luxury either, you WILL be very pleased with your hotels, lodges, and all around accommodations. And best of all, as an elephant lover, my trip gave me a grand connection to the beautiful animals while having the opportunity to make a difference myself. Dick makes sure to incorporate how important conservation is, and on his LAND OF THE GIANTS tour you will visit some of the most incredible organizations whose mission is just that. This trip and all of Dick's tours, are trips you should SERIOUSLY consider taking, you will not be disappointed!!