NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip!
We are so happy that we chose Encounter Africa Safaris! This trip was so well organized, and we had no issues at all, which - to be honest - really surprised me. But what a nice surprise :)
Day 1: Arrival
We got picked up from our hotel in Entebbe early in the morning, and started the long drive to Bwindi forest. Our driver, Hassan, was super nice and knowledgeable. We had lots of questions on our way to Bwindi and he answered them all very well. He told us about plants, animals, culture and the life in Uganda. The trip took about 10 hours, but it really didn't feel that way. We arrived in Bwindi late in the evening, and was welcomed by the staff at Nkuringo Gorilla Camp. They served us a delicious 4-course dinner and some nice wine.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking
We got up early and had a really nice breakfast. Then the ladies from Nkuringo Gorilla Camp gave us our packed lunch, then we were off. We drove for about an hour to attend the introduction meeting we had to have before the trekking. We then drove back towards Nkuringo, and started our trip up the mountain. We walked for about 2 hours before we found the gorillas. I am still amazed by the moment when I first saw the gorilla. And it wasn't just a gorilla - it was a beautiful silverback! My heart pounded so hard for the next 3 hours - I was that excited. In the end, we saw 2 silverbacks and 12 other gorillas, even a little baby :)
After the trekking, we went back to Nkuringo to have dinner which was even more amazing than the day before. We were sitting around the fire talking about our gorilla experience for hours and hours.
Day 3: Departure
After breakfast we started on the long way back to Entebbe. We stopped on the way to take photos of the zebras that Hassan pointed out for us, and even got a sightseeing trip in Kampala before going to the airport, because Hassan felt sorry for us (our flight was not until 5 AM) and wanted to let us stay in the car for as long as possible (the EBB airport is really not great... :/). When we got the airport we sat down in the waiting area, and after one hour we suddenly saw Hassan coming in. We didn't understand why - his job was done so why wasn't he at home? Turned out we had left our GoPro in the car (he found out when he got home), so Hassan drove all the way back to the airport to give it back to us. What a great man :)
So thank you Encounter Africa Safaris for making our trip amazing, especially Jerry who has helped us from day 1. Our only regret is that we didn't stay longer.
But, we will come back, and we will definitely use Encounter Africa Safaris then as well!:)
PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I had amazing time in Kenya thanks to KWSS. They took care of everything! Excellent service!
When I started to plan my safari trip I have written a message to at least 10 companies. Only Kenya Walking Survivors Safari replied to me within one hour! They not only offered me many choices, so the safari could be tailored to my needs, but also guarranted pick up and drop off to the airport. I guess for someone like me, who was in Kenya for the first time it meant a lot. I have mostly contacted Mr. Otieno, he always kindly answered my questiones. In Nairobi KWSS put me and my friend in a nice hotel in city centre, the next day on the way to Masai Mara we had very positive surprise. It occured we had private cook. I knew before, we will be provided with 3 meals, but didn't except private cook ;). Thanks to that we didn't have to worry about stomach problems and the food was really good. During our 5 days trip (Masai Mara, lake Naivasha, Green Crater lake) we felt safe and could focus on relax, which was the main aim of this trip. Our driver was a good guide, during games ride in Masai Mara he told us some good facts about animals. All I can say about KWSS that they provided me with excellent services. They offered me a drop off to my friends house in Nairobi and a next day to the airport. I have only good memories and if I come back to Uganda or Tanzania next time I will definitely ask them to organize my trip :) Thank you KWSS! :)
KR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not recommended
Ridiculously as it sounds, East Africa Tours and Safaris changed my schedule 'after' my arrival at Nairobi.
They failed to find a group going to Amboseli for me and suggested that I should pay extra money and have a private safari.
When I refused that and canceled the schedule, they charged me $140 saying that they had already booked a place in Amboseli!
They promised me to share the spoils and refund me $70 but eventually they were out of contact and didn't refund me at all.
I would like to share this bad experience to whoever visiting this page.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Simple, easy, and authentic
We head towards Kenya after the exchange of a number of emails with Mr. Otieno. It was a family thing: Me (61) my husband (70) and our daughters (25 and 29). My oldre daughter had to cancel in the last moment because of her pregnancy. Mr. Otieno discounted the advanced payment that was already done and charged no extra for this despite the short notice. We were then the three of us on the car with the driver-guide and the cook. The Kenya experience was great. I want to mention especifically Mr Otieno (who was there waiting for us at the Kenya airport) and, very important, Kenn, the driver: Careful, patient, silent when it was to be silent and talkative when explanations were due. Always friendly and repectful. We had some diarrea issues: He helped us into a pharmacy (kind of) where miraculous pills were delivered. He noticed that we enjoyed watching the animals in silence and we had plenty of occasions for this. Mr. Otieno changed the original itinerary without charge to visit places where more animals could be seen, and upgraded one of the nights to a very nice resort near Amboseli (a wonderful place to visit). The Tanzania part was also worth (Gorongoro crater) but with we had an almost unpleasant driver: Mike and worse lodging conditions. Sure turist in Keny receive a better accueil than on Tanzania. Overall this was a memorable safari prefectly managed by Mr. Otieno (we are still waiting for the very nice T-shirts that were to be sent to us but time in Africa runs slowly).
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Lovely Tour, and Lovely People.
Hello, I wanted to write a review because I think that the tour operator deserves a special mention. I had been on a tour once before to Tanzania and had enjoyed it thoroughly. My son decided to buy me a ticket to this tour as a birthday gift. I was really nervous as I hadn't traveled for so long and I was going alone. Once the tour started the Friendly Staff and Lovely food set my mind at ease and I really enjoyed my time, The trip was absolutely great and I actually meet some great people who were on the tour with me. I'm heading home in a day or two, what a special time I've had. Thanks To All
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Efficient, professional and excellent attention to detail!
Having not used Zambezi Safari & Travel Co before my partner and I were aware that things don't always run to plan in Africa and we were prepared for a few hiccoughs, we couldn't have been further off the mark!
Every event Zambezi Safari organised for us ran like clock work. From micro-lighting over the Falls,a day off excitment filled white water rafting, swimming in Devil's Pool (overlooking Victoria Falls) to a magnificent sundowner cruise on the Zambezi.
When we return to Africa ( which we will!) We will gladly leave all the organisation to Zambezi Safari & Travel.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It was an awesome experience, fulfilled my expectations and made me feel satisfied, thumbs up!!.
I loved the hospitality shown by the tours company. The communication was with no hitches, the services were as just indicated in their website. We had a good time with friends more than what one can get from couch surfing back in America. I met nice people which totally changed my perception about Africa. I saw African beauty in the eyes of Kenyan beautiful scenery. I cannot erase the memories that come with my safari tour. I loved the natural habitats, such a natural beauty. The tour to the lake Nakuru, Maasai mara wild beast migration, the big five and the several places we trans versed across the country. The aspect of culture immersion it was wonderful. I still have those wonderful pictures of the Maasai community ,beautiful lesos which decorate my house,I love Kenya and the food ,definitely will get back sometime, Hope i can spend my summer there,it will always be my most preferred place in Africa. Thanks to ONE ON ONE for making our tour adorable and enjoyable. Truly amazing.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Gorilla Experience/Eco Forest Experience
The 6 night trip to the Congo was a great experience. 2 camps - Ngaga and Lango. Ngaga Camp is well into the jungle, so 2 hours by plane from Brazzaville and then a 4 hour road transfer. The camp accommodation is built on the style of pygmy homes. Very comfortable, well appointed with all amenities. Food was excellent and staff were very friendly and helpful. You get 1 trip per day to see the gorillas and spend 1 hour with them. Walking is relatively flat and easy through dense vegetation and trees. Early wake up call at 0500 each day!!!!! Transfer to Lango Camp takes 4 hours. This is an Eco-experience with forest walks, river trips and "bais" walks. Bais are shallow water areas rich in minerals which the animals love to come to to drink. Also a fine camp, very similar to Ngaga and with the same service. Well worth the expense. Pick the correct time of year to go, avoid the wet season.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful safari in Kenya
Wonderful Safari in Kenya
In September we visited Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli with Terminal Tours. We had a wonderful safari in Kenya and we would definitely recommend this company to other people. We chose a budget safari but the service and the trip were excellent and everything we wished for. The staff of Terminal Tours were also wonderful. They are very friendly and they helped us a lot to arrange things for our next destination.
We are a young couple from the Netherlands and in September we went to Africa for the first time. We were looking online for safaris but it was quite difficult because there are so many operators offering safaris in Kenya. Eventually we decided to go for Terminal Tours because they offered group safaris for a good price, and we got some enthusiastic emails from previous customers (we asked for recommendations).
On our first day we left for Masai Mara after paying for the Safari and picking up some fellow travellers. With a group of 7 people we went to Masai Mara and the park was absolutely amazing! The Masai Mara park is very beautiful and there are large numbers of wildlife. Our driver James was good at spotting wildlife so we saw a lot of animals and also some baby cheetahs. We stayed in the Mara Sidai camp for 3 nights and we liked this a lot: good food and very friendly staff.
We switched cars in Masai Mara and left with only four people for Lake Nakuru. The park was more beautiful than we expected and the driver told us we were lucky because we spotted a large group of flamingo's and some rhino's. The only disadvantage was that we stayed in a hotel in the city instead of in the nature, but we knew that in advance.
The last park we visited was Amboseli. In Nairobi we switched cars again and said goodbye to the other travellers. The drive from Nakuru to Amboseli is long but it was definitely worth it. Less crowded than Masai Mara, for us the best park. The park, with the big herds of elephants and the Kilimanjaro in the background is very pretty. Our new driver, Ambros, was excellent! He told us a lot about the park and the animals in it, which made our visit to the park even better. We stayed at the Kimano camp. The camp was very basic, also compared to the campside in Masai Mara, but the stay was good thanks to the excellent food of our funny and friendly cook.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Dream family vacation to East Africa!!
Alym did a fantastic job co-ordinating our dream family vacation to Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda. I had been wanting to take my family back to where i was born for years and I was fortunate enough to be put in touch with Alym well in advance of our trip. During the planning stages, Alym was very attentive, listening to our "wish list" and followed through on every one of our queries. He arranged calls on Skype with us and went over every detail to ensure we were completely satisfied. We changed our plans very often & the whole time Alym remained supportive and very patient. He put together an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip that we all will never forget. My daughters fondly often talk about our trip. So much so that we'd love go back again! We'd gladly recommend Alym & East Africa Wild Adventures to anyone looking to plan a stress-free trip of a lifetime to East Africa!!