US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari and Kilimanjaro Climb!
After searching around for a local guide company, I contacted George Mtaki for a proposal on my trip to Tanzania in January 2016. He was very responsive and provided me with proposals for my trip. I opted for a 2-day Safari and Kili climb on the Machame route.
At the last minute, a big storm in Virginia forced me to change my plans and head to Tanzania a day early. I contacted George and he modified the plans and suggested that I do the 4-day Safari now that I had an extra day. I agreed, and off I went to Tanzania.
When I arrived, George was waiting for me at the airport. He had a bottle of cold water waiting for me as it was a very hot day. He drove me to the hotel, gave me some time to get settled, then we sat in a reception area and discussed the itineraries in detail.
My Safari Guide, Moses, arrived a little later and filled me in on what the Safari would be like and what time he would pick me up in the morning. After a good night's sleep Moses arrived the next morning and off we went. The drive toward Tarangire was great as it was my first chance to see Moshi and Arusha city life. We stopped at a local spot for a light breakfast, which was great as well - a chance to eat some local fare. I had white-coffee (coffee with cream) and some kind of beef empanada that Moses recommended, which was very tasty.
Tarangire was amazing, first time I saw a real life lion in the wild. Saw elephants, giraffes, and many other animals as well, and I was completely floored at how close we were to them all. We ate a boxed lunch in a picnic area. The lunch was baked quarter chicken, a vegetarian sandwich, fruit juice, water, fruit, and cookies all individually wrapped. A monkey came by and stole a sandwich right out of another tourist’s hand, then an attendant came over to shoo the monkeys away. It was all very amusing. We then drove to nearby hotel, which was much better than I was expecting. And the last spot for wifi on the safari.
Ngorongoro crater was the next day - Breathtaking views from the top of the crater rim. Cape Buffalo, Rhino, Lions, and many other beautiful animals. Then we headed toward our hotel for the night. The drive was an adventure in and of itself. A rain storm passed through and the road flooded, but the land cruiser. At one point we were driving through a lake because of how much rain had fallen so suddenly. We got to the camp and it was much more rustic. To my surprise there was running hot water in the tent, but not drinkable (although the Massai drink it). There was plenty of bottled water in the room for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Off to the Serengeti the next morning. On the way we saw thousands of Zebras and Wildebeests migrating. Unbelievable!! We stopped in at the Serengeti checkpoint. The views were amazing, and the green plains seemed to go on for infinity. Serengeti itself was boundless. So many Elephants, Giraffes, Lions, cheetahs, jaguars, all very close. An amazing experience!! Stayed overnight at a camp in the Serengeti, simply extraordinary. In the morning on the way out of the park, we pass right under a tree with five lions sleeping, right above us!! Thrilling!! Moses then took me to visit a Massai village and I was able to see how they live and participate in their dancing and jumping contest. I visited their kindergarten and made a donation. Beautiful people!!
Back to Moshi, to sleep in the hotel and then off to Kilimanjaro the next morning. I tipped my guide $20 per day. The next morning I was greeted by Abraham Lauwo and Ally Msasu. They came to my room and looked at the gear I had. They made suggestions on items I didn’t need, and things I should get. We went to the rental store and got a very warm sleeping bag, a warm winter coat, and a few other minor items. George combined me with a Canadian couple, with whom I got along well with. The first day on the mountain was easy. We took the Machame 7-day route. We saw a black mongoose, and several blue monkeys (which are actually black and white). We got to the camp site and the tents were already set up. Ally had the team sing the Kilimanjaro song to welcome us into the first camp. It was great to go in the tent take my boots off and relax before dinner. Dinner was great, considering it was on the mountain. It was usually a combination of a starch, protein, and soup. Water, tea, and coffee were also on the menu.
Each night Abraham would check our vital signs, blood oxygen saturation, and pulse. He taught us a method to increase oxygen saturation by breathing deeply, but not exhaling completely. I would end up using this quite a bit on the final ascent. Day 3 to the Lava Tower at 4642M was just 900M shy of the summit. Going this high was intended to have our bodies start to produce more red blood cells and test our altitude sensitivity. I started getting a slight headache once we reached the Lava tower. That night I decided to take the altitude medication, Diamox, just to be safe. The altitude medication has a side effect where I ended up going to urinate about every hour or so. At night was the worst because it was difficult getting a good night sleep. I had a large pee bottle that I ended up using so I didn’t have to get up in the cold to go to the bathroom. This made life a bit easier.
Day 4 heading up the Baranco wall was quite a fun section. Much more of a rock scramble than the rest of the Machame trail. To see the porters carrying large bags up this section is quite a sight. The porters earn every cent of their pay and tip!! They were amazing. By this time my headache was completely gone. Not sure if it was the Diamox, or the acclimatizing hike to Lava Tower, but either way I was happy to be rid of any symptoms of altitude sickness. Day 5 from Karanga to Barafu was very relaxed, which was good because that night at midnight we would head to the summit.
Day 6 – I bundled up with several layers in preparation for the below freezing temps. Turns out that the first couple kilometers I was too warm, and ended up removing my winter hat and buff. It was a LONG hike up to the peak. I got colder and put back on the items I took off. I brought some hot hands with me, but I never used them because the effort to take them out and set them up seemed like I would get colder trying to do that than just continuing on. The air got thinner and thinner and I was breathing deeply for each step. After a quick stop at Stella point to see the beautiful sunrise, we proceeded toward Uhuru peak. I became reenergized as we got closer to the peak. We reached the peak!! Success!! I was so pumped with adrenaline that I no longer felt the cold. Ally took several pictures for me and we started back down. I ended up running down the mountain back to Barafu camp, which was a lot of fun!! I got down before the Canadian couple, the porters congratulated me and gave me some juice. I took the opportunity to get a couple hours of sleep while waiting. The hike to Mweka camp seemed like forever but it didn’t matter because mission accomplished!
Day 7 – The Canadian couple and I pooled our tip money and I gave a speech and thanked the crew and told them what we were tipping, and that it certainly was not enough considering the work that they did for us. The crew hardly makes any money (less than $10 per day) so part of hiring a local company is knowing that you are helping the economy by hiring locals and giving them a more direct share of the revenue booking. I implore everyone reading my review to understand that you are supporting a community that is mostly impoverished! I had a 3PM flight out of JRO, so Abraham arranged for Ally and one of the porters to get up early with me and run down to the exit so that I could get to the hotel early enough to take a shower and catch my flight. The porter was amazing!! I was running down the mountain with poles and still occasionally slipping on some wet rocks. He was sure footed the entire way, with probably 50lbs of stuff on his back and head, and no arms free for poles. One of George’s assistant’s picked me up and took me back to the hotel. Lovely warm shower, packed for the airport then met back up with the larger team for the certificates and ceremony!
I highly recommend George Mtaki and his crew at Kilimanjaro Brothers Climbing and Adventure for your trip and tours in Tanzania!! Special thanks to Moses, Abraham and Ally for making my trip one to remember!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Two of the best days of my life, thank you Falcon Safaris.
We booked four trips for our three night stay in Victoria Falls. A sunset cruise a fabulous start, trip to The falls followed by a helicopter trip. Absolutely breathtaking. Today a Chobe River and Game drive safari. The day was meticulously planned, our guides friendly and knowledgable. Nothing was too much trouble. Our passage through the border to Botswana was helped by our guides efficiency. The lunch stop was a great venue and the food delicious.We saw so many animals and birds all identified and their habits explained to us. Falcon I can't thank you enough for making our trip so memorable.
IT
The best wild experience of my life
This organization provides you the best service you can have. The guides are all local and they are very well prepared and they know the territory very well . Remind that you are on safari you cannot expect luxury accommodation or a full package of service. But with this organization you are supported 100% of your time
FI
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic 4 Day Safari, lodging at Tremisana Game Lodge
After a simple and informative booking process, we were collected on time as promised by our guide. The accommodation was perfect, the drives were expertly handled by our enthusiastic and professional guide James.
Our sightings were superb and we have many photographs to sift through. The Bush Walk was very interesting and educational, a great way to learn about the wildlife of Africa.
The food was superb, the highlight being our Boma braai (barbecue) on the first night.
Highly recommended, will be back as soon as we can.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari: Vumi and Eric for the win
My wife and I did a four day/three night camping safari in Tarengire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. The itinerary was well-designed to spread out the driving time between locations and optimize the game driving portions. Our guide, Vumi, was extremely knowledgeable and had excellent English. We couldn't have asked for a better guide. He knew the animals and birds and managed to site is everything we had hoped to see including two leopards, four prides of lions, a cheetah, a close pass by of a black rhino (though Vumi admitted that we lucked out: he said he hadn't seen a black rhino pass over the road bedside the vehicle in 5 years).
The vehicle and accommodation were nothing fancy but totally functional. The campsites were all very good: we had expected much less luxury. The first camp had wifi and all had showers, with 2/3 heated. The views at two of the camps were very impressive. There only thing we would do differently would be to try to camp at the first place rather than taking the surprise 'upgrade' to an 'African igloo' shelter: it was very stuffy and hot. We would have preferred a tent.
Eric, our cook, did a fantastic job. He was laid back and friendly. The meals were tasty, better than some of the nicer restaurants we tried in Tanzania! The quantities were all huge: more than we could handle!
Over all, we would recommend Vumi and Eric to anyone. We had a wonderful time and would love to go back!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Better than we could have ever imagined!
We went on a 7 day Safari in Tanzania with Awaken to Africa and couldn't be any happier. We went to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. Our guide, David, was exceptionally knowledgeable about everything from the animals to the culture and answered every question that we had. He was an absolute pleasure to spend the week with (and had quite the eye for animals!) He was able to spot things that no other guide could. We saw every animal that you can think of: elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions (and lions in trees), leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, wildebeest, buffalo, hippos, impala, gazelle, baboons, flamingos, ostrich...just to name a few.
As for the company, Grace made the planning exceptionally easy and made sure that we saw as much as we could while we were in Tanzania. Each day was something completely different with totally new landscapes. Being a smaller company, we felt like it was a much more personalized experience. I would recommend this company to everyone going on a safari!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Jewel of Africa
In 2010 at the age of 50 something I finally decided to follow my lifetime dream and visit Africa. As it was a solo trip and had no idea where I wanted to go, I spent many weeks searching the web for the perfect and safest place that met all my requirements. I finally was guided to Viva Safaris website and I knew this was the one. Six years on and I have returned many times.
Viva Safaris has not just become another Safari company offering a wide range of activities, they are now family and treat me as such. I have seen their programme of activities grow throughout the years offering guests a more personalised adventure that is suitable for both adults and families at a very competitive price.
From the moment you are collected from your accommodation your adventure begins until you finally have to bid farewell you leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
The transfers to and from Johannesburg is aboard a 12 seater comfortable mini bus, the journey does take around 6+ hours there is many stops on the way and also an hour stop for lunch. The time goes by very quickly as you get to know fellow guests.
On arrival at Tremisana I was met with a warm friendly welcome from the Hostess and staff providing cool drinks for all guests. The first thing I saw was the beautifully kept tropical gardens surrounded by thatched roof lodges and a swimming pool. The lodges are spacious, comfortable and very clean, each one has its own distinct African feel about it. The en suite lodges also have tea/coffee facilities. The Lapa area is where breakfast is served and it borders Balule Nature Reserve which is part of Kruger National Park. This area is so peaceful (when the vervet monkeys are asleep) and I have spent many hours sitting on the swing bench reading and observing the wildlife around the watering hole. There is a bar area where you can relax with a beer and access the free wifi. The dining area gives you no doubt that you are in Africa with its open firepit and the smell of delicious variety of home cooked food.
The Game Drives were everything and more than I could have ever imagined. The Balule Reserve and of course visits to Kruger National Park has an abundance of wildlife and the open game viewers gives you the ultimate viewing platform to see magnificent wildlife up close. The Wildlife Guides are all very knowledgeable in conservation, animal behaviour and identification from the largest to the smallest inhabitants that they share their lives with, all done with amazing sense of humour. The Bush Walks opened up another world to me and gave me the understanding why everything down to trees, termites, Elephants and everything in between is connected and why habitat protection and conservation is vital for wildlife.
I could continue to talk about dining in the middle of the African Bush with wildlife just feet away under a blanket of stars, or visits to the amazing work of the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre, visit to Tshukudu Lodge where the cheetahs are often found lying around the pool area. Each day is different and each day you find something else to add to this unique African experience.
I also became very involved with the orphanges, missionaries and schools that Viva Safaris sponsor and to date have raised over £5000 supporting a local school with necessary educational materials and sports equipment and I am currently raising funds to construct a multi purpose sports area for one of the schools in Acornhoek. I couldn't have achieved this without the full support of Viva Safaris who have encouraged me with my ideas to bring hope to the children and provide a better understanding of the importance of protecting the wildlife and their habitats in Africa.
You can become an involved visitor or enjoy everything Viva Safaris have to offer. I would recommend a visit to Marc's Treehouse Lodge, I love this place so much that a few years ago my partner and I became engaged under the African night sky...so romantic. The Treehouse is definitely a unique experience. The treehouses come in varies shapes and sizes with picture size windows allowing you to see your very own incredible view of the African Bush and its wildlife. Again the accommodation is very clean and comfortable, food is incredible and the staff are just amazing.
If you are like me and find it difficult to choose from so many different options for your travel plans, I can in all honestly recommend Viva Safaris, it has changed my life, it is not just another holiday destination for me, every time I say goodbye to my Viva family and return to Scotland I leave part of me behind. I look forward to seeing everyone again in September 2016.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions I will be happy to respond.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Awesome Experience at Viva Safaris
We had an unbelievable time at Tremisana Lodge where we stayed for a few nights. The accommodation was great, the people were very helpful and the hospitality we received was like we were family. We saw some unbelievable sightings and the rangers were very knowledgable. I particularly enjoyed the early morning Game walks. It felt like we were really living the bush experience and I would recommend anyone who's looking to go on a safari or looking to have a break under the African sky to stop over at Viva Safari's for an unforgettable experience.
KW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A safari to remember for the rest of my life
It was my first time in East Africa, and my first time doing a safari. I found Beacon Safari's by chance online. It was a very last minute decision I made to travel, as I had a few days off in-between changing jobs. From initial email to Robert the owner, and to arriving in Kenya, it was only 3 or 4 days! Robert took care of all accommodation, meals and transfers included in one reasonable price. The camps he selects are the best, not only in quality but also in experience. John the driver was invaluable, he had lots of knowledge of the areas we visited as well as the wildlife, and he worked hard to make sure we saw the Big 5! I would definitely go with Beacon Safari's again.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Africa Remote Safaris are the best companion in ones tour experience
We have just ended our Safari in Tanzania. 8 Days Tarangire/Eyasi/Serengeti , Ngorongoro and Amboseli. Our guide for the Safari Hamza – was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, very flexible and accommodating for our extra side trips. He was easy to understand , had a wonderful personality and was professional the entire trip. Such a wonderful ambassador for Tanzania. Also, our main contact "Steve #1", was very good at accommodating us and making sure we were safe and taken care of. Truly a great resource for Africa Remote Safaris . We also crossed into Kenya to Amboseli , Paul, the guide, driver, and "greeter were also good as in the very short time we were with him, he was very professional, efficient and knowledgeable. In fact, all of the drivers were great. This is our second Safari experience and it was great. Will likely take another in the future."
I would definately recommend our guide Hamza and Africa Remote Safaris.