NZ
A unique, well-organised, enjoyable and relaxed way to experience Uganda
In November 2015 I came to Uganda to visit my son and daughter-in-law who are working there and I had a fantastic trip to Murchison National Park, Jinja and Sipi arranged by Experience Uganda.
Right from my first enquiry, communications with Experience Uganda were excellent. Prompt replies, full and clear information given on all aspects of the trip from their comprehensive knowledge of Uganda, to useful information concerning money, health and security. The itinerary planned for me was well thought out, taking into consideration my requests, with attention to detail. It gave me great peace of mind to know that I would be met and guided throughout the trip, and that assistance was at hand should I need it.
As for the safari tour itself, this was outstanding and most definitely lived up to my expectations. Travel was in a comfortable landcruiser, accommodation was great, the guides very knowledgeable about the country and wildlife.
In Murchison Falls National Park, the chimp trecking in Budongo was amazing; to be in the forest with the chimpanzees so close, our guide familiar with each family group. The Murchison Falls are a spectacular sight, seeing the power of the water as it surges through a 6 metre gap; later fishing on the Nile just below the falls for the famous Nile perch, and the wonder of seeing the elusive Shoebill majestically standing on the bank. There was so much bird and wild life to see along the banks, and our guides here, and later on the game drive in the Park were extremely knowledgeable about them all. The game drive was another out-of-this-world experience, being right there among the giraffes, water buffalo, antelope, elephants etc.
Jinja was an enjoyable break, with lovely restaurants and places to stay right by the Nile and the opportunity to go rafting. Then onto Sipi which was a very different experience again, being higher up in the hills, affording magnificent views across the coffee growing areas. We stayed at Sipi Lodge which is in a beautiful peaceful setting of lush gardens with the two impressive waterfalls, which we climbed up to with our guide – a unique experience to be able to stand behind the waterfall. The sunsets in this area are magnificent.
My trip with Experience Uganda was a life-time event for me. So many incredible first time experiences and all with the peace of mind that my needs were taken care of and that I was in good hands. As well as the great enjoyment of the trip, I felt relaxed because of the personal service offered by this company. Nothing was too much trouble. I highly recommend them.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
6 Day Camping Safari
They took care of everything. Picked us up, dropped us off, brought us our bags that arrived a day after we did. The price is great and the service was everything it should be. We saw everything: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, etc. as well as visiting with Masai and Hadzabe villages.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very helpful
We had a truly amazing time and look forward to returning and booking again with Afritrip Group.
US
about Safarihub
I booked with Safarihub for a 5 day safari in northern Tanzania across Serengeti, Lake Maynara and Ngorongoro Crater. Safarihub were professional throughout and came back as one of the cheapest options after contacting several safari companies in Tanzania. The company has good connections with accommodation providers and offer good options of where to stay on your trip . I really enjoyed my trip there !
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35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tremendous and mesmerizing experience
I can say that it was a life time experience for me to go for Safari. The facilities were up to the standard as advertised i.e. excellent accommodations, food, transportation. The guide were tremendous and did what we expected, sometimes they went extra mile in helping and providing help and support.
US
Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari assisted us in many ways possible,our trip was memorable and we will come back again.
The guide and staff at both Mikumi and Sadan were so kind and knowledgeable,each place offered something unique and exciting,scenery were spectacular, we learned to appreciate the diversity of big and small wildlife,how the ecosystem works.
Our safari travel company keept our trip on track above all they weren't any hidden fees.Thank you for being honest.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Phinda Rock Lodge and transfers
Our package was organised by Adelle Bell, she was very professional and extremely helpful.
1> Transfer from Richards Bay to Phinda Rock Lodge: Safe and friendly driver, excellent service.
2> Phinda Rock Lodge: Fantastic, will definitely will recommend, Everything was excellent, The Safaris, the accommodation, the food and the special bush dinner. *****
3> Transfer to Durban Airport: Safe and friendly driver, excellent service.
4> Transfer Cape Town Airport to City Lodge V&A: The service was very good but terribly over priced when compared to the cost of a Taxi in Cape Town, the cost of that short ride was nearly as expensive as the accommodation and breakfast at the hotel.
5> City Lodge V&A: Hotel was nice but their restaurant only server snack type food for evening dinner and there are no other restaurants within a short walk.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great agency, memorable safari
I would recommend It Started in Africa to anyone. Really efficient in helping us book it - Joao in the office was knowledgeable and very prompt. A well-chosen route - 4 days/3 nights, visiting Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorogoro Crater. We stayed at Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge, then Ang'ata tented camps in both the Serengeti and the Crater rim - all were excellent. Great food and service, plus very comfortable rooms (or tents)
Our guide (David) was a legend, really enjoyed our time with him. Patiently answered all of my wife's sometimes quite bizarre questions - very impressive!
Overall, It Started in Africa were excellent. Will never forget our first safari, thank you for the memories!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
Monique did an outstanding job in helping us plan this complicated African adventure.
All of the plans were executed with no problems at all far exceeding our expectations.
It made for a most relaxing and exciting trip as we were confident that the trip would proceed smoothly.
She selected excellent tour guides and activities at all levels of participation that were a great fit for our group.
We highly recommend Monique and her colleagues.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brilliant Guides and excellent support
I am a 66 year old solo traveller, happy to "rough it" for a while if the experience justifies. Having spent 4 days on safari in Kenya booked through another company, I then found myself passed onto the very capable hands of Richard Kilonzo and his team in Tanzania. After a night's rest in Arusha, I travelled to Lake Manyara with the charming Mateas Chuwa, where we got up close and almost too personal with an old bull elephant. Exhilarating. The next day Richard's brother Steven arrived to drive & guide for the onward journey to Serengeti, the Ngorongoro crater and Tarangire National Park. Steven's eyesight is uncanny, his knowledge of game and birds extensive, and his sense of humour delightful. After a brilliant 3 days it was back to Arusha, where once again Richard ironed out a last minute breakdown in communication with minimal fuss. If you are looking to see a lot of African fauna, on a limited budget and happy to accept the occasional limitations in comfort which that - and travel in Africa - entails, then this is definitely for you.