20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great 3-day hike of Mount Meru
We had an absolutely wonderful time doing a 3-day hike of Mt. Meru with African Traits. It was a terrific, shorter alternative to climbing Kili, and had breathtaking views of that famous summit throughout our climb. From the get-go, Godfrey was extremely responsive to all our email requests. He answered all of the questions we had about the trip. We were going to be doing some other travel in East Africa, and were unable to bring sleeping bags or hiking poles with us--Godfrey generously offered to provide us with these at no charge! In addition, his pricing was some of the most competitive of the number of companies I looked at.
When it came to the actual hike, our team did a marvelous job. Our guide John got us safely to the summit of Meru, making sure we never went to fast and exposed ourselves to altitude sickness (pole-pole!). Our cook Martin made us awesome and filling meals--impressive given that all equipment had to be packed up a mountain! And our porters Portie, Polo, and Patcha were also very friendly and helpful; the trip wouldn't have been possible without them!
Godfrey even made the effort to meet us as we were on our way to the airport. He wanted to make sure everything went well for our hike. He clearly takes pride in the work of his company and his employees, and his hard work shows in the experience he delivers to his guests. We won't hesitate to book with African Traits for our next trip to Tanzania!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Amazing 5 days in Uganda.
We spent an AMAZING 5 days with our fantastic driver and guide Alex. We trekked the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable NP and spent some time enjoying the Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP as well as a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Alex was very knowledgeable, letting us know the names of the various plants, birds and animals, as well as giving us some historical, factual and cultural information. The roads are rough in Uganda, but at no time did we ever feel compromised or unsafe. Every part of our tour was incredible. In Bwindi, we experienced a family of 16 gorillas (babies, adolescents, blackbacks and a silverback). These beautiful animals walked within a few feet of us. This was absolutely a highlight of our trip. Our time at Queen Elizabeth Park and the Kazinga Channel was also amazing. We saw tree climbing lions, kobs, vultures, elephants, baboons, water buffalo, various birds, hippos, warthogs, crocodiles and an unusual siting of a leopard. Our accommodations were excellent and the communication with Hajarah was seamless.
Thank you so much for a wonderful experience!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing adventure!
The entire trip was amazing! Accommodations were excellent, weather was perfect and everything went very smoothly. We visited 3 national parks, saw over 30 species of animals, and made friendships that will last a lifetime.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Family trip of a lifetime!
Our trip to Kenya with Destination Consultants was simply incredible, & exceeded our expectations in a number of ways.
As context, my wife & I are seasoned travelers having visited over 50 countries in the last 25 years, including 2 prior African safari's. For a number of years we talked about taking our children to Africa to experience the wonders that it has to offer, they are 16 & 13, & this year we made it happen.
Choosing the right safari operator is critical. We looked at a number of US-based companies, & they all provided very glossy professional proposals, however we disliked the fact that they outsource the safari itself, & basically they take a cut for marketing / planning. After going through the planning process, we are so glad that we worked with a local company & not a intermediary. Susan was wonderful with the detailed planning, we didn't get glossy slides(!), but what we did get was 1st-hand knowledge, endless patience, & ultimately the exact itinerary that we wanted for our 14-day trip.
On arrival in Kenya we were met by both Susan & Niko, & it was clear from that moment that we had certainly opted for the right safari operator : Destination Consultants could not have been more professional or welcoming.
Niko drove lots of miles (never a boring moment), we stayed at some incredible locations that they recommended (including small luxury tented camps), saw lots of amazing wildlife, & our children had the experience of a lifetime. We are glad that we entrusted this special trip to Destination Consultants.
At the end of our safari, we flew to Diani for a few nights & the DC team took great care to ensure that our internal connection logistics & transfer to our international return flight worked smoothly.
All-in-all, we can't recommend Destination Consultants highly enough, they offer deep experience, a professional service, detailed attention to what matters, & all done with a smile!...... "when can we go back?".... thats what the children are saying!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Danson was calm, helpful, and informative on Kenya, from wild life to politics, & got us places!
Danson was very flexible to help us plan changes to our itinerary, very patient waiting for us for uncertain times, and getting us back after as quickly as possible. A welcome, very safe driver. Always happy to chat and share what he knoew -I'd definitely contact him again if ever returning to Kenya.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A third safari in Kenya with Reny Safaris in 3 years time, and once again very satisfied!
As in 2016 and 2017, I booked (together with 2 friends) a safari with Reny Safaris. We always try to avoid the major school holidays (July-August) and also the "short rains" of November. So this means we planned to go on safari in September or October. Most people normally choose to visit all well known game parks in Kenya in 2 weeks time, but we prefer to stick to only 2 game parks and spend more time there: so, this year we went to the Masai Mara and Samburu National Reserves.
Like on our previous safaris, the Reny Safaris team did a wonderful job: all bookings were done correctly; the car was comfortable and had no breakdowns; the driver-guide Jacktone was experienced, very friendly and always on time! He did a perfect job!
I appreciated that the manager, Mrs. Regina Pundo, got every few days in contact with us and with the driver to find out if everything was going well. And indeed, we had a very nice time in both parks! Hoping to be able to return for another Kenyan safari next year with Reny Safaris!!
MX
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
AMAZING Adventure!!
For anybody with a 4 hr layover in Kenya..I highly recommend booking this safari. It surpassed our expectations. Mikael, our driver, was so friendly and courteous and shared his knowledge about the animals and the culture in Kenya. He went out of his way to make sure we saw all of the animals (even the Lions which were very hard to find). We left the park having seen all of them!! Alliance Destinations always responded to all my questions and emails and made sure we were back at the airport in plenty of time for our flight out, taking the stress away from us. We would go here again and again.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great trip, just lost cash out of my backpack when we were told it would be secure.
Again Great tour, just am not happy about no one having any interest in figuring out blame for someone taking cash out of my wallet when it was in a backpack in the safari vehicle, we were told it would be secure, it was not.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Right and diligent
Within the Price quality parameters. Good treatment and kindness
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Self Drive 16 day Namibia tour coordinated by Cardboard Box Travel Shop
Our experience booking through Cardboard Box Travel Shop was excellent - from the communication and planning before the trip to the welcome pack on arrival and the flawless adventure we had. Cardboard box sorted our car hire and all the accommodations based on an itinerary which we refined with them before finalising the booking. Lodgings which other firms had been unable to secure (such as those inside Etosha) were not only available to us, on arrival they were clearly at the top end of what was on offer in each of the sites.
Everything was smooth and efficient and we had an amazing time in an incredible country. We are very happy to recommend this company to anyone seeking to do the same!