50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly, well-informed guide & driver who let us experience 3 African countries in one tour, GREAT!
We had a true everyday real Africa experience! We requested to see the Gorillas and active Volcano lava lake, and Instinct Safaris put together an itinerary which enable us to see and experience 3 countries, i.e. Rwanda, Uganda and DRC (even though we could have done this from one country only), thus experiencing 3 cultures, accommodations, languages and people! We were made aware of sustainable projects in these countries as well as how poaching is decreasing by involving local communities in tourism. We felt comfortable and safe in the care of our guide (Rabani) and driver (Bosco), especially when dealing with customs at border crossings, and enjoyed the friendliness, food and comfortable beds at the lodges. We would suggest that tourists are reasonably fit for the hiking/tracking and obtain a full packing list early to ensure all equipment needed for the hike and sub-zero temperatures at the volcano summit are sufficient. A worthwhile "bucket list" experience - thank you Instinct Safaris!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream Come True
I can not completely articulate the gift of replenishing my soul, my faith in people, and the breathtaking landscape that Gus provided on our 10 day excursion. The education and perspective given to me and my 17 yr old daughter was incredibly impactful. We had the pleasure of Gus planning spectacular days, lovely overnight stays, and a contagious compassion for nature and his love for tanzania's beautiful people, animals and environment. After our journey we felt very educated on different tribes, bio-diversity, full of incredible information on all the animal species and kingdoms as well as conservation.. Gus presents his information in a fun, passionate way that leaves you wanting to learn more, see more while embracing every special moment. We felt incredibly safe and well taken care of. I would never re-visit without Gus being by my side because of his enthuasiasm, kindness and unbelievable spirit. We felt like family by the end of our excursion. Gus is very special, smart, compassionate, humorous and has a special spirit. Aardvark is the very best and I believe they make the safari experience the best it possibly could be!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Truly an amazing experience
The moment I sat down to talk to OT about what I was hoping for in terms of a safari, I knew I was in good hands. OT asked wuestions as to what I wanted and then made all of the arrangements so I could get the best experience possible. I had a private tour with an amazing guide and cook. They were so friendly and quick to answer my questions and accommodate my requests.
I booked the four day tour which took us into the Great Rift Valley and into the Masai Mara for the riding portion of the safari. We spent the afternoon there and then the following morning. Antelopes, zebras, dik diks, impalas, elephants, a cheetah, lions, giraffes, hippos, hyenas and jackals were aplenty. We actually got to see lionesses eating with hyenas and jackals waiting eagerly for their turn. It was amazing.
The sleeping arrangements were great with a tent and its own attached bathroom.
On the third day we went on a walking tour which was nothing short of stunning. To walk amongst the animals made me feel like I was on the set of Jurassic World (but waaaaay safer:).
We also enjoyed a beautiful lunch on the Lake and a boat ride on Lake Nakuru.
I count myself lucky to have met OT. There were so many options and I know that I chose the right company. The only thing I would change if I could would be to book a longer safari. So I guess I will just have to come back:)
ID
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
7 days - Samburu, Nakuru and Masai Mara
In July 2015, KWSS arranged for me and my wife a private 7 days safari tour covering Samburu, Nakuru and Masai Mara national reserves. Our guide and driver, Moses, was very helpful and tried very hard to make sure that we would meet all the major animals in the national reserves. The accommodations as well as the foods provided at the 3 national reserve were very good (our tour included breakfast, lunch and dinner). Since one of the main reasons for us in taking the safari tour was to take lots of wild animals photos, we were very happy that by the end of our tour we have been given many opportunities in taking photos of animals from close distance and also from the right angle of view. Overall it has been a great holiday experience for both of us.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trustworthy, Efficient, Value for Money,
The communication with them was instant, without leaving any doubts in our mind. Their service too was good with excellent knowledge about Masai Mara and Amboseli with our driver Fred. The tour was conducted according to our expectations, accommodation at Kibo Amboseli was outstanding. Mara Sidai accommodation was okay, just basic. Our cook Jacob cooked up perfect meals for us.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Augustine is an outstanding teacher; he made the adventure more perfect than we could have dreamed.
I wanted the 6 high school girls, 2 moms and a teacher to have the experience of a lifetime: to see the BIG 5 and the little 5; to learn about Tanzanian culture - its' history and its' current challenges; to meet some Tanzanians and experience their welcome and warmth; and to depart deeply touched and wanting to return. Gus, and his Aardvark Safaris Company, made all our dreams come true. Gus is uniquely well educated and has a comfortable teaching style and a great sense of humor. Having gone on 3 other safaris, with other companies, Aardvark has my unqualified recommendation.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best budget option - exceeded my expectations!
I currently live in Rwanda and was looking for a moderately priced weekend wildebeest migration trip to Maasai Mara to celebrate my birthday. Titus was very responsive, helpful, and provided quick answers to my many questions. He arranged an airport pickup for me for a small additional fee and (since I was a solo traveler) found a group of other solo travelers for me to join. The lodging was basic but good, and the food at the camp was delicious. Our driver was safe, kind, friendly, and worked really hard to ensure that we saw everything - lions, wildebeest, zebra, crocodiles, elephants, giraffe, a cheetah, a leopard.... the list goes on and on. I didn't know that we would also visit a Maasai village (1,000 shillings - approximately 10 USD - goes to support education for Maasai children), but that experience is one I'll treasure forever. I am beyond happy with my experience, and have already recommended this company to my friends and colleagues. One tip: bring some warm clothing - it gets cold at night!!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
our honeymoon with lots of experience
The good thing with wedding meetings is that people propose to you a lot of suggestions about what you should do. Like others, we had lots of suggestion about where to spend our honey moon. Since this had to be one of the unforgettable moments of our lives, we had to ensure we have great memories. Our wedding planner told us that in order to make this a joyous moment, we have to go where we have never been and see what we have never seen. That is when we said we should go to Africa, and this is how we decided that we should do a 10-day gorilla safari.
We contacted the gorilla tour booking safari to prepare our trip and we had to let them know that we were planning to have a honey moon experience. We agreed on a luxurious package and that’s what we paid for. After all the preparations, we arrived at Entebbe International Airport ready to start this great trek.
The car we used was customized for a honey moon experience-red was all over the car seats and the music that was played really portrayed that we are in for a wonderful experience. At the hotel, our bed and rooms had flowers. This was great.
Our 10 gorilla trekking safari had lots of things to do but let me talk about those that impressed me the most. We were taken to Bwindi National Park which as lot of gorilla family groups which would bring memories to us and that is exactly what happened. When we saw this group in a family, it just reminded us of the journey that we had started. The silverback really knows how to cater for the group, and my husband said to me that I shall be your silverback-he never realized the impact of what he said or how he said it but this was really emotional for me.
Another remarkable experience is when we went to a certain troop, these guys made us laugh. They started dancing for us and afterwards they told us to join them. We had to learn their dance instantly; actually, we were pretty good at it. The peak of this group is when a dancer they referred to as ‘Senga’ meaning aunt started to dance while telling us what we should do and avoid doing in our marriage. She had good advice for both of us. Her words echoed so much that when I went to the hotel, I started writing out everything that she said because I remembered most of them. This was so educative for both of us. In the Baganda Culture, the aunt is responsible for informing girls about what they should and should not do in their marriages, and it’s exactly how we were treated. Never in my life shall I ever forget that experience.
Wow, it was an amazing experience. Thank you all of you guys at gorilla tour booking safari. I sincerely recommend anyone to this company.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The gorillas’ feet resemble that of a human being
When scientists said that our closest relatives are gorillas, I wondered why. Actually, it never made sense for me since from the few videos that I had watched about these animals, they had too much fur compared to any human being. Although I’m not a scientist, I now believe what they said because I observed it. Gorillas are so playful, every time they try to show their gymnastics. As one was playing, it flipped itself over and I managed to take a photo of its feet. I was just taking random photos; I never had it in thought that I should take a photo of its feet. When I went to my hotel and a little relax at the couch, I got out my camera to see some of the images that I had taken. Wow, there I was with a photo of a gorilla’ feet. This was a treasure to me because Immediately, I counted the toes and they were five. I said to myself, did I take a photo someone’s feet or it for the gorillas, I realized it was for the gorillas. They really resemble us some way. This was a science exhibition for me-so much entertaining and educative.
A piece of advice though, you must be in good health to do a gorilla trekking safari because you shall be required to climb mountains which some meters above sea level. Thank you gorilla tour booking safaris for a wonderful tour to Uganda
NL
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Marvellous Tanzania
After arrival at Arusha AirPort our guide Elias welcomed us and brought us to the Kiboko Lodge. This is a result of the Watoto foundation and the next day we were very glad to visit this children supporting organisation. Also we started our 9 days safari in the northern parks. Elias was a safe, nice and very experienced guide and cared very well for his customers. The accomodations were very well selected by Matoke, the friendliness and the welcoming everywhere were outstanding. After this period we had a flight to Selous and stayed there for 4 days. So close to the Rufijiriver with stunning sunsets we had a wonderful stay in the camp. Here too only careful and friendly people, making our stay unforgettable. The safari is a little different: walking, boating and driving. After this stay we moved by an other small airplane to Zanzibar, were we stayed at the Next Paradise Resort, a really excellent and beautiful choice with fantastic swimming pool and outstanding service. Matoketours did a marvellous job in organising our trip and we surely can recommand them.