65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The best overall Wildlife Safari I've experienced in Sub-Sahara Africa
My company is Australian based and I have personally been more than 50 years associated with the International Travel Industry. On retirement I created a boutique operation "African Wildlife Adventures" to take past clients and friends to see the magnificent animals of the Sub-Sahara. "African Paradise Safaris" - and Peter Maina was introduced to me via a colleague and is now my partner operator based ex Nairobi Kenya. We have just completed a 19 day two country programme visiting Kenya & Tanzania, and other than for one tented camp (we stayed at eleven individual properties during this period) all other ten were 4 plus star hotels or lodges. Meals were on a full board basis and the food was excellent and the variety amazing. We covered some 2000 + kms on the journey in 4x4 Toyota Safari style pop top vehicles, without either a break down or mishap. Our team of drivers both in Kenya - Dixon & David whilst in Tanzania - Jacob & Moses were excellent, knew their vehicles well and drove to the road and traffic conditions, all vehicles used were comfortable and reliable. Some of the roads-tracks are hard going and need both care and skill to negotiate or drivers had both. Kenyan tourist vehicles can't be used in Tanzania and V.V., so you change over at the boarder crossings. When travelling through Africa my recommendation is to pack what you think you need, then take half of what you packed out then take what is left and pack it in a soft duffle style lockable bag as against a hard suitcase, it makes for easier stowage in the limited baggage area in the 4x4's. One thing that can't be guaranteed on Safari is what you'll see where, as animals just don't run to a schedule, but at each and every National Park or Reserve visited the animals were as if pre-organised and waiting for our visit! Our schedule had us visiting Nairobi, Amboseli, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngoro Ngoro, Serengeti, Maasi Mara, Lake Nakuru, Aberdare, Samburu and Meru. Ngoro was a highlight - I've never seen so many different species all in the one place at the one time and why would they ever leave the Ngoro crater when it is abundant with food. The wilderbeast migration on the Serengeti was a sight to behold, viewed from a well placed Kojpe. Hundreds of thousands of wilderbeast lead by zebra were spread out in columns as far as the eye could see to the horizon. Although April is supposed to be in the "wet" season we didn'r experience any problems that effected our journey, there was plenty of grass cover that attracted large herds as well this time of year there is an abundance of new born animals, such as elephant, zebra, giraffe and lion cubs. When visiting East Africa in fact anywhere in Africa you have to do the distances to see it well, and with Peters help we saw more than we expected. African Paradise Safaris organisation was first class and with Peter's company made every thing happen - well done partner. Dennis J. Weatherall CEO African Wildlife Adventures - Sydney Australia
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic
Great experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and helped us see all the animals we wanted including all the big five. Ben and his wife were accommodating and we're readily available from the time of booking up to and during the trip. Highly recommended.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Amazing Trip to the Masai Mara in Kenya
My husband and I have had three "lifetime" safaris with Extraordinary Journeys. We are so lucky to have traveled twice to Kenya - both very different times in our lives - and once to South Africa. The animals, tented camps, guides, personalized travel arrangements, all exceeded our very demanding expectations. We were lucky enough to travel to Kiwayu for a beach vacation after seeing every animal on our checklist in the Mara. Later, with our three children we traveled to South Africa and stayed at Tswalu where we got to see a black rhino and felt the love and the danger of being so close. The private game park and its animals and people were very special. Extraordinary Journeys was able to understand what we wanted out of these trips and make it happen perfectly for us.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Amazing Journey through Zambia and Malawi
I went on safari with Extraordinary Journeys to Zambia and Malawi. I had the vacation of a lifetime. My wife and I went to South Luangwa where we got a taste for barefoot luxury (Chamalandu Camp), ultra-luxury (Chinzombo Camp), and a more relaxed family feel (Lion Camp). In Malawi, we went off the beaten path (literally!!) with a fabulous adventure trek across the Nyika Plateau. That is easily the best vacation memory that I have! Thank you to Extraordinary Journeys for such a wonderful trip.
JO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari in 2014
A bit of a late review but needed to share. I decided to go with this company after the quick answer by emails and professional phone calls to discss itinerary. My experience with It Started in Africa was an excellent one. As mentioned in many reviews, Joao is a fantastic customer support manager and had all the patience in the world to answer my queries, time and time again. The prices of this company were very competive and lower than most of the reputable companies I contacted. Not the cheapest overall but certainly not the most expensive.
The safari was spectacular, the wildlife itself does most of the work, as do the humble and lovely people of Tanzania. Our guide Deogratius was young but very experienced and turned our safari into a fantastic adventure. His knowledge of animals and birds was outstanding and his eyesight was nothing short of impressive. He would id every bird and animal on the spot.
The vehicle (Land Cruiser) was comfortably enough for the rough roads, which are very bumpy and dusty. It never had any issue apart from a flat tire on the 4th day which is normal. I can tell they clearly look after their vehicles and maintain them well. We had an inverter in the car to connect our electronics which was fantastic.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari memories for life!
We visited Tanzania for a three days Safari. Before we went to our next stop. What a amazing trip! memories for life! We could write a long long text about our safari, but instead I just want to say to all of you that haven't been on a safari, GO! We saw alot of animlas, from small colorfull birds to big lions and elephants.... We will go back!
Thank you so much for a great Safari! We miss Tanzani and all of our new friends!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime...
An incredible experience in every way. It was a seemless South African trip from the airport pick up to the safaris, cage diving, hikes and wine tasting. Great Safaris did an incredible job in the planning and execution of our African experience, so that we could sit back and enjoy the ride. Highly recommended!
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Professional, friendly and knowledgeable service with excellent attetion to detail
We had a fantastic experience with Kombi. Right from the outset, Steve and Rachel were helpful and attentive, taking on board our requirements and budget and coming up with an itinerary that suited us. There was no question too big or small and the pre-departure information was very thorough. Our guide, Archie, and driver, Robert, were knowledgable and friendly and made everything very easy for us from the moment they picked us up. We knew they were always there if we needed a hand and that they were also happy to give us some space which suited us as that is how we like to travel. The itinerary ran smoothly, nothing was left to chance and no corners were cut. Accomodation and food far exceeded our expectations and we felt that we got real value for money. The gorilla trekking was spectacular, once in a lifetime!
I would wholeheartedly recommend Kombi for great value for money and high professional standards. I've been on alot of tours all over the world and this one in Uganda really stood out for all the right reasons. We only had a short time in Uganda so it really made all the difference to have all of the details looked after for us so that we could enjoy the beautiful country that is Uganda. Travelling with a small company who are very invested in their work and in the communities was very important to us - it felt as much like a friendship as a client-customer relationship. We felt that we were saying farewell to true friends when Archie and Robert dropped us off at Entebbe.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything was absolutely amazing and all the details were just perfect!!
Great addition of safari and lakes at the end. We could never have put together such a well-planned visit by ourselves. Amazing! Thank you Meru Treks team....we would definitely recommend!!!
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My greatest jearney
When my wife and I visited Tanzania for the first time we were met by a fantastic warm welcome feeling, not only from the sun but also from Mr. Makara and his colleagues . We arrived in Arusha by bus from Nairobi (Kenya) in the middle of the night. Picket up by Gideon and driven to our hotel for a good night sleep - hospitality!
Our days on the Serengeti , in Ngorogoro , and other national parks remain as a great memory for all time.
Thanks Gideon !