CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Aberdare National Park by Russell
We were only there for one night, so did not get enough time to assess the area properly. That said, The Ark was a very special place with its own watering hole. We saw a limited number of animals, but the proximity to those animals, and photo opportunities, were excellent. Bird life was abundant first thing in the morning and towards sunset. The biggest regret of our safari was that we wish we'd have stayed at The Ark longer. One down side to The Ark as a safari destination is that you can't travel around the area in search of wildlife, so what you see is what you get. It is very much down to luck what you see.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Did Not Live Up to The Hype
We had researched the Lake Nakuru National Park before our safari, and were particularly keen to include it in our itinerary to get that National Geographic picture of vast amounts of flamingos wading along the shoreline. Unfortunately, we were met by a rising waterline covering an expanse of dead trees, morbidly picturesque in their own right, but a sad indication of how things are no longer what they were. We did see a small number of flamingos, some pelicans and other water birds.
The park itself is situated close to Kenya's fourth largest city, and is adjacent to a number of private farm lands. Fence lines were clearly visible making the area feel rather confined and did nothing to hide the fact that this is a purpose-built wildlife sanctuary. The roads/tracks within the park did not offer as good a view of the wildlife as at other parks/conservancies... but, from the animals' perspective, maybe that is not a bad thing!
Flamingo disappointment aside, during a late afternoon game drive, we encountered a variety of wildlife including a Giant Spitting Cobra as it crossed the track in front of us, a small herd of Rothschild Giraffes, several buffalo, zebras, a small herd of Eland, a giant tortoise, Impala, two Dik Diks, and four White Rhinos wandering the through the bush and grasslands.
Because of the paucity of the park's main attraction the previous day, the next morning our driver/guide returned to the lake where we did see more flamingos than the previous day, but still much less than expected. We were, however, treated to an audience with a lone White Rhino at very close quarters.
It is difficult to judge a place having stayed only one night, but Lake Nakuru National Park was probably our least favourite of the five conservancies/national parks we visited on our safari. It would be wrong to judge it on wildlife alone (although it would have scored fairly well based solely on that), but the rising waterline and dead trees mean that the days of witnessing flamingos in vast quantities appear to be few and far between. I applaud the park's purpose and am delighted that it protects so many species of animals. However, from a wildlife viewing perspective, its proximity to adjacent farm lands with visible boundary fences make it feel too confined and therefore often lacking "bush vibe". And so, whilst I would not discount Lake Nakuru National Park from a safari itinerary, I would advise against having such high expectations.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kenya by Russell
There is little doubt that Kenya provides exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. One word of caution: roads! The infrastructure may be decent enough around, and between major cities and towns, but access routes to reserves/conservancies are terrible. If you have a bad back then beware.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good guide, very competitive prices
Initially we had language problems on telephone, expecting to go to Ngorogoro Crater, whilst when we arrived tour was for Mgorogoro area!
However it worked out very well visiting Mkumi and Nsungwa. seeing all the animals we wanted to, and the Colobus monkeys as a bonus! Alfonce our guide was very good, and a very good driver. The accommodation was budget but clean and food was good.
With the short time we had, James had worked out the best tour for us! Thank you!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellently planned tour. Wonderful hotels. Superior Guides/Drivers. Couldn't have been better!
We've used Real Africa Safaris for other tour groups--so I started out with high expectations and they exceeded them! Our group of 31 had a great experience in Kenya. All of the people we encountered in Kenya from our Driver/Guides to the people who helped us at resorts, etc., could not have been nicer or more accomodating. The animal viewing/game drivers were superb. Thanks again for a tour that, I'm sure, will be remembered for a lifetime by all of us.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe with Extraordinary Journeys
We had the trip of a lifetime, thanks in large part to the easy communication with Jamie at EJ, who quickly got the sense of exactly what we were looking for. We stayed at six different places and she nailed it every time (though of course we had favorites). I had worried that three back-to-back safari destinations would be too much, but each was quite different from the other and we could have continued much longer. Jamie was patient with our extended questions and changes of plans and happily accommodated some less standard requests. The service on the trip was wonderful and we met wonderful people throughout. Highly recommended.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good value, hassle free
Did a Rwanda and Uganda gorilla/chimpanzee tour with them in Sept. with my sister. I started planning my trip by looking up the most recommended tour operators, then emailing all 10-12 or so of them with what I wanted to do. Umubano Tours was the lowest "bidder" that actually responded specifically to my email and paid attention to what I wanted to do (many of the others wrote back with standard tours that, if they had read my email, they would have seen would not work for me). So I went with Umubano. Was not disappointed. They were good about customizing the tour and doing whatever we liked, even after we paid and the itinerary was set. Our guide George was patient and attentive when my sister was sick, and went out of his way (making long drives to ensure we could squeeze in one last activity we barely had time for) to accommodate us. We even tacked on an extra gorilla visit at the last minute - of course Umubano only charged us what the permits cost. There was one place we stayed that was not pleasant (Chimp's Nest Lodge in Uganda), our guide said he's going to recommend they not use them anymore.
US
50-65 years of age
Unforgetable family trip with Big Time Safaris.
After reviewing many companies, I desired to take Big Time Safaris for a family trip, and was the best decision. Friendly staff since the beginning, Martha was very helpful (we started communicating since around November 2014). The drivers were very nice, very accommodating, the lodging was better than expected (I took a budget safari). Overall a positive experience, I will highly recommend Big Time Safaris to my friends and family, and should I desired to go on a safari again, I will use Big Time Safari without hesitation.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Top-notch service with Sun Safaris!
We've now worked with Sun Safaris twice--this statement in and of itself tells you how much we appreciated the work of this company to find us just the right safari. This company booked our last safari, and given our feedback, they were able to come up with another safari experience that would match or exceed our previous one. Across both trips, we had the most exceptional service with Natasha. We worked with her when we booked a safari to Sabi Sands in June and again Timbavati in Sept. We informed Natasha of our "must haves" and she delivered when she booked us into Kambaku River Sands. At the last minute, we had read other reviews of this lodge and which rooms to choose. We contacted Natasha about securing a riverside room, and she did not hesitate to contact the lodge. We had the most beautiful and convenient rooms in the lodge:). In terms of communication, Natasha was always very quick to respond to us when we queried her about a safari lodge. She posed several options, and with her knowledge of these lodges, offered a recommendation. She took care of our bookings and our transfers to and from the airport. We were sent the documents as soon as they were processed, and had them in hand prior to our flight to So. Af. The company is highly professional and extremely respectful of its clients. I will, without hesitation, use this company again when I book another safari or trip to South Africa. Thanks so much for the personal care and the attention to all details Sun Safaris!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Maasai Wanderings - Top notch from start to finish!
Trying to pick between the myriad of tour operators for your dream safari? Look no further than Maasai Wanderings. They were incredible from start to finish and take customer service to a new level.
We worked closely with Donna to develop our ideal safari. She sought to understand our interests, requirements (bush shower!) and budget and then crafted a safari as well as post safari beach days in Zanzibar that met our requirements. It's a bit of a leap of faith when you wire money across the world hoping that someone is there when you arrive, but it was all handled flawlessly by MW.
When I arrived, my baggage, alas, did not. This is a bit of an issue when you're going into the bush for 10 days. Even though it wasn't a MW issue the team helped do whatever it could to resolve the issue. The local team followed up with the airlines on my behalf and our amazing guide, Godwin, took me to get clothes and toiletries. My bag never showed but the MW team helped ensure I could get on with the trip and not miss out. Beyond thankful for their help.
Once we got the clothes sorted and the safari started, I can't say enough about the quality of the guide. Godwin was an amazing spotter who worked tirelessly so we could see as much as possible. He figured out our personalities really quickly and adapted to our interests. He had so much knowledge - from the tiniest creatures to the biggest. We saw the Big 5 but we also saw so many smaller animals that were fascinating and part of the whole environment. I loved this holistic view of the area.
We also did a day hike up Kili with Julius who could not have been more patient and positive. He succeeded in getting our tired, out of shape bodies up the hill - no easy task!
One of the best things about the MW guides is how seriously they take their roles. We witnessed all the MW guides stopping to pick up trash others had left in the parks. They also showed tremendous respect to the animals and other visitors in the park and focused on safety. We witnessed clients of other operators being unsafe as well as, at times, scaring off the animals by being too close. MW guides clearly respect and love the bush and want to see their clients love it the same way, but they put a focus on professionalism, responsibility and client safety. I have tremendous respect for that and their clear desire to support this environment for the long term.
MW was top notch from start to finish. Their personalized, boutique approach ensures that you will have a trip that is exactly what you want. Since for many it's a once in a lifetime experience, you might as well do it the right way. MW will ensure that happens, and I can't recommend them enough. I can't wait to go back someday!