35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Another wonderful wildlife experience with Nature Travel Namibia!
This was our fifth birding and wildlife trip with Nature Travel Namibia and once again we had a fantastic time.
We only had a few days in Namibia so we reached out to Nick who suggested a short customized trip for us; all within a few hours' drive of Windhoek. The whole trip was perfectly organised and we saw all the endemic birds in the area! Nick has exceptional knowledge of the birds and mammals of Namibia, and is especially passionate about conservation in his country. We are already planning our next trip with Nature Travel Birding!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Simon of EastCo still owes us more than $9,000 after three years. DO NOT BOOK.
It is absolutely criminal that Simon and EastCo are still taking bookings. I should have written this review earlier, but every time I think about it I get a terrible pit in my stomach. My husband and I organized a 30 day safari with Simon in July 2015. The reviews were all good, so we felt okay about it. But then the first day, no one came to pick us up at our hotel, which should have been the first sign of trouble. The next week and a half was probably some of the most stressful travel I've ever experienced. I won't get into the nitty gritty, but I will give one detail: our safari vehicle got repossessed in the middle of the night when we were at a remote safari camp, because Simon hadn't paid the bills. At every turn we were asked to pay out of pocket or held behind, because Simon and Eastco hadn't paid. Finally, we cut our trip short. We ended with a copy of Simon's passport and a statement, in writing, and signed, that he would repay us for services not rendered. He's paid us back only $900 of over $10,000 owed. We're still waiting. DO NOT BOOK WITH EASTCO. You will have your money stolen. I would be happy to discuss more with anyone who has questions, and to share the written document of Simon's promising us our money back (you can email me using the link above this review). This company should be flagged as fraudulent on all safari sites. Terrible. Just terrible.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We really enjoyed the tour to Congo with Batak. Good organization, exelent staff!
We did the volcano and the gorilas and had very good time! Thank you!
IL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing!!!
Congo discovery safaris is one of the best tour agencies for DRC adventures. (volcano / gorillas)
The manager-Barak, will take extra special care of you and your group to make sure you are happy, safe, and smiling during your entire adventure. No need for worries... they will take care of your visa, lead you through the spectacular volcano, and guide you to the amazing gorillas.
Transportation was a breeze. Bakar will pick you up from the gorgeous guesthouse in Giseny, then accompany you across the border to the Congo. He will take care of all your transportaion and accommodations while providing excellent service.
As an added bonus, Bakar will take anyone who may be interested on a scenic city tour through Goma. He is a wonderful tour guide!!!
In addition to handling all of your needs, Barak is very reliable and knowledgable, with answers to every question you will have.
You will not regret your choice to discover the Congo with him. Thank you Barak for an amazing experience and for such a wonderful adventure.
I HIGHLY recommend you and your services!!! Thank you!!!
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Eighteen day safari
The staff and itinerary at Gamewatchers is exceptional and thorough. We were on safari with them one week ago and found them to be punctual, informative and thoughtful. Despite my husband experiencing two serious medical problems during our eighteen day safari they accommodated us in every way and even provided an extra three day safari at Porini Cheetah Camp when he was unable to complete the Tanzanian portion of our trip. We are grateful for all their assistance and kindness and recommend this company in every way to anyone looking for an exceptional African safari and tour.
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Did not get picked up, terrible experience
It all went well before our trip. We got our quote, discussed with the company various information about our trip and pick up time, our number of guests etc... And we were anticipating our first safari experience.
We did not get picked up eventually. We have waited for an entire hour at the pick up spot, but we never saw the guide coming. In desperation, we tried to contact the company through all possible means -- WhatsApp, email, calling their number, and even trying to search for more contact information. All the call numbers cannot be reached, and no reply from the WhatsApp and email whatsoever.
We ended up losing all hope and ran to the town, booking another company in last minute.
We got contacted 3 hours later via WhatsApp, and we were told that the phone of the contact person has been stolen and thus the events that occurred. By then we already agreed to take an offer from another company. We were also very disappointed by the explanation, since we doubted whether it is entirely impossible to inform us via email, something that can be accessed with any laptop computer. We could also be easily found at our pick up location and informed in person, but we never saw that happen.
All in all, it was a terrible experience, and we wish that this would not happen to other travellers.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It felt like being with a friend not a Tourguide!
We did a Safari and the Mount meru together and it was awesome! I was traveling with my boyfriend, his mom and uncle. And all of us were really happy! The guide spoke really well English and if we didn’t understood each other we used our hands and feet. The accommodation was really nice and clean! The tours were wondefull! We saw a lot of animals, but we never disturb them. Also at the Mount meru Trip we always felt safe. We are really thankful!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fraudulent Thief- Don’t Risk It
Here are the reasons why choosing this safari option is just not worth risking for your once in a lifetime trip:
1. Broken down cars (ours broke down and needed to be serviced mid-trip). He will try to say this didn’t happen - well, it did, and we have photos and videos to prove it. We had to wait so long before it was repaired.
2. Broken radio, You will be the only car in the park that can't communicate with other other guides in the park (which will severely limit your ability to see wildlife). We had agreed that a radio would be in the car - and he guaranteed this, but told us it was broken after we had driven 5 hours and were in the park so there was no turning back.
3, Tiny windows (like being in a plane), other operators have jeeps with windows twice the size. Im 5'9 and had to hunch to see anything. He will try to say Tanzania requires all cars must be the same model, this is just not true. Look at photos yourself!
4. Philemon tried to put up into a budget lodge after we specifically discussed the lodges we wanted to be in (and had a written contract). We agreed to the lodges and then he tried to make last minute changes to get us in a cheaper one. What a joke!
5. Philemon tried to cut out a full day of our itinerary (we paid for 5 days, but to save money on park fees etc, he tried to persuade us the safari was only a 4 day trip). We agreed to itinerary e tried to change when we were mid way through!
6. Philemon will require you pay in full upfront. And he is very sweet to work with to start, but once he gets paid in full, he will ignore you and you will receive terrible service from him.
There are so many other operators, just dont risk your once in a lifetime trip. We chose this company because of the tripadvisor reviews, but it appears that they may not all be true. While out on safari, we did meet several couples/families who had chosen Leopard Tours and seemed to love it. They had modern cars, working radios, and very intelligent and knowledgeable guides. We cant vouch for them since we didnt use them, but I would try anything else but this!
Really disappointed.
Just don't risk it.
ID
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing, fun and organised trip!
Amazing 11 days tour Kenya and Tanzania.
Perfectly organised until the last detail with the best price in market!
Unexpected amazing surprises coming allmalong the way, adventure, fun, excitement and the most amazing pleasure to see the animals face to face!
Erick was all the time, before, during and after the trip attending all our needs and questions!
Thank you for amazing holidays!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We didn't want to leave Ruaha, and part of the reason was because of our amazing tour guides!
I did a 5 day Safari with Happy World Safaris and it genuinely was the experience of a lifetime. I travelled to Dar es Salaam in mid-June 2018 and was looking for safari options all around Tanzania. After being recommended Happy World by someone on TripAdvisor, I decided to write to them to get some more information on it. I spoke directly to Joseph, who was very helpful in answering questions I had, and which parks would be best suited for me. We decided that Ruaha was the way to go. After giving him a rough budget, we built our own itinerary with his help. We were picked up at 7am from our hotel in Dar and drove all the way to Ruaha (~12 hour drive) - although it seems long, it was actually wonderful! We got to travel through the country, which is an experience in itself. Although the jeep is not very new, we were extremely comfortable! Joseph (our guide) and our driver (Alpha) were extremely friendly, helpful, funny and entertaining throughout the journey. Ruaha was beautiful! We saw a plethora of animals (even wild dogs, which were highly unexpected), and Joseph's/Alpha's knowledge was very useful. We had an all-inclusive package, with breakfast, lunch and dinner being provided throughout the safari. We had dietary requirements which Joseph eagerly accommodated us with. It was a wonderful experience and highly recommend Happy World! Thank you again, Joseph and Alpha, for a marvellous trip!