EE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant, precise and helpful.
We took the tour to Klimanjaro and 3-day safary afterwards. Everything was working with minute accuracy (which is not so common in Tanzania) and we got the best suggestions about the route and schedule. Also the driver/guide was really professional and knew exactly what he was doing (for example where the animals are active at certain moment) and told us colorful stories about local way of life so we understood more. Anyway it was priceless experience and thank you for this.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy to work with. Responsive to e-mails
Communication was easy. Service was good. We climbed Kili with them and had a great tour guide and team. They then helped coordinate our transfer for a safari in the Serengeti which was good. Guide was okay. Vehicle was a bit old but it was only my wife and I which was a great treat.
I'd recommend them and would travel with them again.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Terrific, customized service
My husband, adult son and I did a 10 day customized safari of the Western circuit. From the very first contact to the final drop off, everything was excellent with fine attention to detail. Kevin worked with us to ensure that all of our special interests were accommodated and made several suggestions that made our trip even more special. Our guide, Emma, was knowledgeable, attentive and personable. We couldn’t have asked for a better company!
CA
Etosha
Before there is any miscommunication caused by my title, I will simply say that my trip with Wild Cherry Safaris was outstanding. It was more than a dream come true; it was like a dream that was occurring in front of me.
Chad seemed to have the magic touch, because we managed to see all the animals we could have expected and some we didn't. He was patient, helpful and was a really good listener. He truly loves this country and this geography; as he said, Namibia makes sense to him, and that realization really enhanced the tour. He loved seeing these wonders unfold as much as we did.
Desmond was awesome. He remained in the camp, prepared the meals and the sleeping arrangements, and had wonderful localized advice. If there was a mysterious noise in the middle of the night, he would tell you exactly what it was in the morning. I really liked him, and was invaluable to our experience.
The park was both expansive and compact. I will explain. The permanent campground (Wild Cherry is the only tour company that offers this) is surrounded with everything one would need. A charging station for your camera batteries and electronics. A food vendor, bathroom facilities, a restaurant, and for the hotter afternoons a swimming pool. But for me what made the location incredible, were the vantage points at perimeter of the camp. Firstly, at the southwest corner of the camp is a hidden and unmarked observational gem. Basically you are standing in shaded bush, but you can watch very closely as all the animals pass only metres in front of you on their way to the water hole. If you are patient and quiet, they won't even notice you. Of course, the Water Hole is a sight too. At any given moment, 24 hours a day, you will see a parade of coexisting animals quenching their thirst. The elephants were the big showboats, and the rhinos seemed to be nocturnal.
So that is the element of the 'Etosha Dream' that is in your control. Once you get in the back of the truck, Chad had a pretty instinctual sense of where to go. A viewing platform above the truck sits nine people, and comes with comfortable seating and blankets for the cold mornings (we went in August). The roads wind endlessly through the massive park, and from your vantage point you can observe from higher up. This allows you to see giraffes poke their heads up curiously, and Gnus, Zebras, Impala, and Springboks weaving through the landscape.
With Wild Cherry's 3D/2N tour you get to have two morning and two evening game rides. We seemed to see more animals in the evening, but our rarer sightings (lions, hyenas, and leopards) were all in the morning. And in between, the water hole is always at your disposal in camp. Basically, if you really wanted to, you could be observing animals 24 hours a day. Just don't miss Desmond's meals. He has mastered hearty food on the barbeque.
Final Thoughts
My experience with Wild Cherry was wonderful. Things were done at a very comfortable pace and the itinerary was ideal. Etosha is a quiet and epic place, and the employees at this company embrace that spirit on the game rides. A little information is given, but there is a joy in the quiet wonder shared by everyone. Chad, Sydney, and Desmond really want you to enjoy your experience. And with Chad at the wheel you are going to find unbelievable moments.
TIPS
-Bring a tripod on the game rides. If you are using a phone or digital camera, bring a bean bag or a resting pad (a beanie works well too) to test your camera on for smoother shots
- To capture intimate moments of animals who are closer to the car, remember that you often have a better vantage point than Chad does at the wheel. Just knock on the roof and he will happily stop. Remember, it's your safari and it may be your only one.
- Don't try and take selfies with the animals behind you. You will be shaded and they will be in bright light and the image will be awkward and disjointed. Take the best photo possible of the animals in their habitat. That's what your friends and family will want to see.
- Start some conversations with strangers at the water hole. Too often, these camps become really independent; many of the people around you have rather amazing stories and backgrounds. Yet, you happen to be in the same spot at the same time. That is neat.
- I recommend bringing about 800-1000 Namibian currency.
- You have to pay for WiFi. But really, just put it away. It was so enjoyable to be away from it all, watching and hearing animals; also the sunrise, sunset, and night time sky is far more impressive than anything on your phone.
I had an unforgettable experience. I will be sure to recommend Wild Cherry if any friends or family end up in Namibia.
Once in a lifetime experience viewing African wildlife visiting Masai people
Safari is a wonderful experience especially with driver Benson from KWWS.
All the Kenyan & Masai people we met were friendly and Hospitable especially the Masai crew from Simba Lodge
Just outside Amboseli Game Park.
We saw the big 5 & had great wildlife experiences Not to be missed,,
AE
Awesome wildlife against amazing backdrops
Our journey started from Nairobi and we were grateful enough to spend some time in the wilderness at various locations in Kenya. The great rift valley, Mt. Kenya, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hells' Gate, the famed Masai Mara, Amboseli, all provided mind blowing backdrops for the various wildlife. Transportation and guide was arranged by Lian Travels and the support provided during planning stage and throughout the trip is commendable. Few of the hotels worth mentioning in terms of their ambience, hospitality, are Sopa Lodge at Nakuru, Fig Tree at Masai Mara, Kibo at Amboseli. The weather was pleasant during our stay.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Pembury Tours provided a well planned trip for our group of four.
Tammy Harding with Pembury Tours provided excellent guidance in how to have a great experience in South Africa. From setting up our safari camps to coordinating our activities at Victoria Falls, we had a smooth, fun filled trip. Tammy's recommendations on accommodations was on par with our budgets and providers used reliable and timely. For those searching for a reliable party to help book a trip in Africa and provide guidance on an authentic experience consider Pembury Tours and see what they can do for you.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Maurice planned a perfect trip for us after we told him exactly which areas we wanted to visit.
We recently returned from an 11-night (13 counting air flights) Kenya safari, visiting 5 lodges. We had contacted Maurice at Africa Safari Classics with a list of the areas we wanted to visit. He quickly organized an acceptable trip that the four us were very happy with. The wildlife was fantastic, the lodges were memorable, the two drivers were knowledgeable and capable, and quickly adjusted to our wish to be able to identify the bird life as well as all the mammals. We saw 42 species of mammals, a tortoise, a large snake, a variety of lizards, and over 200 species of birds. Every day was an adventure! The best part was interacting with the friendly local people.
Thank you so much, Maurice, Muli, and Francis. We highly recommend you to anyone who wishes to visit Africa!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime in Tanzania with Flash Safaris!
For anyone considering a safari, I highly recommend going through Flash Safaris for their own trip of a lifetime! My husband and I traveled to Tanzania in September of 2018. We would never have known how to choose the country, the parks, the time of year, lodgings, etc. on our own. My cousin had traveled to Tanzania with Flash Safaris five years prior. She had such an incredible experience, she invited us along for the second safari. Magda Vrijs was incredibly responsive to e-mails ahead and time, and arranged everything down the last detail (including arranging for vegan meals). Our driver / safari guide was so knowledgeable and easy to get along with, which made our day-long adventures on the plains such a joy! He was incredible at spotting wildlife, and we saw so much more than we ever expected to see. Our visit to the Maasai Lodge was just an added delight at the end of our travels. The service at all of our lodges and camps were top-notch and beyond my expectations. I recommend Flash Safaris and Magda Vrijs without reservation for anyone thinking about traveling to Africa for a safari. We hope to get back again in a couple of years, and will definitely ask Madga to help us plan that trip!
IL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience with a rofessional team
we booked everything online, Rade was very communicating and flexible with his plan and our requests.
we did the safari with 4 small children and Jovin (the guide) was very tolerant along with interesting stories and professional knowledge
thanks you very much