US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari experience: safe, fun, and worth every minute
If you are looking for a luxury safari, this is not your company. If you are looking for an adventure in the African Bush the way that South Africans do it themselves; if you are looking for safari guides who truly care about the plants and animals of South Africa above all and who want to share those with the world; if you are looking to have some fun, to get a little dirty, and to see a part of the world rarely seen anymore in its raw beauty, Armadillo is for you!!
I'll start off by saying that we booked this particular tour because it perfectly fit our timeline and budget. We were looking for a low-budget, camping tour that would really allow us the time and flexibility to see the animals and terrain of Kruger. We are 3 young men from the USA who have extensive travelling, camping, and adventuring experience. This was the only safari we could find that fit everything we wanted for the timeframe we had. We did the 8-day safari with 5 nights in the park and a trip to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and Elephant Whispers as well as the Blyde River Canyon.
I am SOOO glad we went with Armadilo!! They gave us everything we wanted and more!!
This is truly an all-inclusive company. From the time we were picked up from the airport to the time we were dropped back off at the airport in Joburg, we never lacked anything. The food was certainly plentiful, filling, and tasty. We would buy the occasional snack at one of the park shops, but even as 3 big guys used to American-sized portions, we were never hungry. The tents we used were spacious and sturdy, and we were provided with sleeping bags, pillows, and comfortable, 4-inch mats to sleep on. Drinks were available in an honesty bar on-board the safari truck whenever we needed for a very small fee. Potable water is available from taps at all of the campsites as well.
Chris and Simon (his son) were our guides. Chris is truly an expert of the African wildlife and fancies himself a birder as well. Not only were they great at spotting animals for us, they could identify most species with ease as well as give us more in-depth information about them. We did see all of the Big 5 including a Black Rhino, as well as a Sable Antelope, Cape Clawless Otters, and several other rarely seen animals. Yes, we were lucky to have seen them all, but Chris and Simon really helped create our luck. They were not simply tour guides who were doing their job, happy to be rid of their customers at the end of a game-drive. They became friends and companions who were fun to be around. Along with their combined knowledge, well... it was a privilege to be with them!
The last thing to note here specifically is the safari truck. It is no ordinary vehicle. This thing was custom-built specifically for taking groups on safari. There are some pluses and minuses of it, but in all, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. First of all, it is completely enclosed. That makes it feel far more secure than the traditional open-sided trucks you may be expecting. That does sometimes limit the visibility of animals if they are directly in front of or behind the truck; however, because it stands a good 15 feet above the ground, you are so far above the other vehicles that you will see things they could never see. We were eye-level with girrafes and elephants. We could see above the road-side brush and small trees. We could even see over the top of any other vehicles that would pass by or park next to ours. One major caution: If you have a difficulty with ladders, this may not work for you. Because of its height, you have to climb a ladder or steep stairs to get in and out of the truck. Also worth noting is that it has an on-board espresso machine for those early morning game drives and a charging station for all your electronics which takes standard South African AND European plugs.
So, in summary: we were hoping to go on a safari to see the animals of Kruger. What we got was an adventure much more fulfilling than that! We thought this would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa, and all of us want to go back even more now than we did before. And I can tell you this: If we were going back, we would definitely go on a safari with Armadillo again in a heartbeat! I hope to keep in touch with Chris and Simon as well.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Second time around and just as spectacular!
We just completed another safari with eastco in march. for something different we decided to some walking safaris so visited tarangire, arusha national park and mkomazi. Not being our first trip to tanzania, we were looking for something a bit different and ask simon to prepare a safari which combined walking and some culture.
the walk at tarangire started near lemoti village on the masai steppes and we walked west towards the tarangire conservation area, bush camping each night. although very wet! it was also a great time to visit as there was lots of wildlife around, wildebeest and zebras after the first day, a couple of nights with lions grunting and roaring, and even elephants as we got closer to tarangire.
this was a very different experience, the two days were very much a immersion in masai culture, we saw them bring the herds into the boma in the evening, brendan tried the blood and curdled milk mixture and we sat around a camp fire with some of the elders and children till late.
as we walked the next day we say the children collecting water from puddles beside the road, a rich reddish brown colour! our guide loi said it was better than walking 10 kms to fetch water!!
each afternoon loi and costa, our cook, decided when we should stop and set up camp. this consisted of loi and brian cutting the grass and clearing as space, setting up the tents while costa was preparing dinner.
the last two days walking was a bit exciting, with long grass we heard before we saw any of the wildlife. coming across massive elephant prints deep in the mud, and also the large paw of a male lion along the wet sand of the track.
the last night of the tarangire walk was at naitolia camp, luxury after four nights camping in the bush. Massive bed draped in net, outdoor toilet with a view and shower. it was the last night here when we heard the lions rumbling and growling. it seemed so close but was told the next day most likely a couple of kilometers away.
we then went to arusha national park for two nights at hatari lodge. fantastic views across the plains to kilimanjaro one afternoon after a storm. walking on the slopes of mt meru for half a day with a park ranger, buffalo and giraffe, bush duiker and colobus monkeys.
the next part of our adventure took us to mkomazi national park. we had decided to do a a full day walk here, from one camp to another with the park rangers, and the guide wilson and costa packed up the camp and met us that afternoon at a new campsite. scenery here was so dramatic, mkomazi is surrounded by mountains and with the black thunderclouds, a late morning rainbow it was so spectacular. the guide musa (I think) was very informative, we saw tracks of a puff adder in the sand, hyena and jackals. we also saw a large herd of eland in the distance, warily keeping their distance with a couple of oryx mixed in.
after two nights camping in mkomazi, we climbed up the pare mountains to tona lodge. Perched on the edge of the mountain overlooking mkomazi and kenya. brilliant location. food and service was a bit so so! We spent two nights here and walked through the local villages along steep and winding roads. every building seemed to cling to the edge of the mountain slope.
We drove back to kilimanjaro the next day, and a day room at Panone Motel near kilimanjaro.we said our goodbyes to wilson, costa and brian, and had hot showers before transferring to kia for our flight home.
Second trip with eastco, totally different to our first wildlife extravaganza but just as rewarding.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Sayari Tano Tours & Safaris is the best safari tour in Tanzania with the best tour guides.
We did a 6-day safari in northern Tanzania as part of family tour. We had 3 vehicles for 15 us. We had a very nice and enjoyable moment since the time we were picked at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We get 2 nights accommodation at the Hotel (Arusha Tourist Inn Hotel- day before and day after our holidays). Our drivers were Oswad Shayo, Freddy &, James who had become a part of our group and their active attitude was transferable.
Regarding wildlife sightings, we managed to see a lot of animals. All the parks were fantastic and offered a varieties of wild animals. We saw the big five lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, in addition to cheetah, hippo, zebra, different species of antelope, giraffe, monkey, dik-dik, hyena, jackal, ostrich, vulture and a range of other birds.
Sayari Tano Tours & Safaris is an excellent company. They have great staffs with high hospitality level which we could not imagine to find in Tanzania. The service was great; our safari guides was very knowledgeable and very accommodating. This trip exceeded all expectations and could not have asked for a better experience.
We recommend Sayari Tano Tours & Safaris to everyone, they are unbeaten company in Tanzania.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience
Everything was correctly and punctualy coordinate by Gabriel. From the pick up at the airport until the drop off at the airport Gabriel showed a great skills how to welcome the guests. We reveal to be a really serious guy never try to rip us off.
The service and the food during the Safari was very good. we saw lot of animals. Thanks Gabriel E Tuya for your disponibility and the other staff. We just can recommend this company!!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Arusha National Park and Mt. Kilimanjaro area trip
They have arranged both the trips as per our convenience. They provided experienced and knowledgable guides and driver that made our trip very enjoyable. The guides were proficient in English and they made the trip more interesting explaining local history. I intend to recommend them to my friends.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experience
Extremely well behaved and friendly staff. Took care of everyone. Took special care to ensure we watch the animals and the birds. Carefully explained the nature of each habitat. The team was well versed with the place, and it's geography and history.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Promised Service delivered with a smile
Eric helped us out from start to finish, in what ended up being a trip we will never forget. Everything that was promised was delivered. which is what I loved most, especially as we were on a tight budget. I have already recommended his services to friends as I know he won't disappoint.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
What A Amazing Trip!
Just got back from an amazing African safari trip! Eastco was amazing all throughout our tour in the northern Tanzania. From the first contact online to the last day of our safari trip, the staff was always available to answer our questions. When we arrived, our amazing tour guide James welcomed us and stayed with for the next 7 days! He spoke English well and made sure we were comfortable and enjoying the tour.
I must say, Serengeti national park was life changing. I couldn’t have imagined how many lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, gazelles and many other animals we saw. Aside from the memorable animal sight-seeing, the hotels and lodging exceeded my expectations. Top notch hotel service… top notch food and top notch stay.
Not only do I praise Eastco for the experience but also recommend them! You won’t go wrong with Eastco.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Company
I've been on several safaris with different companies and I have to say Gamewatchers are the best. I only used them for the Nairobi tented camp and game drives in Nairobi National Park but the entire staff had a deeper knowledge of the history of Kenya, the characteristics and habits of the animals and conservation than anyone I've met. The staff was great and they go above and beyond to make sure that your trip to Africa is the most amazing experience ever. Will definitely use on my next trip to Africa. Cannot recommend highly enough!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exciting 5 Star Safari Experience with Spot Kenya Safaris
Maurice was super quick in responding to our initial contact and came up with a very thoughtful and exciting plan. From airport pickup, through hotel booking to everyday transportation, we didn't need to worry about anything and really enjoyed the safari with improved excitement every day.
It's worth mentioning that our driver Aaron is a really qualified, responsible and experienced guide, and he was always trying his best to make sure we see the most exciting scenes. He also has profound knowledge in wildlife and local customs, from which we kept learning things every day.
I strongly recommend Spot Kenya Safaris to everyone who is thinking of going.