US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding trip with a great company
My trip with Spot Kenya was excellent, Maurice was very helpful and went out of his way to make my trip work. Haruni and Sammy were superb guides--very friendly, helpful, and accommodating, and worked hard to ensure we saw as much as possible. Thanks to them, I was able to see the Big Five, as well as countless other wildlife. The lodging, services, and meals at each stay far outdid my expectations. Overall this was an amazing experience, that I will never forget. Any future trips to Africa will be with Spot Kenya.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great budget safari company with very helpful staff
We stayed in Kenya and Tanzania last October and we have had an amazing safari experience with Baboon. Though we first planned to visit some tour operators in Nairobi recommended by the Lonely Planet, we soon found out they were a bit too expensive for our budget. Then we asked the hotel where we stayed to contact a safari company they would recommend and they came up with Baboon Safaris. One of their staff, Michael, a great guy, came to visit us, sat down with us and explained us all the options on the table.
Our price included transport, accommodation, food & water, game drives of course, and driver guides. We stayed in a tented camp, a cottage, and at decent hotels in both Kenya and Tanzania. On our last day in Kenya we wanted to change our trip somewhat and this was easily arranged for. The people at Baboon would not stop saying how much they wanted us to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience and they repeated again and again how much they appreciated the fact that we had chosen them to deliver it. This really gave us the feeling we were cared for from start to finish.
In the end we only suffered one inconvenience in Tanzania. Since we flew back from Nairobi, the manager took some time to pay us a visit at our hotel to discuss what had went wrong. We were offered our money back or they would arrange an activity for us on our last day. We chose the latter and we were very happy with it! This again shows their commitment to treat us as their guests. We were very satisfied with how they handled this situation.
In short, budget travellers should definitely go for Baboon! You won't regret it!
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good prices for a good service
I came down to Nairobi and wanted to go to Kilimanjaro and Baboon Budget Safaris took care of everything and I could go the next day which is good when you have limited with time.
They provided we with everything I needed, transport from Nairobi to Arusha, hotel, equipment for the trip, transport to Kilimanjaro, trekking guides etc. I had a really good time there and there organisation was good and standard as well. I was meeting other people on the mountain and they had payed more for exactly the same thing so I was satisfied with what I payed.
The last day I was altitude sick on the mountain so I needed to go down one day earlier and even that was taken care of. So I only have good experiences from my trip and I also recommended them to my friends who made a safari with them and they had the same experience.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Not good
I do not recomend it to anyone. Problem is not in the camp. The probvlem comes, what you contract and what you find there. Mike send me Shiduli Lodge picture, but later spoke about Chisomo River Lodge, and my Family and me finalized in Chisomo Camp.
They are using Kuruger name!!?? I do not know why?? Kruger Park is something Fantastic; but this is an open zoo only.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfection!
As a single female, booking a one month trip into Africa was a bit daunting. I didn't use a travel agency, just contacted the various camps and guides myself. It was my first trip. Nicholas was great (and very patient) helping me every step of the way to customize my days in Rwanda exactly as I wished. I didn't want a posh lodge, making me feel encapsulated in tourist-like protection. I like to travel in a manner in which I can experience the culture of the place I am visiting.
Rogers, my guide, met me at the airport, late in the evening, and drove me to my lodge. He was charming, personable and highly knowledgeable, and made me feel at ease right away despite my slight trepidation, being my first time in Africa.
I stayed in the town of Ruhengeri, at the Muhabura Lodge, where Dian Fossey sometimes stayed when not up on the mountains. It was rustic, basic and perfect. Do not use this accommodation if you want luxury. There was no working TV, the water was not plentiful, and the decor very minimal. But it had a super comfortable king size bed and without modern distractions, I was in heaven. This was Africa, finally! Wifi worked fine, and there was electricity to manage my photo equipment and charging. The little restaurant had great food, and I could sit on the patio out front and watch the locals trekking about with their baskets on heads and babes toted to their backs. People were warm and friendly and always waved and said "Allo" if I did first.
What struck me first was the cleanliness of Kigali and all of the mountain towns. There is no litter in this country. People are beautifully dressed in traditional, colourful clothing and walking barefoot is understandable in the pristine streets (a plus for me who loves to be barefoot). The children are quick to wave and shout hello as whites are few and far between and they recognize you as a visitor. The first day I toured the cultural village where the people put on a fantastic show, re-enactments of traditional dances and dressed me as Queen of the village for the visit. Great fun! The medicine man and I compared health-care notes and dancing and singing ensued. I highly recommend the visit!
The second day I made the trek up to see the Mountain Gorillas. Not being in the best of shape, I was a bit concerned if I would make it, but no worries. Our group of 8 set out with two guides who were delightful, and met up with some Rangers, guns in tow, part way up. Everyone was fabulously friendly and helpful. Even when I fell down in the thicket and ended up with some ants in my pants (literally), it didn't matter, as the few nips I got didn't even register, what with the family of Gorilllas only feet away and on full display. I was crouched down beside the leader of the group, a giant silverback named Guhonda, who munched happily on his leaves while shooting the odd look my way, perhaps as curious about me as I was of him. Humans are to keep about 3 metres away from the Gorillas, but when a big 400 lb male decides to plop himself down 7 feet away from you, you just go with it. When he got bored of me, he stood up (yes, my palms were sweating), pounded his chest, and ambled off. I never could have imagined the intensity or amazement I felt during these moments.
There were several females and one particularly adorable baby who sat close and played around on mom's lap. Overall, about ten Gorillas showed up for our visit. The oldest silverback on that mountain and his son are members. The group consists of about 13 members and is named Sabyinyo, named after the mountain they inhabit. Sabyinyo means "Old Man's Teeth"! The trek took about an hour over the farmland slopes and then through an easily walkable bamboo forest. When the big male decided to climb further up the more daunting slope, bramble covered and full of stinging nettle, the trek became a little harder. However, we were a mix of old and young, and everyone made it no problem. When the goal is to get close to Gorillas, it's surprising how your adrenaline moves you along.
Again, I can't say enough about Rogers, my guide, who was helpful, informative and made me feel like my needs came before everything. Nicholas was again, patient with all my questions and always answered me promptly with clear and understandable instructions. There is nothing to fear in Rwanda, and you will be amazed at these hard-working, friendly and industrious people. The scenery, from the moment you leave the airport, is breathtakingly beautiful. I have zero complaints or warnings about this place. The climate is lovely and bearable (I spent three weeks in Kenya afterwards which can get pretty hot!!).
The only regret I have is that I did not book two trips up the mountain. I was worried about altitude and acclimating myself to the area so I booked a day off to begin with (we did the cultural village). If I were to return, it would be for longer, with more treks. The money from the permits to meet up with these glorious creatures goes to protecting their habitat, keeping poachers away (no incidents for the past 15 years I'm happy to report) and medical care of the Gorillas if need be.
The Rwandan government has good incentive programs to employ ex-poachers in the tourism industry to encourage them to move on to better lives, which I thought was excellent. One of the greatest characters at the cultural village was the resident "poet" who was an ex-poacher turned entertainer, and was an absolute delight. I asked him how his life had changed, leaving his old ways and doing good things now, and he said he has never been happier.
Overall, I can truly say this was one of the best experiences of my life, and certainly the highlight of a wonderful trip to Africa. Asante Sana to all of the folks at Gorilla Trek Africa, and if I get the chance I will surely return to this magical and enchanting country. Kwaheri na Kukuona Guhonda!!
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding experience with Gorilla Trek Africa
My husband and I have just returned from a trip to Rwanda and Uganda organized by Nicholas at Gorilla Trek Africa. Right from the initial inquiries about cost, itinerary, logistics etc. Nicholas answered all our questions promptly and provided information we had not thought to ask. Wiring the deposit and final payment was no problem, in fact the money was received in 2 days from Canada.
Rodgers, our cheerful, informative driver and guide was excellent, providing us with enough information to make our trip interesting, educational and fun. He generously shared his impressive knowledge of the history culture, traditions, birds and wildlife of each area we visited. His driving skills, for those of us who are nervous passengers, are excellent and we felt safe at all times. We are still in awe that he could drive and spot lions at 1/4 mile away. We had asked Rodgers to take us to a local orphanage and he took us to Ruhija orphanage where we were entertained by the children. They are in desperate circumstances so we were glad we had an opportunity to help with clothing items and a donation.
We chose the moderately priced accommodations and were delighted with each lodge we stayed in. Two of the lodges were solar powered, charging stations and wifi were available in the common area. All the lodges we stayed in were set in the most magnificent locations, snuggled up to a crater lake, the heart of a wildlife park, nestled against misty mountains, etc. The people working at the lodges were charming and helpful, as were all Rwandans and Ugandans we met along the way.
The gorilla treks were challenging (we are in our late 60's) but there is not a more exhilarating wildlife experience on the planet than gazing into the amber eyes of a huge silverback or playful youngster. Anyone reasonably fit can make it as the guides set a pace so that hikers are not exhausted. Porters are available to pull you up the steep bits and carry your gear for $10 which is much needed income for the community. We really enjoyed the Golden Monkey and Chimpanzee treks as well, not quite as challenging a climb.
Anyone contemplating a trip to Rwanda and Uganda will be rewarded with stunning scenery, warm and friendly people and magnificent wildlife. Go, it is a life changing experience. Thank you many times over Nicholas and Rodgers.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beware - Unilateral changes in Itinerary, last minute flight changes, hotels not reserved
We booked a 10 day safari to Kenya and Tanzania followed by 4 days in Zanzibar. We were a group of four. Upon arrival, we were picked up at the airport and transported to our hotel, only to find out there was no reservation for us and the hotel was full. This required us to move to another hotel (much inferior in quality). The next morning, a representative of Africa Remote met us and indicated that the payments we had made one month earlier were still being held by their credit card agency and we would have to pay for the night's hotel plus US $160 (cash) for that day's entrance into Nakuru Nat'l Park - but that they would refund the money to our credit card. This they did but because we are not American, we do not travel with a lot of U.S. cash. We were told the money we paid should soon be available and everything would be O.K. Not so. When traveling from the Masai Mara to Amboseli Nat'l Park, we passed through Nairobi and were told the same representative needed to see us again. This time, were told we were required to pay the entrance fees into Amboseli - another $160 cash. Our U.S. cash reserves were getting very low at this time. We were assured everything would be O.K. once we crossed into Tanzania. The next day when we met our Tanzanian, guide we asked if all fees were paid. His response was that we were to pay the entrance fees for the parks. It took him over an hour to clarify our situation with the Nairobi office, but still we had to pay the entrance fee to Tarangire Nat'l Park. All these fees were eventually refunded. This is when things really started to go wrong. On our drive from Tarangire to Ndutu Tented Camp, our guide received a text message from the office that advised him to stop early at a 1 star (at best) roadside hotel until he could complete some necessary banking the next day. In other words, our accommodation at Ndutu had not been reserved or paid for. We wasted half a day at this hotel with absolutely nothing to see or do. The next day, we set off again and had to wait over 2 hours while our guide completed the banking. This resulted in a very late drive over some questionable tracks after the sun had set. To say it was nerve racking is an understatement. On our way out of Ndutu, it was obvious that no accommodation had been booked for the night. We had paid in advance to stay at the Rhino Lodge but ended up in the Bouganvillea Lodge (very pleasant, but cheaper) after our guide had a heated exchange with his office. What a surprise in the morning when we found out we had to pay for the night at the hotel ($186). That day was our flight to Zanzibar, which, at the request of Africa Remote, we had paid $280 each in May of 2015 - we were told it was necessary to pay early because the flights sell out. We had asked for the flight itinerary and when we passed through Nairobi were told that we were flying Precision Air at 1:15 from Arusha's domestic airport. At 9:00 a.m. we finally got our flight itinerary. We were now flying Fast Jet at 12:30 from Kilimanjero airport - over 2 1/2 hours driving away. They had booked us at the last minute on a Low Cost carrier (the tickets cost them less than $124 each -in other words, they made a lot of money). Our driver drove at breakneck speed to get us to the airport. We made it to the check in counter with less than 2 minutes to spare. Then we found out our flight not only had a 6 hour layover in Dar es Salaam, but we were charged luggage fees for each flight segment (another $ 70). Upon arrival late in the evening in Zanzibar, there was no one to meet us as had been promised. We made our way by taxi to the hotel listed on our itinerary (Pongwe Beach Hotel) only to find, once again, that no reservation had been made. Fortunately, the manager was very accommodating, had room for us and said he would work everything out the next day. He got an e-mail in the morning telling him to expect our arrival and "customer to pay". In other words, they had not paid for this hotel either. The manager tried to contact Africa Remote by e-mail and phone but had no luck. We ended up paying for this hotel for the three nights we stayed ($600). Pongwe Beach Hotel is a gem! Pongwe Beach even arranged our transfer and stay at our next destination in Stone Town. Africa Remote ended up owing us a considerable amount of money. It took them almost a month to process a refund. We are lucky because we had the resources to weather this situation. It might not be so for other travelers. Even though the two guides we had were excellent (Simon in Kenya and Hamza in Tanzania) the front office ruined this experience. We wasted time in hotels, while they were banking and sitting in an airport departure lounge. They caused us far more stress than any other trip that I have taken - and I have traveled to over 90 countries. I would never recommend this company!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
incredible experience for Safaris and Zanzibar holiday!!!
me and my friends a group of 6 peoples in January, we booked Serengeti safaris and beach holiday in Zanzibar. The Roadside services are really amazing!! since the starting point of our planning all arrangements were quite excellent. Safaris Driver Guide James was really helpful and provide good explanation about animals and plants. we had good time with Massai cultural tour. Our safaris were not too expensive compare with other companies that we sent request before so we decided to visit stone town and had lovely relax in Nungwi beach Zanzibar island. Highly recommended Roadside Tanzania!!.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
exceptional adventure and wildlife, an unforgettable trip
Simply put it was out of this world,we travelled with(Landside adventures and safaris ltd) who helped us plan this trip,where to go,were to stay,meeting our budgeting etc.I can not thank them enough for their help and patience as we worked on different agendas and pricing.When we arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport were we met our friendly guide Maxon who took us to the Kibo palace hotel .The next day to the mountain Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route 8days our mt.guide keddy was told us pole pole is a good pace no hurry in Kilimanjaro until the roof of Africa Uhuru peak, I had a good team lot's of food, good mt.equipments.I had very high expectations and they were well exceeded. Serengeti NP,lake manyara NP and Ngorongoro CA I have never forgot it a great migration of wildebeest and zebra's! And finally Zanzibar island were we enjoyed a lot at Nungwi beach. Once you go to Tanzania you will want to go back every year!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The company is among the best tour company in Tanzania, i like their services so much
They have people who can speak different languages, so its easy for any people coming from different parts of the World
Their price is also affordable