They made me have faith in tour operators ,specifically them
Being the first time I was using a tour operator being abit sceptical in the past,the did everything so professionally and always involving me in everything and not just when I was needed to pay,I really loved the experience,the really did a good job compared to what I would have done for myself .the safari itself was exciting and loving everything that had been set in place matched my desire.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent trip organization
I was please with the service that Alex and the team provided. We were a small group of travelers and a enjoyed very customized itinerary that gave us a good overall safary experiences. The lodges chosen were well organized and the staff friendly. The level of the facilities very high.
I would recommend African Welcome Safaries to anyone who wants a great safary experience.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A real professional organisation with an eye for the client. You will feel you are special !!
We planned this trip for more than a year ago and from the beginning we had a very good connection with Magda Vrijs. She gave us the feeling that our dream could be realised. And she did. Here experience and her eye for the client made us feel special. She helpt us build up this trip and booked the most wonderful accomodations. We made this trip with the 3 of us (2 brothers, 1 sister) and our guide (Meleck John). The experience of the guide and his personality made those safari days unforgetable. This trip will never be forgotten !!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Broken head and eyeglasses, downgraded to poorer accommodation, standard scams with optionals etc...
We encountered:
- one broken head and eyeglasses
During the exit from the 4x4 vehicle at DINE 45, the driver opened all doors that could rotate 180 degrees and did not secure them. The back door curved and hit the head of my colleague who had already come out of the vehicle and then crash his glasses and he got hematoma on his head. This only happened due to negligence of drivers and guides. We have seen other drivers unloading passengers and holdin the doors in place so that a similar problem would not happen.
- downgraded to poorer accommodation
When we booked the trip, they confirmed our stay (2 days) at Namibia Desert Lodge and instead we were in a campsite with no internet in anything that looked like a tent.
- standard scams with optionals
During the trip we went to a lodge where we were told we could go and watch some wild animals in the cage. They did not let us know that we had to pay for it. Only later, they asked us to pay about $ 10 per person. Everybody in the group was surprised and the guide later said he warned us that we could watch animals "only if we want." But he did not say that if we want we have to pay for it and that this activity is not included.
- a minibus that was constantly drowned
They have been late for more than 1 hour when taking over the hotel for the first day. Explanation: Vehicle problem. I do not know what they did in those hours, but the vehicle we were on for 6 days and over 2000 km was a permanent breakdown and it was not pleasant to stay in the middle of the road with a broken vehicle and the first village 100 km away.
- we were stolen money from the minibus while there was no one around the minibus, only the driver
The last day, only a 2 hours before the end of the trip, we stopped at a lodge for lunch. Until then, the drivers (who is also the guide) was always sitting during the lunch and the dinner with us (group of 7) at the same table. This time not. We were alone in a restaurant inside the lodge, there were no people around. The driver moved away from the group. We left inside the minibus a bag with my colleague's wallet. The money was stolen from the wallet: not all the money was stolen, but only a few large banknotes. We realised this when arrived to the hotel.
I asked the agency to give me an explanation on these issues (and many other things I did not even mentioned here) but they mostly refuse responsibility. I demanded a refund and I told them that if they decided to make a refund, that would be to the account of the humanitarian organisation I will indicate to them. I do not want a refund, but someone who has accomplished this kind of service needs to bear responsibility for it. Apart from the agency I will write more reviews on the internet, it is even more a responsibility of the tour operator (SWA SAFARI).
Sorry for my bad english but I will write other reports on Italian and Spanish (my mother tongues).
CZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience in Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. Reliable and helpful staff
We had a great time with Wildlife Oasis Tours. Greatly organized by Humphrey, company manager. Highly recommended!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most knowledgeable and personable person to deliver a fabulous experience.
They surpassed my expectations with everything they did. The had everything lined up from the minute I signed up for the trip. From flight to travel and sleeping arrangements just fantastic.
I saw the big 5 over three days in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. My guid Laurent Samila knew all about the trees animals and safari life. He was able to find all the animals in large groups multiple time. I saw more in the two full days than some people saw in the week they were there. I attribute that to my wonderful guide and the great company he works for. This was truly a life changing experience because of my guide and the great accommodation booked for me through Zuri Safari. I can’t wait to do it again with them.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly Recommended
Thank You Crusty (Darren) for a truly memorable experience. Smooth sailing from the minute we first contacted you, and (despite me perpetually changing the dates) you managed to produce an itinerary that provided excellent accomodation and activities throughout our trip to Cape Town, Kruger & Chobe NP and Victoria Falls. Maybe one day wasted in transit from Kruger to Chobe but this was necessitated by our change of dates - the fewer border crossings you have to make - the better!! Especially liked the attention to detail with our own driver/boatman in Chobe and the superb services of James and Corlia at Senalala. Saw more of Cape Town region with your guides than would have been possible on our own. We have rarely used organised tours before but this experience has shown me what I have been missing!! Many thanks again for a wonderful holiday!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was such a good experience professional team really enjoyed will recommend to everyone
Services are at there best hoping to have you on our next visit
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memorable moments at a fair budget
My safari adventures started in Tanzania. It was nice to see how Martha and John went out of their way to accommodate our requests and needs; especially because we were limited of time, and I was a quite demanding guest. Very attentive to my messages and the planning.
They subcontract Seven Wonders for the safaris in Tanzania; and as an overall experience, I second Jitka's review and sentiment.
Tanzania: safari jeeps (more suitable for the bumpy roads); no glamping here, you will tough it out camping in camp tents and sleeping bags (just make sure they're clean and not smelly); there are cold nights, so, if visiting during dry season, wear in layers. We visited Serengeti and Ngoro-Ngoro Crater. Loved the crater! Saw 4 of the big 5!
Kenya: Better lunches and accommodation than in Tanzania. Maasai Mara was phenomenal! Our tour guide outdid himself in giving us the Big 5! I would recommend Go East Africa Safari aka/Big Time Safari. Great experience for the Budget-conscious traveler!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Uganda Gorillas and Chimps with Encounter Africa
I chose to arrange my gorilla habituation and chimp trekking through Encounter Africa. I was extremely pleased with the professionalism and knowledge of the team I worked with - Chris in bookings, and my guide/companion for 5 days, Patrick. From the first inquiry, Chris was quick to understand my needs and reply with clear responses to the questions posed. I found the booking process to be straightforward and well-documented. Patrick, my guide, stopped by my hotel the night before scheduled pick-up to meet me and prep me for the next day and ensure that he understood my needs and expectations. While there were some long days of driving, the scenery was stunning and Patrick was happy to share his extensive knowledge about Uganda, its' people and the economic, political and social fabric of the country. We met every evening for dinner to ensure that I was properly prepared for the following day. Patrick took care of all of the details with respect to permits, entrance and orientation to the gorilla habituation and chimp trekking which made the experience stress-free and enjoyable for me.
I would not hesitate to recommend Encounter Africa and Patrick, for your tour and safari needs in Uganda.