EE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
the best you can get out there
Nico was our driver and he was absolutely great. Was willing to go the extra mile for us, no complaining, he had all the time very positive mindset and what’s most important - he had very good knowledge about all the animals and plants in the park! Couldn’t have wished for a better driver for those 5 days. Car was clean and very nice as well.
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience
We had a one day tour planned, packed with many activities starting from Nairobi Park, Elephant Nursery, Giraffe Center and finishing with Carnivore. The driver, Koikai, was super nice, informative and flexible. Our kid liked him a lot!
QA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nature at it's finest
Being part of the wildebeest calving season was an unforgettable experience. John our guide ensured we witnessed not only the births but also the dramatic predator-prey interactions. This safari was perfectly planned, and the staff’s dedication made it truly special!
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extremely nice and flexible under unplanned factors
Marya and the whole team are very professional, nice and well organised. They arranged our tour very fast in the last minute at a convenient price and had no trouble re-arranging part of it when I got sick during the first part. I would totally repeat with them!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I&S turns every destination into an unforgettable adventure with their creative itineraries
Our trip to Zanzibar, organized by Isles & Savannah , was nothing short of extraordinary! They curated a perfect mix of premium comfort and authentic local experiences, making it a trip to remember.
Staying at Tiwi Blue was an excellent choice—beautiful, serene, and ideal for traveling with a baby. The amazing lunch hosted at Mora was a thoughtful touch, showcasing their impeccable taste and consideration for family needs. They even went the extra mile by providing a room for our baby’s nanny, allowing us precious moments to relax and connect at the beach.
The water activities and sundown dinners were simply magical, reflecting their deep knowledge of the island and their ability to offer the very best. When our baby had a small accident, their swift organization of immediate care was nothing short of heartwarming—it was like it never happened!
If you're looking for a tour company that knows Zanzibar like the back of their hand and goes above and beyond for every guest, look no further. They truly made us feel cared for and gave us memories to cherish forever
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Kilimanjaro trek with Tuliza and Spirit
I did the Lemosho route to Uhuru summit solo. Originally planned to do 7 days, but agreed with my guide Tuliza to do it in 5 days if I was able to acclimatise and therefore have more time in Zanzibar at the end of my trek. I did do it in 5 days and Tuliza and his team were fantastic - great communication, information and problem solving from Tuliza and great food from the chef. Would thoroughly recommend Spirit and Tuliza in particular. It was a great experience generally and doing it in January with no rain and a clear summit every morning maximised the experience.
Note: one piece of feedback would be improved communication ahead of the trek, including with respect to how I could pay the balance - I had to pay the balance + 6% in fees a few days before the trek because I paid via card. Had I known this earlier I would have made arrangements to withdraw cash (& withdrawing such a large amount on vacation in Tanzania is not easy).
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Friendly, personalized, reliable, and prompt service: the way to arrange the trip(s) of a lifetime
We took a family trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana last October. As expats, living in Africa for a few years, this was not our first safari trip, but was the first to these countries. Initially, we tried to book through another agent at another company, but we got embroiled in a dispute over pricing and policies. The lodges we wanted to stay at were advertising multiple discounts that could be combined, yet our original travel agent was claiming that she could only get one discount, but that we had to book with her, even though we had not signed a contract or paid a deposit.
At that point I happened to contact Pembury Tours to arrange another trip, based on their excellent reviews online. Anya responded promptly and helped me out with the new reservation, but she also provided me advice and moral support for the dispute about the Zimbabwe and Botswana trip. Not only did she help me resolve the matter with the first agent, but she ended up arranging our trip, got our combined set of discounts, and she became a good friend in the process.
This review is about the trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana we took based on Anya’s arrangements. I mentioned the rocky start already, but that was followed by another round of troubles. One of the lodges Anya had booked for us was partly destroyed in a wildfire (after we booked it). That lodge had to close for repairs and would not be able to honor our reservations. As soon as she found out, Anya called us proactively with news of the fire damage. She offered suggestions, then took our preferences, negotiated with other lodges in the area, and managed to get us to stay in a more upscale lodge for no additional costs.
Once the alternative lodging was secured, Anya followed up with information about the trip logistics, offered advice about activities at each of the three lodges, the transfers between locations, tipping guidelines, packing checklists, and the visa and health requirements. We felt very confident that we were in good hands with Anya: she had the information we needed and was very prompt and reliable in providing it whenever we needed it.
The trip itself was amazing. Anya’s advice was invaluable, and her arrangements made for smooth and reliable handoffs from each lodge to the transfer and to the next lodge, whether the transfer was by car, air, or a combination of the two. We had selected the lodges ourselves, but Anya confirmed that they would offer quality accommodations and food, which they did. Because the lodges were in different types of environments, we saw a wide variety of wildlife, land-dwellers, water-dwellers, and an incredible variety of birds. Going from Victoria Falls to the Khwai Private Reserve to the Okavango Delta, we felt transported from one amazing environment to an even more amazing one. The guides provided by the lodges were immensely knowledgeable, friendly, and very generous in sharing their knowledge with us. We could not have asked for anything better.
Following this trip, we have reached out to Anya with additional requests for travel and we have recommended her and Pembury Tours to all of our friends. There was a time when I was thinking how nice it would be to have a close friend or relative working on the inside, in the travel industry. My wish has come true: Anya is that friend, and our African travels are so much more rewarding and effortless thanks to her.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
We were taken care of from A to Z.
From the arrival at Arusha airport, until the departure from it. They organized everything. Everything was very well done. The food was very good, to drink, to eat at will.
The parks were great, we were very lucky to see 4/5 big five and many others! Taken on board the vehicle. Everything was great.
(automatic translation from French)
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Everything was perfect
Very serious company, our guide Norman always present, friendly, expert. Tour very well organized.
Lodge super
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review of Likana Safari in Rwanda and Uganda with Guide Andrew
I recently returned from an unforgettable 10-day safari in Rwanda and Uganda, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime! Our guide, Andrew, played a crucial role in making this trip absolutely perfect. From start to finish, everything was smooth, well-organised, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Itinerary Highlights:
Throughout our journey, we explored the breathtaking landscapes of both countries. We started in Rwanda, where we visited Volcanoes National Park and went on a trek to see monkeys. I liked how the trek prepared me for the gorilla trek.
Next, we ventured into Uganda, we had an incredible gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is something I will cherish forever. The guide, porters and trackers knowledge and passion for wildlife truly enhanced the experience.
We explored Queen Elizabeth National Park and each day was filled with exciting game drives, boat safaris, and memorable encounters with animals ranging from elephants, leopards, giraffes, and lions and their cubs to diverse bird species. Andrew knew all the best spots to maximise our sightings, and his keen eye ensured that we saw everything there was to see.
Service and Care:
The outfit along with Andrew’s attention to detail and genuine care for our comfort made all the difference. He was always punctual, ensuring that we never missed an opportunity. His patient and friendly demeanor created a warm and inviting atmosphere. It felt more like traveling with a knowledgeable friend than a guide.
We were provided with delicious meals and lovely accommodations during our travels.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, my 7-day safari with this company was a seamless blend of adventure, education, and relaxation. The diversity of wildlife and stunning scenery in Rwanda and Uganda are truly unparalleled, and having such an excellent guide made it all the more special. If you’re considering a safari in this region, I highly recommend seeking out this company . You won’t be disappointed! This trip has left me with memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you to both Bonny and Andrew, for an amazing adventure!
Price: Unbeatable!
The value for this safari was truly exceptional. Also, as Canadians, we're accustomed to tipping for excellent service, so we made sure to express our gratitude to everyone who contributed to making our trip memorable, including the porters, trackers, and guides. Their dedication and expertise genuinely enhanced our experience.
