US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Russell Corbett
I did not have a lot of luck. It was very dry on my visit except right at the lake. I got good shots there, but ate dust most of the day.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Nairobi National Park by Nancy Wambui Michuki
It was okay..
Everytime l could see the City from a distance. It sadens me tht the animals always have to adjust to humans..
All in all not bad!
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Nxai Pan National Park by Anouk de Sloovere
Lodge was not so spectacular.
Drivers can not go of road so you don't get to see much wildlife (we didn't)
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Addo Elephant National Park by Elizabeth
We did see elephant’s, and the bbq was outstanding. It was difficult to see the animals since the park is so dense with brush.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Kruger National Park by Brenda Poland Willis
Kruger seemed a lot like Yellowstone National Park in the States...a lot of people, and it was very crowded even though we were not in the peak time.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Lisa van der Hoek
Lake Nakuru is beautiful, specifically because of how non-tourist focused it is. Most animals were seen from quite a distance. The park is a Rhino sanctuary, but don't expect these big fellows to cross the road in front of you. After a long day, we eventually found a group a couple of 100 meters away from us, which is magic on its own.
Seeing the animals actually be free; very few cars, roads and lots of freedom; is a great experience that one should not miss.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Hell's Gate National Park by Stefan Hoextermann
Great for cycling or walking
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Could be managed better
Been visiting for over 30years and standard of accommodation, staff professionalism and efficiency, road infrastructure, game counts drastically changed not for the better. Went to Addo this January 2023 and faith in game reserve management renewed. If Addo can manage and do it well...COME ON iMfolozi-Hluhluwe pull up your socks. Your email responses are sadly reflecting your disinterest in fixing what needs to be fixed
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Amboseli National Park by Hugo Cools
Climate change is hitting this area, riding through a graveyard due to drought.
Kilimanjaro in the background is nice though.
QA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Went in with apprehension - came out with happy memories
We had friends who had an amazing experience through this company so we booked with them. Just before we left, we had other friends who toured with them who had a nightmare experience with this company. Through reading all the reviews, it looks like it is very hit and miss whether your experience is good or not. Simon, the operator, was extremely friendly and helpful during the booking phase, but as soon as we had paid the deposit, he then dropped off the face of the earth when we tried to bring up our concerns over our friend's tour. He also didn't respond to our friend's attempts to communicate their disappointment. We eventually got a little bit of reassurance, and as we had already paid a hefty deposit we decided to go ahead. In the end we were glad that we did. We had an amazing time.
Safari:
We loved their guide James. How could you not. He is an amazing guide who we got to know fairly well due to his lovely friendly and open nature. He has excellent English and a good sense of humour. We really appreciated his relaxed approach to our family dynamics and he was happy to make the experience whatever we wanted it to be. He is obviously a knowledgable and experienced guide who knows how to give tourists what they want. We learned many, many things about the animals, the country, the people and the language (as well as sharing family stories!) We were really happy with the whole safari experience and were delighted that we had no problems with the landrover vehicle as the terrain gives these vehicles quite a beating! The shock absorber did fall off on the way to the airport on the last day but James dealt with it quickly and efficiently. The fact that he has mechanical experience would be a huge plus in these circumstances.
We had absolutely no issues with permits or paperwork (which we were concerned about going into the holiday) and we were extremely thankful that our safari experience went without a hitch. If you are booking with them, ask for James by name.
Communication:
As you know we were concerned with the sporadic communication (after we had paid our deposit because leading up to that time all of our enquiries were answered extremely promptly). I was a little put off by being asked for payment within hours of making the tentative booking (and being reminded by Simon twice over the next few days i.e "Hi , have you made the paypal payment yet?") This is probably what compounded my concern over communication stopping after I made the payment. There turned out to be extenuating circumstances around this particular time but in reading through other feedback on the site, this is not something that has been a one off. Many people have commented that this has been a problem in the past and for future bookings, it may be worth Simon putting the time into changing people's perception of his trustworthiness and reliability. This would surely help his reputation and give people more confidence in booking with him in the future.
Accommodation:
Was lovely . We were super impressed with all of the accommodation. We really appreciated having separate rooms to sleep in from the children - a bonus that we weren't expecting for the entire trip.
The first night in Arusha was good except there were dogs barking all night long (somewhere near the lodge) and we got very little sleep.
The lodge looking over the crater had the most awe inspiring view and the staff at all of the places were really helpful and friendly.
We were pleasantly surprised at the standard of the camping experience. As by this stage 3 out of 4 family members had upset tummies (!) we really appreciated the inside, flushing toilet. Hot showers were a bonus
Our last night in Manyara Lodge was just breathtaking. We were one of only a few guests (as we were in all of the places) and the staff looked after us really well. The family loved the beautiful pool area in such an outstanding setting.
I think we were incredibly lucky to have had no big issues during our experience. For anyone looking to book with this company, I would say 'may the odds be forever in your favour'.