US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Enthusiastic, welcoming, and customer-oriented- absolutely incredible trip management!
I contacted Santaviva on short notice (less than a week) for a gorilla trekking 1 day trip in Mgahinga National Park last month. At first, given the timing of my trip and requirements, I wasn't certain whether I'd have the chance to go Almost immediately Ivan responded, with information about logistics, availability, and answered every question I had about what to expect on the journey. The price he quoted was well within my budget and far lower than all of the other tour operators I contacted for both Uganda and Rwanda. Ivan's candidness and experience made me comfortable booking without hesitation! Website was easy to navigate as well, and the trekking permit arrived right on time.
The day before my tour was to begin, I was taking a public bus from Kigali, Rwanda and was somewhat delayed. It was quite nerve-racking thinking I might not make it to the border before closing time, but Ivan gave me detailed instructions on how to optimize my time and I was able to make it just before the gates closed. Am extremely grateful for his above-and beyond customer service here and his guidance- he was waiting for me at the border crossing ready to go back to the hotel right away! Accommodations at Santaviva are comfortable and spacious, with a private bathroom, lounge and built-in restaurant (excellent Rolex and tea for breakfast!) Went to bed excited for the day ahead.
The day of the adventure, Ivan drove me through the verdant Kisoro countryside, pointing out local landmarks as well as the impressive Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura volcanoes. He walked us up the hill to the trailhead and gave me plenty of tips of what to expect in the Gorilla's domain. The trail to see the Gorilla family in Mgahinga passed through thick brush at times and was somewhat steep, but absolutely manageable within 1 hour. The experience seeing a family with two silverbacks, adult female, juveniles and even an infant interacting, playing with each other, feeding and showing affection was absolutely BREATHTAKING and perhaps the highlight of my two week East Africa trip! It was everything I had dreamed of and even more.
Upon return from the hike around 12:30, Ivan drove us back directly to the border and sent me off with a fond farewell, allowing me plenty of time to make the bus back to Rwanda and my flight home. I cannot recommend him and his company, Santaviva, enough for their efforts in allowing me to have the smoothest, most enjoyable experience possible! It was truly awe-inspiring in every sense of the word, and I was most impressed with the hospitality and attention to detail him and his family showed me during my brief time in Uganda. Will absolutely recommend him for any size group or trip if you have dreams of a fantastic wildlife safari, Gorilla or otherwise, in the region.
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari
We had an amazing safari and our guide was very professional. The accommodation was good and the journey from Nairobi took about four hours. Out on the safari, we got to see all the animals you simply have to see – a magical experience. I can highly recommend Martin as a contact person – very customer-focused and helpful
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari
The 5-Day Selous and Mikumi Adventure was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we left Dar es Salaam and began our journey to Selous Game Reserve, everything was perfectly organized. The boat safari was a highlight, with hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Our guide was knowledgeable, and the game drives in Selous were filled with elephants, buffalo, and even wild dogs. The walking safari was one of the most exciting activities I've done in Tanzania. Mikumi National Park was equally stunning, with incredible sightings of lions, giraffes, and elephants. We thank the Shengena Adventures team for their service and hospitality!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Wonderful Time!
My family and I were shown our beautiful home country by Mr William. We learnt about the history and geography of different areas during our journey. Thank you for a lovely tour.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
He is truly An amazing guy
For me the price is less than what I have expected and yet I got the amazing trip ever.He is on time and he make sure we enjoyed our stay and got the best experience ever.Hope to comeback soon for Serengeti tour with kima adventure.Big up and keep being a good person.For me what you’re doing is a calling because you do it with all your heart 🙏
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Extreme jungle experience
It was a particularly unforgettable African experience. I would never have imagined it to be so exciting and fun before coming here.Special thanks to my guide, Caleb，he is really a very clean-lovely boy, very sympathetic, and very responsible person.He made my trip more secure and enjoyable, and he also took me to see a lot of animals. I quickly collected the African Big Five, which is really unforgettable. I hope everyone chooses a reliable team and a friendly guide.
MY
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
fantastic!
Is a very memorable trip with jungleroam safari! Will definitely recommend to my fren !will come back again once I save enough money 😘
MY
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
"The tour operator was professional, attentive, and made the entire journey smooth, safe
The tour operator was incredibly thoughtful, with excellent hotel arrangements and a knowledgeable guide, Johnny Jackson, who skillfully tracked animals and always found the best spots for us to observe and take amazing photos
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
perfect
Excellent value for money, good hotels and camps offered (the ones at Masai Mara and Serengeti are excellent). Drivers always looking for the best opportunities to spot animals and with safe driving. Susan, always available and ready to answer both during the organization of the trip and once you arrive in Kenya, an added value.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Ol Pejeta is a beautiful park!
We saw many wild animals. Everything was excellently taken care of by Hagyko. Our driver/guide Harrison drove fine and could tell a lot about the animals.