US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Safari Best Option for Your Budget
I had booked this Safari with two friends of mine after looking into a variety of other options. We had read the reviews, but weren’t sure what to expect. After completing the safari, I can honestly say that I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a budget friendly yet rewarding safari. We were picked up from the airport and taken care of very well. Our driver had over 20 years of experience and entertained any questions we had. Not to mention, he would consult our group on the best angles for photography— needless to say he was excellent.
We saw a cheetah take down, three lions in a tree, a rhino and tons of other wildlife. There was an option for a sunrise photography session, which was a priceless experience. The hotels and meals were included and were great quality. Our vehicle was in good condition and cleaned every day—even while in the Masai Mara.
Overall, I would recommend this safari to anyone who is looking for an incredible safari experience while still trying to spend conservatively. It was a great trip, one that I will never forget.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!
We used this company to book the mountain gorilla portion of our Africa trip. The trip was flawless, we always felt safe and cared for, and they took care of everything pertaining to the actual gorilla tracking. The hotel they chose for us, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, was incredible and special. I would recommend this company to anyone wanting to go to Africa to track the gorillas!
Fantastic Safari Arraned By Makasa!
After a couple months of research by my husband, we decided to work with Makasa Tanzanian Safaris for our trip this summer. As many people say, a safari in Africa will probably only happen once, and there's a lot of pressure and questions about how to 'get it right'. We spoke at length via Skype with the owner Selma - told her our main goal was to see as many great animals as possible, and to stay in tent cabins. We didn't want to stay in luxury lodges, although all the tents, whether in the 'bush' or not were amazing! I will be reviewing them separately on Tripadvisor. Back to Selma. My husband was so impressed that we were speaking to the owner (along with her husband Ngomi), and that she took the time to really listen to us and help us craft a safari that would achieve our trip goals. They send you an itinerary that includes pick up at the airport (at 2 am!!!), and details about each day and each night's accommodations. In fact the first morning we had a delightful breakfast with the two of them as they greeted us before we took off on our adventure. We went to national park preserves: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, three nights in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. We were wonderfully and ably guided by David for the entire trip in a huge Toyota Landcruiser with a pop top for easy viewing and photography. The guide is key. David had worked for the company for several years and was amazing. He was a phenomenal driver (you have to be - he wound up helping several stuck drivers). At each park he told us he couldn't promise what we'd see, but he always had a 'nose' for finding all the great animals, and was able to identify and tell us all about the trees, birds and lifestyles of all the amazing creatures we saw. And boy did we see beautiful creatures. We were blessed with good cameras, but David is blessed with the ability to find them, get us in good position and often with no one else around. In fact, because we both had long zooms, one night he went into a town and had bean bags made for us to be able to better position and steady our cameras. Now that's above and beyond. If I could give Makasa 10 stars I would.
Helpful notes: Although Makasa will send you a very nice 'before you go' doc, here are my words to the wise:
Bring 1's, 5's and 10's in US dollars dated 2009 or later. Dollars are widely accepted and the TZ sterling notes are not needed. No need to get your visa in advance. When you arrive there's a window before you go through customs. $100 cash for US Citizens and $50 cash for all others. Bring cash for a tip at the end of the safari for your guide. Bring a good camera. You'll be happy you did. Each person should have their own binoculars. It makes spotting and observing extra fun. Don't dress like Steve Erwin - it looks silly. You probably won't be fighting thru the bush - you'll be sitting in a nice vehicle. Wear comfy clothes for warm weather - although it gets chilly at night. Embrace DEET. It's only for two weeks and its a necessity. Really. Get your Yellow Fever shot at Walgreens. Its expensive but the so-called 'travel doctors' are a rip off. Ask your doctor what other medicines to bring or shots to get. We also got tetanus and Hep A. We brought along prophylactic drugs (not rubbers).
And most important: Book your safari with Makasa!
ML
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Adventure, Great Food, Great Fun from Windhoek to Vic Falls
My wife and I went on the 9 days Windhoek to Vic Falls trip with guides Manni and Jason. We had a great time. Communications from Wild Dog leading up to the safari and during the trip were great - we felt prepared before setting out and had no issues finding information on the website or through emailing with Wild Dogs (Memory). The camping gear was great and kept us warm in near freezing weather and the food was excellent. The knowledge of the guides was much appreciated and their contacts at the camping sites ensured that we were comfortable and taken care of. I would highly recommend this trip.
NL
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Flawless vacation
We're just back from a tailor-made safari and golf vacation in Tanzania.
Makasa organised a tour just as we wished, including a day of golf.
According to Murphy's law always something has to go wrong , but this time the law was not applicable.
Everything was perfect. Perfect organization, perfect guide (thank you Humphry), perfect weather (25 degrees and sunny), no mosquito's, no health troubles.
We saw everything we wanted to see (animals and yes, even the Oldupai gorge) and had a great last day of golf with Ngomi.
(For golf players: Safari and golf is a perfect combination. Who can say he/she played golf in Tanzania!).
Excellent Safari Package
Excellent Safari Package
Thanks to Kikwetu Cultural Adventures for a safari well executed. My husband and I together with our two children had a 7 days trip to Kenya in the month of April. This was our first time in Africa. At first we never knew how to go about the safari planning until we came across Kikwetu. Kenneth was quick in replying to our mails and within a short duration he gave us a perfect itinerary at an affordable cost.
The safari was well organized and the driver/guide was charming and professional. We enjoyed our safari very much and the seven days seemed very short. We will use this company for our future tours in Kenya. We recommend Kikwetu to you and be rest assured that you will get the value for your money.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
PERFECT
I used this company many times and every year it was perfect and better.
The owner know very well wildlife and the best places for to find game.
He loves nature.
All is the best for a nice wildlife safari trip!
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience, proffesional & dedicated staff
First the booking-period was very pleasant and comfortable. Every question I asked Memory was quickly and satisfiable answered.
I spend 19 day's with Wild Dog Safari's and it was an experience I will never forget. I did a combination tour with three different guides and assistants. The guides were extremely dedicated to me as a guest. Nothing was to much to explain and both the guide and the camp assistant worked their butt of to cook, help with the tents and with everything they could to make our travel comfortable.
During the game drive they gave me every opportunity i needed to switch my lenses. I have a 600mm telelens and it takes some time to switch it but that was no problem. The guides went the long mile to provide opportunities to see game or other beautiful things.
We encountered two set backs. Two car breakdowns due to the bad roads in Namibie. The second costs me the visit to the minevillage and the afternoon in Swakopmund. It was compensated by paying the tours I booked the next day in Swakopmund but I lost the opportunity to by gemstones which I was really looking forward to.
During the 9 days tour to Zimbabwe the tents were packed in the bus in stead of the roof of the bus. And some guest took way more luggage with them then according to the guidelines. As a result the sleeping bags had to travel in the cabin which way decreased our space in the bus. Wich such small space in the bus the long drives are not comfortable.
But overall a very pleasant and professional organization. Trips fantastic organized and if I had to choose again I would go for Wild Dog Safaries in a second.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional customer service
The friendly and knowledgeable personnel made my family's first time stay memorable. My only regret is spending only 2 days with them. I am looking forward to another opportunity to visit Zambia.
With Ilmaasai you make your safaritrip a very personal experience
I spent 4 months volunteering in Arusha (dec13/march14) and did several trips with the little company of the two brothers Loth and Philip. It was my aim to find a good and trustworthy company to organize trips for a lot of volunteers. At first they all went to the big companies. I didn't want that: I wanted the spent money to be supporting local people and local economy. With the Ilmaasai's I was on the right spot. A personal touch, a friendly conversation, always karibu sana when you drop by at the cosy office in the park. Just good folks, that you can rely on.
If you go for the brandnew jeep or the flashy add-on's, go to a big company; if you want the real thing, with an excellent guide and a superb cook (Godson & Saimon were our hero's!), go with Ilmaasai and go to the campsites and not the expensive ridgelodges.
And say hi to Philip and Loth from me!