US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The expertise and personalized service of Awaken to Africa gave us a fantastic trip !
We were extremely pleased with our trip to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit planned and executed by Awaken to Africa. Grace Evans gives very personalized service in planning the trip, combining her own expertise with that of her partner in Tanzania, David Mshana. Awaken to Africa is both the agent and the operator in country, so you’re not just “handed-off” to a sub-contractor once you get there. The excellence and effectiveness of coordination between her in the US and him in Tanzania is unbeatable. David has 20+ years experience in various types of safari trips. He is a walking encyclopedia on flora, fauna, and birds. (Even if David is not available to be your guide, he has such long experience and network, that I would trust anyone he recommends.) His experience is paramount for the in-country planning. This was especially critical to us, since we were traveling in the off-season, when roads were iffy, etc. Everything was great !
Grace spent a lot of time with me, not just e-mail, but on the phone, to determine our desires, priorities, budget, and expectations. She also addressed and reassured us on all concerns, especially those we had about health and safety, which are their top priority. She also provided examples of how the unexpected can happen on this type of trip and how they deal with that, which gained our trust. This resulted in her planning the trip that was all we hoped for, and went way beyond our expectations. Once we got there and were in David’s care, (and I do mean David’s care because he saw to our every need and concern,) everything was tailored to our preferences. All connections were made, from the moment we stepped into the Kilimanjaro terminal, until we were dropped there at the end, and all of the logistics were perfect.
He was so expert in how to use our time most effectively. Whether it was the last hour before the time when vehicles must be off the road in the national parks (so that poachers can be identified and caught), or the few hours before we had a plane to catch, he made the very best use of the time, or when we had what felt like an extra day that allowed enough time to drive a little farther where we saw the cheetahs ! He scheduled where we went, certainly based on what we wanted to see, but also on avoiding crowds. Yes, we saw the Big Five. He knows where to find them, and it was amazing how he spotted even the small animals. But the trip is SO MUCH MORE than just that. It is the overall experience in the place, which David’s experience just max’d for us. He’s also been in the business long enough, that he has relationship with all of the other experienced guides, and is able to find out real time something like where the rhino is right now! Seeing the migration was a top priority for us. For the time of year, he and Grace knew where the animals would be, so chose our lodging to be most convenient to it. So when we were there and asking if it was possible to “go back to see it again”, we were close enough to be able to do that. Again, it was this personalized service that was really great.
Another plus, was that given that safaris take a lot of time in the truck (which was clean, well maintained, and stocked with our choice of drinks, snacks. It’s also conveniently equipped with charging outlets for cameras, etc.), it’s nice to share that space and time with someone who is just nice to be around. David was so knowledgeable and very fluent in English, so we could have good conversation. He never displayed temper or impatience, or appeared tired of what he was doing. It's also evident that even after all his years of doing this, he clearly enjoys his work, still enjoys looking for the animals and watching them.
It matters that he’s a partner in the agency, so that he, too, cares about the quality of the overall experience, and “repeat business”( and there are groups whom he’s been guiding for years, who moved with him when he joined Grace.) He was so flexible with how quickly we did or did not move when we had stopped to watch animals, or enjoy a view. As he said, some people just check off the sight with “what’s next ?”, and the opposite is photographers who literally sit in one place for several hours. He’s happy doing both, and everything in between. I think that’s a good indication of how personalized the schedule planning and the service are.
One more thing in the course of our planning and on the ground over there, it was very evident that Grace will only operate with those companies (accommodations, activities, etc.) who treat the Tanzanians well, and that David cares deeply for the welfare of the animals. I respect and appreciate this very much.
Heard enough? Certainly from our experience, you can’t go wrong with Awaken to Africa!
50-65 years of age
Review about Botswana by jo.b
We felt safe and well looked after an amazing experience
US
Review about Namib-Naukluft National Park by steveb108
Sand dunes were beautiful, but I come to Africa mainly for wild-life.
IT
20-35 years of age
Review about Botswana by Raffaele Bennoli
I've been also to South Africa and Kenya and there's no story.
Everything here is 100% authentic. Animals look wild like neverwhere.
US
35-50 years of age
US
35-50 years of age
Review about Botswana by JM/CG
We enjoyed Botswana quite a bit during our stay and would recommend it based off of our experience.
Review about |Ai-|Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park by Rachel Dunsdon
Not so many animals in this area, - baboons, ostrich, rock dassies
US
50-65 years of age
Review about Botswana by lita
We spent time in Moremi Game Reserve as well as Chobe and thoroughly enjoyed being able to watch the animals in their native habitat with no fences. We saw packs of wild dogs several times as well as breeding herds of elephants with tiny newborn babies. Looking out over the plains at herds of antelope was really thrilling.
Review about Etosha National Park by Rachel Dunsdon
We were there in the wet season, still plenty to see including lots of new born animals. Advantage was the quiet roads and camps.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The spirit of the leopard was evident in the great care and attention to detail in trip plans.
My friends and I went on our first ever safari with Roho Ya Chui. It was a magical adventure. We were in the Maasai Mara in Kenya which is so beautiful. We ventured out early in the morning each day to have the best light for photo taking. Our guides were so knowlegable and helpful and we were able to explore the small and large wild life that the Mara has to offer. I recommend fullfilling a dream and taking a trip to Africa. Roho Ya Chui is a great way to make that dream come true!!!!!!