35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
4 Day Rwanda Tour - Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, and Lake Kivu
Organising our tour through Africa Adventure Safaris was extremely easy and they worked with us to develop a full programme that timed in perfectly with our other travels. Given the time difference between Uganda and Australia, communications from Africa Adventure Safaris were always timely and they provided the answers or information we were seeking. Our tour guide, Enos, greeted us at Kigali airport and our first impressions were great. He was very friendly and throughout the tour courteous and willing to go out of his way to do anything for us. We were very comfortable with him. He was highly knowledgeable and took us on what can only be described as an absolutely amazing tour. 4 days was definitely not enough time to travel from Kigali to Musanze to track gorillas and golden monkeys, then down to Lake Kivu to experience such as a beautiful and relaxing place. The vehicle we travelled in was new, clean and comfortable. The hotels that we stayed at were all excellent and much better than we expected. The food was fantastic also. The trip went perfectly smoothly and we had no issues at all with the service. All of our expectations were surpassed and Rwanda is an amazing country to visit.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Experience in unspoilt wilderness
The whole trip was very pleasurable and well organized. We were met at the airport by Tony the MD making us very welcome. Our trip was mainly to Kidepo national park, the journey was long and the roads were bumpy in places but well worth it. Our guide Hamid kept us well informed about the places we drove through and the wildlife we encountered along the way, as well as expertly keeping the vehicle on the road. Our accommodation at Nga'Moru Wilderness Camp (don't let the name fool you) was very nice given its location right on the edge of the park - very effective solar heated shower! The highlight was Hamid tracking down a leopard one afternoon even though it was hiding in some long grass. Most days started and ended with brilliant game drives in the national park itself. We fell in love with the place and we highly recommend Speke Uganda Holidays as nothing was too much too much ask (well delivered).
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
You cannot go wrong with Safari Infinity
Full disclosure: we knew Sam and Lucia Kombe personally before coming to Tanzania, which is why we had no problem putting our safari experience completely in their hands from day one. We requested semi-luxury accommodations and a taste of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, but other than that, we just brought our luggage and open minds and let Simon and Lucia take care of the rest, which they did with great knowledge and sensitivity.
One thing that sets Safari Infinity apart is the quality of their guides. An experienced guide himself, Sam understands the importance of employing only the best talent, treating them fairly and respectfully, and trusting them to make informed decisions in the field. This makes a huge difference. We met several of Safari Infinity’s drivers, and talked to them about their studies, experiences, and passion for the bush; and every one was imminently qualified and filled with humility for the nature of their profession.
Fasal was our guide. More than just an excellent driver (the roads can be treacherous), Fasal was an able mechanic, a scholar of native flora and fauna, an expert tracker, a master of languages, and a keen and patient observer of behavioral patterns, both animal and human. Fasal was sensitive to even the slightest indicator of discomfort, be it dust or dehydration, and moved swiftly and deftly to rectify the situation. He was playful and fun and always set you at ease. Furthermore, nearly all the other drivers knew him, and greeted him with a friendly and sincere respect.
Below is the itinerary of our safari: a short but sweet four-day, three-night affair.
Day 1 > Arusha > Tarangire> Ngorongoro Farmhouse.
Day 2 > Karatu > Serengeti > Kati Kati Tented Camp
Day 3 > Serengeti > Ngorongoro > Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Day 4 > Ngorongoro Crater > Arusha
Lucia also arranged for us to spend a weekend in Zanzibar, which was absolutely fantastic.
Lucia and Sam are truly dedicated to providing the best service. There were many “special treatments” we thought we were receiving because of our friendship, only to learn later that they do these things for everyone! Our trip allowed us to see a bit of the operational side as well as the client’s point of view, so we can attest to how hard everyone at Safari Infinity works (sometimes into the wee hours of the morning) to make everyone’s trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were constantly amazed at the extra acts of kindness that they offer, not only in service to their clients, but in giving back to the larger community as well. You cannot go wrong with Safari Infinity.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Namibia by Alec C.
The landscape is so varied in can be like travelling through three countries in one day, the wildlife and scenery are fabulous and the lodges are generally excellent.
Fantastic safari
From the moment we were picked in Johannesburg, we knew we had chosen the right tour operator. Hoppy, our driver, was caring, very knowledgeable about wildlife and looked after us very well. We stayed two nights in the Kruger National Park and one night at Mohltabesi Private Lodge. Our safaris were brilliantly organised and we were fortunate to see many species of wild animals close up and beautiful birds in abundance.
We would thoroughly recommend Wildlife Safaris. At every stage we had personal attention and felt well cared for.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best experience ever!
If there truly is a vacation of a lifetime, our Journey Beyond safari was it. Journey Beyond was the key difference that turned our adventure into the most exciting, beautiful and unforgettable experience ever.
First off, we never once had to worry about any of the travel logistics. Journey Beyond took care of everything. There was a Journey Beyond representative at the airport gate literally walking us to the front of the custom line, picking up our bags, making sure our hotel rooms were ready. We even enjoyed a beautiful dinner at the owners home. With all the VIP attention we were getting, we had other travelers wondering why we were so special.
Moving on to the safari itself, Journey Beyond made great accommodation recommendations. We chose the Singita Lodge. The lodge staff knew well in advance that we will be celebrating my wife's 50th birthday. She spent her birthday like no other. Turning 50 never felt so good. The entire lodge crew came out to sing her happy birthday. Our safari guide surprised my wife with a white linen draped table with champagne and treats at sunset right out in the middle of the bush. Seriously, I almost thought I heard the theme song to "Out of Africa" at that moment. Returning from the afternoon trek, dinner was already set up for her in our room with decorative flowers, rose petal bubble bath...on and on. You just can't get better than that!
We consider ourselves well-travelled, but Journey Beyond makes every effort to ensure your vacation goes beyond your expectations! For us, they succeeded beyond a doubt!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A lifetime experience.Thanks to a superior services from World Tours and Safaris
World Tours And Safaris run an outstanding safari tour operation.The quality of service is superior and more personal customizes the safari to a client’s expectations, World Tours And Safaris arrange quality safaris with knowledge of the national parks and reserves, the wildlife, informed guidance of a safari expert,knowledgeable and well trained safari guide that's what you will get from World Tours And Safaris.
US
Great (lovely but cost-conscious) accomodations selected by safari operator, and OUTSTANDING service
My daughter, grandson and I arrived to unanticipated heavy rains that required NRS to make daily changes in our itinerary, which they did so effectively that we saw everything that we had planned to see, safely and in clear weather. I also left my passport and credit card at one of the hotels and they were able to schedule things to that I had it back in my hands within a few days. Our driver/guide was quite pleasant, very knowledgable, and made extraordinary efforts to make our safari all that we had hoped for. I recommend this company without any reservations whatsoever. Call me for verification of this review.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Personal attention with surprising added extras and an eye for detail!
From our initial e-mail correspondence, follow up phone calls, up to our arrival with my 7 American Guest, that had a Huge expectancy from their Very first SA Bush experience, to me, an experienced guide and been exposed to the industry to many, it all was all very detailed and professional, and although we knew exactly what the detailed and informative program held for the upcoming few days, yet, as from our arrival, we were spoiled with little extras of detail, from the detailed bush knowledge from our personal guide and host, (The Game drives, sundowners, walks, bush interaction, snacks on board, etc!!) to our amazing spread of interesting meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner), prepared by our own amazing talented chef! In one sentence, an truly one of a kind unique Bush experience that brought us right to the touching distance to nature as it should have been, but with the luxuries and oversight of an expert owner/host/guide, that has been in this industry for years! It is Owner run, and it shows, in a Very Positive way!! Well done Moriti Private Safaris! Keep it up!
CZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
7 day Namibian highlights - Exceeding all expectations
Hello,
I generally don't write reviews or very short ones but this tour was clearly worth an exception...
We did Chameleon's 7 days Namibian highlight in April 2014. We selected this tour for 2 main reasons - firstly, you get to see some of the North and the South without having to go back through Windhoek or staying too long in Swakpomund... Nice to see it but not that an interesting place - for us- so 1 night was just great.
Secondly, we weren't sure if we were up for a camping tour and this accommodated tour, being priced extremely competitively compared to most of the campings one, comforted us in our decision.
In all honesty due to the pricing we expected pretty basic facilities but we were wrong, very wrong.
First of all our guide, Morne, was extremely good - local, very knowledgeable, curious about his country and sharing his findings, also curious about his customers, friendly, smiling, helpful, funny and a great cook - quite important as about half the meals are prepared by the guide possibly with some of your help (optional).
The truck (up to 12 people, we were between 7 and 10 depending on the legs of the trip) offered good visibility to all - notably a great forward one (not common) and a lifting roof - great for game drive. Truck was clean, well maintained and handled well the gravels roads (most roads are gravel). On some days, the driving time is quite high but the comfort of the truck, the explanations from the guide and the unbelievable, dramatic and often changing sceneries make this longer drives ok.
As they say - a hungry tourist is an unhappy tourist. Chameleon and Morne made sure we were well fed. Food was good, well cooked and in quantity. When not cooking, provided meals (by accommodations) were also very good.
Finally, last but not least, the accommodation was great - this is were we had expected pretty basic facilities but not a all. All accommodations were clean and comfortable. The great surprise were the 2 permanent tents (part hard build, part canvas... Closer to a house than a tent)... The one near Etosha can be opened up onto the nature... And best of all the desert camp in the south. First class with breathtaking views of the surroundings mountains and desert. Just great.
We had some great game runs in Etosha - saw quite a lot of animals including Rhino, Hyena, Lions, Giraffes, Jackals, Baboons, and a whole bunch of grazers. We also got to see more predators but in captivity (not releasable) such as lions, leopards, cheetah, wild dogs, ...
Our guide was very knowledgeable on encountered animals, and detailed material was available.
The drive through Damaraland and the coastal desert from Etosha to the skeleton coast (Swakpomund) was quite long but you get to meet some local tribes and the scenery is impressive notably if you have never driven in a desert.
Swakopmund is a nice one night break to have some seafood and a good night sleep with a lie in (All other mornings are pretty/very early starts).
The drive from Swapokmund to the desert camp is great with astonishing and ever changing sceneries - this was a beautiful drive day.
The last step of the trip is the national park of Namib-Naukluft with Sossuvlei, Sesrien canyon and mostly Deadvlei. The famous "orange" Namib desert. We got to walk up the highest (big daddy) dune with was finally quite easy to climb as our guide ensured we were there early enough to handle the heat.
Much more info on the content of the trip is available on Chameleon website but what we really wanted to point out is the quality of the equipment, facilities and guide as well as the great value for money.
We were fully satisfied with our choice and it exceeded all expectations and would recommend this without hesitation. Some younger and older travelers were also on our tour and all seemed satisfied by provided facilities and rhythm of the tour.
Thank you Morne and Chamaleon,
Michael and Lenka (35-40 year old back/flash-packers)