FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ken showed up drunk twice during our safari
Although Uganda was lovely and a highly recommended destination, unfortunately we finished our safari with Bushmemories with a feeling of a relief. During our 10-day tour, Ken showed up completely drunk on two mornings, putting us in an uncomfortable position as the trip was already fully paid and we depended on him. Moreover, his organization was already a bit erratic before and during the trip, and overall we did not feel we got a great value for the money we paid.
The first situation took place in Fort Portal, his hometown, where Ken showed up 2 hours late for our morning departure, drunk and with a bleeding wound on his face. The second situation took place on the last day of our safari, when Ken showed up at 6:30am with a drink in his hand and barely able to stand straight, and without enough money to pay for our hotel, fully refuel the car or provide a lunch for us (although at this point we preferred anyway to arrive as soon as possible to our hotel in Entebbe and be free of him). He never apologized for his behavior, and we didn't feel secure enough to confront him. We were grateful that our driver Johnson was an extremely responsible and dependable person.
Before the trip, he did not give us a clear payment schedule, instead asking (with urgency) for different amounts at random moments. He changed the price relative to the original quote mentioning a change in the rate for gorilla permits, and tried to reuse this same excuse again later to increase the price further. On multiple occasions we started the day from driving around town to run Ken's errands that could have been easily taken care of the previous afternoon, as we usually finished our days early.
We requested a program that would not be too packed (also for budget reasons), but we were disappointed to realize that the last two days of the trip we were mostly confined to our hotels with no activities planned. Several items on our itinerary called "experiences" consisted of looking at something (tea plantation, long horn cows) from the car with some explanations from Ken. Having paid more than 200 USD per person per day, and having stayed mostly in budget accommodation we would have expected something more.
We did enjoy our holiday most of the time and loved what we saw in Uganda, but Ken's behavior was completely out of line and inexcusable leading us to leave the reviews to help other travelers make better choices in the future.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experience that exceeded our expectations
Parks visited: Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro.
My friend and I booked this trip to celebrate my bday as I'd always been keen to do a safari in Tanzania and it was amazing. The team for the safari, the people, landscapes, food, and the animals were all greeeat. It was a 6-people group tour, we found out who the other 4 people were once we arrived to Arusha, but it was a match! Our guide (Julius) and cook (Nixon), made the trip a wonderful moment too. They were both really arranging, both for finding the animals that interested us and for the choice of food. You wont be disappointed by the food (even if it consists of +/- the same elements every day, the sauces they make are delicious).
We slept in tents for the nights between the Serengeti and Ngorongoro game drives and the fact that you sleep in tents close to/in the national parks is an experience on its own! Not because you couldn't do it anywhere else, but because you go to sleep or wake up and there are all sort of wild animals around! (which you don't get in Paris, where we live). We even had a toilet-blocking elephant for a day who was eating up all the trees around our tents (luckily none fell on top of our tent). It also gives you the chance of looking at the animals for longer than in the game drives and take some more pics 😉
We managed to see the famous "big five". I don't know if it's because of the period of the year we visited (oct 29-nov 6), but there are cubs of all animals everywhere (so expect to see baby animals around). We loved photographing those cuties!
The parks are all different. Although people say that Tarangire and Lake Manyara are similar, the distribution of animals is different and you get to see more Baobabs in Tarangire. Serengeti definitely needs a visit of at least 2 full days, the place is huge, and the more time spent there, the more chances of finding leopards and cheetahs (there are less easy to find than lions)! Ngorongoro is magical, but it is definitely colder than the other parks (so don't forget your warm clothes for when the sun isn't there).
We had to stay over a whole extra day in Arusha before our flight back home (just because the flights were cheaper ^^) and the people from Cubs Exp. were super arranging for that too. The price is excellent for what you get and Tanzania is a perfect place for a first safari!
Our final message to all the people we met: Thanks for the experience, we keep a warm memory in our hearts!
US
Amazing experience, start to finish
My husband and I had the best experience, from booking until the end of the safari experience. Novatus was so communicative, responsive and helpful throughout the entire experience; which was important for us being unfamiliar with going on a safari. If we get a chance to do another safari, we will 100% book through Tanzania Pilgrimage Safaris.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
We could not be happier. First rate company and experience from the planning to the amazing safari.
Quite simply our experience with Ro Scavenger Safaris was amazing from beginning to end.
I sought quotes from 8 companies for a moderate budget. The dates we were looking at were in mid October which is a good time to visit, a little less expensive yet before the rainy season.
Ro Scavenger had excellent reviews, was the most reasonable and was a local company, which was important to us. And so I began a conversation with Silas who listened to our desires and concerns and planned our 8 day safari. He is knowledgeable and his responses were always prompt and helpful and he modified our original plan to accommodate changes for hotels and to add a night in the north Serengeti to hopefully see the tail end of the migration. A risk but we were lucky. The final itinerary included Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti for 3 nights, and Ngorongoro. We were in three hotels and four tents camps. We loved the tent camps which were quite luxurious, with comfortable beds, and really added to the experience. I was also pleasantly surprised when I realized we were getting a private safari - great value for the price. A much better deal than the one a friend purchased through an overseas tour group with six people per jeep.
The safari more than lived up to our expectations and for this we give thanks and a special shout out to our driver and guide, Michael. Michael went out of his way to ensure we were well looked after and our experience was memorable. He was friendly, knowledgeable and kind. We saw so much and learned so much from him. Eight hours in a range rover simply flew by. During our safari, we saw herds of animals up close, witnessed a lioness chase a warthog, wildebeast migrate across the river and a crocodile drown one.
Finally, even though we were on a moderate budget, the accommodations, hotels and tents, were excellent as was the food, which was usually a buffet. The vehicle was well-maintained and comfortable.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great value, great service, great people.
I did a 3 night safari to Kruger National Park, and stayed at Sabie River Bush Lodge. Norman, the owner of Nhlalala Travel answered all my questions quickly and made the organization of the trip easy. The tour guide, Khongi, was fantastic—knowledgeable, helpful, friendly—he made sure everything went smoothly. The accommodations were great value, the Park was full of wildlife, and the best surprise was the Panorama route, with spectacular rock formations and mountain views.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A safari is a must when in South Africa
We visited Cape Town first and stayed close to the new V&A development. Lots to see and do and lots of restaurants with superb mall. Moved to Hermanus and watched the whales frolicking in the sea just off the shoreline. No boat trip required. Then off to Kruger National Park. Private reserve in north of park called TOMORROW. Fantastic experience. Only 8 individual luxury units so only 2 tour cars. They share safaris with neighbouring private reserves and they all radio each other to get everyone the best experience. Our guide Gareth was unbelievable. He was friendly knowledgeable and spotted a lioness in the dark at over 30m away. How? No idea!! We saw all of the top 5 except Rhino. We saw a pride of lions just after they had hunted down a buffalo. Leopard being chased by a lioness who just climbed to the very top of the tree until she gave up. Gin and tonic out in the bush at sundown perfect. Food was gourmet level. Staff were outstanding. Thoroughly recommend this reserve for a fantastic time. We stayed 3 days 2 nights which was enough perhaps because Gareth enabled us to see the elephants leopards buffalo lions and cubs giraffes jackals hippos impala’s masses of different bird species and most importantly we did not have to queue at any time to watch the animals in their natural environment. Gareth was also very mindful of the environment we were in and took care not to intrude on the animals
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly
Zim was such a great experience. The people and culture are just wonderful and the landscape is so varied from lush greenery to Victoria Falls to a beautiful safari and sunset cruise on the Zambezi. We really look forward to going back soon!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Capturing the Experience
You listened and captured our unknown desires for this trip. You created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Expedition is for those that want to really connect. It is for those seeking adventure. You understood that we wanted to be connected to nature, not be around a lot of people, have an austere experience in the bush yet with luxurious accommodations. We could not have imagined how well you would nail our preferences. Beginning with our travel to the camps. The flights and helicopters were filled with excitement and expertise. We felt well cared for with each transition.
Onto the Delta, African Bush Camps are magical – from the staff to the landscape to the animals to the accommodations and especially the guides. Just wow!
Our placement at Expedition was the perfect way to start our adventure. Expedition makes you feel alive!
Noah, our guide and Witness the second guide were knowledgeable, welcoming and wonderful to safari with. They made each day feel as if it was their first day exploring that area. Their knowledge and welcoming spirit made them fast friends. Noah's knowledge was unbelievable. He spent time on the flora, fauna, birds and the beautiful traditions of the people in Botswana. We were completely impressed with Noah, Witness and the staff at Expedition.
You also knew that we would want to be there for three nights and four days. I recall pressing you for more and you encouraged me to take your recommendations, and you were right. Our transition to Leadwood happened at the right time. We relaxed and enjoyed the diversity from Expedition to Leadwood. Bonda our guide will forever be in our hearts and will remain a friend for a lifetime. Bonda, who is from the local village, made it feel as if we had a secret guide into the backyard playground of this area. He was respectful of the land and animals. He shared the traditions of his people. His laugh is contagious! He did a great job supporting and teaching Mumzi, one of the trainee female guides - who did a fabulous job, as well.
When I asked if I could bring things to the school kids in the village, African Bush Camps went the extra mile to help facilitate all aspects of this request. Due to your efforts, we were able to support the school in a myriad of ways that they needed. We were impressed to learn the lengths African Bush Camp goes to support the area communities. Our support will be continued going forward.
The lodges were beautiful, the staff caring and the experience wonderful. We will be back!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5 star experience with this tour company
I just came back from Tanzania and booked Kilimanjaro climb and 6 days safari in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater.
What can i say? WOW!!
This tour company delivered everything i expected. The organisation was on point, all the guides and staff were very profesional and friendly. They made everything they could to deliver the best trip of my life.
Thank you Meru slopes!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent, patient, efficient, knowledgeable, great listener.
If you are thinking about visiting Africa, don’t hesitate. Do it as soon as you can and choose Chalo to arrange your trip. My friend and I just had a month visiting Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana and had the most amazing time imaginable. The whole thing was phenomenal and I’m so glad I did it. Going on safari is unlike any other holiday you will have in your life, you will remember and cherish it forever. It is worth every cent. Smita (and Malvika) were a pleasure to deal with, organised an amazing itinerary for us and we couldn’t think of a single thing that could have been done better by Asilia in particular, and also Ker & Downey in Botswana. Such a high standard of accommodation and service from the wonderful staff at all the camps, excellent food and every day was an adventure. Can’t wait to go back and can’t recommend Chalo highly enough. Thanks again to Smita for getting everything 100% right and making our safari dream come true. Wow, wow, wow!