IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kenya with Kenya walking, great experience!
I visited Kenya in June first week with Kenya Walking and undoubtedly it was a great experience. Not only where are safaris amazing but the guides were extremely enthusiastic and helpful. I would also like to recommend Jacob who was our cook for the entire tour. I would go to the extent of saying that his food was far more delicious than our buffets in luxury hotels. Mr. Otieno was very helpful in suggesting us the best places to visit in our limited duration trip. Except a few organizational level issues(which i think is very common), there is nothing I can complain about. Overall it was an amazing experience! Cheers!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
More than a dream come true.
I had planned our first trip to South Africa for more than a year. The adventure began at Madikwe Game Reserve. Would reality live up to expectation? Three days at Jamala Lodge exceeded everything we hoped for. The luxury, the impeccable service, the extraordinary food, and the incredible game viewing was everything a dream could be. We saw all of the Big 5, plus so much more, on our game drives -- elephants, buffalo, lion, both white and black rhino, giraffe, zebra, and an amazing array of all the antelope and deer that South Africa has to offer. We had a leopard walk by so close to our vehicle that I could have reached out and stroked its back. Equally amazing was sitting at the "sofa safari" on the deck of the lodge and watching this same array of wildlife wander down to the water hole. One morning at breakfast, a pride of five lion visited the water hole; one evening a leopard. Our final morning was capped with a visit by a white rhino at the water hole. Our first morning at the lodge began with an incredible roar of a lion awakening us at 3 a.m. Jamala Lodge, even though the price may seem expensive at first glance, is truly a bargain. An enormous chalet with bedroom looking out at the water hole, a beautiful bath, a plunge pool and totally private outdoor shower, a fully stocked (and included) mini bar, two three hour plus game drives a day with the best tracker one could hope for, and amazing food every day, throughout the day. All alcohol was included, and surprises every day with specialty cocktails presented at the end of an evening game drive. Madikwe Game Reserve, and Jamala Lodge will give you memories to treasure for the rest of your life.
Amazing experience
After starting our South Africa trip in Cape Town, Addo Elephant National Park was the first self drive safari we did. It was an awesome experience. We had the possibility to get realy close to giant elephant. But there is a lot more to see. We didn't see any rhino, lion or leopard, but we did see a lot of warthog, zebra's, buffalo, kudu and a lot more. It's a giant park, but it is not busy at all. This gave us the real safari feeling.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about South Africa by dfross
South Africa provides everything one could hope for as a safari destination. Incredible beauty, both driving to and from the game reserves, as well as at the game reserves, and a diversity of wildlife that is beyond any expectation. The people of South Africa were so friendly, and English was spoken everywhere. Never once did I feel unsafe.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Authentic wildlife and photography safari in Ruaha National Park Tanzania
In the short time I was there we had an amazing safari, wildlife experiences and photography we're key on my list. Totally living up to my expectation's in every way, Wildlife Connection a conservation initiative with Paul and Hannah was really impressive. The concept of human and elephant conflict with local farmers to protect these magnificent animals is awesome and a must see while you are there.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best vacation ever (with a few glitches!)
An African safari has always been on my bucket list, as well as my mothers, so we were both excited for this trip. Noah was great in preparing our itinerary, which we changed numerous times to fit our wants. His communication was excellent; he was always prompt in replying to our questions (remembering that he is halfway around the world!) All of the lodges he selected were superb!
Our trip did not get off to the best start, as there was no guide to meet us at the airport (there were about 100 other guides there though!) A gentleman at the airport was able to call Wildebeest Safaris for us, arranged a cab to our hotel (which Wildebeest covered), and confirmed that our guide would meet us at the hotel the following morning. Our guide, Dennis, was there early, and we left by 7:30am. Two of the first three police safety checkpoints stopped our vehicle, questioning the condition of the tires (they were worn out) but let us proceed. The roads in Kenya are terrible, and sure enough, a couple of days later, we had two flat tires within an hour (both rear tires). Luckily most safari vehicles carry two spares, so we were able to make it to our lodge in Maasai Mara only a little late for lunch, and Dennis had the tires repaired by the next morning. Our only other issue was the trip between Kenya and Tanzania. We were required to change vehicles and guides upon entering Tanzania, and there was a mix up as to who would provide our lunch, so no lunch for us that day. Hamsa did offer to stop and get us something to eat, but we had some snacks with us, and figured we could eat a big dinner. (The lodge food was excellent everywhere we stayed!)
Other than that, the trip was fantastic. Both Dennis and Hamsa (our Tanzanian guide) were very friendly and knowledgeable. They knew when and where to find the animals we wanted to see, and showed us many additional things we did not expect to see. They both worked with the rangers and other guides via cell phone and radio to find out where the animals were that we wanted to see, and they were great at making sure each days' game drive offered something different. Hamsa was especially knowledgeable, expanding on our questions and giving very thorough answers. He explained the education process he went through to become a guide, and he seemed to know all of the other guides we saw.
The last day of our trip was back in Kenya (Amboseli NP), and it was Dennis again who met us at the border (on time, and with 4 brand new tires!) He again was very good, planned ahead, and made sure to get us to the airport early (no easy task with Nairobi traffic on a Friday afternoon!)
The safari vehicles had some minor issues (i.e. the aforementioned tires, a broken door handle, etc.) but being 70 series Landcruisers , had certainly lived a rough life. Most safari vehicles we saw appeared similar. Just remember this is Africa - don't expect to be chauffeured around in a brand new Cadillac! The issues we had prevent me from giving a full 5 stars, but I would certainly use Wildebeest Safaris again.
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Safari, Best Team!!!
I found Kanuth Safari on the Internet. It was one of many companies that I had approached. I quickly realized that this is the one - they were responding promptly and prepared an offer perfectly matching our needs. I immediately felt that I was speaking with a man, and not a “name.” Our choice of their company turned out to be excellent - we had a great time during our Tanzanian vacation. Private safari in the Selous Game Park surpassed our expectations. Additionally, Kanuth took care of us in Dar es Salaam, for which we are very grateful to them. We will certainly be recommending Kanuth at all possible Polish travel forums as a company and a person who meets all the expectations of the most discerning travelers!!! Kanuth, Tony and wonderful Nicko - thank you very much for the wonderful vacation. We wil meet in Northern parks soon! Today with full conviction and utmost joy we are recommending you to all our traveling friends! Asante sana :)
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great trip to the Northern circuit
In advance to our stay in Tanzania our intention was to go for a Safari trip, but we did not want to book in advance. So we went to Arusha and asked in the lodge to make contact to a recommended and well known tour operator. We met the staff of Quest Horizon at the lodge and described in a short meeting our expectations.
A tour which exactly met our expectations was offered to us, so we agreed to start on the following day to a private camping safari.
Early next morning we were picked up by our guide (Naiman) and the chef (Joseph). The car was full of equipment for the tour and we arrived well at our first destination. Naiman (holding a masters degree in wild life management) is a great driver and he guided us extremely well through the wild life of Tanzania. Any of our question (we asked millions of questions) was answered and we learned a lot.
During our game drives Joseph stayed at the camp and prepared very health and well tasting meals for us. We were impressed about the quality and taste of food, which we did not expect in the bush.
All in all we can say, that the stay overshoot our expectations and the team of Quest Horizon made a really unique experience for us.
Thank you very much!
NL
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Go book your plane tickets and safari tour, right now!
We had the most wonderful time during our trip in one of the most amazing countries imaginable. South-Africa is in many ways the perfect travel destination with its jaw-droppingly beautiful nature and animals, diverse cultures, rich history, interesting cities and lovely people - and Tailor Made Safaris booked us the best possible 2 week-trip in which we could experience all these things. Although we've only seen a tiny part of the country (which is a bit unsatisfying, we must say), we've seen and done so many amazing things that it's hard to mention only a few of them.... Which is why we're going to urge you to see all of them. Here goes:
- The parks we've seen - Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Tembe Elephant Park, iSimangaliso and Pilanesberg (which will soon be included in the TMS-travel package) for the indescribable (and sometimes very up-close) animal sightings and landscapes, the fantastic guides and delicious braai lunches. The safari-fever is very intoxicating, so make sure you have enough time on your hands and don't miss a single one of the parks, as they are all beautiful in their own way!
- Kosi Bay for the beautiful views and snorkelling, Ponta d'Ouro for the lush beach, the water activities and the sweet dogs you're certainly gonna want to take home with you.
- St. Lucia for the hippos and the hikes (take a walking safari through iSimangaliso, not to be missed!) and a Cultural Village tour, to get an introduction to the Zulu culture.
- Johannesburg for some unmissable insights on the rich and (very) recent history this country has gone through.
Tailor Made Safaris has made these amazing experiences possible and gave us the best service imaginable (with excellent accommodations, guides, tours and even a self-drive package including a personalized book!). We're certainly coming back to see the rest of the country and of course we will then be booking Tailor Made Safaris again. We suggest you do the same :)
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
3 day safari that really only added up to 1 day - promised refund never came!
I booked a 3 day safari to Amboseli with Karibu Safaris. I was told I would be joining a group on their way through from the Masaai Mara and be picked up at 12.00 midday. I was not picked up until 3.30, meaning that the game drive scheduled for that afternoon did not happen as we were travelling til 9.00 that night, and eating dinner almost at 10.00. I was also promised free water and a visit to a Massai village - neither happened. The group I joined had been told they would all get a window seat in the van - my arrival meant that there were 3 in a row on our seat, and we couldn't all stand up at once to do the game viewing when we finally got out into the park for a day. It was a good day, very average lunch, accommodation VERY basic, stinking toilets, 20 mins to get hot water etc The next day after a 2 hour game drive we had to drive to the Kenya / Tanzania border to drop off some of the group. This meant me sitting in the van for 2 hours in various carparks waiting for them to be sorted over the border. Not my problem, not what I paid for. So 3 days was two days driving and the equivalent of 1 day game viewing. Arrived back into Nairobi at 2.00pm - nothing like a full day there either. I asked for a refund, was told that I would be given $50 refund, I said $60 given the free water had not eventuated either, and so was told I would get $60. I sent account details, was told that it had gone to accounts, and now - typically - am not getting any replies to my enquiries. The trip was also run by Bigtime safaris, a totally different company I was just thrown onto. I have been travelling through Africa for 15 years and this was the most disappointing trip - lied to, oversold, bored sitting waiting in carparks while others had their trip sorted out and I couldn't get mine sorted, and then to be promised in various emails a refund only to have that fall by the wayside too. DO NOT GO WITH KARIBU!