Fascinating!
A few extra happy days in my life... With Nick -- our guide, highly professional and considerate -- and three charming Italian girls -- Monia, Constanza, and Silvia -- that safari tour turned out an incredible adventure, all of us feeling safe under the care of Nick. And it was a terrific company! Thank you goes to all of you, and Christine, without her wonderful job all that would be just impossible...
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The last bit of Africa from childhood dreams
I have driven nearly 60,000 kilometres around Africa through 32 different countries. Nevertheless, it is the Turkana region that still stands out in my mind. This area is the cradle of humankind. Not only have some of the earliest humans been found here, but also the oldest complete human skeleton (1.5 million years old). In some strange way, the place just feels like home. The surroundings are ever changing, but always rough and unspoiled. Very much like James A. Michener describes the Khoikhoi (San) people in Southern Africa in the first chapter of his book "The Covenant", the Turkana people are, to me, the true Africa, along with the Masaai. They are, as you might expect, barely clothed, unable to speak any common language and largely untouched by modern ways.
We drove unsupported, stacked with supplies and fuel and, according to some, a great deal of courage, through the Turkana region from the border with Ethiopia. For some 700-800 kilometres we didn’t come across a mechanic, supermarket or petrol station. We camped in the bush, found leopard tracks where we slept, spotted a cerval cat eyeballing us from a hill and watched the largest group of camels that I had ever seen. The terrain is, unfortunately, not ideal for spotting a lot of game, or perhaps that was just due to the drought. Nevertheless, we saw hartebeest, eland, duikers, bush pigs and a few other animals. Huge termite hills are dotted all over the landscape. And it was here that I was witness to the most astonishing African sunset I have ever seen.
Do realise that by travelling through this region you are representing a world that the people who inhabit it do not know. A modern world. Do not give into begging, for it kills any entrepreneurial spirit and causes people to lose their dignity and traditional values. Instead, trade with them so they can learn and explore the world beyond their dry savannah. One Turkana man, about my age (early 20s), came up to our vehicle and properly saw himself for the first time in our side mirror. That, to me, was the Africa as you imagine it in childhood dreams. Unfortunately, in the most accessible parts of the continent, that world no longer exists. Tread lightly, but never stop exploring.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Kenya by Jeffrey de Visser (The Africa Expedition)
Kenya, along with Tanzania and to a lesser extend Uganda, offer the best safari experience on the continent.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Safari
A few years ago we went on safari, but were very disappointed, because we didn't really see anything. When we intended to plan another safari, friends told us about Ute and Roho Ya Chui. They had been very happy with their safari so we gave it a try. Ute listened very well to what we want to do and see and out came a truly amazing safari. Everything was fantastic, accommodation, routing, the animals we saw and the service provided by Ute and the lodges. It was wonderful and we want to go again! Back home we heard from others, that they didn't have the trip we had and their financials were excessive!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Local Operator, Extremely Knowledgeable Guide!
After contacting many different operators in Kenya for a Masai Mara safari, I chose Bushbuck because they were timely in their responses, very friendly & cooperative with sorting out the logistics & booking, and offered a very reasonable price. After meeting our safari guide Joseph we knew we made the right decision! Joseph was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife, plantlife & ecosystems in & around the parks, as well as the people, culture, government, business environment & history of Kenya. We had a very informative Safari and learned a lot about Kenya in the process. All of the accommodations were wonderful & they did a great job to ensure that we felt safe & secure throughout the whole experience. They even made restaurant bookings for us in Nairobi on the last night of our trip so that we could have a feast before heading off to the airport.
For the curious safari goers wanting to learn about the wildlife & ecosystems in the parks as well as more about life in Kenya Bushbuck will be a great choice for a tour operator. Plus it is locally owned & operated so you know you will be supporting a local enterprise!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Up close!
I have wanted to see the African wildlife since I was a child and eTrip Africa helped me realize my dream. They took my list of species I wanted to see and designed a trip just for me and my husband. It would have been a nightmare for me to try to do it myself - not like travel in Europe and other places. But they did it painlessly for us and cheaper than I think we could have managed. The wildlife was incredible! We had great drivers/guides who knew so much and managed to find everything I wanted to see and get me close enough to really get a good look. We took 2500 photos and almost all are great. Some may even be National Geographic quality! I can't wait to go back again. We spent about 14 days and it was the most incredible thing I have ever done!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent operation and tour guide
The entire operation was easy and effortless. All were open to questions and concerns. Hoppy, our tour guide, was great. Sleeping accommodations were good and Hoppy arranged several good restaurants for dinner. He was extremely knowledgeable and quickly established a positive relationship with the seven of us in the group. We had great success getting our photos of the big 5 and many other animals and birds. Hoppy was always getting us in terrific positions for a clear line of sight. Our "walk" was fun and informative. Kudos to the rangers for providing a great time.
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable, concerned, easily contact.
I have everytime got a good response from Bushbuck to my wishes. I have asked for a special tour and help with bookings and transfers, sood car and trustwothy drivers and I have got it all.
The only complyn is that the car the last time did not have good securitybelts for all the passengers.
Otherwise i am absolutely satisfied with everything.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Experienced & flexible meeting individual wishes & needs. Perfectly organized basic style safari.
Accomodations and itinerary were 100% arranged following the client's expectations. Over the complete 14-day-trip Bushbuck constantly took care of the individual needs of a family (incl. two teenage boys) while also enabling them to experience Kenyan wildlife and landscape in an intensive way - far above average. The safari style was authentic and basic but - due to a recognizable experience out of many years operating such tours - perfectly fitting the expectations we had. Expert personal guide/driver/staff made unique experiences possible. Perfect arrangements for ambitioned photographers etc.
I loved this experience
It has been for me a fabulous adventure in the midle of the wild life.