FI
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari of a Lifetime, September 2024
How did our planned safari (10 days, two countries, several national parks) go? When traveling such vast and differing/difficult areas it is almost guaranteed that not everything go as planned. Having said that, we must say that our safari went 100% as we thought it would! Once there was a public demonstration in Kenya, where the only passable road was blocked for a little while. But our driver Jason still managed to keep the schedule by shifting some priorities. One time the car had a mechanical breakdown on the road, but the driver managed to get help quickly from a nearby village. After an un-scheduled stop we continued our trip, one experience richer. At one lodge the place was over-booked, but next day we got the boarding we had originally paid for and the Safari planner reimbursed us after the trip. Overall arrangements and flexibility of IFS safari operation was excellent and really working package.
How well did the pre-information (what you pay for) keep its "promise"? Our goal was to see and experience as much the Wild Nature of Kenya & Tanzania. Our expectations were met and exceeded by a wide margin! We hoped to see for example few lions, maybe even far away. We got to see 57 different lions on this trip, some almost touching our car. We saw very rare occurrences, thanks to our more than excellent Kenyan driver Jason. He really knew this stuff and was an excellent animal ”hunter”. We saw things we won’t ever forget. Also, his knowledge of the animals was above and beyond the call of duty.
The lodgings were mostly great or what was told us beforehand. To pick some small shortcomings is unfair. The opposite is more true, some of the places we lodged were magical and four stars anyway. Let’s also remember, these places were in the middle of the undeveloped bush in some cases. They still held high standards.
The parks. How good were they and how well did we see animals? We arrived in the dry season, actually towards the end of the dry season. One must always, when planning the trip, take these things into account. The animals are not in a zoo, not for the traveller. We were lucky to have a true professional guide (in Kenya). He knew beforehand what we are going to see next. It was most exciting and enjoyable. The dry season is different from rainy or wet season. Both have good and bad sides. Our dry season was dusty as hell, but you got used to it. We also were reminded how the wet season might be also difficult (we once got stuck in the mud pool with that Land Rover). We literally saw thousands of animals. From dawn till sunset. In some cases we saw animals before dawn and heard animals after darkness. We saw animal in the distance, in the sky, in water, everywhere. One of the surprising detail was that while in the national park, you do not get out of the car, the stop-over places are rare and you must realize that most of the day you spend in the car. So, getting along with other travellers might be important. To conclude: we saw more animals we had ever expected, we saw more different animals we ever expected. And we saw animals do things that we will never forget.
How did the communication work between our safari manager Fiona and us? This is an important aspect of the trip! All of the cases when we contacted her she responded in a minute or less and was always ”on the ball”, managing our problem what ever they might have been. She was 10+ problem solver and truly interested in our situation. This was great to realize early on. That you could trust on her. We wanted to keep her informed so she would know how things were going. This worked so well on both directions.
How was then the safari cost compared to the promises/setup? We thought we got a great deal! Yes, it is not cheap, but it is not too expensive either. It was just right for us, 60+ years old travellers, not always wanting to sleep in sleeping bags. Younger persons might want a budget trip. Fiona was good and honest at suggesting to us a mid range package. I think is was just right for us.
Were there any negative things? Yes, few minor difficulties, like me having a two-three day typical stomach disease. Also, the overbooking on one lodge was a disappointment, but that thing was fixed on the next day. Overall, there were no ongoing problems on this safari.
The summary: The Safari we experienced was an experience of life time for us. We can recommend Fiona wholeheartedly. If I were to use Finnish school grades (4-10) this trip was 10-, because we Finns never give anything ”10”. PS: Don’ leave to this trip without GREAT binoculars. It is a mus for safari, more important than a camera!
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The safari was great, we had a great 3 days.
It was the first time we did a safari and it was our travel planner who chose Kimgoni for us.
His choice was very well made.
We spent 3 great days with our 2 guides Moise and Antony.
Moise spoke French quite well which was great because our level of English is very poor.
We were amazed, we were able to observe lots of animals in their natural places.
On the program of our safari:
- Tarengire park
- Ngonrogo Crater
- And Lake Manyara.
Despite the fatigue we had a great 3 days.
I highly recommend Kimgoni.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
1 day gorilla trekking
we just concluded our one day gorilla adventure with scb tours and travel. our journey started from Rwanda Kigali with one of the best guide who made the three hours journey very amazing. everything from the road transfers across the boader was well arranged and very timely. we arrived on time at Bwindi/Rushaga sector
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
"Innocent" - is the man who can make it happen, and goes out of his way to ensure your needs first!
The dates we wanted to go, all the flights were sold out for Tarangire National Park & Ngorongoro Crater (2 days / 1 night). However, Innocent from Faithfull Adventures, made the impossible possible! Kudos to Faithfull Adventures and to have such a resourceful thinking outside of the box asset on their team (Innocent). Out of the Big 5, we were blessed enough to see 4 of them up close and personal in just 2 days (Ngorongoro Crater is a MUST). Additionally, where all other tour operators we almost charging double of the price, it becomes questionable as to what we might be in store for. This, again was put to rest by Innocent and the entire experience Faithfull Adventures put together for us.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Almighty Kilimanjaro got us to the roof of Africa
I went on this eight day Lemosho Kilimanjaro track in October 2024. There were 8 people in the group, including my mother, myself, our brother-in-law and three nephews. There also was a solo hiker from United states that went with us. This was an exceptional trip and could not be matched. I’ve had altitude sickness in the past, but the guides for this trip were expert with altitude sickness, and nobody on our trip experienced this.We did see several people being helicopter’d off the mountain due to this, but our group leaders at Almighty Kilimanjaro knew how to acclimate us for the journey. I cannot imagine a smarter or better equipped group as Almighty Kilimanjaro.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Safari Experience
My friends and I had an amazing safari tour with Incredible Africa Adventures through Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti. It was well arranged since our first day till our last day of the tour.
We were able to see many elusive animals, all thanks to the experience and persistence of our driver and guide, Joseph.
It was an unforgettable experience, I can’t recommend them enough!
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I love ❤️ this service especially Trip Driver / Guide Solomon was awesome 👏 he’s good supportive
I have traveled on Nov 1st to 3rd 2024 through this axis Africa safaris agents/ company .. very good support and they given with very good package for 3 days masai mara trip .. during this trip Driver/ Guide Solomon was awesome person and very knowledgeable about this trip , he will speak very good English.. thank you so much solomon and Axis safaris team.. I Will strongly recommend this for anyone interested to book masai mara trip.. compare other agencies this one within budget .. they won’t change extra cost compare other trip agencies as per my experience… thank you 🙏🏻
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional tour operator providing perfectly organised tour with excellent guide
Very professional tour operator from first contact to end of the tour, with excellent and punctual support in the organisation.
The tour itself (11 days with guide) was very well designed, we really enjoyed the perfect organisation, the amazing lodges and the delicious food everywhere we went (also special dietary requirements were taken into account).
We had a very knowledgable guide with whom we felt very safe in the long drives and everywhere we went, and who always provided explanations about the fauna, flora and geology of Namibia. Thanks to him we were able to learn so much about the country and enjoy things we would not have noticed had we travelled alone. We were able to spot all wildlife we had expected to see...and much more beyond that.
With Blue Crane Safaris we had an unforgettable holiday in Namibia and would definitely travel with them again next time in Namibia!
LB
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Understand our needs, professional, comfort and caring.
We went to the Nairobi National Park with Khalifa and we appreciated how he made sure we would spot the most animals, especially the lions. When he spotted he was even more happy then us. We had a good time and I recommend this TA.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding experience from start to finish
We were recommended to use Tanzania Choice Safaris by a relative - and they were absolutely right! Communication with Brenda was friendly and professional. She crafted a bespoke trip for us, including time on Mafia Island to spot whale sharks, and was very patient with our shifting dates! We were lucky enough to have co-owner Kakasii as our guide and benefitted from his experience and deep knowledge. This was our first time in sub-Saharan Africa and our first safari experience. It was every bit as memorable as we'd hoped (for a 'round' birthday). We were looked after and always felt in safe hands, wherever we stayed. Kakasii kept in touch with our airline to make sure our luggage - which sadly didn't arrive with us - was in the accommodation on the second night. Saw all the Big 5 across Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti, plus some snorkelling and relaxing by the beach. Thanks for the trip of a lifetime!