35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If I could give it 10 stars I would!
No words can adequately describe the overall experience!
I booked this trip early 2018 with Kathi from African Welcome Safaris. She was professional, responsive and super friendly. She answered my 50,000 questions quickly and thoroughly and she handled all of the logistics beautifully.
The safari itself was an unforgettable experience. Selati Camp was out of this world. The staff paid such close attention to every possible detail. Ashleigh, the property manager, was so professional and kind. Keegan and Donald were our guide / tracker duo and they were AMAZING! SO knowledgeable and fun to spend hours each day with as we tracked game on our drives. The house staff (Lucy, Chef Dick, etc) were one in a million.
There were literally surprises around every corner! Expect unexpected experiences pulled together by the staff literally took our breath away (not going to say what they are to avoid ruining any surprises!). And there were wildlife surprises around every corner - from rounding the corner on our drive to go shopping to stumble upon a group of giraffe, to finding an elusive pair of lions wandering across the road en route to the airport on our departure day.
Like I said, 10 stars out of 5. Must book! I will be going back!
RO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari
We had a great safari with KAMar Safaris which covered 3 Tanzanian's national parks in 5 days (Udzungwa, Ruaha and Mikumi). The guide, Henry, was very helpful, and very safety oriented. We had a very good communication with Sylvia on almost all the trip (two of three accommodation places have Wi-Fi). I appreciated the flexibility of the KAMar Safaris team when we set the trip.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brilliant and diverse safari in Uganda with Gatatu
Five members of a photography club went on a safari with Gatatu. We had very diverse experiences on that trip. We were driven by Stephen who was an excellent driver, very knowledgeable of the area and of the animals. His assistant Leonard was great company who also knew the area well.
To give you an idea; we were met at the airport and driven to a lodge by Lake Bunyoni, tranquil and beautiful. From there we drove to Queen Elisabeth Park to see the animals, elephants, lions, bock and more. Stephen and Leonard had a sharp eye and an encyclopaedic knowledge. We stayed in Irungo Forest Safari Lodge whilst exploring the park. A great place.
Other notable trips included the trek to the gorillas. That was sensational and well worth doing, brilliantly guided by expert trackers. Also we made a boat around the shore of lake Edward where the animals had come down to get water. That was an absolutely fabulous sight and also expertly guided by very knowledgeable people on the boat.
On the 5th day we were delivered back to the airport. There was great continuity in having the same driver. Accommodation was fantastic and very varied. The food was always excellent and no one experienced any problems with food related infections.
I would say Gatatu delivered a fabulous package facilitating all those experiences. It was excellent value for money and definitely lived up to, and exceeded expectations.
I have no hesitation in recommending Gatatu very highly indeed and would definitely return for more!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very good tour operator
We had a fantastic time on our 12-day safari in Kenya and Tanzania. Everything was completely well organized, the accommodations were amazing and the driver guides tried to show us as much as possible during the game drives and, if possible, to respond to our requests. We would always book again with African Paradise Safaris and we can recommend this company to anyone who also wants to do a safari tour.
PE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Strongly do not recommend Faustin's tours
I strongly do not recommend Faustin's tours. On June 1, I deposited 200 US dollars in Faustin's bank account as part of a partial payment of a safari scheduled on July 22. On July 20 I read his email saying that he had to cancel the safari because I was the only person scheduled and it was not profitable for him, he asked me the best way to proceed with the refund. I told him to do it through Western Union. He told me he was going to do it the next day, but he didn't and communication with him started to be very low since then. Then he told me he will go on July 22 in the morning. I called and texted him that day in the afternoon and he didn't reply. By that time I was already in Mikumi doing a safari and I asked my safari guide if he knows Faustin and explained him the situation. Fortunately, he knew him and called him to say that we were going to the police if he doesn't give the money back. Only after that, Faustin gave my money back.
I trusted Faustin because he had overall good reviews and he immediately replied to me when I asked for a quote, but if I would have known what was going to happen, I would have never chosen him to do safari.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I had an efficient and very satisfactory experience with Falcon Services.
My booking was only for a few nights at A Zambezi in Vic Falls, but it was handled professionally and efficiently. We decided to change our booking before we arrived and that too was dealt with quickly and pleasantly.
Our stay at A Zambezi was a very wonderful. Our comfortable room had a beautiful view over the river, the service was exceptional and our breakfast was delicious. If we are ever in Vic Falls again, I will book A Zambezi again.
TH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great service mind
We went on a 3 days trip to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya with Tazama.
This is a newly open company. But I can say, our driver, Anthony, is very full of experiences.
With 12 years of experiences of driving in every safaris in Kenya, our driver knows all the best routes in Masai Mara. We saw a lot of wildlife during our trip. It was one of my best memories in life.
On the way back to Nairobi, the road was full of mud because of the rain. The condition was really bad. We had encountered 6 road blocks because some cars stuck in the mud. But every time, our driver can control his land cruiser and take all of us through the obstructs. He knows all the shortcuts to get us to the city because the traffic is too bad.
In the end, we arrived at our hotel safely and faster than everyone else. We were really impressed by his driving skill and his knowledge of the park. Plus, he still remain calm and happy despite all the traffics, the rain, the 3 days of driving non-stop.
If I ever has a chance to go to Kenya again, I will definitely contact Tazama Holidays. I know I'll never be disappointed.
NZ
Great Tailor Made Safari in Botswana
I came across Safari Lifestyles through safaribookings.com and I'm very glad I did. I corresponded with Roger for several weeks before settling on an itinerary. Roger was a mine of information and was able to supplement and/or correct the information I had researched for myself. The result was that my wife and I enjoyed a superb tailor made safari in Botswana with an extension to Victoria Falls. Thanks Roger - great work!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Magnificent - Surpassed all our expectations
We had a fantastic and special 15 night holiday in Uganda arranged by Matoke Tours.
The service from Matoke was excellent, from initial enquiry to the end of our trip. Communication and recommendations were good, payment was easy and safe and the service provided was at a fraction of the price available to us in the UK for the same accommodation.
We expected a great trip but this surpassed all our expectations. As with all trips to countries like Uganda you need to be prepared for poor roads, long transfers and limited healthcare etc.
All the lodges we stayed at were different and were as we expected. Food and service was very good (although we did struggle with the large food portions).
The food at Mahingo was probably the best. The new managers there were very welcoming and there was a lot to do there in the form of activities. If I were to do this trip again I would have 2 nights there. Bakers lodge was probably our favourite,with the hippos round and about. That said, they were all really really good.
Everything went to plan without any hitches. We were impressed by the schedule...the timings for the activities and transfers were perfect.
We saw so much and Uganda was far more lovely than we could have ever imagined.
Wild Waters was beautiful...we just had a day relaxing there. I think 2 nights is enough as you are a bit trapped there.
Robert was one of the best guides we have come across on our travels. He is a real gentleman in every sense of the word. He was knowledgeable, fantastic at spotting animals, and good at getting us the front seats on boat trips. Robert really made our trip special, we could not have asked for a better driver/guide.
The parks were fantastic, lush, green and we saw tree climbing lions, leopards and hyenas up close. The boat trips were fabulous for spotting birds and crocodiles. The highlight of the trip was the gorilla trek. We got ridiculously close to the family we trekked too. Once in a lifetime stuff.Be warned, don't turn up expecting a gentle walk to see them. The terrain is seriously up and down and some people with us struggled as they were ill prepared and unfit. Carrying your own backpack isn't a matter of pride, employ a porter and put some money back into the local economy.
We had a holiday that will live on in our memories.
I would happily recommend Matoke to anyone who wishes to travel to east Africa and Uganda in particular. It was first class.
RO
Experience of a Lifetime!
Words can not describe how amazing the team at Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate is. From their leader Nick to all of their guides, exceptional cooks and incredible porters, the entire team is amazing. If you want to summit Kili, do it with these guys. They make the experience worry free and they get you to the top. Amazing attitudes that will make you wish the trip would ever end. Thank you all for the amazing trip.