CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trustworthy care - above and beyond expectations
I met Faustin before he started his tour company as a friend when we were travelling Tanzania & Zanzibar. 14 years later, I still remember his kindness and care to us. My aunt was desperately ill and Faustin found us a doctor in the middle of the night in Stone Town, far away from where we were staying, and waited outside for hours for us, and later, while my aunt was in hospital, took care of me and our other travelling companion. When we left Zanzibar for Arusha, Faustin came with us to the chaotic, crazy, confusing, overwhelming bus terminal and found our bus - which sounds minor - but those that were travelling in 2000 and used that bus terminal can attest to the absolute insanity. And remember, Faustin was our friend - he wasn't our guide - and he took the fast boat with us to Arusha just to make sure we safely got on the right bus in Arusha. When we returned from Safari, days later, as promised, there was Faustin - waiting for us at the bus terminal. And when the taxi driver accidently took off with my aunt's luggage and camera in his trunk, it was Faustin who found him for us. We are still friends to this day and I simply can't imagine a better vocation for him than tour guide. I would recommend him whole heartedly - based on what a wonderful friend he was to us 3 Canadians.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
You won't be disappointed with Tanzania Choice Safaris
I have had the opportunity to go on safari with Tanzania Choice Safaris twice. The first time was in June 2012 and then again in May 2014. It doesn’t take long to see that Kakasii loves what he does and wants to be sure you have a wonderful experience. He is attentive, willing to share his knowledge and was very patient as we took dozens of pictures.
I really appreciated all of the pre-safari communication and help in planning the itinerary and preparing for the trip. They really left no detail to chance in the preparation and made sure I knew everything I needed to know before and during the trips. Both of my trips went smoothly and without a hitch.
When friends and co-workers have expressed interest in going on safari, I quickly recommend Tanzania Choice Safaris because I know they won’t be disappointed!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
SIMPLY THE BEST
1800km in one week...from nairobi to masaimara..to lake nukuru..to amboseli..to tsavo..to diani beach!
Thanks for all, great great great experience!
Many thanks to Daniel and Caleb
FR
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Somak,the very best safari company at extremely affordable prices
I have travelled with Somak since 2000 and have never had any complaints. They are second to non for service and attention to detail. Whether you choose a set safari as shown in the brochure or go for a tailor made trip you will be delighted with the care you receive as individuals and the standard of accommodation and guides you are offered.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience from start to finish
Apart from the taxi rides to and from LHR, our entire trip was organised by Sharon at Native Escapes. We had two nights at the Victoria Falls, three nights at Lebala and two nights at Little Kwara. At every stage, Sharon was very helpful offering different suggestions before we booked, which helped decide the precise itinerary, and dealing with queries and changes that we requested. Questions were answered promptly and courteously.
During the trip we were met and helped at every transfer: at Victoria Falls Airport to the hotel, and then from the hotel to Kisane Airport, which meant passport control from Zimbabwe to Botswana. In Botswana, there were three light aircraft flights from Kisane to Lebala, Lebala to Little Kwara and finally to Maun to begin our journey home. Apart from one small delay waiting for the Botswanan rep, everything was faultless.
Detailed documentation was provided making it easy to understand where we were going and what we needed to do.
We had a great time and I have no hesitation in recommending Native Escapes to anyone who's thinking about going on safari,
The places that we stayed were all great. If you are interested in more detail, you can read my reviews on TripAdvisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g472673-d1194523-r233423128-Lebala_Camp-Okavango_Delta_North_West_District.html
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g472673-d1052497-r233724080-Little_Kwara_Camp_Kwando_Safaris-Okavango_Delta_North_West_District.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293761-d1310535-r232530092-Livingstone_Room_at_Victoria_Falls_Hotel-Victoria_Falls_Matabeleland_North_Provi.html
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Lovely vehicles and knowledgable drivers made for a great safari experience!
Footstep Trails had great customer service and our driver, Nixon, was very reliable and timely. Made for a memorable safari!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was good, however I wasn't pleased with the payment pressure.
My expectations were met because the service at the lodge was excellent!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly responsive & extremely knowledgable
I wanted to self-drive in Malawi & explore the country/locations of my childhood. I therefore needed to visit specific places that are off the tourist track. I was also visiting the country 50 years after I had last been there so needed to understand how it worked if one was going to be travelling within it alone. Native Escapes knowledge was obviously expert & their suggestions of where to stay turned out to be ideal for me in every way. Their flexibility in accommodating my itinerary changes was exemplary. Their advice on important issues such as currency, what it is like to drive around a country like that, what to do and not to do was invaluable in giving me confidence that I wouldn't have any problems.
Organising anything in a country like Malawi is tough, I know that. The proof of the pudding was in the eating. I had excellent flights, ( they even made sure I had aisle seats as the on-line check-in wasn't working ), excellent car hire, first class accommodation & everything worked like clockwork on what was on the face of it a relatively bespoke trip. The organisation was seamless.
I would recommend Native Escapes for any trip within the region of their specific expertise, because they know their stuff, have the contacts, and can manage the organisation of one-off itineraries that don't fit into a specific package.
As their name suggest - they cater for those who want to do something a little less packaged or unconventional in countries that, by definition, are not mass tourist destinations. I wouldn't hesitate in using them again & will do when I next visit Africa.
Exotic Safaris brings you
Efficient, trustworthy, good value for money, polite, greeted us everyday with a genuine warm smile, extremely helpful even over the phone - Raphael the manager, based in Nairobi, Kenya, phoned the PesaPal company in Nairobi to make sure which email address i should use to confirm payment (I am based in Mtwara, Tanzania) and promptly emailed me back with all details. At the end of our trip, Raphael left us both a small parting gift of tea and coffee at the hotel we were staying, a token of appreciation for having chosen Exotic Safaris and a reminder that good, polite service starts from the very first bout of interaction and ends on a thank you note.
The driver George was a careful and responsible driver, mindful and very respectful of animals and their habitat, knowledgeable on animals and sharing interesting tidbits on animal behavior. He made sure we saw as many animals as possible in our short 4 safari day trip, was very open to discussing and re-organizing day trip plans and overall a sensible, easy going travel companion.
Great safari experience
We had a great safari experience from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park with Faustin Tours. We stayed in Tan-Swiss lodge, which is a very nice hotel. Also, we would recommend booking transfers from Faustin. Everything was on time and exactly as agreed!