Beyond our expectations!!
When we started planning the trip, we were so overwhelmed. There was so much we wanted to see and do and we didn't understand the logistics of making it happen.
A friend recommended Kathi Simon from African Welcome Safari. Her insight and patience was so valuable. Kathi was exceptional about learning the type of trip we were looking for and guiding us to make this a most exceptional experience. We loved all of the hotels and restaurants she recommended.
Our favorite was Ivory lodge at Lions Sand. When we walked into our room, we were astounded at the beauty of the accommodations. It was beyond our expectations. Descriptions cannot do the facility justice.... immaculately clean, incredible staff, unbelievable attention to detail, gourmet food, exceptionally knowledgable guides. Words don't do it justice. Our guide and tracker on the Safari were so knowledgable. We saw all of the big 5 and many more animals. The experience was a memory for a lifetime.
Our next favorite was Tsala tree house on the Garden Route. Beautiful accommodations, wonderful staff and great food. We had two great dinners there....one at the Zinzi restaurant and another in the Wine Cellar. The Wine Cellar was our favorite..... very special.
The Franschoek Country house was lovely. The grounds were beautiful. There are so many wonderful restaurants in the area, I would recommend that people go to the restaurants in town and skip the hotel restaurant.
Rhys was a wonderful guide. He was very helpful with educating us on the history of the areas we were visiting. He was also very flexible and accommodating. His recommendations on when to visit certain sites assisted us in avoiding crowds. We wanted to stay away form "tourist traps" and he understood what we were looking for and made the appropriate recommendations.
Kathi did an excellent job. We felt safe and taken care of from the moment we arrived to we departed. South Africa is a wonderful country and the people are warm and welcoming.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Endless Scenic Skeleton Coas.
The Skeleton Coast National Park is probably one of the most scenic places in the world. (That is if you like deserts).
But, this one is exceptional.
Depending on the weather... this can be one of the most awesome photographic experiences you have ever had. Where else can you see a desert with massive sand dunes slipping into the endless deep blue ocean while the sun is setting over the ocean. The shadows cast by the dunes, eery early morning fog and late afternoon colours are such that you just don't know when to stop photographing the scenery in any direction.
This is a National Park and you cannot enter the area on your own without a permit.
Being a desert, here is not much wildlife. But you will see Gemsbok (Oryx) and probably some elephant on your way there.
There are some excellent tour operators in Namibia that can take you anywhere and also give you some interesting stories about the history of the area while you are driving.
The best way to see the area is by one of 3 ways.
1) Join a self drive tag along 4x4 safari tour operator. For this you would have to a rent a 4x4 vehicle. There are a few companies renting out very well equipped 4x4 vehicles in Namibia. For us this is the most exciting option. Or, if you have your own vehicle, it's even better. Just join the group.
2) Book with a safari operator that has larger 4x4 vehicles that can accommodate larger groups of people. Here you would be a passenger and don't have to do any driving yourself. Just enjoy the ride and scenery, use your camera and relax.
3) If time is a limiting factor, then you can fly over the desert. There are a few companies that would take you on either day trips or fly you between different lodges in the area.
With the first 2 options you have the choice of doing the camping thing or staying overnight in luxury lodges.
We ourselves like to go camping and then spend the last night in a luxury lodge, to spoil ourselves and get rid of all the dust and dirt.
Whichever option you choose, the Skeleton Coast is an experience you cannot afford not to do. It is stunning.
The Namibian people are very friendly. Most of the safari operators speak English, German and Afrikaans. (Afrikaans is very similar to Flemish).
Go an enjoy it!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mikumi 2 Day Safari
I went on the two day (overnight) safari to Mikumi back in April and had an amazing experience.
I was picked up in Dar early morning by a friendly driver/guide. As a solo traveller it was great to have a driver that was friendly, chatty, and keen to talk about all things Tanzania. I must admit, I did have a few Konyagi’s the night before so I did sleep for part of the journey out to the park.
We arrived at Mikumi after a four hour drive and checked into our lodgings in the park. I would definitely recommend staying in the Bandas within the park. The sounds of the animals you hear all around you at night is incredible. Such a good experience!
We set off on an afternoon game drive in the pop-top cruiser. Great vehicle with plenty of room (especially as I was the only person in it!). This park is full of wildlife and we saw it all – Elephants, Giraffe, Lions, Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Hippos, Impala, Baboons, loads of birdlife, and lots of other critters. My guide was very knowledgeable, both about the park and the wildlife that calls it home, telling me everything I wanted to know about the animals.
Sunset in the park was amazing, as was sunrise the next morning. We were up early for another game drive and again saw plenty of animals. We spent all morning exploring more of the park before getting back to camp for lunch then making the drive back to Dar where I was dropped off at my accommodation.
Overall it was a great experience made special by a fantastic guide/driver. I found the two day/overnight Mikumi experience perfect for the short time I had in Tanzania. If you are after a Safari experience but have limited time then I would recommend Mikumi.
Brilliant!
SE
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An unforgettable experience
A one-week safari with Isaac Ouma became an unforgettable experience. He shared his knowledge in a personal as well as in a professional manner. Isaac was excellent at solving small and big problems that emerged during the trip, but most of all, he listened to our requests and was the best travel companion we could have had. Some of the highlights durig the safari was Samburu, Buffalo Springs, Lake Baringo, Lake Naivasha, Menengai crater, Great Rift Valley, Kisumu, Lake Victoria and the meeting with students at Ombeyi primary school.
We carry with us unforgettable encounters with people, animals and nature.
For those who will be visiting Kenya, and needs a good, experienced och highly qualified guide, we highly recommend Isaa Ouma.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had the most memorable and amazing safari tour - a dream came true for our group of 15.
The staff are most attentive, taking care of our requests seriously and down to small details. We had the most capable and knowledgeable guides who generously shared their knowledge with us. They are careful and great drivers, sociable and humorous. They took care of our needs and worked very hard. They have more than perfection vision and are able to spot animals from far away and understand their behaviors. They are probably some of the best in the industry. Food was much better than we expected, always plentiful and tasty.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing, you will come back!
Isaac is proud of the African nature and you can feel this in all his stories and explanations.
He is one of the most enthousiastic-responsible-passionate guides to travel with.
Very flexible, very humble, very active, very open for suggestions, very creative in giving all you need on your travel!
You will not regret this adventure!
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
safari with karibu
Hi I went on safari with this company the last March n was better that I was wishing. The guide of Wich is very important was very nice he show as untill a leopard!!!!!!! Was incredible. The lodge in masai Mara was a big tend n is the typical African dream. I really recommend this people n the owner hallways was very concerned about us. If u r going nothing is better that a sunset in amboselu, the landscape of masai Mara n the beaches in mombasa. Kenya is a beautifully n very safe country. If I can I will come back!!!!!
AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good service and great communication!
We spent 3 days in Mikumi. Great park and great lodge (another lodge than we reserved but great, too)... we saw lion cougars, giraffes, elefants and all kind of animals you expect. Driver very polite. Thank you!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous
The organisation of the whole trip was faultless, we were well looked after at everystage and all our little anxieties thoughtfully managed. Isaac's touch was always in the background and he was at the end of the phone to help us when it looked like our flight was going pear shaped. We finished the trip with a wonderful evening of traditional food and dancing with Ken and all his admnistration collegues. We were sorry when the trip was over and we had to say goodbye to our new friends. We are already thinking of another trip to Kenya and there are no prizes for who will ask to organise it for us. This trip opened our eyes to lots of beauty and the challenges facing wildlife and their habitats no wonder Ecobushman has been used by a number of film producers in conservation. Best wishes to everyone especially Robert the guide and Ken.
HK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
the driver is extremely friendly and hard working
the last two tents are a bit disappointed otherwise the whole trip is very exciting and interesting. Everything has been good taking care of. If the living place and food can be improve a little then will be more attractive.