65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Issac Ouma an amazing guide
WE met Isaac in Kenya. We were interested in Birding as well as animals but had little budget.
Ouma's knowledge of not only the birds we wanted to sight butactually where each specimen could be sighted amazed us. Everytime we saw a bird he would flip the page on our bird book and thus give us posetive identification. We walked amongst many animals with his guidance.
In ten years of doing nothing but looking for the world’s birds Isaac Ouma is the most dedicated birding and animal guide we have enjoyed. He is as capable of organising a 3 country all inclusive luxury safari with air-conditioned vehicles, the best hotels or , chefs, food and wines as he is in organising a budget four day safari.
His only wish is that his clients return home glowing with knowledge of his Kenya and its wildlife.
We highly recommend him. Now we will return to Isaac in 2014 with our grandchildren
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable bush experience- hidden and undervalued
Meru was the Africa debut for my husband and me. We initially looked into Meru because of my childhood dream of visiting Elsa's(Born Free) home. Every review that we read, only assured us of a brilliant experience. Truth be told, Meru never disappointed us.
From the time that we boarded our flight from Nairobi (the whole flight to us!!), to receiving warm welcomes at the Offbeat Meru camps after every single game drive.. it was an experience that we won't forget for a long time.
Wildlife: We went looking with low expectations. Because of the thick bush, it is definitely not as easy spotting wildlife here as in the Mara. However, we had seen the big five within 20 hours of landing.
Birdlife: I am not a "birder", but my head started spinning as I tried to keep up with all the zillion beautiful varieties that our guide spotted for us. Another thing that we noticed(and liked) was that the wildlife was still "wild" in Meru. Unlike the Mara, most animals try not to come too close to vehicles. Apparently, because of fewer stay options in the park, the animals don't see as many humans around.
Stay: Offbeat Meru was a very warm and welcoming setup. Food was great, and the tents were located to ensure tons of privacy to everyone. I personally enjoyed the bonfire in the evenings, followed by dinner under the most beautiful starry skies.
Guides: The guides at Offbeat Meru were all Silver ranked, and I believe that one of them was going to sit for his Gold exam very soon. If you've been on a safari before, you would know how important it is to have a good guide. Dominic, our guide, was brilliant! He even spotted a python that had just swallowed an impala.. Beat that!!
We also visited the Mara, and that was extraordinary. But somewhere, that cosy and very private feel that Meru offered.. it made a special little place in my heart!
To give you a peek into some of pictures from my Meru experience, you could see this video : http://youtu.be/8vgF9iT0oRY
DK
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good safari trip.
Safari with Kili Slope Tours and Safaris was incredible ! We had a very good and knowledgeable guide/ driver David Maro. He is very pleasant and cheerful man. Hi knew a lot about animals and plants and birds and was very attentive to us. He would stop the car whenever he saw us trying to take pictures from the windows and would wait patiently. The campsites had showers and toilets. I was impressed with the presence of hot water and relative cleanness in the middle of nowhere! We spotted all the animals .I would definitely recommend doing safari with Kili Slope Tours and safaris for its reasonable price, individual approach, attention to details and most of all professionalism in everything .
FI
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari with great guide/driver and chef.
We couldn't wish a better trip. Guide told us a lot of things about animals and got us to see the big 5. The tent was great and food was delicious. I'm happy they took notice of me being a vegetarian. I enjoyed every minute of the tour.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect safari experience
If you are looking to go on safari and have no idea where to begin...book with Wild Wings! Claire was knowledgeable, professional and arranged the perfect trip to Kambaku Safari Lodge (see separate review for Kambaku on Trip Advisor), that has run smoothly and efficiently. She offered advise and sent thorough documents and additional information, without which, I would have gone unprepared. (Who knew that you need to take a baggie with toilet tissue into the bush!) Well done and many thanks.
NL
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect arranged safari
We were celebrating my birthday with the family. It was a special birthday and I wanted it to be memorable. Ute made sure all I wished was arranged and executed perfectly. We had great lodges and saw the Big Five already on the first day, well, I was told that was not arranged, but luck. All together it was a wonderful safari and a memorable stay for us as a family. I can recommend Roho Ya Chui to everyone who wants to go on safari.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Efficient booking service
Bookings were as requested and the coupon was issued by email in a timely manner. The Royal Livingstone had our reservations in hand on arrival.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A weekend in Tembe Elephant Park
A weekend in Tembe Elephant Park. As if that isn’t enough- add in Nick, and you’ve got the most amazing experience ever!
I met Nick in 2008, as a volunteer in St. Lucia and knew if I ever returned to South Africa- he would be my first call.
In 2011, I decided another African adventure was necessary and Nick, being my first call, was incredibly helpful in organizing and planning my free time.
As I had not been to Tembe before, we decided this would be a perfect location for 3 days of safari and relaxation. I was not disappointed.
To reconnect with Nick was wonderful- he is passionate, educated and always willing to share his vast knowledge on photography, animals, geography, culture and many more topics. He really is Swiss-Army Nick.
Tembe was an exceptional experience. The most beautiful welcome from the staff, the cool accommodations, the food(!!), the guides, the park itself, and of course the animals. My morning game drive and our elephant encounter is rooted deep in my heart. Apart from elephants and lions, we also found a skink eating a scorpion!
Nick is forever a friend and the person who “opened up” Africa to me.
Janet Faveri, Canada
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
excellent holiday in uganda
We booked a private tour in uganda to see queen elisabeth nat park, ishaha, gorilla treck, lake bunyonyi and lake mburo. Everything was perfect for us. Communication in advance was good, our private guide/ driver was everything you expect a guide to be ( former ranger in nat park; knew all the important places, additional info about uganda and about the animals, good driver and funny). We really enjoyed travelling with matoke! During the trip everything was arranged perfectas well ( good hotels, good food etc). There is nothing to complain about! N
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Some issues but guides went above and beyond
It seems like Wildebeest could have prepared better for our tour. I still believe it was a great value for the price. There were several small issues but the guides were very nice and the accommodations great.