US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing wildlife and hospitality
Excellent experience, fun and safe environment. Clean.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Like visiting another planet
A truly incredible place with amazing people and culture. We spent nearly 3 weeks traveling around Central and South Serengeti in Tanzania. The scenery was as amazing as the wildlife. The African continent is amazing. If I could only see one place...I would visit Ngorongoro Crater. Truly spectacular views from above and amazing wildlife on the crater floor.
We safaried almost daily to different destinations...trying to see as much as possible. Going back...we would plan to stay 2-3 nights in each location. Go on daily game drives. Then, back to the lodge to relax and enjoy. The lodges and their locations were so spectacular, we missed out on really getting to enjoy them. Take the time.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Customize Travel and Tours provided a fantastic experience for my Victoria Falls trip
I signed up for the four day three night experience in Victoria Falls including a day trip to Chobe National Park. Brian was very helpful as I inquired and asked questions about different options. I had a specific hotel where I wanted to stay and Brian modified the package to make it happen. Upon arrival at the airport, Brian was there to pick me up. Every step of the way, he was extremely helpful and shared a lot of helpful information. My package included a dinner cruise on the Zambezi River, a guided tour of Victoria Falls and all its viewpoints, a helicopter ride over the falls, the dinner and show at The Boma, and a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Brian transported me to each of these places and handed me off to other qualified guides, all of which were great. Brian was always on time, was calm and confident, and was a joy to be with. I highly recommend him and Customise Travel and Tours.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very accommodating, made sure we were safe and well taken care of
Wonderful experience, we saw all the animals on our list. The places we stayed were very nice and food was great. Highly recommend.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable, attentive, organized and highly capable -- everything you could want.
When we first started exploring the idea of an African safari, we had little knowledge of what to look for or expect.
We found
a number of highly rated operators, but with no way to distinguish between them, we sent out multiple feelers which is when Shadows of Africa began to break from the crowd. Their representative (Karen Maki) was consistently responsive and attentive, quickly collaborating to put together an itinerary that addressed every detail of the trip.
This included
night-time and walking safaris, multiple options on where to stay, all transportation details (in addition to our outstanding guide Charles Lucas) and even the restaurant where we would wait for our driver to the airport at the end of the trip -- every detail was considered.
The execution of the tour made this the trip of a lifetime.
First, our guide, Charles Lucas, was top top notch. He knew the animals, the birds, made good suggestions on when to linger or move, and knew the sites and lodge destinations (not trivial -- he ended up giving directions to a number of guides from other tour operators who were clearly lost), and he was an excellent 4-wheel driver (again, not trivial -- the roads are unpaved and we saw other tour operators get stuck); and he is very nice person indeed.
And as for what we saw -- everything we could have hoped for:
-Beautiful landscapes at Lake Manyara, the Serenghetti, Ngorongoro crater and Tarangire
-and wildlife galore: giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, rhinos, antelopes, elephants, hyenas, jackals .. including a cheetah that we saw hunting and taking down a baby gazelle and (on a night safari) lions with a cape buffalo kill where the alpha male chased down the former alpha male and in the process ended up charged by an elephant .... All in all, an astonishing trip.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall I loved my tour from start to finish!
Overall I loved my tour!! I wish I would have spent more time in lodges in Mara as it was my favorite park and when I go back I plan on splitting the majority of my time just in like 2 lodges in Mara and maybe stopping a night by a lake. But overall, I would say my trip was fabulous. My Tour Guide was wonderful and like I said my only complaint is that I didn’t stay longer that I only did a week safari. I would also say if luggage weight is a concern make sure to keep room for a camera as that was another regret of mine that I didn’t bring a real camera and just my iPhone.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This journey is fantastic!
We went on a 7-day safari in Tanzania, and it was a perfect trip. My wife and I were extremely satisfied with our guide, Ibrahim. He has eyes like an eagle, constantly searching for animals on the savannah for us. We saw all the Big Five, including leopards, cheetahs, lions, and an elephant that passed right in front of us. Moreover, he was very conscientious and attentive, making our experience very comfortable. All the accommodation experiences were also perfect. The unique tent accommodation allowed us to rest well. At the end of the trip, William arranged for a driver to take us shopping and sightseeing in Arusha, and he treated us to local delicacies. Overall, Williamson Company is an excellent safari company. Following them, you will have a perfect safari trip. Also, they offer Kilimanjaro climbing programs. I think I will choose this company again to take me climbing next time.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent
I got in touch with Lennox, he helped with the entire trip plan. The response from him was amazing.
Our tour guide was Richard and we had an amazing experience for game drives. We spotted all the big 5, he understood what we love and helped us cover all the experiences and activities on time.
We also did bike ride at hells gate and nature walk at crescent island.
Overall the best experience ever, fully recommended.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very Responsible & Well Organized
It was a lovely tour.. uncountable memories.... We had a very friendly environment there... Lots of fun & obviously it was money worth tour.. once in a lifetime experience... All the cottages & hotels provided by them was very good& food quality was super... In all it was our best international tour....
MY
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience
We booked a 7 night safari to Masai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha and Amboseli with our family of five.
All in all we had a fantastic week with our guide/driver Clinton, who was a very safe driver and positioned his car at the best spots for close encounters with wildlife. At the first game drive in Masai Mara we even spotted a leopard, which is the most difficult to find. Clinton advised us to change hotel in Nakuru, as the City Max is below standard according to the reviews. That was a good suggestion, the Buraha Zenoni was very clean and had a nice buffet spread. Miti Mingi Eco Camp (Masai Mara) was basic but clean and food was ok. In Amboseli we upgraded to the amazing, very luxurious Kibo safari camp but we heard Nyati (more basic, in the standard package) was also good.
The safari tour is great value for money, but I advise you to check and double check with Benson on arrangements made outside of the standard package, i.e. booking and payment of accommodation.
Logistics with other guests joining the car is also a bit of a challenge, especially if they have other plans than you.
Would have given 5 stars if logistics and bookings were flawless.
