Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very efficient and transparent. Your perfect holiday partner.
I was fully taken care of and did not feel neglected at any point. Communications with the hotel was prompt, we had a very good stay courtesy of this company.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Five-Star Experience Diminished by Interpersonal Deficiencies
We traveled to Dominica with Indigo Safaris in December 2024 to swim with sperm whales, accompanied by Christopher Bartlett, Managing Director of Indigo Safaris. We chose Indigo Safaris over other tour companies based primarily on the lower cost of the trip ($5400 where others ranged from $6500 to $9000 per person), the larger number of days in the water with the whales (six versus five for most of the others), and the smaller group size (six guests, only three in the water at once according to the permit). We also liked the location of the trip, removed from the capital city in a more quiet setting. An added advantage of Indigo Safaris’ offering is the choice of lodging to accommodate a variety of budgets. We chose Jungle Bay, the high-end option and were pleased with the choice. It is a gorgeous hotel, surrounded as the name suggests, by a lush tropical setting – many of the fruits and vegetables offered in the dining room are grown on the property.
Our experience in the water was spectacular. We swam with the whales six out of the six days, and were lucky to have a variety of experiences. Our local guide and the holder of the permit, Izzy Madisetti, is a postgraduate marine biologist who was a former fisheries officer in Dominica and one of only three people officially authorized by the government to guide the sperm whale experiences. Our captain Duggy and his crew maneuvered the boat with expert skill and safety. All of these aspects of the trip deserved a five-star rating in our opinion.
Our interpersonal experience with Indigo Safaris (three stars) contrasted markedly with that of the Dominicans and the whales. Christopher’s participation in the trip is more appropriately characterized as that of a booking agent than any kind of host or guide. He was responsive to inquiries in advance of the trip, though his communication style is curt and short on detail. Some of the trip inclusions (such as an Indigo Safaris agent to meet us at the airport on arrival and photography coaching) were not provided. These omissions would not have warranted a mention had we felt that Christopher actually took an interest in the quality of our experience and that of the other guests. On other guided trips we have taken trip leaders took certain measures to engender a sense of community, such as a welcome dinner, group introduction and overview and engagement with the guests throughout. Christopher mostly kept to himself and told us that he was too busy with work to participate other than the time on the water with the whales. While on the boat he disparaged other tour operators and former clients and issued profanity-laced tirades on his cell phone. He told us that he prefers his own company to that of anyone else and that the main reason he leads the whale trips is that he enjoys them for himself. Unfortunately all of this detracted from the overall experience, which was otherwise fantastic.
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Funny, happy and helpful
It was a good and fantastic experience and my children loved it too, but we did one mistake and that's not staying longer. We will love to go with you guys again if we get the chance.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Moroko Expeditions is fantastic operator
I loved the 3 day Mountain Gorilla trip run by Moroko Expeditions.
Abraham was a kind, knowledgeable & flexible guide. The long drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park went quickly listening to stories & information shared by Abraham of Ugandas history, politics & culture.
The accomodation at Bakiga Lodge was in a stunning location & had wonderful staff.
I recommend this trip wholeheartedly.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Value for money experience.
We had booked 7 days and 6 Night Masai Mara - Naivasha - Nakuru - Amboseli Safari. It was a standard package offered by Safari operators in Kenya in budget category. Communication with Benson was smooth, camps were basic and you get what you paid for. In our case, plan was changed a little bit, we were first taken to Naivasha and then to Masai Mara to suit economics of operator (since there were not enough people on first day for Masai Mara), this is something shouldn't have happened as we wanted to spend 31st evening watching sunset in lake Naivasha.
Camp/Stays Ratings:
Naivasha - 3/5 (Food was average for vegetarians)
Nakuru - 3.5/5 (Basic City Hotel with good food but no good wifi)
Masai Mara - 3.5/5 (Basic Facilities, good food)
Amboseli - 4/5 (Excellent and Spacious Camp).
We were 6 to 7 People in Mini Van ( Should have been strictly 6) and people would join and leave as per their itinerary. We were with guide Clinton and he did a good job.
I would recommend this agency, as our experience was good.
You can find our sightings and videos on my youtube/instagram channel @the_nomadic_trails
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good value private tour for a family of five
We went on a 4-Day Tarangire, south Serengeti & Ngorongoro safari. We saw the big five and more. The amount of elephants in Tarangire was truly amazing.
We loved it. Maybe we should have added a day, to be able to cover central Serengeti, if we were to do anything differently.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommended.
Pros:
- gives very good, competitive quotes and options
- prompt in responses and easy to converse with.
- no hidden charges.
we had a good time with them
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience at a great price
Benaiah and the agency were very helpful throughout our booking and during the safari. We really had a wonderful experience, for a much lower price than other agencies.
One thing to improve (but I think it's the same for all agencies as they are only intermediaries and we are mixed in the car) but the hotels are sometimes very far from each other, you can take up to 1-2h to drop everyone off each evening.
On the agency side, it would be really great to think about this point in more detail for group safaris.
On the client side, I really recommend a private tour if you can afford it.
As mentioned above, and as many agencies are only intermediaries, I strongly recommend Mercy Africa as you'll have the same experience as with other companies with almost 30% off.
Ps : our guide Mike was truly amazing!!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They were always on time and tried to fulfill all pf our requests.
The communication with the two drivers was very good. The tour itself was not cheap but the price was lower than the competitors. Plus they made a very good choice of Hotels and Camps.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Two wildlife trips in Northern Madagascar
We arrived first for a day in Noisy Be and we're met at the dock straight off our cruise ship. The car was modern and in good condition and our driver was careful. Our guide Christian spoke good English and both Christian and our driver Jake new the wildlife and what we wanted to see. Arriving at our destination we walked through mangrove and across beach to Lokobe Reserve. All the way wildlife was picked out for us by our guides. We saw rare and endemic birds, Lemurs and several species of Chameleon and other reptiles. Great trip and delivered back to the port in time. Thanks.
The next trip was from Antiserenana to Amber Mountains NP. This matched up to the previous trip and this firm would be recomended.