50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Balule Nature Reserve by Kim Walder
We were able to see all the Big 5 and many more besides. Close for a day trip to Kruger. Handy to a small town and other places to visit. Comfortable accommodation
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kruger National Park by Kim Walder
Changes in scenery, many animal sightings, good restaurant, good roads/tracks.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Personalized adventure of a lifetime
As first time safari-goers we were a bit hesitant booking everything on-line ourselves. We reached out to several KATO certified companies to see what kind of response and itineraries were available. Verah and Esther at Aardwolf were excellent in communicating with us, offering suggestions and ensuring we had the best options for our tastes. They worked with us to plan the trip we wanted rather than fit us into a pre-planned package. After numerous itinerary updates and revisions, the final schedule was set and the money sent.
Everything was arranged exactly as planned. It was amazing. We had such a good time with our driver Thomas in Kenya, who kept us on track despite some very long days and rough terrain. Our private safari was beyond all expectations: from the animal encounters (which were way better and closer than we would have imagined) to the camps selected (which were amazingly comfortable) to the food (delicious and plentiful).
Even on the transfer day when we were stuck in the mud for hours, Thomas kept in touch with the Aardwolf office to ensure everyone knew what was going on and we could stay on schedule to the greatest extent possible.
We were truly happy with everything Aardwolf did for us, and do not hesitate to recommend to anyone looking to book a safari. Thank you!!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Dan
It is a pretty park with a variety of wildlife. However, there is a good deal of development around the park which is especially evident after dark, when the light pollution is visible.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Positive overall, but some things could be improved.
Our overall experience with Tekko was quite positive.
Ms. Maggie Kariuki was always very response to our questions over email, and when we landed in Nairobi, she went out of her way to make sure we were comfortable. When we asked for a recommendation for a local restaurant (we wanted to try the local cuisine), she went so far as to accompany us there, and even helped us order. She event lent us two pairs of binoculars for our safari. The safari vehicle that we were given was spacious and comfortable, and had superb suspension (which we were grateful for during the long bad patches of road). The safaris in the parks were lovely (despite some disappointment about not seeing too many flamingoes in Nakuru)
A few things could have gone better, though.
1. Tekko could have been a little more forthcoming, and volunteered information that might have been useful. While we knew the drive from Amboseli to Nakuru would be long, we didn't realize how arduous it would be. We took nine hours, despite 'shortcuts' over the most horrendous roads, and got there just in time for a quick safari before it got dark. There were hardly any flamingoes to be seen, which we later learned had been the case for the last few years. If we had been told about these two things, we would probably have changed our itinerary.
2. Our driver/guide Stephen was knowledgeable and skillful, but not particularly friendly. He definitely wasn't rude, but we got the feeling that we were imposing on him by making him drive us around. A word of apology for bouncing us over a particular bad patch of road would have gone a long way. With my 80 year-old mother along, it would have been nice if had seemed a little more concerned over our comfort. Maybe a little guest-relations training is in order?
But we definitely enjoyed ourselves. Thank you, Tekko and Ms. Kariuki for organizing such a nice trip for us. If the two points above could be addressed, I'm sure your future guests will have an even better time.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
When you are far home what you expect first is to trust in your guide!
I worked with Justin when I was operating business in Tanzania.
I am now back in Europe, but when friends are looking for a local Safari Company in Tanzania, I always recommend them to Justin's company.
This guy will never leave you alone in the middle of the Serengeti (right Justin?!), and if you are lucky to meet him, he has plenty of good mood (bearfoot...!!!)
Safari Njema
Nicolas (France)
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Huge Deliviery from a Small Operator
The communication regarding arrangements was very good. Everything that we asked was adequately answered and more. All questions were promptly answered and always with a kind gesture. Paul, the tour operator, 'tailor-made' our tour to fit our bucket list.
Although we never got to see the river crossing due to the late rain, our guide, James, made sure that we saw the migration. We appreciate his trouble for doing this! James was very knowledgeable and keenly answered all our questions. He adhered to our requests and ensured that we saw a lot of game. From start to finish, James went out of his way to help us and make sure that our Tanzanian experience was up to expectations, this included taking us to 'shop' before and after the safari.
Our chef, Osmani, is fit to cook for a king. His food and hospitality is hard to match. We are still wondering how he managed to make so many delicious dishes, including the packed lunches, with such limited resources.
Compared to other operators that we saw at campsites, our camping equipment was much better and more spacious.
The overall service and experience was fantastic. All three gentlemen that we dealt with: Paul, James and Osmani treated us like royalty. We appreciate their hospitality and strong recommend Tanzania Roadside Expeditions.
AR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
nice safari for 3 real days, friendly guides, tasty meals, wonderful landscapes and the big five!
A first class safari, coordination by Daniel was perfect (he gave me even more services that those expected).
Guide and driving by David were very professional and funny, meals by Athuman were tasty and abundant.
My only objections are about:
(1) a non-planed visit to a masai village, where we had to pay a non-planned fee (after some discussion it was reduced from 20 USD/pax to 7 USD/pax),
and (2) the bypass of a requested visit to Oldupai gorge and Museum ( I asked about this visit the first day, David said Yes, and when we were leaving NgoroNgoro and I asked about David said "I forgot").
Anyway, it was an amazing safari, with a great benefit/cost rate.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Explored the park for 4 hours (50 km) and saw Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippos and lots more
Left Mbabane early in the fog and arrived at the Hlane National Park at around 9am. Explored the park for 4 hours (50 km) and saw Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippos and large herds of Impala, Warthogs and lots of birds. Unfortunately, no Rhino or Lions. It was a good drive and I saw no other vehicle in that four hours – I think I had the park to myself.
The time I was there it was quite dry (in the middle of a drought) so probably saw fewer animals than might otherwise have been as many of the waterholes were dry.
I stopped at the Park Restaurant for lunch and had a delicious Impala and Cheese Jaffle, chips and salad.
The park was a great place to see animal. I self drove through the park. It could have a few more sign posts as it was not always clear from the map, exactly which track one was on. You do need at least half a day to see the park properly - unfortunately, my schedule only allowed me to spend half a day in the park.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The trip was okay to say the least
Ican'tsay I expect very much .i surely didn't but I liked the trip Ienjoyed everything was of standard .noregrets at all