IN
The moment we cleared immigration we were recieved by hannah and taken to our hotel - no hassles
It was a memerable experience for us and trevero had dealt wit us on previous trips too with hannah doing the itenary with perfection. We had great sightings and excellent comfort food at the serena lodges
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
African Garden of Eden
Ngorongoro Crater is a thrilling safari destination. Meeting the crater is love at first sight - a steep winding drive up a mountain rewarded by a breathtaking view of the crater in all its glory. This birds eye view of the crater is very dramatic - the expanse of the crater can be appreciated, as well as the many habitats within it, vaguely delineated by the changes in color on the crater floor akin to a patchwork quilt. We arrived at the crater in the late afternoon and settled into our hotel on the rim for the evening. Out of the 6 hotels at which we stayed during our trip, I would say the one here was our least favorite. It was a beautiful lodge with a great view of the crater from our room, but the lodge feeling made it seem more like a traditional hotel, whereas our other accommodations throughout the trip were luxurious tents or separate huts, etc., that had more of an exclusive, remote vibe consistent with our surroundings. Our guide recommended we start our day exploring the crater at 6 AM to maximize our chances of seeing the elusive black rhino. When we entered the crater as the sun was rising, we felt like we were transported to a different planet. Our early start time was rewarded by a rhino sighting right off the bat. It is awe-inspiring to see such an endangered species in its natural habitat. We then spent the majority of the day driving throughout the crater, oohing and ahhing over the endless animal sightings - Thompson's gazelle, Cape buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, hippos, elephants, lions, hyenas, jackals, countless bird species, etc. My favorite moment in the crater was when our guide picked a spot for our picnic breakfast. He set up a table and chairs by a watering hole and we sat amongst a herd of zebras grazing and drinking. It was a surreal moment, as if we had been placed in the middle of television documentary footage. Toward the afternoon the crater became more crowded and we had covered most of the roads, so our guide decided it was time to move on to our next destination, the Serengeti. Driving back up to the rim of the crater, I couldn't help but look over my shoulder at the crater, surprised again at its massive expanse.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trustworthy, Efficient, Value for Money,
The communication with them was instant, without leaving any doubts in our mind. Their service too was good with excellent knowledge about Masai Mara and Amboseli with our driver Fred. The tour was conducted according to our expectations, accommodation at Kibo Amboseli was outstanding. Mara Sidai accommodation was okay, just basic. Our cook Jacob cooked up perfect meals for us.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible experience
We went to Etosha using our car rental during 2 days. It was our first safari and i have to say it was amazing. From the entrance of the park until the last meters we literally felt like on another planet.
Imagine after 30 seconds in the park you see an elephant quietly walking along the road. This elephant is being looked at by 2 giraffes who seem to be waiting for you to move along.
The following hours were then exceptional. Srpingbocks, rhinos, gembocks, hyena, more elephants, more giraffes. We could barely ask for more.
We followed the main road for the first day and did a bit of side roads on day 2. Main roads are fine, used by most vehicles. Side roads were clearly more challinging, especially "Eland drive" with holes as tall as the 4x4.
Overall, Erosha was totally worth it and I would go back any time.
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Serengeti is awesome, but...
I've always had a dream of going on a safari in Africa. In 2014 I finally had the chance to do so, and I got to spend three days in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
First of all, Serengeti is huge. Much bigger than I expected. We had to drive for a while to even get there, and when we got there, we drove more. And more. And more. Searching for wildlife. I thought the animal density would be bigger than it was, but was actually surprised in a positive way to find out it wasn't. Didn't want to think I was in a zoo either.
The first animal we spotted was actually the animal we didn't expect to see; a leopard. Sitting there, on his own, in the middle of the plain, surrounded by 20-30 safari vehicles. This is probably the thing that "ruins" the safari experience the most; all the people that surrounds the animals at all times, specially if you spot one of the great 5.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime-experience to get the chance to sleep in a tent in the middle of the Serengeti. We could hear the animals make noises not very far away, and I just waited for a lion or a hyena to come over an knock on my tent door. Actually, in Ngorongoro, I had to get through a flock of zebras to get to the toilet. Not something you get to do everyday!
What you have to do while you're in Serengeti is to take a hot air balloon ride. You start early in the morning, mayube 4 am, and get to see the sunrise from up in the air while the animals below you just look at you. It is a truly amazing experience!
All in all; safari is a great experience. I spotted every animal I wanted to see, except from the cheetah.
Maybe next time. I'm not done with Africa. Not at all.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Kenya by David
We travelled a little around Kenya, but not too far from major population centres. The bits we did see were great though.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We went on a 4 day safari through the Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti national parks.
Overall we have a great time on our safari with Northern Circuit. The accommodations were great and the food was excellent. Our guide was knowledgeable of all the animals.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
wonderfull 4-days safari in Serengeti by our own
We did a wonderfull 4 days-trip by our own in Serengeti and Ngorongoro parks. Accomodations were booked directly and we did the same with David to get a "personnal" car during the safari. The driver was perfect and the car in good condition. The price was discussed when booking and we had no surprise. In addition car permits were arranged directly at the agency in Arusha. A good experience for us.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience in Kenya
Pre-trip planning and communications with Great Horizon Trails was fast, easy and clear. They were kind enough to offer us rates to accommodate our student budget. Had a knowledgeable driver and safe/comfortable vehicle. We went on two trips with them (hell's gate & nairobi national park) and had a great time!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall, great value
We went on a safari with Northern Circuit Adventures in July 2015. Overall, we had a fantastic time. We had just climbed Mt Kilimanjaro so we were looking for a cheaper safari and Northern Circuit Adventure provided the value for which we were looking. The tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads were great, never having an issue with warmth. The safari car (Toyota Land Cruiser) was a beast; we had no issues whatsoever and gave us a surprisingly smooth ride (considering how rough the roads were). Our driver was impressive, giving us the most time in the parks that he could and he was always on his radio/phone finding where the rarer animals were (leopard, rhino, lions....). And our cook was fantastic too; can't believe how good the food was. Only reason I say 4 stars is that it is a cheaper option, so you are putting up your own tents, helping pack the car, etc. I had no problem with that (and expected it based on price) but if you do, might want to go with a more expensive, more inclusive option.