US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A good budget safari
I was glad to get hooked up with World Tours and Safaris since I was a single woman traveling alone. Richard was helpful in getting ancillary services arranged, and putting me with a nice group of fellow travelers. We had a wonderful driver and cook, both Aron and Musa did a great job of taking care of us. The safari portion of the trip was so much more than I had expected, I would have to give that section of the trip 5 stars. The physical accoutrements were rudimentary, but that was expected since this was a budget safari. Our only questionable experience was with figuring the tips. All of us wanted to tip our driver and cook well, but felt their expectations were much more than what we were was told was customary. That is not to say they didn't deserve a good, even, generous tip, but most of us had not budgeted an extra $100 for each person in our group, for each of them. Personally, I would rather pay more upfront, and not have the uncomfortable situation arise at the end of the trip, though I realize this is not the typical method of operation in Africa. All in all it was a great trip; we saw lots of animals, had a good time, and didn't get eaten by lions. LOL. Many thanks to Richard, Aron and Musa for making it happen. P.s. Tell Musa carrot sandwiches are not a favorite. HA.
BR
Always in our memories
The safari experience that my wife and I did with Daigle Tours will always be in our memories. The special touch was the guides who were always attentive and friendly with us. Being in Tanzania again, I would look for Daigle Tours to repeat the adventure.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The staff are very friendly and price is reasonable
We will use them again next year for our KILIMANJARO Expedition and Safari
US
Good job Daigle!
Our guide and driver were both very nice and competent. It was so nice to have a private tour rather than a big bus tour. Our guide was especially helpful in helping us bargain for our craft purchases--we would have been lost without him.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
From the Kalahari Desert - Moremi - Okavango Delta - Chobe and Vic Falls
Deception Valley Lodge and the Kalahari are well worth a visit. The Lodge was great and just by observing the area around the waterhole I could see plenty of big groups of tiny little birds up to Giraffes, Wilderbeest, Kudu and much more. The guides and the tracker was very knowledgeable so we could see lots, specially lions and also lots of birds, owls on the game drives. It is amazing what the guides and trackers can see and find on the drives. I also want to mention the amazing scenery and also the bushmen walk was very interesting. Accommodation, Food, Service and the activities was excellent.
Xakanaka - from the desert to the water. I think Xakanaka is another must visit on a trip to Botswana. The game drives were amazing, the guides very knowledgeable and excellent, the atmosphere in the Lodge was very personal and sleeping in tents while hippos walk through the camp is an experience!
Sanctuary Chiefs Camp - another change in the scenery. Accommodation, Service and Food were excellent. Unfortunately the transfer from Sanctuary Chiefs Camp to Sanctuary Baines Camp was delayed by 4 hours. We were waiting at the airstrip for 30 minutes when the guide asked at the lodge and they asked at Mackair. So then the lodge found out about the delay and we drove back to the lodge and they were already preparing a 3 course lunch menu for us. My compliments in preparing this in such a short notice.
Sanctuary Baines Camp - very personal service, I loved the Mokoru ride through the delta, the very surprising and romantic bath under the stars and sleeping outside. Due to the delayed transfer from Chiefs Camp I didn't have enough time to do the elephant acitivity. The drives through the waterways is certainly an experience you don't get anywhere else.
Chobe Game Lodge - this 3 days made this trip from excellent to "only" good. I cannot rate the Chobe Game Lodge as a 5 star Lodge. They only offer buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinners. In a 5 star property I expect dinner to be served on the table. In the 4 main meals I had, there was one pizza buffet (lunch)und one pasta buffet (dinner). If I want Italian food I don't need to travel all the way to Botswana. There are no waiters in both bars to take orders and bring the drinks to the table. I have seen 12 seater game drive vehicels from the Chobe Game Lodge packed up with 10 passengers of different parties and other cars had only 4 passengers. The staff didn't help elderly guests in and out of the cars. This was done by other guests and watched by the staff. In comparison to the other lodges I also need to say that I had the feeling that the guides are less knowledgeable then at other lodges.
I am sorry but in a 5 star Lodge I expect a higher quality of service.
The Chobe Nationalpark ist known worldwide for excellent game viewings and I was really looking forward to it. During my visit the game viewings were very poor and I believe one reason is that the access to the park is very limited. And when there is a sighting you might have to share with 20 or more other cars everyone fighting for the best spot. This is not a safari experience I would recommend.
Ichobezi Houseboat - very relaxing and a nice change to the Lodges.
Elephant Camp - all excellent, the Lodge, the staff, the food, the activites. I could do the walk with a Sylvester the cheetah and enjoyed the excellent guides and met the elephants. Also the tour to the Vic Falls was phantastic and our guide showed not only the falls but gave us also lots of information and showed us plants and wildlife.
Vic Falls Hotel - just awesome. You can feel and read about the history of this special place throughout the hotel. The location, the atmosphere, the service are phantastic. Thank you very much for this special place.
And finally the sunset cruise on the Zambesi River. That afternoon was a storm coming and I didn't realy feel to go on this cruise. But I went and it was a nice closing to this trip through Botswana and Zimbabwe. We had some great sightings and another amazing African sunset.
Thank you very much
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
the experience was good, and the assistance perfect
The programm was very interesting and the lodge of very high quality.
Maybe the time dedicated to the safari was a day too long.
The tour operator was always ready to help and we all have an extraordinary experience in South Africa, especcially with the two trips in balloon.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
By Far the best DMC on young dymanic minds
We booked the 7 day by far Best of kenya safari, and SS(sylvester sila),organised everything superbly and suprices on how a a company managed by a young mind wld be so so proffessional,,from the name seven by far,,wow ,book with them and u will get by far the best ever ,,,have 7th anniversary in advance''
Experience Professionals with friendly environment, understand needs on grass root levels and delivers results above expectation, Open Business minded people great to work with them.
Safari Holiday
I checked out many companies before I decided to go with Kenya Bush Excursions. Communication was fast and clear, and Doris took the time to explain things via email. Our airport pickup was there when we arrived, and there were no unwelcome surprises. Our guide Pius was the best, and when we got to Serengeti in Tanzania after being in Kenya at Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Game Reserve for a week, we missed his company. He was very friendly, and had a lot of knowledge to share with us. He also gave us advice on what to do and what not to do. All in all, we were (couple + friend) would really recommend Kenya Bush Excursions
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a down to earth experience. Very well organized, good food, no nonsense
We went do Maun not sure what to expect.
We had 8 nights in the North of Botswana: for a Westerner used to comfort and not knowing what the bush looks like and sounds this was the perfect trip.
A no nonsense atmosphere, good accommodation and very good food. Unbelievable what the cook could make on a would bush fire.
A guide who knew about everything that moved and flew.
We went home very tired but completely satisfied.
Looking at our pictures I realized that we had seen nearly everything one could think of !
In terms of price quality I don't think this can be improved.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience in Tanzania Southern Parks
Tour well organized in really beautiful places. Strong and comfortable car, prudent driver. The managers carefully followed us but with discretion. No problems at all.
The only remark, so as I have experienced even in other trips in Tanzania, is that guides have not so much knowledge about the wildlife, just sufficient.