ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
All was as expected, but driver was simply a driver, not a guide
Hotels and services were exactly as agreed when organising the trip.
Everything went fine except for the fact that the driver was simply acting as a driver, and not doing much explanations about animals, landscape, people, local customs...
Even if he was always polite and correct, we expected more interaction or information from his side, to really profit our trip and learn about the place and the people of Tanzania.
Appart from that, the trip was ok.
KR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari... not what I expected... maybe...
First of all, I don't blame Axis Africa if my safari was less than ideal. I think for the price, I got a great deal. I saw lions, cheetahs. leopards, lots of elephants. giraffes, zebras. Pic-up, drop-off, camps and game drives were exactly as promised. I guess I really came with little experience and expectations. I was in a (nice) pop-up van with a bunch of foreigners (like me). The guide spent most of the time on a radio with other guides. We could guess when he spoke a lot and we say all the vans heading in one direction it was a lion or something "big". It did kind of feel we were harassing the animals, even caging them in with vans. Only once did our driver seem to participate in this (on the last day, he gunned the van to try to get a rise out of a cheetah, who did not respond-- and several of us let him know we didn't think it cool to do this-- but we did notice other vans harassing animals, shouting at them and trying to provoke them. I did get the feeling that the guides on these "budget" safaris would do "whatever" they thought made the guest happy and earn more tips. We clearly went off-road when it was marked. I also had a bad experience at the camp when a driver from another safari made sexual comments and reached into his pants and (well whatever) while speaking to me. (He asked it I was in a tent alone --I wans't) and then I just left.. I probably should have taken his name or photo-- but I was in shock! Anyway, this was not the fault of my company, but it did mar my experience.
In my further travels in Africa, I did another game drive in Botswana that was actually cheaper and more professional. We didn't drive as close to the animals but that actually felt better,
I did feel Axis Africa gave me what they promised in a budget safari. That said, I am not sure what i got what what I anticipated. I did see a lot of animals. They were mostly wild and free, except that we caged them in with our vehicles (and they did seem OK with this). Our guide, while not particularly knowledgeable ("there ix a big elephant and a little elephant") was pleasant enough. I hope this post alerts other women who may be harasssed to take a photo and report it as I wish I had.
US
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Erik
Lake Manyara was my first safari location, and I think it was great as a "beginner's safari". The wildlife is not amazing, but it was enough to get a nice taste of the experience. The birds were pretty spectacular, and it was definitely a good experience overall, but after traveling to Nairobi Natl Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Masai Mara, the experience at Lake Manyara paled a bit in comparison.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Could have been better
We booked a 4-day safari in Amboseli and Tsavo with the company. The initial booking of the trip was a bit tedious with us having to call them a few times since we were not getting responses to emails, they explained this was due to an overload of bookings.
They failed to inform us that one of the safari camps they suggested, Kibo Safari Camp, (which we chose from the list of options they provided) didn't have electricity for most of the day, which would have been nice to know in advance. And there was a small mess up on our return airport transfer.
Also, since we were first time visitors to Kenya, it would have been great to have some expert advice from them on the various options for safari locations, hotels, food, etc.
However, the rest of the trip and the other hotels were great. The driver-cum guide they provided, Steve, was a very nice guy with a wealth of information about everything around us.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Avarage quality honeymoon
The communication before departure was slow and sometimes not efficient, during the trip I had no response from them at all. Overall the trip was good, but not excellent as anyone expect for honeymoon. The company did not respect the itinerary we agreed upfront, the fridge in our jeep was out of service and the guide tried to took advantage of us more than once. I am sure there is better on the market.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Is the best choice
Safari service is parfacty, i enjoyed my stay with them last year when i was Rwanda in the holday every was okey. Thanks for all I recommanded to every one
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
bumpy road
On the whole, this was a decent experience.
We weren't aware the road into Masai Mara was so incredibly bumpy, and with two small children and a pensioner on board, this was information that should have been passed on to us from the start as a matter of courtesy. The car itself was very loud and the windows were quite shaky, which of course was magnified during the bumpier parts of the journey.
There was a question about money and residency status that was problematic, but eventually resolved after a few talks on the phone.
Our stay at the eco-center was pleasant, the people were friendly, and the food was lovely.
Our driver was kind and knowledgable.
Because we had two young children with us, the morning outing on the 3rd day was scrapped.
Unless a different van was available, I don't think we would ride with Safariline again.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
unfortunate experience *updated*
Update February 2nd, 2017:
The owner of the company called me with concerns about my review, so I will clarify that further.
I said the food was not good, which was too blanket a statement. There was a buffet for every meal, and most people could find something in it that appealed to them. There was always a certain amount of Indian food, as Kenya has a large East Indian population. I wouldn't go expecting gourmet offerings, but the food was satisfactory. Mark (the owner) said he eats fruits and vegetables every time he goes there, but it seemed to me like no one wanted to risk it on my trip.
As for options that cost more, I was referring to side trips that are offered if you have the time.
Another point I didn't make in my review was to be sure to bring extra cash-like at least $250. There are many things you will need it for, and they gladly take American dollars, so no need to change money.
Original review:
My experience with Odyssey started out well: I though they had good communications and returned my emails and calls promptly. Where it all fell apart was when they had a problem with the return ticket and did not give me accurate and timely information. This caused me a lot of anxiety and anger, because they were not honest and forthcoming about what was happening. It turned out fine in that I did get home, but my feelings about the trip are tainted.
The tour itself seemed to be ok, with a lot of driving and very little rest or down time. Also, the food was not good. Many of the options are not really available at all, and most cost extra money.
I would caution anyone interested in this company to be aware of every detail stated in the package, and keep a careful eye on arrival times and any changes that are made.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The experience was ok but not over the top considering the name 'celebrity tours'
The lodge was great, the safari was not good, there were no animals to see. Our driver din't communicate clearly e.g he Said it was 20 dollars to visit a masaai village n on arrival to the village, it was 20 dollars Per person. Some drivers were getting to close to the animals n he Said it was not allowed and he was actually obligated to report if he saw one but he din't coz he Said they were masaai's. Our car had a problem driving back to nairobi which made everyone tense.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A good safari, but planning and driver could be better.
Very good coverage by the agency at the airport. Good communication with the agency. Good service in the hotel before and after the safari.
The guide was more interested by the girls of the group than in his work of guide
We lost too much time to go shopping (1/2 day on the first day and 1/2 day on the last day)
Bad planning of the day. We had to build up tents in the night and have the diner around 10 PM
The driver did not respect the rules in the park (driving out of ways)
Overspeed on the road is not safe (the driver toke a overspeed bill)