50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Armand from RhulaniSafaris exceeded all of my expectations and I would highly recommend the company.
RhulaniSafaris is a relatively new company run by Armand Grobler, a young (26 YO) South African who spent his formative years growing up in Australia. He is a wild life photographer who is lucky enough to fulfill a dream of sharing his passion for African wild animals through a personalized and professional safari experience. Armand is highly enthusiastic and passionate about the African wildlife and deeply cares about protecting their future. Everything he did was aimed towards making a truly memorable experience for us. His photographic expertise made him ideally suited to understand our needs and he went out of his way to ensure we were perfectly positioned to take great photographs. This is not just a job to Armand, it’s his life.
My daughter, son-in-law and I spent an amazing 5 days at the Buffelshoek Tented Safari Camp, Manyeleti Game Reserve, Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabi Sands and Blyde Wildlife Estate.
I would highly recommend including the Manyeleti Game Reserve in your safari. This is a relatively new public reserve and there was an abundance of animals, including the big 5. It wasn’t crowded with other safari vehicles and we were able to get close to the animals. We were even fortunate enough to see a pack of African wild dogs and to locate their den where there were three ~ four months old pups. It was amazing to see them playing and interacting in a totally carefree manner. The Buffelshoek tented accommodation while relatively basic was more than comfortable. This is a small camp accommodating up to 10 people. The food was superb and the staff were very friendly. Umkumbe Safari Lodge was more “up market”. The food and accommodation were excellent. There was free WIFI with limited data (can purchase more) available between 7am - 4pm in the communal area. The game drives were excellent but we didn’t see as many or varied animals as at Manyeleti. However, we did get to see the big 5 including 2 spectacular leopards. On our last night with Armand we stayed in a luxury house at the Blyde Wildlife Estate. This was a real highlight - comfortable and luxurious. My only regret was that we should have stayed for two rather than just one night. We finished with the Panorama Tour (God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and 3 Rondawels); well worth the drive as the views were breathtaking.
I will remember the memories gained and our time with Armand forever. I could not recommend Armand and RhulaniSafaris highly enough.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extraordinary Excellence
I need to preface my review by saying my wife and I used the services of one company to hike to Machu Picchu. We used a different company to coordinate our trip to the Galapagos Islands. So then at the beginning stages of planning for a safari, I talked to 11 different safari companies (including the two we've previously used). I then narrowed it down to four, and then finally one. I am so glad I chose Extraordinary Journeys (EJ). There wasn't anything EJ did which was less than perfect. I worked on my safari with Lynn Newby-Fraser. She worked with me by not only listening to what my wife and I wanted to see and do on a safari, but she also made suggestions to us...all based upon her vast experience. Some of her suggestions we took her up on, some we did not, and she was ok either way with it. Do not use a company to plan a safari unless they have experience in their resume, and Lynn certainly does.
From initial takeoff from home to the landing back home a few weeks later, EJ simply took care of everything. After the initial planning was done, Lisa Newby-Fraser actually did all the logistical work and made sure every detail was perfect. We stayed in some tents which in all honesty was more "glamping" than camping. We also stayed in lodges which were absolutely phenomenal. It was much much better than we even expected in the first place. Before leaving on the safari, we were asked about our dietary requests and/or restrictions and at every location those requests were followed. The food at each place Lynn suggested we stay at, was exceptional. The service at each place was first rate as well. One place we stayed offered to bring us a drink to our lodge, long after our dinner, if we wanted. Additionally, we found out (while on safari) that Lisa was checking up on us to make sure our trip was 100% successful. That is excellent service and dedication.
There are many many safari companies out there one can use to coordinate such a trip. If I could give EJ ten stars rather than 5, I would. If you're thinking of going on a safari and do not use Extraordinary Journeys and Lynn Newby-Fraser, I think you'll be making a huge mistake. For a trip of a lifetime, Lynn and Lisa at EJ will guarantee the trip will be one you'll never forget.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous safari. Great lodgings and Guides combined with unforgettable animal encounters
We had a fabulous trip to Tanzania! Everything worked like clockwork. We were picked up, dropped off, and told of our scheduled times. Everyone was well informed and so welcoming. The accomodations were great..good food, good people and knowledgeble guides. We felt well cared for and welcomed. And we saw an amazing array of wildlife with beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
It is an experience we always remember.
RS
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Totally unreliable, too expensive, hire irresponsible drivers, avoid them or you risk too much
We have travelled a lot all over the world and have never had such a bad experience with a tour operator. We only bother to write this review in order to warn people of this company. First of all, they overcharge. Our mistake was that we wanted to prepare everything before our arrival to Mauritius and we chose Ocean African Tours because it seemed to us they had everything we needed. It turned out that hotels have much better deals than the one we arranged with Ocean African Tours. Mia, their driver picked us up at the airport and in the following days took us on two tours over the island. His knowledge of the history of the island and its sights is miserable. Obviously he made no effort to learn anything although he acts as a guide. The tours and the price were arranged through the owner of the company. However, Mia did not take us to all the places we wanted to visit with different excuses. Although we originally wanted to go on several tours with them we chose not to, as after 2 tours we realized their service was not to our expectations. Two days before our departure we arranged with Mia to pick us up at 6 am on Saturday and take us to the airport. He did not show up. When we phoned the owner he told us he would be there soon, he was on the way, he lied. So at the time we were supposed to be at the airport, we were still unfortunately, in front of our hotel in Mont Choisy, on the other end of the island. Both Mia and the owner live very close to our hotel but nobody came. After 45 minutes of waiting and several phone calls and promises from the owner we stopped some driver in front of our hotel, explained the situation and he phoned his friend, a taxi driver to take us to the airport. Thanks to this man we arrived to the airport and had to rush to the check in, ask the people to let us go first etc. All in all, we almost missed our flight. You can imagine how stressful it was, having in mind that we have to get to Paris and catch the connecting flight and be home so that we could start work on Monday morning. As a result our luggage was delayed by 5 days. Both the owner and Mia promised compensation for the inconvenience but paid us nothing up to date. As both of them are not men of their word we had to write this review.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
top-notch service - a trip of a lifetime!
We booked a 5 day/4 night trip through Kruger Park Travel with Tydon African Safaris. It was a trip of a lifetime - our group of 4 adults all absolutely loved it. The service from KPT was top-notch. I sent our initial inquiry, and got back a colorful and detailed proposal that had us all drooling. We were able to make some modifications to the initial proposal, which worked out great. Every question was answered very quickly and professionally by Ilana, who remained my contact from start to finish. Right before the trip we received a list of emergency contact info, which I've never had happen before, and it was much appreciated for leaving with folks back home. The entire trip went exactly as was identified in the documents we received. I honestly have never had such great email communications with someone - if I asked three questions, she sent three answers. We paid our 50% deposit to reserve, and then the balance about 2 months before our trip - that was a little nerve-wracking but obviously worked out just fine. :-)
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime!
Working with Compass Odyssey and Darren to develop an itinerary that incorporated our interests and budgets was a pleasure. The accommodations were fabulous and each of our guides were filled with knowledge about the history of the places we were or the animals we were seeing or looking for. Every last detail was taken care of, making our lives easy. I highly recommend Compass Odyssey!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A one in a lifetime trip that went as smoothly as was to be expected
George from Right Choice was excellent in his timely communication with thorough answers. Absolutely no complaints there. The service was professional and competent. Our tour driver Kamal was a lovely and knowledgable guy who achieved everything we set out to see. We saw everything! Even when we didn't see Rhinos in Lake Nakuru (which everyone said was highly likely) we added another park at the end to fill in this missing gap. We couldn't have asked for more in this regard. The tour itself was the classic 8-day tour including Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (which we highly recommend). We ended up adding Nairobi NP at the end. Kamal managed to get us to everything on time and gave us the maximum possible safari experience. No technical question about the animals and the country went unanswered. Overall, we are extremely happy with the tour and would have no hesitation recommending Right Choice Safaris to anyone. You will be in safe hands!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy communication, perfect Tour (also for children!)
What an amazing experience! We travelled with our 2 children (both below 10) and from the very beginning of the planning process KingTomondo was extremely nice and helpful. Lisa and Niklas are such a lovely team. Communication was super good, it seems you can write to them at 4 in the morning and still get an answer almost immediately. They also speak German, which was extra convenient. We had quite a lot of questions about the tour and also about a few days at the beach before the tour, and they easily guided us through all of that. They even recommended a few hotels and lodges for us which specifically cater to the needs of children.
Later, on safari, our guide Said was wonderful. Always smiling, friendly and very very helpful. We enjoyed both his company and his knowledge a lot, also (and even especially!!) the kids. I can recommend to anyone to take your kids on a safari, it is such an adventure for them! Whenever we come back to Kenya, we will go straight to KingTomondo again. You can't go wrong with them, super friendly, easy going and professional. 100% Recommended!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
My experience with explorer kenya was very splendid. i enjoyed my tour with them would recommended
I had a very nice experience with explorer kenya from the services offered by the driver a smooth ride from pick up till drop off they were so kind and understanding to our expectations ,and the hotel booked for us was exquisite visited Meru national park. I would recommended explorer Kenya to my friends and relatives as their excellent guide through Africa
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memorable 4 days safari!
We are two Canadian volunteers working in Zanzibar and we got recommanded the 4 days Safaris with Serengeti Wakanda Tours and Safaris by our fellow volunteers.
Wow!!! Our experience was memorable. We saw so many animals, it seems like our guide knew were they were hiding! Massive packs of wild animals, big cats protecting their babies against hyena, cheetahs climbing on our jeep, a lovely lion wedding and roaring lions around our tents at night was more then we expected. We lived incredible moments that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
All of that was possible because of the professionalism of Serengeti Wakanda. The communications before the trip were fast and clear. The staff did the extra mile to pick us up after our landing. Everything they planed was respected and we even got more! With Mood as a guide and Meshark as our cook, we were fully satisfied and we laughed quite a lot. We received valuable information on the animals and the wild life in general. We had plenty of food and drinks for the entire 4 days.
Barto and Carlson, the owners, are running this business with great enthousiasm and a tremendous love for the animals. To the whole team of Serengeti Wakanda, we are thankful and we absolutely recommanded this tour operator to anyone who wants a reliable, unforgettable and entertaining safari.
Asante sana warafiki!
Jessika & Yanick