65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great tour operator and guides, they provided everything they promised and more
After extensive research we booked a custom two-week tour of Rwanda and Uganda with Home to Africa. We have been to Africa many times, including a number of self-driving trips, but decided that it made more sense to do a guided tour.
Happily, we had a great experience and would highly recommend Home to Africa. Everything was well-organized, the driver/guides were great and the accommodations were first rate, even though this was billed as a budget/mid-range trip.
Our trip started in Kigali, Rwanda, where we were picked up at the airport by our driver, Ben. The next day we made the long drive to Nyungwe National Park. The following day we did the chimp tracking. Unfortunately, Joanne fell and hurt her wrist, so Ben took us to a hospital to get an X-ray. Apparently, it was not broken, but did prevent us from doing the next day's long hike up Mt. Bisoke. Ben was great in coming up with alternative activities for the day, at no additional cost, so the day was not wasted.
After we visited the golden monkeys (well worth it), Ben drove us to the border of Uganda where we were waved through without even having to show our passports. We met Eli, our new driver, and transferred our luggage. In Uganda they drive on the left, whereas in Rwanda it's on the right.
In Uganda we did many of the popular activities, beginning with the mandatory gorilla tracking in Bwindi and including Queen Elizabeth NP, the Kazinga Channel, Kibale Forest, Murchison Falls NP and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. All were very worthwhile and each lodge seemed better than the one before. On the last evening Eli arranged for a birthday cake to be delivered to our table for Joanne's birthday, complete with sparklers and the staff singing Happy Birthday. What a thoughtful surprise.
Thanks to everyone at Home to Africa for a great trip.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable custom trip with an expert guide.
Our exceptional guide, John Kariuki from Explorer Kenya, accompanied us for a spectacular nine days in Kenya, at Amboseli and the Maasai Mara plus a couple of nights in Nairobi. He ensured our smooth check in at each camp and hotel, drove beautifully in the wild Kenyan traffic, and answered our many questions.
John says, ‘If you appreciate nature, it will appreciate you.’ We soon understood that this meant that if we trusted his expertise and didn’t approach our experience as if we were checking off animals on a list (“the big five!!”) or trying to see as many animals as possible, we would find ourselves in moment after unbelievable moment, after the crowd of other vehicles had raced off to the next sighting on the radio. As only one example of many, one late afternoon we watched an enormous crocodile heave itself onto the bank of the Mara River to sample a zebra several other crocodiles were already enjoying. Soon the other vehicles had sped away, and we watched the lioness that had likely made the kill and had it stolen by the crocs bathe herself on the bluff top above. We moved along the bank on our side and stopped mere feet from two male lions admiring the lioness. As we took in this scene—massive crocodiles devouring a zebra below, lions above—the sky over the Mara turned orange as the sun set next to an isolated thunderstorm laced with bolts of lightning. Not another safari vehicle in sight.
John is also great company, with a deep and personal knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region, care for the local community, and broad connections in the parks and camps. He helped us barter with the ladies selling goods at the park gates, took us to curio shops that support the community, and on our afternoon in Nairobi, he took us to Kobe Strong, which supports hundreds of women through bead making and other handicrafts.
If you’re looking to charge across the landscape counting the big five, this may not be the review for you. But if you want to go home with the memories of a lifetime and at least one new friend in Kenya, consider requesting John Kariuki at Explorer Kenya.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They were top notch
The Communication with Lilian and Innocent was prompt and precise. We communicated through WhatsApp. They handled everything exactly as they told me they would. There were absolutely no surprises. The service was great. We were picked up at the airport as they said they would and they gave me a great hotel recommendation. This was a top notch service. Our 4-day Tarangire, Serengetti and Ngorogoro camping safari was spectacular. We were able to experience so many things that we would have missed if we were not camping. We had zebras, an elephant and a family of baboons run through our campsite. We saw so many animals and our driver was very knowledgable about where to go to find the animals. Our only disappointment was we couldn't find the elusive rhino. Our cook was wonderful. Everything he made was great. The lions are so close, the cheetah's and leopards are so beautiful. The elephants and giraffes are majestic! This tour is affordable and worth the investment. Remember - take cash for your payment.
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastically organised tour and excellent customer care.
Back in Switzerland I am writing these lines with a brief feedback concerning my Kalahari Safari.
Bluntly put: It was fantastic! Our guide Louis made a gorgeous job and we really appreciated his caring and highly professional conduct. Congratulations for having such motivated talents!
The stunning landscape and spectacular fauna we explored spoke for itself...
Moreover, our programm was an excellent and well-balanced mix of entertainment, excitement and retreat.
Overall it was a marvelous and highly recommendable experience which has left us with wonderful memories.
Therefore, once again, thank you very much to the whole team!
GE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Caring
Good deal for the money,
safari tour was perfect, our driver, Charles was amazing! He showed every animal and also told interesting stories! Highly recommended!
Our accommodation was budget, it was ok but now I would pay more and go to better camp. Electricity was with schedule and water was not always warm
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Marvelous
What an amazing trip it was. Fun filled with numerous activities done. I can't say more. Go out there experience it for yourself. Big up JM Jungle Safaris u filled my dream destination trip. All 4 of us really enjoyed, We shall come back again next year.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well organized
Our first safari and it was amazing, saw lots of wildlife. I found the skukuza camp accommodation a bit tired. The sabie river camp was lovely .
The guides were very informative and knowledgeable. The tour vehicles were not huge and not crowded do that made the safari a bit more enjoyable.
Going in the South African winter is great as there is not a lot of foliage so this makes spotting animals easier and it was not that busy. I felt the value of the safari was great for what was included. I would highly recommend them
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Super Quick booking process + Implementation.
I decided to go to kenya on a whim, and within a week everything was taken care of. I flew and was picked up from the airport, driven to all the spots and hotels and taken care of properly. I felt at home(away from home). Special mention to Joshua. Who drives, laughs and does not like thieving baboons. He knows a lot about the geography, the animals and also birds. Lenchada! Give him a raise!
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Outstanding. Far exceeded our expectations in every aspect. Staff, helpful, friendly, food amazing.
Everything amazing. Cannot fault. Value for money.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Recommend Africa Uncovered Safaris
This is a well-organised and excellent itinerary to deep dive Botswana and Victoria Fall. I traveled to Zimbabwe by myself at the end of Aug and this trip went far beyond my expectations. I spent nine days exploring the Victoria Fall, Okavango Delta, Chobe Natinal Park and Elephant Sands. This was the first time I did safari in Africa and saw packs of lions, elephants, Hippo and even lepard, which is rarely to be found even in Botswana! My accommodations and meals were fabulous and the staff at each safari camp went above and beyond to give me a memorable experience.
Archie provide detailed and well-designed planning before the trip. He was quick to respond and was willing to answer questions. I also want to recognize Tafara's effort to smooth and enrich the whloe trip. He redesigned my schedule in Victoria Fall to accommodate every activities since my flight was delayed, helped with the visa issue at custom of Botswana and selected the best guide for my Safari. He was exceptionally nice and helpful. I will be recommending Archie/Tafara to anybody who is interested in exploring Botswana and Zimbabwe.