20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Saved our trip by securing last minute gorilla passes!
We planned a last minute trip to Uganda and were unable to get gorilla passes as they were all sold out. We met Bernard in-country and he helped us get three through UWA, which ended up being the highlight of our trip. His communication was excellent, and he was always checking in to see if he could help in any way. We will be back!
US
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect safari trip, perfect guide, and best price.
Everything was superb starting from the guide, he had a good communication with the passengers, we were provided with the high quality service. The safari was good, I enjoyed with my family. I recommend to use MangiEmpire Safaris for any safari
trip. The company has experience. You won’t regret!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Matobo National Park by Elizabeth
The park is well run, with good roads and tracks. The scenery is spectacular, and the rock art we saw was the best we'd seen in our journey. There are no elephants, and not a huge amount of other wildlife, but we were there to see rhino, and the chance of seeing them is quite high. There is also a chance to buy curios there from local villagers, at higher quality and much lower prices than Victoria Falls.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful experience, definitely a must do!
This was my first safari and was really amazing. I really enjoyed it: I saw many wild animals (elephants, giraffes, impalas, crocodiles, lions, zebras ecc..), the scenery was beautiful, the weather was sunny but not too hot, the accommodation was really comfortable (a bed in a tent with a private bathroom in Hippo Camp), the food was fresh and tasty. The best point was for sure our guide Nestor, he is a real skilled driver, very kind and extremely prepared about everything in the camp. We communicated via WhatsApp and everything was fine, he tried to solve every problem I had and he was fast and clear in every answer to my questions. His jeep is a good one and the travel was nice (even if quite long). I really suggest this experience to everybody (lone travellers, families and couples).
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
More animals than expected!
We did a four day safari, taking in Tarangire, the crater and Lake Manyara. Tarangire was fantastic with lots of wildlife to see. If you only have a day this would be a great place to visit.
There are plenty of taxis available for getting around easily and safely.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A short but very pleasant holiday in an extraordinary landscape
Our holiday in Zimbabwe was a short luxury break after a longer more basic road trip from Cape Town. We we driven in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to Matopos Hills where we were accommodated in the honeymoon suite of a popular lodge. Reached by a short climb up stone steps, and by squeezing between enormous boulders, our accommodation consisted of a large well appointed room built around another huge boulder, a balcony overlooking the valley, a gazebo (also with a marvellous view) reached by a rope bridge, and most fun of all, an open air roll-top bath. We were there to see rhino, and we managed to see two females with young, zebra, giraffe, various antelope and birds as well as rock art, the Rhodes grave site and the spectacular scenery the area offers. We had also requested a visit to the railway museum and the Khami ruins. We would recommend both. We were able to wander at will at the museum, climbing into some of the engines and carriages. Some were in a sad state, but Cecil Rhodes' personal coach was protected from the elements and merely dusty. Truly how the other half lived! On the other hand, the Khami ruins were a beautiful and spectacular reminder of how sophisticated the pre-colonial culture was in the area. Our guide throughout was an engaging and knowledgeable young man, the food at the lodge was beautifully presented and delicious, and all the other staff there were friendly and kind. We did not want to leave!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing First Experience in Africa
We did both the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve and they were both spectacular. The delta had more birds while the reserve had more mammals. The two really complement each other, but, if I had to pick, I would pick the Game Reserve. Accommodations were great in both places. Keep in mind that the camps have tents. High end tents, but still tents. That means that it can get really cold at night, so bring a hat for sleeping. Flying the small airplanes between camps and landing on dirt airstrips was a blast (unless you're afraid of flying). The guides were super knowledgeable and some had great driving skills. The sunsets were amazing. The best part was the people of Botswana. Probably some of the friendliest I've met throughout the world.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience for a First Time Trip to Africa
Sarah and Pippa at Ker & Downey really took care of everything. It first started with understanding our previous experiences and level of comfort about traveling in Africa (incidentally, we've been on every continent, except Africa). They also wanted to understand what was important for us to experience and if we had any particular needs. I have to admit that I did have a panic moment when I had to wire a large sum of money to a company in Africa that I have only interacted via internet. Alas, everything was fine. As for the experience itself, Botswana was amazing and everything went smoothly. And, while there was a small glitch in Zimbabwe, it was great to know that Sarah was just a text away.
All in all, it was an amazing experience and Ker & Downey can take a lot of the credit for it.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Great Adventure, Back to Nature
It was the trip of a lifetime.
Dennis promptly answered all my questions before booking and was true to his promises throughout the trip.I was picked up from the hotel on time and joined the other 5 members of the group. We were lucky to have Simon as our guide who made sure we saw all the Big Fives and many-many more animals from real close. My favourite ones were the elephant families with their babies in Amboseli Park.
I highly recommend taking this fantastic trip that you would remember for the rest of your life.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fun & Full filled
Planning trips of this kind takes work & when our friends a few years ago set up their 3 week African itinerary only to be informed on the day of departure that a fire broke @Jomo Kenyatta Intl airport, Encompass Africa stepped up calmly & timely re-worked all bookings (air, accommodations, connections) from scratch. Simple.
We wanted to work with a business that provided personalised attention & real commitment to service based on informed knowledge. Jono & Katie patiently crafted out bucket list trip (trekking Uganda for time with mountain gorillas to witnessing wildebeest river crossings at the Mara in Tanzania, plus people/culture connections, and while on safari, seeing: iconic five, ugly five, big five - well, minus rhino
