US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Relaxing and Awe Inspiring Safari
We were picked up early in the morning (be sure to leave as early as possible! Some of the animals sleep when the sun is overhead) and drove from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg. We did a one day safari with a ranger and it was amazing! It was so relaxing to drive around the park, and so so cool to see all the animals casually grazing with each other. The park is beautiful and majestic, and you can actually get fairly close to the animals. Will definitely be back - what a life changing experience!
US
Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A must do trip
I recommend without hesitation. Mr. Otieno of Safari Walking is highly and promptly responsive to inquiries. It all went well. Ask to have Benson as a driver if you can. Benson is a safe driver, he is polite, patient, dedicated and will get you to see all the animals, some in action. I got to see an entire hunt from start to finish. I just returned from a safari with them. Though I was alone, they proceeded and I had the car and the guide, Benson, to myself for 9 days. That was great. Not all companies proceed when they only have one participant.
There was a hiccup though and I do not doubt Mr. Otieno will see to it this never happens again. I got food poisening in Naivasha in a lodge. I recovered fast as I had no plan to let this incident curtail my trip. However, if you are going to be in a lodge without telephone and the possibility to go out at night because of the possibility of wildlife encounter, make sure issues such as seeking assistance at night if needed are addressed. Annoying things could happen, so...be prepared just in case. In my case, the issue was not addressed beforehand and I am just glad I was able to get through a bad night due to food poisening without needing assistance from the lodge reception (closed at night on top of it all). This most important issue must be addressed. This said, look out for your safety and make sure to ask whether the ice is from purified water, and only eat fruits served with a peel or that do not easily harbor bacteria and that look crisp fresh (pineapples), avoid salads unless they are served with vinaigre on the side, and send back food that is warm but not cooked to death and that is not sizzling hot if cooked (right off the cooking pan). Basic stuff and you will be just fine. On another note, the food was always good, balanced and varied.
FYI, I think 3 nights in Naivasha is a bit long. Once you have seen the lake and done your drive at Hell's Gate, there is not much more to do and see. All this can be done in one day. Naivasha is a good rest stop driving from Masai Mara to Amboseli but that's all. Visit the market of Naivasha and mingle with the people. I liked going where the regular folks go. An hour at the market should suffice. All in all, I am happy with Walking Safari Survivors and I recommend without hesitation despite the hiccup that I am sure will be addressed. If you want to see how it went, I kept a journal/ blog of it on my Instagramaccount daleelah2018. You will see clips I made of conversations I had with Benson (you will love Benson) and a hunt and kill Benson got me to watch from beginning to end so knowledgeable and persistent he is in finding animals.
Another suggestion: for extra activities that are not included in the safari price, the travel agency should pre-negotiate the prices for us. I was left having to bargain the prices. They try to get the highest price first and you should discuss to lower the price. It would be better if that part was taken care of by the guide for a fair result for all. I find it a bit annoying to haggle each time. It can be pretty expensive, like US prices, which, in my opinion is not always justified in Kenya.
Benson dropped me off at the train station at Emali after visiting Amboseli Park and I continued my journey solo to Mombasa, Diani Beach, Wasini Island then Nairobi for 3 days. Kenya is a special country and it's people are beautiful, gentle and welcoming. I can't wait to go back there and when I do, Safari Bookings and Walking Safaries will be my first choice to arrange a safari. Do not let my suggestions or the hiccup I experienced interfere with what will otherwise be an amazing experience with Safari Bookinks and Walking. Safari.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful wildlife!
Our Safari tour was great. Everything was on time, the cars, the accommodation were great for it's value. The drivers were very friendly and did their best to show us all the beautiful things in Masai Mara.
Masai Mara itself was an experience completely out of this world. It is beautiful, and we enjoyed every moment of it. I would definitely recommend.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Go Touch Down is a first class act!
Go Touch Down communicated regularly & always replied promptly to our questions. My friends and I, immediately recognized the professionalism and were impressed with Marie and the group in Sarasota, Florida. The tour guides, Jonathan, Bakkis, and Bastion were the ultimate professionals, each fun in their own way; and very knowledgeable. Without a doubt, on my/our return to South Africa, I/we will go through Go Touch Down.
Cape Town was more than I/we had ever imagined. It is truly an impressive city with the most majestic sceneries one can ever experience. The dining experiences were beyond our expectations. Jonathan, our tour guide and was kind and patient, but more importantly, we learned so much from him about the South African people, history, and its cultures. He is a class act for sure!
Bakkis, our tour guide for the second leg of our trip, was a very "happy chappie" and always made sure we were all taken care of and safe. Bakkis was fun and we enjoyed his great expressions. He is unforgettable!
Bastion, our tour guide for the safari/game drives, appears serious, but has a great sense of humor. We shall never forget his keen eye for detail and loved that he knew exactly where to stop to capture the ultimate sunrise or sunset experience. These are treasured moments for the rest of our lives!
Thank you a million times! My long life dream came true and it would not have been so perfect withour your entire team at Go Touch Down. Look forward to seeing you all again!
Affectionately,
Pat Grech
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect trip
My husband and I went to Serengeti national park to enjoy our holiday for 3 days, and the trip was so perfect with Luitours and safari,we enjoyed every single moment of it. A nice car which provide us a good view during our touring. The tour guide was knowledgeable and he was encouraged open communication which helped us to get all the information we need about Serengeti national park. We were able to see different kinds of animals like a smaller groups of elephants, giraffe,Impala etc. We had a great place to stay, very clean and comfy and the staff was helpful. You can book Luitours and safari with your eyes shut.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful customised safari in Kenya
We had a wonderful safari in Kenya my wife and I. All the organisation made by Spirit of Kenya was just perfect and they did their best to personnalize our trip as much as possible.
Our guide was also fantastic; a great professional willing to share his knowledge with us.
I highly recommend Spirit of Kenya for your trip there.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most breathtaking and stunning experience!!
Could not imagine a better experience. Guiding and expertise are very professional, you name it, you got it and even more. An unforgettable journey. A +++
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They deftly juggled complicated logistics.
They put together a multistop Zambia pleasure trip for me (solo traveler). I presented them with my interests and after some communication, they put together a plan. Their knowledge of the area and operators was very helpful. When, as they do, issues came up they were flexible in modifying my agenda (e.g. one of my extensions was canceled due to river water levels). I feel that their expertise made my experience much more enjoyable as I could focus on my trip and not the logistics.
Pro: professional, approachable, non-judgemental, flexible
Con: tends to gravitate to the more expensive experiences (which you can "tune" down), some difficulty reaching them during a weekend issue (consider international mobile phone rather than wifi based communications)
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
9 day, 8 night Vic falls - Okavango Delta
Having never been on a safari before, I had plenty of questions before even booking the trip and Pamela was always quick to answer any questions I had, I was very impressed with the level of communication before even beginning the tour. As we were on a budget, we choose the camping option, the tents all felt safe in the various lodges we stayed in, they were all raised, spacious, and almost all had electricity/ fans in them (with the exception of the 1 night spent camping in the Okavango Delta Bush). Moto was a great guide, he had lots of knowledge regarding local animals, plants, cultures, etc and was great at spotting different animals as we drove from place to place, we really enjoyed our time with him. The only issue we encountered was the first place we stayed in Vic Falls one dinner and one breakfast that were supposed to have been covered we ended up having to pay for, but it was quickly resolved and we were reimbursed so overall it was not a big deal. The highlights of the trip was definitely Elephant Sands, sitting at the fire at night watching the elephants drinking water so close to us. Chobe National Park was also another of my highlights. I was worried about the camping aspect of it before I left, but it was all a very comfortable experience and I would recommend Africa Zim and this tour.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful, the guide was well vast with the wildlife and geography in general.
Amazing experience and service! Trekking the oldest group of Gorillas with the youngest baby at 4 weeks was a thrill. Loved every moment of it.