IL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well organized trip with an excellent guide
We had a 8 day safari trip of bird watching and primates. It was very well organized. Our guide-driver, Amos, was amazing: fluent in English, highly intelligent, knowledgeable, kind and patient, He took care of everything and was just fun to hang out with. The amount and beauty of the species we encountered went beyond our expectations - a new wonder every day. We saw many of the Albertine Rift endemic birds and unique mammals (chimps, gorillas, lion etc.) with the help of excellent local guides. The activities were varied: game drive, hiking and boat ride. Communication with Hedmond, the sales manger was very good and everything went as planned. The service at the lodges was also very good. We highly recommend this company and guide.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good overall but 2 bad experiences! Do your research before booking
We booked a 4D3N midrange safari to Maasai Mara and lake Nakuru with hyrax. We had a great time with Hyrax Safaris and both my parents were extremely satisfied. We saw the Big 5 and our guide Solomon went the extra mile to show us the animals. He did all he could to show us a leopard and we ended up being the first ones to see it. He was also very knowledgeable on all the animals and shared interesting facts about each animal. He was also quick to rectify any problems that came up along the way. On the first day we had a flat tyre and Solomon took care of it quickly with the help of his other Safari guide friends. He also placed my bag in the wrong camp but quickly realised and had it brought back to me without 15 minutes. With the above being said, we had 2 BAD EXPERIENCE which you should read before booking Hyrax
Roselyn agreed to provide us Jambo Mara lodge and Saravo woodlands in her original quote. After we made the down payment, she told us that saravo woodlands is no longer available and instead proposed another accommodation. However, the other accommodation is much cheaper and there was no mention of discounting the price difference until I brought it up. She also did not apologise for her lack of oversight in accepting down payment before checking availability of hotel. After I brought up the price discount, she quoted us a discount which definitely did not seem enough. True enough, when I checked the hotel price online, the discount was supposed to be greater. When I brought this up to Roselyn, she did some calculations to show us that she was right. However, in her calculations she calculated the hotel price per person instead of per room, so the total cost was higher than what it should be. I pointed this out to her but she didn’t agree. In the end, I made it a point to call the hotel and recorded our call with them showing that we were right. Afterwards Roselyn told us that the hotel told them the higher price at first and that she will check with them and in the end she gave us the correct discounted price. While I do appreciate that she finally gave us the right price, it should not have been after such measures from our part. Also, it’s extremely hard to believe that a tour company which has been booking hotels for their business does not know that hotel prices are usually quoted per room and not per person. I do suspect that it was an attempt by Hyrax to take a larger profit but I will give them the benefit of the doubt.
Secondly, before our safari Roselyn provided us with an itinerary. However, during our Safari, our guide changed the itinerary without asking us first. To be specific the change was as follows. We were originally supposed to have a pre-breakfast game drive on Day 3. However our guide changed it to Day 2 and on Day 3 we did not have the pre-breakfast game drive. Yes, in the end we got the same amount of game drive. However, I want to point out that entrance fee to Maasai Mara is on a 80 USD/24 hour basis if you are staying outside the reserve. By doing this shift, Hyrax is able to pay only 80 USD for entrance instead of 160 USD. However, they were not transparent with this information. I believe this is done so that when unsuspecting customers such as ourselves ask for the safari price breakdown, they can quote the entrance fee as being 160 USD but get away by only paying 80USD and hence have an extra 80 USD profit. We would have been okay with this had they been transparent. It is not professional to change an itinerary after we paid for it.
The above experiences might not be unique to Hyrax and might occur with any tour companies possibly. So for anyone reading this review, please do your research beforehand and do not let them get away with your money! If the review is confusing but you want to understand more, feel free to contact me.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience
We booked 2 nights and 3 days in Amboseli.
It was great. Our driver Kevin was very nice and we saw lions and cheetahs with him!
The accommodation at the camp was amazing, as were the people who hosted us. We spent two magical evenings sharing and learning about Kenya.
Everything was well organised. Also, they are very responsive by message.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our favorite holiday!
We wholeheartedly recommend Southern Africa Tours. Craig and Bianca are experts in their field and dealing with them was a pleasure.
We told Craig and Bianca what our interests were and they planned a trip that was perfect for us. We had a fantastic time: 12 days of seeing and doing what we had hoped for. The memories of animals, sights and experiences will remain with us forever.
Before we return to Africa, we will first contact Southern Africa Tours to organize our next trip.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic People
Owners were very attentive to every detail and also made us feel like family. Would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to do a safari.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Service
I went with my 4 sisters and 2 friends and we all had a memorable experience. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. They always have a big smile on their faces. Both our tour guides Thabo and Shamrack were exceptional. Thabo is a very happy person and very efficient. He’ll get things done even without you asking. Shamrack is a very skilled game guide. He knew exactly where to find the animals and we learned so much from his knowledge. We were so lucky to have both take care of us. We also think the food was delicious. We really had a very nice and memorable trip.
IL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Hero Team - Thank you
My son and myself did the 7 days to Kilimanjaro through the Machame route. The 'Heros' team was amazing! They took care for any needs! The food was very good and more than enough (thanks to the Chef Mayoo!), the Guide Rama was Super! Explain every day what we expect for the next day and what we are going to pass through, and what to take with us. He walks in the right pace per our needs and his great experiance. The service in the mornings and all days by Muhamad Ali was state of the art. The porters did amazing job, wow!Once a Hero always an Hero - We made it to the Top just few Min before the Sunrise as plan, Amazing !! Thanks our good friends, already missing you, Matan and Avi
FI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommend
I only had time for one night safari at Masai Mara and Wildlife Sun safaris went above and beyond to organise this. Professional and trustworthy. Highly recommend.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect service and all inclusive.
Everything was as promised. From pick-up till drop-off everything was perfectly arranged. George was very helpful and a great driver & guide during our safari. Would highly recommend.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent company
We did a 6-day safari with African Pangolin Safaris and our experience was excellent. Our guide Yunus took great care of us and did his best to show the best parts of the park, at the best time of the day.
A full week safari is a good way to enjoy the country and its different parks.
Our trip included Mikumi, Nyegere and Udzungwa with a mix of game drive, boat safari and walks.
Very well organised.
Definitely recommend.
