US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Lemurs are endemic to this island, the 4th largest in the world.
Fort Dauphin, Madagascar
A beautiful, sunny day greeted us on Monday, day 95, when we arrived on Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world. In 1643, Fort Dauphin was the first European settlement in Madagascar. The settlement, named in honor of the Dauphin, the Crown Prince of France and future King Louis XIV, is known by locals as Tolanaro. Madagascar gained its independence in 1960.Our Fort Dauphin Highlights tour drove through the city’s bustling market. We stopped at the square near City Hall where we admired the view of the bay and harbor situated below Saint-Louis Peak. Hawkers selling carved wooden items, necklaces, and shells were active. We observed the entrance to Fort Flacourt from a respectable distance. Another stop allowed us to see the rugged coast and pleasant beaches. We passed a mining company complex of homes. The company with partial government ownership is extracting ilmenite and zircon from heavy mineral sands. This is the only local industry. Tourism is also helpful, but only eight cruise ships visited this port in the past year.
In afternoon we visited the Nahampoana Reserve, located only about 4.5 miles from town, but with only half of the road paved. Once our school bus was on the bumpy, dirt road, we encountered the small, mainly thatch roofed houses these bush people live in. Extreme poverty. The Reserve itself is about 125 acres originally a botanical garden known as the Garden of Acclimatisation. We were successful in seeing three varieties of Madagascar’s endemic lemurs: sifaka, ring-tailed, and brown. It was fun watching their leaping antics. Their large eyes are captivating. In a fenced area, we saw the head of a crocodile protruding out of a pond. A guide moved a radial turtle so some guests could more easily see it. When the turtle set back on the ground, it scrambled back to familiar territory. One young man (seeking payment) hoisted his baby hedgehog for photos. Others offered chameleons for pictures. Later, two different costumed dance groups performed for us. We learned that locals buy a cow instead of saving money in a bank. Also, it is customary for a young man to offer a cow when requesting the hand of a potential bride. If a young person becomes a herder, his pay might be one cow for a year’s work. It was sad to be shadowed by children begging.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Back to Africa - Land and People I Love!
We have traveled many times to Tanzania and used Kashi Safaris for our transportaion around the country. They are very courteous, helpful and caring. Mr. Kimaro, the owner, has highly trained and efficient tour operators driving their vehicles. We have taken many mission teams to Kilanya, Moshi, Karatu and Ngorongoron Crater and have found Kashi Safaris to be the best in getting around the cities and the outback. Mr. Kimaro can also recommend a wonderful place to stay to have the GREAT Africa Experience - Havennature Safari Camp in Karatu on the way to the Crater. WE very highly recommend Havennature for it's settings, service, care and it's sustainable purpose. Kashi Safaris will take care of all your safari needs and do it safely and courteously.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent and Wonderful!!
Everything was wonderful and very exciting. Details went as planned and the Safari was wonderful
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good tour
The first driver was very nice and on time.
The safari was good, but we were supposed to have a French speaking guide and finally the guide, very nice by the way, was not bilingual, he was speaking a little bit French and no more.
We slept at Bastian Camp it was very nice (event if our tent was under water one night).
Nice Saturday in Morogoro, beautiful hotel, nice city and wonderful hiking day!
Nico our guide was very nice, sweet and fun!
I do recommand Raja tours!
BE
Awesome
Fantastic company. Tony is a true Gent. A great guy and he and his team go the extra mile. We were with two small kids who still talk about it now. I honestly can't recommend these guys highly enough.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I had wonderful Kenyan Safari experience which was very well organised and planned by Gofan Safaris.
I went to Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Aberdares in November 2018.This was my second Safari experience with Gofan Safaris. I was very much impressed and happy with services provided by them from very first time when I toured Amboseli national park. I decided the same day that when ever I will plan for next Safari I will plan with Gofan Safaris only. Their planning and organizing for entire tour is very good. Their staff is very cooperative and make sure that your entire tour will become memorable one. They provide you proper guidance throughout the tour. They are always at your support during the tour. I am happy to share this experience and recommend them.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
WORTHY
It was a very good experience and pretty good deal. Normal price and fair package. The driver was really professional, informed, funny and sweet. Always on time and quite flexible. Except some funny experience during the journey from a side to the other due to office work stops! I would recommend it :)
BE
Incredible experience for a reasonable price
It was a very nice tour. The guide, James, was very friendly and passionate. The accomodation was okay.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely great guide and driver, very engaging when needed and great with kids
Mike really made us feel at home in Kenya. Although I traveled many times to Kenya for work, this time I went on holiday with my wife and two sons (6 and 8). Mike, always smiling, made a suitable itinerary and was mindful of what we needed as a family. The driver (Alex) was also great and had some superb stories about the animals we encountered.
Definitely recommend Mike for (family) safari trips!
FI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Safari!
We had 8 days camping safari on low season.
Geoffrey, the organizer, answered very fast and everything was organized very well.
Our driver Simon was a good driver, had a lot of experience and took us to places where I thought we saw more than an average safari tourist. I counted that we saw about 60 lions, 6 cheetahs, 2 leopards, and 2 rhinos.
The food was fresh and excellent, thanks to Richard.
Equipment was good and camping with the wild animals was very exciting.
I have to say that camping is camping, not the five-star hotel so don't expect that.
I also saw that all safari organizers are not very good ones and we were very happy with ours.
Special thanks, our recommendation, and greetings to Simon the Driver!
