US
Excellent Experience
Every aspect of our experience with Spirit of Kenya was flawless. Initially, we selected a small number of companies when we started to think of going on Safari, it quickly became evident that Spirit of Kenya was by far the most flexible and had the best communication. They put together a number of options very quickly which allowed us to choose exactly what we wanted within our budget. The booking and payment went smoothly. The safari itself was excellent, the camps were as promised and our guide, George, was truly an expert in his field. His ability to spot and recognize animals was second to none and truly amazing. In addition, he ensured we were always comfortable and had everything we needed.
Overall, our experience was amazing due to the people at Spirit of Kenya, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari experience in Tanzania
I had a really hard time deciding on how to rate this company but settled on the five stars because of the wonderful safari that was provided. It surpassed all expectations and our guide Hassan was excellent. We booked this safari about 6 months out and Maturaf, the managing director, was very responsive at the beginning and answered all our emails. He also put together a good itinerary for the two of us. However, once the initial deposit of 30% was sent, all communication stopped. It took several weeks for him to acknowledge that the money had been received and issue a receipt. Then it took many more emails to him to finally get an answer about paying the balance. All he needed to do early on was to let us know that the balance was to be paid on arrival by cash or credit card. This he eventually did a couple of weeks before our departure. When we arrived in Arusha in the evening, we were sure hoping that someone would be there to meet us! And Hassan was. We were ever so happy to see him there holding a sign with my name on it. From then on, it was a fabulous experience. We met with Alex from Mama Savanna the following day and paid him the balance with our credit cards. He outlined the safari for us and we were off. The accommodation in Arusha at Zawadi House was very comfortable and the staff friendly and helpful. Hassan picked us up there in the Toyota Land Cruiser (?) which was an extremely comfortable vehicle to travel in. The top popped up to give a 360 view when in the parks. We were in Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. The animal sightings were amazing. To see elephants, giraffes, lions, water buffalo and so many others up close was a pure thrill. Hassan had a sixth sense of where to find these animals. We got to see hyenas circling a lion waiting for him to finish his feast before they could attack. And also saw a pair of hyenas track and take down a wildebeest. The Serengeti Tortilis Tented Camp was a unique experience. This is not your typical camping experience! Because this was considered off-season, very few people were staying there and we had very personal attention. Staff were excellent as was the food at dinners and lunches provided. It was a trip of a lifetime for us.
Bottom line is I would recommend this company because of the excellent product that was delivered but be aware that communication may suffer after the deposit has been paid.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous 3 generation trip to South Africa!
We have just returned from our 8-Day Kruger & Cape Town trip and have nothing but good to say about this company. Our agent there was Alethea and she provided excellent service. This was a 3 generation trip for us, with me - the grandmother - my daughter and my 17 year old grandson. Right from the beginning when we were in the planning stages, Alethea was very responsive with emails answered immediately. Before we left home, we were provided with detailed travel documents and travel vouchers which included all the details we needed for each day. The accommodations were excellent as were the tours provided. The pace of the tour was also good with a mixture of tours and downtime where we could plan our own itinerary. We had a couple of minor snags which were quickly resolved by Alethea and Nicky. I would certainly use their company again for future travels and also recommend them to anyone wishing to visit Africa.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gorgeous and incredible safari
I (50 years German) was travelling on my own at a very short notice. My objectives were:
- to do a revival of a safari I did 30 years ago, and
- to see as many wild animals and nature as possible, and
- to travel in a group as small as possible (preferably on my own).
I have identified Flash Mc Safari via the internet – Flash Mc does safaris for small groups, mostly couples but also single-travelers.
Although the planning period was just a week Peter organized the 1-week-safari + Nairobi-surroundings via eMail in a very efficient, dedicated and professional way. The trip itself was perfectly organized from the beginning to the end. Everything – accommodation, food, and transportation – was very, very comfortable. The hotels / lodges were picked thoroughly and offered every comfort – no wishes were left open. Even forgotten stuff was picked up and sent behind! The transportation in a big jeep (which can carry up to 7 travelers) was very spacy and comfortable – also long leg space is available.
I was supposed to travel with one guide – John – who did a great job. Unfortunately he had to leave after 2 days for unforeseen and urgent family reasons. So, another guide – Edward – has taken over my safari. The change of the guide was done very professional and without disturbing my safari at all. Both guides were very friendly and had extensive knowledge of the wildlife, the nature and the country. Both were a very pleasant company, and both were excellent in identifying the right spots to see the big five and other wildlife. I have even seen a white Elephant baby and two fighting Rhinos. I saw Kilimanjaro with snow and each and every animal from short to very short distance.
Since I was travelling on my own there were no ‘group-dynamics’ in the car – we took as many time at each spot according to my wishes. So, the safari was not only full of experiences and pictures. It was also very relaxing. All three parks – Maasai Mara, Nakuru, and Amboseli – were very exciting. It was just great to see all these animals in untouched nature.
I highly recommend Flash Mc Tours for safaris in Kenya or Kenya/Tanzania-combo. And I highly recommend to travel in a group as small as possible.
Flash Mc has very professional guides, equipment and knowledge. They have met all my expectations and did everything to make my trip an unforgettable one.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour was professional and fun
I was impressed with the overall communication and service provided on the tour. It was nice to have park entrance fees included and we saw everything we hoped to see. They also gave us safari hats!
IL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
an excellent safari mainly because our excellent guide, Philip
we had 5 full days safari at the Serengeti and ngorongoro. the experience was perfect. off course we stayed in good hotels etc'. but, the most important was the service. comparing to other safari trip that we done before, we had Philip as a guide and driver. he is well educated young man. he have a lot of knowledge that he kept sharing with us. he even have many books at the car to show and explain everything. he took care of us and all the time wanted to look for more and more animals for us to see. we saw more than dozen lions and off course the rest of the big five.
actually we were the ones that asked for a break during the day:)
it was very enjoyable and we spent a lot of time laughing together. we highly recommend this tour especially with Philip. Many thanks.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A wonderful 3 day trip to Murchison Falls
We had a wonderful 3 day safari to Murchison Falls (April 2019). I booked it through the Prime Safari website when still in the UK. The process was so easy and communication from the Prime Safari office was great. I looked into a few other companies, but Prime Safaris gave a very competitive price and Cate always got back to me very quickly. Their information and paperwork and attachments were very professional and looked efficient and organised – which they were! It was easy to pay through bank transfer or Pesepay before I left. We also visited the offices to pay the balance – difficult to find (I think they are relocating) but very efficient, with staff working on computers and their own vehicles present there – always a good sign! The office staff greeted us with drinks and all our paperwork beautifully presented. It wasn’t just a show though, the actual safari was great!
I have been on a few safaris in my time and this one was wonderful. I had visited Murchison Falls about 20 years ago and it has changed a lot – a few more tourists, but so many more animals and conservation schemes. One of the best parks in East Africa. We visited the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary on the way up. It was great to trek in the scrub and view the Rhino’s at close quarters in their natural habitat. The rangers there are very dedicated to increasing the Rhino population so they can be released back into the national parks. A must on your way to Murchison and will enable you to see the Big 5 – which we did!
We had a wonderful guide called Denis. He was very knowledgeable and an excellent driver. He looked after everything for us faultlessly and he was great company. It is the little touches that you notice; he booked lunch in advance so that we didn’t have to wait after seeing the Rhinos (the restaurant was packed by then), he always kept time and organised us for the ferry crossing and boat trip well, he really knew about the animals and didn’t rush around. We even spent about 40 mins waiting for a leopard to reappear, when all the other trucks had left already – none of my party were in a hurry. It was well worth the wait and Denis had excellent knowledge about the leopard. He knew about photographers and was patient and moved gentle to different positions. He cleaned out the van every day, so it was nice and clean to sit in (there were a few squashed beetles in there after each game drive). He had cold water for us or purchased some for us on the drive back to Kampala. We didn’t trek up to the falls (have done this before and it is quite tough, especially in the heat and with a 10 year old!) but we drove up to the top and had our picnic lunch there – lovely. Denis made sure all our lunches were ordered and carried everything for us. Denis knew his way around the park and was very popular with rangers and other guides (again a good sign!) so got inside knowledge as to where animals were located.
We decided to splash out a bit and stayed a Paraa Lodge, where I had stayed 20 years ago. Still as lovely with excellent food, and a pool for my daughter! There are many other places though that are also very nice. One of my party had stayed at Red Chili Camp and Pakuba Lodge and said both are great.
So, if you are looking into a safari in Uganda, do book with Prime Safaris – we didn’t know anything about them before (apart from these reviews), but everything went so smoothly and we all had a fantastic time.
GR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREK AND SAFARI
We had an amazing trek and safari with Enosa Expedition.
We did the 7 day trek through Machame route. Noel, the owner of the company was always there to answer our questions while planning our trip. During the trek the guys made us feel comfortable all the time, the food was more than plenty and very tasty. Every day upon arrival at each camp everything was set to make us feel like home. Special thanks to all the porters, our guides Anton, Fraterino and Preygod and the amazing cook Sheidi. We also did a two day safari at lake Manyara and Ngorongoro crater, our driver Shirima was an exceptional person, polite and kind always keen to help.
Everything was perfect, it was an unforgetable trip.
Thanks again Noel and everyone else.
Experience level: first safari
Excellent Safari
Kennedy at African challenge safaris was great to deal with us. We stayed two nights at entim camp Mara and two at Sarova Mara, were both amazing.we saw the big five as well as rhino.we promised to go back for safari migration. We recommend.
EG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Seven by Far your company made my first safari incredibly enjoyable and will use them again.
Sylvester was reliable and quick to respond. The entire experience was phenomenal.