IN
experience was good and arrangement was good pick and drop service and hotel everything
Tomodachi it has staff that make you feel like home. You can be more or less lucky with your safari, but the driver helps us to spot many animals.Food everywhere it was so nice but the only thing they have to improve is the "lunch box". This is not a problem of this agency, many tourists had this complaint with their own companies.... there is this low standard quality "lunch box" service in good
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service thanks for helping me all time
Safaribooking was good and experience was good it was lovely trip
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A fantastic safari and birding experience!
I embarked on my trip to Namibia in Jan '19 having previously used Nick and Nature Travel Birding for an excellent trip to Ghana.
The trip started in the Caprivi on the border with Botswana and continued throughout much of the rest of Namibia. There was fantastic birding to be had with excellent views and photo opportunities throughout the trip. Etosha was excellent and a highlight with great mammals as well as birds.
Nick was a tremendous guide, extremely knowledgeable and really made sure the trip went well. There was a general flexibility and genial atmosphere to the whole trip with Nick being patient and accommodating to get those extra couple of photos. The accommodation, food and itinerary were spot on.
I wouldn't hesitate to reconsider Nature Tatvel Birding and continue to plan future trips with Nick and team.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Holiday of a lifetime
While we have travelled internationally many times without using travel agents we were a little reluctant to do so when visiting Africa, not knowing the region and aware of the huge scope of travel and tours available.
We approached Encompass Africa after finding their name on line.
From the moment we met Jono and his team at Encompass Africa Brisbane we had confidence in his ability to provide us with an outstanding experience. Pre-trip he was always available and cooperative and produced for us an extremely detailed itinerary that left nothing to chance.
His itinerary provided first class accommodation, car rentals, tours and air travel, and we put our absolute trust in his suggestions for a 17 day holiday in South Africa and Botswana. We were not disappointed.
In South Africa we experienced Capetown (3 days) and the Garden Route (6 days) and were amazed at the wonderful variety of landscapes and other attractions of the region. While we felt a little insecure before we left to drive the Garden route, we had absolutely no problems. Roads were excellent, locals cooperative and efficient, drivers far more courteous than in Australia, and we always felt safe wherever we went. Sure, when parking the car anywhere there is always a local to guide you into a space and expecting a small tip, we quickly got used to this and quite enjoyed chatting with them.
After returning to Capetown we flew to Maun in Botswana and from there a light plane to the first of two safari camps, Kwando Lagoon. Within 90 minutes of our 4pm arrival we were following two cheetahs for at least 30 minutes, almost within arms reach. We were told this was our lucky day because they had not seen them for 2 months. The rest of the 3 days there were amazing with a huge array of wildlife including witnessing lion and lioness hunts and one kill, hippos, elephants, giraffes to name just a few. Kwando Lagoon was an incredible introduction to the Kwando group of safari camps. Facilities were 5 star, staff efficient, courteous and willing to do anything to make our stay more comfortable.
The routine doesn't vary in Kwando camps: 2 safaris each day, rising at 5 or 5.30am for a 6am start, out for 5 hours then lunch and a siesta before going out again at 4pm for another 4-5 hours of day and night animal spotting. Then a beautiful meal and wines, conversation with other guests, and early retirement to prepare for the next day. It did take a while to become accustomed to the noise of dozens of hippos at night in the river a few metres from our tent.
We left Kwando Lagoon after 3 days for Kwando Splash camp (30 minute light plane ride), thinking nothing could better where we had been. We were wrong. Kwando Splash had the advantage of being newly rebuilt so everything was sparkling. The animals were literally everywhere. We left camp for safaris and within a few minutes were photographing lions, jackals, zebras, giraffes, a honey badger, elephants, hyenas, etc etc. On the first day we found a leopard, under a bush right next to our vehicle and patiently waiting for us while we took a thousand photographs. Our wonderful Botswanan guide Dave and tracker KB had just finished telling us the leopards were very elusive and difficult to find, they were at least as excited and amazed as we were. Like Lagoon camp, Splash had wonderful facilities, outstanding staff and excellent meals and drinks. My wife's birthday was celebrated there with a delightful performance by the staff followed by a cake with the other guests. Staff are more like a big family than employees.
A couple of things to note: the camps are in an environment that is barely disturbed and it is not uncommon to see wild animals in the camp or on the tracks to accommodation tents. We saw elephants baboons and warthogs in camp. Staff are always on hand to escort guests to and from accommodation, and after dark it is policy not to leave the common area or tent without a staff escort. The animals are not in reserves or sanctuaries and are not fed or nurtured by staff. They are completely wild and rely on traditional hunting methods for survival. We never felt afraid or insecure because guides trackers and other staff are so professional and well trained. The period recommended by Encompass Africa of 3 days in each camp was exactly right, any longer and we would have been exhausted with excitement and 5am wake-ups.
We left Africa unable to think of one deficiency or criticism of our holiday, travel agent or hosts in South Africa and Botswana. We cannot recommend Encompass Africa and Kwando camps more highly (although we haven't been to any others) and would return in a heartbeat using Jono and the team again.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Sarah was great organizer for our tour, everything was well cordenated and in time.
Sarah was in constant touch with us prior to the tour and during the tour. Gave us confidence of her work ethics would highly recommend her for all future trips
BS
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Adventure
This company was absolutely excellent to deal with! From the time we landed until we left Kenya, this company took care of us and made sure we had what was needed. The camps were outstanding as was the service within them. The follow-ups, customer support and overall experience with Somak was a welcome surprise and I cannot recommend them enough! We will be back!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience! Visit Kenya and book with kenyawalking. Special thanks to our guide David!
Accomadations, wildlife and the service have been excellent. Our guide David made the trip extra special.
DE
We were surprized over the courteous, friendly and prfessional help for and after the safary game dr
We were saisfied over the courteous, friendly and prfessional help for and after the safary game drive. Accomodations, food, transportations,
guides, weather, and scenery were very good. Wildlife was not to our full satisfactory, but then this was not a national park! But for beginners
it was it was allright. We enjoid our beginners wildlife safary and can recommend further. Thank you for the good time.
Cheers, Wilfried and friends
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was an amazing experience!
It was incredibly easy to book the safari from the USA. The communication was quick and easy, as well as making the payment. It really was a stress-free booking for us. Our guides were very informative and we felt completely at ease during the whole experience. Our lunch was a delicious buffet full of so much food! Overall, I would recommend Samson's Safaris to anyone interested in a great safari with great people.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
This tour operator was outstanding in every respect.
During our 4 day stay in Livingston, Shadrick was allocated to us to assist with all of our excursions. His knowledge, reliability and friendship will never be forgotten. We experienced a trip of a lifetime by reason of the expertise of this tour operator. All of the designated tours were outstanding. All I can say is that I envy those persons attending the Commonwealth law conference in the next few days in Livingston. I would have no hesitation in recommending Luciano tours to anyone.