50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An astonishing and diversified Zimbabwe discovery tour from East to west, Harare to Victoria Falls
It was our first-time experience in Zimbabwe, the second in Austral Africa, 18 years after touring South Africa. We had three weeks to spend in Zimbabwe and wished to reconcile tourism in the country, cultural and professional activities in Harare. In order not to worry too much about our journey and to minimize hazards during such a tight period, we chose to mix a tour operator and more improvised activities. Among the five companies approached from our travel guide and the safaribookings website, Exec Africa travel and tours, the Vic Falls-based Sibanda small family business was the most responsive and the most profesional. For the preparation and composition of the tour, Hansel managed everything perfectly and was always attentive to last minute adaptations. For our trips, Likhwa, his brother, served as our driver and guide on the road, accompanied by Phinnias, a professional guide from Harare to Bulawayo. The Toyato Proace was clean and comfortable though a 4*4 would have been more suitable in some places. We spent unforgettable moments together and can only praise the skills, communication and kindness of these guys. We toured from the Nyangas (Mutarazi falls, Nyanga national park, Nyangani Moutain, Cecile Rhodes museum), the Vumbas (Vumba Botanic Garden), Great Zimbabwe (Masvingo), Bulawayo (Khami Ruins, the Matobos with a half-day rhino safari, san caves and Cecile Rhodes grave), Hwange (one full day safari in the parc) and Vic Falls (evening romantic cruise on Zambezi, walking and helicopter tour of Mosi-Oa-Tunya, the highlights of the trip). The accomodations were clean and comfortable (special mention to the bucolic setting of Samango Paradise in the Vumbas guest house and Gwango heritage resort). The services and prices were fair given the high inflation in the country and we never felt ripped off. Our journey will leave us with unforgettable memories. We are indebted of Ian, the guide in the Matobos and were impressed by his great knowledge and passion for his country. Zimbabwe is beautiful, very culturally rich and its people are incredibly kind and resilient. Our only regret is not being able to meet mamaG (Getrude Sibanda, the mother and business manager) as she toured Zimbabwe with other customers in the other way. Thank you Chiwoniso Maraire, Tony Chihota and friends for making us want to visit Zimbabwe. Thank you Hansel, Likhwa, Phinnias (and Mama G) for making this possible and unforgettable. Omerine and Patrick
NZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A reliable and trustworthy choice
I did a 5 day trek of Mt Kenya with Dennsland Trek Tours. I chose this company because Edward was very quick to answer any queries that I had about the trip, and it seemed like good value for money. Even on the day the tour started, Edward was quick to respond to last minute questions which I really appreciated! We met our guide, cook and 2 porters on the first day, who were all very accommodating, though we didn't get the chance to talk very much with some of the crew which was a shame. Most of the time the staff and the guests hung out in different spaces. Despite this, all crew were very prepared and organized, and fed us really well (amazing food and a lot of it!). Our guide Ben was fantastic. He set a good pace and I never felt rushed. Both Kim and Ben were friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Overall it was a great experience getting to the 3rd highest peak on Mt Kenya. I'm happy that I chose Dennsland Trek Tours and that everything went as smoothly as it did!
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Kenya with Tall Masai Safaris
We went for a 9 day trip around Kenya with the Tall Masai Safaris. We were from India. From the moment we arrived at Nairobi till we left Benson of Tall Masai Safaris was always at our side to arrange everything and take care of any problems. The stays were fantastic as were the safaris. George our guide cum driver did a wonderful job of making us watch all the wild animals that can be seen. Overall it was a great experience. Tall Masai is highly recommended for any type of tour in Kenya.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Tarangire National Park by Laura
First park we did, as soon as we entered we were welcomed by elephants walking to the lake to drink, it was incredible.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Serengeti National Park by Laura
The endless plane is a real gem, is exactly how you can dream it. We had the privilege of seeing the most beautiful sunset in the park. To me Serengeti was grounding, it reconnected me to earth and nature. I would spend a month there.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Laura
Not my favorite place, reeeeeally cold, but there we saw hundred of animals all together reaching a small lake to drink and it was again a spiritual experience, seeing life itself all coming together to sustain itself.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Laura
The least interesting of all the parks, not much wildlife and not much to see. The lake is nice but in my opinion is not worth it.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Astonishing experience
Tanzania's National Park are a dreamy reality. Crossing their gates meant to me detaching from reality, society and all the problems related, it felt like a peaceful and spiritual reality where I regained a lost relationship with nature and animals. Sleeping inside the tented camps in the park was incredibly peaceful, it was really a dream, during the night animals roam around your tent, and we could hear zebras, hyenas, buffalos ecc.. Serengeti then was a real gem, we saw all the big five and many hunting scenes and lion cubs.
We choose Colours Africa Tours as operator and they were really helpful, always on time and always listening to our requests, they put us in amazing accomodations and give us delicious food, and I think they provide a really good quality service compared to the price. Overall that's an experience I would 100% repeat. Also, even when in Arusha or Zanzibar we felt safe walking around by ourselves in the villages, which is something you can't do everywhere in the continent. The weather was hot but pleasant in the mainland and in the parks, only in the Ngorongoro Crater it was very cool, but in Zanzibar it was, in my opinion, intolerably humid.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Spectacular
We stayed at KuSungula lodge near Kruger Nat Park. This was the most amazing trip ever. We spent time doing open air bush rides through the reserve as well as several days with a guide in Kruger. The entire experience was awesome. The local people were lovely and so helpful and our lodge experience was simply amazing! Seeing the animals in their natural habitat without fear of us was indescribable.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable experience I would recommend to everyone!
During our trip, every interaction with locals was positive and we felt welcome and safe no matter where we were in Kenya. My family and I were picked up at our hotel in Nairobi promptly at 7:00 am and taken to the busy downtown area where, after a bit of waiting, we transferred to another vehicle and driver to take us to Masai Mara for a safari. On the way to Masai Mara, we stopped at the Great Rift Valley and were treated to stunning views of the "Cradle of Humanity". During our safari, we experienced spectacular sights of wildlife--including four of the big five! Our safari lodge stay was top notch. Also, we learned about the unique and fascinating customs of the Masai with a visit to a traditional Manyatta (village). We then travelled to the southeast coast (Mombasa and Diani), where we explored the rich cuisine, crafts and history of Kenya's Swahili culture. After Mombasa, we went back to the vibrant and growing capital, Nairobi--where we visited markets and museums, while experiencing more of Kenya's delicious cuisine!
The entire trip was unforgettable for me and my family. I would highly recommend Kenya as a travel destination to anyone who asks!