35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Another epic African adventure with Clyde and TMA!
This was our second tour with Clyde and TMA and we booked this one even before we had gone on our first one to Botswana. All our conversations with Clyde made us realize that we had found a kindred spirit - he understood exactly what we wanted and he was the one to go to for unique experiences in Africa.
When we called him up and asked him for suggestions for December which is off-season for most of Africa, he suggested Uganda. Not being a huge fan of primates Uganda had never been on my list but hubby was eager to see the great apes so I agreed. I was apprehensive till the last minute especially after talking to some friends who didn't have a very good experience in Uganda a few months before our tour.
But I needn't have worried. The tour organized by Clyde was once again top notch. He had picked some very cool destinations for us and in just 10 days we visited Kibale to trek for chimps, Bwindi to trek for gorillas, Queen Elizabeth NP for tree climbing lions and Entebbe for shoe-bill storks. His choice of accommodation was well thought out and his idea to do one way by road and the return by air was brilliant as we got to experience the local culture and the Ugandan people which made us fall in love with that country. When we had a small issue at one of the accommodations, Clyde was quick to get on the phone with the local tour operator and get it sorted ASAP.
Uganda was supposed to be a once in a lifetime destination for us as my first love is big cats. However, thanks to Clyde's impeccable trip planning we're now eager to go back and see the rest of the country.
We have no hesitation in recommending Clyde and TMA to anyone. In fact we've already planned our third tour with them and look forward to exploring Zimbabwe in September.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Personal challenge worth taking
As a group of four friends we decided to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro after new year celebration, so we spent some time researching for companies to use. After rigorous research we finally chose Fig Tree Tours and travel because of their pricing (mid-range), flexibility (we could start any day we wanted), very quick response on emails, and a lot of information on their website,REJEAEL was responding on time.
Since we were beginners they recommended Lemosho trail (8 days) and we were very happy with that choice, We found the scenery on our climb very beautiful, particularly the view of the snow peak looking closer everyday, there is an attractive wildlife you can spot on your way up.I had some normal altitude symptoms on day 2 but it went away after a few hours (after taking Diamox). The team of guides and porters were great, lovely and funny, the food made by ACTION was amazing.We truly couldn’t have done this trip without the fantastic team of guides and porters!!!
The summit day was very tough but thank God we made it to the top.
This will be a trip to remember, if you are looking to climb Kili go with Fig Tree Tours and travel, highly recommended.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari to Masai Mara
We used this company for our safari to Masai Mara in December. It was great that they organized everything, but it was expensive for 3 nights. Once we got to the hotel, we couldn’t figure out why it was so expensive because our camp wasn’t too great. The safari was amazing though, the guide and driver were amazing and made our trip, but they were more affiliated with the hotel rather than this company. We were told there would be WiFi, but there wasn’t. Only a few hours of electricity each day. Carol was great, and I asked her to reschedule my trip many times, but I think the company is charging too much. If you use credit card you also have to pay a large fee. We had a lot of fun though. You need to have a positive attitude though, like expect to get stuck in water. We stayed 3 nights at the same place which was great because we got to do more, and weren’t so exhausted moving around. We also flew on a small plane which was interesting but I’m happy we didn’t drive that far. We saw the buses that people who drove in had, they didn’t look as great as our land cruiser, more like a van.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Tsitsikamma National Park by Jayhawk80
Visually stunning as the mountain range dives into a deep blue ocean.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Phinda Game Reserve by Jayhawk80
A larger than average Game Reserve and a more "natural" safari experience than smaller game reserves or road side attractions.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great option for your FIRST safari
Since South Africa has largely confined its large "safari" animals, there are three primary venues to see them.
Roadside Attractions - ranging from wineries to rehabilitation facilities these are very small, but intimate viewing options, but not pristine or very natural. We preferred the rehabilitation facilities since it seemed "less exploitive."
Small to Mid-sized Game Reserves - These offer a wider range of animals and relatively consistent viewing opportunities since the facility had a limited expanse of fenced-in land, along with a fairly natural environment. In terms of "seeing animals," these may offer the best "bang for the buck."
National Parks - These offer vast acres of land and the opportunity to see animals in their most natural setting. Of course, the large expanse may also mean less frequent sightings, but those sighting might be considered the "most authentic" of the three options.
Zulu-Nyala is a smaller game reserve, plenty of sightings, reasonably natural with enough other nearby options to keep the week fully occupied. We felt it offered what we wanted, a daily opportunity to regularly see the animals consistently, thus a solid "first-time" or "only" safari experience.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Must do Tanzania!
Ziggy our guide and David Maro of Kilislope Tours did a fantastic job arranging our 5 day tour. Tanzania has a magnificent beauty and Ziggy knew all the best spots to bring us to. A highlight for me was watching a 3 lion cubs nursing, a peaceful scene for such ferocious animals. Hope to come back soon.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about South Africa by Jayhawk80
One of the most beautiful countries we've ever seen.
For us...the perfect trip was Capetown, the wine country, the southern coastline, and safari experience.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
So many animals!
Masai Mara is an incredible spot to see all kind of animals and the landscape are even more beautiful!