65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic trip with excellent organisation, accommodation and experiences.
The safari experience with African Ubuntu absolutely lived up to all expectations. The organisation was brilliant in every detail. Whilst the accommodation differed at the 4 safari camps we visited, all locations were excellent, with friendly helpful staff right throughout the camps, from the extremely knowledgeable and interesting guides to efficient hospitality and housekeeping, who all went out of their way to contribute to a special experience. The 4 camps we visited each offered something special as far as the environment and the wildlife were concerned, resulting in an amazing overall experience.
IL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mr. Joseph provided great support and handled all our needs
We communicated over whatsapp prior to our arrival,after which we recieved a detailed plan including all aspects of the safari by email.
We were met in person and were taken by Jeep to Tarangire , Serengeti and Ngorongoro our driver was very considerate and worked to spot all wildlife in all the parks we visited.
We had a great time with many memories.
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
8 day Uganda tour - To perfection
We did the 8 day safari (Budget lodging) in Uganda covering Kibale forest national park, Queen Elizabeth NP, lake Bunyoni and Bwindi impenetrable NP - And all the magic in between!
It was an amazing experience right from the start to the very end.
We were supposed to start on Entebbe, but since we were already in Kampala visiting some friends we asked Matoke tours if we could get picked up there instead, and it was no problem at all, the company is flexible and overall service in regards to planning and organizing was superb and fast.
We thought we would be stowed in a vehicle with 6+ otger people, but instead we were the only ones in the vehicle for the whole trip, which made it that much more intimate - But if you are traveling alone and want a safari in order to meet fellow travelers you should make sure that you ask matoke for that preference, I am sure they will be able to help out there too!
Our trip went from amazing to perfect because of our guide 'Mike' who was also our driver, mechanic, zoologist, food connoisseur and culture specialist on our trip, this guy really made our trip an unforgettable experience - If you book your tour you should ask to get Mike as your driver if possible, you won't regret it :-D
On the way back from Bwindi we asked if we could make a stop at Lake Mburu NP (For the zebras there), Mike just said sure thing and got us to where the zebras were even without entering the actual park (Thus saving us the money for the permits!), again very chill and flexible like the whole journey.
As to what we saw in the parks, the nature in between, and to seeing the gorillas... I don't want to write how it was because I want you to see it for yourself - Just go already, it's worth all the money times two, plus a good chunk of the permit price really goes to the small communities just outside the parks, by buying a permit and by visiting Uganda you actually help not only to feedthe families but also prevent poaching and help secure the animals.
Book a trip, you won't regret it, and you will want to go back!
10/10 stars for Matoke Tours!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tanzania Choice Safaris provided a great experience to see the beauty of Tanzania.
They provided top of the line communications and services. I was blow away by their attention to detail and care they took in all parts of the trip. We were a large group, roughly 30 people, and they managed our size great. Each guide was beyond knowledgeable about the places we went and things we saw. I can not recommend Tanzania Choice Safaris enough.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Only one word, PERFECT! There is nothing that could have been done better!
They are a very good safari company. Provided very high standard services at affordable prices and heeded to all my requests without any hesitation. Special mention to Perpetua & Evans for their incredible support all along!
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The most amazing 20 day tour of Uganda with an outstanding guide
We chose to go to Uganda to see the gorillas and the shoebills but discovered so much more. We approached several companies via emails and was impressed with Harriet at Matoke Tours response - she took time to read our emails and answer our questions and tailor the proposed custom itinerary to meet our needs. Everything went according to plan but the whole experience was enhanced by our exceptional Ugandan guide, Geoffrey Katende whose knowledge of wildlife, culture and history plus exceptional driving skills, along with just being such a great guy to spend 20 days with, will never be forgotten. We had a humbling experience spending time with the Karamojong people in the North East, and enjoyed the many wildlife encounters including 3 leopards in Murchison Falls and the tree lions in Ishasha. We did indeed find the shoebill, and the gorilla encounter at Nkuringo in Bwindi will be forever a highlight of life experiences - even the effort of the hike in and out seemed to add to the experience (although at the time we had serious concerns that we could actually make it out ... it was tough for two nearly 60 year olds!) The stay at Lake Mutanda Lodge and Turaco Treetops was exceptional but all accommodations were clean and comfortable. If you are looking for a great Ugandan experience we would highly recommend arranging it through Matoke Tours
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari
If you wish a wonderful experience in the majestic atmosphere of Serengeti, I warmly suggest to go with Tomodachi. The staff is friendly and attentive to any need the customer may have.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I had to tell myself not to be mad and enjoy this honey moon private tour
I'm here to note the tour operator so I'd like to state several facts dealing with Back of Africa:
1. Allan asked me to pay the balance in cash but we don't have any USD, so he added 40 dollars (I can't remember how much excatly) bank fee in order to pay by card.
2. Three hours after departure we realized that it's not the direction to our first destination Amboseli so asked our driver. He told us we're actually going to Masai Mara.
3. I contacted Allan, he replied sorry for not telling us, and the program change is due to non availability at a lodge. Given that we were asked to pay the deposit 3 months ago "in order to secure the logistics", it's simply NOT acceptable to make the reservations at the last minute then realize that it's full. After carefully studying and made this tailored grogram together, imagine my furstration when Allan reversed our itinerary without informing us at all.
4. Since the itininary is reversed, I asked for a new full program. He said ok but I never recieved anything until the end of the trip.
5. On the initial program is included 3 hot meals per day, except for the full day safari in Masai Mara. Surprisingly we were given 3 times this non editable and completly non hygiene lunch box (imagine a toast sandwich with cheese and a greasy chicken leg after 5 hours under the sun). So we didn't have lunch and starved the whole day until I suffered from stomachache every evening. For the 3rd time I had to complain and fight for a real meal during our 7 hours drive from Naivasha to Ambosali.
(Allan told us later that full board hotel booking is only 5 dollars more expensive than half board, so it's more interesting for him to book with in-hotel lunch or lunch box. Again, since our program is changed, the road trips don't allow a in-hotel lunch. Since he never sent over the new program, we always needed to figure out by ourselves where we go the next day, and have no clue of lunch arrangement.)
6. On the last day back to Nairobi, Allan joined us for lunch, and asked us to express ourselves. He said sorry again, gave us loads of excuses that we as customers find it hard to accept. I asked on D1 some form of compensation which he refused, because he is too busy, and "miastake is human", and he "learned the lesson". This meeting is a pointless loss of time for our holiday.
7. I felt offended during this whole meeting. Allan was adressing only to my boyfriend and never looked at me, even when saying goodbye.
I would definately recommend Kenya and loved the breath taking scenaries and amazing animals.
Our driver and guide George is quiet and doesn't really smile, but has adequate knowlege and did his job.
These moments of frustration were not expected especially given the price we paid, we need to at least have the service we booked.
If I have any advice to give, do check every detail with him before you pay, and do not trust.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Like a family
From the moment I first contacted Zohar to the last (actually there isn't a last yet as we are still exchanging messages) I felt welcomed and important to the Zohar family. Lilian has been amazing in organizing and accommodating my group. We had to postpone our initial trip (July 2018) due to an injury to one of the members of the group and Lilian had no problem with this. She allowed us to give dates for a year later at no extra cost. We were welcomed into their homes with home cooked meals the night before we started our climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro. The staff that supported us in the climb were first rate with all of them being friendly and helpful. The guides (Imran and Gideon) were very knowledgeable and experienced. The cook (Haruna) prepared excellent meals with more food than we could eat. The porters were very strong and honest. From the first moment to the last on the climb, it was an outstanding experience.
I am planning on organizing another trip with Zohar next year to see the Serengeti and I know it will be excellent.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic and Organized tour operators!
Compass Odyssey was a great and reliable company to work with. They were always timely and provided much needed information in a timely fashion. Our guide was great and timely as well. We were provided with amazing accommodations. They were able to provide us with so many opportunities and sights to see in the short amount of time we had available. Overall, great tour and great tour operations. I will be using Compass Odyssey again.
