20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review of My 10-Day Safari with Voyage Balquees
My 10-day safari in Uganda with Voyage Balquees was unforgettable! From tracking gorillas in Bwindi to exploring Murchison Falls and cruising the Nile, every moment was incredible. The guides were professional, the accommodations were comfortable, and the wildlife encounters were beyond my expectations.
Voyage Balquees made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. I highly recommend them for anyone planning a safari adventure in Uganda!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thoughtful, thorough, responsive, and great organization of trip.
Organized a 10 day trip to Cape Town and a safari with Discover Africa. Fabulous experience with the travel, transportation, the tours, the safari, and give full credit to Chrizaan at Discover Africa with doing an outstanding job.
Spent a fair amount of time evaluating different tour organizers, largely using reviews such as this to identify good ones, and hopefully avoid working with less reputable companies. I rarely write reviews, but want to recommend people in a similar situation to strongly consider working with Discover Africa, especially if the rest of their company is staffed with people like Chrizaan. Collectively, we established timing, budget targets, and experiences. She provide suggestions for 4 days in Cape Town and recommendations for the type of safari experience I wanted (family of 5, all adult children). Even with a 7 hour time difference, communication was prompt, questions and details answered, and her suggestions were perfect. Our family had a fabulous time (Cape Town, Jock Safari Lodge) and would return in a heartbeat. I would not even consider using any other travel advisor.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An overall awesome experience with great scenery, a bush vibe, wonderful wildlife and the best guide
This was our umpteenth trip to South Africa and it did not disappoint. We were recommended a place to stay in Nelspruit by our Tour company - Kruger Flexi Tours - and enjoyed a luxurious night at Beetleloop Guest house before being picked up before dawn by Dave Busschau from Kruger Flexi Tours in an open safari vehicle. We were soon in the Kruger National Game park and within 2 hours Dave had helped us spot four of the big five and many beautiful birds and other smaller animals. Following further game viewing we arrived at our camp of Lower Sabie which was extremely hot and humid. Despite the heat our exciting and knowledgeable guide made us a braai (bbq) which was delicious. A night drive followed with further amazing wildlife to enjoy! Further game driving the following day all the way to Sabi Sands, a private game park. Here we spent 24 luxurious hours being spoilt rotten and entertained with the most amazing time enjoying the big cats. The amazing Dave Busschau drove us back to Nelspruit the following afternoon. South Africa is one of the best destinations for wildlife, scenery and culture.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical scenery and lovely people
We loved our trip to Kenya. We landed in Mombasa, and took the train to Voi for the parks. The train station was modern (but it took some time to enter as there are multiple security checks with long lines), trains were very clean, comfortable and on time! The safari itself was amazing!! The animals, the scenery, the lovely weather, everything was on point. The hotels as well were great.
People were friendly, and very willing to help!
The food was good, with a lot of Indian influences.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Seven-day Kenya trek; Epic Star Holidays owner is fantastic.
Esther of Epic Star Holidays was able to organize a seven-day Kenya safari trek for the week before Christmas on very short notice, and I truly appreciated her flexibility and creative problem-solving throughout the adventure. She was incredibly pleasant, patient, and personable at all times, and was nearly instantaneously responsive to inquires made by WhatsApp. Her recommendations were spot-on and demonstrated a thorough knowledge of her chosen field. She graciously accepted feedback and I believe this will provide an even better experience for subsequent customers.
Additional compliments are warranted for safari 4x4 driver Moses--selected for a portion of this trek by Esther--who deftly navigated three days in Maasai Mara National Reserve as well as a muddy romp through Lake Nakuru National Park and demonstrated an ability to somehow concomitantly safely navigate both on- and off-road adventures, rattle off species-specific gestational periods, communicate with other safari guides by wireless radio, spot any of the Big Five animals from up to a kilometer away, and remain happy and affable throughout.
The remainder of the trek entailed a small longboat trip on Lake Naivasha as well as visits to Amboseli National Park and (after returning to Nairobi) visits to the Giraffe Center as well as the Karen Blixen House.
Settling in to the selected eco-camp accommodations each evening while in the field added to the ambiance, and each camp provided plenty of local cuisine.
i hope that Epic Star Holidays continues to grow and expand to permit more customers to experience value-based safari tours in the years ahead.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic
Visiting Tarangire National Park in Tanzania was a dream come true, and every moment of the safari was simply magical. The experience was elevated to new heights by the outstanding service provided by our tour guide and driver, Alpha, and the booking agent, Joyce.
Joyce's exceptional organizational skills and her warm, attentive approach ensured that every detail of our trip was meticulously planned. Her professionalism and dedication left us completely at ease, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the adventure ahead.
Alpha, our tour guide and driver, was nothing short of extraordinary. His deep knowledge of the park and its inhabitants was impressive, and his passion for wildlife was contagious. Alpha's keen eyes and expert driving skills led us to the most breathtaking encounters with the diverse fauna of Tarangire. From majestic elephants to graceful giraffes and the elusive leopards, Alpha's ability to track and spot wildlife was unparalleled.
One of the most unforgettable moments was witnessing the iconic baobab trees, their ancient and towering presence adding a sense of wonder to the landscape. Alpha's insightful commentary on the ecology and history of these magnificent trees enriched our understanding and appreciation of the park.
Alpha's storytelling was a highlight of the safari, as he shared captivating tales of the animals and the land. His respectful and ethical approach to wildlife viewing ensured that we experienced the natural beauty of Tarangire without disturbing the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Thanks to Joyce's impeccable arrangements and Alpha's exceptional guidance, our safari in Tarangire National Park was an adventure of a lifetime. If you're seeking an extraordinary journey filled with awe-inspiring wildlife encounters and the enchanting beauty of Tanzania, I wholeheartedly recommend this safari. It will leave you with cherished memories and a profound connection to the wild heart of Africa. 🌅🦒🐘✨
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Experience
I had an absolutely incredible safari experience with Jhon and Savana Explorer. From the very beginning, it was clear that Jhon is a true expert when it comes to the savanna. His deep knowledge of the wildlife and landscape, combined with his attention to the needs of the travelers, made this journey unforgettable.
In just a few days, Jhon managed to bring us up close and personal with the Big Five, providing us with unique and breathtaking moments. The vehicles were very comfortable, and Jhon’s driving was both safe and reliable, ensuring a smooth experience even on the roughest terrain.
We also enjoyed some wonderful picnics during the safari, with delicious meals that added an extra touch to our adventure. His kindness and attentiveness to every detail truly made this trip special.
Thank you, Jhon, for your hospitality, expertise, and for making this safari an experience of a lifetime!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfectly planned trip with excellent communication
We cannot offer high enough praise for the work of Sian Edwards at Off2Africa.
Planning a once in a lifetime family trip to southern Africa for a safari can be stressful. We contacted several companies and decided to go with O2A. Sian was quick to collect all kinds of information from us to begin narrowing down options. For example we highlighted that we want to be active on game drives as opposed to seeking a luxurious lodge with a masseuse and fine wines. She asked great questions (are you comfortable with your kids being in a separate tent?) and created several options.
Our timeframe was not locked down which added to the options available - and her workload. But very detailed emails describing the pros & cons of each season helped us make a final decision. We also spoke via WhatsApp to work through some of the finer points and capture our wishes.
In the end our trip was outstanding. It far exceeded all expectations. The accommodations, activities, and transport was flawless.
Off2Africa did a magnificent job creating a perfect trip.
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unforgettable Experience in Lalibela and the Abune Yosef Mountains
Unforgettable Experience in Lalibela and the Abune Yosef Mountains
We had the pleasure of participating in a tour organized by Dan Lalibela Tours, and I must admit, it was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives. The organization, the guide's care, and the tour itself were all of the highest quality.
The churches in Lalibela are a true marvel of architecture and spirituality. Our guide not only provided us with detailed information about their history, but also managed to immerse us in the mystical atmosphere of the place. Thanks to his knowledge, we were able to better understand the significance of these extraordinary structures.
The trek in the Abune Yosef Mountains was a separate chapter of our journey. The views were breathtaking, and walking in the company of local guides and their incredible hospitality was a real pleasure. We also had the opportunity to encounter endemic wildlife, including the famous geladas, which was an unforgettable experience.
The entire logistics – from transport to accommodations and meals – was excellently organized. We felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire trip. Additionally, the tour organizer was very flexible and tailored the route to our needs and pace.
We wholeheartedly recommend Dan Lalibela Tours to anyone who wants to fully experience the beauty and culture of Ethiopia! It’s a journey that will stay in your heart forever.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our safari was amazing! Calvin and Sam took care of us at any moment.
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a safari adventure with Olengugih Safaris, and I must say, it was an experience of a lifetime! The entire journey was meticulously planned and executed, ensuring that every moment was filled with wonder and excitement.
The team demonstrated professionalism and expertise. Our guide Calvin was very kind and professional. Sam was a perfect driver and he was also incredibly knowledgeable about the local wildlife and ecosystems. His passion for conservation and ability to spot even the most elusive animals made the safari truly unforgettable.
The tour was tailored to our interests and preferences, allowing us to explore specific areas and focus on the animals we were most excited to see.
Safety was a top priority throughout the trip. The vehicles were well-maintained and equipped with all necessary safety features. Additionally, the accommodations were comfortable, providing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
In conclusion, I highly recommend them to anyone looking to experience the magic of the African wilderness.
