20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dishonesty and deception , Avoid!!!
Unfortunately we regrettably made the mistake of organising a Safari with this company run by Calvin Onkendi for a group of 4. We gave him our budget & he agreed to offer a midrange Safari for which he sent us pictures of what to expect and confirmed it would be private camp, he also promised we will have a private bathroom not shared and with hot water. He gave a $20 discount for the students amongst us. We paid him in cash full payment a day before the Safari and at every stage we confirmed what we were to expect. (He still has not given us a receipt)Calvin reassured us multiple times and we have this all documented in writing.
Unfortunately to our surprise we were put in a public camp site with a dirty public toilet to share with more than 50 people! I brought this up with our safari guide (who was wonderful and I will review him separately) who advised I speak to Calvin as he doesnt know anything about private camping. I contacted Calvin via message and he apologised and said he paid for private camping but somehow ‘the government’ did not fulfil its promise. He promised to give us a partial refund as soon as he gets it back from the government as he paid for private camping but they gave public camping instead. (We have this in writing)
To this day he has not honoured this despite multiple correspondence which we can provide as evidence. Instead he has changed the story and lied multiple times. In fact he even went on to make derogatory comments about me as an African woman . He also used our pictures without permission to advertise and to my friend’s horror stole her pictures from Facebook and used them without permission.
Calvin will not hesitate to lie and change the story despite all the documented evidence we have. Despite clearly documented agreement he did not honour instead went forth with excuses, insults and more unscrupulous behaviour. He is currently insisting our ‘budget was low’ as his excuse as if he was not the one who provided the price for the service and we agreed to it and despite clear correspondence that shows he acknowledged his mistake and promised to make ammends I am appalled that anyone thinks this is a good way to run a business.
Definitely would not recommend Calvin, please spare yourself the trouble and find a more honest and trustworthy broker
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fleet Foot made the trip one of the best trips I have ever done. (team and the natural beauty)
The Fleet Foot team organized a fantastic trip through Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The countries were amazing in their wildlife and the possibilities to get close to them while being in remote areas. The evenings in the lodges were good but especially the bush camping added an extra element to the experience. Sitting around the campfire enjoying great food and wine and that in the middle of the nature and no fences. What a special feeling that was. The team definitely added to the whole trip experience with their professionalism. They became way more than just Tourguides. Will be planning a next trip with them soon.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Home away from home
It was an amazing experience. I would not go for any other. It's the best I have used do far.
Thank you Estleon Adventures!!!!!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
Matt at African Safari Guru helped us put together a custom safari vacation that suited us perfectly. From the initial contact and planning of our trip to the final transfer to the airport for our trip home everything went smoothly and was very well done. Even though our initial flight was 2 hrs lathe arriving Matt and Nicolette were at the airport to greet us when we finaly landed. Matt picked two excellent lodges for us to visit - Lukimbi Lodge in Kruger and Arathusa in Sabi Sands and the accomodations and game drives at both lodges not only met but exceeded our expectations. We had fabulous close encounters with all of the Big 5 and even had black rhino and wild dog pack sitings! Thanks to African Safari Guru for all the wonderful memories, we will definitely recommend you to our friends!
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic !
Dear Thinus ,
Thanks a lot for the great time we shared together during our recent trip in Namibia.
We were extremely impressed by learning that you and your family are part of the history of this lovely country and this puts you in a position to explain better than anyone else the evolution of the last decades. You are better than any “travelguide” since you can explain things you really experienced yourself and therefore listening to your stories give a real image of the history which is very important to know backgrounds and present situation of a country.
Because of your background you also know the most lovely and interesting places to visit and each time you came up with a nice surprise.
We booked a 19 days roundtrip arriving from Cape town and starting in Windhoek. After a short “recuperation” we started our trip exploring the Kalahari desert . After that we went to Fish river canyon (amazing views) and Luderitz ( a must visit here is Kolmankop , a town conquered by the sand).
More sand in the Namib desert but special experience when going to Sossusvlei and the huge dunes .
Quite an experience for belgian people, knowing that the sand dunes in Belgium are only +/- 30 meter high !
Next stop : Swakopmund , a lovely town . Must do here: Marine Dune Day starting from Walvisbay (Marine Cruise + 4X4 dune excusrsion) .
Damaraland ( Twyfelfontein ) : Thinus explained the complete history of past and present of this region– most interesting . Thank you once again Thinus for organising the champagne , cake and live performance for Gino's birthday which we celebrated at the Twyfelfontein lodge!
Etosha National Park : Amazing the variety of wildlife and how close you can get. Try to stay in the park instead of looking for a lodge outside the park. Much more to see/experience because of the waterholes.
Erindi Private Game reserve : A MUST !!!!!!! Great lodge , food and game drive !
We ended this fantastic tour with a nice dinner and drink at Joe’s beerhouse , a very interesting and cosy please ,
a must visit when in Windhoek !!!
19 days seem an eternity but when you are having a good time – and good company – time flies. We have seen a great part of this lovely country but there is still a lot to discover. We rely on Thinus to prepare a next vist for next year.
Warm regards also to our friend Barney !!!
Gino and Carine
CZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I was very satisfied with the safari tour and the whole program.
Our guide Samuel and our driver Joseph were very nice, professional and friendly persons. The safari was perfectly organized. We spotted lots of animals and had a change to meet the program as it was planned. Samuel informed us about lots of interesting things concerning the animals, lifestyle in Kenya and about other staff from our program. Joseph is a fantastic driver, dealing with every type of situation on the way and funny. Samuel is very caring, helping us with getting refreshments, solving problems if needed or happens and can bring a warm atmosphere among us to enjoy the time on safari. It was my best vacation I ever had. I loved the time spent with Samuel and Joseph in Kenya on safari and would like to return one day again. I definitely recommend both of them very much to other tourists. I miss them. The goodbye time was very touching for me, my eyes turn wet and I felt sad. Í wish Samuel and Joseph lots of happy and satisfied tourists, lots of luck and well being. Thank you very much for making my dream to come true. It was just perfect. :-)
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I had the best experience,, loved the staff ,very timely and friendly,I would go back again
They have the best services,,pocket friendly,,I enjoyed their responsible
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable safari
In one word: GREAT!
The safari we (a family of 5 persons) had in Tanzania with Christopher and his team is unforgettable. He is a passionate expert-guide with a lot of knowledge and experience and he is a very good driver too. Also: Christopher is a very nice person !
We learned a lot about wildlife (from the Big Five to the little termites), about the balance in nature, the dangers of climate change. Christopher is always searching for new possibilities to observe the animals, away from the touristic routes. Instead of following other jeeps, we were often alone in a beautiful and vast landscape, experiencing unique encounters with lions, elephants, special birds etc.
In the evenings, around the fire, we shared experiences and stories. The ambience was always nice. Christopher told us also a lot about culture and tradition, the young history of Tanzania and the challenges of today. He felt very responsible for us, ensuring that we had a good time from the beginning to the end. The food Geoffrey made was excellent every day, made with attention, love and humor!
We did not stay in lodges, we preferred camping: hearing the beautiful sound of nature in the night, watching giraffes and zebra's nearby, in the amazing early morning or evening light. Our tents were always in a beautiful spot with the best view.
Idreamofafrica is a little Tanzanian company. Personal contact, flexibility, a good atmosphere are main characteristics. We preferred to support a local Tanzanian company above booking with a foreign, European travel organization. It turned out to be a very good choice!
We really recommend Idreamofafrica to everyone and wish Christopher and his team all the best. We hope to see them again soon.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded my expectations exponentially!
Communications: James always responded to my pre-trip questions within a couple days.
Tour: Robin was a fantastic guide. He grew up close to the animals, so he was always able to answer our questions. He also knew the parks intimately, and so we were blessed to see the 'Big 5' with the first 24 hours of our drives. The resorts we stayed at were very modern and comfortable, and the food was so terrific that I gained a few pounds, even though I had been told not to eat any raw fruits or vegetables or drink anything unless it was in a sealed container which I personally opened.
I was actually not looking forward to this trip, as 'African Safari' would never have been on my bucket list, so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the experience. The parks, animals, scenery, lodgings, food, and people were exceptional.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical Experience
Everything about Classic Journeys Africa Maasai Mara tour was above expectations! Our tour guide was prompt and his knowledge of Kenya and the safari were extensive! The lodging was accommodating, and our schedule was flexible even within just 2 short days at the Mara. Of course the adventure out on the open savannah can not disappoint in and of itself. God's handiwork captivates you! I could go on many more Classic Journey safari's and I hope to!