Experience level: first safari
Disappointing. Avoid traveling with Kapolondo Expeditions.
I booked and paid well in advance for a 6 day mid range lodge safari. I ended up on a budget group safari.
On arrival late at night at Kilimanjaro airport I was met (thankfully - after reading a few reviews I had been nervous that nobody would be there!) and we begun our drive to Arusha, only for the safari vehicle to break down almost immediately. 21/2 hours later we crawled in to Arusha. The vehicle continued to have problems throughout the safari.
On Safari none of the accomodation had been booked in advance. I only stayed at 1 hotel that was on my itinerary (and it was empty of guests). Tony seemed to find the cheapest accomodation going on the day.
At one point Tony told me that the lodge I had booked was full so given that the owners of this lodge owned another accomodation in the local area I would go there. In turn I went to the lodge to ask them about their hotel being full. Turns out both were lies. The lodge was by no means full and the lodge did not own another hotel nearby.
We had to wait for several hours at Serengeti National Park and also Tarangire National Park as the company credit card did not have enough funds to cover the entry fees. Tony finally added funds but with a lengthy and irritating delay. Time spent hanging around at the entrance, watching all the other safari vehicles heading in to the parks was not particularly fun!
The only positive for which I am very thankful is that our driver Bruno (freelance driver) took great care to make sure we saw some amazing sights. He was a fabulous driver, knows the parks very well, taught us about the animals and made sure our journey was as magical as possible.
I have since written to Tony asking for a refund for the sub standard accomodation and the time wasting. He's not particularly repsponsive and when he does he makes up things.
I think the bottom line is, the guy doesn't seem to care. The company has such potential to be a very successful business but the way it is currently being managed, I don't believe it will last much longer.
Do yourself a favour and choose one of the many reputable safari companies, to avoid the stress and worry we had to deal with on the journey.
Happy Safari.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very well thought out and and very helpfull
We had only been to the Kruger area before a few years ago and had heard how wonderful Botswana is from a friend of our who had booked with Safari Lifestyles previously.
Kruger feels much smaller the reserves we went to seemed like blocks where you could not travel far. Botswana is huge in comparison and we really felt we were in a wild area and not a game park.
We contacted Roger and he was polite and very helpful and is obviously very experienced. He showed us his amazing photographs from the areas he recommended and the lodges he sent us too were very good... and he was right that in December the prices are lower but it is still not rainy ... we saw no rain...
This is the best safari we can imagine and we saw everything like wild dogs and a caracal at night..
We would recommend Safari lifestyles and Botswana very much.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect Safari
My wife and I joined two other couples for a budget camping safari through Tarangire, Ngorogoro and Serengeti. The team, led by guide Emanuel and chef Ibrahim, were very professional and provided a relaxing and perfectly tailored safari tour for us. The booking was process (through Lasi Safari in Arusha) were amazing in helping us to feel comfortable that we booked what we wanted. Highly recommend.
CN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional safari and bird guide compnay
Very good communication , good service, excellent accommodation and nice food. Safari tour arrangement is reasonable and comfortable.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent service as ever just what we have come to expect.
Safari Club have become the go to choice for holidays in Africa. Always helpful, reliable and knowledgeable. Nothing is too much trouble. When we have been abroad Paul has managed to sort out issues that have occasionally arisen quickly and efficiently and has kept us informed, even in remote safari camps. With another trip, booked for this year, and having now travelled with them since 2008 almost every year date to 7 different countries in Africa, I can only say use them. You won't be disappointed. Safari Club have always delivered for us and we have had some fantastic experiences in Africa and wonderful memories. Thank you Paul & Ellie.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Selous and Zanzibar
We traveled with Mama Savana for 17 days through Tanzania and it was a very pleasant experience. Pick-up times were always on time and we got lots of good recommendations about sightseeing, parks and people and they spend some time with us before we booked the trip with emails and calls and also when we arrived in Dar. We are a family with 2 girls (15 and 12) and were happy with the game drives in Selous what was a park what was not crowded at all. Our guide had a bright knowledge about animals and flora. After that we spend time in Zansibar and trips were also organized very nicely. They made a special customized vacation for our family and we happy with every single part of it.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
amazing and fantastic safaris,and the guide is prifessional and able to find the animal in shortime
the whole team is professional, kind, easy going, efficient, high eq. I am sure I will go to east africa again. I love the animals and grassland, and the service this operator provide.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Sir Michaels safari have great services and great crew
I used transport to and from airport and booking of flight tickets which I found exceptionally satisfactory.
BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic place and service
Fantastic place and service. All meals, staff, accommodation etc. were excellent, perfect.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly Recommended!
We recently climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with Licious. The service and food were great. They knew the mountain quite well and are very reasonably priced. I would highly recommend them to anyone going to Tanzania.