50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Self-drive trip to Namibia
We have just returned from a 2 1/2 week trip around Namibia organised by Simon at Native Escapes. The holiday exceeded our expectations in every way. Right from our initial conversations with Simon about what we'd like to do, Native Escapes gave us a range of flexible options and patiently went through each location in terms of accommodation, things to do, travel between locations etc... Emails were always promptly responded to and no question was too much trouble. All the documentation, itinerary etc. was very clear, the route and maps were very helpful and the on-the-ground agent, ATI, was v helpful providing local mobile phone, first aid kit, and even a cool box and ice blocks. One of our party had a specific dietary requirement which was recognised at every point from the airline flights to each lodge we stayed in. Finally the overall cost was very competitive when compared to some of the other big brand operators who offered exactly the same package (we know coz we met some of their clients at the lodges we stayed at). So thank you Simon and Native Escapes for a brilliant holiday and all your help in organising it.
Very helpful and timely
Communications with us were very good .A couple of minor points to make it even better.
1.The "local payment" requirement by the tour operator Jenman and its $Aust amount was not highlighted and should be added into the base cost.
Service to us was excellent including sorting out gluten free meals for flights.
2.Unfortunately our guide had not been informed despite our application clearly stating the allergy.Not sure if the failure was with the tour operator.
Tour certainly lived up to expectations with a great itinerary,excellent guide and wonderfull experiences.
A fantastic experience .Thanks .
TR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great team to organize safari and holiday packages in East Africa.
I have just return from a safari tour package including Kenya & Tanzanya safari parks and Zanzibar I bought from Kenya Walk . It was really really a beautiful experience . The tour was well organized and we did not live any problems .We enjoyed every minutes of this tour. Kenya Walk is a trustworthy and responsible company .I would like to thank Mr.Otieno who helped us to organize this 15 days itinerary and made all the changes according to our needs and demands .Also Mr. Peter , our driver/guide in Kenya and Mr.Ramadan our driver/guide in Tanzania did their best to make us happy and comfortable in our safari trip .Really a great team .I strongly suggest this company .
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional company and Robert was very happy to explore options for us.
Wild Africa was a very profession friendly company to deal with. Robert promptly attended to our enquiries and investigated issues he did not immediately know the answers to. The trip was an amazing experience and well organised.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What a trip!
Hi Liselle,
I would like to thank you for organising a fantastic trip to South Africa. We all had an amazing time. The hotels in Cape Town and Franschhoek were great. Great staff and wonderful rooms. And the safari at Umkumbe was out of this world. Saw everything we wanted to except for a rhino. But that’s not a problem, as it gives us incentive to do it all again someday. The guides at Umkumbe were brilliant. So knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. This was a family holiday we will never forget.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It Will Change Your Life
Three friends and I picked Uganda because our top priority was trekking the mountain gorillas, and we were pleasantly surprised when it turned out that everyday of our 15 day safari provided a highlight that was almost as awe-inspiring as the gorillas. We picked Karumuna Safaris because it was owned by a Ugandan, competitively priced, and we knew the money we spent supported local businesses and individuals (versus booking with a company headquartered outside of Uganda.)
We arranged the tour through Richard, the owner, and he was very responsive and patient in answering our many questions. For example, he provided us with a list of accommodations on the budget plan, and when we decided we wanted to upgrade to the mid-range category (which I highly recommend, since it's worth paying a little extra for nicer places), he worked with us to ensure that we approved of the replacement properties. And, after staying at them, it is clear that Richard understood what we were looking for in hotels. They were staffed by the kindest, most service-oriented Ugandans, and the individual rooms were charming. The hotel staff went out their way to meet our every need, and when there was confusion, our guide stepped in to make sure that everything was taken care of.
Now, about the safari itself--there is no way to describe the reaction when you spot your first elephant or giraffe on the savannah. It creates an insatiable need to see every living creature in the national park. We were a demanding group, but our guide aimed to exceed our demands, and did so with good humor.
I recommend going on a private tour since the group will spend many hours together in the car (make sure the vehicle has a roof that opens up to allow 365 degree viewing) and are literally on top of each other as you scramble with your binoculars and telephoto lens to capture a lion and lioness as they emerge from the bush. And, I recommend going with a company, like Karumuna Safaris, that hires local ranger guides at each of the national parks you visit. We saw many other groups that relied upon their tour guide to scan for animals because the tour company didn't bring aboard a local ranger guide that specialized in that particular national park. The local ranger guides made the safaris much more rewarding and informative.
Everything was not perfect, and much of what wasn't perfect can't be fixed by a tour guide or company. Uganda is a country that has yet to adapt to the modern, industrialized era. No tour company can improve the weak and intermittent hotel wi-fi reception, or avoid the slow-going, dirt roads, which are utilized by every mode of transportation, including pedestrians and cyclists carrying their goods to market, the local farmer herding his cattle, and the occasional baboon.
At the end of our incredible 15-day journey, I really felt like our tour was designed to strike a balance between immersion into the local people and their day-to-day living, and spending time in nature, with the animals, birds, wide open plains and unforgettable, star-filled, night skies.
Our guide's motto was "Your wish is my command." And, he did everything within his power to turn our wishes into his commands. I have been told I sometimes have unrealistic expectations. Nonetheless, Karumuna Safaris exceeded my expectations, and when something didn't go according to plan, the company did whatever was within its power to fix it. When I return to Uganda, I have no doubt that I'll book my return trip with Karumuna Safaris.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Caught all the big 5, thanks to our experienced driver/guide
First of all, Robert is very prompt in asking all my question regarding the tour (took the 5 days Masai Mara tour). Had many changes, but he was able to accommodate to it. As we missed our flight early in the morning, plans were changed and Robert was able to change our itinerary at the very last minute (I had to email him in the wee hour, and he arranged everything quickly).
Our driver/guide, Arony, is definitely the best! He is very patient and experienced! We were a small group of 6, and each one of us were comfortable in the van, especially with the Long drive. He explained to us all the different types of animals in Masai Mara, and because of his fast and good driving and sharp eyes, we managed to see 4/5 big5 in just 1 day! Not to mention, we also manage to witness first hand when the lion hunt a wildebees (we were the first at the scene)t, all thanks to him!! I cannot explain how special that moment is when we were watching the lion hunting on the wildebeest! He is always trying his best to make sure that we get to see up close of the animals. I have to say, he is probably our lucky charm that we are able to witness all these amazing moments!
Tents were basic but the people at the camp were nice and friendly! With the price you pay, don't expect good tent or food. But everything was good because of the people around that makes it comfortable for us.
Lastly, got to see the last big 5, Rhinos, in Lake Nakuru. Abit disappointed with the flamingo, but totally understand why there isn't much left there, due to the heavy rainfall which happened 2 years ago which destroyed some parts of the lake.
Nonetheless, we had an amazing time with Arony and would totally recommend the tour to anyone who is up for aan adventure with basic needs.
And big thanks to Robert, Arony and everyone on the team!!
under20 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A safari full of humour and beauty
The Okavango Delta provided more beauty than any of other safari destinations we stayed at. The beautiful sunsets over the water gave us memories to always remember. The scenery was incredible. In terms of accomodation we had great food and excellent service. Our rooms gave us our own private balcony with a stunning view. The staff were very funny and good with kids. However, sometimes they joked around and would miss small details like birds. As we also stayed in safari lodges in Zambia, we found that the staff at the Botswana safari lodges had a lot more humour and seemed to love a laugh. One night they even sung and danced to us and the other guests. In conclusion, the Okavango Delta was a beautiful, enjoyable and fun experience and I would recommend it to anyone.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An awesome exsperiance and I make sure I visit the KNP more than once a year.
If you are prepared to wake up early and go back to the campsite at closing times you will see a lot of wildlife.
The scenery differs a lot in the KNP depending what you prefer. I love the lower part ( Crocodile bridge & Lower Sabie) of the park and the top part ( Punda Maria & Pafri ) the most.
In the lower part of the park ( Crocodile bridge & Lower Sabie) you are almost guarantee to see the big 5 in one day.
The top part ( Punda Maria & Pafri ) have the oldest trees and beautiful Fever tree woods.
The weather is average 30 degrees Celsius during the day and 15 degrees Celsius at night.
The are beautiful air-con accommodation in most of the rest camps.
Food is good but expensive and can be pursues much cheaper in towns around the park.
Not sure about Transportation but I think it will be good to hire a vehicle for a company and travel to the KPN to be able to spend the night inside the park. This way you can enter the park very early. 60 minutes before the gate opens for day visitor's.
By a guide book from any store that will indicate all roads and animals including birds that can be found in the park and safe the money for the guide:-))
The safest place in SA if you adhere to the park rules.
under20 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Botswana by Peculiar Perception
The wildlife that we saw was not as much as Zambia.