50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A most meaningful and special trip to Kenya's Sheldrick Elephant Orphanages
Planning at the height of covid and traveling in between variants, all 5 of us on this safari had some trepidation about procedures, tests, and online entrance/exit requirements, etc. Sangeeta of Chalo did an exceptional job of helping us through all the steps and lining up the covid tests so it all went without a hitch.
Five of us planned the trip together along with Sangeeta, so we had a lot of input on what we wanted to do. Sangeeta provided us with unique and interesting options that we might not have thought of ourselves. Some of these also were money-savers to keep the costs in check.
The trip itself was superb in all aspects and I have many safaris in my background for comparison. There were some unusual needs on this trip, such as credit cards that malfunctioned, a participant running out of money, a missed international flight and very dire health issues requiring sudden special accommodations. Sangeeta on the ground with us and Chalo members back in the office made sure everything was attended to so all of us could enjoy the trip to the utmost.
The Sheldrick facilities and nearby accommodations were tremendous and far exceeded our expectations, allowing time for both elephant and keeper interaction plus ample more traditional wildlife viewing safari activities. We ended with four nights in the Mara, for a 3-week trip. Some of us did our own thing for parts of this trip and another traveler joined us for just the Mara. So there were lots of moving parts that Chalo made sure flowed seamlessly.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great professional - Great organization
With my wife, we made our second honeymoon, you know, the one we do when the children have left the nest.
Tanzania was a dream for my wife and her dream has come true thanks to Tanzania Specialist.
The organization was great. The hotels and lodges were great. The journey was just right. The pace was good. The activities that allowed us to meet the locals and better understand this country were very good. Our guide, Albert, was perfect. He spoke French very well and knew his country, its fauna and flora very well.
We recommend !
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Rwanda Experience
We had an excellent experience in Rwanda. We worked with Silas to find a tour that worked for the places we wanted to go, the things we wanted to see and he was very helpful and accommodating. He even worked with us to make minor changes of what we wanted to do at the end our our trip. Bosco was our driver and guide through our entire trip. We can’t say enough good things about him. He is an amazingly wonderful person. He is very nice and knowledgeable about the history and people of the country. He went out of his way to make us feel welcome and tried to incorporate our wishes. Thanks Bosco for all you did for us. Our first venture was to Volcanoes National Park. We did the gorilla trekking, a must, and golden monkey trekking. To see the gorillas up close was an amazing experience that words cannot describe. The next day we went to Nyungwe National Park to do the chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk. It was so cool to see and hear the chimpanzees in the wild. The canopy walk provided some great views of the jungle. We then went to Akagera National Park for a 3 day Safari. That was great and we were so lucky to see the Big 5. Bosco really knew the area and where to go at what times.
I can’t say enough to explain the wonderful experience we had in Rwanda. The people, sights, food and our experience is one we will never forget. I would recommend this to anyone who might be thinking about going. We are already talking about going back in a few years because of the wonderful memories from our trip.
Thanks Silas, Bosco, and Josephine.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing and unfogettable
Tarangire,Serengeti and Ngorongoro are the best choice. Really recomended, this is an exclusive experience that you always remind.
Staff is Perfect, surely best relation quality/price:
Humphrey(direction) is a good professional that control All situations with smiling way to do
Ali ( cooking) good and equilibrate meal all day
Daniel very good driver with a important knowledge in all routes of the Nationals Parcs. And also an extraordinary person
Freddy a very good guide
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
"Very Accommodating "
We booked 10days with the Jonathan of Epic Uganda, he was very responsive as we asked many questions before our decision.
Uganda is a small country however well packed with different things to see. We wanted to gorillas, chimps and visit popular Murchison and rhino sanctuary as well. Kenneth our guide is encyclopedia in that he knows where to find each creature. Should u book with them request Kenneth to be your guide. He is very linguistic and he knows better what he does! I would definitely recommend EUV to anyone looking forward to visiting this beautiful country.
ES
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable experience
We did the 4-day safari through the national parks of Tanzania, it was an unforgettable experience because of the good treatment we received from the guides. Daniel the driver took us to the best places in each park and you could see the long experience he had, Freddy treated us very well throughout the trip and we quickly had a good relationship with both of them and there was a very good atmosphere together. I definitely recommend this safari because of the professionalism of the team and the good treatment we received from the first moment we contacted Humphrey. We saw the best animals in Africa from very close and we also ate very good food.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Stole our money- did not pay for anything
Do not book with this company. They robbed my family of 4 of our money and did not provide any services on our itinerary or signed (by both parties) contract. A trip we planned and paid for in February 2022 became a nightmare. Fortune asked for all money paid for in advance to pay deposits on rooms to hold them for us. He never paid any of the places: Moremi Crossing, Chobe Safari Lodge,Hwange Safari Lodge, or Pioneer Lodge. We had to pay for everything out of pocket. In our itinerary food, activities, and guide service was to be included but nothing was arranged or paid for. Once we arrived in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where he lives and operates Forsche Travels, we went directly to the police and tourism authority. We also contacted the U.S. Embassy. We attended pre-trial with Fortune on charges of Theft of trust of personal property. He is currently awaiting sentencing. If you booked with this company, contact your credit card company ASAP. Be prepared to pay for everything out of pocket and document & save all receipts. I’m so sorry for anyone who has already booked with Fortune. I know the emotional roller coaster you are about to face!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Perfect Companion to Our Honeymoon Trip!
We booked our honeymoon through Ongeri Expeditions. Everything was perfect! We had a great experience at the Majlis Resort at Lamu Archipelago. Our Tour Guides Martin and Abner provided us with friendly service all the time. Our service of lodging was all very luxurious, professional, and safe. We did not have a single worry. They followed up with us throughout our honeymoon to make sure we were happy with all arrangements. We cannot wait to visit again.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beware- Fortune is a criminal
We booked with Fortune from Forche Travels in Zimbabwe back in February 2022. We paid him over $11,000 for an 11 night/12 day safari to Botswana and Zimbabwe. He sweet talked us up through the very end. When we arrived in Boswana, no one was there to greet us at the Maun airport because Fortune did not pay for our luxury camping excursion to the salt pans; therefore we were unable to go. Then we learned he did not pay Kwando Safaris. Upon arriving at our next destination that we had to pay out of pocket, Fortune showed up at Chobe Safari Lodge and told us our next location was cancelled due to all his mistakes and dishonesty so he “upgraded” us to the Elephant Eye in Hwange. At this time he was assuring us everything would be okay. Obviously a week in without Fortune paying for anything promised in our itinerary and contract, we then called to see if he indeed booked the Elephant Eye, which we learned that we had the booking but no payment. At that point we parted ways with Fortune and continued paying for everything out of pocket, documenting everything, including a recording of Fortune and names/numbers of all witnesses (general managers). It is disheartening and cruel that he took advantage of a family with young children. A police report was made and the tourist authority and the U.S. Embassy notified. Fortune was arrested on charges of Theft of trust of personal property. As I write this, he is due in criminal court for sentencing. We do not want anyone else to get robbed with their money or their once in a lifetime trip to Africa.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Simple and affordable
Lovely experience in Amboseli and Maasai Mara.Almost the same when it comes to animals but I enjoyed Amboseli more.For a low budget that we had,I was lucky for the package offered by Kenamoti.