20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Truly Breathtaking 7-Day Trip!
Absolutely every element of my 7-day trip was incredibly amazing! I've been to some fantastic locations before, but this tops the list and Kajie Tours was the key piece in making it so successful. From the beginning when I was considering the safari to taking off at the end of the trip, they were always ready to fully answer my many questions, make suggestions for the best possible outcome, and ensure everything went smoothly (a particularly difficult goal during pandemic times).
Ronald, my guide, was perfect! He was a wealth of knowledge about everything in Uganda, including the history, current trends, wildlife, destinations, and more. I was solo on this trip, so having a great guide is even more important - truly a total professional and a pleasure to spend time with. He was always ready to be companionable during the trip and at destinations, but also let me have space to explore alone (or take a nap) when needed. Anytime I mentioned being interested in something, he made it came true - from finding a chameleon to trying a number of particular local foods/drinks. I couldn't have wished for a better guide.
Regarding the trip itself, we did chimp trekking in Kibale, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and game drives/boat rides in Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo. Highly recommend trying to fit as many game drives in as possible, especially in the early morning and late evening. All the accommodations were wonderful (in the thick of nature) and the food was always great (and fresh!). It's worth it to get some freshly picked/roasted/brewed coffee and to try the fresh banana gin.
Wholeheartedly recommend the trip with Kajie Safaris to anyone thinking about visiting Uganda!!!
GR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Bamboo Ecotours: The Pearl of Tour Companies!
What an incredible trip!
Uganda: land of rare primates – our closest relatives. Land of stunning landscapes you’ll dream about, of a rich biodiversity you can rarely find elsewhere, of the waters power at its strongest form, of that mythical temperature always. Land of a fertile red soil full of delicious fruits, vegetables and flowers! The food is clean and honest even for sensitive intestines, many accommodations are surprisingly elegant, minimal and often ecofriendly, and many roads are doing for free a lot of African massage! :-) This is Uganda, safe, hospitable, gentle, open and vulnerable, almost clean and ready to hug you with sincerity love and huge African smiles!
For sure, if you’d like to see in a minute thousands of wild animals, you have to choose a different country in the area. The relatively small Uganda, in my opinion, can offer a more complex and unique life experience, if you are not there “only” for the undoubtedly amazing gorillas!
An experience that will be never complete without meeting as much Ugandans as you can. The Ugandans I think were by far the 'highlight' of my trip. Lovable, polite, peaceful, sociable, optimistic. The Batwas and other Communities are a ‘must stop’ to explore the local life and traditions and to help local institutions as much as your soul and your wallet can afford. It’s always better to ask for a receipt or to register your donation in their books. I’ll never forget the sweet Karamojong people in the North East and all the shocking, deeply human lessons I had from them in such a short time. My most impressive pictures are with their clear faces that I have to respect, as my very personal emotions.
Rich country – cause of soil and subsoil – with poor people. Things have to change, anachronistic laws have to be modernized here, like almost everywhere in Africa, but are the locals to find the …uneasy way for it. Uganda has lasting peace. That’s for sure important!
I was too lucky to find on my own way to Uganda two prominent Ugandans: Edison, my tour operator and Herbert, my driver & guide. Both working for the serious and reputable tour company “Bamboo Ecotours” that I’d like to highly recommend.
No other person in my life reply to so many emails and phone messages – also during the deep night – as Edison did, very kindly and without any nervous breakdown :-) I bought the gorilla permit on January 2020, then I had to cancel the whole trip and rescheduled it for July 2021. Since then, only Edison knows how many questions I had. What he do not know yet is what a polite company he was for me during the lockdown :-)
The plan made by Edison and me was of an excellent result. Although it was the most expensive trip I ever did, I think it was worth every cent. All his information, ideas and suggestions were precious. Some words that characterize him are: willingness, seriousness, efficiency, honesty, professionalism, flexibility, kindness, knowledge, experience, logic… What else do you need from a tour operator? :-) It’s really a pity I never met him.
The other crucial person, Herbert, is absolutely a great driver for those difficult roads, good guide with enough English knowledge, professional, too serious sometimes, too honest always, particularly attentive on covid issues as many Ugandans, precise, open minded, loyal… It's hard to find anything negative about him. Maybe a bit stubborn sometimes… :-))) For sure a good friend!
Some recommendations:
Stay in meticulously functional “Isunga Lodge” with great views, beautiful gardens and ‘haute cuisine’ close to Kibale. Try to visit the spectacular Kidepo Valley and Karamoja. Go to Mabamba Wetlands to maybe spot a shoebill bird. Don’t miss Kazinga Channel boat trip. Eat tilapia fish fillets grilled or cooked with tomato sauce, and mashed potatoes. Try the local gin “Uganda Waragi”. Maybe Banange Beer? you will hate it or love it :-) In the cities, great choice and wonderful value for money in Entebbe the “2 Bedroom Cozy Cottage” from Airbnb and in Kampala the hotel “Explorers Hub” from booking.com in a posh central and quiet place.
Visit the Pearl of Africa using the Perl of Tour Companies: "Bamboo Ecotours"! :-)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experience of a Lifetime!
I am a world traveler and this experience has made my top three of a lifetime experiences. I went on a three day safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and I only wish I had gone on a four or five day tour to include more locations. The safari was organized, comfortable, and above all I was well taken care. My guide was Rocky and when I go back to Tanzania, he will be my guide again! I highly recommend this tour company, I know all the guides are amazing, but you wont regret your tour guide if you ask for Rocky. He was so knowledgeable about everything from the wildlife, to the parks, to all of Tanzania. He was fun, engaging, and there was never a dull moment. Rocky did everything possible to ensure we saw everything we wanted to see (and I mean we saw every African animal you expect to see on a safari!). The camping experience was amazing and stress free as they included all the gear we needed (tent, sleeping bags, pillows). The chef prepared the most amazing meals for us (probably the best food I ate in Tanzania), and the meals included breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and beverages all day. The tour company (and tour guide) was so accommodating as they picked my sister and I up at a location that was convenient for us, and then dropped us off at our hostel at the end of the three day adventure. The tour was well worth it's dollar and I will be doing more with this company in my future. Five stars for Rocky! Five stars for Suricata!
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They are the best!
It was a best trip in our life! Many thanks Antony and Tazama Africa Holidays for excellent organisation, amazing locations. We hope to organise next our travel with your team!
Yana and Mike
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful safari
My friend and I booked a 3 day safari with Lennox. I was very kind and approachable. He planned our trip well and responded to our request. Everything was clear.
Safari was so good, we really enjoyed our trip. Isaac a driver was very nice and all the staff were very welcoming. Someone takes us directly to the airport. After that we went to Massai Mara. On a safari a driver was so kind and helpful. He knows a Maasai Mara park very well. We were amazed at his knowledge of the large park. He made sure we saw the "big 5".
At the camp we were greeted by Hellen and her team . They was so sweet and kind to us.
The food was good and included.
All the staff have a sense of hospitality.
Thank you very much for giving us a good experience. We will obviously recommend Axis agency
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari
Wonderful experience on this safari with this fabulous company.
Many thanks to Lennox who made himself available and helpful to answer all of our questions before and during the trip.
Thanks to Isaac our driver and guide. Well informed about the animals of the Massai Mara park, he taught us a lot. He also knew how to be patient and benevolent during the stay.
Thank you to Hellen for her welcomming and her generosity.
The meeting with the Maasai was very enriching, it was a good moment of exchange and sharing ...
Finally, a big thank's to the entire Axis team for their kindness and professionalism.
I highly recommend this agency.
FR
Wonderful safari :D
My friend and I booked a 3 day safari with Lennox. I was very kind and approachable. He planned our trip well and responded to our request. Everything was clear.
Safari was so good, we really enjoyed our trip. Isaac a driver was very nice and all the staff were very welcoming. Someone takes us directly to the airport. After that we went to Massai Mara. On a safari a driver was so kind and helpful. He knows a Maasai Mara park very well. We were amazed at his knowledge of the large park. He made sure we saw the "big 5".
At the camp we were greeted by Hellen, she was so sweet and kind to us.
The food was good and included.
All the staff have a sense of hospitality.
Thank you very much for giving us a good experience. We will obviously recommend Axis agency
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Disappointing so far...
We have had to postpone our trip to 2022 due to Covid and because the price was increased by several thousand dollars, we elected to reduce the number of days from 17 to 12 (basically eliminating a post safari trip to the beach); however, Mahlatini is stating that the moneys paid can not be refunded despite the fact that the hotel has stated that they would cancel the stay without any penalty and refund the money. We also had some trouble ensuring that the trip was child-friendly - Very disappointing so far..
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I couldn't have asked for a better first safari experience!!!
I just completed a 7 day (6 night) safari in Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area with Gosheni Safaris and my amazing guide Wilson. Amazing experience! The package that they put together for me was great. Everything from the 4x4 safari Land Cruiser, the accommodations they chose, the hot 3 course meals in the bush with plates, cutlery, tablecloth, coffee, tea and wine (everybody else was eating boxed lunches with sandwiches and juice boxes and they were staring at me) to my amazingly experienced guide, Wilson, was amazing. This was my first safari and it exceeded my expectations. Wilson's decades of experience in safari guiding resulted in me seeing all the animals I wanted to see, including the rare ones like leopards and cheetahs and black rhinos, and others I didn't even know existed (rare mini cats). Gosheni is a safari company for people who want to get a real experience with lots of extra touches and upgrades.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent
Very efficient in relaying information. Provides worldclass timely service. Can be relied upon to act 24hrs. Award tours know what they are doing. You actually get more than you bargained for. Real value for money! I got an experience of a lifetime, had exciting fun with my entire family. I will definitely consider another tour with Awards tours in the near future