US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome trek + safari with Barafu Tours
From rainforest to snow-capped peak, each day on Kili was filled with stunning views and incredible experiences. My friend and I made the trek in 6 days on the Machame route and then also did a spectacular 3-day safari all with Barafu Tours. Barafu was super communicative and helpful in the lead up to the trip and took care of all logistics from the moment we landed at JRO until our departure. Their packing list was spot on and all equipment they provided was in great condition. The food was delicious too! Best of all, their guides were extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and patient, and the full Barafu team made the trip an awesome experience all around. I couldn’t recommend climbing Kili and Barafu more highly :-)
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The focus is on people - both those on the tour and Ugandans.
I have been in Uganda in 2002, 2016 and 2017, It has been a "life changing" experience and that is why I keep going back and hope to return when I can afford it. The first trip had to do with a Rotary project in eastern Uganda (Mbale area). People were just amazing in welcoming me and in introducing me to their country. They prepared a sign with seeds on a board "Welcome to Uganda E. Newton" ! One fellow took me to a hut to meet his mother! They hosted me royally. I leave it to nature programs on TV and information on line to give people an idea of scenery, other attractions and history of Uganda. My focus is on the people of Uganda and this is an emphasis of Tishal Tours along with doing everything possible to make the tour a once in a lifetime experience for guests.
I need to point out that I have only been in southern Uganda along the equator in the lush countryside where "everything grows"! I have been in south western Uganda the past two summers and visited a game preserve along with spending time in villages and on farms. In this regard Tishal Tours has a huge advantage. Their people grew up in the area where they are conducting tours so have contacts to taylor a visit to the needs and interests of travelers. If guests want to vist a model farm it can be arranged, if they have an interest in children a visit to Joy's Centre can be managed, if they would like to meet local community leaders it can be set up.
Another consideration is that Tishal Tour managers are global citizens and have lived in other countries, They know what it is like to live in Canada or in England and can anticipate the needs of travelers from various countries. They can easily put themselves into the shoes of their guests and plan accordingly. This differentiates them from their oompetitors.
NO
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari in Masai Mara and Nakuru
We are a family of four, with two grown-up children who went on safari - three days in Masai Mara and one day in Nakuru. The experience was great and we would like to highlight the following:
We chose Tekko Tours & Travel as our agent for the stay due to their excellent service when designing the trip. A big thank you to Maggie for always following up on our queries and responding quickly on all matters. The service during our trip was also excellent. We were met at the airport and all practicalities with hotels, lodges and transportation were arranged "invisibly" with no unneccessary waiting time all the way until we headed back home.
The safari driver and guide, Stephen, was very friendly and kind and drove us comfortably and safely to interesting watching spots for the animals. He also had very good knowledge of the area and the animals we saw.
We chose a Toyota Land Cruiser for the game drives and recommend this type of car due to its ability to get through "everywhere".
For our part, four days was fine, as we were able to watch both "Big five" and the other animals we were hoping to see during these days. Both the wildlife and scenery were experiences for lifetime due to the natural beauty and the "authenticity" of the experience - very different from visiting a zoo.
We decided to limit ourselves to Masai Mara and Nakuru. If you decide to include more areas on the same trip, we suggest to carefully consider time balance between game drives and mere transportation.
Overall, we can highly recommend Tekko Tours & Travel as your partner in designing and arranging your Kenya/Safari vacation and if you have the chance, we definitely recommend including game drives and safari on your Bucket list!
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful trip!
We really enjoied our self drive trip in Namibia. We had a very diversified route. Wildlife with a lot of animals, mountains, ocean and desert. Food in Namibia is absolutely delicious and you don‘t have to worry about hygiene at all. We experienced Namibia as a very safe country where you can walk through towns after sunset as well. Even the restrooms at the fuel stations were very clean which was quite a surprise for me. The roads are in a very good condition - even better than in Southern Europe!! We wouldn’t book a gps for a furure trip, it’s not necessary at all. We stayed in beatiful lodges with incredible friendly and helpful staff.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Life Time Experiential
Visiting Uganda is a must in a lifetime and I would highly recommend everyone to see the beauty this country has. The Lake Mutanda lodge overlooking the Lake is such a magical experience. Thank you Saso Uganda Safaris for organising a flawless trip into the depths of Africa.
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
14 days safari in Kenya and Tanzania
We just came back from an amazing safari trip booked with All Seasons Safaris. We started the planing almost a year ago, sent many inquiries to a number of tour operators. All seasons was the one we decided to go with at the end, as they were promptly reply the emails re changes and their price was quite competitive.
The trip went very smoothly, the hand over at the border of Kenya and Tanzania was as easy as it can be, all done within an hour. The guides/drivers were great, especially the driver, Santos in Tanzania. He didn't use his radio comm at all, but seemed knew everything, every where. We took thousands of photos and video clips in both Kenya and Tanzania.
There were a couple of miscommunications/misbookings between All Seasons and Lodges they booked, but it was sorted reasonably quick and easy.
One tip for other travelers who may book with All Seasons, keep Alex and Meshack's contact details handy, check and confirm your next day's plan in advance. If there is any problem or misunderstanding they can sort it out fairly quick.
Thanks to Alex, Meshack and the team at All Seasons.
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Efficient, punctual, well organized. The driver was excellent. Food and lodging first class.
Everything whent smoothly. From the beginning to the end.
NZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience, well organised!
Wow! We can not thank Darren enough for organising the perfect honeymoon for us. I’ve lost count of the number of emails I’ve sent to Darren, the number of questions I asked and every time Darren would reply in a timely manner, answering all of my questions. We picked a tour from the list and modified it with Darren’s help that we made our own tour which was amazing, we went to a variety of places over two weeks and everything was organised from accomodation to transfers. Darren kept in contact during our time in Africa to check everything was ok, which was excellent he was there if we needed him. We were sent very informative, thorough information to help us pack and plan.
Every accomodation Darren booked was amazing, every safari we went on was enjoyable and an experience of a lifetime. If you’re not sure where to start send Darren an email and you won’t be disappointed. You will get personalised, friendly, professional and extremely well organised advice and support from the booking process right through to when you are travelling.
Thank you so much Darren!
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was totally a wonderful and amazing experience that was worth every penny...
Mukisa Travels are a truly professional team that never disappoints its clients. Customer satisfaction is one of their ideals.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I have worked in Tanzania for over 30 years and could not recommend a better company
I have known Kenneth Salakana, the Director of SnowCap Ltd most of his life and have worked with him and his father who founded the company for the past 35 years. They are tour operators I chose to provide all arrangements for my annual field-based college course in Northern Tanzania and I have sent many friends and students to them for mountain climbing. They originated the Rongai route that had been closed for many years and have a lovely lodge (The SnowCap Cottages) at its base. It is a great place to stay for a couple of days before climbing to acclimatize to the altitude with day hikes, great food, and comfortable accommodations. Everyone who I recommended to climb with them has reached their goals and have nothing but praise for their professional and friendly guides. I personally work with many of these guides in conjunction with my field course and they are highly trained to protect the safety of visitors and to provide them with an enjoyable experience. Climbers also praise the food by the way! Finally, SnowCap Ltd. is the only local Tanzanian company that is certified by the international non-profit that insures the ethical reimbursement and training of mountain guides and porters. They adhere to international standards and while you can sometimes find cheaper tour operators, you cannot guarantee that they will have your best interests at heart. Traveling with SnowCap Ltd. will enable you to truly experience the warmth and hospitality for which Tanzania is famous. ~Donna Kerner, William Isaac Cole Professor of Anthropology, Wheaton College, Norton, MA (USA)
