US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thorough, caring, personal
This was my first time using a tour company: I prefer to organize my trips myself, and don't really want to sit on a bus with 20 other people looking at the same things thousands of people have seen.
But this was my first visit to Africa. I had a general idea of what I wanted to see/experience, but how to get from here to there, where to stay: I filled 10 pieces of paper with dates, flights, rental car and lodge info... I couldn't coordinate everything.
I can't remember how I got to their site, but I saw that they had generally what I wanted ("8 night Kruger/Victoria Falls/Zambezi.") I got in touch, and thus began a multiweek correspondence with Darren Humphrys. Darren said that they could personalize my trip, and Zambezi became Okavango.
It was a huge load off my mind to be met at the airport, taken to the place I was staying,, taken to the airport, and met at the next place. To be handed off to the next stage of the trip was a great comfort.
Part one of the journey couldn't begin until I got myself to Cape Town International Airport. For some reason the airline called Darren to say that I hadn't checked in when in fact I had. Darren sent me an email that said that if I didn't make the flight there was another I could take. He had time of flight and how to get to the lodge I was scheduled to stay at. He even called my number in the United States, a fact I didn't learn until I returned home and turned my phone on.
Again, I'm someone who prefers an independent trip. Compass Odyssey walked that fine line between making me feel like I was taking an independent trip and the comfort of, if something went wrong, they were there to make things right. I felt like I was their only client.
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Totally impressed!
Our first visit of Africa was to destination Kenya and later to Tanzania a safari we entitled Denis and his team of Africa Vacation Safaris to handle. Prompt replies to emails all times in less than an hour. Accurate information gave very valuable advice on the type of accommodation when we seemed to have no clue. The safari part was as excellent. From pickup which was as planned. We met Joseph at the airport who was to be our guide throughout the Kenya side of the safari. He loves his job and really understand everything he is doing. He gave us more than we would have expected from this small company. Denis kept in touch with us throughout the journey especially when we crossed to Tanzania and changed to their Tanzania representatives who were also very good. I would like to recommend this company. Let them plan your Africa Visit and you will thank me later.
Thank you Africa Vacation Safaris
TR
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Take care with the Company Blue Montain Trekking & Safaris
To the Director of the Company
Blue Montain Trekking & Safaris
On 22 May 2018 we visited your office and my wife and me were looking for a tree days Safari. We talked to one of you employee Mr. Ben (Tel. 0721362462) and he gave us information. He suggested to stay in the camp at Rhino camp in a tent. The price will be around 760 US $. We did not talk so much about the price because we knew your official price was about 340.00 US $ for tree days Safari. At that time we did not make our final decision.
On the next day, we decided to go to Safari and came back to the office opposite of Hilton. My wife was a little bit scared from the staying in a tent. Then we asked for a lodge. Mr. Ben maked a suggestion. He said that we can stary in a lodge at Ol Moran Camp. He suggested a price of 1160.00 US $. Finally we agreed to pay 930.00 US $. We paid 100.00 US $ in advance. We have been told that we should pay the rest on 25th May where the trip started. On 25th May, in the morning I have paid the rest, 830.00 US $ in cash and asked for a receipt. He denied to give me a receipt. He has just written on the first receipt (which we have received on 22th May) that the balance has been paid. See the attached receipt. I knew that was not correct. On the way we picked up to german ladies. On the car someone has prepared a regular receipt and gave to these ladies. They paid 30.000 Schlings per Person (300.00 US $).
We arrived at the Ol Morano camp, the driver, Patrick, has dropped us and left immediately. Then we were asking for a lodge. We have told that there was no lodge only tents. I called Ben back and the driver. We could not change anyting. We paid a price of a lodge, however we stayed in a tent.
Finally, instead of 600.00 US $ we paid 930.00 US $. We have been swindled by Mr. Ben. He is one of the biggest liar that I have seen in my life. A guy like that would damage your company.
I am sure that this guy has prepared an official receipt which is probably around 600.00 US $. The rest is in his pocket.
One more story, according to the program, on the third day we should first go to the park for three hours and then back to Nairobi. The driver discoverd a new story and talked about the boat trip on a river somewhere else. Some people agreed but we did not. I didn’t want to wait for other people during boat trip. I told Patrick that we want to go to Nairobi. Underway he had difficulties to arrange a car for us. Finally at the place where we had lunch he has arranged a Safari car. The driver of this car dropped us at a benzin station in Nairoby. Finally with a arranged taxi we arrived at our hotel. Why should we take three different cars to come to our hotel?
Now I am asking you why the driver Patrick discovered a boat trip which was not on program. Does he has some benefits from boat trip? Why did he not drive for three hours to National Park as we have been told?
I would like to leave Kenya with a good impression. However, people like Ben would harm the people.
I kindly ask you to search this process and inform me and compensate the money which I have paid more.
Prof. Dr. Metin Balcı
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Best.
We thought Botswana would be out of our budget, then a friend with whom we'd travelled in Namibia pointed us to Jane and her company. From the first email contact, we knew we were on the right track. Four of us (two pensioners) booked a ten-day safari that took us from Kasane to Maun, staying in five different locations.
I'm not a natural camper, but the magic of sunrise in the bush and evenings around the camp-fire and under the stars more than made up for quite basic but perfectly adequate sleeping quarters. The tents aren't huge, but they're not cramped either; the bedding is ample and very cosy (starry nights in May are chilly - but no insects) and our en-suite pit toilet (you shovel in a layer of the sandy soil that's been dug out) was really no hardship. We quickly decided that glamping was for softies and would artificially cut you off from the authentic experience that we were enjoying.
And we enjoyed every minute. Because we were four, we had a vehicle to ourselves and could stop and start at the pace that the two avid photographers wanted. Our guide, Spokes Ntshwabi, was superb: quiet, very knowledgeable and charming with it. We had lots of marvellous sightings, many of them all to ourselves as a distinctive part of the Ulinda offering is to get away from the most beaten tracks. (Not that there were ever many other vehicles; these National Parks are huge.)
Back in camp for lunch, a snooze and a shower, then off again. The afternoon game drive always ended with a hefty G'n'T at some scenic spot to watch the sun go down. Then back in the gloaming for a superb dinner, ample (free) wine and yarns round the campfire. The food was always superb. Remember that for the whole 10 days there was nowhere to take on supplies, but we always had fresh vegetables, salads and (for the carnivores) world-class local meats: the beef fillet was the best ever. All that and beautiful fresh bread.
Jane herself is a tireless host. The whole trip was impeccably organised but the effort didn't show. Her team (who cook and manage the assembly and dismantling at every camp site) are charming as well as very hard-working. The three boat trips that were part of the package were all different and unforgettably lovely. Now we have thousands of photos to edit down and thousands of memories to match.
We are all seasoned travellers of many years, but - back in civilisation (which seemed dull in comparison) - we agreed that this was the best.
Thanks, Jane - and everyone
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip EVER
Our trip with Gorilla Homeland Safari's exceeded my expectations! Davis and Meddy are wonderful Ambassadors of Uganda ----from the first moment we choose them the communication was excellent. The resorts we stayed in were incredibly beautiful ----the staff was always very friendly and helpful. Davis and Meddy went above and beyond to make sure our desires were met. From safari drives to boat trips to chimpanzees and ------of course------gorillas ------this trip was by far the most special. We are already planning a return trip with Gorilla Homeland Saafaris. If you are considering a trip to Uganda you will not regret choosing Gorilla Homeland Safari's. Do it -----It will change your life!
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome experience with Ambroos our guide cum driver, he was very sincere in his work during game
Very nice tour operator, sincere in work specially during game drive
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Incredible experience of wildlife with a knowledgeable and friendly guide
Fun experience that went beyond our expectations of hospitality, professionalism and personal attention.
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
In this my fifth safari I made new experiences; spectacular, breathtaking, silent moments.
We had an allover good safari! High expectations, high delivery. Every day ended upp with a highlight. Espacially I remember the elephants, walking in the morning around our car. Alltogether 18. Marvellous!
Our guides and drivers James and Justus were exellent. I don´t know what too admire the most. The roads were affected by rain, but I felt secure all the time.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Uganda 2018
I have been to Africa over 20 times and all over. This by far was the best trip I’ve ever taken. Davis and Meddy knew everyone everywhere we went. I always felt safe with them. The lodges they picked for us were amazing. Anything we mentioned we might want they changed plans to accommodate us. We were talking about wanting a pool soon and the very next lodge they made sure had a pool. The gorillas were everything I ever wanted. All the extra tours that were available had something to do for everyone. The staff at the lodges were friendly and so helpful. The rooms were clean and the scenery was breathtaking. I can’t wait to go back again and I won’t go with anyone else but Davis and Meddy.
NZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great Company to deal with!
Rade and Simon have worked hard to make this one of the top tour operations running out of Arusha. We have used their vehicles and guides for a number of years and have had no problems at all.