HK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top-notch tour operator
We just came back from the Trip of our Life time to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana a few days ago. All the credit of Safpol.
I initially picked Safpol out of 4 tour operators because(1) their basic itinerary matched very close to what I had in mind; (2) very responsive communication; (3) very good reviews; and (4) close to my budget. After I decided to go with Safpol, the various travel consultants whom I worked with, especially Wilna, all demonstrated very efficient communication as well as a willingness and flexibility to accommodate to my needs. For example, I specifically requested triple rooms as I do not want two separate rooms for the three of us. Safpol made an effort to switch us to triple rooms/suite/2-bedroom apartment in all destinations. I have also requested to add a day of private reserve camp; visit a specific wine estate in the Cape region; as well as a visit to Soweto in Johannesburg. Safpol incorporated all of these requests seamlessly on my basic itinerary.
During the tour, both of my tour guides are very professional, especially Hennie. He was very experienced and knowledgeable about the Kruger area, Johannesburg, the country of South Africa, its economy, politics, culture, history, animal behaviors, environment, eco-system... etc. Truly blessed to have such a great guide.
We did have a little hiccups towards the last part of our trip, when we traveled to Zimbabwe and Botswana. For this portion of the trip, we were guided by a local tour operator in Zimbabwe, that I believed Safpol subcontracted out. The tour itself was fabulous!! However, due to the Air Zimbabwe's changing our flight schedules as well as a miscommunication among the Zimbabwe tour operator, Air Zimbabwe and our driver, the situation was a bit messy and chaotic at one point. Thanks to the intervention of Peter, Safpol's owner, everything was resolved smoothly at the end.
Overall, I can't say anything negative about my experience with Safpol. They totally exceeded my expectation. Highly recommended.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic safari experience
We booked a 6 day Tanzania safari with Masai Wanderings and would highly recommend them. When researching the trip we investigated many different companies, but Masai Wanderings stood out for their very friendly, honest and knowledgable service. Our guide Kwaru was great and with him we toured Tarangire (staying one night at the lovely Sangaiwe tented lodge) and then Ngorogoro crater (staying at Endoro lodge, a lovely lodge set in beautiful grounds). We then caught a small plane to the Northern Serengeti to stay at Kaskaz Mara, the highlight of our trip. This is a perfect "Out of Africa" setting, with luxury tents (with super comfortable beds and hot showers) overlooking the plains. At night the wildebeest and animal noises ensure you don't forget you are in Africa, and the staff (Charles and his team) are friendly and very attentive. We were not expecting much from the food given the camp's remote location, but the Chef consistently prepared delicious and inventive meals. Our guide John took us on game drives in a fantastic open top vehicle, stocked with cold drinks and beer ! He was flexible enough to work around our requirements, and we were lucky enough to see the wildebeest migration across the Mara river. We wished we could have stayed longer but left promising to return, and won't be forgetting this trip for a long time to come. If you are unsure about whether to book with Masai Wanderings - don't be. Donna and the team will ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Safari Experience
We did a 7 days / 6 nights trip to Aberdare, Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara national parks. The lodges were all very nice, had great food and friendly staff. The national parks were stunningly beautiful. Each park is different and has it´s own, unique character. Our guide Charles was just excellent. Always super-friendly and laid back. Of course he also is an excellent driver, extremely good at spotting wildlife and happy to share his knowledge about all the species as well.
Itstartedinafrica provided a very friendly, flexible, and professional service and organized the whole trip perfectly at a reasonable price.
RU
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Kenya
It was my first safari experience but I think that I made a good choice by choosing Ancient Wild Safaris. Mike was on-line since my first minutes in airport in Kenya and it was as a friendly support for a lonely stranger in an unfamiliar country )) Except safari he organized for me a lovely tour to a tea farm for less money. Cyrus - my safari-guide was polite and well mannered man with sincere love for animals (sometimes it looks like he admires of wildlife more than I do)). Safari was well organized, with a good choice of hotels, in one of which I saw a leopard coming to the hotel for feeding, and in another hotel - a sweet couple of lions coming to the watering place or just for a romantic walk )) For 3 days we visited Amboseli and Tsavo East and West. I did not see only a rhino, but for this I had to go to Masai Mara.
Maybe other time ))! And I sure with Mike and his excellent team!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Experience !!!
We booked our honeymoon through Australken we did a safari and a beach holiday in Mombasa. We have nothing but praise for Zippy and her team for the effort she put in as we kept on changing our safari dates.
Our guide Symon was the best, so educative about the wildlife and the entire country. Our highlight was in Masai Mara at Osero Camp as we got a good honeymoon suite and a complimentary bush diner . We definitely recommend this company and if we return we will use them again.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very special day at Lake Tanganyika and Gombe NP
I really enjoyed my 1 day trip to Gombe National Park and Ujiji. Although I had very limited time (less than 2 days) in Kigoma and had arrived late from a 13-14 hour journey from Mwanza the day before, it was the right decision to choose the Gombe day trip. I was impressed that everything was well co-ordinated - from the car pick up, to the boatman (Baraco?), to the guide at Gombe NP, and the driver and guide for the very short but informative visit to the Livingstone museum at Ujiji. I thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds along Lake Tanganyika and will never forget my time swimming in the lake. I also fondly remember watching the chimps and enjoying the panoramic view at Jane's peak in Gombe NP. The guide gave me full liberty of time at Gombe. The pace was unhurried. I should have realised I was taking a bit too much time and I requested to expedite the visit to Ujiji on my way back. This the driver did. The guide at the Livingstone museum was knowledgable. And it was great that the driver managed to get me back to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel just in time for a most exquisite sunset over Lake Tanganyika.
In summary, a most unforgettable day. Thank you.
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect experience
We visited Masai Mara in June 2017 and returned home with fantastic memories.
First of all our driver John was one of the main reasons for our successful trip. Our trip started with a timely pick-up from the hotel. During the trip to Masai Mara and the safari game drives John have been very informative and told us of the fun experiences he had on other game drives, about the animals and Africa in general. He was great at spotting the animals, as well as using walkies to get notified of where the animals were, and racing through Masai Mara to spot them. We were lucky to see all of the big 5 animals and take plenty of pictures. Thank you John! :)
Apart from that we stayed at the great camp, Ashnil Mara. The camp was situated at the heart of Masai Mara, so the game drives started as soon as we drove out of the camp. The camp is located by the Mara river, where we could watch the animals come by. We lived in luxurious tents, which were both beautiful and comfy. The food was great and plenty. In the evenings we could relax outside by the fire and listen to the hippo noises in the Mara river.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
All We Could Hope For in Livingstone!
Joseph Moyo was all we could hope for and more in planning and executing our leisure travel. We brought a group of 23 volunteers with us to Zambia to do humanitarian work in Lusaka. Following our work, we planned 4 days in Livingstone for leisure travel. Never having been to Livingstone we looked for someone to guide us as we planned activities. After reading reviews, we settled on African Coast Travel and Tours. Joseph was prompt at responding and always a step ahead of us. We did a jaw dropping tour of Victoria Falls! We saw the falls from both the Zambia and Zimbabwe side, they were spectacular!!!! That evening we were whisked of on a Sunset Cruise along the Zambezi River, it was perfect. The second day we headed to Chobe National Park. We spent the day in Botswana and Zambia. Lunch was amazing at the Chobe Safari Lodge. It was a perfect day, we saw many animals and had excellent guides. Day 3 included a trip to Mukuni Village, Livingstone Museum, and taking in the Maramba Market. That afternoon and Day 4 prior to our departure, Joseph arranged everyone in the groups individual activities including a Lion Walk, Bungee Jumping, Micro Flights, Elephant Safari and much more. We loved every minute of our time with Joseph and his team. They were amazing!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Another amazing Murchison trip
This was my third trip to Murchison Falls with Twah and his team. It was the best experience yet (each has been incredible). It was a comfortable ride from Kampala to Murchison. The evening game drive was incredible. The drivers use their personal experiences and do a great job communicating with each other and the park staff to make sure you get to experience all that Murchison has to offer. I think this year we saw almost every possible animal, including lionesses on the hunt an a large python. Murchison is one of my favorite places on earth and I wouldn't visit with anyone other than Wild Jungle Trials.
MX
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
since de begining excellente
Every thing was very good, since the atencion of giving prices with Mr. Simmon until
going there, the hotels the food the gide the ca every thing excelent.
For me the only thing, to change the information was tha the climp de hike of Kilimanjaro
it was not easy there ae 9 km to go up and then 9 to go down the same day
so you need certain clothes shoes and information about it. That is not so easy as you mention
in your letters