CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top notch from start to finish. Every need was attended to promptly and courteously.
Safari in Kenya and Tanzania
What an amazing trip to East Africa we have experienced. Fourteen days and eight camps. Later we arrived home knowing that we left our hearts in Africa.
This tour (our first) was arranged thru Wildebeest Safaris and orchestrated through Noah Kuti. We had planned it perhaps four months before we left and had many back and forth emails to and from Noah. Even with the seven hour time difference, Noah answered our email questions promptly. We don’t know when that man slept.
We flew to Amsterdam and then after a layover we took a flight to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. Our very first stop (that we had requested) was at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Their hours are limited to visitors… just one hour per day at eleven AM. That is because they work so hard with these little creatures that their time is devoted to that. We are now “fostering” our very own little soul. We “took” one that has a very bad, unable-to-be-repaired knee, just like ours. We are “giving” elephants this year to all those on our Christmas List.
Once you leave Nairobi there are no more “roads”… just back road trails. They are bumpy, they go up and down, they are narrow and washed out in many places by the rain and often blocked by animals.
Our first camp was Larson’s Samburu Camp. It was our first realization of how badly the drought has affected the area. Our “tent” was literally at the edge of a river but there was no water. There were however, monkeys. Many many monkeys. Everyone uses the adjective naughty when describing them. Our tent was to remain closed and locked at all times as these fast moving creatures would enter and have a field day trashing it. We complied. At mealtimes, a Maasai would stand alert with a slingshot to keep the monkeys from joining us at our table. He succeeded.
Our first dinner was served at our tent on a lovely set table. The food and ambience was nice. Following that, we zipped up our tent and had no trouble falling asleep. In the morning, we walked around our camp site and enjoyed the flowering trees, the walking paths and even those monkeys. The Staff there numbered more than the guests which was sad. The drought has affected so many. Upon leaving there and going on our first game drive, we saw the result of no rain in two years. You hear about drought but until you see it for yourself, you cannot imagine it. We saw hundreds and thousands of animals in brown fields with no greenery or water in sight. It’s heartbreaking to see. How do they sustain themselves?
N.B. About ten days later we heard they had rain. We looked at pictures of it on our guide’s phone and realized that yes, they did receive rain, but now it was flooded. Larson’s had even fewer guests now as they had to temporarily close.
On the way to our second site, Sweetwaters Serena Camp (Ol Pejeta Conservancy), we experienced another game drive. Again, and this is important, there are no real roads… just those bumpy, really bumpy trails. We won’t write about these game drives but please be assured that there were so many animals on each of them. For now we are talking about our campsites. Sweetwater Camps was unbelievable to us. There was a large man made pond for the animals and the animals did come. Elephants, giraffes, water buffalo, rhinos, zebras, wildebeest. Anyone searching for birds would find many varieties. There was a huge plain leading up to the watering hole so we could see them as they neared.
Mealtimes were amazing. It was like going to a first class restaurant but served buffet style. Not like our typical buffets served here. Different areas were set up according to food types and they skimped on nothing. It was hard to decide which was better, the animals or the food. In the Reception Room there was a large book entitled “Animals I Saw Today”. Entries included so many experiences such as one from a five year old boy which read, “I saw a lion kill a baby giraffe today. Its mother was mad.”
Our “tent” and that word is used so loosely, was equipped with a king sized bed, a lovely washroom, side tables and such a view. I asked about a hair dryer and one was immediately brought to our tent. The service was wonderful. We were sad to leave but we discovered soon that we were sad to leave every place we stayed.
Venturing on, we came to Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge (Lake Nakuru National Park). What luxury. This was in a National Park and impossible to describe. Our tents were really cottages as we would describe and we were taken by golf carts to our temporary homes from the Reception areas. Everything there was pure luxury. The open shower was equipped with teak floors – something never seen by us. Our main room had amenities usually seen in high-end hotels only. Never by us!! There was an amazing lookout that had just a couple of weeks earlier been the scene of thousands of pink flamingos. It was the only time on our safari that we saw rain but even that was delightful as they lit the fireplaces. Reminded us of a getaway place where you just wanted to relax, have a drink, enjoy the view and veg out.
Campsite number four was Sand River Maasai Mara in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This was our only three day stay and we absolutely loved it. We faced onto a river, but again totally dried up. We still saw many animals It was relaxing to sit on the deck and listen to the birds and see whatever wandered by. The first morning we were there, there were four water buffalo asleep right in front of our place. They had the same rule that the others had – no going out between evening and mornings without an escort… always dressed in the native garb. If we wanted any help or an escort, we waved our flashlights and immediately one arrived. We were equipped with a whistle and flashlight just as a precautionary measure.
Our second day there we witnessed part of the migration right in front of us. Could never count how many wildebeest or zebra there were. Had not realized before this trip that the zebra travelled with wildebeest. They do. Sand River was very special to us and we can’t verbalize why… it just was. It was such a welcoming place to return to after our game drives and those bumpy trails. They no longer can even be counted as “roads”. Probably our favorite part were the outdoor showers. Absolutely phenomenal. There is nothing like showering outdoors watching animals in their natural habitat. Showering was a favorite activity. Part of this writing couple was in tears when we had to leave.
Our 5th campsite, Asanja Africa Camp (Central Serengeti) was totally different than any we had experienced before. In truth, the part of this team who wasn’t crying at leaving Sand River was near tears now. The word ‘authentic’ was used a lot by me. We were to be here for two days and the other half was prepared to stay in the Land Cruiser the entire time. It didn’t help when we were cautioned not to leave shoes outside the tent as the hyenas would steal them. That being said, it turned out to be a wonderful adventure. It truly was authentic and such a different but excellent experience. The staff (like in every place we went) was beyond wonderful. Conservation of energy was and is important. Lights went out about eleven for the night. We thought it may be a problem but it wasn’t. We had flashlights! Also hot water was to be conserved. To take a shower was fabulous. We would tell the staff whenever we wanted to shower and then the fun began. Someone (a Maasai) would heat the water, climb a ladder outside the tent and pour the warm water into a bucket and onto us. He would wait until we told him we were thru and then he would climb down and return to whence he came. We loved every warm drop of it. Such an experience. When we left there, when our time was up, there was a lesson learned: Just give things a chance. The other places had been so high end and beautiful that it was odd to see the other side. That’s not to say that this place wasn’t comfortable or well-equipped because it was. The Staff there was friendly beyond words (as were they all) and came out to the trail as we were leaving to wish us well and have pictures taken.
Camp number six. Wow. And wow again. We were situated on a coffee plantation at The Manor in the Ngorongoro Region. This was the only place we wished we had brought some clothes that weren’t safari related or not exactly clean. However we could not have been made to feel more welcome. The beauty of this place was like nothing ever seen by us. Our accommodation was definitely not tent-like or even cottage like. It was as described, a Manor. The huge gardens were cultivated beautifully. Coffee bean bushes were everywhere. The trees were glorious. There was a library in the main house as well as billiards, a media room, and so much more. We could (if only we had had the time) visited the spa, had a massage, a pedicure, hair… the works. There was horseback riding. There was a swimming pool. In our rooms (yes, plural) were flowers place on the bed, the huge tub, the slippers, the coffee station, the list goes on. There was a back to back fireplace that we decided no we did not need lit. It was swanky! When we went for dinner, we were met before we entered by our waiter, Shariff who called us by name. (Just like here, don’tcha know). It definitely was five star dining with a five star menu along with the five course dinner. Even water was included… for free. In Africa that is a real find. The wine etc, was also included but we were more excited about the water and drank to our hearts’ content.
Shariff was efficient but very friendly. He made no notice of the safari pants we wore with animal prints on them, the not so clean tea shirts and the muddy shoes. He may have seen this before but he was very classy about it. The food was first rate but the coffee, oh the coffee. Rightly so being on a coffee plantation, but it was indescribable. Never have either of us had such wonderful coffee.
Missing our own cat back home, we were delighted to meet their sweet house cat. I asked if we could have her join us in our room and were allowed. Now it was a true accommodation!
When we had to leave the next morning, the staff met us outside by the land cruiser and gave us each a gift and had pictures taken. So sad to leave were we. But wait… we had a pleasant surprise. We could not leave because there was a large, a very large elephant blocking the trail. And the trails as we had learned were just one elephant wide so no room for us. We would just wait and see. Not a problem until his mate came out of the bushes trumpeting away as if we should get on our way. And eventually we did.
After The Manor, we travelled on to Nimali Tarangire located in Tarangire National Park. It was literally in the middle of nowhere. It had better be worth it after the ride there. I use the word ride very very loosely. It was so worth it. Upon our arrival there were three giraffe there to greet us or at least that’s what I think. In any case they were there. We got settled in our home for the night and again it was located on a river with no water. When we were escorted in for dinner were we in for a surprise. It was not in the main lodge but instead a beautifully set table was waiting for us outside and on a small rise. It had a linen table cloth and wine and china and candles. It was directly in front of a large watering hole where many varieties of animals came to drink. The sky was amazing. Because there were no lights around us, the sky appeared pitch black with shooting stars and the different constellations there for the viewing. Dinner consisted of broccoli and cauliflower soup, filet mignon and chocolate mousse. Coffee of course followed. The weather, as always was perfect for remaining outdoors so we were able to remain as long as we wanted and watch the animals enjoying their water. The part we found sad about this place that when we were leaving in the morning, there were no guests booked for the following day. We had heard that tourism was down but it’s such a shame when places such as this remain empty or partially so. The staff there could not have been more helpful or friendly. We loved everything about it. That outdoor under-the-stars dinner though (our first ever) was the real highlight.
Our final destination was Satao Elerai Camp in the Amboseli National Park. This camp is devoted to conservation and lives what it promotes. There are no fences so animals are free to come and go as they choose. Everything is solar powered. Electric power is turned off between 8:00AM and 6:30. . This is when most people are on safari. We thought it would present a problem originally but it never did. Lunch was done with gas power. Coffee was available 24/7.
One highlight of this camp was a watering hole/pond (we were still in drought) and animals were always there. Many giraffes, elephants, zebras, water buffalo visited it regularly. There was such a comfortable reception room with lookout spots where we could sit and read or chat or play any of the many African games that were provided. A bridge connected the sitting and eating areas with the reception room and it was filled with incredible plant life and water creatures. Every bit of Satao Elerai was built with local wood in its natural form. That meant the buildings, all furniture, every speck right down to toilet paper holders. Our bathroom was larger than any home there or here and no man made materials. Our deck was wonderful to sit and watch Mount Kilimanjaro directly in front of us.
Again, the food and service was such that we could take a page from their book.
Each of these places had its own charm and provided many happy memories. In no place did we have any complaints or concerns regarding the accommodations, the food or the service. Again, in no place did we feel anything but safe.
Africa was nothing we had expected and was so much more than expected.
It was magical in every sense.
We travelled there to see The big Five and The important Ten.
We saw and learned so much more.
October 2017
Joy and Al Vezina
Markham, Ontario, Canada
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic team creating amazing experiences!
As a group travelling around Uganda, we put our trust in Maranantha to select our accommodation based on our location and requirements, and not once was it anything short of perfect. Our driver Edgar was amazing and truly became a welcome part of the holiday party! He seemed to know everyone, everything, always offered great advice, and had the eye of a hawk when it came to safari! I really do believe our trip would not have been as good without them. I would highly recommend them.
HU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 10 day Kenya Safari - highly recommended
I contacted Diane for the help in creating customized safari for 2, and from the start she was extremely polite, eager to answer and trustworthy. Compared to other agencies, Diane responded to my questions without hesitation and long mails explaining why should I choose her agency, but she made herself clear with all questions answered and with good price. Everything was prearranged before we came to Kenya and we had no worries. The same pattern followed through our trip. As I have read from different reviews, in Kenya time is variable meaning some trips were in delay for few hours. That never happened during our trip. Our guide/driver Thomas was very punctual, even came earlier. Thomas new lots of things especially animals, which made our safari great experience. We saw the big 5 in 3 days, which is quite unusual. We did full day safaris, some times with early morning and late night safaris with the sunset. Thomas has a great eye and he was listening all the time to safari radio, thus knowing where the animals are. His driving skills are worth to mention, because it is absolutely important that guides can drive safely when the roads are tricky. We could have arranged with him everything we wanted and he was always in great mood, though we thought that he is extremely tired (to be honest, we were). As we wanted to visit the Orphanage St. Anthony Small Home in Lower Subukia, we were late for the organized boat trip in lake Naivasha, but Diane make an effort to organize for us romantic wine lunch on the top hill in Amboseli Park, which was real surprise. All the accommodations were as we agreed, with high quality and we had amazing relaxing evening after full day safari. All in all, I would really recommend the agency, Diana and Richard who were constantly checking up on us and the most importantly, thanks to our guide Thomas we really saw lots of animals, learned about the Kenya and had the amazing safari experience.
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best tour operator i had in my life
Friendly, helpful, competent, fantastic organisation, , they know the country ,
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A dream come true!
Yambo guys! What cant I say about the amazing experience we had!!
First of all, We have to thank Joshua for being the best driver ever! He explained us all, took care of us while on Safari and specially when I got sick... you should never change brother!
Secondly, we were speechless while on Safari, we couldn't believe we were there in the middle of the sabanah and that the animals didn't bothered about us! We took so many pictures! Big 5, etc etc. It was incredibly joyful!
And Finally, we have to say the lodge, hotels, staff, food etc was very good!
Keep it up Bison Safaris!! we have already recomended you to some family members!
We hope to see you soon! We'll be back for sure!
Ashanti!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
excellent
It was very nice to me. after traveling I recommand it to my friends. the staffs were good especially driver was very kind! never miss it!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari for the right price!
Meru Slopes Tours is a great option to experience the main parks in Tanzania for a reasonable budget. The team took care of the accommodation, transportation and the necessary paperwork. I will suggest just to update the trucks a bit in the future to ensure they keep providing a good service.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing trip of a lifetime with Gorillas!
I had a fantastic trip with Gatatu Safaris. I'm a budget traveller, usually backpacking. Gatatu's prices were reasonably cheap compared to other companies so I enquired and was contacted by Richard the owner. Richard answered every question I had (around 50 emails). So I decided to book a gorilla trip with them, they do have mid-range and luxury tours if want to upgrade but I went with the budget. They require a money wire transfer (I was a little nervous at first) which is what most Africa companies do. After a brutal flight from the US we were greeted at the airport by Steven our guide and taken to our accommodation. Steven answered every question we had constantly checking on us to see if everything was okay. First day we went to Bigodi Wetlands to see birds and primates and the local village the second day we went to see the chimpanzees and opted to do the habituation which was worth the upgrade to spend more time with them, amazing experience. From there we went to Queen Elizabeth National Park for the game drives. Saw elephants, hippos, water buffaloes etc (didn't see any big cats). The Kazinga Channel cruise is awesome! Then we went to Kabale visiting a local school and Lake Buyonyi and where we also met up with Richard. This trip was taken in October so is was rainy season, the road to Bwindi Imprenatrable was impassable due to mudslides so Richard arrange permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and wow!! What an amazing experience, we had the Gorilla family all to ourselves. To spend an hour with these gentle giants is a once in a lifetime experience. Saw 3 Silverbacks, 2 females, a juvenile and a infant We didn't get any rain while on the trek but it down poured after we got back to the vehicle. Then spent the last couple of days on beautiful Lake Buyonyi(so many birds). Also of all the things I forgot to bring from home....I forgot my rain jacket. Steven went to the market on day one to pick up a jacket for me when I told him I forgotten it. A trip of a lifetime. Here a few things I wanna mention. While on this trip I notice that there were other companies running similar itineraries. We would run into the same people except they paid a lot more. The first (Kibale) and last (Lake Buyonyi, you take a motorboat and stay on an island) accommodations were really nice way beyond what I expected for a budget safari. The other were budget ones like hostels which is fine in my book, as I've said before you can book a mid-range to higher end. All your meals are included and Steven would give us snacks and cokes on the long drives. The gorilla trek is physically challenging but it will be worth all the effort (bring water). Do the habituation with the chimps rather than just the regular trek, you'll be happy you did. Roads are good but on the way to Gorilla trekking the roads can be a little rough, Steven was a master at handling it. Don't be afraid to ask your guide if you need something. Book a trip with Gatatu, support a local company. You will get the same service, visit the same places, do the same activities for a fraction of the price. If you are particular about where you sleep, ask them about their higher end tours.
AE
I'm planning fr my yearly vacation w' FelAnn safaris n frm recommendation frm close pals I'm anxious
I'm sure its up to standard n can't wait to HV fun w my kids/family n friends
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
wonderful
great communications and advice before safaris,expert guide,normal service,reasonable price,every thing is great, only the car is a little poor.