Experience level: first safari
Trully unforgettable experience
In February 2017 I took part in 4 days long safari starting in Tarangire National Park with driver Frederick Julius. This was like a delicious starter before the proper feast started. Famous Serengeti about which I have read so much and longed to go for a very long time lived up to all my expectations. The abundance of wildlife was overwhelming and the scenery stunning, especially at dawn with the sunrise above the baobabs. During two days in Serengeti we have managed to see all BIG FIVE and probably every animal, which lives there. Mating lions, cheetahs tearing the antelope or leopard climbing down the tree. I can’t even remember how many times we had to stop to let the herd of elephants to pass the road. Zebras running in front of the car, hippos bathing in ponds or giraffes nibbling on the high trees leaves.
We were very lucky with the weather, as it was sunny for the whole length of the safari. The accommodation was basic, but comfortable enough and personally in national park I would rather stay in tent than in the lodge, food was always freshly cooked for our dinners and once for our lunch as well.
It was mostly thanks to our guide Frederick ( + 255 753 433 313) that our safari turned out to be such a success. He was knowledgeable, highly professional and extremely patient, he always made sure that all of us had enough time to take photos or just admire and enjoy the scenery, so we never felt rushed.
Pleasant person to be with (it’s crucial as you spend most of the day in the car with your guide) with sense of humor and good English, he should also be praised for his considerate and careful driving.
There were so many memorable moments during our safari, probably the one most engraved in my memory was a wildbeest giving a birth. The dramatic events followed: hyenas trying to attack the newborn, the wildbeests heroic defence and glorious victory.
Experience level: first safari
BR
Very organized operation. The staffs was available and care. Everything went as expected.
The communication has always been easy and care, the services provided always punctual. We had no problem. Everything was perfect!
SE
Amazing adventure that stays with you long after it has ended
The safari was good. We only did a short one over a weekend, but got all we needed and made some good friends on the way. Where we stayed was great and the tour guides were great too. We are vegetarians, so that was our only struggle, to find suitable food. Otherwise we were very happy.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
fantastic tour - excellent organization and a super guide
We had a fantastic tour and visited all the famous national parks of the Northern circuit: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The organization and communication with Shemeji was very good, friendly and uncomplicated. We had a super good guide, named Allan Richard, who was very attentive, everything well organized on the spots, had a good view for animals and even spoke German. Thank you very much! We were and are thrilled. The experiences are unforgettable for us.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an amazing visit to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana!!
We worked with Martin to organize a 4 week trip for us to Zimbabwe (Hwange and Mana Pools), Zambia (South Luangwa) and Botswana (Savuti, Khwai and Moremi). It was a trip of a lifetime.
We started with a lovely boutique guest house in Victoria Falls and headed off to three African Bushcamp sites in Zimbabwe. They were all lovely and the wildlife amazing.
We then headed to Zambia to South Luangwa and spent 8 nights split between two amazingly beautiful Sanctuary camp/lodges. We returned to many of the same spots on our daily drives but each day was a new one when it came to the wildlife. We felt like we knew the area by the time we left.
We finished with a 10 day mobile camping safari in Botswana with Pilot and his excellent staff (Maikano and Brighton). Pilot has the ability to find so many different animals in very difficult to see spots. This part of the trip was the highlight.
Martin did a wonderful job of providing the connections between all our different adventure. Everything went seamlessly. His choice of lodges was excellent.
We hope to return again and use his excellent services.
Thanks for a wonderful trip of a lifetime!!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
you will not find a better Safari Experience
I booked a 13 day safari with Bella after reading reviews and checking all the lodges in the safari details that were sent to me.
when i booked my flights i asked if i could extend to 14 days and was offered several options for my extra day
I specifically asked for a safari where i could take picures of as much as possible, locations, views, and animals.
I arrived at Entebbe for the start of my Safari and was met by Bella at the airport, little did I know what was in store for me.
Bella has created this safari company and instills her love for Uganda in everyone that works for her, creating such a friendly atmosphere for all of her tours.
she regularly checks in with all of her tour guides and also her customers to make sure everything is what each person needs.
To accomodate multiple tours, they do not always follow the same direction which meant we were lucky to run into another Bella Africa safari, with one of her guides, when i met the guide, she was just as enthusiastic as Bella, asking how my safari was going and was i enjoying myself.
Bella is well known in all of the lodges we visited. when she arrives the lodges make sure that everything is in place for her visitor.
During my trip I quickly understood how much Bella loves not only her job but Uganda too.
Some of the journeys are quite long and we had no trouble with conversations, discussing anything and everything, Bella is so easy to get on with,details of our safari, where we were going, what to expect when we got there and details of the lodges we were going to stay at.
Each location we arrived, we would set a time for Dinner and would discuss the following days activities whilst eating.
Bella planned everything to perfection.
while I was taking pictures, Bella would never rush, always asking me when I was ready to move on.
people who go on safaris always expect to see "the big five" it seems to be a requirement these days, even though its mother nature who decides what you see.
Bella called on all of her knowledge and contacts to make sure i saw much more than just the big five.
This was an amazing Safari, much much more than i could have expected.
It started out a safari, guide and customer, it ended a safari with two good friends, nothing was too much trouble.
if you are reading this review deciding whether to book a safari with this company, believe me you will not find better.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Tanzania Safari Ever!!!!
Being a student in Canada and doing a safari in Tanzania with my college buddies was a once in a life time experience for us. We did 8 days safari at Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater. Serengeti was by far the coolest park I have been to! Our driver Jimmy was excellent and the vehicle that was provided was awesome!! The side windows had flaps and it was like we were using an open sided land cruiser. Thank you so much Travel for Change team for taking good care of us and we will definitely travel with you again and recommend you to our friends and family.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent Budget Option
I've lived in Uganda for years and have taken visitors on safari multiple times, through multiple tour operators. Buffalo has been the best option I've come across. It was very well organized, the staff were patient with our many bank transfer issues, and the hostels/lodges they partner with are excellent.
We enjoyed our driver, Emma, and were really appreciative of his expertise regarding timing in order to get the best chances to see animals during the actual safaris. A great experience overall! Will definitely be back when I have visitors in town, or simply need a break from Kampala.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Absolutely First Class planning and execution!
I traveled with Paperjet for the first time this May. All my communications beforehand were promptly answered, very detailed, and very friendly! Everything went perfectly, from the safari preparation information, the overseas payment, and the transfers to and from the Lodge (Leopard Mountain). The vehicle used was modern, clean and well-stocked; the driver was friendly, careful, and a good tour guide along the way!. The safari experience itself was marred by bad weather, but the Lodge made us as comfortable as possible and they were well-prepared. Leopard Mountain was lovely and the service very attentive. The food was fine and the atmosphere was warm and friendly, especially important because I was traveling alone. Ryan, our guide, was experienced, knowledgeable and very committed. Overall, it was a great safari experience and I would highly recommend Paperjet for any safari services in Kwazulu Natal.