US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you can manage it, this should be on your "list" of experiences to have in a lifetime!
The wildlife part of the trip was incredible; can't say enough superlatives to describe it. The extra day to Lake Nakuru was a lot of extra driving, but worth it for the rhinoceros. (A 300mm lens on the camera was nice, but the wildlife is so close that you don't always need it!)
This was a budget trip; just to be clear what you would get for your money if you booked something more expensive, it has no impact on your wildlife experience; our guide was incredible; it just means that the accommodation and food are budget, and the vehicle is maybe less comfortable and has more people (and wasn't 4WD, though that didn't impact our experience, even in the rainy season).
My one complaint was that the balance was due in USD on arrival, and they insisted I pay more than the balance because I'd brought the money in 20-dollar bills. I ultimately paid an extra $10 because I didn't feel like arguing; originally they'd wanted $30 more until I suggested I'd go online and wire them the balance, and then they promptly decided that $10 more would be enough. I'd give them 4 stars for that, but the guide was worth 6 stars, so that averages out to 5...
TR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best experience ever, a must-have!
We had an amazing experience with Beacon Safaris! Communication was super, all of our questions were answered with patience and kindness. We were picked up from the hotel by Ken, who we imagine the best driver and guide in the world. We were in Masai Mara for two days and in Lake Nakuru for one and half day. We saw the big five and pretty much every other animal. I think that we will never forget this adventure. Last day we ended up our trip with a visit to Giraffe Center, which was unforgettable.
The weather often was sunny and a little bit rainy, but it was totally ok. The 2 hotels- Sopa Lodge and Savora- were super and the foods were delicious.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an amazing experience. Cuan tailored our trip and exceeded all our expectations
We were a group of eight friends who were recommended to contact Cuan for our dream holiday to South Africa. Cuan came up with an amazing itinerary including options we would not have thought of and we went further on than South Africa. All our internal flights, accommodation, transfers along with some extra experiences where included. Everything went off like clockwork. The accommodation Cuan chose for us was outstanding and would trust his judgement on any choices when we return to Africa , hopefully sooner rather than later.I'm sure our holiday and Africa was made that bit more special because of Cuan and his attention to detail. We look forward to our next African safari with African Ubuntu Safaris.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
6 day, Machame route.
This trip sure did exceed my expectations. Right from my arrival in Moshi prior to starting the trek, Samson - the coordinator was clear and precise in explaining the itinerary and what to expect. Our two main guides for the duration of the trek, William and King Seleman were brilliant. They have a wealth of knowledge about the mountain, its nature and wildlife. They were approachable and they sure did make the trek more comfortable through their guidance and ‘pole, pole’ technique. The cook and the team of porters were undoubtedly the unsung heroes during the whole trek. They worked so hard with setting up and packing away the campsites. If it weren’t for the porters, the climb would be a lot harder. All in all, my experience on the mountain was incredible. The goal to begin with was to reach Uhuru Peak as a team and that’s exactly what we done. Thank you to all the team at Absolute Africa for the incredible journey.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolute best service you could dream to get. Wouldn't have changed a thing!
My wife and I went for a one day Safari from Dar and we had booked this trip without knowing what to expect except from the reviews we read online-- we were definitely not disappointed. These guys are incredible for several reasons. 1) Sylwia and Adam do an unbelievable job answering questions, helping with additional requests, and providing flexibility whenever we had a special request. 2) The tour guide/driver was incredibly punctual, safe, and knowledgable about the park and animals. He took us where we wanted to go for as long as wanted, took pictures for us, and we enjoyed great conversation. 3) Most importantly, these guys are honest and professional. There is absolutely no shady business and everything is certified, insured, and done the right way. Just to give you an idea of how great these guys are, we had inquired if they could help us secure ferry tickets to Zanzibar with 12 hours notice and instead, they found us chartered plane tickets that turned out to be cheaper (and sold out online) and delivered them to our hotel for free. Like who does that? Lastly, they have the best value and most competitive prices for what they do for you. Highly recommend them if you're considering any safari or adventure!
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
2 day safari Tarangire/Ngorongoro
We had the most wonderful experience with Shemeji! The original plan for our vacation (two people) was to take the bus to arusha and then organise a safari on the spot. But then we heard about Shemeji from a friend about a week before and decided to give it a shot. Emma was super helpful and organised everything in only three days. We got picked up at Venice hotel (highly recommend it!) by our guide Omari and spent two days in Tarangire NP and Ngorongoro crater. We spent the night in a tented lodge called "heaven nature camp and lodge". The staff there was very nice and the food absolutely delicious! The two parks were a perfect balance between forest in the former (giraffes, elephants, monkeys) and open grassland in the latter (lions, hippos, buffalos). We saw even the rarer animals (rhinos, cheetahs) thanks to Omari's tremendous dedication and patience! He really did all he could to make us see as much of the parks as possible! All in all, highly recommended!
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful adventure
We've had a great experience from the reservation with Minneh until the end everybody was professional and careful.
We enjoyed both safaris and found what we were looking for thanks to our guide even though the weather gave us some surprises on the road our super guide/driver James handled the situation like a boss and he always adapted the schedule to us as we were with two young kids. We are also thankful to the cooks who succeed to always prepare us good dishes despit our strict vegan diet, espacialy Mike in Amboseli who was always very careful. Concerning the camps, we prefered the Lenchada in Masai Mara as it was more comfortable(we slept so good!!) and a very nice and attentioned team.
For all thoses reasons we would like to say ASANTE SANA!! We would definitly reserve with you again if we come back to Kenya.
Aurelie, Eric, Imani and Jelani
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely awesome from beginning to end!
The owner of this full service tour agency is fantastic. She assisted my family of four plus another couple and a single all traveling together at the last minute to Mikumi Park. She arranged for our personal driver, game drive guide (who was incredible), overnight stay at a lovely hotel and all meals. We saw a huge array of animals including a lioness with her cubs! Thank you for an experience of a lifetime.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extraordinary and excellent!!!!!
Service like that will bring us to Africa again! Thank you Safpol Safaris
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Provided our family with an organized, unique, and exceptional experience of Southern Africa.
Darren of Compass Odyssey helped created the most memorable trip for our family. Communications prior to our departure were timely, informative and extremely helpful. Darren took extensive amount of time to address all questions and concerns from our group, thoroughly. Upon arrival, the entire trip experience exceeded our expectations. Each leg of the trip was flawlessly organized and each guide was welcoming and prepared. Darren incorporated all of our "wish list" activities and locations and guided us through Southern Africa in the most efficient manner. All lodging, inter-continental travel, guides, and activities are properly researched and vetted, making our experience significantly more enjoyable and stress-free.
I would highly recommend Compass Odyssey to help you develop your trip to Africa. The attention to detail, preparation and overall experience will leave you with the most memorable experience. Thanks Darren & Compass Odyssey for everything!
