CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Did Not Live Up to The Hype
We had researched the Lake Nakuru National Park before our safari, and were particularly keen to include it in our itinerary to get that National Geographic picture of vast amounts of flamingos wading along the shoreline. Unfortunately, we were met by a rising waterline covering an expanse of dead trees, morbidly picturesque in their own right, but a sad indication of how things are no longer what they were. We did see a small number of flamingos, some pelicans and other water birds.
The park itself is situated close to Kenya's fourth largest city, and is adjacent to a number of private farm lands. Fence lines were clearly visible making the area feel rather confined and did nothing to hide the fact that this is a purpose-built wildlife sanctuary. The roads/tracks within the park did not offer as good a view of the wildlife as at other parks/conservancies... but, from the animals' perspective, maybe that is not a bad thing!
Flamingo disappointment aside, during a late afternoon game drive, we encountered a variety of wildlife including a Giant Spitting Cobra as it crossed the track in front of us, a small herd of Rothschild Giraffes, several buffalo, zebras, a small herd of Eland, a giant tortoise, Impala, two Dik Diks, and four White Rhinos wandering the through the bush and grasslands.
Because of the paucity of the park's main attraction the previous day, the next morning our driver/guide returned to the lake where we did see more flamingos than the previous day, but still much less than expected. We were, however, treated to an audience with a lone White Rhino at very close quarters.
It is difficult to judge a place having stayed only one night, but Lake Nakuru National Park was probably our least favourite of the five conservancies/national parks we visited on our safari. It would be wrong to judge it on wildlife alone (although it would have scored fairly well based solely on that), but the rising waterline and dead trees mean that the days of witnessing flamingos in vast quantities appear to be few and far between. I applaud the park's purpose and am delighted that it protects so many species of animals. However, from a wildlife viewing perspective, its proximity to adjacent farm lands with visible boundary fences make it feel too confined and therefore often lacking "bush vibe". And so, whilst I would not discount Lake Nakuru National Park from a safari itinerary, I would advise against having such high expectations.
US
Go with a more experienced company!
We booked a two-week trip which included both Kenya and Tanzania after having multiple, thoroughly detailed e-mail communications with Beatus. While Kenya was smooth sailing, Tanzania was another story. After picking us from the Namanga border, we get to Lake Manyara only to be told by Beatus and his driver that his park entrance "credit card" has expired and if we wouldn't mind using our personal credit card for the entrance fees to Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. I was told I would be reimbursed as soon as we reached Arusha. Long story short, didn't get reimbursed until quite literally our last morning in Tanzania and that too was told part of the reimbursement would have to be in Shillings. If you are looking for efficiency, integrity, and professionalism, this is not the company for you. Again no complaints with our Kenyan tour guide, but I felt that Beatus let us down with Tanzania. From a driver that wouldn't stop yelling down on his cell phone for a majority of our day in Serengeti to the poor hotel selection in Arusha, Beatus tried but wasn't quite successful with living up to his promises while booking with his company. Word of advice: while not mentioned anywhere in the email communications, apparently the expectation is that you google each and every hotel/camps he books you from the itinerary because specifying standard accommodation can still lead you to a god awful, mosquito infested hotel room with a piece of ROOF MISSING. And when you have a problem with that, you are told "I sent you the list of hotels with the itinerary. Why didn't you google them?" Gee why? Because I thought that's why I hired you as my tour coordinator!?! Standard accommodations, the last time I checked, involved an entire roof over my room for sure. Yes Beatus got us a better hotel upon our adamant refusal to stay at that place, but the point is that we should have never been put up there. Overall I think they are perhaps too inexperienced to put together a seamless trip but I did appreciate Beatus trying to resolve our issues. At the end though there were just too many issues in my opinion.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Pilanesberg Game Reserve by Didier Collas
No off road, lot of people due to Sun City proximity
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by JOHN WEIR
A fantastic eco-system/ geological feature. Enjoyed our visit and glad we did it. Would not return, far too crowded for our liking, could have been in a safari park in the U.K. Actually saw a speeding safari vehicle collide with and kill a Bat-eared Fox. (Sorry wildlife you certainly deserve better). Stayed at Kitela Lodge, a beautiful facility, we were virtually the only guests staying not sure why. Would recommend, but ensure you leave early for The Crater. We entered The Crater at 07.00 and possibly enjoyed an hour before it got busy.
MY
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Halleluja!
Twice we, 6 addults, made a trip with Gichmak safaris. I think we made the trips in 2006 and 2009 ?!
We had Willy (halleluja) and had a exiting, sometimes scary (on the road) trip.
Must say, we planned the trip together with Gichmak and that went smoothly.
There is only one big problem we had and still have after so many years.
Two of us had to quit halfway the trip because of a passing away in the family.
We are still waiting for the restitution which was promised to us by Benard.
PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Zambezi National Park by www.wlasnadroga.pl
We had boat trip on Zambezi. Nice sunset and see some crocodiles and elephants.
PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not crowded safari
We were cycling in Zimbabwe and wanted to have Safari in Hwange National Park. Because there is not allow to cycling to main camping site, we took small truck. Hwange Park is the biggest in Zimbabwe but not crowded. There was only few cars with tourists. Camping site was empty. There were only two tents together with our. We had opportunity during Safari to see elephants, giraffes, warthogs, antelope. Additionally by binocular we saw a lion.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good budget value
We booked a safari througt 3crest tours&safaris and i think this is far out the best budget option. We slept in small tents (little iglo's). this was okay. The only complaint i have is about the sleeping bag. They were not cleaned after using. I idid not like to sleep in a sleepingbag in which another persoon slept. We discussed this problem with Gabriel. And we are sure he will solve this problem.
Gabriel will do everything to make you feel comfortabel.
The Tour includes à pick up from the airport and also the first and last night in the hotel.
we did the safari in a good car. A Cook went with us. Hè stayed in the camp while we are doping the gamedrives. We can convince everyone that hè makes wonderfull and delicious maels.
we can recommand 3crest and the personal attention from Gabriel will give you warm feelings.
Beste lezer,
We hebben deze safari geboekt. Gabriel heeft een beginnend bedrijf maar hij weet wat mensen uit Europa graag willen. Hij beheerst de kunst van luisteren. hij zal alles in het werk stellen om het de klanten naar de zin maken. Natuurlijk kost de safari een heleboel geld, maar bedenk dat dit inclusief de pick up van het vliegveld is en ook de eerste en laatste nacht in het Arusha Toerist Inn zijn inclusief.
De kok die met ons mee reed, maakte de meest formidabele maaltijden klaar.
Het enige minpunt waren de slaapzakken. Maar Gabriel heeft ons beloofd om hier verandering in te brengen.
De zorgen voor zijn klanten houdt niet op na het beëindigen van de safari. Gabriel bemiddelde ook voor ons bij het kopen van bustickets.
Kortom, we hebben een fantastische herinnering aan 3crest tours&safaris.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Saadani National Park by StoufferLSU
Not so many large mammals here. The scenery and Indian Ocean are ok but not great. Probably the only reason to go is for convenience from Dar.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by StoufferLSU
Spend more time at Tarangire or Ngorongoro instead.