US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly, accommodating, wonderful experience!
Myself and two colleagues wanted to do a quick gorilla trek in Bwindi during a free weekend in Kampala, and Encounter was happy to accommodate our needs! They worked with us to create an itinerary that fit with our very tight schedule, and email communication was always prompt when we had questions or comments. Our driver, Jason, was fantastic - very friendly and enthusiastic, and of course a safe driver! The accommodations in Bwindi far exceeded our expectations - it was extremely comfortable and they definitely made sure we didn't go hungry! Everyone at Encounter made it very easy for us to have a great weekend. I highly recommend them!
PH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An experience we will never forget!
We were picked up at the airport by Neil who was very friendly and answered all our questions! It was a 2 hour drive from OR Tambo to our accommodation at Bakubung Bush Lodge. Our accommodation was lovely! The room was great and the food in the buffet was very good. We specially love the breakfast offerings. Our package included 4 game drives and we signed up for each one, not to miss a single opportunity to see animals in the Pilanesberg National Park! We rode with drivers, Zach and Clarence and had a wonderful time! I hope to be back with more family next time! Thank you to Maryke Gerber of BST Tours who assisted us in booking this trip!
US
Fun place to go with family and friends.
The food was awesome, it was so cool to try new food. The weather wasn't too hot or too cold, which was ideal to swim in the great pool. The transportation was not great (I hated the bumpy dirt roads). But my guide made up for that. He was so nice and funny. The overall place was beautiful. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to try something new and have fun.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
We went to Mikumi and loved it.
Tanzania is a great destination. Yet, travelling is very slow and accomodation and safaris are expensive.
But it is a true african experience and the Country has to offer a lot. I have to come back soon.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5 Nights Safari in Botswana
Everything about the trip was fantastic. I was met by 2 people from Gondwana Tours and Safaris in Maun, given my itinerary and shown to my flight to my first camp. Everything was extremely well organised and the wildlife, scenery, weather, accommodation, food and guides were fantastic. Highly recommended.
BR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hoppy is a great guide. Our experience during the safari was amazing. Excellent customer service.
We had a great experience with Wildlife Safaris. Previous communication was very clear. Everything happened according to what was in the inquiry. The Safari experience was excellent. Hoppy is a great guide. This was the highest point of our travel.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters
Jake, the Managing Director of Wildtouch Tours, is extremely receptive and very good at fine tuning the adventure to your style, your schedule, your priorities and what you want to see. I love animals and wanted the maximum amount of time in the park to see the all the wildlife, and so the trip was planned around that priority. Samburu and Buffalo Springs Game Reserve really delivered. I've been to most of the other big parks in Kenya, notably Masai Mara, Amboseli and Nakuru etc.. and Samburu is a little off the radar, but very special and I would say one of the most surreal landscapes, giving way to stunning backdrops to your wildlife pictures. Some of the most beautiful sunsets i have ever seen in my life and so many animals! Jake and Wildtouch Tours arranged that I stayed at Ashnil camp, a premier camp, with beautiful luxury tents right on the river behind a fence to keep the animals out . All these luxury tents were equipped with hot running water, electricity, mosquito nets, comfortable beds. Even though I was by myself, it was really romantic. I woke up to seeing an elephant having a drink in the river at dawn right before I left to go on my sunrise game drive. Just me and a giant elephant having a moment; simply beautiful. What I will say though, is that this itinerary was not cheap albeit a memorable experience. I thought the price was a little high especially for a single lady, but you sure won't be disappointed and will be left with lifelong memories. Finally, Ashnil camp has world class dining and a fantastic wine list and extremely nice staff. The campgrounds (which also featured a swimming pool), the fine dining and lovely drinks were perfect for relaxing at night after being in the bush all day.
PT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Family magical moments
Kikwetu was incredible - they made us feel safe, lucky, special and gave us the most amazing moments of our lifes. Masagha (Livingstone) is someone that we feel like a fridnd today, as well as kenneth - is impossible dont feel the best for someone that care so good of me and my family. I’m working on coming back as soon as I can but only with kikwetu.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our African Safari Adventure was far beyond our greatest expectation!!!
We traveled to Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa in May. We could not have asked for a more perfect safari adventure!
All arrangements were made by the outstanding travel organizer at Africa Nziza Odysseys (and his associates in South Africa).
All communication during our trip was PERFECT! We were amazed at the superior handling of the logistics for transporting us from one place to another throughout all three countries. We never missed a flight or a pick-up by ground vehicles. All of our drivers, hosts, and tour guides were
extremely personable, knowledgeable, helpful, and kind. Each of the safari lodges and hotels that we stayed in provided excellent service, delicious food, and exceptionally warm hospitality!!
This trip far exceeded every expectation that we might have had. Without hesitation, we will use Africa Nziza Odysseys to plan all future trips to the continent of Africa.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Skywide Tours and Kenya adventure - a perfect match!
So VERY pleased with our tour service - Skywide Tours. My wife got approval to present at a conference in Nairobi on Tuesday. I immediately emailed Skywide asking for a 3-day package to Masai Mara and David responded within 12 hours. After looking at our travel arrangements, I emailed back asking to move it forward by 1 day - to Sunday. Again, David responded in short turnaround on Thursday to confirm this was manageable.
We met David at our hotel at 7 AM Sunday, along with our guide, Wachanga. During the next 3 days my wife and I were continuously impressed with Wachanga's engaging personality, his vast knowledge of large animals, birds, plants and geology of the Rift Valley, which he imparted while we BOUNCED along along the dirt roads which snake throughout the Masai Mara National Park. We found out that after being a school teacher for many years, he now is one of the longest-running guides in Kenya. As a result, in addition to his commitment to ensuring we saw as much wildlife as possible, his ease in the mechanics of a multi-day safari - as well as being on a first-name basis with many of the other guides and wardens in the preserve - made the whole experience extremely smooth. We stayed in OL Moran tented camp, where we were pleased to discover that our tent had a shower/toilet attached. The food was simple, but filling. Overall just what we expected for safari accommodations.
As we were coming back into Nairobi we decided to engage Wachanga for the day on Saturday, 4 days from then, to go through the Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick elephant orphanage and the giraffe center. Again, David and Wachanga were quite accommodating. We finished with a tour of the Kazuri Bead Factory, which employs several hundred single women producing incredibly beautify necklaces and bracelets. We had wanted to try an authentic yama choma meat meal, so we had a late lunch at a restaurant Wachanga arranged.
During the day on Saturday we realized that our flight out the next day wasn't until 11:30 PM, so we asked if Wachanga could take us to see Hell's Gate National Park. Again, this was arranged without difficulty at literally a moment's notice. Hell's Gate offers multiple activities for a 1-day excursion, including the only park where you can leave the vehicle; a close-up view of the escarpments of the Valley wall; a walk up a narrow gorge with 'escape routes' up the side walls in case of a flash flood; and a close-up look at the geothermal plants that provide 10%+ of Kenya's electricity. On our way back we stopped at Lake Naivasha and took a 1-hour ride to see water fowl and hippos.
As you can tell from this long review, we are enchanted with Kenya, and enthusiastic about Wachanga and David from Skywide Tours - their flexibility in handling last minute, ever-changing arrangements together with their local knowledge made this the perfect week trip! We encourage you to use Skywide, request Wachanga, and tell them that Alan and Diane sent you!