US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was the most Extraordinary Journey of my lifetime!
My daughter, a DJ in Atlanta, Georgia, loves giraffes. One of her listeners sent her a link to Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya. Thus began my journey to Africa. I have traveled extensively in my 69 years, but never to a place so different from all I know. I was out of my comfort zone and needed some hand holding! After several months of researching various “safari” specialists, I was led to “Extraordinary Journeys “, and Jenny Salentine. Jenny quickly understood my needs and concerns. Within a couple of days she had put together a fabulous itinerary for me and my daughter, which included not only a stay in Giraffe Manor but also a ring side seat to the Great Migration! She also led me to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where for a mere $50 you can adopt an orphaned elephant! Then, while in Nairobi, we were able to visit the Elephant Orphanage during feeding time and get “up close and personal” with the baby elephants. Amazing!!
From the moment we stepped off the plane in Nairobi, someone was there to meet us. This was extremely comforting to me. I had expressed to Jenny my concern about the physical requirements of a safari because of my age …although I am in pretty good shape! In each of the three “camps”, Jenny arranged for our tent to be the closest possible to the main lodge. We were so well cared for in each of the camps that it felt like we were visiting friends! The food was amazing! The guides were fantastic! Everyone, in every camp was delightful and so willing to provide anything we requested. And, twice, while on Safari, I was contact by the local representatives in Nairobi, asking if all was well and did I need anything. Again, very comforting!
Our trip to Africa was an “Extraordinary Journey”. I have never been anywhere where I have felt so profoundly, the magnificence of God’s creation. It was a life altering experience. Thanks to all at Extraordinary Journeys for making in possible.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing accommodation and customer service
I contacted Christel at Round Afric Travel after she was referred to me from a colleague.
I had very little knowledge about South Africa, safari and options for accommodation.
She tailor made my itinerary to suit all my requirements. The lodge at Balule reserve she reserved for me was just perfect, a small boutique eco-resort, with attention to details and staff dedicate to the guests, not to mention the beautiful suites, as well as the culinary and game drive experience.
Most of all, she promptly assisted me to all my queries, with an attentive and personable approach, which made me feel I was taken care as I was a friend.
I will highly recommend reaching to Round Africa Travel!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great customer service from Hello Tanzania in Dar es Salaam
I had to travel back from Zanzibar and board a flight to JHB from DAR. Hello Tanzania arranged the charter flight for us, picked us up at the airport and took us to the correct terminal to board the flight to JHB. The trip was comfortable and the cost was manageable. The service was excellent. Thank you so much for making this last leg of our trip a stress-free one, Mrs Mojavu.
EG
Excellent Service at a very reasonable price
We used Uganda Travel Consult for our Airport/hotel Transfers in Entebbe/Kampala as well as for sightseeing and some activities in Kampala. They were always punctual and car provided was clean and in good condition, and driver and guide provided were pleasant and accommodating and met our expectations. The price quoted by them for the services rendered were considerably lower than other quotes we got from our hotel for providing the same itinerary. I would definitely recommend them for anyone needing to hire a car and driver either for airport transfers or for activities/sightseeing in Kampala/Entebbe area.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Planet Africa planned the ultimate, perfect trip! Could not have been better.
This was our first safari, and was to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday. Mary at Planet Africa was supremely helpful and is an expert with regards to east African safaris. She spent some time up front talking to me to understand what type of travelers we were and what we wanted to do and see. Then we planned out the itinerary, which included 4 game reserves in Tanzania (Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro Crater, Serengeti) one in Kenya (Masai Mara) and then a beach holiday at Azura Quilalea in Mozambique. During the planning process she was very responsive, helpful and patient -- she spent hours on the phone or emailing me when I had questions or new ideas based on my research. After we finalized the locations we wanted to visit, she would recommend a couple of different lodging options at different price points, all that she had stayed at and knew herself, and she would tell us pros and cons of each. And when we arrived at each location we discovered that she was completely honest and candid about what to expect. She cared and wanted us to have a wonderful experience. As I mentioned, this was our first safari and I was working with some someone on the other side of the globe to plan it, so admittedly I had some trepidation at the start. But her responsiveness and candor put me at ease and I enjoyed working with her. I now realize it is far better to work with someone who has experience and has gone on many, many safaris, and who knows the lodges and resorts because she had stayed there. Also, when Mary was traveling herself or unavailable, someone always responded to me immediately and was quick to help. And there were also many nice details about working with Planet Africa. They provided all sorts of data about the trip, ideas about what to see and do, what to pack. They made sure there was someone at all points to transfer us and help with questions. They arranged 50th birthday cake surprises at one safari lodge and at the beach resort. Our luggage was lost on arrival and they got it to us quickly -- out in the bush. Just a lot of nice little details that made us comfortable and added to our trip. I would recommend Planet Africa Safaris to anyone, and I plan to use them again for my next trip to Africa.
NO
A wonderful holiday and a stress free service
I came across the website for Pembury tours when I was trying to wade through the huge amounts of information available on the internet when considering a holiday in South Africa. After sending a general inquiry through the website I was contacted by Tammy who came up with some great suggestions about what to do. We really didn't have any idea what we wanted to do (we felt overwhelmed with choice online) but Tammy put together a lovely itinerary for us including hotels and car hire. We were staying in South Africa on business before our holiday and she arranged for a welcome pack and itinerary outline, (including suggestions of places to visit, maps and driving directions between our hotels) to be delivered to our hotel, which was very helpful. She was also available during our holiday to help out with contacting the car hire company for additonal requests. The hotels that Tammy chose for us were excellent and exactly the type we'd asked for. Normally I’ve arranged everything myself for any holidays but knowing that the holiday had been put together by someone with local knowledge (and wasn't having to rely on tripadvisor reviews) made it far more relaxing. I’d highly recommend Pembury tours for arranging your holiday.
US
Honeymoon Safari
We booked the Best of Kruger and Cape Town trip for our Honeymoon through Roho Ya Chui (Ute). We had a wonderful experience on every part of our trip. Ute handled all of the travel details of the South Africa part of our trip including ground transfers, lodge bookings, in country flights, hotel, and even the day trips we took from Cape Town. The safari lodge that Ute recommended (Ngala) was amazing, a wonderful accommodation, excellent staff, and animal siting at every turn (including the Big 5 in the first day!). The stay in Cape Town was equally wonderful with attention to detail and perfect recommendations for trips from our hotel. This was our first experience in Africa and we can't wait to go back! We would highly recommend Ute and Roho Ya Chui for any travel plans!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good service
It was all very well organised. Professional and friendly service, quick e-mail answers. The safari itself was also great. We had an excellent guide. Only the boat trip was a bit disappointing.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Safari thanks to Mike and Dennis at Northern Circuit
We were provided with the contact details of Mike at Northern Circuit from a colleague that had recently returned from a Safari with them. We were encouraged by the high recommendation and also really pleased to have it since there are lots of different companies to choose from. Therefore a personal recommendation is a great comfort. From our first enquiry Mike was quick to respond. He helped tailor our budget and time so we got the most out of our trip. We were really pleased with the quick replies to our emails and the speed and knowledge Mike was able to arrange everything. We were met at the airport and taken to our hotel where Mike met us and explained the plan for the next few days. The following morning, right on time we met with Dennis who was our driver guide for the 5 day safari. Dennis was fantastic, hugely knowledgeable about the wildlife, clearly very experienced, knew where to find the animals we wanted to see and great fun to be around. Dennis dropped us off at the end of safari at the airport, where Mike was waiting to wave us off. We could not have asked for anymore from our trip. It met and exceeded our expectations and we would have no hesitation in recommending Mike, Dennis and the Northern Safari team to others. We would also say that compared to other operators (we did make other enquiries) the price we paid was extremely good and highly competitive. A hugely enjoyable and successful trip al round!!!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing self drive Namibian Adventure!
First off just want to give a big thank you to Extraordinary Africa and Alex in particular. Our trip more than exceeded our expectations. All We knew was that we wanted to go to Africa and our time line, that was it... From the very beginning Alex bent over backwards to help us figure out what country was best to visit during March/April. Being the wet season she suggested Namibia, not the most traditional first safari destination, and it ended up being the best possible introduction to Africa. Not very many Americans travel to Africa, so there is a lot of misinformation, and trepidation about traveling to Africa, especially off the beaten path. The Extraordinary Africa staff quickly answered all of our questions (even the ridiculous ones, without making us feel silly for asking) and made the planning process smooth. Our itinerary was tailored specifically to our needs and we left the planning process feeling like we got exactly what we wanted. Once on the ground in Windhoek, Extraordinary Africa arranged seamless transport to our hotel and coordinated our link up with local staff and for the delivery of our vehicle. Throughout the trip Extraordinary Africa, or their local representative, were accessible 24/7 to add tour and game drives to our booking. One day they were able to book us a Quad Bike trip less than two hours after we called. Namibia was an amazing country, the stark beauty of the desert was best experienced from the self drive safari we booked. It gave us the freedom to go at our own pace, stopping and climbing any interesting mountain or rock formation along the way. We ended up spending nearly a month driving around Namibia, experiencing many different environments and biotypes. From the deserts of Soussusvlei, to the Big Five sightings in Etosha National Park, and the lush river valley of the Okovango, to the urban environs of Swakopmund and Windhoek, Namibia was an amazing country. I will definitely be back in African and will definitely be booking with Extraordinary Africa again.
Eric