AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Simply amazing! What an experience!
Was at Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha the wonders of Kenya. Saw the big 5, witness the lions hunting and wildebeasts crossings. Simply amazing and breathtaking views of the savannah and wildlife. Many thanks to our guide Paul, knowledgeable and very friendly. Always at the right spot at the right time. His hospitality totally enhance the experience of the trip.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Travel with confidence and comfort
Our family of three started out requesting information for a short few day excursion from Johannesburg to Botswana. We sent inquiries to many tour operators and got a variety of responses. By far, the most detailed and informative response was from Compass Odyssey. Our trip then morphed into a trip for four people, then six people, then it was to Victoria Falls and Chobe, then it was ten days, and Hwange too. Suffice it to say, our trip went through multiple adaptations before we settled on our final itinerary (and I didn't even mention we were traveling with a seven (7) year old and a ninety (90) year old) but Kate and Darren were so easy to deal with; they sent prompt replies; answered all questions; and sent the most detailed information of any tour operator I have ever dealt with before. It was because of their professional yet friendly and accessible nature that we had no doubt that when we finally arrived things would be in good order and they were. The drivers were all prompt, the accomodations were fantastic, and everything exceeded our expectations. They even arranged for a birthday party for my father-in-law who celebrated his 91st while on safari. The entire trip was truly extraordinary, no doubt because of the comfort and confidence we had in Compass Odyssey to take care of all the details (and there were many); we just luxuriated.
Excellent arrangement,
We had a great 5 day safari! Very smooth after arriving in Nairobi! Joseph was our driver and was amazing - great and very knowledgeable and a superb driver, on and off road! Highly recommend
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Third travel with Gondwana Tours: Unique journey to Zambia and Zimbabwe
We just came back from a stunning, exciting and to Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was already our third trip with Gondwana Tours & Safaris and again perfectly organized by Mark Hathaway. During booking our second trip with Mark from Gondwana Tours to Botswana, Mark told us about Zambia / South Luangwe, that it is still wild and he believes it would be ideal for us. To be honest we had never considered Zambia as a destination before but were completely enthusiastic about the information, stories and lodge suggestions he shared with us. Thus, we started planning our third trip with Gondwana Tours. The service and consultation was again fabulous, the routing was a bit complex and Mark was extremely patient in answering all our questions and rearranging the journey so it fit our flight dates. The travel was as always perfectly organized, the lodges knew all our wishes and preferences and everybody knew that we are Mark’s clients. Also during our holiday in Zimbabwe, when one information about the flight was somehow “lost” at the hotel and not transferred to us, Mark was within seconds available via WhatsApp and immediately solved the problem for us (even though it was a holiday). We loved South Luangwe National Park and Mana Pools and had wonderful sightings and stayed in fabulous camps. To sum it up, we can only recommend Zambia and Zimbabwe and will never book our Africa travels with another agent again. Thank you Mark for proposing us Zambia and planning this unforgettable trip for us!!!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding, individual consulting, great responsiveness and a perfectly organized trip
It was always one of our dreams to visit the Okavango Delta in Botswana. However, after contacting and seeing the (totally overrated) prices of several big German tour operators, we doubted that we can realize our dream due to our budget restraints. Thus, we reached out to several local tour companies, including Gondwana Tours & Safaris, Mark Hathaway answered and immediately stood out from the rest with his extreme responsiveness, individual consulting and high expertise and knowledge of Botswana. Thus, it was the easiest decision only to continue our travel plans with Mark. Mark immediately understood what we are looking for, proposed us great camps and did a great job in tailoring a perfect and very individual safari for us. The journey was perfectly organized, the transfers worked out perfectly (even though we had several border crossings in our trip!) the camps completely met our expectations and ideas and it was great to meet Mark in Maun and to know someone is close just in case sth. goes wrong. Gondwana Tours & Safaris did not only provide much better service and individual consultation than german agents (who do not really tailorize journeys but rather sell and combine modular blocks) but above all was significantly cheaper and reasonably priced, which is why I cannot understand why people still book with German agencies. In summary, I can only recommend you to book your travels with Gondwana Tours & Safaris. You won't regret it!!!
ES
20-35 years of age
Amazing experience in Tanzania thanks to Face of Africa
We did a four days safari in Tarangire, Serengeti and Nrongoro. We saw many animals (lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, buffalos...) and very near. Furthermore the sites and the landscape are truly incredible.
Regarding to Face of Africa all the workers are willing to help you and ready to make your experience unforgettable. The guide was super nice, he explained us many interesting things about the animals and the culture, and drove us for the best sites. The cook prepared tasty and varied foods. Finally Hamad and the rest of the staff helped us a lot while preparing the trip and during our whole stay in Tanzania.
Therefore Face of Africa is highly advisable as it is formed by a group of great professionals and charming people.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very good and professional safari company with great staff
Everything was very well arranged, from the pickup at Nairobi Airport, hotel in Nairobi and a great safari experience. The camping facilities are good and the overnight hotel after Nakuru parks is very nice. Our guide Edward is not only very friendly, he really makes sure you have a great safari experience. The vehicles are comfortable and in good condition. The food is very good as well. Great value for money!
NP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
i did Tanzania safari is the best
I really enjoyed with Tanzania Bush to Beach safaris they have a good service that you is unforgettable. I really happen to see all big five and more beauty of Tanzania. I recommend this for you guys if you really want to experience the beauty of Tanzania
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I talk about this vacation more than any other of my 48 years.
I went on tour with Francesco to Kidepo National Park. Communication and making arrangements was easy, everything was on time, and he was really easy to be around - which was great because we had a lot of time together! :-) We drove from Kampala to Kidepo, stopping for one night. I enjoyed this portion of the trip because I was able to see parts of Uganda I otherwise would not have been able to see. Francesco is very knowledgeable about Uganda, and a Ugandan cook was along as well, so I was able to learn things here and there along the way as well. Once we got to the safari site, I was paired with a Ugandan guide. We were able to go off exploring and it was seriously a dream come true. No big groups, just me and a guide and my camera. The accommodations were perfect. I had a yurt type accommodation, with a bathroom a short distance away. On the way to the safari, Francesco, not knowing my room would not be equipped with a toilet, told me a story about a guide who went out at night to pee and was mauled by a lion. When there was no toilet, I insisted on a bucket, as I had no intention of walking in the night to the toilets. LOL Food was wonderful, tours were perfect, Francesco was a gracious guide and host. I often find myself hoping another tour will be possible!
US
I can't imagine how it could have been any better !
We were 2 couples traveling together in Uganda for the first time. We added a 3 day safari to Murchison Falls. We had an amazing adventure with our guide Twah! We enjoyed him so much and he kept us going morning to night. I won't tell you we saw 4 leopards, because there is no way you will, but we did! Awesome! Molly, who is new to the company, came along and we all fell in love with her! A million dollar smile! Great company!