65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A definite " bucket lister" but do it long before you are about to kick it- fabulous and physical
The logistics and organization needed for this amazing ride across remote Damaraland to the Skeleton Coast boggles the mind -but Andrew and his team make it look effortless . Every detail is thought of for the comfort of horse and rider. Fun, fellowship,good food and those incredible long gallops across extraordinary landscapes- nothing more needed to make this an experience of a lifetime.
CR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly Recommended
Gorilla Bookings was a genuine five-star adventure - if you want to see gorillas in Uganda, this operator is definitely the way to go. My driver Ben's professionalism was impeccable and he really went the extra mile to make sure I had a fantastic experience.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unique, off the beaten track and staggeringly beautiful
I work for a UK tour operator and have been on most of the riding safaris in Africa. This Damaraland Elephant Safari stood out as one of the highlights of any trip I've been on in the last 11 years of working in the industry. The team looking after us were superb, Andrew our guide was excellent and the horses were responsive and good fun to ride. We didn't see a lot of wildlife (although that's not what you come for), but the scenery is stunning. So diverse and changed dramatically everyday. Another particular highlight was sleeping under the stars every night - watching shooting stars and gazing at the full moon from bed is unforgettable.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience with Bella Africa Safaris!
After a lot of e-mail contact with the office of Bella, finally we had a wonderfull time with our two guides: Donna and Richard.
Everything we liked to be arranged was possible. They picked us from the airport and the next day we drove to Tororo. We visited the place where our daughter during 4 months had done her internship at the hospital and the hospice of Tororo. It was great to get the opportunity to see this place.
The next days we had a wonderfull safaritrip to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls for a game drive, a boat safari and a hike to the top of the Murchison falls.
Then we drove to Kibale Forest Camp. The next morning we did a chimpansee track in the rain forest and an afternoon swamp walk.
The day after we hit the road again for an African massage (the african roads are different as we are used to). The following destination was Queen Elizabeth National Park. We did a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, where we spotted a lot of animals. Next day we enjoyed an early morning game drive. The afternoon we stayed at our Bush lodge to relax and we where surprised by seeing lots of elephants in our front yard.
Our final safaritrip was at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where we hiked to see a Mountain Gorilla Family. Also this was an unforgettable experience.
We stopped at Lake Mburo to see some zebra's and ended our trip in Entebbe.
Our guides told us very many things about Uganda, nature and the animals, fantastic!
We were very happy to have Richard and Donna as our drivers/guides. We were also happy with the stay in different Lodges Bella booked for us.
We recommend Bella Africa Safaris to everyone!
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome time at Mara , Nakuru and Nairobi National park
Well first of all Pamela was very courteous and patiently answered all my queries very patiently as i was travelling alone from India.Last minute changes were never denied but entertained and she was very clear as to what I would get and what i would'nt. Though I hadn't paid in advance a very clear itinerary was sent to facilitate my visa. The vehicle that was promised was delivered right on time there were no hiccups, Mr. Aziz who drove me was extremely courteous and caring and knowledgeable of the flora and fauna and also had good field guides which helped me much identifying my first time species. No time was wasted anywhere either en route from one place to the other or in the game park we would start at 6am and end at 6pm. Also the interaction with the Masai tribe was superb , also could pick up a Olalem (A masai broad sword) and an Eremit ( a Masai Buffalo Spear) . The camp its self was very good food was on time, the manager there Mr. Stanley very helpful Lunch used to be packed without reminders for the day's long safari. The last minute Safari at nairobi national park to was organised at last minute notice by Pamela Of Magical Retreats when my flight got cancelled. It was a superb experience on the whole Thanks to all concerned .I would definetly recommend Magical Retreats & Adventure Tours to any body who wishes to go to Kenya. Just ask what you need and it shall be delivered. Great Job Pamela .Asante.
US
20-35 years of age
Fantastic Mid-summer vacation for two
I've been on a handful of Tanzanian safaris and the tour our guide, Sosthenes, led for us definitely stood out. Many reviewers rave about the incredible things they witnessed on safari even though the guide has little control over when the good stuff happens in the wild! Instead, I can point to several things Sost did for our tour that deserve the full 5 stars.
1. He was extremely patient, both with us and with the animals. He never tried to hurry us along from something we were enjoying to go and see something else, and in the car he was always clear and upfront about our options of where we could go and what he thought we could see there. He never once tried to goad us into doing whatever he preferred, and I really appreciated not having any pressure from the guide.
2. I was pleased with the way Sost handled the minor hiccups that accompany any African Safari. For example, one afternoon the battery low (couldn't shut off the engine and guarantee a restart) and he promptly had a replacement battery delivered that night (not cheap for him).
3. I got quite sick the night before our departure on safari, and Sost was always checking on me and very accommodating to change the schedule and the meals for me. I really appreciated his consideration for the two days I was ill.
4. My camera died (not battery, actually died) one afternoon and Sost let me use his and shared the pictures with me later! Was really impressed with his generosity - especially because I would have missed some incredible photos that day!
On top of all this, Sost is a really fun guy to share a car with for a few days, and we did happen to see some incredible stuff - staking out a young lion and watching a kill was the highlight!
All the other details (quality of camps, food, vehicle, etc) was great - no complaints at all. While many other companies advertise binoculars in the truck, only to have them be "in for repairs" the one week you're on safari - Magufwa had a really nice pair in the truck for us to use! All in all, they did an incredible job with our trip. Definitely would recommend.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great guide and best price across the board
The safari was great, the driver/guide - Julius - was an experienced man. We had a perfectly timed pick-up at the airport (cost is $20 by taxi), price included hotel night before and after the safari, aswell as drop off to the airport at the end (again $20 saved)
I would recommend 10/10 - just be warned that tent safari can prove to be exhausting !
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best choice we made.
Meru Slopes Tours and Safari was a wonderful experience for us. We were a group of 6 and we did a 5 days Safari and it was a pleasant experience. It was a last minutes decision due to problems with other companies, yet our expectations were surpassed. They communicate quite well, they are courteous and professional. We got a wonderful deal, half of what most companies offered us, the tents and lodges were beyond expectations and I believe we had the best tour guide, driver and chef. Ask for Hilarry as your driver and guide, and Saleem as your chef, they are the best combinations. Oh, they also give you two free nights in Arusha to prepare for the Safari and unwind afterwards. They will guide you through Arusha and fetch you from either airports. On our end, they had no flaws and we plan to do it again. I highly recommend contacting them before you commit to other companies. Also this is a local company, booking with them will feed many mouths in a country as beautiful as Tanzania.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great safari experience, good value for money
We chose to do our safari with Shimeji after comparing programs and costs from several operators and we were very happy with our choice. We had a fabulous time and the whole experience was amazing. We were travelling with three kids (5, 3 and 1) and the guides (Moses and Adam) were patient and did everything possible to make sure the little ones had a good time. Communication prior to the teip was very good. Emma, from the office, was very responsive and opened to fine tune the trip to accomodate our needs and interests. Payment was also smooth and easy, by transfer to Shimeji's Dutch account ineuros (we are based in France).
CN
An excellent trip with Hello Tanzania
My parents and I traveled with Hello Tanzania for 12 days, it was a wonderful trip, and we experienced a lots. Hello Tanzania is a best safari company, Mwajabu is a very well manager, she replys the email always in times, it helped us solved some emerency problems in Tanzania. At Zanziba, because our miss, we could not connect with our driver, and both my parent and I were very worried, and I used the email connceted with her. She helped us solving the problem very fast, and we really appreciated that. All the service which they provided was totally higher than our expectations, like the hotels stayed were clean, and quiet, the staffs at hotel were really nice. The foods were delicious, and our driver at Serengeti was a very great, they provided were very great services. Our driver was very professional, he would give us a brief introduction of the place we were going to visit, and he drives very well. The road in Tanzania's national parks were not that well, but our driver's drive skill was perfect, it made us feel very safe. He knowed different species of animals at which locations of park. We saw amost all the species of animals at Serengeti.
It was an unique experiences for us. If we go back again, we will choose Hello Tanzania once again to let them help us plan our trip.