50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an excellent safari guide who was extremely knowledgeable.
Communications were clear and very useful. We were very well informed before the trip and the level of expertise provided by our guide was excellent.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Peniel and his team are fantastic - don't use anyone else.
My wife and I, both of whom are Kenyan citizens living in the UK, were keen to climb Mount Meru (as my wife tried Kilimanjaro a few years ago but suffered from severe altitude sickness). We emailed in excess of 60 different tour operators and their responses fell into one of two categories: either they simply ignored us and failed to reply, or they quoted us a truly astronomic price. Peniel was the sole exception in both regards. Not only did he get back to me (and respond to each of my subsequent emails) immediately, but he also offered the most economical quote, and even notified me of a discount we would be eligible to by virtue of our East African citizenship (reduced national park entry fees). Furthermore, despite problems paying in advance by bank transfer, Peniel made an exception for us and was happy to accept cash the night before we were due to set off!
Although I was initially apprehensive to engage with the cheapest tour operator, fearing that this would also reflect in a lower quality of service, I can safely say not only that none of my fears were borne out, but that we received a far superior service than that offered by other tour operators (which I know from bumping into other trekkers on our hike, see below).
I couldn't possibly provide a review of our trip without also mentioning Aloyce Manyanga, the mountain guide working for Peniel, and his team. Aloyce was phenomenal and without him neither me nor my wife would have reached the summit. On the second day my knee gave way and Aloyce lent me his personal walking sticks and gave me some of his painkiller medication. The mountain ranger told Aloyce that I wouldn't be able to make it to the summit, and advised him not to take me, but Aloyce knew how much the trip meant to me and after assessing me (and massaging my knee with hot water and salt that night) said he was determined to get me to the top, as long as I was happy to continue.
On the night before we were due to set off for the summit, Aloyce checked our clothing and equipment to make sure it was suitable. As my wife was missing a suitable torch, he gave her his personal one and made do without. Owing to my impaired knee and my wife's altitude sickness, he insisted on carrying all of our food and water, and employed another member of his team to assist us. Needless to say, because of his assistance and generosity, we made it to the top.
On the climb itself we were with another couple who had engaged an expensive tour operator. Not only did their guide make anything other than a rare appearance, leaving the fellow trekkers with only the mountain ranger most of the time, but their guide also seemed woefully unaware of the path to follow up the mountain (which is not ideal considering the final stretch is the steepest and is undertaken in the darkness of night!). They later learned that in fact this was the first time their head guide was climbing the mountain! Luckily for them, they started on the same day as us - and Aloyce has a very big heart so made sure they reached the summit too.
The food we received each day was more than we could consume, and it's quality was comparable to a restaurant. Peniel has a background in hospitality and client service which clearly influences the way he conducts himself and his business. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Peniel, and would definitely use him again in future (which, if all goes to plan, will be in the next 12 months!).
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exactly what I was looking for!
Over the past 20 years, I have been on safari a few times and had the opportunity to take my wife for her very first safari in November 2017. I wanted her to experience a diversity of landscapes throughout the greater Kruger area, as well as have the fun of tented camps. I found Tailor Made Safaris after looking around a bit -- and though most of their feedback was from European travelers -- I decided they had the right mix of what I was looking for. And, they did not disappoint in any way. EVERY bit of our journey was well coordinated, very professional, and exactly as described on their website. The camps and itinerary greatly exceeded my expectations. The staff was also very, very helpful when a postal error resulted in us not receiving our tour book in time. They quite literally printed one off and had it waiting for me at our hotel in Jo'burg. Speaking of which, the tour book is a GREAT thing to have. It was very helpful and all the tips were spot on. We won't hesitate to use TMS again!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Trust Transtrek for the best safari ever!
From my initial contact with Daniel to an amazing 14 day safari, Transtrek never disappointed.
With more than a few emails due to the modifications I asked for (and Daniel happily adjusted the tour) the down payment was easily/safely sent via wire transfer through my local bank.
There were huge flight delays on the the way to Africa. Not to worry. Again an email or two and Daniel ensured our guide, Tony was at the airport waiting despite our 24 hour late arrival.
My friend and I were immediately taken with Tony’s kindness and respect. His easy going attitude was a pleasure throughout the trip.
Tony is very skilled at spotting wildlife. From birds to leopards to trees, Tony knew them all. He obviously has a passion for animals which I truly appreciated.
Due to his driving skills on and off road, we always felt safe.
Our accommodation throughout the safari was better than we could have imagined.
Most were tented camps which we loved! Having camped numerous times in Africa with overland companies, believe me when I say that these “tents” were spectacular! Beds, showers, toilets, electricity...you name it, the tents had it.
Our safari included Amboseli, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Aberdares, Samburu and Ol Pejeta.
I hope to return to Kenya and Transtrek will definitely be my first contact when I do!
Asante Sana to Tony and Daniel.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional and correct.
Our Safari tour was just great. A very good, educated, courteous, eagle eyed guide (Aggrey) with a very professional attitude.
The tented lodges were perfect and clean. The local staff was very service-minded but their knowledge of English is mostly quite limited.
In general the food was good. The lunch boxes are a bit strange for us. A sandwich with just mayonaise or grated cheese on it...
This is not really what we eat in Europe. Once the food in the lunchbox was moldy and we had to trow it away.
Suggestion: keep the lunchboxes in the fridge.
Overall a fantastic holiday which we will never forget! Thank you Aggrey!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience with Savannah Sound Safaris!
I've been on several safaris in Kenya before and thought that Savannah Sound Safaris is one of the most well-run tour operators I've worked with! I enjoyed them so much that I've gone on two separate safaris with them actually. I had Danson both times as our tour guide; he was great- knowledgeable and friendly. Communication leading up to trip was prompt and reliable, they were very flexible and accommodating with any changes we wanted to make to the itinerary, and (unlike other operators I've worked with) they weren't pushy with their suggestions. However, when asked for recommendations, they would gladly give them. Overall, excellent customer service. I would highly recommend Savannah Sound to anyone considering a safari.
FI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Nice time and fun experience with Yala Safaris Uganda
We went to Kampala & Jinja tour with Yala Safaris Uganda. The tour was nice, but maybe there was not so much arranged activities in Jinja. Last part of the tour in Kampala was interesting and full of things to see. Our driver Stanley was very helpful and sweet. :)
CN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easytravel gave us a splendid experience.
Maryam was very patient and professional . She answered my questions promptly .Our email lasted for several monthes and she was always so nice and gave us many good suggestions. Easy travel is really a trustworthy operator who fulfilled every promise they made to us .Our guide Endeni , besides to be a most experienced gude, is
also a very nice man who carefully considered everything for us. On the last day , our plane depature time was11am,
to our surprise, he still managed to give us over two hours safari.We really enjoyed our safari with Easytravel very much.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most amazing 3 days!
We had the most wonderful 3 day/ 2 night safari with Beacon safaris. From the very start Robert communicated via email very quickly and efficiently. When the time came for the safari, everything was so well planned. From the pick up from our hotel, to the brilliant luxury camping accommodation to the incredible days touring the Masai Mara reserve and seeing such beautiful views and animals. Our driver/ guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and gave us lots of information. We will never forget our experience with beacon safaris and would strongly recommend them to anyone
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Most wonderful experience with an amazing company
My partner and i recently had an 8 day tour with Experience Uganda and we could not be happier with our decision to come to Uganda and see the country with the team at Experience Uganda.
Communication with Kevin from the beginning was fantastic, quick and informative. All my nerves and queries were settled and answered quick smart.
Upon arriving in Uganda transfers were all organized and accomodation was beautiful. Our tour was sensational and we had a fantastic guide Emma, who was just brilliant. Fun, knowledgeable and entertaining. Emma showed us some amazing sites and wildlife.
The accommodation was 5star and so unique. Nowhere else in the world can you sleep on the banks of the nile and hear hippo and hyena. Amazing.
Overall i would highly reccomend Experience Uganda to anybody who wants to experience an amazing country, meet fabulous people and see some incredible wildlife. Their service, friendliness and amazing tour could not be faulted.
Thank you very much Kevin, Leslie and Emma for the most amazing Experience.
Ash & Victoria
