QA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Disappointed a real shame and ruined honeymoon
I never want to write a negative review but on this occasion I must as we were badly let down. Despite being notified at an early stage Somak failed to register that this was our honeymoon trip. In our group of 6 there was another honeymoon couple and they received special treatment but my wife and I did not, this lasted for the 7 days of our safari. This culminated with the last stage of our trip on Zanzibar when we arrived at the hotel and I told staff it was our honeymoon. However, they told us that they had not been notified of this, so we were denied the honeymoon package. I spoke with the Somak rep and he said he would pass the complaint on to his manager, and that the manager would meet us at the hotel the following day. He never came, in fact they just avoided us for the duration of the stay and did nothing. Thankfully the hotel guest relations manager became aware of the situation and stepped in to made our last three days special.
It is a real shame that we suffered this negligent communication error as the safari driver was great and he was tireless in searching for the fauna we wanted to see. Another plus was the Serena lodges we stayed at which were fantastic. To date we still have not even had a reply from Somak to offer an apology...
PL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hery good organuzation interesting program in very good price
Very good comunication very good price Safari very interesting with good driver We saw many wild animals. Tej offer was done in 110 %. Hotel was also very good
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect in every way
After much research we decide to go through Encompass Africa to book our 'bucket list' Safari to see the 'Great Migration' and we are so glad we did. From the initial contact and the countless emails and phone calls (with us changing are minds a few times) we found them very professional and very, very enthusiastic. For those people who have traveled to Africa before, you would know their systems can be a bit 'clunky' and confusing, especially when you arrive in a large plane to a very small airport! Fortunately we were met at every point by a very experienced and professional guide, who helped fast track us through airports etc. The camps they selected Lamai in the Serengeti and Nkorombo in Masai Mara were both exceptional. Two very different camps, but with equally good service, food and game drives, although possibly due to luck and time of year, Masai Mara certainly had the edge in gaming viewing. For an unforgettable and hassle free holiday of a lifetime, I can't recommend Encompass Africa highly enough. Also if you have the chance book the Balloon Safari, just topped off an amazing experience
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing safari experience
Just us husband and wife went on a safari to Tanzania in Aug, 2015 with Bright African Safaris and had an amazing experience. We had such an amazing time that we decided to retake the same safari with Bright African Safaris in July, 2016 but this time with our two boys aged 8 and 4. You can read the review I posted back in 2015 here - https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297913-d2191230-r307988448-Bright_African_Safaris_Day_Tours-Arusha_Arusha_Region.html.
Msangi promised us that we would return with an even bigger smile the second time - and he did not disappoint. As expected, his excellent service started right from when I initially wrote to him till when I came back to the US. The wire for my second (full) payment for the safari was delayed for some reason and hadn't yet reached him even on the day of our flight from the US. I spoke to him on the phone and he assured me that he would look into it and asked me not to worry since all arrangements/bookings for my safari was done. Luckily the payment arrived the day we landed and all was good but I really liked the way he handled the situation.
We had an excellent guide this time as well - Masatu. Masatu took the effort to connect with my kids (he has kids the same age) and throughout the safari ensured that things remained interesting for them, taking the time and effort to explain things to them. He knew this was the second trip for my wife and me, so even though our route was the same, he ensured the experience was very different. We saw much more interactions between the animals this time around (a herd of elephants harassing a leopard on a tree, a cheetah hunt, a lion that had just killed a wildebeest, a lion couple, ahem, making love etc etc). So, despite going back in less than a year it was still am amazing experience for us and ofcourse our kids had a blast. When it comes to safaris the guide/driver is super important and based on our experience this year and last, Bright Safaris has some really good drivers/guides. Their vehicles are very well maintained (we saw a few vehicles broken down and on our last day even offered a couple a ride in our car and they were stranded in a broken down vehicle).
All of our hotels were great like last year - Msangi usually nails this. He put us in small boutique hotels, that had pretty good, personalized, non-rushed service and each place gave us a slightly unique but very immersive safari experience.
On the last day, on the way to the airport, our driver/guide (Masatu) gifted my kids football t-shirts/shorts in Tanzanian team colors which was really nice. The kids loved it and it was a really nice gesture.
All in all an amazing experience. Our go to tour operator for vacation in East Africa.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
“A fabulous migration safari. A truly wonderful experience.
Our ten day safari (June 29th to July 8th) with It Started in Africa surpassed all expectations. We are a couple in our early-mid sixties and found the length, itinerary and variety in our safari perfect. We were left feeling completely satisfied and with the sense that we had spent our money wisely.
Why did we choose ISIA for our trip?: We chose It Started in Africa for our safari, firstly because of the impact of the wonderful brochure: Migration Footsteps had on us and secondly, because of the quick and comprehensive response from the organisers to our queries . Communication throughout the planning stages was constant and thorough and above all, very clear and direct. We always thought that we would like to choose a local company to ensure maximum benefit to the local community but just prior to our trip we did become a little apprehensive about organising such a big venture using a company via the internet, one in fact that none of our acquaintances, even some in the travel business, had no direct knowledge of. However, we were reassured by the continual correspondence with the firm as well as the positive comments about the company found on the net. From the moment that we arrived at Kilimanjaro Airport we knew that there was no need for apprehension.
Driver/guide: We were met at the airport by our driver/guide Emmanuel and could not have asked to be in better hands. Within a day we came to realise that Emmanuel is a very kind and thoughtful person as well as a most competent driver and an excellent and knowledgeable guide. Before we had left Arusha he had organised a step for me to climb in and out of the land cruiser. This also proved invaluable for seeing out of the top of the vehicle.
Campsites/accommodation: The campsites chosen for us were an absolute joy to experience. We left the choice for most of them to ISIA after stipulating that we wanted to experience as much diversity as possible but with a certain degree of comfort. We were thrilled with our first stop at Tarangire (Burunge tented camp) and the accommodation just kept getting better. We particularly enjoyed the Chaka camps, both the permanent one at Kyoto in central Serengeti and especially the mobile camp in the northern Serengeti. It doesn’t get any better than camping in 5 star luxury in the middle of savannah and bushland. Who would have thought of safari themed hot water bottles and wake up calls of tea and coffee brought to our tent! Another beautiful touch was when the whole staff gave me an impromptu birthday party complete with cake and candles, singing and dancing to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments. Thank you so much to the staff of the Chaka campsite.
What we saw: We were absolutely blessed by the amazing things we saw. Not only did we see the migration, but we also witnessed the actual crossing, as well as seeing all of the big five. The sight of the crossing is absolutely without parallel. Our enjoyment was increased by the obvious respect and devotion Emmanuel displayed for the animals. Added to this was the spectacular scenery that enhanced our viewing of all the animals. The scenes around Lake Manyara were so amazing, as was the view of the flamingos at Big Momello Lake. As for Ngorongoro, well all I can say is that I’m glad we saved the best till last.
All in all it was a wonderful trip but for us the highlights were witnessing the Crossing, even though one of the wildebeest was taken by a crocodile, staying at the Chaka Camp in the northern Serengeti and seeing the rhino on our very last day.
Thank you to all at It Started in Africa.
Ed and Halina
Tasmania
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari
They arranged a great safari for us in Chobe National park with Cape Fig safaris. All our pick ups, drops off and border crossings were very smooth with Africa zim and our safari was really great.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Definitely a holiday of a lifetime!!!!!!
So, when the bestie and I decided to book our holiday of a lifetime, we had no idea where to start, or even what to expect on a Safari. We could have picked any company out of hundreds, but oh, thank goodness we chose Wild Planet Safari!!
From the minute Ryan collected us from the Jo’burg airport our adventure began. The first night was spent in a lovely B & B a short drive from the airport then it was up early the next day for a 7hr drive across to Kruger. For the entire 6 days all of our needs were catered for and all we had to do was sit back and enjoy. And when I say ‘our needs’ I mean it. Apart from us both being veggies, my travelling companion is disabled with extremely limited mobility - oh and lots of mobility aids! But throughout our trip, Ryan and his little helper Lungisani coped admirably. Nothing was too much trouble and they quickly began to anticipate when and where help would be needed - from opening car doors to unloading scooters. Our meals were superb, loads of freshly prepared fruit & veg dishes and BBQ’s in the evenings. And they even do the washing up!
Every day was packed full of anticipation and excitement, and what Ryan doesn’t know about animals simply isn’t worth knowing. His determination for us to see the Big 5 paid off and we were able to tick each animal off the list – and many more. During our time together Ryan shared many amusing stories with us of his previous animal encounters, explained the safari ‘etiquette’ and we also learned a little about the life of young Lungisani.
It was sad to be dropped back in Joburg for the final night, we had all become good friends and it was with a heavy heart that we had to hug the big guy Ryan goodbye, knowing that he was off to do it all again with is next lucky people the next day.
Ryan, you are amazing, totally dedicated to your work and long may it continue. Lungisani, you will make a terrific guide yourself one day and maybe take us yourself! Must also mention the excellent communications from Thale during the planning of our trip and cuddles to little Felix.
Oh, and congratulations to you both, Mr & Mrs Ker!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Trip
I couldn't recommend Matoke Tours enough. We had a wonderful time with a friendly guide and a personalised itinerary. We had so much fun and saw a huge number of animals. It really was the perfect trip and exceeded both of our expectations. Thank you so much!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a good experience, but some options are not in the package and we were not been informed.
Just put all options on the list to show to customs, let them know at the begining
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Sun Safari South African trip
Every aspect of this trip was amazing. Arathusa lodge in Sabi Sand was just the best- animals every where and our room was absolutely amazing!! We felt like kings during the entire trip. We loved nThambo treehouse lodge too and the food there was really terrific. Cape Cadogan in Cape Town was so beautiful- our room was fantastic and the staff was excellent. There is nothing bad that I can possibly say about our trip and I can't thank SunSafari enough!! Liselle, our specialist at Sun Safari, came up with perfect trip for us and she was available to us via email by rapidly answering all of our questions. She was extremely helpful during the entire process. If I return to Africa, I will absolutely use SunSafari again to organize my trip!