CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great 4 Day Gorilla Tour
We did the 4 day gorilla and golden monkeys tour with Golden Rwanda. During this holiday we also did other tours with other operators in Kenya/Tanzania as well as Morocco. All of them were on the budget range of the tour price scales, but this one was by far the best of them.
Right from the time of booking, the communication was very good with Frank. He asked us about our expectations for the trip and we obviously said that we wanted to see the gorillas and the monkeys and we left the rest up to him and I'm glad we did. Being a private tour, we had some flexibility and managed to see some optional things like the twin lakes and Lake Kivu as well as a little village that has a setup where they teach you about their history and traditions (contrasted to a village we visited in Kenya where they let you look around and then try and sell you a bunch of Chinese toys they claim they made there).
The Genocide Memorial is by no means a happy place, but it is a must visit if you are in the area. If you are like almost every other North American, your knowledge of the genocide is limited to what you've seen in movies like Hotel Rwanda and the memorial gives does a really good job explaining the history of the country and how things built up to it. Really disturbing, but really interesting and important.
All of the accommodations we stayed in were basic, but clean and had very good service. One change to the itinerary was on our third night we ended up at Lake Kivu and that was actually a really nice little lakefront cabin and I would highly recommend it.
Frank was very friendly and knowledgeable and he drives a nice big newer Landcruiser, so the trip was comfortable. He definitely took the time to ask what we were interested in and personalized our tour accordingly.
When we first decided to go to Rwanda (we chose it over Zanzibar due to limited time) we thought we would just want to get in, see some gorillas and get out. I can honestly say that it was my favorite place we visited, the people were so friendly and it was really green and clean. Our only regret about our trip to Rwanda was that I wish it was a couple of days longer.
SE
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Genuine And Comprehensive Safari Guide
First of all, I have to say that this experiense with Tulivu adventure was something extraordinary! I did not know what to expect out of the safari trip but it became a positive surprise for me. Everything from seeing so manny different exotic animals, to be able to learn new things out of a holistic perspective, was really educational and inspiring.
I felt that the guides knew what they were talking about and also that hey had a genuine interest in what they did. For example they knew exactly where to drive for uss to se a particular animal, like elephant. Our car did not go in the same direction as the other cars but we saw all the animals anyway! And we came really close to many of them.
I also felt like the guides were conscious and updated on whats going on in the safari business today, and general whats going on in Tanzania. That made them feel trustworthy, and we felt like we had hired the right company which had great guides that made us feel secure and comfortable.
I appreciated the schedule, the reason why is that the guides took advantage of the time and even outside of the parks we experiences and learnt new things about Tanzania. They also listened on our wishes and requests, so i think that the guides did a really good job!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic adventure!
We booked a safari tour with Regional Tours & Safaris and we were absolutely happy with our experience. The camps and the lodge were great. The most important thing is that we had the best safari guide/driver, Didas, who has the eye of an eagle. He was able to drive and spot every animals. Within four days, we saw over 80 lions, 2 leopards, 6 cheetahs and three rhino! Not bad at all!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great week with RT&S
We spent one week with Regional Tours & Safaris and everything was absolutely perfect. Organization, transports, accomodation etc. They prepared for us (me + my girlfriend) 4-days safari trip and than 3-day stay in Zanzibar. Only we have to manage was to have our camera's battery charged.
CL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
We took a 5 days tour in Tanzania and everything was perfect. From the moment they pick us at the airport till the moment we left Tanzania. Absolutely recommendable.
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Adventurous safari and lovely campsite
I found myself going alone on safari for a few days during my visit in Tanzania. I got in touch with Paka Adventures. From the minute I contacted them they were accommodating, friendly and beyond helpful.
The camp site was beautiful, overlooking the river, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The staff was a big part of that - warm, helpful and service minded.
During my 4-day-stay I got to experience a boat safari, two driving and two walking safaris. Each had its own wonderous nature and animal life. Experienced guides were more than willing to share their knowledge.
I got to see a wide variety of animals, including lions and elephants. I also learned a lot about animal tracks and habits, as well as vegetation.
The nature and wild-life was both fascinating and beautiful.
I strongly recommend Paka Adventures. They were accommodating to my needs and wishes every step of the way, and have the knowledge and experience to offer an enjoyable and exciting safari experience!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!!
Our tour guide, Elimas, was amazing- especially with our 3 kids. They loved the lunch provided by Shemeji. And we loved that we didn't have to worry about anything. Elimas was one time both days and never rushed us to hurry or move on quickly.
We went to Tarangire and Ngorongoro. We did not go during peak season and yet we saw the top 5 thanks to the eyes of our guide. He even spotted lions eating a water buffalo in the bush. The crater was breathtaking. We can't wait for our next trip.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Leopard Sightings
Taga Safaris has organized several Safaris for me and my family. They have always been very professional and well informed and involved. In fact they have personally met us at the airport or taken us from our hotel to our connecting flights! Unbelievable service.
I think the key is to be frank with Mark and Celest and let them know exactly what you are looking for. Often certain Camps seem to have an environment that favors certain species. And because Mark and Celest live in Africa, boy do they know their stuff. I think it is important to know that they are first rate photographers too and so they can really help your planning and logistics.
After several excellent safaris, I really wanted to see more of Leopards. They seem to be very shy and hard for me to photograph. So Mark thought I would enjoy Londolozi . Boy was he right. While nobody can guarantee the weather and animal migrations in advance, we really got lucky and we had leopards falling out of the trees. These are some of my most favorite images ever and they are directly from Mark’s insight.
Londolozi is almost a collective camp with several camps along the river at different price points. The food was better than I can get here in California, as most of it was grown on site. Great chefs and great chiefs. the guides were very very knowledgable and experienced. As they could effortlessly track leopards through the grass and valley and through the shrubs and washes. They were flat amazing.
On our first day in Londolozi we had fantastic pictures of the big 5 in three hours. This does not usually happen. but it can and did.
I have recommended Targa Safaris to my friends and they have always had tremendously great anf fun safaris.
I love these guys. Mark and Celest will take great care of you. Don’t hesitate to contactl them now !
Sincerely Tim and Dusty Landis
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Short 2-day holiday/research trek to Aberdare NP
On my way back from Malawi I only had a very short time in Kenya in which I hoped to achieve two things a. undertake some private research around the northern part of the Aberdare NP and b. hike to the top of Satima, but via Shamata and Rhino gates.
James was unfailingly helpful in, firstly, exploring the various options and developing a sensible detailed plan that had the best chance of working, and then once I was in Kenya, providing a very professional service which indeed allowed me to achieve all I wished to (.... the early morning hike up to Satima from Shamata campsite was absolutely stunning, offering beautiful views of Mt Kenya across the way).
I know my trip was unusual and, being only two days, was not at all typical, however the preparation Archtrek put into it and the care James took over it was as if I was booking a 10 day safari.
I think many operators in Kenya offer only standard 'packages' or very slightly modified ones thereof.
On my experience Archtrek would appear to be able to arrange absolutely anything at all that you require.
Highly recommended.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazin guide
I just wanted to thank you for an amazing holiday, I have put a review on TripAdvisor but wanted to say in particular what a fantastic guide Deogratius was and how much effort he went to, to make sure we had the time of our lives. He really was committed to us having the best experience of Tanzania possible and as a result - we did!
When you're spending so much time with someone as we did with him, such an easygoing personality, and such kindness and consideration makes a huge difference. He really did go the extra mile and I would have no hesitation in recommending your company as a result of our experiences with him. I would say he is a true asset to your company