The Perfect Safari Adventure for our Group
Eric and Mark were excellent guides and accommodated all of our requests with a smile for our group of ten, such as having coolers with ice onboard our vehicles. They were prompt, professional, and we saw several lions and even a leopard tucked far off of the road on a tree limb in Queen Elizabeth NP -- we definitely would not have seen it without Mark's trained eye. Their demeanors were welcoming and we appreciated the fun they allowed us to have. If I'm in the area, I'll be requesting these two guys again.
Thanks for a great experience had by all of us.
A rough diamond of safari destinations
South Luangwa N.P. was the most developed destination of our Zambia Safari and we had our best sightings of wildlife there. Compared to the other parks, it was easy to get around (e.g. roadsigns, maps, good roads ). And even if a lot of lodges are near to the gates, it wasn't as crowded as other famous national parks in Kenia or Tanzania.
We had a great - but hot -time there, meeting nice people and enjoing the comfort of beautifully situated lodges.
Beautiful Country
Tanzania is breathtakingly beautiful and I highly recommend visiting. The wildlife and scenery are very diverse. The weather was very good. About 80 degrees and sunny with a breeze every day. The accommodations were fantastic. The food is so good, I miss it! If you're thinking about going to Africa, Tanzania is the place to go!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime experience
It was an incredible experience. Right from reception at the Bus stop to the accommodation, everything was catered for. Would like to specially appreciate the personal help given by Mr David and all the staff.
I am sure this attitude will take you to greater heights.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was amazing!!!
It's not my first time with Tiumph Travel Kenya and every time was better than before!!! I saw the last time the Wildbeasts crossing mara river...Amazing!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Why Tribes are good to travel with
We have traveled many times with Tribes ourselves, arranged our son and daughter-in-law's honeymoon with them, and recommended friends who have traveled with them. They may not be the cheapest option, but the attention to ethical and sustainability issues, the highly personal - and incredibly patient - service, the way trips can be personalised and made to fit what we have wanted, the range of contacts Tribes have developed in destination countries - all this has a value you cannot put a price on. They are lovely people and Amanda and Guy (and now Tracey) feel more like friends than our travel agents.
Olonana is 7Star
So Anja at Go2Africa was set a brief of getting us the Kenyan experience of a lifetime and she delivered. The way in which it was delivered was over and above our expectations, from the faultless transfers and travel arrangements to the simply superb accommodation.
We stayed at the Olonana Sanctuary in the Masai Mara and it was breath taking. Excellent location on the river where a family of hippo resided. Tented accommodation that a king or queen would have been proud of. Main game lodge that had more style that the Paris fashion week but what really set this place apart was the service of all that worked there.
Being picked up by a friendly informative guide in Niarobi (provided by gamewatchers) and transferred to Wilson Airstrip for our SafariLink flight to the Mara was seamless, which in light of events in Kenya was what we really wanted.
The flight was a tremendous hopper that flew around 8000ft giving awe inspiring views of what lay ahead for our 4 day Easter Weekend.
Upon arriving in the Mara we were met by Benson and one of our Toyota Land Cruisers to be used throughout the Safari. Benson took a great deal of pride and attentiveness from the get go. This is where the 7 star status really took off.
Our short transfer to the lodge was brilliant, Beson informed us of everything thing around us and stopped for the first of 64gb of photos I took in 4 days.
Arriving into the Olonana Sanctuary, we were greeted by Richard, a Masai Elder who played traditional music as he lead us into the camp and to the main game lodge. This place is sublime. Furnished to within an inch of its life to ensure only the highest standards, my hat goes off to the interior decorator, architect, location finder, as these people did good.
Walking through the large open plan dinning and 1 of 2 living spaces you got a real sense of pride of the staff working there. You also got the sense of just how spectacular this was going to be.
Stepping out on to the multi level veranda we were given a welcome drink and introduction to the Olonana and the time we were spending there. The view from the veranda along the river to the hippos and beyond was great. The noise of the running water brought a sense of calm and serenity to the whole proceedings.
We were then allocated a helper per tent, that would take of our ever need, not that I ever needed for anything as the Olonana team had beat me to the thinking.
We were also allocated a guide, Lucas was ours for the next 4 days and boy did this guy know his stuff. Not only that but he knew how to have fun, he knew his guests and fitted in. Every drive he catered for our needs and wants and delivered the big 5 against all odds (as other groups weren't as lucky)
Lucas was the real star as most of our days were with him...his friendly natural way was truly epic customer service.
The food and drink at the Olonana was incredible, Big John (the chef) would make whatever the customers would want but the food on his menu never left need to question. He has such a skill at understanding flavours and combinations that we thought he had been classically trained in Europe only to find out no he was a local lad from Nairobi.
Top tip try the pinotage
Try and get room 2 through 6 (best view of the Hippos in my opinion)
If you get assigned Lucas... Epic!!!
Dollars are preferred as tipping currency or buying currency at the Masai village
CA
65+ years of age
Zanzibar: Stonetown and Spice tour
The communications were excellent. Stayed at the Tembo Hotel Stonetown....amazing hospitality. I arrived at the hotel early in the morning way before my room would be ready so the staff set up up with a complimentary breakfast by the ocean. I left my power converter in Dar and the staff loaned me one for my stay. The dinner menu was lovely and to eat by the sea with the waves whispering the shore was magical. My tour guide was knowledgeable and arranged a spice tour for me on day two. My tour operator checked in with me on my return to ensure my time away was wonderful as she promised and it was.
QA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best way to see Kruger National Park
Cannot say enough good things about our camping trip with Chris and Nicky! The vehicle is one of a kind and affords a great view for wildlife spotting as well as making friends with your fellow campers. A little bumpy at times, but that's to be expected. We saw an amazing amount of wildlife and learned so much about the park. Great food, great company and memories we will cherish. Booking was very easy and everything we were promised was delivered. This is not a tour for people who want to be pampered, but if you have a sense of adventure and really want to see the park up close, this is the tour to book!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Botswana Safari with Gondwana Tours and Safaris
I booked a holiday for 2 weeks across different camps in Botswana with Gondwana Tours and Safaris. Mark Hathaway was very professional and knew the area very well so could recommend based on what I said I would like to do. Mark kept in regular email contact and we Skyped a few times to get the arrangements just right. I have now returned having had an amazing holiday where I saw 62 lions over a 14 day period and 3 leopards who were not elusive at all. Thank you Mark for booking me such a fabulous holiday.