50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Africa!
Just got home from our amazing trip to Zambia (safari) and Mauritius (beach). Rose's organisation was absolutely spot on, all airport pick-ups and meets ran like clockwork and completely stress free. On arrival at Mfuwe in Zambia we had an exciting night bush drive to the Chindeni camp, a surreal experience when you have been travelling for nearly 20 or so hours; porcupines and a staring contest with an eagle owl sitting on the track were highlights, the owl won! Chindeni Camp is glorious and waking up at 5.45am to a stunning sunrise was a real treat and a special start to our morning walking safaris after a delicious breakfast. The hippos laughing (ho ho ho ho) day and night in the lagoon is a sound we will remember forever, also the lone bull elephant scoffing Nile Cabbage. Walking safari and night drives were fantastic (fortified by sundowners of course) and we learnt so much from our guides about the flora and fauna. Food in the camp was delicious and accommodation very comfortable indeed. Our second camp was Tena Tena, further north after travelling via Mfuwe Lodge where Amy offered us a fortifying breakfast since we were up at silly-o-clock in the morning! Our Tena Tena hostess, Christa, was charming and we were overjoyed to have several sightings of leopard, just as Rose had predicted. Also a memorable drive to a stork colony where on the way we watched two young lions enjoying the morning sun and eyeing up a herd of puku. Again, we were looked after so well and everything was comfortable and yes, we fell in love with this Africa. We were also delighted that the camps help the local economy too. So much to report I could write forever. Our last week was a beach holiday in Mauritius at the Zilwa Attitude. The hotel was fantastic and the staff so welcoming. Sadly the weather was not so good and our excursions to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and Catamaran trip were spoilt by rain and grey skies....of course this is not the fault of the lovely hosts or the Luxury Safari Company at all, after all it is winter! However we have to agree that the safari element was outstanding and truly an experience to treasure and we will (I hope) be doing this again in Zambia.......maybe with Malawi in the equation somewhere, for the "water" experience. Thank you to Rose for everything it was EPIC! Highly recommended. Now I must start organising my photographs, I may be some time!
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Awesome Experience with SafariBook Evolution
I just finished my 4 days Tanzania Safari. I joined a group of 5 people, strangers but came to find out we all come from the same country which was a welcomed coincidence. We had a great time with our guide James and stomach doctor Buri. Steve with communication was perfect, quick and professional. I had read a scary review but he assured me that their service is perfect and they have their own office and vehicles. I took a risk and it was worth it. We met at their office in Arusha Centre Tourist Inn before the safari for payments, then proceed the safari which was more than I ever imagined or expected. The entire 4 days to Manyara Serengeti Ngorongoro crater was handled professionally and I have high standards.
I really liked Safari Book Evolution. We managed to see all wild animals and the service was great. It was an excellent option in terms of value for money. James, Buri and Steve I will never forget you, thank you all for the experience.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Beware ! Achtung!
We booked a safari for three people at a total cost of about $ 6000 in Lilac. We have transferred the sum in advance and simply got nothing in return!
Lilac didn't book any hotels and didn't order any Gorilla Permits. Lilac then repeatedly promised us a refund of $ 6,000, but nothing happened until today. Here is the latest news of Lilac from 12/04/2016:
"Good morning,
Thank you for your below email and sorry for late reply.
Yes. I know of your refund and due to constrains financially caused since our bank went into receivership, we have been experiencing some difficulties which led us even stop taking new bookings until we are able to dispose some of our assets including some vehicles to have enough operating capital. This is also indicated on our website www.lilacadventures.com. We expect to be fully operational in few weeks and also pay you the entire refund inclusive of bank charges you may have been charged.
Again, I am sorry for the delay.Kind regards, Irene
A lot of time has passed without any action from Lilac, except some trivial correspondence (no reservations , no permits , simply nothing). The company only collects money and, in my opinion, doesn't come through on the tours (see other reviews on the relevant portals)! You can assume that every dollar/euro, that you transfer there, is lost!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Two week driving tour of Namibia
Excellent experience with Cardboard Box! I was trying to arrange a two-week driving tour of Namibia in the high season well in advance, and from Europe it was an organisational nightmare. Anita at Cardboard Box very quickly understood what I was trying to achieve with the budget available, put together an excellent itinerary, based on an obviously deep knowledge of the country, and went the extra mile with helpful suggestions to adapt and tweak to fit my requests and accomodation availability. When I had to cancel at short notice for family reasons, they were equally professional. When I put the trip together again, will definitely use Cardboard Box. Can't recommend them highly enough!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Back at work... wish I was back in the bush!
We have just got back to Perth and I'm sitting here at work wondering why we left Botswana.
It was a bit of an extending holiday including South Africa, but without doubt the highlight was our lodge safari in Botswana.... Safari Lifestyles got it just right, nothing too pretentious, relaxation with exciting wildlife.
In Australia we don't really have an equivalent to the Okavango Delta and compared to home the wildlife is spectacular... we saw every cat imaginable, including the nocturnal ones like a caracal...
We would definitely use Safari Lifestyles again as they were so hospitable and we always think it is better to use a local outfit with great knowledge.
SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanke has very professional drivers and guide. Caroline is very responsive despite time difference
Highly recommend Tanke for the team work and knowledge they have of the safari. joseph the driver has such keen eyes that he could spot a hippo in the lake far away from us! They knew exactly where to find the hidden giraffes leopard and even the secretary birds! The most exciting part was to witness the wildebeest crossing as they patiently staked out the right spot. What a magnificent view!
The food and accomodation is way beyond our expectation. Haven't tasted such nice food in the outdoors for a while. With them , you get a more local feel bec they know the Masai people so well so we understand more of the culture. We are still in touch with the guide and driver bec we want to go back again! Lastly Caroline the coordinator is super responsive and thoughtful. She was very accommodating with our request and even tho we were apprehensive about remitting money , she managed to assure us. Reliable and trustworthy agency!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best Africa has to offer in comfort, style and safety!
I look at my images of the beautiful animals, colourful birds and amazing scenery each day and am reminded of the brilliant African safari that I went on with the Norman Group in May, supported by Easy Travel &Tours.
I felt so safe, comfortable, well fed and cared for at the various Serena Lodges. Most importantly, I travelled with an excellent guide and spotter called Adriano from Easy Travel. He was a great driver and was able to give us a depth and range of information on all the mammals, birds and habitats. In addition, Adriano was able to inform us on everyday life in Tanzania and the history of his beautiful country. I travelled with a lovely group of people in our land cruiser and Adriano was attentive to all our needs -nothing was too much for him. This safari is the highlight of my life and the lynch pin to the success of this trip was the wonderful service provided by Adriano and all the team from Easy Travel.
Easy Travel also assisted me in planning a holiday in Zanzibar along with flights. Again, all my needs were taken care of with excellent communication and ease of payments. I felt very safe and secure in the hands of Easy Travel and Zamir, my guide in Zanzibar. Zamir was always punctual, informative, friendly and polite.
I highly recommend Easy Travel to anyone who wants to experience Africa at its best and in style!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Awesome customer care
Having visited Kenya, I was very welcome with the exceptional customer service from this very humbled people.The real defination of awesomeness.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A magical and breath taking experience
Nakuru National Park is a stunning wildlife haven in the south of Nakuru in the Rift Valley. The park is wrapped around the tranquil soda lake and each area you explore offers a lake side view or a game filled plain. There is a wonderful variety of animals to see, sometimes the fun is in the search. Each corner or junction unfolds the unknown.
The best time to set off on your game drive is in the early morning or the early evening. The colour of the sunrise or sunset can dramatically change the appearance of some pockets in the park especially when you are lakeside.
One of the best aspects of Lake Nakuru is its size. It is completely manageable to get around if you chose to go without a guide and have your own transport. Its sign posts are crystal clear and you are guaranteed to see some magical sights. It offers the ideal safari experience for those who are wildlife fanatics, it is fairly priced and worth every penny.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Kenya by Sally Steven
Every place I have been to in Kenya has taken me by surprise and made me pinch myself. It is beyond extraorindary and I am in complete awe of its beauty. There is always something to see whether it is half a mile infront of you, right under your nose, up a tree or in the skies above.