US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tremendous trip, zero problems
My friend and I took a 7-day safari in Uganda and Rwanda. On our first day, our driver, Big Sam, picked us up from our hotel in Entebbe and gave us a briefing on the trip. He explained that sometimes, things would not go smoothly, but it was important to be patient. "T.I.A." he said (This Is Africa). Sam could not have been more wrong. The entire trip from start to finish ran like clockwork. The chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale, the gorilla trekking in Bwindi, the golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga, and the Dian Fossey hike in Volanoes NP (warning - extremely muddy!) were each, independently, among the most exciting excursions of our lives. Having just finished a safari in Kenya and Tanzania on which the tour company flubbed the bookings for two of our four accommodations (!), I was prepared for mishaps, but Matoke was precise, professional, and extremely organized. I also requested quotes from a few different companies, and Matoke's price was more than fair. Really, we could not be happier. Thank you Matoke for an amazing experience!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing guides, a couple hiccups with the booking
We did an 8-day, 7-night safari through the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. It was an amazing trip, and our guides, Eustace (in Kenya) and Abu (in Tanzania) were incredibly knowledgeable. They also were obviously passionate about the wildlife. When your guide is as excited about the trip as you are, it makes a big difference, I promise.
There were a couple of issues with the booking, however. Before finalizing our booking, we added one extra night at the beginning so we could stay at the Giraffe Manor outside Nairobi. We received the revised itinerary, paid, and received confirmation. But when our guide arrived, we went to the hotel only to learn that the company had booked the wrong itinerary and the Giraffe Manor was completely full that night. We had to scramble to figure out an alternative plan, and in the end decided to start the safari a day early. Noah, the owner, refunded the price difference for the alternative accommodations, which I thought was a fair solution, but we were still disappointed (when else will we be in Nairobi to return to this legendary hotel?). Then, on our last night, we arrived at our hotel in Ngorongoro and tried unsuccessfully to check in. Wildebeest had accidentally booked us (and paid) for a hotel on the other side of the crater, an hour drive away. We called Noah to tell him we weren't leaving, and he eventually fixed the reservations (thankfully, that hotel had vacant rooms), but the process still took over an hour with us sitting is suspense in the lobby.
I give them credit for working to correct their mistakes, but when you pay so much money, you want to avoid mistakes like that altogether. I would still recommend Wildebeest--their guides cannot be beat and we had an amazing time--but you should really call each of your accommodations before you leave home to make sure they are expecting you.
US
20-35 years of age
Excellent Service!
Everything planned perfectly to our needs. We enjoyed the trip so much, everywhere we went from London to Wales they were all ready for us with our 15 month old which made us relax more and enjoy our vacation.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Namibia/Botswana/Zambia tour
The trip was fantastic. Namibia is an unknown jewel to most Americans. I traveled there
because a family member went the year prior and said it was one of the best travel
destinations for birds and wildlife in the African continent.
Nature Travel Namibia was able to customize our trip to our wishes.
Our guide, Jakes DeJager was excellent. Thanks to owner, Nick Buys for arranging such an
excellent itinerary.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Communicative, flexible and efficient
7-Day Victoria Falls, Chobe & Okavango Delta Safari - We had chosen this tour (or similar) the weekend before our departure - We sent several enquiries on Friday evening and we intended to fly on Tuesday. Matthew was one of the first to response to our message and he worked during the weekend to answer our numerous questions and requests (we had requested to cut off the Vic Falls part as we have other plans in the area). Finally we confirmed on Monday and off we go on Tuesday. We did not know what to expect. Everyone we met. i.e., the local agents arranged by Mathew (Mathew is based in Kenya and our destinations were Zimbabwe/ Zambia/ Botswana) were professional, patience and knowledgeable. They made sure our questions were answered and our transfers smooth. This is a good trip for us as we did not want to spend too much time in transfers and we thoroughly enjoyed Chobe (a popular National park) and Okavango Delta (we had 3 very peaceful walking safaris and mokoro ride). Accommodation recommendations were good - Chobe Safari Lodge and the Oddballs - You just have to tell Mathew your expectations and budgets and he would work it out for you even in short notice. We thank Mathew and his teams (obviously, he has good network in the continent). Highly recommended (both the tour and this agent).
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awsome experience
We found this tour online and went on a 3 day Maasai Mara tour and the experience was amazing.
Lamech organised everything, we communicated via emails and it all went great.
The safari was superb, the driver Sam sure knew all the roads and we saw 4 from the big five (rhino was a bit shy), but we saw leopard, cheetah with a cub, lions and much much more. It was just great! For a bit more excitement there was quite a lot of rain on the way to Maasai Mara and we (our driver) ended up pulling out another car that got stuck (twice). I was really happy we had such a wonderful driver.
The camp was great also and I wouldn´t want to miss the trip to the maasai village.
5 stars for this tour. Would highly recommend it :). I would sure go again, just this time maybe a bit longer :).
US
Amazing trip to Southern Africa
Wonderful trip tailored by Darren. I started planning late and Darren was available to answer questions and met my budget for the trip. I am delighted I was able to see everything, including he big 5, on my wish list. We started in Cape Town, then Chobe, Vic Falls, and lastly Kruger. Couldn't have planned it better.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Time
Shemeji review
We had a wonderful safari with Shemeji. We took the 8 day option including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, hotsprings and visit to the Maasai village. Communication with the company was very prompt and they were keen to arrange the trip to suit our needs.
The safari itself was very well planned and ran like clockwork. Elemens our guide was fantastic, he really knew the habits of the animals and so we weren’t following the crowds but were often in a secluded corner of the park hanging out with the cheetah. We were lucky enough to see the big 5 and pretty much all other animals.
Our chef was also great and the food was lovely. Our safari included a mix of hotel, permanent camps and wilderness camping. This was a really good way to stay close/ in the parks and so make the most of our time. The added days at the end, including a hot spring and maasai visit were a really nice way to finish the safari. The village we visited was more ‘off the tourist trail’ than those at the Serengeti so the people there seemed very keen to meet us.
All in all, the trip was excellent value, very well run and organised to suit us. We would like to thank everyone at Shemeji for a great trip, we are looking forward to coming back!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Pembury Tours! Pride of the Industry
Pembury tours, what a great name in the industry. Well it was kind of a last minute decision to visit South Africa in Aug 2016. One fine morning in the month of June 2016 my son came to me and said, "let us go to Cape Town for our summer vacation Dad". Not knowing what I was about to face, I went to work on the web instantly. I picked places to visit and sent out requests to few agencies with dates in August. I kept getting rejections from several agencies due to non-availability because of the start of peak season as those game drive lodges get booked year in advance. Needless to say I was getting a little depressed and worried as to not be able to fulfill my son's request.
On a particular morning, sipping my cup of coffee, I opened my computer expecting more rejections. As I was sifting through my emails, I came across this particular email, signed Heidi Bedford, Travel Consultant, Pembury Tours with a PDF attachment. With certain amount of reluctance and anxiety, I double clicked on that PDF file. It immediately blossomed into a colorful itinerary with meticulous construction of our entire trip with exact dates, hotels, guided tours, local transfers with photos etc. I was in a pleasant shock and felt a mountain being lifted off my shoulder instantly. After certain minor adjustments, I confirmed my trip with payment.
When I informed my parents in India about our trip, they too got interested and expressed their wish to join us on the tour! Of course, I called Heidi to delegate this new challenge. Heidi didn't seem to be bothered, took my parents names, anticipated dates, etc., and told me that she would get back to me in a couple of days. As promised, I got another email with a whole new colorful itinerary for my parents coordinating theirs with ours. Every time I called them, Anya always answered the phone on the first ring. What a treat!
To make things more challenging, my Dad's luggage did not arrive at Johannesburg from India. We were at Victoria Falls and not knowing what to do, I informed Heidi regarding the situation. Of course she replied with her pleasant South African slang, "no worries and cheers". Next afternoon, we joined with our parents at Nelspruit as per our itinerary and proceeded to Bohm’s Zeederberg Country Lodge for the night stay. The owner and her son were extremely kind and helpful. The dining experience with a private butler was mind-blowing. That night, Pambury's team went out of their way to surprise my son of his 18th birthday with a great tasting chocolate birthday cake and a card signed by the entire team.
As promised my Dad’s luggage was delivered on the following day that put a smile on his face. Our entire trip was very well organized. Everyone was very kind and accommodative and everyplace we stayed provided us great hospitality. Transfers were very smooth and timely. We could see the passion and dedication on our tour guides and drivers. The most experienced safari drivers and the trackers made our game drive safe and unforgettable. Campfire dinner under the starts of southern hemisphere and the Milky Way was a special treat.
As we know, "People make the country and employees make the company". We experienced both at first hand. Our South Africa trip was made memorable not simply what the great land had offered, but most importantly people at Pembury Tours and their associates made our trip very special. I recommend Pembury tours to everyone in full confidence with great pleasure.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Bushtop kenya safaris craetes teh need to go for a safari in kenya
we talk about safaris however we didn't try it with Bushtop Kenya Safaris, The amazing services the entire team is offering is beyond description creating the a tremendous first to the last impression which leaves a word of wow! and wow! among their clients. Well planned pick up point from the Airport with Dennis made a purpose of the booking with Bushtop kanya Safaris which keeps time and its available when needed.
Thank you big time for the offer of your unique, exclusive, luxury travel in Kenya to the most spectacular destinations in the within the country (Maasai mara being the unforgettable site). The creative approach to my team, the focus on their wellbeing safe travel on your transportation well maintained tour busses with well product knowledge drivers made a lot in our tour. The performance schedule in Maasai Mara with generous inclusion of superb cuisines, and not forgetting the compassion and expertise of our Tour Employers made you the distinctive alternative for luxury travel.
Thanks a lot for all you provided and to crown it all see you definitely next year with my extended group planned to travel.