50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
The bookings and communications were excellent.
Ndumo is a beautiful old style game reserve. The accommodation is comfortable though a little run down. Th guides are incredibly knowlegable about the birds and trees.
The safari tents at Mkuze were stunning and we were surprised that they weren't full over Easter. With a little innovative marketing and some minimal upgrades, much more could be made of this camp.
US
Wonderful guide and beautiful sites
Twaha was an extremely pleasant, professional and courteous guide. We felt completely welcome and in good hands the entire trip. He knew every animal and plant I asked him about and was able to point out things I didn't catch despite looking with great effort!
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great trip to Masai Mara
We did a four night safari trip in the end of March and were given great service from African Hartebeest Safaris troughout our whole trip experience.
During the sales process we allways got a timely and accurate respons. Beverlyn really works hard to keep her customers happy. We were also able to make an adjustment to the trip, adding an extra night at Basecamp Eagle View (hihly recommended).
Upon arrival in Nairobi we were met by our guide John and driven to the hotel for the night. John always kept control and had good answers to all our questions throughout the trip. He also had good knowledge about the wildlife during the safaris.
We would have no doubt about recommending African Hartebeest Safaris for your private safari trip.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Overall--A Few Issues
Positive: Noah works with you to customize and he does it all at a very, very good price. I asked for Luxury hotels/lodges and all were wonderful, including a few we requested specially. Our driver was smart and well-informed and affable. We saw all the same stuff everyone else saw, possibly even a little more as Mike was pretty in the know and has been doing this 10 years.
The initial (and all) Communication with Noah was great--he is very responsive and willing to take a lot of time. The downside was that maybe I didn't ask all the right questions or get across to him that I wanted to spend the least amount of time in the car. As such, our route involved a bit of backtracking and as one is in those cars on bad roads enough as it is, the backtracking sucks. In the future I would fly to Serengeti and go one way to Arusha (or vice versa) if you have the money, hitting all the parks on the way. Also, spend 2 nights at each hotel if you can afford it. Hotels are nice with good food and it makes the trip less rushed and more relaxing--just my preference.
A few Downsides: The vehicle is old and sort of a POS. When it rained, our stuff got soaked--even in the suitcases. And when it rained or was cold, since neither the air or blower or wipers worked, it was sort of a disaster. As it is an old model, the windows are shorter so it is tougher to see out comfortably. I think it may be time for a vehicle upgrade and I would pay more for a company with a better vehicle and one cleaned a little more often.
Driver/guide Downside: Again, Mike was overall very good, however he talked loudly a lot on his cell phone both during game drives and even in our hotels. Was really, really annoying. I think in the future I would also request a non-smoking guide, but I really liked Mike and probably would go with him again anyway.
Other Downside: They were not waiting to pick us up when we arrived at the airport to start the safari. No big deal, but when I called I felt the reason they gave--too much traffic in Arusha (??)--was not credible. They were 45 mins late and everybody else seemed there on time. Not very apologetic about it either. I think they forgot we were coming on that flight.
But overall, a good experience at a good price and I would recommend Wildebeest (with a few modifications (car and routing) next time).
You spend a whole lot of time in the car on rough roads in these safaris, so I was hoping to minimize that. We ended up doing a lot of backtracking and as I had no idea of the area, I think they could have helped me avoid that. (Tip: Fly to Serengett if you have the $ and then backtrack to Arusha (or vice versa) and fly out from there. The round trip is too much driving.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Newcomb College Institute (Women and Development in Kenya)
I had an amazing time during the excursions with Sweet Africa Safaris, while in Kenya. Johnson, was a phenomenal host/guide/information source.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Visit beautiful Uganda and visit it with Pearl Afric (review from a very very happy client)
In 2015 I lived in Uganda for half a year and I did 2 Safaris with Pearl Afric Tours & Travel. Both of my groups (one of 4 people and one of 8) were extremely happy and each member (so I was told to say) is ready to recommend the company to anyone interested in traveling to Uganda.
The communication with the manager Innocent was excellent and the planning of our trip went smoothly. It was no problem for him to include our special wishes regarding prices, accommodation or pick-up places. We planned our second trip on very very short notice and although it was a weekend, Innocent organized it, again, to our full satisfaction.
Our tour guide, Abdul, was very friendly and an excellent driver, which is, believe me, important in Uganda. In addition, he was punctual (he mostly waited for us), reliable and planed the days by respecting the timetable and our wishes. He had a wide knowledge of the country and its animals and most importantly he was very good in finding them. He also gave us useful tips, such as to sit on the left side of the boat to see the animals better.
The accommodations and the food was good, some better than others. The cars were comfortable and good for observing animals.
If you are planning to do a Safari in Uganda and if you like it a bit more individual, I strongly recommend you to do it with Pearl Afric Tours & Travel. Your wishes will be taken into consideration, the service is from the planning phase until your drop-off fast and friendly and your guide will make sure that you experience many great moments in this beautiful country.
JP
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fast and accurate response and kind guide
The tour became an unforgettable memory. When planning the tour, Safari Multiways always gave us accurate and fast responses. They listened to my opinion well and took in it. The route they planned were gorgeous. It was much better than we expected. At first, from the airport to the National conservation Area, we saw people's daily lives. Secondary, from Ngorongoro to Serengeti, we saw beautiful scenery and lives of Masai people. It was really picturesque. The crater was also grand and beautiful. Third, Serengeti plain was so vast and we saw plenty of animals there. The driver was very kind and did his best for us. I really want to come back to Tanzania. And if I come back, I will definitely ask Safari Multiways again.
CA
Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari
As stated by earlier reviews on other sites, the professionalism and dedication to ensuring the best possible experience that Praise and his team commit themselves to is absolutely exemplary.
I traveled to Tanzania to complete a Kilimanjaro climb and was fortunate enough to have a couple days remaining afterwards. Even though there were no two day tours scheduled, Praise arranged to have me join a group heading on a 5 day safari to do the first day with them and then connect with another group coming back to see the ngorongoro crater before being dropped at the airport to catch my flight. The first day we had Moses as a guide and had an amazing day. It helped that we had a great group of engaging young adults from Germany/UK/France and Canada but Moses was terrific with "eagle eyes", easy going demeanor and impeccable animal knowledge. We had a great day in Tarangire and were treated to 3 cheetahs on top of the usual elephants, giraffes, antelope, zebras etc. Camp was topped off with a great meal, good conversation around the table and walk in tents with cots to sleep on!
The next morning Praise himself showed up to collect me and take me to Ngorongoro crater as coordination with another group was going to be difficult. Thus I ended up getting a private tour of the crater!! Praise was a consummate guide, and the day was made memorable not only from the amazing lion pride sightings but the teaching and banter provided as we toured around the park. Being in healthcare and having the conversation touch on this at one point, I was interested to hear how Nyange is partnered with an organization to assist neglected seniors in Moshi. Finally, capping off an incredible experience, Praise dropped me off at the airport to catch my flight, which if I remember the geography correctly isn't exactly on the way back to Moshi!
An absolutely fantastic time was had, compounded by the fact that Praise and his team went out of their way to tailor a safari to meet my unique schedule needs. Would recommend to anyone in a heartbeat. Keep up the good work Praise!
Asante sana/Cheers!
Dave McNamee
Visited September 2015
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic service, on time and detailed and more experienced tour gaudes.
Service was great. Enjoyed the tour and promised to go back.
TH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Safari
Firstly, I have never responded to an individual review before, but I must. I happened to be on the same safari as the person who wrote the previous one star review. All I can say, is that sometimes there is no pleasing some people. Anyone going on a safari must go with an open mind and the desire to learn from the experts without preconceived notions. This is not a zoo, it is real life, kills happen- it is part of the animal kingdom.
Simon is an experienced, knowledgeable, and most of all, passionate guide. My husband and thoroughly enjoyed our time with Simon, from the breakfast he cooked in the morning through to the dinners he cooked at night. In between, we searched for sightings with Simon and it was always fun and very productive. Our safari with Simon was one of the highlights of our month long trip to this beautiful country. Wild Wings support staff were there to answer every email and did an excellent job of organizing everything for us. ( we did a number of things through them.
I would highly recommend Wild Wings and plan to send my sister on this trip!