DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent experience
Cannot praise Chris and the safari partners team enough. We were a little nervous booking an expensive trip to Botswana over the internet with an agency based hundreds of miles away but these guys are legit. No detail was too small to be looked into and Chris offered a competitive price compared to other agencies.
Chris was flexible with everything and even though we went with a package, he was able to change lodges and other things whilst still keeping the price down and the quality up. Particularly liked the tech behind his his online itinerary too - the service had a premium feel to it, even before we left!
I wouldn't hesitate to go with them again and can't wait to return to Africa!
Thanks for all the help and support.
All the best from Munich, Germany and thanks again Chris :)
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly recommended experienced safari guides
We chose Crazy Dave based on a recommendation from a work friend - great advice. We affectionately called him "Super Dave" who was accommodating and flexible with our family of 7. Dave and Marc were so knowledgeable, passionate, friendly, accommodating and fun. Many good laughs and memories.
Kruger Safari experience - we saw all of the big 5. (big 7, ugly 5 etc) in our 2.5 days. Our days started early so that we could see all of the animals which paid off. Steak dinner braii prepared by Dave was excellent. Having previously done a self drive in Kruger I can now see the benefit of using an experienced safari guide in an elevated safari vehicle. They know where to find the animals, are in contact with other safari guides for recent sightings and provide interesting insights on the animals.
Definitely recommend Kruger Flexi Tours to anyone.
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommended...
My husband and I made enquires with Achmed at Base Camp Tanzania three months prior to departing on our safari. I chose Base Camp Tanzania for their price and also experience - from several positive reviews and also having been in business since 1997. Email responses from Achmed were usually within 24 hours. My husband and I did the "8 Day Camping Safari", with a requested change to the recommended itinerary (excluding Hadzapi bushmen and Dagota Tribe visits, instead visiting Ndutu in Ngorongoro Conservation Area) easily done. Additionally, Achmed organised 3 nights extra accommodation at L'Oasis Lodge with half-board (breakfast and dinner, not lunch) with ease - we paid for lunch separately, factoring this into our budget, also including alcohol (Safari beers 500ml are about USD$2.50 each) and tips for the driver, cook and any additional guided tours not included in our safari.
The initial 30% payable-upon-booking deposit was via Wire Transfer, with a scanned copy of our transfer transaction emailed to Achmed. The transfer was confirmed very quickly, with Achmed emailing a receipt of the transfer. The final balance, paid 2 months prior to the safari departure date, was also problem free.
We opted to pay the visa-on-arrival, standing in a fast-moving, lengthy queue at Kilimanjaro. A driver was waiting for us at the airport and drove us the 1 hour drive to L'Oasis Lodge, Arusha. We unfortunately did not carry small USD amounts at this time for tipping the driver or porters at the Lodge. After a day of relaxing by the pool, Achmed met us in the evening prior to our safari to discuss our itinerary. I felt calm, reassured and really excited.
Our safari was awesome! Emmanuel was our driver - experienced, informative (just the right amount), professional yet relaxed, wanting to give us a great experience - he is a fantastic guide. Zacharea was our cook - the food was plentiful, varied and tasty, and considering I have a food allergy (mentioned at the time of booking), I was extremely well fed, and I had absolutely no problems. There was always heaps of bottled water available. The large 4WD with pop-up-top was more than suitable for us (and would be comfortable for up to 4 people) and there were 2 multi-adapter power-points in the vehicle for charging devices. The tent was adequate for 2 people, and bedding was a 5cm (2") thick foam mattress each, so was quite firm to sleep on (I'd recommend taking your own camping foam-roll mattress or perhaps considering the luxury camping option if this basic style is not suitable for your body).
The camping sites were all different - fenced or not fenced, most with warm showers, and squat or western toilets. The list of "Things to bring" from the website was helpful, but don't forget: a sleeping bag, bath towel, body wipes (if you won't take a cold shower), and tissues (not all toilets have paper). Also, stinging flies are attracted to black and white, so neutral coloured clothing is recommended.
I admit that I had low expectations of seeing the wildlife, simply to avoid my own disappointment. I was super happy with my experience, completely satisfied. I feel Base Camp Tanzania really wants their customers to go away very pleased with their safari, and endeavour to provided the best possible experience. Emmanuel was also happy to stop at our request (where practical) for placement of us to the animal/s with consideration to lighting/shadow for photographs. He was great at spotting wildlife, and getting ourselves and assisting others out of a jam (quick-passing, down-pouring storms made the roads slippery, very boggy and created pools everywhere).
I have heard/read several people say that African safaris are expensive. I feel what we paid for our 12 night holiday/8 day camping safari was worth the money for us (if perhaps compared to self-drive) - no time/effort wasted on driving and navigation but completely focused on wildlife spotting, knowledge of the local areas and roads, less risk of getting stuck/bogged if experienced in the driving conditions, answering questions and providing interesting information, access to communicate with other drivers to find out where the wildlife has been spotted, all meals prepared for us, and tent/bedding prepared for us. All airport transfers (Kilimanjaro-Arusha-Kilimanjaro) were also included in the cost of the safari, even thought we didn't start our safari immediately, and also had "rest-days" afterwards.
Achmed met us upon returning from our safari for a chat about our experience (and perhaps to listen to any recommendations, although I had none). I am so very happy with my Tanzanian safari experience and have no hesitation in recommending Base Camp Tanzania.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great staff who will ensure you get the most out of your trip to Tanzania.
We chose Kilidove tours to for our three week honeymoon in Tanzania and had a wonderful experience.
We booked our trip just 2 months in advance but the staff at Kilidove ensured we could still climb Kilimanjaro, enjoy adventure on Safari and relax in Zanzibar. Before we arrived we kept in close contact with George who was quick to arrange an itinerary matching our needs and happy to adjust it at our request.
Our guides, chef and porters for Kilimanjaro were excellent. Peter the chef and Emmanuel the waiter ensured we ate well and encouraged us to fight on when nausea and headaches got the better of us. The guides Paul and Deo were positive, motivating and demonstrated their expertise throughout our climb which ensured we made it to the summit.
The safari trip was amazing. There are never any guarantees on what you will see on your trip, but our guide Baraka worked hard to show us all the wonders of the Serengeti and surrounding national parks. With his keen eye and good rapport with other guides we were able to see a cheetah, 3 leopards, 5 rhinos, prides of lions as well as many herds of wild animals in plain sight. It couldn't have been better.
The hotels throughout were wonderful and varied. We stayed in eco lodges, luxury hotels as well as safari camps where we were serenaded at dinner. Of course every trip has a few mishaps, but Kilidove staff were quick to respond and sort out any problems that arose.
With our final trip to Zanzibar, we arranged our own hotels due to timing, but George stayed in touch and offered advice to ensure the rest of our trip went off without a hitch. It was the perfect way to end our adventure.
The Kilidove staff are friendly, efficient and all demonstrate great expertise in their field. We'd recommend Kilidove to any traveller, honeymooner or family.
Roundtrip in Zimbabwe, perfectly organized by The Safari Source
Monika Korn of The Safari Source had been recommended to me by a friend. Hence I asked her to organize and book for my family of four a roundtrip of two weeks through Zimbabwe. Great Zimbabwe, Matobos, Hwange, Vic Falls and Mana Pools. Coming from Switzerland, we had to count on Monika's programme and bookings. Everything was perfect! Monika offers very personalized pre-trip counsel and she is always available for last minute changes. The partners of The Safari Source (hotels, lodges, camps) were excellent as well. This was an expensive trip, but it was well worth the investement, we got an unforgetable experience! Thank you Monika!
We can highly recommend The Safari Source.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Thank you for making a wonderful trip for us.
I dont have much to say rather than thanking you for such an amazing private 6 days private camping trip you did for us. I will definately reccomend to anyone who wish to travel to Tansania.
PT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Quite simply the best holiday we have ever had
We chose Afroriginal Tours from a number of operators having read and compared numerous reviews of the different companies and because of their swift and professional response to our initial enquiries.
We had been planning this holiday for many months and received great advice from Desiree on planning the safari and also the the holiday in Zanzibar at the end.
She was excellent in terms of answering our queries very quickly and also organised absolutely everything for us. She made everything so easy and it was a pleasure to meet her at the beginning of the trip.
Our guide Stewart was excellent and his knowledge of animals and birds as well as his spotting ability made this an unforgettable experience. We truly enjoyed his company.
We spent a full week on safari and stayed in various places all part of the Tanganyika Wilderness Camps. Every single place we stayed in was perfect from the Maramboi Camp,Tloma Lodge,Kati Kati Camp and finally Kitala Lodge. I would recommend these places to anyone.
Every day was different and we will all remember this holiday for a long time to come. Thank you very much Afroriginal Tours.
Marvelous trip in Namibian desert and Etosha
We booked our 11-day trip to Namibia quite late. Still Wild Wind Safaris by their owners Philip and Martha did everything they could to fix the best accommodations and the most perfect camping spots for the entire trip. The communication between us and them was very good and they answered our questions very fast and with good details. The price of the trip was very reasonable and we mixed camping and staying in lodges. When the flight was one day delayed, due to weather problems in Europe they managed perfectly to adjust our trip.
Our guide Philip was perfect company and very skilled driver and made us feel perfectly safe and comfortable, We visited Sossusvlei dunes, Dead Vlei, Swakopmund, beautiful Spitzkoppe area and Etosha National Park. The entire trip was wonderful and really fulfilling. Philip, who was very knowledgeable and told us very interesting facts about the areas that we passed, people, animals and could answer all of our questions without hesitation. He could spot the animals and had the patience to sit and wait for a herd of elephants to come closer or to observe resting or drinking lions. He knew when the animals acted differently and something out of the ordinary was to be expected, which made our experience even better. He also found the perfect photo opportunities for us during the trip.
Philip was also a perfect chief and served us very good meals along the road. One of us is sensitive/allergic to certain foods and Philip made the perfect effort to fix proper food considering the allergies, which made the whole trip even better.
We would really like to recommend Wild Wind Safaris to everyone and we are thinking about making the next trip to the area with them as well. Thanks guys and hope to see you soon again.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hwange & Matopos National Park
Hands down these guys were fantastic! Ian was incredibly helpful booking and helping us set up or trip. All of the tour guys once we touched down were incredibly knowledgeable about where we were going. They made the whole experience fantastic. I can't express how well the guys did- they really have us the entire tour and they didn't want to stop until they felt like they had done just that! Will definitely use them again- as we will be bringing family back to Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls from Hwange National Park
We had The Safari Partners schedule our transfer from Hwange and make our arrangements in Victoria Falls (including transfers, park tours, and hotels). They were very prompt and made things incredibly easy on our end in Zimbabwe. The gentlemen that helped us was very friendly and helpful.
On the emailing/setting the program up, it was very straightforward and they covered all aspects that were needed for us. They were eager to go above and beyond when we needed an extra transfer or to shorten the trip to fit our schedule. Very accommodating- will definitely use then again in the future!