US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience ever
We had Ben as our guide and he showed us every animal. We had so much fun. Hotels were wonderful too. Only suggestion we have is to have water in the van on the first day and to recommend to us to order box lunch from the hotel we stayed in prior to Ben picking us up. Otherwise, everything was wonderful and so memorable.
HK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect trip to Namibia
well organized, everything worked like planned and booked. Easy to customize our trip. Loved the App-style itinerary
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari
10 out of 5 stars. Literally.
As a ridiculously seasoned traveler, and someone who had already been to Kenya, I'm still mesmerized about how I could still be thrilled by a trip that I have already done years ago. (although nothing years ago was as good as this trip--not even close).
I wish I had done my first trip with Ancient Wild Safaris. My heart is so happy that I brought my 10-year-old daughter and my husband on this trip.
As a pediatrician in New York City who talks to hundreds of families every few months,
I have told everyone in New York City about this trip because so many people defer to me for travel because of my experience --and I must say that I am still so indebted to this group because of the seamless experience, comfort and most importantly, first class service that AWS has given us.
I heard about this group from another seasoned traveler and now I understand how Important a personal connection is. Take this review seriously. I can't recommend them more whole-heartedly than I am now.
Our guide was named Joseph and my daughter still wants to send him pictures and letters to his children. I feel like he is part of our family now.
Josphat, the lead travel plan administrator who set up our trip, made everything so easy that I felt like I had nothing to do other than show up at the airport in Nairobi. But before we showed up at the airport, he made sure that he attended to every detail from immunizations to passports and travel details that you would never even think of. He answered all of our questions and made any anxieties before the trip become something as simple as going down the street to your friends house. He treated us like family.
We were met at the airport, and then we didn't have to think about anything. It was perfectly planned and if we wanted to make a change, it would've been done but their ideas were so much better than ours. We saw that clearly. We are all idiots in comparison to their experience. Don't rely on Google, rely on their wonderful experience. Human experience is much more important than the Internet as seasoned travelers understand.
I am a planner and it is the first time in my life I actually relinquished my duties because I felt like someone had me beautifully in their hands the entire time. That is something I have never felt comfortable with and I felt like I had finally found the perfect travel group ever.
Our guide Joseph, was never at a loss of information, history--he was never stumped by any question we had and we are history freaks. When we had Wi-Fi at our base camp, we tried to stump him with other questions and he always beat us. It became a funny joke and he gave more information to us than anything.
Our accommodations were top notch and unbelievably accommodating and Masai Mara tribal visit made our trip.
AWS recommended the Masai Mara balloon ride and we were initially resistant at first because it was a little bit expensive and to this day it is the BEST part of our entire trip. We are jaded New Yorkers and we still can't believe it was the best thing we did. Do it!!!
So basically, I packed my bags, showed up, had amazing trip and then went back to New York City feeling completely fulfilled and amazed by our trip. You can do all the research you want but it will never compare to the amazing intellect this group can offer you.
Thank you ancient wild safaris.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Tarangire National Park by Eleanore Avery
Park is near Arusha. Beautiful park that is a must for Elephant lovers. Some times of the year are better than others for viewing. Abundance of Baobab trees is a wonderful sight.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Serengeti National Park by Eleanore Avery
In my opinion this is the grandest of all parks. It is huge and contains all the big cats and many smaller ones. Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs are all here. The scenery can be awesome with hills and vast savannahs. I am about to make my 10th visit to the Serengeti. I have been on 25 safaris and the Serengeti is my favorite. It changes with the seasons and the Wildebeest and Zebras are in a perpetual migration year round. Accommodations are diverse and outstanding.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Selous Game Reserve by Eleanore Avery
The Selous is huge and not visited as much as northern parks that can be very crowded at certain times and certain areas. We had wonderful experiences of big lion prides, large elephant herds and huge buffalo herds interacting. Lodges are excellent.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Ruaha National Park by Eleanore Avery
One can visit Ruaha and Selous in same safari. Both parks are great for lion prides, elephants and Buffalo herds. These parks are overlooked by many, but they offer everything for a great safari without crowds.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Eleanore Avery
The largest self contained ecosystem in the world deserves a look. It does get crowded but it is lovely day trip with lunch picnic in the crater. The animals here do not migrate and for some reason there are no Giraffes! The landscape is unique as you descend 2000 ft into the crater. It usually visited along with other areas like Tarangire and Manyara.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Mikumi National Park by Eleanore Avery
I would not advise as a final destination, but it is good along with Selous and Ruaha which offer great river activity.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Mahale Mountains National Park by Eleanore Avery
Lovely camp setting on Lake Tanganyika. I did NOT so much enjoy vicious Chimpanzees.
Trekking terrain can be very difficult for a senior :)