35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Disappointing in some ways
I think it is true to say that South Luangwa National Park is magical. The wildlife there is brilliant but I was less than impressed by Kiboko. The staff in Zambia have good hearts and are well meaning but lack proper training. The staff in Malawi are only interested in the money. Five examples of this would be the ordinary food served despite a better variety available in the local market (training), cooks and drivers masquerading as wildlife guides (training and costs), drivers driving leaving no one to spot the wildlife (costs), the snake in my tent getting through a gap in the door (poor facilities) and the refusal by the management in Lilongwe to take me to my hotel at the end of my safari when it was less than 2km away (costs). The driver lied to me on a number of points with regard to this. This would have cost them less than $2 to do this. I had paid $975 for the six day safari. OK Kiboko is a budget safari company but they are more interested in money than good service.
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The heart of Africa
I went to work as a volunteer in South Africa for three weeks in the summer of 2013. During my trip, I had the fantastic opportunity to see the heart of African culture through the eyes of our amazing guide and friend, Neil De Jonge. The group explored the incredible wildlife that lives in Kruger National Park, we gazed at the spectacular view from God's Window, enjoyed local food and hidden and wonderful restaurants, but most of all, we experienced the kindness and calm of the African people. I will forever be grateful and astonished over the friendly and informative guide we had in Neil. He made us feel safe all the time and opened our eyes to a whole new world.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An excellent and professional safari company to work with
We highly recommend African Sermon Safaris. James our driver/guide picked us up in Nairobi timely and took us on a road with an amazing view of the great Rift Valley and on to Maasai Mara, fascinating game reserve. Everything was extremely well planned with a pleasing evening game viewing drive the day we got there, a whole day game drive the following and an early morning game drive the last day before heading back to Nairobi. We were there in late February and certainly missed great migration season, but we saw almost everything we wanted to see with the exemption of rhinos. Sincerely, we will most definitely try to catch the wildebeest migration next time we go, hopefully.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A reliable tour operator!
I did a 5-day safari (Masai mara - Naivasha - Nakuru) with Eric. Tour arrangements, itinerary, price and accommodations were very good. Safari van and driver were good and comfortable for mid-range safari. Although the driver delayed on the first day, he was friendly and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed the experience and I can recommend this company to other people."
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya safari 2016, very good trip, very well organized
Extremely good service.
Camps were well organized, staff was very hospitable.
Safari games were great fun and guides/spotters were excellent.
Overall a great trip
AR
Amazing!
I t was an incredible week!! We saw the Big 5 and much more.
Thanks to the guides for all the hospitality !!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience
The safari was fantastic! Recommended through a friend, Paul explained thoroughly what would happen on the safari and I was left in the experienced, capable hands of Michael, a Tanzanian guide who was a professional gentleman from start to finish. He knew everything there was to know about the animals and birds and was able to answer all my questions. Despite visiting Ruhua during the grassy, wet season, I was delighted to see a vast range of animals from baboons to lions to hippos to crocs to zebras. It is hard to explain how fabulous and what a one in a million, life-changing experience it was. I felt like I was on a film set. Michael went out of his way to ensure I saw as much as possible in the short time I had on my schedule. I would highly recommend Paul Tickner Safaris!
Thank you for a fantastic experience and memories I shall treasure forever!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unforgettable Family safari & Adventure!
On behalf of the Raymond's i would like to personally recommend this company and its entire team of staff for an outstanding 6 days safari visiting the Aberdares National park, Samburu & the Ol pajeta conservancy. A part from the quick response during the planning phase both the driver guide(Paul) and the lodges booked we had the best of customer service. Paul was sharp at pointing out the wild animals and new where to visit at each particular time during the game drives. My recommendations to all those planning a safari with this outfitter my recommendations ask for Paul as your driver guide!
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I would recommend Jackpot Safaris to my best friends
Where do I start? Planning a safari isn't an easy thing to do. Of course one can read things about the parks, but what really is relevant and valuable is the advice from locals on the current/actual situation. You hardly get this on the internet, you can get it from the operators in Tanzania. Andrew the manager and George the guide were very helpful in this respect, before and during the trip. Without this excellent exchange and advice, I would have ended up wasting my time and doing the wrong things like other people we crossed.
Generally speaking, I think the key factor of success and satisfaction is the operators staff, especially the guide. The equipment, car, food etc. is quite the same for all operators. The size of the company doesn't really matter either. Again, it's all about the knowhow and experience of the staff, don't worry about the rest. If you are thinking about touring without a guide, forget about it. Not that it's not possible, but you will loose an enormous lot of time figuring out how everything works and it will be difficult to communicate with other drivers/guides. Having a guide will make a huge difference. I can confirm that our Guide George was far better at his job than guides of other operators we met.
What else? I wasn't happy about the food to be honest. If I ever go for a tour again I would remember to speak about this before the tour starts. Once the car is packed that is it. You eat what is brought along ( for those camping like we did). I would have preferred African food rather than European food. Besides there are so many things which can and went wrong when an African cook serves European food.
Costs. I still can't figure out why the tours are so expensive. But let me tell you, I researched and negotiated with several operators and finally went with Jackpot for approximately USD 200 per person per day. We stayed at the campsites and slept in tents 5 days / 4 nights. There were two slightly cheaper deals from operators with foreign investors. And a lot of operators with higher prices. If you go on safari and know that it will cost a lot of money, I recommend doing business with local companies! Else a great percentage of your investment will stay in your home country or get transferred to foreign investors.
I would recommend Jackpot Safaris to my best friends. And I would advise them to contact the manager Andrew and do business with him directly rather than going through a travel aganecy in the home country.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect,Everything was exactly what i had asked for.
Dealing with Maggie was great, she worked with me to get what i wanted, She replied fast. all the camps and lodges we stayed at were beautiful. Tour Guide Gordon was courteous and knowledgeable, driving with safety in mind. We went the beginning of April which is rainy season, but saw very little rain if any. A lot of the camps and lodges were empty because it is off season, which is great because you got more attention by the staff. Did not get to see the big 5, we got 4 instead, the Leopard was hard to find, we were happy to see a cheetah so i will take that in its place. Amazing, plenty of wildlife and Birds everywhere we went, Beautiful scenery and friendly people everywhere. everything was perfect, no complaints here, just a dream come true for us. Thanks Maggie and Gordon at Tekko Tours.