50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An absolutely first rate Photographic Tour, a great group and we learnt so much.
Duration: 12 day Photographic workshop visiting the highlights of Namibia (+ one day either side of the tour and 4 nts in St Lucia, SA).
I should start by explaining that I have been on safari tours before with this company and knew the high levels of service that would be provided. Also, I have done a small amount of wildlife photography and although I am happy with it, there is significant room for improvement in all aspects of my photography knowledge. Landscape photography was however something completely new to me and 12 days of complete submersion in this subject was very daunting to say the least.
I should not have worried.
Tailor Made Safaris and their partner company Lime Photo were first rate. The level of tuition was outstanding with Nick and Emil making themselves available to us probably way more than they should have. One catered to the needs of those newer to digital photography like me and the associated software and one to the more proficient guests. "Classroom" theory dealt with Lightroom and Photoshop as well as composition, balance, interest, subject matter and much, much more.
The practical’s covered, star trails by different methods, astrophotography, sun rise, sun set, blue hour, dawn and dusk and obviously daylight shoots as well as covering the elements covered in the theory sessions.
At the start it has to be said that I was completely out of my depth (as perhaps were others) but we were all treated as individuals and it took no time at all for our hosts to gauge out ability levels. Noticing I was struggling without me having to ask for help showed an understanding of guests (my) shortcomings and I was given assistance when needed but was pushed to stretch myself too. My learning curve was vertical; there was no curve, which gives one a fantastic feeling of achievement when good shots are taken.
It has to be understood that this is a work shop; but this is NOT grinding, boring and tedious work. This is enlightening, broadening, exciting and exhilarating work. Yes there are some very early mornings and long days but the rewards can be seen in your photos… No pain, no gain!
The inclusion of the option to take a photography flight over the dunes was outstanding and for many, a once in a life time opportunity. This is a completely different type of shooting to that we had been learning to that point. This is a point and continuous shooting on auto focus style while looking for patterns, composition, balance etc…it definitely got the heart racing. Seeing Deadvlei, Dune 45 and wild Oryx on the dunes from the air was amazing!
Due to the scale of the country and the high number of Photographer Bucket List locations visited, there is quite a bit of traveling but due to the structure of the tour, the transport arrangements, the views and photo opportunities en-route the traveling is easily considered to be part of the experience rather than a chore. If you offer to assist with the driving as I did, it makes the journey even more of an experience.
Due to the traveling, the preferences of the guests, weather and the need to sometimes split the group to get the best from the locations, the tour; and so the timings need to be a little fluid, this requires one to go with the flow and it keeps things interesting. This type of tour can’t be run to the tick of a Swiss watch.
The accommodation ranges from basic but comfortable to Namibian 4 /5 star, the food ranged from marinated fillet steak sandwiches cooked by Nick and Freya under the stars in a stunning national park to good wholesome hotel and/or restaurant fair…I would go for the steak in that location any day!
A few words about my fellow guests, I had a good idea before I left the UK that this was going to be a great tour because of those running it, but without the ladies and gents that attended; their humour, their understanding of limitations in fellow guest’s abilities, their appreciation of the needs of others; their willingness to help when needed and their tolerance of seven other strangers in close proximity for 12 days, this would not have been the outstanding experience that it has been. My thanks to all of them.
All in all… A fan-bloody-tastic tour. Nick with his un-flappable attention to tour detail and logistics, his concern for guests comfort and enjoyment and his calm, always patient teaching method. Emil with his exuberant and ever present photographer’s admiration of every vista that this magnificent country presents to you, his un-ending enthusiasm (even at 02:00) and his phenomenal knowledge of photography. They make an ideal team.
In all my reviews ask “Would I go back?” But this applies to properties and sightseeing tours/safaris, so it’s not appropriate here. So I will ask "Would I book with Tailor Made Safaris for another Photography Workshop?"
Absolutely!
This was a tour of more shooting and more tuition, great coaching, low guest to instructor ratios and first rate sights all at a good value for money. Enjoyment level 10 out of 10.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Efficiency, knowledge and courtesy: Experience joy with Migration Kili Expeditions and Safaris
I was so impressed by the organisational capacity of the owner of Migration Kili Expeditions and Safaris on my expedition to Kilimanjaro , that I asked him to create another custom-made safari for me in which I not only visited Tarangere , Serengeti, Ngorongoro but saw the Olduvai gorge - the birthplace of humanity. The guides on both expeditions were exceptional : Rogath Ephren Mtuy- who not only holds the world record for ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro and return to Marangu park in 14 hours and 50 min , but is an expert on the local plants and flowers and their healing properties or other uses. Cyprion , my guide on the safari , not only looked after me - erecting tents, managing a superb cook, manoeuvring his jeep according to my whims as a photographer , but had a depth of knowledge about, and respect for all the animals and their way of living and being . Both guides clearly loved their work and their courtesy and charm were outstanding.
As an older lone traveller , journalist and photographer, being explicitly catered to , this experience was way beyond expectations : not just what nature had to offer and my increased understanding and respect for other species, but in my trust of the organiser and guides who showed a responsiveness and intelligence, a depth of caring ,without patronisation , rarely met with in life.
I have written 2 articles for Projects Abroad and Ujumbe Magazine, Arusha - at present on
www.mytripblog.org/pg/bog/laolao
entitled ' TRUST ME TRUST ME : you can travel alone.'
and 'THE WILDERNESS IS THEIR HOME'
They include photographs . Perhaps you would like me to forward you the articles ? Let me know how .
Namibia. A place of Barren Beauty.
This was my first visit to Namibia and my first photography workshop. The tour was to start at Windhoek go slightly north and West to Spitzkoppe (between Usakos and Arandis on the B2) then south via Gaub, Solitaire, Sesriem, Aus and across to Luderitz; back to Aus and seehiem dropping down to Fish River Canyon for a short visit before heading back north to Keetmanshoop and then returning to Windhoek via Marietal and Rehoboth.
The trip took 12 days with ample stops at the numerous must see sights for photographers which included, Spitzkoppe itself and the spectacular surrounding red rock formations, Dune 45, Deadvlei and sossusvlie, Sesriem Canyon, Luderitz Town, Kolmanskop deserted mining town, the aforementioned Fish River Canyon, the Mesaurus Fossils, Giants Playground and the quiver Tree forest.
There was a lot to fit in and had the tour extended further north to Etosha National Park there would have been the wildlife too, however this was Landscape photography tour/workshop.
Namibia is another whole scale of massive with a very low population meaning one can drive for hours without seeing another vehicle which for a Brit is a little un-nerving to begin with that said we were a convoy of three 4X4s so it was not an issue.
The countryside is stunningly beautiful in a hard barren way and utterly silent however the nights are even better (if really quite cold at times) with the most magnificent clear skies and more stars than you will probably have ever seen.
The heat (and the cold) have to be planned for, this is not the place to hop out of your car to climb up as dune to take a few snaps without a wide brimmed hat and way more water than you think you need. We did a properly organised trip to Deadvlie to scout for and to take shots, we had all the kit knowing that there was a 1.1Km trek across the dunes and that we would be spending a few hours on the pan taking shots and despite drinking way more than I thought I needed, I got mild sun stroke! Be prepared or you will have problems.
The driving is very easy with the only issues to be aware of is petrol stations and places to have punctures repaired.
While many of the hotels may display a 4 or 5 star rating these ratings should not be confused with those in Europe or USA. The quality of service encountered can be quite perfunctory to almost bordering on rude. There are however bright beacons of light that shine so brightly that this high level of service takes you by complete surprise! The speed of service can be slow to the extent of being glacial! If you want a quick meal…forget it. This is not a slight against you, they just don’t do “Quick”. We popped into a fast food joint on one occasion for a snack and it took nearly 40 minutes to get our food!
That said the sights we saw are out of this world, the fun we had was continuous, and I am not sure I will have the chance to take shots like I did again in a long time.
Definitely worth a visit!
IN
Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ngorongoro and Serengeti
We went for a 3 nights 4 day trip to ngorongoro and serengetti from dar by road with Diagle tours. The tour organizer Sam ensured our comfort during all these days and organized a perfect tour according to our budget. I have been in a similar trip but didnt enjoy as much as I did with Diagle. Thanks for everything Diagle.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!!
We had a great experience with this operator, they were very professional, knowledge, and we got to see a lot with them during our trip. The place where we stayed was very welcoming and comfortable. The food that was served was also great. If one day we returned to Africa we would definitely use there services once again.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Helpful, efficient, professional and knowledgeable - made for a stress free trip
We were fortunate enough to use Susan at Pembury Tours for our holiday in South Africa last month. We went to Cape Town, Arathusa Lodge at Sabi Sand Reserve and Victoria Falls - the accommodation recommended was all ideal and just the style we wanted. All the travel arrangements with guides and transfers worked perfectly, making the trip very stress free and helping to make this a great holiday. Could not give a higher recommendation - thank you Susan you did a great job.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable experience
From my first contact with Stacy, I was impressed by the personal interest and willingness to organize a safari that met our needs. The 6 day safari was unforgettable. Excellent accommodations - the tented camp being a highlight. The people in Tanzania were wonderful. Moodie was an excellent tour guide. Good luck ensured amazing animal viewing but Moodie also knew exactly where to take us. I know there are many safari outfitters but I would highly recommend Shadows of Africa - we became very excited about "our" land cruiser and guide when we saw others - we were the most fortunate.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Phenomenal Safari with KETS
We became acquainted with Kenya Expresso Tours and Safaris (KETS) 1 ½ years ago when we began looking for a 1 day safari in Kenya. Originally, we were only going to spend 1 day in Kenya before flying to Rwanda to trek after the mountain gorillas.
As we researched KETS 1 day safaris, we became captivated with them. They offered a variety of 1 day safaris, their price was unbelievably great, and they had phenomenal reviews on TripAdvisor. Also, we would be the only people on their 1 day safaris with our own private driver/guide. It soon became apparent to us, that we wanted to spend more than 1 day on the traditional safari offered by KETS. We wanted to see so much more since we were flying all the way to Kenya from Chicago. We wanted to have the best possible chance to see the Big 5, and to see the Great Migration of the wildebeast, and their river crossing. So, we emailed Paul, the tour consultant of KETS, and asked his advice. Paul answered all of our emails within 24 hours, and was very helpful in helping us customize an itinerary.
Paul recommended visiting Kenya in September. This would give us the best chance of observing the Big 5 and the migration. He also recommended visiting Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara. Paul must be a phenomenal prognostigator!!! We followed his recommendations and were able to see the Big 5 and the wildebeasts crossing the Mara River during their migration.
We were awed, astounded, amazed, and just overwhelmed with the beauty and wildness of Amboseli, Masai Mara, and Lake Nakura. Our accomodations were spacious and restful, with satisfying meals, mostly served buffet style. Dishes included familiar foods as well as a few native dishes. All these appetizing dishes were offered in delicious large quantities.
Due to the expertise planning of Kenya Expresso Tours and Safaris, we experienced the unparalleled wilderness of this fascinating country and had the privilege of being escorted by Philip, a very able driver and knowledgeable guide. My husband and I were the only visitors in the roomy Toyota Land Cruiser, and we found Philip to be a reliable driver and a bold, intelligent guide who often surprised us with unexpected sightings. He found the big 5 for us to observe and photograph during the first 26 hours of our visit, including both the black and white rhinos! Philip would position the vehicle as close as possible to the animals so that we had the best possible views and locations for our photos. He took us to an excellent vantage point overlooking the Mara River to watch the wildebeasts cross. After one hour of waiting unsuccessfully for the wildebeasts to cross, we left to explore other areas. Shortly, we came across a pride of lions, and stopped to observe and photograph them. After several minutes, the male started to court one of the females, and then started to mate with her right in front of us!! While watching the lions mate, Philip heard on his radio that the wildebeasts started to cross the river. So, he told us to buckle-up, turned the Land Cruiser around, and put the pedal to the metal. He got us to the river safely in time to watch the wildebeasts!!! All of our wishes for our Kenya safari had come to fruition. Unbelievable!!! We could not have wished for a better experience than the one we had with KETS, Paul, and Philip.
Paul was assisted us when the airlines lost our luggage, and he was instrumental in tracking down our bags when we had no luck in finding them.
So, book a wonderful never-to-be-forgotten journey with Kenya Express Tours and Safaris. You will find that for the money spent, this trip will be a significant value. Paul and Philip will be waiting for you.
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mikumi Wildlife Park/ Reserve and Camp- 2 nights/ 3 days
We cannot recommend Gecko Adventures enough. Especially Rama (organizer) and Saiid (Safari guide/ driver).
From the first initial email contact to the day after the safari, everything was arranged perfectly, without any delays or hick us. We were on our honeymoon and had such a great time with Saiid on our private safari.
We were picked up in Dar at our hotel at the promised time. Rama even called out from the office to say hello and to introduce us to our guide/ driver.
The car was great, a proper and clean safari jeep and we really enjoyed the 4 hours drive from Dar to Mikumi. Our guide Saiid was very welcoming and chatty and so knowledgeable. We would definitely recommend a private safari and the drive to Mikumi (as opposed to a fly in safari) as we saw so much of the Tanzanian countryside and its people. Amazing!!!
Once we arrived at Mikumi we settled in to our amazing safari hut/ house, then had lunch and went on our first safari/ game drive in the afternoon. We didn't have to drive far and saw elephants, zebras, giraffes etc, etc. The best thing about Mikumi Wildlife camp is its watering whole, which is so close to the veranda, so we could just have sat there all day watching the animals that come and go to drink etc.
Services was amazing, food was great, too.
The daily game drives were tailored to our requirements, as long or short as we wanted- this is the advantage of a private safari. We saw all the animal we came to see, even saw a lion and lioness mating...
Saiid arranged for a honeymoon surprise with the manager of Mikumi Wildlife camp. We had a bush dinner and the Masai came over to our table for a 'wedding dance and song'... amazing and what a surprise... the bottle of champagne was appreciated, too. The sky in the distance was lit up by lightening...how romantic and unforgettable...
Overall we had a great experience. On the way back to Dar Saiid stopped at a couple of markets for us as we had asked him and negotiated prices of fruit/ veg etc for us.
Definitely use Gecko!!! They can tailor any aspect and have unbeatable prices, too.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thanks, KETS, For An Incomparable Adventure
It was 5 am when we heard a gentle knock on the door of our Nairobi bungalow. It was Lucky, our safari driver/guide with KETS (Kenya Expresso Tours and Safari), and our 11-day, epic adventure was about to begin.
It was a 5-hour drive from Nairobi to Voi, the entrance to our first park: Tsavo East. At the entrance gate, Lucky lifted the pop-top and we assumed the standing position in the van, clutching our cameras, and having absolutely no idea what to expect. First impression of Tsavo: the desert-like terrain appeared too barren to support dense populations of wildlife. On the contrary, just 30-minutes later, a parade of 40-elephants trotted passed the van. Jaws dropped and eyes bugged as we entered a world of wonderment that touched us like no other life experience.
Our guide, Lucky, was a perfect fit for our style of safari-ing. A perfect gentleman and professional with an easy laugh, he handled every detail of the trip so all we had to do for 11-days was to maintain our balance in the van as the best of wild Africa unfolded beyond our pop-top. Our safety and comfort were top priorities for Lucky, as was his commitment to fill each game drive with rarefied experiences. His laser-sharp vision perfectly complemented his psychic-powers and instinct in choosing the right road at the right moment to locate wildlife. At Masai Mara, he stopped the van and said, “Watch this.” We had a ring-side seat to observe 4 male lions surround buffaloes, which resulted in a tense stand-off. Suddenly, the buffaloes charged and the lions scattered like terrified kitties. Later on the same drive, he located a pair of mating lions.
We couldn’t have been more pleased with the lodges at Tsavo East/West, Amboseli, Naivasha, Lake Nakuro, and Masai Mara. And the lodges’ buffet meals…vegetarians, prepare to eat the best, most varied meals of your life. Lucky used his charm and persuasion to get us the best rooms overlooking the waterholes. At Naivasha’s Sopa Lodge, who needs a waterhole when hippos are grazing in the garden right outside your room?
We decided go with KETS based on internet postings as well as the competitive price. But even with all the glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, there always remains the nagging possibility that high expectations may collide with disarming realities. But our expectations were met and then blown off the charts with each park we toured. Paul, the owner, knows what customers want and is eager to oblige. The money exchange was effortless. I sent a $1,000 deposit via Western Union, and paid the balance (also via Western Union) the evening before our safari began.
This may sound nuts, but 4-days after we returned home and still wobbly from travel, we tallied our British Air miles and bought 2 tickets San Francisco-Nairobi for next August. The expression “we’re hooked” applies here.
Thanks, Lucky and KETS, for countless, priceless memories.
Our Tsavo East experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxGOLZgIYx0
Our Tsavo East experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTcYTpqtu8w
A word about our stay in Nairobi: we wanted a rural place to stay away from the bustle of the big city that was also within walking distance of Dame Daphne’s elephant orphanage (we had adopted an orphan, Mbegu, and wanted to visit as often as possible.) We also wanted a place that bordered Nairobi National Park, so we could continue our safari independently on foot. Our criteria for the ideal rental did indeed exist: Nyati Hills Cottages on Masai Lodge Rd. Who knew we’d see more rhinos looking out the kitchen window than we would see on an 11-day safari? We loved the proximity to wildlife, from the hyraxes at Rolf’s Place to the baboons in our backyard. And we thoroughly enjoyed the trek to visit the elephant orphans. Nyati Hills was THE place to stay both before and after touring the national parks.