50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Holiday of wilderness and amazing gazing
In the spring last year I contacted a number of safari companies and Wild Gaze replied swiftly and comprehensively. Because we were flying to Arusha Norbert was our main interlocutor during that preparation period and over the next few months we communicated on a weekly basis. Apart from the safari there were other specific things that I wanted us to do and planning our itinerary wasn’t easy but Wild Gaze Safaris were extremely helpful and accommodating. They organised accommodation as well as our bus and taxi journeys and they looked after us as if we were royalty! In Arusha Norbert and Fred, the taxi driver, were attentive to our every need. We started our safari in Iringa where Ernest, the master mind behind Wild Gaze, and Nalasco, our driver and guide for the next four days looked after us beautifully. Nalasco was there when we stepped off the bus and Ernest welcomed us at The Sunset Hotel. A very well chosen venue with lovely food and friendly staff. Over the next four days everything was beautifully laid out and we discovered Ruaha. Nalasco is a very kind and knowledgeable guide who helped us understand the landscapes and its mighty inhabitants. The national park of Ruaha is wonderful and we saw some amazing animals. Nolasco could see everything miles ahead. He was also an excellent driver and the drive was not an easy drive! No doubt the top gear team would award him a medal. On the last day of our safari he drove us across valleys and mountains to take us to Mikumi, and on our way we stopped in Iringa where Ernest, because we were pressed for time, handed us some delicious chicken and chips through the window. A great team work. After a few wonderful days in Zanzibar we returned to Arusha where once again Norbert took us under his wing. Thank you Wild Gaze team for an amazing adventure!!!!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An experience of a lifetime
The tour outfit was very professional and communication was excellent throughout. Result was an excellent safari experience that was commensurate with what we paid.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A second tailor made trip, perfectly arranged by Tailor Made Safaris
All our wishes have been fullfilled in our second trip that Angela has made for us. No question was too much and we did get a quick response every time. The knowledge about the accomodations and safari options proposed was great. The complete trip was filled with highlights of the Elephant Coast.
Two weeks before our trip we received an amazing personalized photo album. Everything necessary was found within the book, meaning we did not have to bring any loose paperwork with us. The accommodations and safaris were amazing. And so was the contact with our advisor Angela! We definitely recommend this company!
SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wow!!! We just had the best trip of our lives
It was not easy planning our Gorilla Trekking and Safari trip without knowing anyone in Uganda as there are many operators to choose from. We did a bit of research and zeroed on Devine African Safaris because of the rave reviews they had on various platforms, alsotimely communication with Nicholas. He also gave us a great deal for the mid-range accommodation package. He did a perfect job of organizing our safari with Herbert as tour guide and driver. We had a wonderful experience where we saw plenty of animals in the parks. Gorillas trekking in Bwindi forest was awesome. You cannot go wrong with Devine African Safaris. These guys are professionals!
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our experience has been stunning! Everything perfect in terms of organization, timing and happiness!
I strongly recommend them to book your safari, since they have a good price and they are very available to meet your needs. Lenard, our guide, was very kind and helpful during our trip. Doing a safari is one of the unmissable experience that you should do in your life.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional
Kudos to Martha our guide for the exceptional service. We booked a 7 days trip in Uganda and everything was to our expectations since it was tailored for us. Our safari planner Sarah from Forever Africa Safari ensured that our African vacation met our expectation. The lodges were awesome and we loved the time at the lodges. Our favourite was fort Murchison and the gorilla trekking of the Nshongi family. Kudos to the team at Forever Africa Safari
RU
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing 6D/5N Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari
My family of 4 just returned from an incredible Tanzania safari with Migration Ventures Africa. Amos the director of the agency was an excellent contact person guiding us in creating a wonderful 6 days itinerary to Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. We had Tesha as our guide, he was friendly and made us feel welcomed. He was a master at spotting animals where we could see none. I guess this comes with experience and passion for the job. I commend the Migration Adventure Crew for coordinating our trip smoothly from start to the end and providing excellent service. Your selection of hotel and camps for the trip was excellent. I will definitely bring back my family soon for another adventure with you guys.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Family Safari!
Our family adventure through Kenya is one we will not soon forget! We are based in the US and had terrible experiences planning our trip with two other safari outfitters prior to meeting Peter (online) and are so grateful to him and his team. Our family of four includes two kiddos, aged 10 and 11.
1. Our driver and guide, Eddie (more on him later), was waiting for us outside the airport in Nairobi with a smile (despite delays at customs and with baggage claim).
2. The itinerary was thoughtful and well planned. Our family is OK with driving, which is a good thing. Kenya is LARGE and we wanted to see much of it. We opted for one flying leg and might suggest adding another leg via air as it was quick and enjoyable.
3. We loved being in the parks on off season (late November) as we often felt like we were the only ones in the park. This afforded very intimate encounters with the wildlife.
4. Suggestions: Definitely bring enough binoculars for the family. Our camera had a good zoom, but the binoculars were even better for spotting animals. Spring for the safari jeep over the van. We were zooming past other groups in vans and were able to get to areas of the parks that were un-passable for the vans. I had boots that zipped off which was awesome for quick removal for standing on the seats in socks. It would have been a pain to lace up every time. You will be spending lots of time in a vehicle on bumpy roads - if you experience motion sickness at all, come prepared with bracelets and Dramamine. None of the lodges had postcard stamps available for purchase
5. Finally, our trip would not have been as wonderful as it was without Eddie. Our guide and driver and now friend for life made our safari an unforgettable experience. He is knowledgeable about the parks and the wildlife and the country in ways that we couldn't have expected. When on the second to last day we hadn't spotted all five of the big five, he was obviously disappointed and resolved to help us check the leopard off the list. It was because of this resolve and knowledge that, on the last drive on the last day we saw a gorgeous leopard up close. We were the only vehicle there to witness the cat devour its fresh breakfast in the tree (with anxious hyena awaiting scraps to fall). Eddie is a skilled driver, a friend to many other safari guides and, when we go back to Kenya, it will be 100% because of this man.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Honeymoon to Remember
his review is long overdue and so much deserved. My husband and I honestly stumbled upon Lion King Adventures and from previous reviews, decided that we were going to book our honeymoon adventure with them in November 2019.
There was no detail about our trip overlooked. From meeting us at the airport, to saying our final goodbyes our guide was there to ensure we had a safe and fun trip.
Now, I have to admit - while the pricing of our trip was more than reasonable, the accommodations were beyond any expectation that we had, and well the animals - you'll never have this interaction with such happy, real, high spirited, wild animals anywhere else - our guide Salehe Kimosa is who really made our trip something special and unique. You have to realize, you're with this person for the full duration of your trip, you put your trust and your memories in this person. Having an exceptional guide is key and there is no doubt in mind that Salehe is one of the best out there. Salehe knew the lay of the land and found us every type of animal that we could have hoped to see. He respected the animals and ensured that we did not disturbed them while they enjoyed their afternoons. What I really admired about Salehe is how caring he was, to us, to other drivers along the way, to people in the communities. He's a sincere and authentic person and it really shows. Salehe also taught us about the people who lived in each area, some history and became our friend in a very short time.
I could write so much more, but I want to be sure my review isn't too long so that it can be helpful and read by all.
Quick points
-November was actually a fantastic time to visit. Lower amounts of other tourists, late night rains to keep the dust down, the heat wasn't too bad during the day and sometimes just moderate.
-Lion King Adventures is hands down the best option we could find. Best accommodations, friendliest staff, and so much fun!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantastic trip
We went on a 13 day private safari with Esteleon, and it was absolutely fantastic. Our driver, Tony, was extremely knowledgeable and provided a great experience for us.
We saw all of the big 5 as well as Cheetahs, hunting Mongooses, White and Black Rhinos, all three subtypes of Giraffes, a wild newborn hippo, and even a mother Spotted Hyena and her cubs in their burrow.
I personally preferred the Tented Camps over the Brick and mortar hotels because they were cooler at night and you could hear the sounds of the animals and rivers as well! If you are going to visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife trust, I would recommend adopting an elephant so you can go to their adopter hour, which is much more intimate with the baby elephants than the 11am visit.
Favorite Places: Ol Pejeta, Maasai Mara, and David Sheldrick's Adopter visiting hour. Ol' Pejeta's tented camp was my favorite lodging and had the best Rhino viewing. Maasai Mara was incredible for seeing predator animals such as Lions, Cheetahs, and Hyena.
