50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Interesting and intimate journey through South Africa
On my friend and my recent trip to South Africa we were lucky enough to be recommended to look at Compass Odyssey as our tour organiser. We were two women travelling alone and needed to feel comfortable with our itinerary. Darren and Kate from Compass Odyssey delivered us a very memorable experience....which was tuned to suit us.
The trip went off without a hitch - we were picked up and dropped off at airports and were given informative and interesting guides (Garth in Capetown knew everything about everything.......took us everywhere and was great company). Our trip to Senalala Lodge was perfect - thoroughly enjoyed the game drives where we managed to see the Big 5 - still can't believe how close we got to the animals and they just ignored us! We also did Vic Falls, Chobe (boat safaris) and back in Johannesburg for a tour of Soweto. Our 2 hour drive from Senalala to Nespruitt Airport was a beautiful drive through tribal lands and eucalyptus forest - so nice to see that part of South Africa.
The accommodation was perfect....they have obviously been handpicked by Compass Odyssey for their personalised service ......loved them all, but Delia in Johannesburg made us feel like we were staying with our best friend.
We managed to come across other C. O. clients in our travels and enjoyed a great connection with them all.
The information provided by the Darren and Kate was comprehensive and we were kept up to date and contacted by them along the way - we felt like they were looking after us all the way.
Highly recommend this tour group.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
an absolutely disappointing and frustrating experience with Tazama Holidays in the Masai Mara, Kenya
I just returned from a 6-nights private Migration Safari with Tazama Holidays in Kenya, quite expensive for a single traveller in a land cruiser. And it was absolutely disappointing!
The aim of my trip was very clear from the beginning on - wildlife photography of the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara.
But their driver-guide, Eric, first only did classic game drives and only after unpleasant vivid discussions finally took me to the Talek River instead to the requested more important Mara River crossing points, with the result that we only got to see one crossing on the very last day (even though I showed him the exact points on a map!)
This driver of a 'photographic' safari (Tazama's own words) did not know anything about the simplest rules how to position the vehicle. He was very stubborn and did not take lightly to criticism. At any sightings he would spend most of the time on his phone (talking or checking messages). He definitely lacks even the most basic communicative skills (except with fellow drivers) as it proved to be extremely difficult to get any info or feedback. The only positive thing: he is a good driver and game spotter. It might well be that you fare better when going with the owner, Antony, himself. But although this was initially the plan also for my trip, this was changed shortly before leaving. You never know what you get!
Shortly before leaving for the trip Tazama proposed to change accommodation, an intimate eco-bush camp inside the Mara Reserve instead a much bigger one outside the reserve. This proved to be an excellent suggestion. However, also here Tazama disappointed as they stated this new camp would be more expensive, but they would not charge it to me. During my stay, however, I got the info that the bush camp was in fact about 20 percent cheaper - quite a sum for 6 nights which Tazama of course happily kept for themselves.
In short, if you don't ask for anything more than very general 'touristy' game drives and don't mind being ripped off for accomodation rates, if you are fine with a driver who does what he wants and does not communicate, go with Tazama.
US
Everything we asked for at an affordable price, great service!
Just came back from our 10 days African experience. Heidi, our consultant, was beyond helpful to accommodate our wishes around our time and budget constraints. She is attentive and always responded in a timely manner to all our questions and changes requests. Every transfer, activities and accommodation was as described in the proposal. Tour guides were knowledgeable and professional, and the tours groups were only 4 people, almost private, for the most part. Thanks to Pembury's planning we covered a lot in the short time we had. Visiting Victoria Falls was a bonus and the two reserves she recommended were different but equally amazing. The lodge that she booked for us at Sabi Sands, Arathusa Lodge was excellent and a great way to finish our holiday. Great value for the money!
IT
An excellenet experjwnce! I really felt in good hands!well organized tour not expensive compared to
Fede and Martin are excellent guides as they are not only competent but also very friendly.
The trip to Masai Mara was very well organized
so that we had the chance to see the "big five"as we were in the right place at the right time. Good accommodation.
I highly reccommend Fede Tours to all people who want to enjoy the amazing Kenyan parks in a comfortable and organized way. Fede speaks Italian fluently so this company suits borh foreign and Italian customers.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent holiday in Tanzania
Excellent team and organisation. We enjoyed a very complete holiday trip in Tanzania including a climb of Kili, a safari tour and a beach break in Zanzibar. The Furahia team was friendly, professional and very proactive. The choice of the hotels was good ad smart. I would recommend them to anyone.
SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Services, Would Recommend to All, Very Friendly Team, we had lots of fun.
First Visit and we couldnt wish for any thing better, team was so helpful, great sights and expectations were duly met. Would Recommend to All. A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best guide and a great experience
Myself and my family had our holidays which started in Nairobi and ended in Arusha where we visited Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake manyara. Children had great time interacting with the Masai when we visited masai village while the rest enjoyed watching crocodile kill impala as they accompanied wildeebest closing the mara River. In general we had great time and Ian was very helpful in booking and both guides in Kenya and Tanzania were very flexible and accommodative to our many questions especially from our teenage boys.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ruby wedding anniversary holiday with our family - Discover Africa delivered the dream trip
It was a pleasure dealing with Matthys at Discover Africa from start to finish. He made everything as simple and easy as possible. Our trip was tremendous and we would fully recommend anyone planning a safari trip to Africa to use Discover Africa. Well done to the team and sincere thanks from all of us in “the Wood party”!
PT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing !!!!!
Me and my family have done a 6 days tour in Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Mara and it was awesome, we couldn't be happier! From the first email until the last day of the safari, all was a success. Charles, our guide, is a phenomenal person and professional and we learn so much with hi. He really loves his job and his company. All the staff was great and the accommodation in each location was really well chosen. We are happy enough to say to all our friends to go with Spirit of Kenya in their adventure and we will come back for sure!!!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Interesting relaxing and unforgettable
For me was the first time, was great, drivers were well informed, friendly and very professional.
I really recommend.