NL
They were excellent drivers, friendly and funny guides and knew clearly what they were talking about
We had a group with young and old people. The drivers/guides were so respectfull to the
elderly people but they also connected so well with the younger kids. The kids loved to be in the car with the drivers Protas and Cosmas. Even now since we are at home they still talk about them.
We got so much information from Protas and Cosmas about the wildlife and we could ask any question at any time. We learned so much from them, they gave us a part of their knowledge.. A big thanks for that.
They took care of us, they made this safari a special trip for our big family.
Bibi and Babu (the grandparents) were so happy during this trip, so thanks again for that!!
Ingrid Vos
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari, night in a Maasai Boma & a lot more! Authentic experience!
We booked a 9-day tour at Touch Africa Adventures.
I contacted Samuel (maasai owner) some months in advanced in order to compare prices and tours.
I avoid international agencies and contacted straight local companies based in Arusha. I chose Touch Africa not only because was offering a reasonable price but also the tour and cultural activities were better than the others.
We overnight and spent full day in a maasai boma - actually where Samuel was born and comes from.
This was the highlight of our tour. Also enjoyed a lot our stay in Lake Natron (less touristic and breathtaking lanscape!).
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Terrible organitation. Nobody knows your itinerary. No information, poor atention and bad manners.
I have never write my opinion about a travel, but they have ruined my trip, and I want to advice other travelers about this company.Don´t choose this company, look for a better one.
First at all, highlight the horrible organitation that they have. At the begining, before start the trip, Mike answer all the mails very quickly and without problems, although he didn´t send us the final itinerary with the overnight places until 3 days before. When we arrive there, start the problems. In each part of the trip (2-3 days) you have different groups and diferent drivers. They divide people in several vans and we were from different companies in each one. They are only drivers and don´t know nothing about your trip and intinerary. Don´t give you information about nothing. They let us at a crossroad where the itineraries are separated, and nobody knows who have to pick up us and the hotel that we had for this night. It happens again two times more, and when we arrive by bus from Tanzania noboby was waiting for us, we have to call the agency because they forgot it, and wait near an hour, and Nairobi is not a safe place for the tourist.
They also change the most part of our acomodation, they weren´t the lodges and campings that they said. And you are paying an expensive trip and they change by more economical acomodation. One of the camping was a place of free camping, without a ranger or security, so you can understand all the money that they get of the trip.
But the worst was the attention and manners of all guides. They are nothing friendly and I had never experience such a violent situation, when they ask for tips. They think tourist are a cash machine, they ask for tips for all the staff, including people you have never seen, and saying it wasn´t enough, and I assure you that with income per capita that has the country, they have enough with that tip to live 5 months.
We discuss with them and didn´t assume they mistakes. We come back very ungry and disappointed with the trip and all the staff.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic arrangement from Mr. Edward. Really liked his organisation skill. Very supportive guy.
I had visited Kenya city and Masai Mara b/n 9th - 13th Aug. The arrangements from Mr. Edward of Budget Safari was superb. Really enjoyed Masai mara tour. All well planned and properly managed by the gentlelan Edward. Masai Mara and Kenya city are very nice place to visit. There are many wildlifes can be seen throught the day. Driver James Bond was superb and dedicated. Because of his initiation, we could able to see all Big 5's. In Kenya I have visited to BAPS temples, Park lands - Hindus areas, Diomand Plaza, Sky Mall etc..
Thanks Edward / James Bond. Hope to see you again in Kenya.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
6 Day Safari Masai Mara/ Lake Nakuru/ Amboseli
Peter from Africa Flash Mc Tours, did a nice job to organize all for us. The communication with Emails worked well. The whole Safari was perfect organized and we had a nice Driver with a lot of experience. At least we had 6 wonderfull days. Thanks to Africa flash Mc Tours Crew
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best safari!
I was very impressed with Pearl Africs safari. It was well organised and the drivers were really friendly and helpful. I'd definitely recommend them to everyone!
RU
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Exciting bushadventure
Everything from the first transport at the Johannesburg international Airport where I arrived from Cape Town to the transfer from Marc´s Treehouse to J-burg went perfect. I am impressed how well they organized everything each night so everyone know exactly where to go and how to prepar for the following day. All drivers and guides worked very hard and showed there passion about the wild animals and nature. Within one week I made 2 educational bushwalks, 1 afternoon and spotlight drive in Balule reserve with a braai (barbeque), 1 game drive in Balule, 3 full days in Kruger NP, 1 visit to a Rehab center where I could feed a vulture and meet a rhino calf, 1 afternoon drive in Tshukudu reserve where I discussed poaching antipoaching and antipoaching with the nature guide, and had Close ups with lions, white rhinos and cape buffaloes. The last morning in Kruger so much action was within 1 km. Lions, nearby the large waterhole where elephants, baboons, kudus, giraffes, impalas and even a white rhino came to drink and nearby a leopard was hiding. I only wish it would be lunchboxes for Kruger or (If the camp Satara where we had luch/one day a take away so we could go off directly) could organize a mobile service. Booth accomodations 1 night in Tremisana lodge and 5 in Marc´s Tree House are excellent with boot the environment food and also very nice with Daily Close contacts with the wonderful nyala anthelopes at the Tree House camp. This was my 3 thrd South Africa journey and I have been out tracking wild endangered animals since the age of 15. Have met in the wild snow leopards, jaguars, bengal tigers, lowland gorillas, white sharks and more fellows.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic- Even better than I had hoped for
I had a 12 day trip in Rwanda and Uganda which included Safari drives, Gorilla and Chimp trekking. We were with Encounter for the full trip and it was excellent. Highlights included
-Our Guide Joseph- he was a fantastic knowledgeable guide with eyes like binoculars when it came to finding animals on game drives. He had a great insight into local culture, a great sense of humor and nothing was too much to ask for
- The planning- Chris in the office trailored the trip based on what we asked for, he was always quick with a response and was able to build in bespoke elements to the trip with ease
- What we saw- The Gorillas were awesome, in both Uganda and Rwanda- very different experiences. While the permits are expensive it is truly a fantastic experience. On top of this in safari drives we saw everything. I'd always thought Kenya trumped rest of East Africa for game but I saw more in terms of variety in a few drives than expected- Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Giraffes, Tree Climbing Lions, Hippo's and an incredible array of bird life
-Locations we stayed- honestly we didnt expect them to be as nice as they were. Great locations which were peaceful and very close to the days activities. Broadbill and Murchison falls were the best of the bunch
I'd strongly recommend Encounter if you are considering a trip to East Africa- go to see the Gorillas, the bird life, the game and the local culture and go with Encounter- it'll be the trip of a life time
AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
3 days and 2 nights in Chobe Botswana
We had an amazing experience in Chobe. We have done a tent safari for 3 days and 2 nights. Our guide in Chobe "Stanley" and "Simon" were great, we saw almost everything. And our meals were also delicious. I would do it again!