IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Breathtaking experience
I first contacted Enrica of South African Dream Tours in Italy last April, in view of celebrating our Silver wedding anniversary (30 September). Unfortunately the time available was so short (only 8 days!!) so reluctantly we had to drop her first proposal (Rovos Rail journey to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe).
She promptly came up with different arrangements to our fullest satisfaction: everything was up to and beyond our expectations (Victoria Falls, Panorama Route drive and game drives at Shumbalala Lodge in South Africa). Not a single minute was wasted, service, communication and organization simply perfect.
Now back home to work, but still dreaming of it...
If you want any further details, just email me
[email protected]
and I will be most pleased to reply.
Do not cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
GR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Value, Marvelous experience
We, 2 persons, had a 5 day/4night Tarangire/Serengeti/Ngorongoro Safari with Oltumure Tours & Safaris.
Robert and his team were concetrated to cover our needs and managed to exeed our expectations! Robert always responded to the emails quickly and with clarity to the emails. Further he organised everything perfect, according to our demands and needs and his expeprience.
The guide/driver -Victor, knew many things about the ecosystem in the national Parks, about the animal habits and behaviour, and this helped not only to see the all the big 5 and to spot many animals, but to observe their behaviours -lions mating, elephants taking bath, and even to witness a lion hunt and kill (lions attacked a zebra)- wich was very interesting.
Gabriel the cook is also a marvelous cook who worked very hard in order for us to have plenty of delicious meals.
Also, the agency offered one of the best prices for the tour, so actually is the best value we found for the safari!
In conclusion, I strongly recommend this travel agency!!!
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari and Meru-Trek
We wanted to do a 4day Safari and a 4day Mt. Meru Trek. Therefore i compared several offers and found Mike's offer to be the best - because it already included transport (from and to the airport), all meals and accomodation. Furthermore, Mike responds quickly to mails and answered all my questions in advance!
The accomodation on safari was better than expected (and even better than booked!) - tented lodges and the great Mountain View Lodge. Our chef cooked great meals in the evening and for breakfast! The lunch boxes were okay, maybe a little bit more variation would be nice. We booked a "joining group" safari and thus shared the car with 1 to 4 other people - but there is enough space in the car.
Our driver Nickson was a real expert in game drives - he stopped at the best spots for taking pictures and had a perfect sense for animals included loads of information concerning fauna and flora. After Tarangire and Ngorongoro (both breathteaking parks and incredible animals!) we had already seen the big 5! In Lake Manyara there were plenty of elephants and birds and Mike offered us to make a walking safari with an armed ranger in Arusha NP - which was also a great experience.
All in all, the safari as PERFECT!
The next day we were picked up by our cook and two porters and went to Mormella Gate in Arusha NP, where me met two other porters. Those guys carried our backpack, sleeping bags (Mike organized very warm sleeping bags for us which are very important because it gets cold), plenty of food and water. We walked with a group accompanied by an armed ranger to Miriakamba Hut on the first day. On the next day, we asceded to Saddle Hut and Little Meru. On day three, we started our summit-ascent at 1 am. The weather was perfect but it was cold! At 6am we reached the summit and watched a breathteaking sunrise next to Kilimanjaro above the clouds - wow! After this incredible moment we descended to Saddle for a snack and continued to Miriakamba. Next day down to Mormella Gate.
We were astonished at the meals - our cook Freddy did a great job. He offered us african and european cuisine with five star quality on 3500m - incredible! The huts were also better than expected.
All in all, the Trek was PERFECT too :)
The next day, Mike gave us a ride to Arusha airport and we went to Zanzibar for another week in paradise.
You can trust Mike and his team to make your safari and trek to a wonderful experience in Tanzania!
The only negative thing is the "tip-culture" we experienced all over the coutry. A tip is regarded as a fixed part of the salary and will be required for safari and trek. Although we would have tipped anyway because all guys did a great job, it's sometimes annoying when you're asked about the tip you will pay.
PR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
No words to describe the most amazing experience
In August 2013, we decided to visit South Africa so I started looking for help because we were going to travel with friend and I did not want to mess up anything. We were going to Africa from San Juan, Puerto Rico (Caribbean) and our friends were travelling from Sydney, Australia. Since the first contact, until the day we arrived back home from our trip (Sept, 2014) the service provided by Shelley was superb.
We have travel a lot and I can say that this was the best holiday ever! Our trip exceeded our expectations. We really appreciate Shelley’s assistance, knowledge, patience, and dedication to make this holiday a complete succeed. Every travel detail was perfectly arranged and the logistics were perfectly coordinated. All the drivers were courteous and punctual and the tours and activities were perfect. There may be people who think that South Africa is one of the easiest countries in the world to book everything yourself and tailor exactly your needs but that is not enough. I have been talking to people who visited Africa before and none of them have been able to see all that we saw.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Infinitely Better than the Rest
There are so many safari companies to choose from. After thorough research, my friend and I narrowed our list to five safari companies. We contacted each company, inquiring about prices and asking general questions. Augustine, from Safari Infinity, replied immediately and provided detailed information. I greatly appreciated Augustine's friendliness, patience, and willingness to answer all my questions. Also, the price was the best in comparison to the other tour companies offering similar tours. After many emails with Augustine, an itinerary was chosen. As the day of the safari got closer I had a lot of questions. Augustine took the time to answer every single question I had, no matter how minuscule, and never made me feel as though I were being a nuisance. During my layover in Amsterdam, my friend became sick so she decided to stay for a night in the airport hotel and urged me to continue on to Tanzania. I was very nervous about going alone, but I went knowing she would join me the next day. When I landed, my safari guide, Eric, was there to greet me. He already knew about the situation with my friend and tried to make be feel better. During the drive from the airport to the lodge Eric and I chatted. He was very friendly and immediately put me at ease. Each day on the safari Eric received an update on my friend from Lucia, the owner of Safari Infinity. On the 4th day, I learned that my friend returned home. Although I was sad that my friend couldn't join me, I wasn't worried because I knew I was in good hands. Every day I saw incredible animals because of Eric. His eyesight is amazing! I couldn't believe how far his eyes could see. Every time Eric would spot an animal he would describe to me exactly where to look. If I couldn't find the animals, he would try to explain to me in a different way where to look. He never gave up on me and patiently helped me. During the safari, I would ask Eric questions that he could answer without hesitation. He would also provide me information about the area and the animals we were seeing. I learned a lot from Eric. He is also very funny and would make me laugh during our long car rides. There was a lot of driving involved on unpaved roads and steep descents, but I always felt safe. At the end of the safari, I met Lucia and Simon. I think it is amazing that they want to meet each of their clients and talk to them about their safari. They seem to truly care about their clients and want them to experience how amazing Tanzania is. Throughout my safari Lucia and Simon was in constant contact with Eric. They always asked about me and how I was doing. They even upgraded me to a luxurious lodge towards the end of my trip. I have been and will continue to recommend Safari Infinity. I hope to visit Tanzania again and if I do I will most definitely book with Safari Infinity.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Leopard tour : Game drives in the Kruger Park and Blyde River Canyon
Crazy Dave drove us 4 in an open car which was perfect to enjoy the landscapes and see animals ... We were very lucky to see in the same morning not only the big five but also a lot of different animals, especially giraffas and zebras !!! We went to a funny sunset game drive and enjoy a great dinner cooked by Dave himself. The next day we saw to the God's Window, the Blyde river canyon and the Three Rondavels, amazing landscapes ! Then we enjoyed tasty pancakes in Graskop ... 2 beautiful days, thanks Dave !!!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An excellent company that went out of their way for us!
I would really recommend this company. We contacted them on a Wednesday hoping to do a last minute safari starting on Saturday. Michelle was so excellent in helping us, lots of emails back and forth - even outside of working hours, to create a really special trip for us. The transfer from Jo'burg was good, the Lodge was fantastic and we saw the big 5 on the first game drive! We couldn't have asked for more. Next time we're looking for a safari we'll contact Thorn Bush Safaris.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Attentive to all details and arranged a perfectly planned and executed trip!
We had the most magical trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Both safari and city touring were spectacular. All tours and stays arranged by go2 Africa were top notch , timely and well planned. Service provided was exceptional. Our trip was a trip of a lifetime. The safari at ivory Lodge was beyond anything we could have imagined.
DE
35-50 years of age
Amazing Safari
Our safari with Savannah Explorers was absolutely wonderful, we enjoyed every minute of it!
Ibrahim, our guide, was excellent. He is a fantastic wildlife spotter who will see the ear of a lion sticking out of the grass at 1 km distance - amazing! He was also extremely good in positioning our vehicle always in the best position for observing and photographing, meaning he was excellent in anticipating the animal's behaviour.
In addition we highly appreciated the professional but very unbureaucratic organization of this safari. Roberto always replied immediately to all our inquiries and changes of plan and this made it extremely easy for us.
Thank you all for an overwhelming and unforgettable trip!!!
We certainly recommend Savannah Explorers to everybody!
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
amazing safari
this is the link of my safari diary, wrote in italian with photos!!!
http://www.ilgiramondo.net/diari-viaggio/3080-safari-in-kenya-samburu-nakuru-e-masai-mara/