IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do not use Bramwel Safaris
In 2016 I planned a trip to Tanzania with the Tour Operator Bramwel Adventure Safaris. I purchased a tour for two people for ten days (four days at Monte Meru and six days of Safari). I paid 3200 USD in advance in July 2016; the price included a guide, accommodation, food, and park fees. On 9th September we arrived in Tanzania where we spent the night in Arusha, and on the 10th we left for Monte Meru. While on the trip the manager of Bramwel Adventure Safaris, William Almon phoned our guide to let him know that he had had a problem with his credit card and asking whether I could rather use mine to pay the fee to enter the National Park at Arusha. He reassured me that he would have refunded me with a bank transfer, since I had already paid everything in advance. In total I paid 595,90 USD.
I went back to Italy on 19th September 2016 and, since then, I have several times written to William Almon asking for my refund. With various justifications he delayed it, though he never denied that he owed me the money. I sent him my last request on 28th December and, once again, William Almon promised that I would have promptly received my refund, but, once again, I have received nothing.
SG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A holiday in Botswana and Cape Town to rave about
The best thing I did for our safari was ... to work with Kathi Simon! I have not used a tour operator for any holiday for more than a decade and thought I could organise our safari on my own. After spending hours late into the night researching online, struggling with flight connections and even contacting game lodges directly, I made the wise decision to go with Kathi, who was recommended by a friend.
Kathi's brief was not an easy one - a short trip of (only) 2 nights in Cape Town and 5 days on safari; first-timers on safari who wanted to see everything; budget constraints. She tackled all this in a professional manner, and even saved us money! Kathi was always patient and prompt with all my questions, nudging me gently in the appropriate direction in my planning, making great suggestions and reassuring me about my choices, all based on her vast experience and insight.
Our guide Rhys had the unenviable task of fulfilling our wish list for our single day in Cape Town.....which he more than delivered. Using his immense local knowledge (of traffic, especially!), Rhys made tweaks to our initial plan, packed our day in, and has whetted our desire to return to Cape Town.
Camp Kalahari exceeded all our expectations - it set the mark so high (as our first safari destination) that we wondered what Machaba Camp could offer, as an ‘upgrade’ to Camp Kalahari. Machaba Camp was newer and larger in all aspects, yet the hospitality and warmth of the staff still shone through. Food at Machaba Camp was great, but Camp Kalahari was even better.
The animals turned up in force during the green season. The Makgadikgadi salt pans had loads of zebra, their resident meerkats, lions etc etc, while Khwai River had hippos, elephants, lions, impala, lechwe etc etc. A leopard sighting appeared elusive, but Mmatsebe and her near-adult cub finally turned up..... up in a tree with an impala, in our last hour there! Lionesses 'visited' during our sundowner and got mock-charged by hippos. Our vehicle got stuck in an aardvark hole while off-roading tracking a lion, and separately, we got stuck in (yet) another hole and needed a tow, while surrounded by wild dogs and hyenas at a zebra kill. All this was amazing, but learning from and watching our guides Jonah and Kitso do the job they love, with skill and sensitivity to the environment, made for an unforgettable trip.
Can't wait to return to Africa, and when we do, I will start off by contacting Kathi at African Welcome Safaris! A well-deserved 5 stars!
SA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic, Amazing & Adventurous! Axis Safari Africa is the King of Kenya’s Safaris!
Axis Safari Africa delivered what it promised. Everything was smooth, fun & went as planned.
Lennox, the tour agent was very professional and he always replied to my messages and concerns and gave excellent advises all the time. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet him on my first day in Nairobi. I will definitely recommend him to my friends.
Johny the safari bus guide was great. He did everything so we could see all the big 5 and so many other animals. He is an excellent guide, safari knowledgeable and safe driver too.
Vincent picked me up from the airport and back, showed me the city and transported me to many interesting sites in Nairobi. He helped me buy Kenyan shirts from downtown Nairobi. He knows the city very very well. I felt safe.
Joseph took me to the hotel and back as well as to the Carnivore restaurant. Very polite and had a great attitude and personality.
This adventurous safari trip to Kenya was incredible and remarkable. I thank Axis Safari Africa, Lennox, Johny, Vincent and Joseph for making this Safari trip such as success.
Dr. Bill Fayed
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
bumpy road
On the whole, this was a decent experience.
We weren't aware the road into Masai Mara was so incredibly bumpy, and with two small children and a pensioner on board, this was information that should have been passed on to us from the start as a matter of courtesy. The car itself was very loud and the windows were quite shaky, which of course was magnified during the bumpier parts of the journey.
There was a question about money and residency status that was problematic, but eventually resolved after a few talks on the phone.
Our stay at the eco-center was pleasant, the people were friendly, and the food was lovely.
Our driver was kind and knowledgable.
Because we had two young children with us, the morning outing on the 3rd day was scrapped.
Unless a different van was available, I don't think we would ride with Safariline again.
DK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
Our driver Moses was always right on time and extremely motivated while driving us all throughout the park to find animals. this great service made our experience unforgettable. Thank you.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent service from this young and up and coming Company
Communications with Sylvester right from the start were prompt, professional and he listened to what we wanted from our safari. We were very impressed with him. All accommodations were excellent and of a very high standard. Our driver/guide Nicholas was a friendly and knowledgable companion and his driving skills were excellent. Perhaps the vehicles could do with an upgrade but maybe I say this because we are both almost 70 years old and perhaps felt the bumpy roads more than younger people would! All in all we were happy with Seven by Far and felt we got good value for what we paid.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Interesting tour guides
It's quite amazing and since it was my first time am hoping to be served again by Yala safaris Uganda.
JP
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good service
They arrenged of my plan as I wanted.
The answer to the question can also be trusted quickly.
US
Wonderful adventure
Great communication and excellent service. Our driver was on time and friendly, and we made it to/from the park without any issues. The Gorilla trek was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. We found ourselves deep in the bush surrounded by 36 gorillas snacking on plants and playing all around us. To be fair to the other companies though the trek itself is independent of Katona tours (though covered in the price of course). Highly recommend!
BR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Kenya
We have been in January that is a dry season with good view of animals. However the high season is from July to October to see the great migrations in Masai Mara. Much more people in that time, of course. Out prefered parks were Masai Mara and Amboseli. Tsavo is beautiful and the elephants get red because of the red soil. safari Lodges are very good, some luxury. Always go with a guide. Do not try to self drive - you can get lost very easy and fall down in holes or breaches. Guides have radios and talk to each other telling where are the animals. They know where they can drive and will take you to places you will not find by yourself. Go and enjoy!