Classic Journeys Africa
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $280 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Pierre and Diane | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsable and devoted to have a succesfull safari with David Wallfu!
Always on Time , he knows about animals , people of the region and where to go on the land to see the animals! You wont be desappointed with David Wallfu!
CA
Email Anthony Thériault | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was phenomenal ! Hakuna matata
The tour was fantastic. We see a LOT of animals, truck was always clean and now let’s talk about the most important person in our trip. The guide ! DAVID was more than a guide. He was our historian, our mechanic, our helper, our protector and he was the reason why we will give a note of 11/10 to classic journeys. All Buisness have truck and go in the same parc or reserve but you cannot choose your guide at the first time. Please ask to have David if you travel with classic journeys you’ll not be disappointed. Thanks again David and see you in January
Email Robert | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari, outstanding guide/driver
Classic Journeys exceeded expectations. Our driver/guide, Hasan, made the difference between a good experience and a great experience. Knowledge, informative, and interesting. Remarkably good at spotting animals.
Our lodges were all inside the parks, and consistently of a good standard or higher.
Recommended
Awe-Inspiring
We couldn’t have been more pleased with the parks We went to, the animals we saw, the lodging, the food, and most of all with Sameer, our guide. He is so knowledgeable about the wildlife, the land, and the culture. You can certainly tell that he loves his country, and he loves sharing it with others. This trip went far beyond my expectations. We were very pleased with the price as well.
Email LISA | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional
Moses and Johnson were excellent tour guides. They were knowledgeable, professional, courteous, and friendly.
Email John Stribling | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Charles from Classic Journeys was very quick to respond and the safari itself was brilliant
We found the safari very enjoyable and the overall trip extremely good. Our communication with Charles at Classic Journeys was always prompt and informative and the Safari itself was beyond expectations. Our guide and driver Hassan was brilliant, always on time and very informative about the many different animals we saw and the area in which we were travelling. Having a good guide and driver made the trip that much better.
CA
Email Suzanne Legare | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous!
Everything happened as it was described and this was very securing. There was always someone to welcome us at the airports and to assure the transport between the different places.
Our guide Caleb and our driver Sameer were the best we could expect! Very professional, reliable and friendly. Communication with them was easy both in French and English. The places we visited were simply awesome: National Reserve, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli: WOW !! The camps we slept in were clean, comfortable and convenient. Food was delicious. The staff always welcoming and very nice.
We saw all the groups of animals. Made lots of pictures of them (and videos). Landscapes are splendid and are also great subjects for
photography. We were fortunate enough to see the Kilimanjaro cleared of clouds during the 2 days we spent at Amboseli. Once again awesome for pictures!
The early morning trip on the hot air balloon is worth the money. Carlos: excellent pilot! We saw elephants, giraffes, zebras and many more bathed in the first rays of sunrise. Beautiful and peaceful ! And the breakfast right after in the middle of the plain is a pleasant experience.
One deception: the visit of the Village Masai. It seemed to us more like a theatrical decor waiting for tourists to start the show. They make us visit a few houses but there is no kids, no animals, no plates or furnitures, like if once the tourists are gone, the site is closed !… They also made MUCH pressure on me to buy their artisanal which were not as pretty and varied as those we can find in different boutiques for much less expensive! Really not what we were expecting, unfortunately.
NO
Email Froeshaug | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent service and fantastic guide
At first we were a bit disappointed about the car, but when the safari started we were so satisfied. Our guide were fantastic and he did everything in his power to make us happy. It was really important for us that the guide respeced the animals and the regulations of the reservate, and he did the intire journy.
We had 4 nights in Masai Mara, but we reconmend to have around 2-3 days in that park. We wish we did discover some of the other parks when we first were on safari in Kenya.
IL
Email Yu | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional, honest and caring. Personally tailored with love.
Trip through Kenya - Tanzania - Kenya - ClassicJourneysofAfrica in Kenya and Tanzania 10 days:
Day 1 + Day 2 : Desmond our guide took in an fficient and kind transfer from the airport to hotel SAROVA PANAFRIC. Great 2 days with the elephant patting and giraffe feeding. A great warm up to the upcoming trip especially for our 11 years old. The driver was professional in his job and very nice, we had great talks about Kenya, life, Premier League football. The hotel had a wonderful staff all around, Dinner 1st night was fantastic, lunch in Nairobi Day 2 also , a great setting, the hostess taught us swahili and about life in kenya especially for woman. The meeting at the woman's market (getting stronger by working traditional art) was inspiring and relaxing. The welcome with songs and dances so fun and emotional. Words are remembered with music. Products great, a bit expensive in our opinion but it's a contribution for a better life there do everywhere. The day was full of traffic and the driver wonderfully navigated it. The car was great but it was tough with the heat and the pollution without A/C. We got great guidance about complicated local things too. Dinner was amazing. In the balcony by the pool we were recepted like VIP, so kindly that we could quickly get rid of the embarassment, as just regular people. Felt like being a beloved guest , not a foreign visitor. The hostess kind and caring treatment of our child has to be mentioned . He was hungry and we thought he can get a Pizza but they did not have the regular stuff. Seeing he was upset, came the amazing chef Joel, suggested he'd find a way to improvise pizza. Discussed it all with him and us as mediators. But it was the cook and the child. He made a great Pizza, yhat was finished it in a heartbeat (It reminded him and me of my Mom's home improvised Pizza he loves). Wow! The room was very good and the bed phenomenal in comfort. I had my best sleep in months. I was back in my beloved Africa from the 1st moment (call me naive but no color barrier) in Africa I feel just like a human being among human beings, even African among Africans, we live on the geographical border of Africa. Only in Africa. Than day 3, we met ,a long trip with lots of explaining and laughs, meeting people, Kenyans and visitors, different facilities along the way. Toilets always shining, to Amboseli. I think Oilepo lodge. it was funny to be treated as important people, they were warm and kind, place was charming. We got Urakau room which was a delightful little twist (as Urakau/Hippo is top favorite of mine). Rest was good and than the Magic begins with afternoon Safari in the best hands I can imagine. OK we are 1st afternoon in Amboseli, end of part 1 ,it is going to take me a long time. Feeling Hakuna Matata.
With guide Dixon encouraging gently to drive in the afternoon and not be lazy, we went on our 1st Safari. Amboseli NP. We were warned about the dust, it was dusty but no big deal. With Dixon's driving it is so relaxed. He explains gently and in detail, answers question, the wonders of Kilimanjaro , clouds pretty much covering but still the top is floating above the clouds in the temperate afternoon . Then the animals. A rare sight of a Striped Hyena with lots of excitement not only from us guests but the host as well. Dixon saw it , pointed to us, we could not , but luckily our son has an amazing eye and we watched in awe as that incredible monster of an animal (it looks monstrous in a smiling way) , stayed with it until it was off to its business. That alone was mesmerizing but later lionesses nursing, cubs, lions , the incredible Elephants and all the rest. Fantastic. Learned to appreciate Zebras and Giraffes, it was all a sight to behold, our guide explained queitly with right pauses to let us take it all in. I was already into animal behavior, son explained too, We were a happy and content family, those natural worries enjoy it thouroughly, nature and sometimes challenging conditions and many days still to follow. I did not want to return but as the equator night was quickly falling, had to. So happy. After dinner (with lots of ceremony) going to another comfortable bed (there was no fan so I asked and then there was). Kid had a down after the high, worried about phone time, boredom, missing home and friends. Just let him talk and complain a bit while channeling to spirit of Africa into his . We had a good negotiation with Dixon (about next day's schedule) who was so wonderful, giving and let us give him too, disappearing into the night in a magical way while leaving some of his spirit to take care of us. I put my anti mosquito in, they took anti malaria medication, I took my usual daily meds ... Next day good breakfast, feeling safe at the lodge, escorted gently ... another day in Amboseli NP, a full day with a coffee/Cocacola break, a lunch break, everything .. the oldest Elephant in ghe area with meter plus tusks she was, drinking near the people, observing those weird creatures on two sitting on chairs and holding some instrument to eat, making noise. Perhaps she's familiar with the social monkeys... Cheetas, more elephants and all the wonders, monkey fun. Seeing the other visitors from America, the far east, Europe etc., listening, observing human beahavior, chatting with the more open ones. Then Hippo's (so our favorites cheetas and hippos starred, the later would bring much more amazement, fun and awe later ). A marvelous day, tiring too, Dixon worked really hard with a long drive ahead of him and he was a gift. So knowledgable, kind, a leader, a teacher, open minded to us sharing stories, I do miss him. Relaxing at the lodge.
Day 5 an early long drive to the border, went very well and interesting with mount Kili showing different faces, peaks (I only remember Uhuru peak). People along the way. In the lodge meeting young local people and fascinating, fruitful, I think honest discussions. Felt like home just a bit better (me). Kenya to Tanzania, a tearful goodbye from Dixon and joy as Stanley came out of nowhere to Karibu (welcome) us and we felt safe under his guidance and care from day 5 to day 9. Some mess at the border as 2 of our visas were typed wrongly by the Tanzanian embassy, they made new ones on the spot but we had to pay 100$ for something we already paid for. Some of the unspecified expected issues in travels. Stanley was THE BEST , he was so great, showing youth and maturity and everything needed to feel a welcomed guest in sweeping-you-off-the-feet Tanzania. The roads , towns, villages, fields, hills, forests all the way to Arusha, we bought more snacks for our child and hosts in a small town (buying stuff at a small supermarket was such fun too and kind of REAL!) . Better have local currency. Had an incredible spicy ginger tea . We made it to Mtu wa Mbu. Had a short and and an unforgettable tour with BARAKA on the Tooktook. He taught and gave a kind stand up so we enjoyed so much the rise fields, red banana plantation (wow!!), the Mozambique wood art etc. Was nice to chat in Portuguese . And a great time in the local pub, Banana beer banana wine and "Maisha Marefu!" toast. 2 great experiences - learning Swahili with people all around happy to teach, chat, correct our mistakes patiently and kindly. The other - drinking Ginger Lemon Tea. You can add it to the schedule and highlights ("ask your guide about hot ginger tea ... but go slow very slow"... it is boiling).
Daily highlights were Maasai parades in Arusha and Manyara's Secret lodge. We are considering a late honeymoon there. It is more for romance, being taken care off by the locals, Maasai atmosphere and dancing, some adventure, the general conditions make it a bit less luxurious and less 'perfectly' equipped. A romantic getaway in nature for those who are into it. We certainly were. It is a place that was needed to change another in the last moment and it was an unexpected jewel.
We still had time for a short evening Manyara Safari, the herbivores seem the happiest there. Mogoose and lizards and wildness in the lodge. And much more with the lake extending directly from the tent, hippos close, an open air shower, all under the guardianship of the Maasai.
1 thing:
For those in dire need of cellular communication / wifi etc. - it is limited. If you need it badly then bring some sophisticated telecommunication stuff from home.
2nd - being kind to people can take you anywhere, get you almost everything. Being respectful to equipment is also important. Speaking Some Swahili helps. Willing to give too. I just felt like a part of Africa - great feeling. Saying it all in a good way. But it is far away so what's not there is not there (technologically I mean)
A real adventure
The lodge is probably very expensive? I would guess.
Day 6 began with treetop walkway. Happy we did it. We had a phenomenal guide in Alfeu, I bought a great shirt in the gift shop. The walk in itself is adventurous and safe, got to follow the laws and be patient. Alfeu taught us about the trees, birds, plants, butterflies, local life if asked. Such a special, kind, patient, graceful, educated charm of a young man. So with patience needed (esp. child who really wanted monkey actions) even if someone is getting bored quickly with the walk and the forest,( it actually can be quite scary for more sensitive folks). But we had the fun of being just us with Alfeu, the forest, wind, streams, monkeys. A nature luna park and circus but much much better. So after finally meeting one blue monkey, there were cute gangs of them. I have to apologize for missing to tip Alfeu, by mistake.
Then a day full of Manyara Safari, Baboons fighting, mating, sleeping, playing, nursing and all. An amazing leopard hiding on a branch. It was also fun to see the communication between the guides / drivers and the way they calmly and efficiently let everyone have a look. At the end of the day I knew most of the drivers. With Stanley's lead it was phenomenal till another splendid afternoon, evening and night at Manyara's secret with some Maasai surprises as well as excellent food.
Part 3 -
I'll try to highlight the most rellevant stuff. Getting to Ngorongoro is a beautiful experience in itself. Our guide Stanley did hid best to combine the self evident awsomeness of nature with local and national stories. We had lots of formal and informal encounters with the people of the Maasai, on the road, in the village, in the national parks, from informal short discussions were I got some Swahili and Maasai language and a glimpse into our brother's life (later on that). The formal tour in a Maasai village was worth the small effort and payment, it was a show but also a genuine welcome and exchange of life experiences. In 'our brother's' I mean lots of shared things in the Historical, Social and Spiritual lifes of Jews and Maasai. The serengheti better be left as a mystery, you want to know? Go there. Check out for yourself. 2 days, 9 days or more, animals are there, lions hunt eat and rest, you better be aware of Zebras, Giraffes and Elephants crossing the roads. But one can trust the guides, at least we could with Stanley and Relaxing reassuring , cordial and life experienced Daniel in Kenya. We were kind of teased about missing the migration but then it came, as advertised. Ngorongoro (the sound of bells on the goat's necks) is a natural treat as well is animals, eating lunch in the wild is great both in the Serengheti and across the border in the green Maasai mara. The great migrators, wildbeests, zebras, buffalo and others have their own pace and no formal borders. Being awake, eyes wide open and listening and you are inside a wonder of Animal life.
Just to say to sum up Safaris, now when we see a David Attenborough docu, wer'e in! We are inside and not just onlookers. I reccomend to do it at least once in life and let go. Just be a bit careful because you may be a different person after it. For life. The Serengeti House of Nature is very far, feels distant and out of this world. The people their are special and dedicated. Sometimes the electricity or the hot water get tired on their long way but with patience it does arrive.
There was some stress in our group surrounding the flights. A final journey with Stanley to an airstrip , which may be transferred while driving there , but somewhere somewhen a plane will be taking you. Thay allow 15 kilos per person and I think tourists should be advised at least to bring "soft bags", that is anything but a hardened suitcase. You have to pay overweight but it's not that serious with use of kindness, smiles, respect and patience. It's a small donations for this enormous task of preserving nature and its inhabitants (animals and people). Hope it stays and grows. So with a small plane, that can be used to get supply to refugees in Sudan wherever needed, some assistance too. I just hope it is not used for the wrong things.
So drive, plane, bus with a guide to the border, he helped us cross the border, pretty straightforward, with our guides assistance. Takes you from plane to plane. Inside and above the Serengheti/ Maasai Mara wildlife. I regretfully forgot the name of the very fine and reassuring human being that accompanied us in that short but significant portion of the journey across the border. The lady pilots were incredible. Flying from Serengeti to the border was great with a lady pilot and a co pilot. So was the Flying bus from the Kenyan side to the Maasai Mara when this group of tired 3 fell into the arms of Daniel, we just landed and nestled safely with him. The Maasai Mara is not unlike the Serengeti, but also completely different , the ambience being unique and many times the wildlife closer to the voyagers, in touching distance. Leopards, Hippo's, curious Lions and cubs, much more. And the elegant Impalas , Gazells and Antelope doing their share of hosting. The lodge was very high class in Mara, Zebra plain house. I am particular grateful to the cook Simon for preparing, by asking and then by his own initiative, especially suited dinners for our kid. We met some neighbours from our country and made a new friendship in the hugging confines of the lodge.
The Maasai mara cultural tour was great and there is a bank, money exchange and ATM in a nearby town. Bought some stuff in the Maasai village , great quality and the colors still shining after months. I miss them (the Maasai) now after being back to hectic daily lives, tv and social media rubbish.
Now a long drive to Navaisha lake (the 'rough water'). Thanks my spouse for the idea to go there and to our trip organizer from rough guide for organizing. Thanks for the lodge's staff and the guides for an unforgettable experience in the lake small boat safari (including getting fish and feeding eagles) , our young guide Daniel (I could have adopted him), our walking Safari guide MAJOR. We were grateful to receive lots of experiences, emotions, laughs and knowledge from them. Walking with the animals is just like it sounds. The lodge was probably top in any way yoo look at it. A happy place to be , sad for leaving. I met a former youth Kenyan athlete , we hung around talking about running and other things. Son ate the first steak of his life, spouses eyes were shining with life. I had my dream experience of spending some great time with a family of Hippos , Mom, calf (?) , a young one anyway, we had our imemorable encounter and it ended up good and safe enough for me to tell about it now. I did follow the safety laws as well as my intuition.
The day after another treat of a drive helping overcome the pain of saying goodbye, another steak and more glitter in her eyes in the Carnivor restaurant in Nairobi. I would stay for one of their parties. Then a city tour with Daniel who took care to guide us through time and space to wander and wonder as much as possible just on time and safely to the airport.
Asante sana, Kwaheri and
Mpaka wakati ujao- 'till next time'
P.s. there was also the olduvai gorge peek into archeology place. Wish I had a whole day there. There are nearby rivers to wash at and some local teens were bathing naturally there. Lizards were taking care of their young ones and each other, i guess, one should see for himself. Anyway the olduvai gorge needs to be a part of the journey for those interested in hominid prehistory.
DK
Email Kasper | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very kind and knowledgable, with great personality
Great service. Flexible. Very clever and kind guide.
Adjusted schedule to include a visit to local Church on Christmas, with short notice. Lots of fun and good times.