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
AR
Email Juan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Godrik is a very good guide, he has a very good energy and good guide! Very recomended
It is very recomended, you have beatiuful views and incredible animals. If you can choose the guide, choose for Godrik
IL
Email Yuval | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful hosts, warm and professional, caring and responsible
Here is an honest review, perhaps first part:
Day 1 + Day 2 : Guide Desmond with a driver who's name slips my tongue. Efficient and kind transfer from the airport to hotel SAROVA PANAFRIC. Great 2 days with the elephant patting and giraffe feeding. Some heartwarming international bonding, we are all relatives - with Eleph. and Gir. and Kenyan hospitality (later Tanzanian as well) you can be anyone from anywhere, in this beautiful world where a few people with way too much power try to create useless conflict and suffering. 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! I felt a wanted guest and so did my family.
Products great, a little expensive in our opinion. 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 honest 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. It is like being a beloved guest , not a foreign visitor. The hostess' kind and caring treatment of boy has to be mentioned . But he was hungry and he is very picky. We thought he can get a Pizza but they did not have. Boy was upset, then came the amazing chef Joel, suggested he'd find a way to improvise pizza. Discussed it all with boy and us as mediators. But it was the cook and the child. He made a great Pizza, P (the boy) 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 felt right at the place - back in my beloved Africa from the 1st moment (I don't notice my skin color nor anybody's, just feel at home with humanity, same as I felt in Malawi). I do feel my nationality among other nations, a doctor among non doctors, short among tall, I feel socioeconomic differences, gender differences, but in Africa I feel just like a human being among human beings, even African among Africans, although common sense and reason say I am not African. But I feel both my Asian nationality and African. Only in Africa. I love Brasil and feel great there but I feel a foreigner, (even as a beloved guest at a friend's home). Than day 3, we met Dixon (about him being wonderful and more later) 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 fun 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.
End of part 1
Part 2
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 P9 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, P excited explained too, Debbie was very happy and surprised about herself, content, on how she can enjoy it with all nature, 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, too much fanciness for me but everybody seemed happy, local dancing as if a god entered explanations or bonding where needed to make it better) going to another comfortable bed (there was no fan so I asked and then there was). P had a down after the high, worried about phone time, boredom, missing home and friends. I let him talk and cry a bit while channeling the spirit of Africa into his (I can do that, really, I sonetimes work magic with children using spiritual forces I cannot explain ... ok enough of me). 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 .. cheetas, more elephants and all the winders, monkey fun. Seeing the other visitors from America, the far east, Europe and some few of our people, 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 @ 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 people and fascinating, fruitful and, 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 P in a small town (buying stuff at a small supermarket was such fun too!). I had a great and highly recommended fresh hot ginger lemon tea , life saver. 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 rice fields, red banana plantation (wow!!), the Mozambique wood art (mapuya people from mozambique, i think) etc. Was nice to chat in Portuguese (I can). Unfortunately i broke something, they wanted me to leave it, but we happily settled for a fare fine. We continued after the wonders of Banana growing and wood carving magic to the pub and had a great time there with localsb. 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").
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 of 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 the organiser (rough guide through classicjourneys) had to change 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 bough 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 we (esp. P who really wanted monkey actions, getting bored quickly with the walk and the forest, it actually can be quite scary for more sensitive (in a normal way) folks. But we had the fun of being just us with Alfeu, the forest, wind, streams, monkeys. A nuture 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.
So we still have day 7 Ngorongoro, 8 Serengeti,9 flying across the border, 9-10 Maasai mara and 11 lake Naivasha. As well as as 12 Karnivor restaurant which is a lot of fun.
Hope I make it and you are handling this whirl of words.
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 Israelies/Jews and Maasai. The serengeti 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 his relaxing reassuring , cordial and life experienced Daniel in Kenya. Ngorongoro is a natural treat as well is animals, eating lunch in the wild is great both in the Serengeti 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 Safari's, now when we see a David Attenborough docu, wer'e in! We are inside and not just onlookers. I recommend to do it at least once in lifetime 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 there are special and dedicated. Sometimes the electricity or the hot water get tired on their long way there 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. They 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 t's not that serious : with 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 Serengeti/ Maasai Mara wildlife. I regretfully forgot the name of very fine and reassuring human being that accompanied us in that short but significant portion of the journey. 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 third 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 particulary grateful to the cook Simon for preparing, by asking and then by his own initiative, especially suited dinners for our kid. Tamu sana. 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.
Now a long drive to Navaisha lake (the 'rough water'). Thanks to D my spouse for the idea, to Nadia from Rough Guides for organizing, for whosever paying and 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 experience emotions funs and knowledge from them. Walking with the animals is just like it sounds. The lodge was probably top in any way you 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. P ate the first steak of his life! D's 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 was 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 me overcome the pain of saying goodbye, another P kids steak and more glitter in her eyes in the restaurant in Nairobi. With locals, great local music and invitations all around to the amazing Nairobi nightlife and music / dancing. 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.
Also enjoyed heartfelt hospitality and learning a lot, some sharing of my humble experience on the subject, in a medical conference in Nairobi.
A dream with everything, and realistic.
Thank you
Asante sana, Kwaheri and
Mpaka wakati ujao- 'till next time
P, D and Yuval.
Email Alice | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
This was an amazing trip, including the Nairobi national Park, Tsavo, Amboseli, MurrayTge Mara and Niyuki. We saw an amazing array of animals with incredibly knowledgeable guides.
Email Deb | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievably knowledgable, friendly, experienced, patient
Accommadations were better than expected in a place like Africa. Food was great and staff were so friendly and helpful. Our driver, Peter, was exceptional at spotting wildlife and getting us into position to observe and take photos all the while taking into account the needs of the animals. Peter was friendly and charismatic. He was very experienced at driving those rough roads. I trusted Peter completely to get us through safely. When our plane was delayed at the airstip, Peter stayed with us for 3 hours until we boarded which put him behind schedule driving back to Nairobi. We named ourselves Team Simba and thought we had the best driver/guide of our group only to find out the rest of our tour group thought the same of their drivers. Apparently Classic Journeys only hires the best! I hope to return to Africa again someday. If I do, I will book a tour with Classic Journeys. They gave me an adventure beyond what I had dreamt.
Email Scott | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Trip!
Classic Journeys did a wonderful job coordinating our safari. Every aspect of the trip from the minute we stepped off the airplane to walking us through the airport to leave was well coordinated and taken care of. Ahead of the trip, there was a lot of communication and every question we had was answered in a timely manner. The hotels that they booked were stunning! We could not have asked for better accommodations.
I think the best aspect of the trip were the drivers/guides from Classic Journeys. They were an essential part of the trip - extremely friendly, highly knowledgable, super helpful, and caring. They not only got us everywhere safely, but the daily game drives were insanely good. Their level of expertise is unmatched. I can not say enough about Felix, Peter, Sameer and Dixon!!
I would not hesitate to book another trip through Classic Journeys!