65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime with exemplary service both before and during the trip.
During the planning phase Encompass Africa's communication with us was first class. Any queries were answered immediatley. Jonathon took the ideas that we had and enhanced them considerably through his extensive knowledge of Africa. We left the accommodation to him and we were not disapppointed. He saw us through the ebola crisis with up to the minute information which allayed our concerns. He supported our idea of independent travel and of driving in Namibia and answered our numerous questions with great patience. He went out of his way to meet our requests such as a Cape Malay cooking class. We left Australia quite comfortable and confident with the details of our trip.
The trip lived up to all our expectatios - and then some. The length of time that we spent at each destination was adequate. We were pleased that we had three nights at each of the Botswana lodges but two nights at each lodge in Namibia was fine. Our trip extended over five weeks and all of the arrangements ran like clockwork. THe Encompass Africa rep in Johannesburg made frequent contact to check that everything was OK. When we had to contact her over a minor interpretation of accommodation arrangements, she attended to it immediately.
Looking back, there was very little, if anything, that we would change. Jonathon's suggestion of self driving through Etosha was a good one although we did wonder how it would work out before we actually did it. Each day we thought, "This can't get any better," - and it did! There was a new experience every day. The ultimate accolade that we could pay is that we could have kept going even thought we had been constantly on the go for five weeks - and we are either at or approaching 70! At no time were we treated as 'old' or as people who couldn't do particular activities because of their age, something we appreciated very much.
We would thoroughly recommend Encompass Africa to anyone interested in a stimulating trip through Africa and expecting first class service. They will tailor make your trip to your specifications and you can be quite confident that the outcome will surpass your expectations.
PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful adventure
From reading other reviews, it appears that a lot of your experience depends on what driver you get. We apparently won the lottery, as our driver Franky was wonderful. He had a knack for finding animals and we saw all of the big 5 - most of them multiple times, plus endless hippos, giraffes, zebras, etc.
The car was also amazing. It was brand-new (2014) green coloured Land Cruiser with refrigerator, comfortable seats and sockets for charging of devices. Our car was kept clean and cold drinking water was available for us constantly.
Our accommodation was clean, comfortable and always interesting! And what's important – all lodges were in African style.
Tanzania is a country where everyone we met was warm, happy and welcoming. It always felt safe wherever we were. This country is an oasis, and I would love to go back again.
At the end of our 5 day safari we were really sad to part ways with our driver Franky. I recommend him and Altezza Travel to anyone travelling to Tanzania.
Well planned
We used Sunset Africa for transport from Moushi to Mwanza (for a meeting) and back againg and everything went well
Best
Peter
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 3 day safari Tarangire - Ngorongoro - Manyara
I went with my girlfriend and 4 friends on this amazing trip with Afrishare. It couldn't have been any better I think.I can't mention one negative thing about the 3 days... the car was very spacious, a bit old-skool and cozy. Our driver/guide was funny, although he did not give super much extra information, he did a really good job. Food was delicious, and so so much! We also had such good sleeping places and beds in 'Heaven Nature', and there was hot water 24/24 which is so luxurious. We had fun all the time. And of course the national parks are amazing, with Ngorongoro seeming like a miracle when there are no clouds and no mist (we were lucky). Also the 2 other parks are great. The best thing maybe is the variation between the 3 parks, so you're never bored! We spotted any possible animal I think, except of the leopard. I could recommend Afrishare to everyone, and especially this safari. My next step will be visiting Serengeti one day. I don't know when, but I'm already sure it will be with Afrishare.
EG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mukumi National Park
We visit Mukumi National Park from Dar Es Salam (300 Km away) as a day trip , it was nice trip but it needs to be two day trip as a minimum (Hellow Tanzania should to recommend that but they did not) , the communication is very good with hellow Tanzania from day one , the driver is very good , we ask Hellow tanzania for another service but they give me a high prices & they dosn't responce after we finished our trip
SI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An extraordinary experience!
An extraordinary experience! Experience of nature, tribes and wild life is amazing. Special if care for you great team of professionals. Natasha and her team, make the experience of Tanzania memorable. Everything was prepare with care; accommodation, time allocation, and the professionalism of our driver, Daniel was like cherry on the top of great exploring of amazing country.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
In good and responsive hands
I went through Vayeni for a trip with friends to Zimbabwe, involving Harare and Victoria Falls. They were very responsive to our questions and comments, and offered alternative options according to our taste, budget, and changing number of people. They corrected quickly a situation that happened in Victoria Falls with our accommodation when we arrived late one night, and were afraid we would be missing a room and the micro light tour over the falls we had booked. Overnight, everything was settled and the stay went smoothly, in a very nice B&B, and we enjoyed all of our activities. I would hire them again!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing Holiday
Debbie helped us plan and book our holiday and did an amazing job. We took on all her recommendations and every one was an awesome experience that exceeded our expectations. We are so grateful for all her planning and communication with us and the effort she took to look after us and ensure we had a truly wonderful holiday.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience
Have just returned from safari to our lodge in lake Duluti and having already reviewed on trip advisor, wanted to write a review here too. Can honestly say the 10 days here have been wonderful. The relaxing few days at lake Duluti lodge were wonderful and we felt so welcomed by all the staff. We went on a 6 day big five safari around Taranguire, Serengeti and Ngorogoro crater and our excellent guide Richard made a great deal of effort to ensure we had the best experience and was very friendly and chatty, feeling like part of the family. Natasa was excellent and came to greet us at the beginning to brief us of our trip. She was always very efficient with communication to make sure we had the best experience. There was only one issue with our accommodation for our last 2 days in Arusha before travelling home (due to new management). The minute Natasa was told of the problem she came straight over to see us, sorting out alternative accommodation and we were moved within an hour of talking to her. The whole holiday has been a wonderful, memorable experience and I have many fantastic close up photos of when we managed to get very close to the animals in their natural habitat. All over an excellent holiday and I thoroughly recommend shadows of Africa.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful safari in the realm of the man-eater lions!
We came to Mombasa more or less by accident. Moureen from Kay Adventure Tours made it all worthwhile. We asked to visit the Tsavo railway bridge and arrange a two day trip around it.
We had a wonderful driver/guide, Robert, who showed us around the park explaining about all the animals and how they live. He showed enormous patience, as one of us doesn't see very well, he took his time to make sure we saw every animal he spotted for us. Even if it took us ten minutes or more. If necessary, he even drove to a better spot to see them better.
Finding the big cats can be difficult on a short Safari. But we did manage to find a small family of lions, who were posing for some very nice pictures.
Lastly, we even spotted a striped hyena, something you don't easily find in Tsavo-east.
In short, a very good Safari for a very good price. Booked only one day in advance!
Good work!