50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Finding the right place for our South African safari experience in late summer
The majority of our communications have been with Emma Perrin, except towards the end with Razaan. Emma spent a lot of time with us to find the right part of South Africa for us to visit for a safari. Emma considered our budget and the time of year. We were in South Africa for Guy's air force reunion and we were spending just over 3 weeks in South Africa.
Emma was so friendly and great at communicating everything to us. Nothing was too much trouble including securing a booking for us at the Test Kitchen in Cape Town.
We are usually independent travellers but for booking a safari it was good to have expert advice, on the ground, as there are so many to choose from. We were very happy with the area we selected and the lodges recommended by Emma. A once in a lifetime experience and totally worth the price. The two different lodges both offered something different to each other.
We were fortunate to meet Emma in Cape Town. We already felt we had a good relationship and it was lovely to meet her in person. Interesting to hear her impressions of being an Australian living a new life in South Africa. We would certainly recommend Ker & Downey to anyone we know interested in travel in Africa (maybe us to Namibia?) and especially the Emma's great care and attention to a client's needs.
IR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour operator was really nice and great.
All was so good. I didn't
think my trip be so nice and jiyful with this tour. I enjiyed a lot and my family too. I recommend this tour to everyone. ^__^
US
Super smooth and easy - 7 days - Chobe and Victoria falls
Super smooth trip! Almost everything was planned for us. The guides were helpful and accommodating!
SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A most fantastic and memorable experience for the entire family.
While researching for an African safari tour operator, I read about BAS on some of the online forums, and reached out to them (and a few other operators) via email. Their marketing person, Salim, was always very quick and helpful in his replies to us; and was able to accommodate some of our requests, like an extra night at Tarangire and Serengeti, a stopover at the Olduvai Gorge for a quick anthropological learning session for the kids on human evolution.
Everything was conducted smoothly, and no hiccups. Options for payment were plentiful: cash, credit card (with additional bank surcharges) or TT the funds to their account.
Prior to our flight from home (Singapore), we were informed who would be our guide as well as the telephone nos in the event of emergencies or if we need to contact BAS on arrival to Arusha. On arrival, Hamis, our guide was there waiting for us, and with a bright smile to greet us. We felt at home almost straightaway.
Our first leg of the journey was to Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park. Tarangire was our first introduction to African Elephants (many of them), warthogs (Pumba), hyenas, Masai giraffes, and lions. The lions were a bit more challenging to sight. It was amazing how Hamis was able to rattle off the names of the birds that we saw during our trip. At the Lake Manyara, we saw more elephants, tons of baboons (we saw a troop that numbered around 300 - 400 baboons), hippos and buffaloes. We were not able to see the flamingos up close, but it was not the season for the flamingos to flock to the lake as yet.
Then we had to change guides as Hamis fell sick along the way and felt it was not best to continue on the journey with us (into a more remote part of the country aka Serengeti) and we got a new guide, Salim (or Salim Salim to differentiate with the office Salim). Salim had a gift (as I'm sure so do the other guides) of finding animals far away with only his eyes and we're still trying to look for the animals using our binoculars! And at the Serengeti, he made an effort to try to get us to see as many types of animals as possible. Including a whole morning hunting for a cheetah (success), and we came across many packs of lionesses and cubs along the way. At the Ngorongoro crater, he found 2 lionesses stalking a pair of water buffaloes, whereas we at that time was a bit tired of seeing all the lions not do much.. except he said to look at the posture of one of the lioness, was one of stalking the prey. We stayed for a good 20 minutes while the pair stalked the buffaloes and got to see some action, the chase, the fight back... but it would not be a successful hunt. But exciting nonetheless.
The hotels and lodging booked by BAS was first rate. A word of caution for Tarangire Osupuko lodge was that it was powered by generators and there would be no power for most of the night and early morning (it got quite hot in the room), but the view of the national park was lovely (situated right on the edge of the park). The best time we had in terms of lodging was at the Serengeti Tortillis Camp, which I am glad we booked an extra night. The kids got to learn about near zero carbon living, and while luxurious, it was as close to camping as they got in a while. And the night sky was wonderful! Sadly it rained for part of the time we were there so not much chance to see the striking sun rise or sun sets.
Overally, it was a first rate tour from BAS, from start to end. Could not have been happier with the trip, and the team at BAS.
US
Experience level: first safari
Review about Pilanesberg Game Reserve by moelynphotos
So many elephants!!!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best trip of my life
This was an amazing trip. The accommodations were the exact mix we were looking for, something that let us stay in close proximity of the animals but still with reasonable protections. We saw almost every animal we'd ever wanted to, thanks in large part to a great guide, Chris, of Wild Planet Safaris. The food also gave us a taste of some genuine South African dishes with reminders of home, too.
Highly-recommended!!
US
Experience level: first safari
Being in the bush in South Africa was a life - changing experience.
There is nothing quite like seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. South Africa was an excellent destination. We spent time in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands. Waking up early in the morning to the sounds of birds and the gorgeous scenery was exciting. The guides were professional and enjoyed their profession. The food was amazing; sitting around a BOMA at night with fellow travelers was such fun. May was a great month to visit. Lots of wildlife to see in comfortable weather conditions.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good value safari trip
We have been to Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire for a 4-day private safari.
(+)
Timely, patient, clear and efficient communication with Romeo in the research and preparatory phase.
Safari started on time as agreed, no time wasting throughout the whole trip.
No additional hidden costs or unexpected extra expenses.
Our guide Amos drove with us all over Serengeti and other parks and we have seen the big five as well as many other animals. Many of them only because of Amos' trained eye.
We were given options as for what we wanted to do, and our choice was accommodated as much as possible.
(-)
The 4-wheel drive was quite old and worn off.
Our guide's English was just OK.
All in all, we consider our safari experience a very good value for the money and we do recommend Safari Multiways for your trip.
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It’s the best experience I’ve ever had.
We did a 6 day/ 5 night safari. We started off in Arusha, then drove to Ngorongoro crater for a safari drive and 1 night stay, and then on to Serengeti for 4 nights. Our tour was conducted by Tanzania Wild Destination led by Charles and John as our driver guides. From the time we left Arusha and ended our tour on the airstrip at the Serengeti, our friendly and knowledgeable guides looked after our every need and exceeded our expectations. Charles and John were fully informed of the itinerary and our whole plan was executed without any hitches. The lodging at Ngorongoro and the Tortillis camp in the Serengeti were excellent. The staff at the Tortillis camp was very hospitable, and it was a great experience. The meals at the camp were exceptional. The picnic hampers they provided us for our daily safaris were well planned and delicious. Charles and John took us to different parts of the Serengeti every day and guided us to locations where we were able to see over 40 lions, 3 leopards, cheetahs and even the black rhino – most of them at hands length. We saw virtually every animal that lives in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. They were also very knowledgeable about the birds and the smaller animals which made it interesting and very informative. The entire trip was well planned, neatly executed, while accommodating all our requests. The personalized attention we received helped us leave as friends which made the experience even more special.
We recommend Wildebeest Safaris without any reservation. With Tanzania Wild Destination Charles  and John as your guides, you will be guaranteed an exceptional experience
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IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thank you David Maro,thanks Salim end Edhim very special
Safari very beautiful,thans for all staff very special!!!!