CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Terrific tour of Uganda with Encounter Africa Safaris!
Terrific tour of Uganda with Encounter Africa Safaris! Would recommend and would absolutely travel with again. Driver was friendly, on time (which is a rarity in Africa) and very knowledgeable about the region. He was incredibly flexible and accommodating. I really enjoyed the chimpanzee and gorilla tracking - thanks for a great tour! Excellent and prompt communication throughout the booking process.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do your own research
The main lesson I learned having booked a Tanzanian trip with EA is do your own research too.
When we arrived in Arusha, the accommodation was well below average. We have traveled all over India and are familiar with accommodation in an under developed country, however, this was quite shocking. We managed to upgrade to a nicer room at no extra charge, courtesy of the hotel.
We decided to travel by road throughout our trip so we could see the countryside, however, the vehicle was a rust bucket. The air con didn’t work and we were unable to close our windows for protection against the elements, mud and tsetseflies. The car seats had no cushioning left which, given that most of the trip was off road, made for an extremely uncomfortable ride. It also felt like the shock absorbers were shot too. The vehicle had done in excess of 380,000km all of which were off road. We all ended up with sore backs as a result. Just to note, some of the game drives took over 6 hours with no toilets around. It’s ok for guys, but I wasn’t comfortable going behind a bush for rest stops. It’s not something you are told prior.
A big part of our trip was to see the migration of the wildebeest. We had been warned by other travelers that the migration was delayed and all the animals were still at the Wester Corridor, so we should tell our driver so he could make alternate arrangements. He was very reluctant to do so. By the time we got to camp, the wildebeest has just started to arrive, but the other big animals had not. We spent hours and hours each day for nearly three days searching for signs of lions, elephants and other large animals. We finally insisted that we move to where other travelers had advised us to go. Reluctantly our guide agreed. We managed to see leopards, lions (many), hippos, crocodiles, wildebeest, zebras, hyenas many different antelope, all in one day. However, because of this earlier reluctance to move, we only managed to stay overnight. It was wonderful and we wanted to stay longer, agreeing to pay the additional costs associated with it. It was refused and we ended up moving very early the next day to stay at a hotel, which was not ideal. Another 10 hour drive in a sub standard vehicle.
Our driver could not be contacted the next day so we missed out on the morning game drive. So we spent over 24 hours in a hotel room. Not what you want when you pay big $$ to see wild life.
After missing out on seeing the migration, it was extremely disappointing that we were forced to leave the one place that had all the action we were searching for.
There were many enjoyable moments and the guide was extremely knowledgeable and a superb driver. Just make sure you do your own research. Check hotel reviews. Ask about the age and condition of the vehicle you will be traveling in. It will make all the difference when traveling through this stunning country. Africa is amazing. The people are warm and welcoming and the animals are breathtaking. It truly is an experience of a lifetime.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A really great experience we wouldn’t hesitate to repeat.
We had a great Safari experience with Mohammed, our tour guide. The landscapes are obviously beautiful and Mohammed made sure we saw an amazing range and abundance of wildlife. He was very knowledgeable and adapted to our group preferences. He was also great company! Our chef was also great, providing a variety of good food and packed lunches, and making us extra banana fritters when we said we loved them. We liaised with Humphrey prior to arrival who was very helpful organising airport transfers and providing extra information. We stayed at a lovely campsite in little huts, an unexpected luxury! All in all a great experience we wouldn’t hesitate to repeat.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best African Safari company ever
Thank you so much Karibu Safaris for the wonderful experience, my friends and I really enjoyed your services,your hospitality is the best ever. We really had great fun in the Mara and Hell's gate. Can't wait to experience another amazing safaris with you guys
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding Trip to Game Park
Our half-day trip to the game park was perfect and our driver John was very knowledgeable and professional. We highly recommend African Hagyko Safaris and would use them again!
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable operator with excellent guides
We went on a safari in northern Tanzania with Benson. It was simply great. Peter, our guide was very knowledgeable and service minded. He went to great lengths to get the best sightings. We were lucky to see a herd of wildebeest cross the mara river. Along with dozens of other wildlife spectacles. The accommodations were great as well. Mid-range to luxury tented camps in the middle of the bush. It was an unforgettable trip. I would recommend Benson to friends and family any day.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and personal touch for your Safari and Trekking
We booked both our 7 day kilimanjaro trek and 4 day safari through Abraham and everything was perfectly organized.
We spent the day of our arrival in Arusha by passing through several booking agencies and informing them. When we met Abraham we immediately had a very good feeling. Everything was explained detailed and we could start the day after with the 7 day trek of the Kilimanjaro (the Machame route)
The same day our guide, Livingstone, came to our hotel to check our gear, and when something was missing or if he had the feeling that it was not good enough, he would arrange it (for us the sleeping bags, mats, poles and just to be sure, ski pants were arranged for the summit night). We did not finish the route in 7 but in 6 days, but there was no pressure from the guides, Livingstone and Moussa. Only at noon itself during lunch in Karanga camp we decided to skip this camp and continue to base camp / barafu camp. During the days they kept a close eye on you, and in the evening you got an extensive briefing about the next day: what can you expect, which layers of clothing should you wear etc. The team of 10 men (2 guides, 1 cook and 7 porters) where very nice, fun and always ready for you. In addition, the food of chef Laurens was really fantastic, better than most restaurants in Arusha. In advance we could not have imagined that it is possible to eat so tasty and varied on the mountain. Every day an extensive breakfast, fresh fruit, different types of soup, tasty stews, pasta, rice and even french fries in our eatery tent or, in good weather, in the open air. So we hardly did not eat the bars and snacks we brought with us.
In short everything was super arranged and I would give as a tip not to book with one of the big 'operators' (mainly Indians and Chinese participants who are not well prepared and on some days only reached camp at half past 10 pm), but with your own 'small' team. This is all about you, you determine your own pace / schedule and you increase your chances.
Because we had done a day shorter about the trekking we also went on safari a day earlier. Which was no problem for Abraham. The next morning our guide for 4 days, Benjamin was waiting for us. We have visited Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorogoro crater and also here everything was perfectly organized. Benjamin, just like the guides at the trekking, spoke English very well, was enthusiastic and had a lot of knowledge about the animals, parks and culture. We were able to approach the whole big 5 and all the animals on our wish list at a 2 to 5 meter distance, and were able to look at them with ease while Benjamin explained. Also the accommodations arranged by Abraham were well cared for and fully equipped. After the safari we were dropped off at our hotel and Abraham, just as after the trekking, was waiting for us to ask how it was and if there were questions or comments.
The only downside of African Travel Tours is the location of their office. At 100m from Clock Tower is their office, but this is not on the street side but in an office building. The guard at the entrance will show you the way to their office on the left, but this is a bit strange at first. If they could change their location to the street side, many more passers-by could attract. However, do not let this stop you from going past.
We have experienced contact with Abraham and the guides as very professional, pleasant and above all personal. In short, a must!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
7 day Lemosho route Kilimanjaro climbing - Beautiful experience
From 10 to 16 December my grilfriend and I did a private climb with Afrishare. This was a very beautiful experience with a very nice, good and experienced mountain crew that got us both to Stella Point and Uhuru peak!
We had a difficult start because one of the backpacks, with all of the climbing gear, did not arrive on Kilimanjaro International Airport, but Ibrahim from Afrishare was very quick to arrange good rental gear so that the climb could go on. That was great!
The climb was professional arranged with a mountain crew of 11, good camping equipment, more than enough water, food and so on.
At some points we had an hard time with the long days walking and symptoms of alltitude sickness, but the 7 days were enough for altitude acclimatization and the Lemosho route was also very beautiful to see.
The mountain crew consisted of 1 guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook, 1 waiter and 7 porters. We could not wish for another crew because with the help from all of them we made it to the top because of the professional guides that very well know what they are doing (Adam and Alex, also loved spending time with them. They are fun, positively spirited and can tell you very much about the Kilimanjaro), the good food (Cosmos, great cook and much fun), the waiter (Eneza, how took great care of us) and of course all the others.
We are very glad that we did the climb with Afrishare, it was great value for money and we recommend it to everyone.
N.B. maybe usefully information. For the climb we bought almost all the gear, but in Moshi/from Afrishare it is possible to rent good gear for good prices so you don't have to buy all the gear.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic wildlife and experience with credit to Traipsing Africa for great planning within budget!
I have always wanted to go to Africa and to experience the culture, wildlife and see the sights. We arrived in Johannesburg and flew to Port Elizabeth for our Safari. Sandra made sure that our trip went as smoothly as possible, like organizing an usher to guide us through Johannesburg airport. The safari itself was fantastic! Spending a couple of nights in the bush and hearing all the animal noises was a thrilling experience. We were carefully guided between a herd of elephants and we also spent an hour or so all alone with a pride of lions. We embarked on our Garden Route & Route 62 road trip to Cape Town and the scenery was spectacular. Sandra advised us of all the “do’s & don’ts” and we felt safe and secure the whole trip through. She also advised us of all the main attractions, as well as a few that only the locals frequent. Cape Town was amazing, and we went on a wine tour in Franschhoek, drove down to Cape Point and went up the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. We also managed to squeeze in a morning of shopping in the V&A Waterfront. The accommodation that was booked for us was both reasonably priced and a very good quality. We will certainly be using Traipsing Africa on our next African vacation.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime!
We had a great 7 day Big Game safari with Boundless Africa Journeys. Our rep Annette was extremely organized and thorough with our itinerary. Upon our arrival in Nairobi she was also most kind and helpful with a half day short notice tour ahead of our safari start. This is where we met Enock, our guide. He is the guide extraordinare, punctual, organized, knowledgeable with excellent driving skills. We completed seeing both the Big Five and the Samburu Special Five with credit to Enock . Top marks to BAJ for this trip of a lifetime ! Highly recommend!