BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Pearl of Tour Operators - a fantastic roundtrip in a wonderful country
Last September two friends and myself went to Uganda for 15 days with Kombi Nation Tours. It's been one of the most exciting trips of my life, also thanks to this wonderful organisation.
Pre-departure: setting op the itinerary. I completely read through two travel guides on Uganda so I more or less knew what we wanted to do. I gave them the info on how many days I would want to spend in which National Park / ... Rachel and Benjamin returned very swiftly with a very detailed itinerary and advise on which extra options we would like to take. We negotiated a bit about the itinerary, as they were very flexible, understanding about our budget and always extremely friendly in their mails. 5/5
Our driver Frank was a very skilled driver (which is required on the difficult terrains) and a very friendly and funny guy, who really wanted to get the most out of the trip for us. We also didn't have any problems with the car (except for one flat tire, which Frank repaired), and it was very comfortable and spacey (and pop-up roof, requirement for safaris!) During our trip Rachel & Benjamin also called us to see if everything was going OK, if we liked the activities, etc. 5/5
The housing they provided was above expectations, and the food even more. The activities we did were all very unique and enriching. We started off by going to Queen Elisabeth NP, where we did some game drive, crater drive, boat trip, Kyambura Gorge walk. After that we went to the Rwenzori Mountains for five days (with the organization Rwenzori Trekking Services, which I really recommend as well), to take a stop near Kibale afterwards. The last we did was Murchison Falls, again with some boat trips, game drives and walks. 5/5
All this we got for a very acceptable price (especially when compared to other tour operators). So if you're looking for an affordable, flexible and fulfilling journey through Uganda, I can fully recommend Kombi Nation Tours.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Northern Tanzania Circuit with additional Zanzibar stay
My partner and I had been saving for our once in a lifetime safari experience for a year and when we contacted the mainstream holiday companies in the UK, found that their holidays were inflexible and too expensive. We wanted a more personalised experience at a price that we could afford. I found out about Afroriginal when I emailed about 10-15 tour operators from the Tanzania Association of Tour Opearators. Desiree responded to me via email explaining how she could fit my budget and give me a great private safari. After about 3 weeks of emails back and forth where we finetuned the itinary, we finalised our trip with Desiree.
The trip itself was something I will never ever forget. Desiree herself met us at our first hotel and had a drink with us while we were beside the pool, a nice touch. Stuart was our driver for the 1st week, where we visited Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and then 5 days in the Serengeti. He was very knowledgable about the different animals and habitats and he delivered in making that first week exciting.
The lodges we stayed in were top notch and it was particularly fun sitting out at the campfire and listening to the lions in the distance.
Zanzibar is a great add on if you have the time. I wasnt expecting Stone Town to be so much fun and my one regret is that we did not spend as much time there as we could have. That said our beach lodge was the perfect quiet escape after a long (but very enjoyable) week on safari.
We couldnt be happier with our experience and if we are ever to go back, we would definately book again with Desiree.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic!
I wanted to do something special for my partner’s birthday who was flying in from France to spend a couple of weeks in Kampala. Murchison seemed like a relaxing option to spend away from the hot dusty city. Having organised a stressful trip to Kidepo National Park in 2012 by myself, I wanted someone else to do the planning this time. We had a budget in mind and some rough ideas of how we wanted to spend the two days. Once we communicated this to Kombi Nation Tours, we sat back and relaxed as they took care of everything.
From start to finish, everything went like clockwise. Steve our tour operator kept in constant contact with us prior to the trip. He gave us several price options within our budget and managed to include all the activities and game drives we wanted to do. The driver provided by Kombi Tours was professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Murchison River Lodge, where we stayed, was an absolute dream. The food, accommodation and vista were excellent. I wanted a relaxing trip where I did not have to plan or worry about anything. Kombi Nation Tours delivered this and much more. Thank you Rachel and Steve for organising such a wonderful trip!
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Four times with Bubezi is not enough, we want more!
We have been with Bubezi four times now and I think that already says how we feel about Andy and Quintin, operators, chefs and guides all in one. With their knowledge, experience and respect for wildlife and nature they gave us always the best time on the safaris someone can get. Every question about the big animals but also the very small ones and the birds, they have a qualified answer. If somebody spotted something, like lions with a catch, they will go for it -if the people agree- doesn´t matter how far it is, so your afternoondrive might end up as a nightdrive with the best, goose-skin experience you could imagine.
They are 100 % reliable, emails are answered the same day, call them at any time if you have a question or your plans have changed, they will try to make things possible.
Four times is not enough and so we´ll go again with Bubezi for more adventurous drives.
Highly Recommend for Safari
A group of 7 of us from the United States participated in the 5 day/4 night camping safari in July 2015. The highlight of the trip was seeing the big 5! The guides and cook were also excellent and very knowledgeable. Aardvark did an amazing job coordinating everything beforehand and actively communicating and answering our numerous questions before arriving. I would highly recommend Aardvark Expeditions for any of your Tanzania travel needs!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Planning, lodging, game parks/reserves and guide knowledge/friendliness all exceeded our expectation
E-Trip worked with us to plan the trip we wanted, often going the extra mile. With their experience, they offered suggestions to enhance.
Upon arrival, everything ran like clockwork. The knowledge of each country's guide was much appreciated. Each worked to find animals and situations where we would see all of the natural splendors of East Africa.
Lodging per our preferences was also very good. Each site staff was pleasant and accommodating. Food was ample and tasty.
We are so glad to have selected E-Trip as our coordinating company. Not being fond of tours, we hoped instead for a personal experience - one not burdened with boilerplate activities and unenthusiastic guides. E-Trip delivered a trip of a lifetime with great memories of people we met, lodging to remember and experiences that were just awesome!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything went like clockwork
We were met by at the Kilimanjaro airport by Godfrey - who was our excellent guide for the next 6 days in Tanzania. He was very well educated in all the relevant sciences - botany, zoology and geology - and so could provide in-depth information on everything that we saw during our time in Tanzania.
The transfer to Kenya, while complex (flight from airstrip to airstrip, driver to border, another driver to airstrip, another flight), went very smoothly - always a driver waiting for us.
And our time in Encounter Mara was phenomenal - including seeing the rescuing of an elephant that had been shot with a poison dart.
In all - great guides, great accommodation - well organized - and it was clear that those dealing with us in Africa appreciated Chris and the work he does behind the scenes from Vancouver.
Great Value for our money
My family and I have just returned home from a long holiday in Kenya. It was the best safari that we have ever witnessed. The co-ordination between Mr. Otieno, the driver and all the lodges was amazing and great. All the food served in all those lodges was great. The rooms were also classic and comfortable. Though our budget was abit low, we ended up getting the best rooms and services we had not imagined. All the parks that we visited had almost all the animals. The driver did not hustle much looking for them; I would say we were just lucky. My family really appreciates KWSS tremendous effort to make us happy...
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kenya and Zanzibar trip
I took my girlfriend in Africa for an engagement surprise. Things really went down cool as we visited both Kenya and Tanzania. Among the parks that we visited were Masai Mara, Samburu, L.Nakura and Amboseli. After the long game drives and the bumpy roads, we flew to Zanzibar to relax. Generally everything was good, cant regret.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Armadillo Safari & Adventure Tours was fabulous! Chris is an excellent guide and chef!
The Armadillo Safari & Adventure Tour did an outstanding job! The safari experience far surpassed my expectations. Chris is a natural host! We'd spot an animal and Chris knew to stop so we could relish in the moment. The Tour was organized, pleasant, and by far the best vacation I have ever experienced! I recommend
The Armadillo Safari & Adventure Tours! Thank you again Chris!