50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A once in a lifetime experience!
We had such a fantastic time travelling through this beautiful country with Nick.
We saw Rhino, elephant, hippos, giraffe, lion, crocodile, leopard, chimpanzee, eland, impala, kob and the highlight for me, a gorilla family.
We travelled in and camped on top of a 4 wheel drive vehicle and also stayed in lodges. We shopped for and cooked our own food but also had the opportunity to experience Ugandan cuisine when staying in the lodges. The food was amazing.
We had experiences that were breathtaking: trekking along a ravine searching for chimpanzees, walking across the grassy plains to watch rhino, camping overnight on the Nile delta accompanied by Sarah an extremely knowledgeable Park Warden (who also spotted a leopard in a tree), driving through the national parks, boating up the Nile watching hippos and crocodiles and climbing through the impenetrable forest in search of a gorilla family.
We liaised with Nick before we left the UK discussing food, travel arrangements and itinerary which we felt were very good value for money. Nick tailored our holiday to ensure that we were able to do everything we wanted to but also used his own knowledge of the area to broaden our experience.
We felt that Nick went out of his way to ensure that our holiday would be a once in a lifetime experience- which it certainly was!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I like the ppt they made the most, which has detailed travel plan, travel map route
I am very grateful to the guide Omary, who drives 12 hours every day and lent me the wifi box and lamp to see the spectacular animal migration in Serengeti. He can always meet all my needs, the station wagon changes the itinerary and replies the message very quickly, it is a very satisfying trip, I like the smile of everyone in Tanzania, I cherish this travel time very much.
Trip of a Lifetime! Ask for Joseph as your guide
We had the trip of a lifetime arranged by Spirit of Kenya! From the first contact with Vanessa through to the exceptionally great guide, Joseph, our experience was excellent. Kenya is a very beautiful and welcoming country! The level of service was very high in every location we stayed, wonderfully understated but attentive. The wildlife we saw will remain in our memories and photo albums forever. Meeting the Maasai was a surprising, profound and a wonderful experience!
Flying in and out of Nairobi, we travelled to: Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru and Maasai Mara. It was a long journey between the locations but every location had something good to offer and I am glad we covered the miles to see all of those locations in one week. The "Kenya tarmac" isn't always the best but we felt travelling by vehicle helped us truly see the country as we moved locations. Our kids did not pick up their devices once during a road trip! They were far more interested in looking out the window at Kenyan life, towns and countryside. I am very glad we had the Toyota Landcruiser all week. It was comfortable for six plus guide and was the right machine for the varied terrain.
We stayed at...
House of Waine (Nairobi) - Very peaceful and relaxing with great service!
Serena Safari Lodge (Amboseli) - Great family room and lovely outside dining area. Perfect location inside the park.
Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp (Naivasha) - Accommodation was a bit basic but it's a great location for Crescent Island, which is amazing! And, like everywhere, the staff are very friendly.
Lake Nakuru Lodge (Nakuru) - Lovely hotel location, great views, nice swimming pool and a watering hole right near the restaurant.
Zebra Plains (Mara) - Had an enormous family tent! Food was very good and the staff were so kind, Ruth, in particular.
Kenya did have some unrest with protests the week we visited. However, we were never the target of anybody's anger, the people were protesting the government and the tax changes. Our guide, Joseph, was amazing! He kept us safe and cared for us like his own family. He made great decisions in light of protests causing travel delays etc.
The game drives were INCREDIBLE! We saw everything! The "Big 5" many times over as well as lots of other interesting animals I never knew existed. The guide really makes the difference. Joseph worked really hard all week to ensure we had a great time. Our kids developed the phrase "... and Joseph delivered!". We joined Lions on a hunt, saw the more elusive Leopard several times and saw hyenas kill a zebra. I won't reveal all Joseph's techniques but, I am telling you, they guy is a legend! He had some very smart ways to ensure we were always in on the action.
I thought the Maasai Village experience might be a tourist trap, but I was totally wrong. It was a profoundly interesting experience learning about their views and culture. We visited a real village near Zebra Plains camp. The village Treasurer was our guide, and we had a wonderful hour-long conversation about life, family and culture. Amazing!
I highly recommend Spirit of Kenya, Vanessa, Joseph and literally everything we did.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Adventure of a Lifetime
From the moment I started planning my 9-Day Multi-country Safari and found One More Adventure, I knew we were going to have the trip of a lifetime.
Fred Odyek is deeply knowledgeable about East Africa and was of great advice when it came to routes, national parks and accommodations! He was deeply invested in making our journey memorable. We were greeted at the airport, on time, and the level of professionalism was a constant thread during the entire duration of the trip. We received the best treatment and service and a comfortable and reliable vehicle for the needs of our trip!
A special thanks to Nelson, the real BOSS of this trip.
For 9 days straight, in the rugged expanse of the mountains of Rwanda and Uganda, he was a responsible driver who navigated the challenging terrain with remarkable composure. Each twist and turn of the rocky paths tested his skills, but he remained calm and focused, carefully maneuvering his vehicle over steep inclines and treacherous descents. His unwavering patience and meticulous attention to detail ensured that he never made a reckless move, prioritizing safety over speed. With every obstacle, his steady hand on the wheel and keen judgment led us through the harsh landscape, embodying the essence of a true, cool-headed adventurer.
In addition to being a SUPERSTAR Driver, Nelson also speaks MULTIPLE local languages and could help you spot a Rhino, Lions or herds of Elephants anywhere within Rwanda and Uganda like a true ranger and an EXPERT guide.
Thank you Fred and Nelson for everything. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your corner of the world with us. You changed our lives through this experience and we will forever be grateful! MERCI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Pamela went out of her way to help us understand options and book the perfect safari package.
Our adventure was based out of the Chobe Safari Lodge. The reception, housekeeping, dining, and guide staff were without exception positive, helpful, and capable. The inclusive price was fair for the room, the meals and the activities we wanted. The game and boat tours themselves were all incredible (4 did 4 total of 3 different varieties).
Would use this the same agency to book again, and will bring our kids next time.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
To say that Tailormade Africa was amazing to deal with would be an understatement. Clyde Beaty and his team were OUTSTANDING in getting the perfect Africa adventure put together. They were available, quick and smart as to what details needed to be covered. We had the most amazing trip in Eastern Africa. They teamed with the best guide in the world, Cameron Pearce, to be sure that all of the details were covered. The result was the most amazing vacation/adventure we have ever experienced. Their hard work, dedicated service and attention to detail allowed us to see incredible animals while staying at amazing camps/lodges. I was blown away at what they put together for us. We had an amazing time in Tanzania and Uganda, seeing big cats, elephants, wild dogs, hyenas, hippos, and to top it of chimp and gorilla treks (and a ton more). To say we recommend them would be a gross understatement. We will be telling everyone we know they HAVE to take a trip with this company. It was truly the trip of a lifetime and worth every penny we spent. Can't wait to do our next adventure (South Africa awaits!) with Clyde, Cameron and Tailormade Africa.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing adventure to see the mountain gorillas and beautiful Rwanda!
I have just returned from an amazing 15-day adventure arranged through Hermosa Life Tours, based in Kigali, Rwanda. The head of the company, Oreste, and his wonderful staff including Yvonne and our guide Yves, created a wonderful trip to this beautiful country. It exceeded my expectations in every way.
The tour was well planned and full of interesting activities, including treks to see the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, and chimpanzees. We also did day, night and boat safaris in Akagera National Park. We went on a night fishing experience on Lake Kivu, visited tea and coffee plantations, and even spent time with potters who were making cooking vessels right in front of us. We visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial and were struck by how much Rwanda has transformed itself to become the vibrant, safe and friendly African country it is today.
But the top event of our trip was the trek to see the mountain gorillas. Wow! We got to spend an hour standing next to these incredible animals. Observing them in the wild was a peak experience for me. Pictures really don’t compare to seeing them live right next to you. Visiting the gorillas in Rwanda also helps the local population (via permit fees to see the gorillas) and ultimately helps to protect the gorillas themselves.
Our lodgings were as follows:
Ruzizi tented camp- amazing experience in a luxury tent in the wild. Hippos were in the lake alongside the tents. The staff and food were wonderful.
Radisson Blu Hotel - nicely appointed modern hotel next to the conference center in Kigali. Wonderful breakfast buffet. Helpful staff- especially Innocent.
The Bishops House - Wow! Nice hotel with a beautiful pool, great gourmet food (especially the soups!), and first-class service. The staff even remove your shoes, take them away to wash them and massage your feet after treks to see the gorillas and other primates.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel - Nice location and pool. The rooms were on the small side. The restaurant serves nice food.
Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel - Wow! Incredible views from this lovely hotel. The food was gourmet. The masseuse gave me one of the best massages I have ever gotten.
Nyungwe Top View Hotel - at first we were disappointed in this hotel, but over our 3-night stay, we fell in love with it. It is located right in Nyungwe park, so the location is great. The buffets for dinner turned out to be delicious and well-prepared, and the staff were so kind and helpful. The accommodations were not luxurious but were spacious and comfortable. One night a local group of musicians and dancers entertained us and we loved the show!
Our guide during the whole trip, Yves, was gentle and although he did not offer us tons of information, he was kind and willing to do everything he could to accommodate our desires for our trip. One day we had just returned from a safari in Akagera, and he ran to tell us that someone had spotted several elephants nearby, so we jumped back in the jeep and found them. It was a great experience. We told him we wanted to see giraffes, and he worked hard to find them. We loved spending time alone with these beautiful animals. Yves turned out to be a great guide for us.
Oreste was available at all times during our trip to answer questions and solve any problems. On our last night, he met us in Kigali and hosted us at a lovely restaurant. What a nice guy and what a great company to arrange an adventure in Rwanda. I have travelled all over the world and never have I felt so well treated as Oreste, Yvonne and Yves treated us. Do not hesitate to book a trip with them. They are very professional and arrange a first class adventure. Rwanda is an amazing country and the people are so welcoming and kind. Definitely put a trip there on your bucket list!
MX
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best trip ever
I recently completed a 13-day safari tour through Kenya and Tanzania, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish, thanks to the exceptional service provided by the tour operator.
The drivers and guides were outstanding. They were not only knowledgeable about the wildlife and ecosystems but also incredibly friendly and accommodating. They ensured we had the best possible experience by positioning us perfectly for photography and providing fascinating insights into the behaviors and habitats of the animals. Their passion for wildlife conservation was evident and made the experience even more enriching.
The accommodations throughout the trip exceeded my expectations. Each lodge and camp was situated in a stunning location, offering breathtaking views and a close connection to nature. The rooms were comfortable, clean, and beautifully designed, providing a perfect retreat after a long day of exploration. The staff at each property were welcoming and attentive, always ready to assist with any needs.
The itinerary was well-planned, offering a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. From the vast savannas of the Maasai Mara to the iconic Serengeti plains and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, each destination offered unique experiences and photographic opportunities. The seamless transitions between locations ensured we made the most of our time, and the daily schedules allowed for ample wildlife viewing and downtime.
One of the highlights was the opportunity to witness the Great Migration, a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. Additionally, the cultural visits to Maasai villages provided a deep appreciation for the local traditions and way of life.
Overall, this 13-day safari adventure was beyond my expectations. The professionalism, expertise, and genuine care of the drivers, guides, and all staff involved made this trip truly special. I would highly recommend this tour operator to anyone looking to experience the wonders of Kenya and Tanzania in the most immersive and enjoyable way possible.
Thank you for an incredible journey!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience and super super staff!
I didn't know Porcupine expeditions,
it was recommended to me by an Italian person but I must say that I couldn't find anything better.
I did the 5-day safari with them,
trekking Monte ol Donyo Lengai and the day in Moshi (materuni-coffee plantation-chemka )and it was amazing.
Anna is a force of nature, she helped me on my journey, welcomed and treated me as if I were her son.
His daughters Juliana and Kibena treated me like family!
Also their guide David, very knowledgeable and friendly, like all the staff!
I'm sure I'll come back to visit them.
Thanks again for everything! You are very special people and super staff!
CN
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The memorable experience with the best guide ever in Africa
It was amazing. I came to Africa for my graduation tour, and I saw thousands and millions of animals. Including the big five and the big nine.if I have another opportunity to visit Africa again, I will still choose Shafino as my guide!