US
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!
AR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent company
A few days ago I returned from a tour of Uganda for which I hired Africa Adventure through Ashiraf who guided me and carefully put together the 4 days with the places of interest that I transmitted to him.
Gerald accompanied me at all times with his experience and great knowledge, who despite my basic English allowed me with his attitude to understand and take advantage of the magic of that place in the world.
Unmissable is the gorilla trekking as well as the river tour as well as the chimpanzees
Without a doubt I recommend them and if you have questions about how to organize the trip or have peace of mind about the seriousness of the company, do not hesitate to write to me
(automatic translation from Spanish)
BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience 👏🏽👏🏽
I had a complete experience, worthy of 5 stars. Afrishare provided me with an incredible safari, where I was able to see all the Big Five, including the rare leopard. I owe a lot to the driver and friend Okuli, with whom I had a very friendly relationship, and who helped me with everything I needed from the beginning, guided me through the best routes, explaining everything in detail and in a very calm and didactic manner. I highly recommend this tour, and especially recommend having Okuli as your driver. The accommodations were wonderful, especially the Osero Serengeti Tented Camp. Thank you to everyone involved for one of the greatest experiences of my life.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous Experience
I traveled to Kenya in May. The weather was slightly cooler than I had expected, especially in the evening. It was the rainy season so there were downpours (and some muddy roads) but only for short periods of time. I went to Nairobi National Park which was really terrific as you were close to the city but could still see quite a bit of wildlife. I also visited the Giraffe Sanctuary in Nairobi. It was wonderful being so close to the giraffes and feeding them. The restaurants in Nairobi were fabulous and the hotel (Fairmont at Norfolk) was excellent.
I went on a three day safari in Masai Mara with Savannah Woods Safaris. Lucy did a terrific job organizing everything and Mr Joseph, our driver, was very knowledgable. I stayed at the Mara Ololade (tent with a bathroom). The safari itself was amazing and I saw some amazing animals and beautiful scenery.
I definitely recommend a trip to Kenya and going on a safari at the Masai Mara.
EG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous
We had a wonderful time in South Africa, The hotel I booked near airport was great as was the tour to soweto and Johannesburg through them.But the safari arranged for me by Discover Africa and Matthys was excellent everything organised perfectly.The wildlife and birding was great and we stayed at 2 different safari parks that were both different.Sabi Sands and Kruger. Cannot say enough what a great trip this was
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Absolutely stunning country with incredible variety of wildlife and which does NOT permit hunting!
I have now visited Kenya as a tourist nine times! I have been to many different national parks more than once - Samburu, Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Nairobi and Tsavo East - and other areas such as Laikipia Plateau and Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha including Elsamere. Every time there is something new to experience! We have seen prides of lions with cubs, a bachelor group of elephants systematically dismantling an electric fence to reach more attractive trees to eat and a hyena den to name but a few experiences. We have even seen a leopard with two cubs crossing the road in broad daylight - almost unheard of! Kenya is the cradle of mankind and it's certainly become my spiritual home. We used to book with international travel companies but a few years ago we decided to find a Kenyan company so that the profit goes to Kenyans and we fortuitously found Right Choice Tours and Safaris who have been excellent and are now our operator of choice. Kenyans we have met have all been welcoming and we have made a lot of friends. The fact that Kenya does not allow any hunting was the reason we chose Kenya as our African destination in the first place and we have never regretted it for a moment. Visitors are armed with cameras, not guns. Perfect destination!
EG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kruger National Park by Amanda Robinson
We didnt see as much wildlife in Kruger as we did in Sabi Sands, but saw a lot of birds