ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great professionals ... extraordinary result!"
A few weeks ago, we made a safari with Makasa. Traveling with two girls, age 11 and 15, we were looking for an agency that offered a safari package designed for families. Makasa worked out perfectly. Our trip took place in late August 2016. Selma of Makasa sent us a daily detailed itinerary that included each night's accommodations. Every place we stayed on safari was incredible, much better than we expected with both luxury and service.
From our arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport until our departure at Dar es Salam 13 days later, we were perfectly taken care of by everyone involved. The first evening at Mosh, we had a delicious dinner at MCF Kilimanjaro Lodge, with beautiful gardens, very pleasant, ideal to recover after a long trip. Kilimanjaro Lodge is part of Mama Clementine Foundation: a secondary school for young girls in Tanzania. We had the first tastes of the local beers on their deck.
Next morning Selma, her husband and their newborn baby came to greet us before we began our 8-day safari. We also met who would be our guide, driver, and friend for the next 8 days, Humphrey, the best guide you can have. He was real fun, teaching us songs like Jambo, Jambo bwana, Habari gani, Mzuri sana. The vehicle was a 4WD safari vehicle equipped with a specially designed open panoramic roof (allowing you to stand in the vehicle to take pictures). Humphrey was a very responsible driver, very cautious and when we were stopped (which often happens) by the local Police, he was able to convince them quickly to let us drive through. As a guide, he was very professional, at each safari drive he was able to show us the big five game and the ugly five as well as many other animals, birds and trees. He was like a living dictionary, there was no question he could not answer regarding the animals we saw and the places we visited.
Afterwards, we left to Olpopongi Masai, a village some 3 or 4 hours’ drive from Mosh on the foothills of Kilimanjaro Mountain, which we had the fortune to see clearly that evening. We really appreciated having the first night at Olpopongi, as it allowed us or understand and appreciate the Masai way of life, as we encountered many more Masai along the way. You spend the night in a real hut, made by women; the Masai people tend to your needs, cook for you, dance/sing and demonstrate their traditional ways. They take you out on a bush walk to show you how and where they gather their herbs for medicines, tea making and hut-building materials, the incredible 96-year-old 'grandma' will prepare their special herbal tea for you! At night, sit round a central fire after dinner and watching the stars!
Day 2 of our safari took us to Lake Manyara that offers dense forests, rivers and the lake. We saw enormous concentrations of baboons. Afterwards, we headed to Croatia Valley Lodge, located on the boundary of Ngorongoro Reserve. A wonderful, truly special place, we were very happy to spend the night there. After a night at Olpopongi, the luxury of this lodge was very much welcomed. We visited the Children’s Home, an orphanage for those kids whose family cannot take care of them, a project supported by the owners of the Lodge. The Lodge is composed of 15 tents, an open dining area; the food comes from their own gardens. Visiting Croatia Valley allows you to experience a sustainable and self-sufficient Lodge while showing solidarity with the orphanage that is maintained by the Dutch hosts. All the personnel were very kind and we wished we had stayed more nights!
The next day we drove to Serengeti, this endless plain offered us an abundance of wild animals that we saw at close range, many lions, cheetahs, leopards as well as elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, etc. … and a few gazelles ;).
At Serengeti, we spent 3 nights at beautiful Kubu Tented Lodge, which had only been open for about 3 months when we arrived. It was the best accommodation during our 13-day trip.
The setting of the Lodge is perfect, it is located on a hill; from the terrace and the cabins, and you can admire the vast plains of Serengeti and watch the animals below migrate in search for water.
When it gets dark, two Masai warriors, for safety reasons, must escort you back to the cabin since there were wild animals (gazelles, zebras, buffaloes, and wildebeest) just a few meters from our room! At night, you could hear the lions roar and the hyenas hunting nearby.
Our family cabin was huge, with two rooms, a huge balcony and incredible views. All the drinks (including alcoholic beverages) were complimentary. Finally, our girls went swimming every afternoon at the infinity pool, maybe the most beautiful pool we have ever seen, you can take the most amazing photos of the pool with the Serengeti background.
After Serengeti, we visited Ngorongoro, a unique crater known as a caldera. Nearly all the big wild animals can be seen in the crater. Apart from large herds of zebra and wildebeest, we saw many lions and finally the black rhinoceros. Thanks so much, Humphrey!
We stayed the last 2 nights of the safari at Endoro Lodge, also located on the edge of Ngorongoro Reserve.
Next, we visited Zanzibar for 5 days staying at Kilima Kidogo at Paje, an ideal place to disconnect from the world, to enjoy the sun and sea at one of Zanzibar’s best beaches! It was really nice, good food and friendly staff. There are many games for the kids, ping-pong, a pool table! Kilima Kidogo is a small place; there aren’t many guests, which creates a sense of exclusivity, life in slow-motion. We must highlight the hospitality of its owner, Dina, who was waiting for us at the airport, and the rest of the staff carrying out their work with passion and trying to please the most pampered guests. Good food and possibility of beautiful excursions. A place to return someday!
Helpful notes: Bring dollars in small bills (especially 1 and 5 dollar bills for the tips) but we also used local shillings that ended up being useful also, you can get them from ATM at Arusha.
No need to get your visa in advance. When you arrive at the airport we payed $50 in cash for each of us. In addition, people should have their own binoculars. It makes spotting and observing extra fun.
Finally, from the comments we heard from other visitors, we would recommend skipping Lake Manyara visit and choosing instead Tarangire National Park.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
My second safari with them, very professional, excellent value for money
This is my 9th Safari (traveled in Botswana, Uganda, Tanz, etc.), and my second time with Campofrio, therefore i have dealt with multiple agencies before.
The Team (Managed by Oliver) is very professional, reactive, and adjusted perfectly well the trip based on my budget and expectations.
The car was exclusively for us, clean and new (very rare with Safaris).
We stayed in private lodges, sleeping beside hippos. Great experience.
I definitely recommend this company, which made us avoid intermediaries, and provided us with an impeccable service and comfort.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fun, exhilarating, beautifully organised,excellent horses. A true adventure, superb back up team.
See above. Exceeded expectations in every way. A huge adventure. Service, back up wonderful!! An extremely happy crew and for guests a really happy time.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Sheets Safaris Exceeded Expectations
I was booked a rather last minute safari after a business trip.Everything was handled perfectly,from the beginning.The lodges that were chosen suited my budget and we're outstanding.Our driver was excellent.He knew a lot about animals and was very intuitive about vehicle placement for photos.In short we were in excellent hands and I refer sheeqs safaris without reservations.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional dream maker...
We, group of 4 best friends had the most amazing trip to South Africa, Zambia and Botswana in August this year.
We started our planning quite late(April) considering we were greedily wanted to meet the best flooding season in Okavango Delta(May-Sept). At the time most packages on Safaribookings.com have been fully booked or the operators have closed the booking for the season. After a rather dismay discussion with the group we either postpone the trip to next year or try our luck to contact more operators…
I’m so glad we did the latter and found Pembury Tours. Kerry Ririe’s very professional responds with plentiful of positive energy has given us high optimistic hope again. Kerry drafted an amazing itinerary that took us to Victoria Fall, Chobe National Park, Okuti in Okavango Delta and Melrose Arch Johannesburg. She was tolerantly adjusting the itinerary with 4 of us who can be contrasting in availability with dates, budget and…expectation! ha! And even after a perfect itinerary has met our satisfactory. Kerry continues to provide suggestion and options to make sure we can have the fullest range of great experiences in Africa. Our trip went super smoothly and it was totally stressed free. We had the most memorable time at the spectacular waterfall, safari game drive, sunset cruise, Delta boat ride, cultural village tour etc.
We could not give enough credits to Pembury Tours especially Kerry for her professional integrity and initiative. Highly recommended.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super holiday!!!
Thank you Makasa fore the perfect holiday to Tanzania.
We've seen so much in Selous Game Reserve!!
Accomodation at Rufiji River camp and the mediteraneo hotel were perfect.
Tima tours for transportation is alsof Very recommended.
It was our first trip to Tanzania and for certain, not our last!!!
from beginning untill the end of our trip everything was perfectly arranged!!
CN
Amazing Safari in Tanzannia
We have chosen the right travel agency--Easy Travel & Tour Co. for our Safari this October. The whole procedure of the arrangement of the safari with the Copmany is quite pleasant and comfortable and the staff are very helpful and friendly.
We are very satisfied with our 6-day safari tour. Accomodation and vehicle is quite good. Particularly,our driver/guide,Amilia, is good and experienced,and also with good knowledge of zoology from which we have benefited a lot. Anyway, everything related to our safari tour lives up to our expectation and some even beyond our expectation.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great and Safe Safari Experience
That's perfect with Noah's arrangement. Noah is the boss who is very considerated and nice. Altought I am alone and have my safari in a very specific time, he can offer a good price and contact with me to communicate immidiately. All the hotel he choose are luxury and wonderful place that I ever lived in africa country.
My guide and driver Ken is very professional to ensure your safety and good at looking for the wild animal. Absolutely reliable man!
I hope I can have another tour with this nice Wildebeest Safaris LTD, thanks so much!
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A great experience
When you book a safari from Germany you always have doubts if you chose the right tour operator. Now after a week in Murchison, QENP and Bwindi I know that it was good to travel to Uganda and experience the beauty of the country. I travelled with my wife and my friend. All of us had been on safaris in different African countries before.
Picking Living Wild was a very good decision. Communication between them and Germany was reliable and responses came quickly. The price seemed attractive. The money transfer went smoothly. I was never disappointed. In our week we have seen a lot of different landscapes, many beautiful animals. We learned a lot about Uganda. I liked the lodges and Caesar's professionalism at all times. The car was impeccably clean and in very good technical shape.
PT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Pilanesberg Safari with Willem
We did one day safari in Pilanesberg.
We start at 6 am and we saw a lots of animals and was amazing.
Willem is such a passionate guide and add value to the safari.
We love it.
Thank you