US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience with our guide, Ronald!
We had an absolutely amazing time on our Frena tour with our guide, Ronald. From the moment I contacted Fred, the owner, I got quick responses. He answered all my questions and let me make adjustments to our itinerary until it fit exactly what we wanted. We flew into Entebbe, and Ronald picked us up at our hotel. We did a 10 hour drive to Bwindi and Ronald answered literally ANY question we had for him. He brought us to a delicious Ugandan buffet, helped us withdraw cash from the ATM, and made sure we had everything we needed during that long drive.
We spent 2 nights in Bwindi at a beautiful lodge with the most incredible views for our gorilla trek. Prior to the trek, Ronald informed us exactly how it would happen, so we were never unsure or confused when we arrived. From there, we stayed 2 nights near Queen Elisabeth National park where Ronald took us on multiple game drives and did everything he could to make sure we saw as many animals as possible. He was so good at spotting the animals and stopped and slowed down anytime we wanted photos and videos. He completely catered to us and made the experience so amazing by telling us all about the animals we were seeing and again, answering all of our questions. The lodge was absolutely stunning and we fell asleep to the sounds of hippos every night! We also did a channel cruise while there where we were literally within 10-20 feet of hippos and elephants and so many birds. We spent our last night in Kibale at yet another gorgeous lodge. We did chimpanzee trekking there (which I recommend—it is just as amazing as the gorillas, but is easier!). We drove by other tourist vehicles that had a lot of tourists inside and felt so spoiled by our private tour with Ronald!
A few things:
1. We were in a tourist van that had a roof that popped up. We thought it was great, but I guess some have been disappointed in the past we were told. Ronald mentioned that you can request other types of vehicles. So be sure to ask Fred about that. But the van was comfortable for our long drives and it was perfect for our game drives.
2. This company is owned by a man from Uganda. I wanted our money to stay in Uganda, so I chose Frena.
3. The lodges all provide three meals a day. We were never hungry.
4. Fred is running the whole thing, so don’t be concerned if it takes a day or two to hear back from him. It’s only him answering all the emails!
5. You won’t be connected with your driver until the night before. Don’t worry! I was a little stressed about that, but you’ll get a what’s app message connecting you, and once connected, you’ll always get responses from your driver when you’re not with them.
6. I felt so safe being shown around by Ronald. A lot of people told us we should stay in Rwanda instead, claiming Uganda isn’t safe. We never once felt unsafe.
7. It literally is a private tour. I honestly didn’t realize this until a few months after we booked!
8. You pay half the tour when you book. You pay the second half later. If you plan to pay when you arrive, you must do so in cash. So be sure to ask BEFORE YOU LEAVE if you don’t want to be carrying thousands of your currency abroad. My friend who used Frena warned me of this, so we just paid with card a month before our trips.
9. When you’re on the treks, a lot of tipping is expected by the other people involved, so bring small bills (they accept US dollars, euros, and pounds).
Again, I cannot recommend Frena enough. I seriously felt like Ronald was just our friend showing us around his home country. We saw so many amazing animals and had so much fun while doing it. Do not hesitate—book Frena! Look at my photos to see how great it was!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing opportunity
We visited serval wildlife at Kilimanjaro Region at it was perfect we even had a chance to take pictures with the Might lion 🦁 which was terrifying but amazing. Am a local resident from the area but still this was a new experience to me thanks to Soke Safaris Team.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
BEST SAFARI COMPANY IN TANZANIA
Just came from safari in Tanzania with Soke Safaris. It was a lifetime experience vacation with local Tanzania company. From start to finish everything was planned accordingly. We had many question before and Caren from the reservation office did the best in answering all queries. The hotel and lodges was excellent, food, guide and safari car was amazing. I would recommend Soke Safari Company for anyone who wish to visit Tanzania
US
Efficient, high-quality, exceeded my every expectation
Isabella was responsive and very helpful when planning the trip - she thought of everything. When she met us at the airport, it was like being met by a local friend. She had everything planned out super well and when we wanted to add last minute activities, she was very accommodating and helpful. Paul spent the majority of the time with us, ushering us from Zimbabwe through Botswana. He was very knowledgeable and excited to share about the history, culture, and animals. He remembered even minute details we shared and used that information to tailor our experiences. I feel like Paul genuinely cared about us, shared in our joy, and happily catered to our every whim. The value for the trip was great - we booked a "mid-range" budget trip, but I feel like all of the accommodations where high end.
CI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
the team was very efficient, helpful and friendly
Gems of Africa was fantastic! Their friendly and efficient team helped us plan an unforgettable safari in Pilanesberg and two-day trips in the Cape area, for our family with young children. They made the planning process enjoyable and everything went smoothly during our trip. Highly recommend!
CH
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable nature experience, good Service
We went on a 7-day trip, it became an unforgettable journey. Special thanks to our driver Simon , who was a great guide, an accurate, safe and confident driver with long experience. Thanks also to Lisa for a good Organization. If we come again, we will certainly choice KingTomondo!!!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable, knowledgeable, friendly, great tour planning, great customer service
We did an eight day safari through DK Tours & Safaris (Vic Falls, Chobe, Elephant Sands, Okavanga). We loved every minute of it. Every one of our guides was welcoming, accommodating, reliable, and knowledgeable. Their customer service was excellent, and they planned the tour very well. We spent the most time with Enock, who was super friendly, and it was clear how passionate and knowledgeable he was about wildlife and nature. Couldn’t recommend this company more and we will definitely book with them again if we do another safari! Trip of a lifetime.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Hospitality, well organized, flexible, and good price
I understand we stayed at the highest level possible of the hotels throughout. We met a few times with gate 1 travelers in the same hotels where we stayed. I would definity wait 2-3 weeks later to experience great migration. We are just a couple weeks early this year.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lindo was very responsive and was able to tailor the trip to my needs.
I had a wonderful trip. My time and budget were limited, but Lindo was able to find a package for me and I had a great experience.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Flexible & Knowledgeable
David was very easy to communicate with during the booking process. He really listened to what I wanted to do and tailored the 2 tours around that. On the day he was knowledgeable & good company. I enjoyed our conversations and hearing about his experiences. Everything went smoothly & I enjoyed both tours. He was very flexible & that ensured that I was able to get as much out of my limited time as possible. Thanks David! No highly recommended.