US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very accommodating and easy to work with!
Our trip included four days in Cape Town, a short flight to a private game reserve that was top notch at an affordable rate with lovely staff and luxurious accommodations! The attention to detail and hospitality was phenomenal! It was a trip of a lifetime and couldn’t have been any less stressful in the planning. I highly recommend African Welcome Safaris if you’re looking to visit Africa!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime - Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Tsavo East, Diani Beach
Booked the trip of a lifetime with Silas in December for my mom's 70th birthday. He quickly responded to my texts and the few edits I made to the original itinerary based on the animals we wanted to see. Any time I had a question from booking to leaving, he was quick to respond via WhatsApp. Very happy to report that everything went as expected - the camps that were booked, the start times, the transportation. We were picked up at the airport by Silas and another driver and dropped off at our Nairobi hotel. We did two nights in Nairobi so that we could go to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphange which only has one 11A entrace daily. Be sure to book early if you want to go!
We started our safari at Maasai Mara with Dickson, who picked us up at our Nairobi hotel ready and waiting before our agreed start time, without whose perseverance and excellent driving skills we would *still* be stuck in the mud. "Turn back? No! We are adventurers!" On our first drive we saw giraffes, cheetahs, lions, ostrich, hippos, and many more with Dickson on his walkie with the other guides to find out where the animals were. Unfortunately, a broken-down jeep forced us to part with Dickson on our third day, but we were saved within the hour by the lovely Ben and traveled on to Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Tsavo East and Diani Beach. Each place was gorgeous, and we had such a great time on our drives. Not every camp was luxury, which we agreed to, but all camps were clean with good food and lovely staff.
I reached out to many tour companies researching this trip, and Apodi was the best value based on cost and average TripAdvisor reviews of the lodges on our itinerary. Would book with them again, no question.
Agree with the earlier review about small bills for tips. Everyone gets a tip in Kenya, so having only large bills onhand made things difficult. I typically bypass money exchanges and get local currency at an ATM once I land, assuming there's always an ATM at the airport, but that was semi-difficult to do. Recommend exchanging some of your larger home currency at the airport since it might be awhile before you find an ATM.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent we had an amazing time
Excellent service, wonderful accommodation. We just wish that we knew they did excursions in Zanzibar we would have booked them for everything. Everything was well organised communication was brilliant and if we wanted to shake up the itinerary we could. I would definitely recommend.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The operator was very friendly and helpful.
Our tour guides was extremely knowledgeable. Bhekifa in particular did a magnificent job. He read the animal pawprints on the ground and found all the animals we wanted to see. He was friendly and even used our phone to get the best pictures of everything we saw.
Best safari so far.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Service
Kathi was able to tailor our vacation based on our time, interests, and budget. She was amazing to work with because she replied quickly to our questions and requests, she was able to accommodate changes due to weather and she made our vacation an absolute trip of a lifetime!
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding driver guide !
Ken was the best driver we have ever met! His professionalism & kindness would be our reason to revisit Kenya!
Can’t believe that he managed to look for BIG FIVE and river crossing in just 1 day, besides of luck I truly believe his ‘information & interpersonal network on finding animal ’ helps a lot ! Thanks Ken very much for giving us an enjoyable and remarkable trip!
For Hotels, didn’t really have much expectations so far so good. Mara Sopa Lodge is good , have relatively good food choice and stay, for another hotel we stayed - Mara Jumbo, although look properly online but not recommend to stay because of many ants in room , window is broken can’t open, and the food selection was quite disappointed.
For Vehicle, highly recommend to upgrade to 4WD Jeep, the experience is great, of course Ken’s excellent driving skills make us feel exciting and good.
Definitely recommend Beacon Safaris, reliable and honest although sometimes respond is not very fast, still acceptable!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very excellent and honest travel operator
Review of the 3 day Murchison Falls trip with Deluxe vacations Uganda Ltd
I and my wife, Jane, recently had the pleasure of embarking on a 3-day safari trip to Murchison Falls National Park with Deluxe Vacations Uganda Ltd, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Ema, our guide, was the best guide we have ever had.
Our adventure began with a warm welcome from our knowledgeable and friendly guide, Ema who picked us from the airport on time welcomed us to Uganda and briefed us about the tour. The journey to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was comfortable, thanks to the state-of-the-art safari Land Cruiser provided by Deluxe Vacations. At Ziwa, we were able to observe rhinos in their natural habitat, a truly unique and exhilarating experience.
We then arrived at Twiga Safari Lodge, where we stayed for two nights. The lodge and its staff were incredible.
The next morning, we had a unique experience starting with a game drive, where we saw a variety of wildlife in their natural environment. The highlight of the day was a surprise brunch at the top of the falls organized by Deluxe Vacations. This was a wow factor for us. All thanks to Godwin and the team for the spectacular arrangements.
The entire trip was flawlessly organized, with attention to detail and a commitment to providing a high-quality safari experience. Deluxe Vacations Uganda Ltd ensured our safety and comfort throughout the journey.
I would fully recommend Deluxe Vacations to any travelers wishing for an excellent tour. The combination of professional and friendly guides, excellent recommendations of Lodges, and well-planned activities made this safari a memorable adventure. Thank you, Deluxe Vacations, for an amazing experience!
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very spontaneous, kind and well organized
One day before leaving Nairobi, we decided to do another Safari. We asked Julius, if he can arrange one for our family so quickly, he could, it was great! Very kind guide & driver, and we saw the rhinoes, a baby cheetah and many other animals.
In the evening, they drove us directly to the airport. Thank you!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy to work with
We used Elephant Heard for our 4 day safari at Kruger park. Bev was our contact from booking all the way though our stay. We really liked that they were a local company and available the whole trip if we had any questions or issues, Bev even picked us up from the airport. From pick up to drop off, everything was taken care of, we didn't have to worry about any logistical details. My family and I typically travel independently, but for the safari it was nice to just relax and take in all of the sites. This experience exceeded my expectations, I still can't believe the abundance of animals there are in the park. Lastly, it was a great value, our Lodging at the Zarafa was beautiful and included all the meals, they were delicious and the service was first class.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect organization
Perfect communication from the beginning. The price is worth it as everything was better than expected.
The transfer perfect on time and the guide always trying to get the best from the National Parks for us.
Our kids were as well greatly satisfied and Mdee the guide answered all their questions about the animals.
Hope we come back to Tanzania and we highly recommend this company for the Safari
