US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
May 2016 Calabash Safari
My college friend and I decided to take a safari in May of 2016. Family friends of ours who live in Tanzania recommended we use Calabash Safaris because they were affordable and a well run service. Both of these assertions were proven to be true and we are so glad we chose Calabash for our first safari experience. We were fortunate to have great weather and amazing animal sightings throughout the trip and our guide John did an wonderful job making sure everything was taken care of and that we saw as much as possible. We did Taringire, Serengeti and Ngorogoro in our 6 day safari. It was the perfect amount of time to see everything we wanted to see. The accommodations that were set up through Calabash were all great, although we did like some more than others...highlights being the coffee lodge on the rim of the Ngorogoro crater and the Safari tent in the middle of the Serengeti. No part of this trip was luxurious, but all of it was clean and comfortable and helped us better experience this beautiful country. Besides being a great guide, John also had a great personality which was important for our trip since it was just my friend and I. He added so much to our trip and by the end of it we felt like we had started a friendship. Tilya was also wonderful in the assisting with the pre-planning and was flexible and helpful with any small issues that arose. We would definitely pick Calabash for a safari again.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Book with Keddy for an amazing trek or safari
After living in Arusha for a couple months I wanted to support a local company that pays their workers well and would also be safe, amazing time. I booked with Keddy and trekked up Kilimanjaro with him and his great team!I was a 20-year old girl hiking alone but they made me feel incredibly comfortable, and even went out of their way to include me in meals and conversation, since I was trying to learn Swahili. I cannot rate them high enough-- if you want the best possible experience, book with Keddy. My parents came to visit the following spring and Keddy planned and implemented a flawless 4-day safari in three different parks. He and his team are detail-oriented, professional, knowledgable, and downright wonderful people to spend your time with. When I was tired on Kili they were incredibly encouraging, even making up raps to keep my mind off the tiredness! Seriously above and beyond in every aspect of their service.
A memorable experience in every way
This was our first trip to South Luangwa, indeed our first to Zambia having usually visited Tanzania. We stayed at the Shenton camps - Kaingo and Mwamba and they were absolutely perfect. Small and very friendly with wonderful food, great accommodation and very knowledgeable staff and guides. We were collected from the airport and had a very enjoyable 'safari' to the first camp. We were blessed with good weather all the time we were there and enjoyed our twice (sometimes three) daily game drives from completely open vehicles which was very welcome as we are photographers with long lenses. The park is very well managed and maintained, and the wildlife sightings were phenomenal. Thanks to our brilliant guide/driver, we had 24 separate leopard sightings,and were fortunate enough to see the Pel's Fishing Owl several times. As for the Carmine Bee-eaters - well!! We thoroughly enjoyed our time in South Luangwa and will most definitely be returning.
A dream come true
I am still on cloud 9, having just returned from the holiday of my dreams. Everyone is very welcoming and nothing is too much trouble, all the rangers answer questions with such knowledge and enthusiasm. On the first drive my group saw the big five and there was a friendly rivalry between the rangers which in turn passed to us clients. As we set off, our ranger,Aymer asked us all what we would most like to see so he was able to tailor our desires and hopes. As it was so dry we were able to clearly see leopards stalking, saw twin baby leopards and many other sights at other times would have been impossible. As no more than three trucks view the animals together you can get really close and the animals ignore you, although when a lion cub sharpened it's claws on our wheels we were a little concerned! Being able to go off road made the experience mega exciting, you never knew what we would see, elephants,rhino, hippo, cheetahs, baboons, the list goes on.
The accommodation was very comfortable and clean, with the animals able to wander round as they please you felt at one with them. The food was excellent and the service was second to none with the cheerful and happy ladies. To sum up, if you want a holiday of a lifetime Mala Mala came up with it!
Review about Zambia by Tris Enticknap
I can only base this on our experience in South Luangwa, but from what we heard from other guests, the other parks in Zambia are extremely good too.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Personally Curated Trip of a Lifetime!
The careful attention of Darren and Kate resulted in a well-organized and exceptional trip. Within 36 hours of arrival at our stunning camp, the skilled and amenable local guides had not only introduced us to the Big Five but added mating leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs to our list. Accommodations in Kruger were very comfortable and staff went out of their way to assure we felt welcome. The Chobe location was perfect right on the river with attentive staff and communal meals. The Vic Falls hotel was over-the-top luxury with complimentary mini-bar and our own balcony looking out at the game park. With their suggestions, we organized our Johannesburg and Cape Town visits on our own to save expenses, and we even used Uber to get around. No matter where we were, Darren and Kate were with us via email. Worth every dollar and they earned every star.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Local Company That Goes Above and Beyond
My boyfriend and I went on a Safari with Bariki and Restoration Safaris from December 28, 2015 - January 4, 2016. It was a once in a life-time trip made extra special by the Bariki and his wife, Mourine.
To start, Mourine was fantastic and worked around our budget and schedule with ease. We communicated over email. Our guide Bariki was with us everyday of the safari from pick up to drop off and we are so thankful to have gotten to know him. Bariki has been a guide for over 20 years and a few years ago, he decided to start his own company. His knowledge and passion for what he does is inspirational. He has a deep respect for the animals too, knowing how close he can get, and how long the car should stay before it stresses the animals out. In addition to being well versed about animals, he is also knowledgable about the local tribes, especially the Maasai.
For us, being with a local company was really important. This is a way to directly support the local economy.
Overall, my boyfriend and I had a fantastic time seeing the animals, learning about the local cultures, tribes and even learning phrases and animal names in Swahili! I highly recommend doing a safari with Restoration Safaris and am happy to be a reference for Bariki and Mourine.
CH
Safari in Tanzania
We had an absolutely brilliant safari - we saw loads of animals, more than I had expected. Our guide Halifa was fantastic - he was an amazing spotter, I don't know how he found all the animals but he did it somehow. He was also really helpful and would help out with any problem or enquiry. We also really liked him - very easy to get along with. I would recommend him to anyone going to Tanzania. All the camps we stayed in were excellent, again I'd have no problem recommending any of them. Staff were always helpful and friendly. All the people we met in the camps were very happy and very pleased with the guides and the camps.
BE
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
an excellent Uganda and Rwanda experience
Our trip of 19 days lead us through Uganda and Rwanda . Not only our visits to the mountaingorillas, the chimps and golden monkeys were highlights of our journey. Every single day was filled up with a lot of unexpected experiences, selected by Miriam, our highly capable and ambitious guide . Together with Alex, our driver and walking bird-dictionary, they gave us so many incredible moments and left in me unforgettable memories. Expectations completely granted.
Highly recommended
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
More impressive then we could ever imagine
We (a family with 4 sons) had a great trip in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Ajabu had everything very well organised. We were especially pleased with our tour Guide Juma. He taught us a lot about Tanzania, the people and the wildlife. And our boys loved him. A care free holiday!!
Every day we were even more amazed about the beauty of the country, the Natural parcs and the lodges we stayed at. Our itinerary was excellent, with the right mixture of travel and leisure.
We certainly would recommend Ajabu Adventures to anyone who wants a trip of a life time in africa