DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari is the best part of Kenya but be prepared for lower service quality
We had with my wife a private 3 day Safari. The trip started in Amboseli, which was amazing - lot of animals and beautiful nature views. Kibo camp where we stayed was also great - tents were perfect, cozy and totally comfy. Then we moved to Tsavo West, which was a bit less interesting. It was very dry and we saw almost no animals. Luckily we are huge fans of nature, which was beautiful also there, so we were happy anyway - but I can imagine that "regular" tourists would be disappointed from seeing no animals there. The Ngulia Lodge where we stayed was also not a very nice place - very old, empty and with low service quality. Our guide Anthony was a nice guy, however he was more like a driver than a guide. He drove us safely to all of our agreed places, but he didn't provide us many additional information - only the name of an animal and some high-level basic info. He also paid more attention to his "fellow guides" than to us, which caused that we stayed for couple of minutes every 500m, when we met some other Safari car to have a talk with them. In general the Safari was great experience, but the service level could have been much better for so much money.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect Arrangements
Having been to Kenya many times, I have now used Safari Club twice to book a safari in Kenya. Both safaris worked like clockwork with their Kenya based agents being timely in pick ups from Jomo Kenyatta and from our Nairobi hotel out to Wilson Airport. Likewise on returning back at Wilson their Kenya based agents were there to meet us and take us to Ole Sereni before heading out to the airport. I will certainly use Safari Club again for future trips to Kenya or elsewhere in Africa if the occasion arises. I should add that for our first trip with Safari Club, Sosian in the Laikipia District was an excellent recommendation by Paul Downhill and they were very willing to book the places I wanted to stay at namely Loldia House on the banks of Lake Naivasha and Governors Camps in the Masai Mara.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Easter Holiday 2017
We have just ended our 35 pax holiday at kenya mombasa holiday. We were refered to the company by our friend from itary. We contacted the company, john peter responded to us very fast and advised as very well. We customised our tour till we were fulfilled because our budget was low. Everything was handled professionally and went as we expected. All thanks to john peter and african paradise safaris staff. We recommend the company to all holiday seeker
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great experience, accommodating company, very professional guide.
I was shopping for a last minute trip to Africa, with less than two weeks notice. I didn't have time to do a lot of research, or join another group, so I started emailing companies I found online about options. Home to Africa was quick to respond, and willing to organize a trip for me, solo, on the dates I could travel. They sent several itinerary options for me to consider and kept in close contact to answer questions until it was settled.
There were a few issues with details, which I gave feedback for them to improve (like knowing how to wire money so that we don't all get hit with big fees; being clear about how much drive time was expected each day and offering stops; knowing if there was periodic wifi service available; providing a beverage as part of the meal; and being explicit about who tips at each stop on my behalf- little details that show top notch professional service).
Overall, my itinerary was a very good tour of the country. I could tell they had planned it to be as comfortable as possible for me (although this meant eating and staying at some places I would not have picked because they were situated and oriented only to tourists). Because my itinerary was designed to see highlights that were far apart, I had looong days in the car, so that is something to consider for your trip. The roads are not always in good shape, so it can be slow going, but I did also see a lot of interesting things out the window!
My guide Paul was an excellent driver, he was very professional and knowledgeable about what we were seeing. We saw all the wildlife I expected, I was able to talk with him about Uganda's history and politics, about conservation issues and natural history of the animals.... it is no small thing to be traveling with someone every day, all day, for 12 days and have a good experience. I had seen similar reviews of Paul and concur he is a pro!
I am happy to answer questions about this company, I recommend both their services and Uganda as a destination- this was my first trip to Africa. I never felt unsafe, and was able to have a very comprehensive experience of culture, landscape, and 'safari animals' in a 12 day tour.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Marvellous expercience, perfect service, accomodations were up to standard
We found Compass Odyssey while searching on the internet.
Our questions were answered thouroughly and in mutual understanding.
Compass Odyssey adapted our itinerary according to our wishes and made suggestions for our travel.
We did change our mind a couple of times, but that didn't matter.
All went well and Compass odyssey was allways willing to help when questions arised.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
we are so happy to be with our Guido and his office
We had an incridible time! Tanzania is an unbelievable place! The landscape and surroundings of the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti are just wonderful! The Guidoguide Philipo was a professional and knew the whereabouts of the animals in all the parks. During our Safari we where lucky enough to see the famos wildebeest migration and lion kill, absolutely surreal experiens. We surely recommend Solaris Tours and Safaris to any one interested in visiting East Africa.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Kenya at its best - friendly, welcoming, awe-inspiring
From our first enquiry through to arriving home, the service provided by Daniel and his team was truly outstanding. Daniel took the time to understand what we wanted from our safari, tailoring one of the packages to provide the accommodation and itinerary that matched what we wanted, including booking our hotel before the start or the safari. Peter (our guide) was fantastic and always ready to go from the first morning. His skill and perserverance meant that we were treated to some incredible sites. Due to unforeseen circumstances we changed guides, but this was handled so seamlessly that it had no impact to us. Peter made sure Tony was introduced to us and had everything before traveling on. Tony had some big shoes to fill as Peter had made my holiday by finding cheetahs in Tsvao and some incredible viewings of lions. Tony made a promise that he would find me a leopard, not only did he do this, but he did it twice. Both Peter and Tony are amazing guides, with outstanding knowledge of Kenya, the parks and the wildlife. They were fun and helpful, willing to sit for ages so that we could try for the perfect photo. The accommodation was incredible, varying from tented camps to luxury lodges, the service at all was amazing with all staff being welcoming and friendly. We loved everything about our time in Kenya and will definitely be using Transtrek Safaris again.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
All in all... a awesome day.
Our Safari started a little bit different than expected. On the morning we wanted to start my girlfriend got really sick and it was not possible for us to go to the Taranguitre Park.
But our Driver and Frank (the Manager of Tai Adventures) managed to change the date. We thought that this would not be possible. But they made it possible.
A few days later we were in the Taranguire with Danford, the Driver. It was a great day. It was not our first time in this park. And sadly the rain was there a few days earlyer. So the grass was really high. That means: No chance to see any cats. But Danford tried everything to show us cats. He spend many hours with us and explained many things about the wildlife and the animals in Tansania. And this in a reserved way. He gave us time to make many pictures and enjoy the nature.
We are looking forward to go another safari with Tai Adventures.
Thanks for this Day to Frank and Danford.
BR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Best Safari Tour Operaror
My experience with Get Away was the best ever! Nelson and Dhula were so kind with me and my friends which made our safari tour unforgettable. Organization was perfect as week as communication, driving, food and acomodarions. They were also flexible to make some changes in the itinerary on the last day as per our request. Nelson is also a very connected person and help us with trip planning and tours in Zanzibar! Totally recommend the company! I have recomended Get Away to other Brazilian friends and they all were very satisfied!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Want an experience of a lifetime,look no further
We were a family of five, and from the first of communications with "Soul of Tanzania" we knew that we would be well-taken care of. Even more so our expectations were pleasantly exceeded!! In fact, we were the envy of other tour company guests as they peered over our "Hot Lunches" with wine that was provided daily on our safari!!While they dined from boxed lunches. The hi-light of our safari was our guide, Nico. He ran everything to our schedule and liking and was exceptionally knowledgeable with "ALL" the wildlife. To cap off our safari vacation, Nico purchased a Masi robe as a gift for our 8 yr. old and adorned him with it as his parting gift to us, which brought a tear of joy to my wife. I feel that in a short time we became like family...it was that GOOD. So do you want a safari vacation of a lifetime, above the rest...look no further.
The only suggestion I might make is if "Soul of Tanzania" had a little parting memento (ie) golf hat, t-shirt, keychain etc.