US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Pilanesberg Game Reserve by Lynn Chatman
We spent three days in the area near Pilanesberg, and took three game rides in the Park. The Park guides made our rides memorable experiences with their knowledge and anecdotes about the animals in the Park. We had remarkable photo experiences with a large group of elephants (including babies) that crossed the road in front of and behind of our vehicle. They were so close you could reach out and touch them (but we didn't). We also witnessed a group of five or six hippos frolicking in a pond area. The group included several young hippos who were sparring and playing like puppies. We also sighted several female lions feeding on a wildebeest. These sightings were only the tip of the iceberg, as we saw giraffes, impalas, rhinos, more lions, baboons, small mammals, birds, more hippos, more elephants. On one evening ride, I was able to capture photos of the most incredible sunset. Again, on an early morning ride, we rode along as the sun rose over the mountains and the mist lay in the valleys. It was very serene and peaceful. I'm sure I'm forgetting some of the creatures we saw. We were very impressed with the number of animals we saw in their natural habitat, and we would love to come back and see them again.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderfull
South Africa is so beautiful it’s hard not to have a good time, especially if you love nature and animals. Everything is very clean, the people are polite and there is lots to see. I would highly recommend a visit.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our photo safari was more enjoyable than we hoped it would be.
I rate our experience with Andre and Ettienne as excellent. Our booking with Andre went as advertised and far exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Ettienne, made our trip to Pilanesburg National Park fun and informative with a side trip to the cable car and to Hartbeespoort Dam. He picked us up at our hotel in Johannesburg on time, and made us feel comfortable and safe. Our lodging at The Kingdom proved to be modern, well-equipped, and very comfortable. The staff was friendly and helpful, and we were impressed with the buffet provided at meal-times. Ettienne even treated us to an evening braai at our cottage. We toured the Park with three separate Park guides during our stay, who were all exceptionally entertaining and knowledgeable. On all three days they were able to find incredible groups of giraffes, hippos, rhinos, elephants, lions, impala, wildebeests, and so much more, including birds, baboons, guinea fowl, and ... did I say, so much more. The scenery on our morning ride included an incredible sunrise with misty mountain scenes. The evening tour astounded us with a colorful sunset and the feel of traveling through the dark knowing wild animals surrounded us in their natural habitat. We ended our trip with a tour at the Cradle of Mankind before our return to the hotel. Additionally, Andre and Ettienne were able to assist us with obtaining a reputable driver to tour the Cape when we travelled to Cape Town. If we ever go back to South Africa, or other countries in Africa, we will definitely ask this company and its great guides for assistance in planning our excursion.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing experience!
Easy pickup and travel to the camp location. Good simple food (I'm a vegetarian and it was great), lovely people. We had such a good time out on the tour with our guide Robert. He worked hard to spot animals and we saw a TON! Lions, cheetah, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hyena, impala and more. Very comfortable accommodations. Everything just wonderful!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely incredible. Could not have asked for more!
Richard was very communicative from the start. He was extremely friendly and led us on the tour of a lifetime!
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent service
Paul from Tanzania Roadside Expeditions was helpful and serviceminded, he fixed transport and safari for a big group of guests. Everyone loved the safari, the drivers and guides did an excellent job.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Bargain Groupon delivr what we paid for - 4 off-season Kenya resorts, +game drives but long xfer
It was a bargain Groupon trip WELL WORTH the MONEY - especially incl. air travel. Four quality Kenya game Park resorts (no Tanzania) about 2 days at each but transfers between each (plus repack/ checkout) rather grueling for 8 days game safaris ("10d/9n" package). Long resort transfer travel times included rest-stops (even some box-lunch stops) at the ubiquitous curio shops. Had we been in the market for negotiating carving/artwork prices I might have looked forward to stopping but with 5-6 hr travel times between Parks, "running the gauntlet" of sellers to use the [very clean, BTW] bathrooms in the back got rather old, fast. But I'd be singing different tune if I bought more trinkets.
Choice of Game Parks and resorts quite good. Nice mix. Amboseli. Lake Naivashu (even Lake Nakuru without Flamingoes) and the top Masai Maru NR delivered all that was promised. Just transport between them was grueling.
[perhaps "road travel" transfers could be done at night?]
Other safaris have flown us by prop plane to the grass strip at Masai Mara, but not at these prices (or gear weight limits) - so once again, this was well worth the price.
Other pluses included roomy Land Cruisers - only 4 pax in our vehicle + guide. Great! Guide (Francis) was tops. Vehicles maintained well. Food was great with variety. Photo ops at the resorts themselves were great - game right outside windows.
Extras requiring cash (~$30) included Maasai Village visit, the water safari by boat, tips, curios, plus the $50 cash entry visa fee.
Plus we sort of lost a day of touring Nairobi by arriving from US so late in the evening. Due to 9 pm arrival, traffic jams at the airport and streets of Nairobi, there was nothing to do but sleep at first Nairobi motel.
Communication-
Could have used more communication between Odyssey vehicles (our radio was down) and...once we paid Groupon, I was apprehensive about lack of communication from Mark at main office (is there one? or just an answering service?). The "Odyssey Chatter" link to help us prepare was broken. Beatrice was unreachable. I had fears about "hidden extras" - there were none. I had questions for Mark about Entry Visa, Immunizations, cash needed - but, when needed, Mark really delivered on Emirates tickets from our home gateway city. That too, was a great deal.
Time of year - April - for Kenya not the greatest but we saw the big 5, numerous cheetah cubs, Hippos, Snake, colorful big and little birds. Even dung beetles. Great backdrops of Kilimanjaro. Fish eagle fishing on Lake Naivashu was quite unique.
Long story short - I would book Odyssey again. I would recommend them. They could improve on communication to customers and between drivers.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magnificent experience on safari in Murchison Falls National Park.
My experience with Silverback Travel Company exceeded my every expectation. I was in Uganda for business and only had two days to go on safari. Samuel was a wonderful tour guide and planned a custom tour to maximize my time in Murchison Falls National Park. I was able to do two game drives, one in the evening and one the next morning. These drives were definitely the highlight of the trip. Samuel was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and as a result we were able to see lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and many other animals. Despite not having as much time as I would like, Silverback was able to deliver a rich and fulfilling safari adventure. Samuel went out of his way to make sure we had a great experience. The lodge at Murchison Falls was also very nice, had good food, and was very similar to other lodges I have stayed in at national parks in the US. I would give Silverback Travel Company my highest possible recommendation and would not hesitate to use them again when I return to Uganda.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari in Bwindi Forest, Queen Elisabeth Park, Kibale Forest
Excellent safari tour around Bwindi Forest, Queen Elisabeth Park and Kibale Forest !
Travelling alone, I was a bit anxious about the tour but I found it very safe especially because of my very kind guide/driver Mark ! I thank him so much.
Very good safari tour regarding the lodges, the game drives, the timing ( 6 days tour ).
Thank to Cate for the quick answers while preparing my travel !
Wonderful Uganda !
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
One of the best African jungle safaris we have had the pleasure of experiencing
We almost gave up on finding a company that actually offers scheduled group tours in Uganda and at the last minute, we landed on wild troopers safari company. My boyfriend and I were joined by three other tourists and Phillip, our guide was charming, friendly and informative. We visited 5 national parks in 11 days and we were glad to actually spot the big 5 in this small beautiful country. At the end of the tour, we had the pleasure of meeting up with Faith, our tour consultant and the company rewarded us with a complimentary pub crawl within Kampala city. This trip was everything we expected and so much more. We highly recommend this tour operator!