CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An awesome lifetime experience.
We traveled to South Africa on the Queen Mary 2 (from Southampton) and upon arrival in Cape Town we were treated to an absolutely splendid view from the sea of Table Mountain and the city. We spent several days on Cape Town and were thoroughly impressed with the city and its surroundings (but not the water shortage......). We took a day tour to Stellenbosch (booked online with “WineFlies”) and were impressed with the quality of the guide and - of course - the wine. We drove up the east coast, staying in Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth. From PE we did a self-drive tour of the Addo elephant reserve. It was outstanding. We then headed further north, staying in Umtata, Umhlaga, and Richards Bay/Empangeni (an important family location). All hotels were excellent, and reasonably priced. stayed near Newcastle at a first rate recently-built hotel - Vulintaba - which is surrounded by mountains and next to a brand new golf course. Worth the detour.
Our final destination was Joburg. We had fortunately booked a hotel in Rosebank, because that is where the hop-on hop-off leaves from (well worth it for those, like us, new to Joburg). The highlight in Joburg was the Apartheid Museum. Very well done, and very moving. It should be visited by anyone going to Joburg.
Our final four days were on the safari that we had booked online with Jewel of Africa, having first browsed your very useful website. Because we had driven nearly 4,000kms since our arrival in Cape Town, it was important to book a safari that included flights from Joburg to Hoedsprit, and not more driving. Jewel of Africa delivered in spades. Staff were helpful throughout the booking process (including difficulties paying in Rand through Visa). They were especially helpful when, on the day of our departure on safari, the airline we were booked on (CEMair) ran into “operational difficulties” (they had safety issues.....). We stayed at Phelwana lodge in a brand new “tent”next to a dam with hippos. At 5pm on the first day we were toured around the property and saw many animals. The first full day was spent at Kruger NP. Our guide (from Tally-Ho) was excellent, very well informed, and extremely helpful. The second day we toured Manyuleti, a private reserve with open fences to Kruger. Lots of off-road driving - which brought us within feet of prides of lions, leopards, elephants etc. Really amazing! Our booking was all-inclusive, and the food and wine at Phelwana were extremely good. Jewel of Africa did an outstanding job. I recommend them highly.
Bottom line? South Africa and its people, scenery, accommodations and food are superb!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Visit Uganda wildlife, meet people & climb Nyiragongo active volcano in Congo
Glad I came across Green Hills Ecotours on my search for Uganda and Congo tours while in Africa January 2018! we can not forget stories; culture, meet locals and enjoy the Uganda wildlife; Queen Elizabeth and highly enjoyed visiting mountain Gorillas and climb nyiragongo the world's largest lava lakes was difficult but on reasonable price and 100% worth it! Innocent our 10days trip organizer &Tour Guide in Uganda and DRCongo went beyond our expectations, was a stellar tour guide. From processing our visas and assist on our border formalities, He shared lots of information, very friendly and an expert in ecotourism! What a pleasure. My mum(63yrs) and I had an amazing trip with Green Hills Ecotours and I highly recommend them to everyone visiting East Africa.
CZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful trip, great organization and unforgettable experiences.
We were at Kenya for three weeks. Our safari trip lasted 11 days and Sam from Bush - thorns Adventures was with us all the time. Before our trip he recommended places and also answered all our questions. With him we planned our trip easily without problems. Whole trip was great, he knows a lot of things about Kenya, animals and nature. He answered all our questions again and also helped us with accommodation in camps. We visited Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo west, Kakamega forest, Lake Naivasha, Hells gate, Mount Longonot and Lake Victoria. In Masai Mara we had also driver (a friend from Sam) and he was great! Actually he took us to nice places and always very close to the animal. And his driving skills are unbelievable! We are glad that we chose Bush-thorns Adventures for our trip :)
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Awesome, unforgettable experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Jiwe Adventures
I chose Jiwe Adventures after researching a few companies because they were the only company that replied to my emails immediately and in a very efficient way. Communicating with Edgar from day one was great. He replied to emails everyday of the week and all hours of the day. Information given was to the point and everything you needed to know. When we arrived in Moshi we were met at the airport by a very friendly face with a bottle of water for us to drink on the trip to the hotel. Edgar and our guide Goodluck met us at the hotel to explain what to expect and check we had all the gear necessary for our walk. Our walk up the mountain was unforgettable. We were supported by a fantastic team of porters, cook and our two guides Goodluck and Edward. Their knowledge of the mountain, encouragement and dedication helped us to summit a day earlier than expected. The food supplied was tasty and everything you needed to acieve your goal. Our waiter, who brought the food to us at every meal always did so with a smile on his face. When we got to the end of the walk our waiter had ice cold drinks waiting for us. I would highly recommend Jiwe Adventures. You can not go wrong choosing them.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good Safari Operator based in Nairobi
Had a wonderful Safari with this company early this month. We reserved a 6 day Simba Safari with them and the pricing was pretty good considering we had luxury accommodation ( tented camps ) in both Masai Mara and Amboseli. Booking with them was easy and all my questions were answered. For the actual Safari we got an expert Driver, Peter, who was highly professional and courteous as well.
SA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Yes, book with Jiwe
Wow---I am not sure where to begin exactly. Everything was organized, efficient, and we were so happy with the experience we might book Jiwe for another trek. We didn't have crazy expectations, but of course we really wanted to reach the summit. The best part is that we chose the 9 day Northern Circuit Route, and were so thankful we did! This route gave us more time in nature, more time to acclimatize, more time to get to know our crew, and we were overjoyed with the entire experience. The porters, guides, and cook became our adopted family. Edgar, the manager, went above and beyond to ensure we were happy and well taken care of. Our guides - Jackson and GoodLuck were amazing---funny, cooperative, positive, and helpful. They made sure we enjoyed the experience! The cook was always very creative in cooking and we loved how healthy and fresh the food was! Thank you Jiwe!
LV
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional services at reasonable price
Oakland Tours took us to Mount Kenya and overall we are satisfied with the services we received. Starting from booking the climb and ending with the climb itself the services were very professional and employees of Oakland Tour took a great care of our needs and wishes. Special thanks goes to our tour guides, porters and cooks - Charles, Elajah, Bonifacius and the rest of team, who guided us to Mt. Kenya throughout some difficult circumstances. Some of our group got high altitude sickness and they were safely guided through the night to the lower base station, while rest of the time ensured that were able to reach the Mount Kenya. All in all a good service for very reasonable price!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
magnifently exceptional ,You are true to your name " best memories "
The team at this Africa safari company made the planning of our safari a breeze! They are very responsive and knowledgeable about everything your mind would like an answer on. This company's level of service and knowledge of Africa is exemplary and exceptional. They are just the best in making you attain your safari and tours desire. Bravo Best memory safaris... the memories created in your services will ever last... best memories indeed!
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An unforgettable journey!
Personal contact, really listening to requirements, honoust advice, swift replies, clear communication, love for this beautiful country and its peopele and a wonderfull host at Jjaja Bbanga. That’s my experience with Sander and Grassrootz.
A 21day safari, by myself and with guide, covering Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Murchisons, Kidepo (IK & Nakapelimoru), Sipi and as much as possible community based accomodation was the result based upon my requirements. The trip exceeded my expectations.
I was a bit worried about travelling for 21 days with a person never met before. On the first day this worry was taken away immediately. Paul is a real host. Driving safely, punctual, caring, know’s his way (and lots of people), loves to tell about the country, people and animals. Every evening during dinner the plan for the next day so well prepared. A very smooth trip.
All accomodations had its own charm or challenge but that’s what I wanted and liked. Some of them exceeded. Broadbill I really loved for its environment, good food and wonderfull care. Boomu’s womens group: Ednah is really an inspiring woman, a lady with a view and a clear missiom. Home of Friends, a beautiful new place with really great hosts and creating feeling of home by having dinner together and play games.
Gorilla and chimp trekking were extraordinary. To meet these animals face to face in their own habitat is so beautiful and special.
Kidepo in one word amazing and a must visit region. Guides Emma (to the IK) and Joseph (to the Nakapilemoru) made these visits extra special. Especially Joseph, sitting on sliding rock, overseeing the region and him telling the stories about the cattle raiding with the biggest smile I have ever seen. Felt like being part of the story.
I will reccomend Grassrootz warmly to everyone who want’s to experience the country and above all its beautiful people.
Thanks Sander & Paul for creating this wonderfull and unforgettable trip.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
7 Wonders provides professional, prompt and family-like safari program.
On our trip to Tanzania, we did a safari, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar -- we did the safari first, and by far, it was my favorite part of the trip. The safari exceeded my expectations. Besides the fact that the scenery and animals are surreally beautiful, 7 Wonders did an excellent job in arranging everything so that we had a smooth and enjoyable trip. I was worried at first with our group solely made up of female travelers, but I felt very safe with our guide Godfrey (including his driving skills on the unpaved roads of the Serengeti). We saw the Big Five on our safari, and I can say, it is thanks expertise of our guide. Our guide was experienced and personable, with many guides stopping to ask him for his advice. Literally, at times, I think Godfrey was more excited to see the animals than we were -- his excitement too was contagious. Calvin, the cook, was also a great chef (at one point, the tourists on another table asked to have some of our food because Calvin was just a better cook). Evelyn, the manager at 7 Wonders, was also very professional -- she always promptly responded to emails and was flexible in our payment methods. The price also of 7 Wonders was very reasonable compared to the dozens of other companies I reached out to. I would give the safari experience a 10/10, and I recommend others to ask for Godfrey and Calvin, too, as their guide and chef.
