CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most incredible experience
Totally exceeded my expectations!
Maybe I was just naive but it totally exceeded all of my expectations! Pete from Pavillion tours ensured that, the accommodations at Sarova Mara were just wonderful. I was thinking "tent" as in camping on the ground in sleeping bags not huge tents with king sized beds and solar heated water. The food selection was great too- buffet style, lots of choices and always something for everyone even the kids. The weather was perfect! No rain, few clouds. It was pretty warm during the day so after an early morning safari run we would just hang out by the pool until the sun started to go down. Our guide, Alex, was great! We got to see the "Big 5" on our first outing!! Lots of zebra, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, lions, antelope. But I didn't expect to see nearly every animal that would be in the reserve. The hippos at the river were great! Lots of great birds too. My favorite was the lilac breasted roller. I highly recommend Pavillion Safari!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, responsive!
We had the best time on safari thanks to the Kruger Safari Co.! They were super helpful in finding the right safari for us, and very responsive to all requested changes, additions and questions we had.
At first the idea of planning a safari felt daunting, but once we started working with the Kruger Safari Co. there were no worries and everything was sorted for us.
....and we had the best safari!! Saw so many animals, there were zero logistical hiccups, just a fantastic, memorable and remarkable experience.
Thank you Kruger Safari Co.!
NO
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A unique travel experience
Relatives in S. Africa told us about Botswana, so we decided to check it out. We were not disappointed.
Our trip started with the Mack Air transfer across the delta that afforded us a spectacular birdseye view of the terrain. After being dropped off in the northeastern corner of Osiwanga we were driven to our lodge near the edge of Chobe National Park. To our amazement all sorts of animals - including elephants and a giraffe - came right up to our tent. During the day we went on game drives. A high points were the African wild dogs. We followed closely after a group of 13 on the chase, came across the nest of baby ones, and even witnessed an antelope being taken down by three of them. In the evenings we were treated to beautiful sundowners, which at one we were visited by a lurking serval.
We also also spent a day in the Delta exploring the aquatic life by boat. The landscape was spectacular with numerous exotic birds, plenty hippos and elephants as well as interesting plants. In the evening the staff at the lodge put on a lively show of singing and dancing.
Our last day in the north was spent resting in Maun. Before departing for home we went sightseeing and shopping for artfully crafted basketry of exceptional quality in Gaborone. These exquisite artifacts were made in the style of traditional tribal objects by artisans integrating cultural symbols into their individual designs.
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in Botswana, the country and its people. How lucky we are that Botswana has set aside such extensive nature reserves for the benefit of Africa's wild animals, and for us all to experience.
BR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My first safari couldn't have been more perfect
It had always been a dream of mine, since childhood, to go on a safari in Africa, and I had the opportunity to do so in July 2024. We planned our safari for the months when the wildebeest migration takes place, and it was perfect from beginning to end. When we first contacted Destiny, we were looking for a 6-day mid-range private safari for 4 people, and the company adapted exactly to our needs with great value for money. The communication with Issa was excellent—always flexible, responding quickly, and being honest about everything. Our driver, Erastu, was the ultimate expert; he knew exactly where the animals were, and he was wonderful with us—always friendly, cheerful, and accommodating.
Thank you, Destiny and Erastu, for making our dream come true and exceeding our expectations. We will definitely return and go on another safari with Erastu, but this time all the way to Lake Mara to see the wildebeest crossing the water.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best safari company in Tanzania!!
This was a trip of a lifetime and African Big Cat made it everything we could have asked for! From the pickup at the airport to the drop off at the end of the safari it was 5 star service by everyone! Khaled was our guide and was amazing! It seemed like he knew exactly where every animal was going to be and had tons of knowledge that he shared with us and we loved having the Jeep all to ourselves instead of being in a group of people! If you’re looking for a 5 star safari without breaking the bank then you shouldn’t look any further than African Big Cats. Thank you Emanuel, Khaled, and Ringo for the awesome safari!
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience during 11days in Kenya.
Thanks for my guide Nick giving us an incredible memory in Africa. Me and my son were shocked everyday by the scene we saw. Thousands of wildebeests, the family of cheetahs and lions.Nick is an animal expert indeed.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The experience was great. All the arrangement were made and I just had to show up. It flowed well.
The trip was great. As mentioned, the arrangements were all set up for me. I just needed to show up and enjoy the lodge and safari. I would recommend this route, especially if you don't know the area or how to get out to the greater Kruger region.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Emmanuel was great.
We had a great time during our safari to Mikumi National Park. Our guide Emmanuel was great and arrived on time to pick us up. During the safari, he stopped every time we asked to take pictures. He was well inform about the animals in the park. I would say our only disappointment was, we did not get to see lions. However, this was not the fault of the tour company. Lastly, Emmanuel made stops on the way back which was very fun lol. I will definitely book with them again and please ask for Emmanuel you won’t regret it.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Trustworthy, reliable and considerate.
I am originally from Uganda although I have been travelling outside of Uganda for a while. I travelled to Uganda from Japan recently to view mountain gorillas with a few of my Japanese workmates. It is safe to say that Kigongo safaris did a great job at organising our tour, from booking accomodation to provision of reliable means transportation, information regarding our travel destination and even the travel attractions. I would highly recommend Kigongo safaris for a travel company for your money will be worth it. Thank you Mariam for the experience, you are really a lovable individual.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Customizable, easy communication, reliable and great value
I went with It Started In Africa because a friend recommended this tour company to me. I did research on my own as well and reached out to many companies. Honestly, ISIA was the easiest to communicate with and plan. I was very happy with my mid-range safari I had and the price for what I got was unbeatable. Every question and concern I had was answered promptly. Their advice was valuable.
I was a solo female traveler that has never been to Africa and was a bit hesitant on safety. Never did I have to worry about my safety when I was with this tour company. I arranged for Airport pick-up and drop-off, which was smooth. My safari guide was the one to pick me up and drop me off.
Erasto was a great guide. He really made my trip very memorable. He was also my good luck charm as I got to see the Big 5 in both the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. He was very knowledgeable about the animals, plants and culture. On my first night in he made sure I was able to eat as my accommodations wasn’t able to prepare anything that evening as I arrived very late. He made sure I got to see everything I wanted and I was happy throughout the trip. His tips really helped with my time in Tanzania. Before we embarked on the safari he took me to a local grocery store to buy snacks and treats I wanted. I miss our fireside chats with Konyagi and every time I see a giraffe I think of his favorite “models.”
I loved all my accommodations I stayed at. I honestly wish I had a longer safari now because I wish I had more than one night at each place because each place was incredible. All the food at each location was delicious, and staff were kind and helpful.
I plan to use ISIA again in the future, this time I need to add Zanzibar to the trip and stay longer.
