BF
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
We had a great experience with Encounter - excellent communications
I was a bit reluctant to transfer such a large sum on the basis of something I found on-line, but Encounter was excellent and really good with communications. I was flying in from West Africa and meeting my niece who was flying in from Nairobi - we only had about 4 days so it was really important that it all come together. The best thing about Encounter is its communications before and during the trip. They send out constant reminders and let you know about the dates and everything you will need in terms of visa and clothing. We stayed at the Broadbill camp, and it was beautiful - right in the jungle. From front to finish it was a perfect time, Patrick was an excellent guide and made sure we were at all appointments on time. He knew so much about the wildlife and the history of Uganda. We spent an hour with a family of 10 - up close and in the middle of them. Two silverbacks. One passed so close by me, I could have reached and out touched him. No questions about Encounter. Really great.
NO
Exciting tour with a great driver
We had a perfect trip to Kenya this easter with a great and experienced driver, Tony. March was a good month for seeing the different animals. We did Samburu, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara and Amboseli and loved it all.
SA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Reliable and trustworthy
Exciting tour operated by Outlook Safaris. We could spot Big 5 and super 7 during our 4 day safari. Prompt pickup from Johannesburg by Outlook Safaris, The trip to Blyde canyon too was exciting. Only concern was the camp accommodation where AC was noisy and the cobwebs inside the bedroom was irritating. Excellent follow up and service from Krugerpark.com
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari
Overall we had a good experience with Absolute Holiday Safaris. Coordination, lodge bookings, communication, pick up and drop off - all very positive. And competitively priced.
The actual jeep we were allocated was rather time-worn, but (surprisingly enough) made it successfully to and back from Serengeti...part of adventure I guess! Our driver/guide was attentive and welcoming, however I would have preferred if he had offered insight/info about animals and areas we visited.
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Big thanks to Richard, Edgar and the World Tours Team!
My friends and I went on an unforgettable 3 day trekking trip up Mount Meru followed by a 6 day safari trip with World Tours & Safaris.
We originally booked our tours with another company that did not work out because they were dishonest and scammed us of our money.
The manager of World Tours & Safari, Richard, was extremely helpful throughout our entire time there. He connected us with the police to help us with our unfortunate situation, brought us to the bank as well as offered to take us on our safari trip at a very reasonable price (knowing we had just been scammed by another company).
The overall safari experience was amazing as his English speaking safari guide, Edgar, was a very kind, laid back and knowledgeable man. He was great at spotting animals and we were able to see the Big 5 and cleaned the land cruiser nightly to ensure we would have a great start every morning . The accommodations chosen throughout our stay in the safari was excellent. I would highly recommend Edgar, Richard and all of World Tours & Safaris to anyone looking for a tour in Tanzania, Africa.
Excellent company providing a fantastic service, run by professional and reliable employees!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Khama Rhino Sancutary, Kubu Island, CKGR, and Khutse Game Reserves
Malcolm planned a great adventure for us in the 12+ days we traveled primarily through Botswana. This was a planned "roughing it" camping trip with few amenities (Real Africa!). This was my first trip to Africa and what I learned right away was that despite the best planning there are few certainties in Africa (weather, roads, availability of diesel fuel, just to name a few). Malcolm and his comrade Siggy were able to guide us through anything that came up and we made it to all of our planned sites and we had a great time. Some of my best memories however are from the unexpected detours. If you are looking for a memorable camping experience I would strongly recommended Simba 4x4 tours. You will not be disappointed!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Overall good experience but very dependent on which safari guide you are given
The tremisana lodge was a little tired and basic (compared to other lodges I've stayed in before).but the staff at the lodge were very friendly and helpful. The Dutch lady (I can't remember her name) who was the manager at the lodge was absolutely lovely and very warm and friendly. The safari guides were very variable. We had a day safari to Kruger with James who was absolutely outstanding. He is the best safari guide I have ever had. He was knowledgeable and worked tirelessly to find wildlife for us. He was truly excellent. I can't recommend him highly enough
Murray, was also an excellent guide and knowledgable and enthusiastic.
We had a morning safari walk with Philip, however, which was very poor indeed. He seemed totally uninterested and the entire morning was very dull and I would not recommend doing this with him.
We also did a sunset drive with Rex. What should have been a nice evening safari drive was ruined by our guide, Rex. He was obviously upset at the vehicle he had been assigned and spent the drive complaining about the organisation of the company and the poor state of the vehicle. We then stopped for a drink to watch the sunset and he spent this entire 30 mins or so complaining to us about viva safaris, their organisation, the staff, the lack of investment and how he had used to work in 5star lodges that were much superior. I found this odd and very unprofessional. If he had an issue with his bosses etc then I would expect him to discuss this directly with them and not spend a few hours moaning to us about it. In summary, I think safaris are good here if you are lucky and get a good guide (James or Murray from my experience). But I would be careful because if given a poor guide in my opinion it can really spoil the safari.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome time, amazing people,trip of a lifetime
Our trip went very smoothly . Staff were amazing and very knowledgable . Food was fab , everywhere clean with everything we needed. Fantastic experience
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Experience with Kruger Park Tours!
Would definitely recommend booking a Safari through KPT's. Our agent (Rochelle) could not have been more helpful - she catered to all our requirements, constantly changing our itinerary as per our requests. While all the time maintaining a professional & friendly demeanour. Our tour was exactly what we wanted given the time frame we had. We were also extremely lucky to see the "Big 5" on our first day! We throughly enjoyed our experience at Thornhill Lodge - accommodation, food, amenities, staff & hospitality shown were all fantastic. The bush walks and the Safari itself were great, enjoyed every minute of it! Special shout out to our great guides who were so informative & entertaining. Could not fault KPT's - highly recommend & will continue to do so to anyone considering going to SA!
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Family Safari and Capetown Adventure
Upon contacting Giltedge Africa (Southern Africa Travel), I received a response in 24 hours. Nikki was able to guide me through all of my questions. I originally enquired about a self driving tour and we ended up customizing the entire trip so that by the time we reached South Africa, I knew that everything was planned to the last detail. South African arranges our transfers, in-country flights and amazing hotels that worked with my family's needs. They used professional transfer companies who also went above and beyond in providing not just a transfer to a hotel or another area within South Africa but always a historical/ geographical reference. The 'Luxury' Safari was  true to it's word. The resort exceeded all of our exceptions from their amazing guides/trackers to the wonderful reception we received when coming off safari and the meals and service were outstanding. My family thought I arranged the most brilliant trip, but it was all Southern Africa Travel. We can't wait to go back and explore more.  Our time in Cape Town and surrounding area was also great, and we even were able to arrange a day in Wine Country. The food and wine scene in Cape Town  has a great vibe,  they are serious contenders on the world stage. I truly think South Africa has something for everyone; adventure, hiking, food, wine, safari's or just relaxing, you can trust Southern Africa Travel to create a vacation specifically for you.