US
Great quality
they offered us an amazing time , in Kenya, i trully had so mutch fun with them ! They are trustworthy
GH
A once in a lifetime experience that makes me wish I'm back on the caldera floor everyday.
It was an excellent safari drive on the caldera floor, and to our surprise, we bumped into a zebra with a hump like a camel. The Mirror (online) UK and Solent News carried this story. The floor of the crater is littered with zebras running and playing, hyenas, lioness and several other species. We even spotted a black rhino!
Overall, it was an amazing experience that I recommend to every wildlife enthusiast.
MT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
One of the best value for money locations for safari I have ever come across
I initially visited Kruger as an extension to another trip I was doing in South Africa so it was never my main focus. As I love to focus on wildlife photography, I contacted a company that provides guiding for such trips (Wild4 Photographic Safaris) and they set up an excellent custom trip for just myself with a guide focusing mainly around the Lower Sabie area. I have to say that having been on safari to other places (in other countries), my initial expectations for the photographic aspect of this trip weren't too high.
It all changed on the way from Skukuza airport to the camp, with the airport in Skukuza offering a fantastically easy way to access the park. Just along a single stretch of road, in less than 1 hour, we saw Lions, Elephants, and Leopards. Throughout my time spent there, it was relatively easy to find and photograph the Big 5.
What really impressed me however, was the bird sightings. The road and areas became somewhat congested when it came to sightings of Lions and Leopards which were easier to come across than I initially expected in the Kruger. Having said that most of the self-drive tourists didn't really seem to care about the other stuff, especially birds. One episode I will not forget was how we spent hours with a Juvenile Bateleur photographing it in spectacular light all by ourselves (just me, and my guide at the time - Etienne Oosthuizen). Based on my experience, I thoroughly recommend having a guide as you would otherwise end up missing the vast majority of wildlife you can potentially see.
Having stayed in a hut in the Lower Sabie, accommodation can be best described as basic. The hut itself was adequate. Small, but clean and did the job wonderfully, but the common ablutions were often left in a pitiful state by some of the other visitors to the camp (they were, however, cleaned every day by the excellent staff). As a result, I would probably recommend people consider a room with private facilities.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and it is by far the best value-for-money safari I've ever been on (even if I was all on my own!) and it ended up being an integral part of why I'm planning to visit South Africa again - this time looking forward even more to my time in the Kruger.
GH
Review about Tanzania by Muntaka Chasant
The wildlife and mountaineering experience Tanzania offers is unmatched in the region. I left my heart in Tanzania when I first visited, and I have visited several times after and never gets enough.
MT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about South Africa by Matthew Scerri
The wildlife in South Africa is second to none, and there are plenty of stunningly scenic spots around. It's difficult to describe, but I never imagined I'd see the numbers of (wild) animals I actually saw.
The bush vibe does lack a bit as it's tightly regulated around most of the parks other than for the unfenced ones, but ultimately this all depends on which places you visit.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantastic safari Adventure
African Breakaway Safaris are very responsive and easy to work with. As normally independent travelers we had lots of suggestions and questions about what we wanted to do and where we wanted to stay. They answered all our emails promptly and gave us the information we needed to make decisions without trying to steer us in one direction or another.
Our trip was well organized and executed without incident. They arranged our flight from Dar es Salaam, to Seronera in the central Serengeti, 10 days of safari and accommodations in the northern and central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park, and the flights to and from Zanzibar as well as accommodations on the island. Our guide, Joachim, was an absolute gem and often worked very long days. He picked us up at the Seronera airstrip and stayed with us for the 10 day safari as we opted to drive between the northern and central regions of Serengeti National Park.
More on African Breakaway Safaris - Our vehicle had seating for 5, although there were only two of us. Our vehicle was only a 3year old and in great condition. Joachim took a lot of pride in the vehicle, washing it every single night and showing up in the morning with the Land Cruiser looking clean. Joachim had 6 years experience and was really great at spotting game, the guy is real good in birds. He'd often point out little bird that we couldn't possibly see and explain everything related. Now sometimes he'd pass drivers and they'd stop and compare notes, but often he relief upon his keen eyes to see animals I couldn't believe he could see. He was also very skilled at putting the vehicle in the perfect spot for photographs such as to avoid too much sun. And he quickly learned what interested us, and would ask when we were ready to move on. We were also impressed that he would always help out other drivers who were stuck. Before we left on the safari, I wondered a little how some companies could charge so much less for the same itinerary - I think I now have an idea.
One of our favorite times of the day was cocktail hour, and we made sure Joachim joined us every time. He was a pleasure to spend time with and I'd highly recommend him and African Breakaway Safaris
Roads - Yes, some bumpy roads, particularly on Ngorogoro highway to the Serengeti. Also, though I heard so much about the dust, perhaps the extended rain season caused much of the dust to dissipate. For only about an hour of our whole trip did we experience dust, but we watched just how quickly the roads dry and the dust comes into play, as somewhat moist dirty roads quickly became dusty with a little bit of sun.
Camera - I used my Canon Rebel T2i, and my lens 18-55mm which was easy with the minimal dust. off course, there were a few instances where I wish I had 400mm, but really only a few. I thought my Canon served me very well.
I brought two 32gb photo cards and that was more than enough. I had two batteries, but because I was always able to charge my battery, I never needed the second.
I also recommend 1-2 pairs of good binoculars. We had one and also used the one pair in the vehicle occasionally, but our pair was much better and it was fun to evaluate the animals' behavior.
Clothes - We bought some Ex-Officio bug resistant clothing before the safari and it seemed to work well. I didn't get bit while wearing it. And the light colors came in very handy for the brief 10 or so minutes where we drove through a tsetse heavy area in the Serengeti (they stuck mostly to Joachim, who we tried to assist - poor Joachim! . . . we never got bit).
We did laundry at Serena Serengeti and Ngorongoro Serena lodge. Note that if you are at Katikati camp, they will not wash underwear/socks.
I know people say it's not a fashion show, and we had mostly ordinary neutral clothing, but a lot of people did dress slightly nicer at night. So no need to, but feel free to bring one decent outfit - many did.
Weather - pretty much perfect everywhere on safari, although Tarangire was a bit warmer. But for the most part, warm with cooling breezes, although my jacket came in handy a couple of times, including near the Crater.
Money - US$ were fine and accepted everywhere.
Souvenirs - I'd say you're better off buying them in lodges. You can stop at shops along the way, but you better negotiate hard and be willing to walk away because most everything was priced higher (and much higher) than the shops at the lodges and camps.
Medications - Of course we had our yellow fever shots and our malaria medication (malarone) among other items. I found mosquito wipes came in handy instead of spray (but I still got bit).
Electrical/cell phones/wi-fi - This varied from place to place. I unfortunately had to be accessible by BlackBerry and for the most part the Airtel network was fine. WiFi was often pretty good at some places. During our game drive hours we had Wife free on our safari vehicle; you can always charge your electronics.
I didn't need a converter, just an adapter. And to make it easy, I had a three outlet plug, attached it to an adapter, such that I only needed 1 adapter. I thought this was a good idea.
Overall, a great trip. So many animals, and so many babies - zebras, the couple wildebeest, elephants, baboons, cheetahs, lions, even a newborn giraffe. I just couldn't get over how spectacular it all was. We were generally pleased with our accommodations, which I'll review in more detail separately. And we were also very pleased with African Breakaway Safaris and Joachim (again, we'll review separately). This was the best trip I've ever taken and I wish I could return now.
Thank you so very much
Jaap van Baarlen
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantastic tour from the first minute to the last
The Safari & Dunes tour was one of the very best I have ever been on. The quality of accommodation was superb, the food decent, the amount of different things seen and done was phenomenal. What kept the whole thing together was our incredible guide Christof: he was knowledgeable, patient, fun and cared for our wellbeing. Absolutely brilliant tour!
AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding and fantastically
Thanks to Tammy from Pembury Tours we spent four and a half fantastic days at Mark´s Camp, Lalibela Lodge. Even the tiniest detail was organized perfectly - transfers and special wishes included. The week before we spent in Capetown and Muizenberg, and Tammy was extremely helpful to arrange our really complicate itinerary (due to teaching at the university and having not so much free time). All the accomodations and trips she recommended were just what we wanted to experience. She organized an impressive trip to KwaaTu Village and arranged very reliable drivers for other transfers.
Thank you so much!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
we spent a wonderful holiday with tanzania destination safaris:)
We visited Kenya and Tanzania in Feb,2015 and choose tanzania destination safaris as our guide.Kessy is really awarm heart person and he really help us a lot,as well as his staff,bring us some presents.
It cost almost 5hrs from Arusha to Nairobi.Kessy picked us up at the airport by himself.I still remember the first day we met at the airport and last day saygoodbye with Kessy in Nairobi.
I hope I can visit Tanzania again and I think this company should be known by more people.
Recommend!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfection!
As a single female, booking a one month trip into Africa was a bit daunting. I didn't use a travel agency, just contacted the various camps and guides myself. It was my first trip. Nicholas was great (and very patient) helping me every step of the way to customize my days in Rwanda exactly as I wished. I didn't want a posh lodge, making me feel encapsulated in tourist-like protection. I like to travel in a manner in which I can experience the culture of the place I am visiting.
Rogers, my guide, met me at the airport, late in the evening, and drove me to my lodge. He was charming, personable and highly knowledgeable, and made me feel at ease right away despite my slight trepidation, being my first time in Africa.
I stayed in the town of Ruhengeri, at the Muhabura Lodge, where Dian Fossey sometimes stayed when not up on the mountains. It was rustic, basic and perfect. Do not use this accommodation if you want luxury. There was no working TV, the water was not plentiful, and the decor very minimal. But it had a super comfortable king size bed and without modern distractions, I was in heaven. This was Africa, finally! Wifi worked fine, and there was electricity to manage my photo equipment and charging. The little restaurant had great food, and I could sit on the patio out front and watch the locals trekking about with their baskets on heads and babes toted to their backs. People were warm and friendly and always waved and said "Allo" if I did first.
What struck me first was the cleanliness of Kigali and all of the mountain towns. There is no litter in this country. People are beautifully dressed in traditional, colourful clothing and walking barefoot is understandable in the pristine streets (a plus for me who loves to be barefoot). The children are quick to wave and shout hello as whites are few and far between and they recognize you as a visitor. The first day I toured the cultural village where the people put on a fantastic show, re-enactments of traditional dances and dressed me as Queen of the village for the visit. Great fun! The medicine man and I compared health-care notes and dancing and singing ensued. I highly recommend the visit!
The second day I made the trek up to see the Mountain Gorillas. Not being in the best of shape, I was a bit concerned if I would make it, but no worries. Our group of 8 set out with two guides who were delightful, and met up with some Rangers, guns in tow, part way up. Everyone was fabulously friendly and helpful. Even when I fell down in the thicket and ended up with some ants in my pants (literally), it didn't matter, as the few nips I got didn't even register, what with the family of Gorilllas only feet away and on full display. I was crouched down beside the leader of the group, a giant silverback named Guhonda, who munched happily on his leaves while shooting the odd look my way, perhaps as curious about me as I was of him. Humans are to keep about 3 metres away from the Gorillas, but when a big 400 lb male decides to plop himself down 7 feet away from you, you just go with it. When he got bored of me, he stood up (yes, my palms were sweating), pounded his chest, and ambled off. I never could have imagined the intensity or amazement I felt during these moments.
There were several females and one particularly adorable baby who sat close and played around on mom's lap. Overall, about ten Gorillas showed up for our visit. The oldest silverback on that mountain and his son are members. The group consists of about 13 members and is named Sabyinyo, named after the mountain they inhabit. Sabyinyo means "Old Man's Teeth"! The trek took about an hour over the farmland slopes and then through an easily walkable bamboo forest. When the big male decided to climb further up the more daunting slope, bramble covered and full of stinging nettle, the trek became a little harder. However, we were a mix of old and young, and everyone made it no problem. When the goal is to get close to Gorillas, it's surprising how your adrenaline moves you along.
Again, I can't say enough about Rogers, my guide, who was helpful, informative and made me feel like my needs came before everything. Nicholas was again, patient with all my questions and always answered me promptly with clear and understandable instructions. There is nothing to fear in Rwanda, and you will be amazed at these hard-working, friendly and industrious people. The scenery, from the moment you leave the airport, is breathtakingly beautiful. I have zero complaints or warnings about this place. The climate is lovely and bearable (I spent three weeks in Kenya afterwards which can get pretty hot!!).
The only regret I have is that I did not book two trips up the mountain. I was worried about altitude and acclimating myself to the area so I booked a day off to begin with (we did the cultural village). If I were to return, it would be for longer, with more treks. The money from the permits to meet up with these glorious creatures goes to protecting their habitat, keeping poachers away (no incidents for the past 15 years I'm happy to report) and medical care of the Gorillas if need be.
The Rwandan government has good incentive programs to employ ex-poachers in the tourism industry to encourage them to move on to better lives, which I thought was excellent. One of the greatest characters at the cultural village was the resident "poet" who was an ex-poacher turned entertainer, and was an absolute delight. I asked him how his life had changed, leaving his old ways and doing good things now, and he said he has never been happier.
Overall, I can truly say this was one of the best experiences of my life, and certainly the highlight of a wonderful trip to Africa. Asante Sana to all of the folks at Gorilla Trek Africa, and if I get the chance I will surely return to this magical and enchanting country. Kwaheri na Kukuona Guhonda!!