NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thank you letter from Veldhoven
Already home for 4 weeks now, back in the rhythm of daily life. Every evening we sit down and discuss the day’s events and often we come back to talking about our experiences in South Africa and the great times we had there.
How we enjoyed this holiday!
We found Tailor Made Safaris through word of mouth and were told that it would offer us great trips at a reasonable price.
We then contacted the company and told them what we would like to plan for our holiday. We talked about the budget straight away so that there would be no false expectations.
Within a few days we had a wonderful proposal for a trip of 16 days through Kwa Zulu Natal, together we tinkered with some of the final details so that we were a 100% happy with the itinerary. This was a great start and we were very excited, but were cautious that things sometimes look better on paper than in real life.
With high expectations we flew with 7 people, via Johannesburg to Durban where we were picked up by Geert, waiting for us dressed in his ranger outfit! And so the adventure began.
The first few days we spent in various wildlife sanctuaries. The striking thing about this was that you encountered few tourists allowing you to get the real sense of Africa. In these parks, we experienced not only beautiful scenery but also a great variety of animals (including the Big Five). The enthusiasm which Geert and Freya showed from morning to evening was great. They took care of everything to perfection. They shared their knowledge with us in a pleasant way, and we have really learned a lot about nature and animals.
Every day was a new adventure with a variety of activities from snorkeling, boat trips, just lazing on the beach with a fabulous lunch, excursions to traditional fish traps, more beautiful wildlife parks and game drives, days to relax , whale watching, visiting a Zulu village, feeding elephants, petting a cheetah and a horse ride between wildebeest and zebras. The pace at which we gained new experiences was perfect. Not too fast so that you had time to enjoy everything. Also, the travel times between the various accommodations was not too long so that you still felt like you were on a relaxing holiday.
The accommodations ranged from good to very good. Each venue had its own charm such as beautiful settings, great hospitality and very tasty food so we could not say which the best one was at the end of the journey.
Geert asked us which activity we enjoyed most, but we failed to choose just one as there were so many great activities.
Some of our party had already done a trip by bus through South Africa with a large tour group. In itself, this trip was pretty fun, but now that they have experienced the journey with Geert and Freya they noticed the difference. The bus trip was a lot of traveling time and enjoying brief moments. Geert and Freya showed us the real Africa.
In short, highly recommended! We will definitely be coming back.
Bart , Karin , Jaga , Cor , Rob , Marieke , Bert
CA
Impala Tours was awsome! The trip thru Botswana was amazing.
Our trip to Botswana was amazing, and all the details regarding the transfers, bookings, etc., were right on spot and very organized from Joberg through Botswana and finally ending bak in Joberg from Victoria Falls. Email communication, the guides, the flights, the lodges were all excellent. Highly recommend using Impala Tours for your Botswana experience!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An organized safari operator
I completed a mission trip in Kenya in 2012. After the mission our group completed a safari and had Raphael coordinated our flights, accommodations, park permits and taxi's. Our experience with Raphael was fantastic. It was smooth , convenient and organized. Next time I am in Kenya I will book with East Africa Exotic Safaris.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional - Extremely Knowledgable - Customer Service Oriented
This was the trip of a lifetime for us and I can not imagine anyone that could have done as much for us as Deo and Earthlife did. We customized our tour to maximize viewing and minimalize lounging by leaving the hotel at sun up and not returning until sundown every day. He helped us plan each day's activities and not only was he ready and excited to get under way, but our lunches and drinks were packed, the safari vehicle was prepped, and the arrangements for passes or other day trip requirements were already completed.
I did a great deal of research before booking with Earthlife because, as I said, this was a trip of a lifetime. People talk about going on safari and seeing the "big five". We not only saw the "big five" time and time again, but we saw and experienced so much more. This trip surpassed anything I ever expected and we owe it all to Deo.
Deo is extremely personable, well educated and conversant in several languages. Wherever we went, he was well known and it was obvious he was well respected by everyone we came into contact with - the hotel staff, other tour operators and guides, the Maasai and locals. His knowledge of the wildlife, terrain, foliage and history was nothing short of incredible. Deo is a guy that loves his job, loves people and it shows in everything he does. And, he has amazing eyesight and taught us how to search long distances for wildlife.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lake Basin Tour & travel is the best.
While in Uganda, the staff at Lake Basin Tour & Travel were very courteous and helpful. My wife and I enjoyed the company of the tour guide Juma. He was always there to answer any questions and take time away from his family to accommodate us. He is truly passionate about his work. We went on a safari to the national park. The arrangements were smooth and straightforward. We had a lot of fun with the whole group. Took a bunch of pictures. Went cruising on the River Nile, that was AWESOME!!!!!
Basically can't wait to get back and check out the other sites and attractions. My wife is already asking about when we are going back. Definitely using the Lake Basin people for our arrangements.
Ps. If you go, ask them to take you to chicken on a stick and a pork joint!!! Trust me, it will change your life. Delicious.
Thank you Lake Basin Tour & Travel for making me and my wife feel very welcome and comfortable.
Paul
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
First Class Agent and Service
We have used Journey Beyond for all of our 'African' Adventures since we moved to Johannesburg some 6 years ago. They are without a doubt 'The Best in the Market'. Superlative service, attention to detail and value for money are key. We have travelled to Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Desroches in the Seychelles as well as numerous long weekends to Game Reserves. They will not disappoint.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kilimanjaro Ascent
Great service, made it to the top, thanks to the great guide. All was perfectly organised, starting from the pick up at the airport in Nairobi. He arranged all and I took the local bus to Arusha, it was a great ride. A perfect organisation if you are looking for a good basic service and a great reasonable price. Richard came personally to see me in the hotel after the climb to check how the tour was and the months before he was always replied instantly to all my questions by email. I did the climb for a special birthday occasion and it could have not been better. Richard is a serious business man and although I was first hestitant to send money beforehand, (you never know by today), he dealt with all matters proffesionally and I can only recommend his organisation.
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
friendly, professional and welcoming. Really a nice experience
Though this company is a fresh one, our trip turned out to be an incredible one. The guide was professional with superb eyesight. He could spot animals which were extremely faraway and hard to see. We were lucky enough to have seen leopard for four times, lions for many times including their cubs. The well planned morning game drive allows us to see hippo on ground. The chef cooked really well and we felt so warm to eat such nice meal in an environment with so many constraints. The guide provided us with binoculars and a reference book which facilitate a lot in our enjoyment of the safari. His price is reasonable and most importantly, he is a friendly person! He knows when to stop and when start again at moments when we were taking photos, without much communication needed. There are many safari company around but I believe some fresh, young and small scale ones may have more potential to provide the service one anticipates.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The entire safari was everything and more than I expected.
The staff and guides were courteous, knowledgeable and professional; greatly adding to the full enjoyment of the trip. Living conditions and transportation were totally adequate as were the meals.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent expereince again!
This was the second year we used Tanzania Serengeti Adventure to plan our trip in Tanzania for our university. This year we had 3 drivers total; Philemon, James and Bryson. All of the drivers are excellent! First, they are all very friendly and are very willing to share their vast knowledge about Tanzania culture, landscape, history and wildlife. Second, they are very safety oriented and want to make certain that you have a very safe and enjoyable trip. Depending on the weather, road conditions can quickly change and they were always able to handle everything without problems. Third, they know where to find the wildlife!!
We had safari tours in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. We were able to see the Big Five through our travels as well as the zebra migration in the Serengeti. We saw so many animals it is impossible to list them all here. It is safe to say that there was not one animal that I wanted to see that I didn't have the opportunity to see.
While in Tanzania, we also were able to stay at the TSA owned Coffee Farm. The accommodations there are good and it is very nice to stay at a site that is completely solar powered and eco-friendly. In addition, the staff at the Coffee Farm was AMAZING! Rosie is the best cook you could ever encounter and you will be delighted to try the great food that she cooks for you. In addition, all of the staff was very helpful. The director of the Coffee Farm Blaise made certain everything was perfect for our time there and was even able to take us on a tour of the Coffee Farm and show us how coffee was made. It was amazing.
If you are looking for a great tour company to work with, this is your best bet!