US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya Safaris
Dexter was excellent. He was very detailed and gave us a lot of good information. I wanna go back! I will definitely use him again.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experience Matters
Heidi Bedford curated our trip for my group of six friends whom come from widely disparate locations across the world. While we were able to outline what our goals in the beginning of our interaction with Pembury, it was Heidi's experience that made a good trip - GREAT!
She planned all the details for the 3+ week African experience, allowing us to enjoy traveling without the typical problems associated with multiple flights across multiple countries. Even when there were complications on a weekend, Heidi came through and straightened things out.
The recommended tour operators (of which there were many) each came through with outstanding guides, providing personalized service and outstanding adventures - from game preserves in the bush; to nature in Cape Town's biodiversity; to history in the capital and finally to enjoying wine country.
Outstanding!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Flexible and Responsive company
I had an extraordinary 4 day safari with Vision Safaris. Gloria was very responsive and I felt taken care of from before arriving in Arusha until I left. They were able to set up additional tours for me after my safari and met all of my expectations. Would absolutely recommend
ES
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic person with depth of knowledge; polite, friendly and eager to provide first class trip.
This was an incredible trip mostly because of John Malle. He smart, friendly, caring and eager to provide top class service. John has kept in touch with us over many years and we always are happy to hear from him.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari Adventure of a lifetime!
My husband and I went on this safari with her two friends. I must say this was a most amazing experience of my life. Our guide Gordie, our chef Rashid along with our tour guide Kennedy for the day trip of Kilimanjaro were all amazing.
We were able to see the majority of the animals that we were told we would see. The Great Migration was a sight to behold. We felt very fortunate that we were able to witness this spectacular event. The Care and attention we received from this tour company was top notch. On the day we were supposed to depart and head back home we were dropped off at the airport. Kennedy did not leave our side and thankfully so because our flight had been canceled and we couldn't leave until the following day. Kennedy refused to leave until we were all settled and then him and Herman took us to our hotel for the night. I cannot say enough and how pleased we were with the care we were given. My husband had had a heart attack on July 18th and they helped in every way they could to make this trip for him doable. Thank you again to them Meru slopes tour company and their guides!
IT
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
professionality
We had a very good experience, everything well organized, our driver and guide Michael very professional and prepared. Thanks tò all of you for the great experience
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very professional AND a lot of fun!
# Booking process
The booking process was very smooth. We interacted with Clare via email. She was highly responsive and made several adjustments based on our comments. We made the payment through bank transfer. Clare was not pushy at all (like “You have to send the full amount ASAP!!!”), which was reassuring and gave us confidence.
Before and during the trip, we communicated with Clare via WhatsApp, which facilitated things a lot. She sent us photos of her and Laban, who were to pick us up from Entebbe airport, and very clearly explained which signs to follow and where to find them. This is very helpful and reassuring if you arrive at 4 a.m. in a foreign place.
# Itinerary
Since Clare was very accommodating to our requests, the itinerary was a mix of our ideas and Otter Safari’s suggestions. Uganda is a huge country, so one must expect some time in the car. But the route was well planned with sufficient stops in between. Car fatigue was never an issue. The car was spacious and in excellent condition (reclinable seats, power outlets, sufficient water).
The tour was quasi-private, i.e., we did not share the car with other tourists, and also nearly all activities were without other tourists. This made the trip very relaxed and flexible—if we made suggestions to our guides, they accommodated them.
All lodges and hotels ranged from great to amazing. All staff and local guides we encountered were very friendly, helpful, and professional.
# Guides
During our trip, we were accompanied by Clare and Laban. They were great for several reasons:
* Safari is about wildlife, and even the best guide cannot control nature. However, Laban tried to push nature a bit. During the game drives, he spotted animals when it was hard to believe they were there. While our guides did not accompany us for the chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, Laban pressed us to arrive early at the trekking sites to ensure we would be assigned to a “good” family of apes. Given how pleasant our treks were, I am sure his interventions helped.
* During our trip, we had the feeling that Clare and Laban “got” us. They suggested the right activities, stopped at the right places, and did not try to “sell” activities we were not interested in.
* Most importantly, Clare and Laban become travel companions. Driving over 1,000 km through Uganda and Rwanda gives you a lot of time in the car. Time to learn about these countries, time to listen to Congolese love songs, and time to laugh. Goodbye in Kigali was rather sad.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good price-quality ratio for the 1-day safari tour
We went on a safari to Mikumi National Park with Bush & Forest Explorers, including a taxi transfer from Matemwe and a short flight – and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish.
The absolute highlight was seeing two lionesses with their two cubs, a truly special and rare moment. We also saw giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, warthogs, jackals, impalas, and monkeys. After a delicious lunch, we continued the safari and spotted vultures, storks, hippos, and crocodiles – a full day of impressive wildlife.
Of course, you can't guarantee you'll see all the animals, but our guide did his utmost to find as many as possible and get the most out of the day. His knowledge and enthusiasm made the safari extra special.
The organization went smoothly and everything was well taken care of. The flight in the small plane was a fun experience; for those who are a bit nervous, the landing was surprisingly calm and smoother than on an average commercial flight.
All in all, an unforgettable safari with beautiful animals, excellent service, and a guide who truly goes above and beyond to make your experience as special as possible. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore Mikumi National Park!
(automatic translation from Dutch)
NZ
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Most highly recommend Baltazary who is trustworthy, knowledable and nurtures his guests.
Spent five wonderful days with Baltazary in the Arusha area. This time was an excellent way to transition from weary travel mode to ready for safari. We received the full experience of the general Arusha area with plenty of cultural and wildlife experiences. Met plenty of friendly local people and got to know the warm local customs. A very good value for the money. We really enjoyed the Shanga workshop for knitting and glass blowing. The gift shop was extraondinary and the people so easily talked about their crafts and skills. We walked through the Arusha central market. This was the most spectacular collection of fruit, spices and vegetables that you will ever see. We next were so amazed with the Cultural Center, all the authentic artwork and jewelry on display and no pressure gift shops. Next was the Serval Wildlife Park with close encounters with many exotic animals. Fed zebras, giraffes and actually pet a lioness. Exciting! We paddled around Duluti Lake with a guide and saw many birds and aquatic monitor lizards. Very special morning with lunch. We finally swam in the hot springs one afternoon. A place where many locals enjoy time in the healthy spring water. Very friendly people and invigorating. Baltazary is most fluent in English, happily explained every aspect of African local culture and all types of animals and geography. An encyclopedia of knowledge. We never felt uncomfortable or at risk. Highly enjoyablr time.
BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect! The best guide.
Myself and my husband are from Brazil and we had a great experience on this Safari.
Since the first day, we could see lots os animals.
We managed to see the big fives.
Our guide (Tim) was always looking for the best spot.