US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime trip
My husband and I went on a 5-day 4-night trip to Masai Mara. We stayed at Kilima Camp and had Chedi as our guide. We owe It Started In Africa a huge thank you for arranging this for us, we really felt lucky to have both a stunning place to stay and such an awesome guide. Chedi was wonderful -- kind, informative, quick with a laugh, and always on time or ready to help with whatever we needed. He spotted rhinos, lions, families of elephants, cheetahs, colorful birds, and I always felt safe with him at the wheel! One of my favorite memories is of Chedi hauling out his worn and well loved bird guide book to point out what we were seeing. Kilima Camp had warm and helpful staff, too, and I would recommend lodging there if you're headed to Masai Mara. From a logistical standpoint, It Started In Africa also gets our enthusiastic endorsement - prompt and clear communication and easy airport transfers were the norm. Just go!!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best experience in my whole life!
The time in Uganda was really amazing due to our wonderful guides Twaha and Wilson! The trip to Murchinson Falls National Park was well planned and organized. Both guides took much care of the group and provided us with lots of detailed information about the various plants and animals that we saw. We had a lot of fun with Twaha and Wilson, the best tourist guides for safaris in the world.
I can highly recommend those guys to everybody who is interested in spending an unforgettable time in Uganda - the Pearl of Africa. It was a pleasure and an honour to make their acquaintance and I thank Twaha and Wilson from the bottom of my heart for the extraordinary experience I gained due to their passionate and fantastic work!
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Not the biggest but certainly one of the better safari agencies
Together with 3 Belgian friends I booked a 16 days safari with Reny Safaris. It revealed to be a very good choice: all bookings were well made; the manager regularly got in contact to find out if everything was okay; the car was very reliable (no breakdowns); and the driver was not only excellent as a driver, he also turned out to be a fantastic animal spotter!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience, well organised timings and excellent hospitality.
Had a great time on this safari trip with Paul my guide. Was collected from my Kampala hotel early in the morning and began the long trip heading towards the equator point and eventually Bwindi National Park, stayed at a fantastic lodge overnight and was refreshed and ready for the Gorilla tracking adventure the next morning. What a fantastic experience to see these magnificent creatures up close and in their natural habitat. This was followed by a trip to QENP where all manner of animals can be seen including three tree lions expertly spotted by Paul. Stayed over at Pumba cottages that night, stunning views across the QENP! The following morning was a thrilling but exhausting chimpanzee tracking adventure in the forest before the trip back to Entebbe as I had a flight to catch.
Overall and fantastic experience meeting some amazing people on the way who went the extra mile to make me feel welcome. Many thanks to Tony and Paul (epic driving!). Highly recommended.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari
I had a great time on the safari. Home to Africa arranged a great 5-day gorilla safari tour for me. They did not just follow my own instructions on what I wanted to see but they also had some good suggestions for my time in Uganda. Together we combined it into a great tour. The accommodation during the safari was perfect and the tours that were arranged were fabulous. We were never in a hurry and even during the day I could ask about things I wanted to see or do. Also everywhere we went the people were friendly. Paul, my guide during the safari, knew a lot about Uganda, Eastern Africa, animals, culture and history. That made my experience complete!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Trip in Massai Mara!
ISIA was the perfect tour operator! We only had 4 nights to spend in Kenya and found that very few tour operators would organize a tour for a single location. ISIA was completely flexible and willing to set up 4 nights in Massai Mara. They were extremely responsive (we had a LOT of questions), competitive on pricing and willing to go the extra mile.
The airport pickup and transfer was smooth. Our personal guide, Chedi, was informative and entertaining. He was completely invested in seeing that we had the best experience possible. My wife and I saw every animal on our list.
We plan on recommending ISIA to all of our friends who are SO jealous of our trip. They went above and beyond in making sure we had the trip of a lifetime.
IL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The agency was efficient and very professional
רק מילים טובות. הסוכנות היתה יעילה ומאוד מקצועית. נעזרנו בה בבניית תכנית הטיול בדרום אפריקה, כמו גם בשינויים תוך כדי תנועה. הסוכנת Cathari Johnson היתה מצויינת וקשובה לכל בקשה ועיניין. ממליץ בחום.
רני
Only good things. The agency was efficient and very professional. We used the agency to build the program in South Africa trip, as well as changes in motion. Agent Cathari Johnson was excellent and attentive to every request and interested. highly recommend
Rany
For a diverse Africa experience the Chobe is one not to be missed
The Chobe has the ideal balance of bushland and wetland offering visitors a real treat of animals and bird life in abundance. The conservation management of the park is of the he highest standard ensuring a boy the finest of African ambience and experience
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Superb Knowledge, Service and Communication
My wife and I are in our mid-late forties and have previously travelled twice to Africa. On those occasions we booked with another tour company. On this occasion, we decided to go with a local provider, The Safari Partners, and we're certainly glad we did.
Although we had been to Africa before, Chris (Safari Partners) was engaged with the the planning of our trip from the onset. He provided information and insight into various lodges and camps that proved invaluable. There is a line in their profile that states: "We don't strive to just sell, we consult. We listen to your needs and design the best possible travel solution for you.". This couldn't be more accurate. They are not just selling you a 'product'. There is a genuine effort and interest to determine what type of traveller you are and what kind of Africa experience you want to have and put an appropriate package together for you.
Communication was excellent. Any email queries we sent, both before and during our trip, were responded to within 24hrs. The only ones that may have taken longer required a response from someone in Africa, hence the delay. Itineraries are professionally set out, detailed and are available to view via a weblink.
Our safari (Johannesburg, Victoria Falls and Botswana) was excellent. Everything was as we discussed and went without a hitch. Even if some matter unforeseen had arisen, I would have all the confidence that Chris would see to it and find a solution. It was a very relaxing, worry-free experience.
Again, this was not our first trip to Africa, we have used other tour operators and would say that Safari Partners has been the best. They have the knowledge, communication along with a high level of service to guide you through and book your African adventure, whether you're a first timer or seasoned traveller. Highly recommended.
US
Just magical
We had such a great time, this was our first experience of Africa, and we now know what the fuss is about.
The people, the climate and the landscape made our time there magical and one day we will go back.