NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Above expectations
I never heard of this organisation, but I had a good feeling after I went to their office in the Netherlands. We had a great trip in Rwanda and Uganda. The driver was very nice and knew so much about the country and the animals. He arranged everything for us. The hotels and the food were good. I went with other organisations to other countries in Africa, but I would recommend this organisation!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A stress free, imaginative, superorganized, without a hitch, magnifcent vacation!!!!!
Kathi Simon was an absolute pleasure to work with. As I live in Canada and was concerned that communicating by phone might be a problem, I discovered that she was more than willing to accommodate the time difference and call me when it was convenient for me. She was so warm and patient with any questions or concerns that I had and took the time to research any and every hotel or activity that I was considering, and got back to me within a day or two. She was always aware and concerned about my budget and thankfully abided closely to all my desires and requirements. This was a trip of a lifetime for my husband and I as we were travelling with our adult daughters, knowing that this might be the last trip they might be able to join us on as a foursome. Kathi not only fulfilled her obligations as a travel agent but cemented our relationship for any future travel to South Africa for us as well as any of our friends and relations. She was superb!
Every hotel and lodge we stayed at was fantastic and enjoyable, although I have to add that along with the wonderful environment, service (and food!) that each accommodation offered was the added bonus of the friendliness and warmth of the South African people wherever we went. The highlight of our trip was our four days at the Dulini Lodge in Sabi Sands. I have never experienced the wonder of staying anywhere of this caliber. The cabins were luxurious, each with plunge pools, magnificent furnishings and an outdoor shower with utter privacy. We were taken care of by Given, a lovely man who was our butler. The two safaris we went on each day were an exquisite introduction to the Africa of one's imagination. Our tracker, Martin was amazingly talented and our ranger Fred was so knowledgeable that all the information he passed on to us is indelibly inscribed in our memories to the extent that we still talk about what we learned. I must add that the owners as well as the staff of the Dulini were constantly making sure that all was up to snuff. The food the lodge provided was absolutely magnificent, with more than enough choices to fulfill anyone's desires including my vegetarian daughter!
Every domestic flight was arranged by Kathi beforehand and there was always a guide patiently waiting for our arrival anywhere we landed. One of our guides, Louis van Niekerk, who accompanied us for two weeks of our three week tour was unbelievably knowledgeable and had answers to almost every question about South Africa the four of us asked of him. To top it off, he was such a lovely man that he endeared himself to all of us enough to consider him family!!!
My husband and I have travelled the world over many years, and I have to say that this was one of the most flawless and enjoyable adventures we have taken thanks to Kathi and African Welcome Safaris.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service and great communications from an outstanding team !
We recently spent 3 weeks in Southern and Eastern Africa on a tour we had been planning for a year. We had great service from Michelle Astbury at Sunsafaris who arranged this tour for us. Our tour included many internal flights , 3 countries , 2 safaris and many lodges . The whole trip went like clockwork. Guides were excellent , always on time and we were extremely well received and treated at places like Nthambo Lodge , Nasikia Camp , the Plantation , Sopa and Simba Lodges. We were fortunate to see all the wildlife that was on our list and more. What a great experience...one that we will remember forever. Thank you Michelle and all the people involved in making this one , the trip of a lifetime.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They are one of the best I have experienced so far and their services are world class.
At first, i did not have much faith with them but there is always a first time to everything, I must admit I was wrong about them and can comfortably write that they are the best. Their communication skills are good and we never had any problem during our adventure. Their services are one of the best and can recommend to anyone all over the world. For me, all my expectations were met and am happy with them so far and would recommend to anyone willing to involve with them.
Worst tour I have ever had the displeasure of being on!
I booked and paid through Commonwealth Bank Australia via International money transfer for a 4 day Selous Safari with the company with a contract signed and itinerary set out. (6 months in advance)
I paid extra money (above what was quoted for the tour) when I did the IMT for airport transfer and overnight accommodation before the safari.
I was picked up, accommodated overnight and the next morning I was asked how I was paying for the accommodation. I explained that I had already paid for this as part of my tour package and this was sorted out once the tour owner/operator turned up.
I asked if I could go on a night game drive added to the tour (after initial payment in July) and was quoted $150USD. When I was collected from the accommodation I was asked to pay $200USD for the organised night game drive and an additional $35USD. The $35USD was because when I was quoted the full tour amount and advised what I had to pay they did not include the bank fees charged by the tour company’s bank. I paid the quoted amount as advised by them and MY banks fees for the international money transfer. Rather than argue I paid the $235USD to the owner/operator, and I was driven to Selous, to Kinga Lodge.
After 1 night accommodation and a river safari I was told that the booking was only made by the tour company the day before I had arrived in Selous. I paid the full tour amount on 28/07/2014 and undertook the tour on 18/01/2015, so my payment was made well in advance.
The manager of the Kinga Lodge in Selous, Robert, tried to contact the owner/operator of 'time 4 Afrika' to sort out details as no money had been paid to them by the tour company and only 2 of the 3 nights I needed were available for me due to the Lodge being booked out.
Both Robert, the Lodge manager, and I, tried to contact the owner/operator of 'time 4 Afrika', and were unable to. Robert then called, Howard who was the to tour company’s driver and who was staying in the village waiting to transport me back to Dares Salaam at the end of my safari.
Howard made contact with the owner/operator of 'time 4 Afrika' who said he would forward money when the bank opened the next day (19th Jan 2015). Money was received the next day but not all of the fees that were due were sent.
I had no confirmation from anyone as to where my last night in Selous accommodation would be, no details about the night drive and the full game drive, all of which had been paid for by me.
Robert, the manager of Kinga Lodge advised that I should return to Dares Salaam as I had received no confirmation of my accommodation for that last night in Selous or confirmation of my booked activities going ahead.
Howard drove me back to Dares Salaam. On the way back we ran out of fuel and we had to wait in a small town while money was sent to him from the tour company so he could put enough fuel in the car to complete the journey.
I was delivered to the airport and told ‘things’ would be looked in to when Howard returned to the office. I have heard nothing and do not expect to, least of all do I expect be refunded for the accommodation and activities that I did not receive as I am sure this company has no morals or code of ethics.
This tour was stressful and traumatic and I would like to make other people aware of this fraudulent company!
I am 60 years old and I have travelled extensively all around the world. In all my travels this is by far the most disgraceful and dishonest tour company I have ever had the displeasure of being associated with.
They happily took my money and did not even attempt to deliver the good/services they promised!
Incredible Experience!
We chose the five day safari and had a wonderful experience! We saw all seven of the "big seven" And had great views of many others. Our guide Clive was very informative and entertaining, a real pleasure! We really appreciated his special attention and accommodation for an older member of our group. Everything was well planned and the accommodations and food were very good. Exceptional service throughout!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very helpful in creating the perfect holiday and wedding proposal
In 2013 I contacted Carlijn to organize a holiday to Kenya. I was planning to propose to my girlfriend in Kenya so everything needed to be perfect! Not only does Malika Travel offer a very good price (compared to other agencies) also the contact with Malika Travel is very personal. Carlijn came up with several suggestions for the holiday and also the proposal. I could ask Carlijn all sorts of things for the proposal and Carlijn could just organise it, just perfect! She offered such a good trip. The driver was a really nice and calm guy. The camps were beautiful and clean and located perfect. The parks we visited were just amazing. Our holiday was just perfect! Thank you Carlijn and James!!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our family of four was given excellent service, knowledgeable staff and always willing to help.
We used Ancient Wild for a 10 day safari to visit National parks in Kenya including Masai, Nakuru, Hells Gate, and Amboselli. With two small children, they always accommodated our needs, let us change our plans according to children schedules, and we saw everything on our list. Our guide Joseph was very knowledgeable, good with kids, and always ready to help with whatever we needed and at any time. Michael made all the arrangements and was very instrumental in planning the trip to meet our needs and budget. We would recommend them and use them again.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything perfectly well organized!
We had a safari in Masai Mara Park including to/from Diani Beach.
Everything was perfectly well organized, the drivers did a very safe driving and knew where to find the best spot for watching the animals.
The excursion to the Masai village is very tourist like and they try to sell you lot's of souvenirs, better skip that.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Caribbean Shark and Whalesafari
Just back from a fantastic trip with Indigo safaris. Everything was really well organised, trip was in one off the best periods and saw everything we wanted to see. Would definitely book again at indigosafaris. Thank you.