Responsive, efficient, as promised
We hired Encounter Africa for a gorilla habituation trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trek was a relatively new offering from Uganda--a 4-hour experience accompanying rangers as they continue the process of habituating a gorilla troop to tourists--and Encounter Africa explained this alternative appropriately when we were deciding what to purchase. Additionally, the transportation and lodging arrangements made through Encounter Africa were just as we had agreed, no surprises. Good responsiveness to email inquires both before and after we had agreed (and paid) for their services.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional first family trip to Africa -well-designed itinerary and every detail looked after.
Michael's responsiveness and attention to detail gave us great confidence as we planned a first time African (Kenya and Tanzania) trip for 4 - 2 adults/2 young adults. From the itinerary and lodges recommended, to transfers and logistics Micheal created a superb experience- better than those we met who had dealt directly with on the ground operators in Africa. . All of our expectations were exceeded - we recommend Michael whole-heartedly and will call on Safari & Company again.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What a great experience!
I chose Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris mainly based on the reviews I read online combined with my price level and time schedule. I don't in the least regret it! My two sons and I had a marvelous time on the 5 day Safari we enjoyed with them, with Frederick, our guide and driver, and Action, our cook, who kept us fully fed. We were greeted at the Riverside Bus Station in Arusha in the evening after our six hour trip from the Nairobi airport, taken to a very decent tourist hotel for the night, and met everyone in the morning when we started on our 5 day adventure. Frederick was wonderful and handled those very daunting roads with aplomb, filled us in on everything we needed to know, and was a fun guy to be around. We toured Tarangire, the Serengeti, the Ngorodoro Crater, and Lake Manyara (some of my spellings might be wrong), and saw everything possible (except the Rhino, as Frederick warned us we probably wouldn't). They also included an evening of cultural activities where we toured a woodcarving village and met incredibly talented painters, and were introduced to Banana wine and beer. I will add one caveat: we chose the budget Safari (Camping - but only had one real night of camping for which I was grateful), so don't expect western level accomodations. Also be sure to bring with you spare toilet paper (always keep a roll on your person), and hand sanitizer or wipes (but that applies to most places in Africa!). I highly recommend this tour company; they stayed in touch from the very beginning of my inquiries and through the entire time there. They were all just great! Thank you, guys!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by David
The only place that has excited me a lot!
Amazing Safari
Our safari arranged by Chris of Shadows of Africa was a wonderful experience. The accommodation was very comfortable and our guide Alex's knowledge was amazing. The weather was brilliant with warm days and cold nights. The only adverse comment I have would be the delay in getting our entry visas in Dar. It was chaotic as was leaving the country. In spite of this we enjoyed ourselves very much and consider it a memorable experience.
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
First time in Kenya and first safari
To give some context to my review, I'm the type of person that usually likes to travel without anything scheduled and figure out what to do in the place. Since this was our first time in Africa, our first Safari and we were going to Kenya in the elections period, we've decided to at least book the Safari online. Finding a company was not an easy task (there are way too many agencies) and Simon was probably the person that better replied to all my questions and did it a timely manner (he was replying much faster than I was replying to his emails, sorry pal!).
When we got to Kenya, everything went smooth but we've figure out that the online companies are nothing more than agencies that deal with freelance drivers and include us in a 4x4 with people from other companies. This is not a bad thing, but for someone that travels on the cheap, you are more than ok to go to Kenya, find one driver and negotiate with him directly. For those of you who prefer to do it the "safer way", I clearly recommend Wildrace Safaris .
Kenya is without a doubt an amazing country to travel around and see a different scenario from anywhere we've been in the world. We had the opportunity to see the big 5 between Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli. When in Amboseli, if you can see "Cloudymanjaro", please celebrate for me.
Our trip was lovely and Simon made sure we were always ok during the entire trip. We ad a few roadbumps along the Safari, but "This Is Africa". The important part is that we really enjoyed the country, the safari and everything we crossed paths with.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing destination
Great wildlife and scenery. Our 5 day safari trip was very well organized by Viva Safari and our guides were people from the bush and they were really keen to share their experiences and knowledges. The bush walk is a must do !
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Greatest trip of our life thanks to Aardvark Expeditions
After many searches of local safari operators, we chose Aardvark Expeditions Limited because of the good reviews on the internet. Let me tell you that we have been able to verify this and that we are extremely satisfied with our choice.
Philemon has been a great help in organizing our tailor-made private safari. Thanks to our rare kindness guide Masewa, we had the pleasure of discovering the Tarangire, the Ngorongoro conservation area, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. We were able to admire at our own pace and with the precious advices of Masewa, landscapes, animals and people as wonderful as each other. The hotels and lodges chosen by Philemon were just perfect. The service? irreproachable. To sum up, we had the most beautiful trip of our life, thanks to Aardvark, which we highly recommend without hesitation.
BR
Joseph is the best tour guide one could have
We had a great time with the gorillas and Encounter. Joseph went out of his way to make sure me and the other 3 girls travelling together had the best experience one could have! All of our wishes came true. He is very kind and helpful, I'd recommend him to my entire family if I could!
IE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Experience at Maasai Mara
This is the best trip I ever have. It's amazing and unforgettable experience. Michael and Paul provided good service and gave information about itinerary and offered what I am looking for as well as answering all questions or concern I have. I got a good driver who is a knowledgeable guide at the same time. The driver is helpful and provided answer and information I was looking for. This is my first time for the safari trip, had a great time, met all big 5, wilderbeest crossing river, other wildlife. The 2 day and a half of game reserve was so exciting, not only enjoyable, but also learning about the circle of life. Ballloon trip was excellent (MUST DO). It's above Maasai Mara which gave me unique experience. Total of 6 days is my unforgettable experience. I also joined day tour in Nairobi. Paul helped me arrange and Alex and his brother are friendly and took me around. I would highly recommend to join this company.