50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Helpful preparation, flawless execution!!
We started with a group of 2 and ended with a team of 8. Some experienced in the African ways, others complete neophytes. Four Canadians and four Germans. Our brief was simple but ambitious: a 3-week self-driving tour of Namibia and Botswana with emphasis on game parks, the Okavango region and the Sossusvlei red dunes. Dunas Safari proposed an initial itinerary and worked with us to adapt it to our requirements, with very helpful insights and advice from João Pedro (owner) and Janine (travel coordinator) - as the size of our group grew, we evolved from one to two 4-wheel-drive SUVs and Dunas managed the challenge of accommodating the whole group in the same lodges along our journey. Dunas Safari managed this extremely well and we ended up with a series of lodges of excellent calibre without breaking the bank. They took care to ensure that each stop afforded the safari experience that we expected with a combination of dawn and dusk game drives and river cruises. During our trip, one of us celebrated a birthday and one of the couples celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary - behind the scenes, Dunas Safari worked with the lodges to provide an unforgettable performance of African dance for the birthday evening and an exquisite bush dinner in the middle of a game reserve for the wedding anniversary. Delightful. At Dunas's recommendation, we booked a hot air balloon ride over Sossusvlei - though not cheap, it is worth every penny, for the unique perspective on this breathtaking landscape. Janine and João Pedro were tireless in their support and constant follow-up of our adventure, maintaining contact, providing guidance along the way and watching over our shoulder to make us feel comfortable and safe. We can't say enough good things about Dunas Safari and highly recommend them for excursions in this magnificent part of the world!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredibly good service
My daughter and I took a 10 day Safari with Mukisa Safaris Uganda in Mid-July this year.
I found Mukisa Safaris very efficient and professional to deal with.
Richard was always quick to respond to my e-mails/questions.
Our Guide Joan had the skill and personality to make our safari a very relaxed and enjoyable tour, while still keeping our days on schedule. She went out of her way to make sure we were always comfortable and satisfied.
We traversed through the country side while connecting to various destinations and during our travels; we interacted with the local people who were extremely social and hospitable.
It was such an experience that we managed to see various animals during the game drives in the different parks, enjoyed boat rides on river Nile and Kazinga channel. Gorilla tracking is such an adventurous activity that it involved walking in the thick forest of Bwindi for several kilometers. We managed to locate gorillas after almost 6 hours of walking through the forest and it was such a great experience.
I do recommend Mukisa Safaris for any intending visitor to Uganda to book with them because they are indeed good and reliable at their service.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime!
My dad and I took a trip with Soul of Tanzania in July 2018 for my 40th Birthday. After much research of safari companies (it is overwhelming!) I chose Soul of Tanzania as I felt booking with a Tanzania-based company was important and I felt there would be a more personal connection to Soul. I knew I made the right choice from the beginning! The sales time, Miguel C (he is wonderful!) and Christina F were amazingly responsive and helpful, answering my initial 20+ emails prior to booking. I appreciated that Soul could work with any budget and book with any accommodation in the country, so that I could truly personalize and "splurge" on a smaller, more intimate luxury camp in the Serengeti while starting off with nicer budget lodges in Tarangire. Back in December 2017 I had originally requested Ben to be our guide, however he had since been promoted to Operations Manager (congrats Ben!) by the time we took our safari. However, Deo, who was hired to replace Ben was amazing with his 22 years of experience, internal GPS, bionic eyes, quick and witty sense of humor, deep SOULful voice, and signature "pose" for photos :) Not only did we see the Big 5, we saw the Migration herds, a Black mamba snake and Deo pointed out when we saw a "baby, 200 year-old" Baobab tree in Tarangire that we probably would not have appreciated otherwise. Deo became a friend and we enjoyed spending time with him whenever we could! There were small, but nice touches of hospitality and service; Deo surprised me with buying my favorite popcorn at the visitor's center while I was in the restroom, Deo gave me Tanzanian shillings for a souvenir so that I didn't have to trade in USD. Deo went above and beyond to provide an amazing safari experience.
When we initially booked the trip, we booked for 2 nights in the North Serengeti, however the migration herds were still in the West come July. Ben and Deo and the staff made arrangements for us to switch lodging so that we could stay in the west to see the herds! This was much appreciated and we were so grateful to be able to be close to "The Greatest Show on Earth," and witness this very special natural event.
Soul had also been informed that I was celebrating my 40th birthday, so they had made arrangements ahead of time with the Pakulala Safari Camp at Ngorongoro crater (highly recommend this camp!) with a personalized birthday cake, candles and singing around the dining tent to the "Jambo, jambo Bwana/Kilimanjaro." None of the other guides were in the dining tent and I was worried Deo wouldn't be there, but he came to sing and celebrate--it honestly wouldn't have been the same without him; it's a celebration I'll never forget!
We enjoyed the hot picnic lunches and all of the lodges were beautiful and hospitable, particularly the Kiota Camp in Central Serengeti and Pakulala Camp in Ngorongoro. I have had several friends inquire about my trip and many want to know which company I booked with; I am excited to share with them about Soul and Deo and can confidently make these recommendations. Asante to all!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mara 2018
We booked from the US. David was easy to communicate with, and very responsive. The whole process was seamless. The driver assigned was very knowledgeable of the wildlife. We will definitely schedule future tours with Skywide tours. Already recommended to family and friends
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, outstanding and friendly
I had a fantastic time in Tanzania. Furahia Tanzania had everything sorted out before we arrive. Communication from the first moment was very fluent and we had the possibility to adjust the trip to our own needs.
Everything happened according to what we agreed in advance and there were no surprises or last minute changes.
Our guide Tony (or how we were calling him; "Professor" Tony) really made things amazing. It was key to be with someone friendly, patience and able to answer any question we had about the animals and Tanzania in general. Experience would have been very different if the person driving us through Serengeti was not like him. Also was nice to be with someone that knows very well the National Park and able to take us to different places to see all kind of animals.
Private tours worth every penny. You can stop/go whenever you like and do not need to be compromising what you want to see with other people you do not know.
The camps were we stayed in Serengeti were above our expectations in terms of comfort, quality and style. Food was very tasty as well. It completely worth to pay extra and stay in better accommodations. After spending 10 hours in a Van there is nothing better than arriving to a camp that has good food, hot water and fantastic accommodations. Is very good value for money paying the extra for luxury accommodations.
10 out of 10 in terms of recommending doing the Safari with Furahia Tanzania, you will not regret it!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari to Amboseli and Maasai Mara
We had a wonderful experience. The drivers/guides were very knowledgeable (well trained/educated) and capable. The vehicles were very up-to-date, reliable and well-appointed (they need to be on the rough gravel roads and rutted terrain). The drivers made the long drives as comfortable as possible.
Hannah was extremely responsive to all e-mail inquiries and credit card (or bank draft) transactions. Our whole trip was thoroughly planned and executed with punctuality, courtesy and competence.
My wife and I took 2 grand-children (aged 10 and 13) along with a group from Tembea Academy in Kajiado (totalling about 12 people, ranging in age from 10 to 70-plus). We were all delighted with every aspect of this experience.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing experience with Rak Safaris
Very Organized service and communication, I had multiple locations to visit and was able to check all of them out as scheduled without delays or any changes. Driver was also respectful and courteous. I would highly recommend their service
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
BEST EXPERIENCE EVER!
We did a 7 day Safari visiting Tarangire NP, Manyara NP, Ngorongoro & Serengeti NP. Everything was fully arranged from day 1. The pick up from the airport was on time and our Driver picked us up at the hotel right in time the day after. Then our adventure started.. Beside the enormous beauty of this country and the fully filled nationalparks we were so blessed to do the trip with our guide NOVA. We really had a lot of questions about Flora & fauna, landscape, culture, food, etc. and he could answer us everything. His knowledge is really good and you can really feel that he loves his country and has a very good knowledge about. Every day was an adventure. Together we spotted all the interesting animals and the BIG FIVE. We did a cultural visit to the Massai and even a cultural tour to Mto Wa Mbu. For me it felt like the people were extra friendly to us because of the friendliness of Nova. We laughed, we sang and we really had a good time with our friend :) THANK YOU AGAIN 4 EVERYTHING NOVA!
The lodges were incredible accomodate and fully equipped. We liked most the Sangaiwe Lodge and the Tortilis Camp. Food and accomodation was very good in every lodge. Also lunch packages were good.
Everything was wonderful and incredible. This was the best holiday ever!
I just have one tip for you: don't hesitate if Maturaf did'nt answer asap to your mails. The communication is very low sometimes. But you can rely that everything is fully organized and that you will have the best time of your life. Do not forget africa is different than Europe. So everything is POLE POLE and HAKUNA MATATA! :) :) :)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A very exciting adventure, dreams fulfilled!!!!
Just hit different Safari websites and that of Mukisa was the most impressive. Reaching on ground in Uganda this june, what Mikisa safaris did what is far better than what i had seen on their website. My friend Monica was happy; she said she knew i couldnt disappoint her, i always make the right choices.
With exquisite lodges and a fabulous services, Mukisa safaris ensured that we enjoy our holiday without regret. We adventured in Kidepo valley National park, Bwindi impenetrable forest for Gorilla tracking, Kalangala Islands and Queen Elizabeth NP.
If im to measure my satisfaction about Mukisa safaris from a grade of 1 to 10, i would say 11.
I urge all Ugandans abroad to use Mukisa safaris when they go home to tour. I recommend everyone in the world who wants to tour to Uganda to use Mukisa Safaris. You will not be disappointed!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent visit to Tanzania
We cannot express enough how happy we were with our experience with Regional Tours. We had a 9 day tour that involved Serengeti/Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, plus Stone Town and Zanzibar. Maturaf picked the perfect accommodations for our family. All of our accommodations - Tloma Lodge, Kati Kati, Mizingani Seafront and Breezes - were exceptional. The staff at all of these hotels were welcoming and friendly and the food was great.
Our safari guide, Nova, was absolutely perfect. He was knowledgeable, kind, patient, resourceful, an excellent driver, flexible, and exceptionally good at spotting animals. He found us all of the animals we wanted to see and seemed to always be able to put us in the best position for capturing them on camera without intruding on the animals. We already miss him!
Our driver for Zanzibar was Omar and he was also wonderful. He provided excellent recommendations for us, was always on time, has a pleasant and engaging personality and showed true hospitality to us while we were in Zanzibar.
My biggest recommendation for Regional Tours is that - in addition to meeting all of our high expectations for the safari and tour - they exceeded our expectations when my daughter lost her teddy bear while we were on the trip and didn’t know where we had left him. We contacted Maturaf and he located it, had it shipped to Zanzibar, and got it to Omar to deliver it back to us in time for our flight out. This to me says it all about the experience you can expect with Regional Tours. They were professional, attentive to detail and delivered a high quality experience for us. We would absolutely book with them again.