US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful
I hired this company on October 2015 while I was working in Rwanda to do gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains. Reginal (the owner of the company) and his driver were very punctual when picking is up at our hotel. They drove us up to buy our permits and then to the mountain where our journey to see the Silverback gorillas began. We did not bring gloves, so Reginal let us borrow for free, which was a blessing. To prevent our cameras from getting damaged by the rain, they let us use their digital camera for free and later emailed us the pictures. After the trek was over they were waiting for us to take us to a small market where we picked up our trekking certificates. We shopped around and they patiently waited for us to finish. Then they took us back to our hotel. They were very nice and professional during the whole trip. I liked this company so much that 2 weeks later I hired them again, this time to go see the Golden Monkeys. Reginal went with us on this tour and was our personal photographer. We had a lot of fun with them. I stronly recommend Rwanda Eco Company and would definitely hire them again.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fun mixed with professionalism
I was with Jewel of Africa Safaris in november 2013. The weather was hot but rain was coming. It would turn out to be the experience of a lifetime!
Our guide was Neil. What a standup guy that was! He really knows his stuff and is all about professional behaviour but mixed with a nice sauce of fun and laughs! He is fun and game but when it matters (eg. approaching dangerous wildlife) he turns into a really serious and caring guide who will make you feel safe at all times.
Because I speak dutch, which is related to South African, we could really have a laugh and if you meet him ask about "vrouw aan die stuur, bloed aan die muur" ;).
We did a Kruger tour and saw all big 5 in one day! What a lucky streak that was.
The icing on the cake however was the news that Nelson Mandela had passed away. Neil specially drove us to Soweto where we attended the ceremonies of the local people and joined them in their grief. It was a really nice gesture of Neil which made the trip all the more special. It characterizes his nature and the lenghts that he will go to, to make your journey unforgettable.
If you want a mix of professional guides, with tons of laughs, Jewels of Africa will be IT for you!
BD
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The travel arrangement of Kisoro is very good and entertaining
Communication service is good and services are as per the agreement,the accommodation is very nice, overall tour is memorable
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had a fabulous time but communication with the company was a little limited
The safari itself was everything we expected. Our tour guide Kim was awesome and very knowledgeable. The accommodations and food were good also. The tent camps are cool and they have electricity and bathroom and shower in them. I never received a packet from odyssey and some things aren't very clear. You definitely need to bring your yellow fever vaccination card...Kenya and Tanzania will need to see it but that wasn't on the list of things to bring. Also get your Kenya and Tanzania visas online prior to going so you don't have to carry that cash and wait in longer lines. If you do those things prior to going, things should go smoothly and you will have an amazing time :)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Professionalism at it's best!
I run a small, private safari business called Moriti Private Safaris and have worked with Jewel of Africa on a few occasions. Kobus and his team are awesome to work with and it is so refreshing to have people like this in the industry!
The tours they provide, not only are they value for money, but my guests as well as myself when I travel with them are treated like royalty! The accommodation used and the food provided is always great and Kobus and Neil's knowledge of, not only customer service, but animals and history is just phenomenal... I could really listen to them for hours, and I'm a guide!
I love working with these guys and would recommend them to anyone looking for a value for money safari that is well planned, tailor-made and a lot of fun
Exceeding expectatios, excellent arrangements and exciting game drives.
Communications worked seamlessly before the safari: quotation with good details, payment arrangements, flights from Dar to Kilimajaro, etc. We wanted to see Ngorongoro and appreciate that a game drive in Lake Manyara was added en route to the crater. Fabian was an excellent driver and guide. I think we managed to spot all the major mammals in the Crater. We saw two lions i Lake Manyara, four on the first day in the Crater and 15 the second day including five cubs. Serengeti next time!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Sparklesafari made my vacation so fantastic and memorable.
Our guide had good communication skills and was always on time. He was smartly dressed and so professional. He was a careful driver and knew all the places we wanted to go. Next time I travel back to uganda, I know that I can rely on sparklesafari
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Overall it was very easy to book the trip. All questions were answered and suggestions were made.
The overall experience was awesome. The one thing I found fustrating was on the first day when we arrived, wet had recieved an email saying what we would do each day. I noticed that it said in the afternoon we would go out on a game drive and a bush Braii for dinner. We asked our driver from the airport what time we would meet and he didn't know. We go to Kruger and asked someone there and he didn't know. We knew absolutely nothing was will very annoying as we didn't want to miss out on any activities. I think that you could avoid this in the future by the drivers letting us know where we meet and what time for the first activity. Once we had figured it out the trip ran smoothly.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic experiences and excellent staff!
I've travelled twice with Jackpot - both times to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Each time the communication has been great in the lead up with Andrew going out of his way to make sure all the options were offered and our trip was designed how we wanted. We had two stellar guides in George and Albert who couldn't have been better! Our chefs (Jackson and John) kept us full to bursting with their lovely food. The experience of being in the Serengeti was amazing and, on both trips, we saw the big five - including the remarkably rare black rhino. Thank you, Jackpot, for two amazing trips!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unbelievable experience and very accomadating
Booking was easy and once I was there I changed iteniary without hassle. The tour was unbelievable and went to plan plus extra thanks to Joseph Kalanzi who went above the call of tour guide duties to ensure trip was unforgettable. The places we stayed were amazing but very affordable as was the tour. Gorillas, rhinos, the guide and a couple of crazy chameleon made this a trip of a lifetime and can't wait to get back :)