US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievable Experience with Ker & Downey Africa
We used Ker & Downey as our agent to plan our honeymoon in Africa based on the recommendation of a number of friends and they did not disappoint! They planned a 10 day itinerary exactly to our liking that had us in Cape Town, Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the balance being coastal relaxation in Mauritius. Our travel coordinator planned every aspect of the trip, all the way down to dinner recommendations/reservations and all our transfers so that we able to enjoy the trip to it's fullest without being concerned with minor details. We had the trip of a lifetime and I can honestly say it would not have been possible without the expert team at Ker & Downey.
MX
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I got much more than I asked for…lucky me.
For my long awaited first African Safari, I wanted a custom, private tour, Guides knowledgeable in flora, fauna (especially birds), customs, history and geology and luxurious tented camp facilities.
Friends who had visited Africa on many occasions recommend Ecological Wilderness Adventures. They could not have been more right! Applause, bows and cheers to Ecological; experts in flora & fauna, knowledge, service, gracious upbeat attitudes, excellent equipment and comfort. I got much more than I asked for…lucky me.
To locate animals, Brian and his Guides relied on ‘reading’ the animal signs, in depth knowledge of the habitat and familiarity with the maze of back roads and water holes, past experience. These chaps know their stuff! They would willingly spend the entire day seeking unique safari experiences from a pack of wild dogs (very rare to find in Tanzania) to a full hyena den and all the species between. Brian’s ‘normal’ was to be the only safari vehicle in the area reveling in the unique and full wonder of the animals.
(A surprise to learn that many of the ‘other’ tour companies rely on constant radio contact to locate the animals. Who knew? Radio contact is a jarring, invasion of distracting foreign noise and the radio ‘tips ‘mean that masses of Safari vehicles end up at the same location, together ogling the same animals. Not the experience I visualized.)
I will add that though it was not on my priority list, the camp food was simply fabulous! Creative, fresh, eclectic flavors; certainly another grand surprise from Team Brian.
What a joy top to bottom, beginning to end. The experience of a lifetime that I sought was granted because of team Ecological Wilderness Adventures. I cannot recommend them more highly. Oh by the way, beyond the Big 5 and endless other fantastic species, we identified 215 bird species. !!!!
DE
Best Guide, wonderful camp, great organisation
Personal contact, good recommendation. Will ask them next time again .
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amaxing and unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
With no one to compare to, this being my first safari, I can only say, I don't think other companies can beat Tanzania Choice Safaris. A family owned company that cares as much for their clients safety and experiences as their own family, can only be given a 5 star rating.
Because of the excellent communication I felt I knew these people before I arrived in Tanzania. This trip was beyond expectations. The intinirary was so carefully planned to include all my requests and some suggestions that I hadn't thought about, i.e. a balloon ride over the Serengeti, which should not be missed! Our guide Kakasii was excellent. His experience (more than 14 years as a guide) made this safari so much more than I had anticipated. I saw all the animals, and experienced the Migration of the wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River that many people missed. He always seemed to know just where we should be, at just the right time to experience an a cheetah and her cubs feasting on a recent kill, lions mating, crocodiles killing a wildebeest and so much more!
The accommodations planned were all very good, the food and service in the tent lodges was great. In a couple of overnight stays we were the only guests at that lodge so we really felt special.
While there are many safari companies out there and I saw many of them, Tanzania Choice Safaris was definitely the best choice for me, and I would highly recommend them.
CY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional and the most reliable and reasonably-priced Safari Operator in Kenya
I have always wanted to do a Safari but I find the prices quite expensive. I have scanned different websites and thoroughly reviewed packages, reviews and prices until I came across Africa Flash Mc Tours. The offer was the cheapest I could find so I emailed the company (along with other companies just to compare and have other options). I got a response right away and I was impressed by how my inquiry was handled. I was even given more information that I haven't asked for but clearly needed to know. Everything was arranged right then and there and Peter was so kind to schedule me even though I haven't paid a single penny as a down payment. Come the 1st day of Safari, I was picked up by his driver and everything was smoothly arranged from food to accommodation, and of course the Game Drive, which was the main activity. I literally just had to go with the flow as everything was taken cared of. In the lodge where other guests are staying, there were some complaining on how their safari operators were not clear about what was included and what was not in the package. I couldn't help but be thankful that Peter actually takes the time to make sure that his clients are well-informed of the activities and not just shut them off as soon as the payment has been made. I think this is what most safari operators lack- the value of customer service! I will definitely recommend this company to friends especially because Kenya or Africa in general has a lot of safari operators in the industry and it's difficult to find one that you can actually trust.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome Africa
We have recently returned from an amazing 36 day adventure in East and South Africa with Ubuntu. Safaris in Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana, where we saw all of the Big 5 animals, even the Black Rhino and White Lions. A few days at Victoria Falls staying at the beautiful old Vic Falls hotel. Then a tour from Johannesburg down to Cape Town. There were too many highlights to select just one. From all the animals (we saw all of The Big Five) to the beautiful scenery of South Africa, to the extreme poverty in Lesotho, we were overawed by it all. We have so many wonderful memories etched in our minds which will last a life time. Thank you Cuan for everything, we couldn't find fault with anything during our stay in Awesome Africa.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful, Friendly Service & Very Knowledgeable Team
We were referred to Ker & Downey Africa by a friend, and we were so lucky to be able to work with them! We had no idea how to begin planning our safari, and the team there worked with us to develop the perfect trip. Based upon what we told them we wanted, the staff recommended several places, and we chose a trip to Kenya -- what an amazing decision that was. They listened to what we wanted and our budget and were able to offer us several options for safari.
I could go on and on about the trip, but I have to say that Key & Downey's service was excellent the entire time! Perfect example: there was bad weather in New York as we were getting ready to leave. K&D sent us a note that they were aware of the weather and that they would take care of any connecting flight issues when we arrived in Africa. That's the best part of working with them: they think of everything! I highly recommend that you work with them. They will help you plan the most perfect vacation!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime
My husband and I went to Botswana on our honeymoon just over a year ago. It was absolutely incredible and Terri-Ann was so helpful every step of the way, we didn't have to worry about anything and really did have the trip of a lifetime. We couldn't recommend Ker & Downey Africa enough and are already trying to think of an excuse for our next trip to Africa!
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do this once in a lifetime!
The comfortable tents, the tasty food , the fresh laundry, ... Incredible to find this luxury in the bush!
The safaris, with freshly baked muffins in the morning and gin-tonic and snacks at sunset, makes you feel part of a movie.
Congratulations to Terry and his friendly staff. The ultimate Africa experience? We loved it !!!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great animals, wonderful birds, perfect camp sites and the best guide in all of Tanzania.
My husband and I had an unexpected opportunity to travel to Tanzania this fall with a friend who had it on her “wish list” and urged us to go with her. This was our eighth(!) trip to Tanzania (our twelfth trip to Africa), and this last trip was just as wonderful and memorable as our first. As always in Tanzania, we went with Brian of Ecological Wilderness Adventures. Brian started out working for another safari company, but has had his own company for several years now. He has great equipment - vehicles, tents, amenities, etc. - and a wonderful staff who work very hard to make sure the needs of every client are met.
From the first soft “Morning!’ wake up call to the last safety walk to the tent at night, every day was unique, filled with great and often unexpected sightings - from the tiniest birds to the large cape buffalos, everything was quietly pointed out and all questions answered - except the elusive answer to how the red-cheeked cordon bleu got its name.
From the first trip we were impressed with what a great “sighter” Brian is, and his skills have improved over the years. We would be driving along and he would say “Did you see that leopard?” and we would have to admit that “No, we hadn’t”. Then he’d back up a few feet, and there were the dangling legs of a leopard (in one case a leopard and a cub), looking to us much like another tree limb.
The food has always been tasty - what we’ve come to think of as “safari” fare. But we were pleasantly surprised this time by the quality and variety of food prepared by Brian’s cook. The meals were wonderful. You definitely have to pace yourself or you’ll bring home a few extra pounds along with all your photos and memories.
Speaking of photos - Brian is a very good photographer himself, so he is very aware of the best angle and light for your photos. He positions the vehicle so you can get the best shot possible. We came home with hundreds (or is it thousands?) of beautiful photos.
If you’re thinking of going to Africa, Tanzania is a great place to visit. The country has done a remarkable job of setting aside land for parks so that the animals can move freely around the country. And when you go to Tanzania, use Ecological Wilderness Adventures as your safari company. They will work with you to develop an itinerary that gives you an opportunity to visit the Africa you have dreamed of and they will tailor the days to make your safari a wonderful experience.
Now we’re just waiting for some other friend to say they want to go to Africa so we have an excuse to return.