CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari experience met bucket list expectations
We travelled March 1 - 15 2017 with Go Touch Down, one week in Capetown and one week on the Johannesburg tour which included 3 days safari at Kapama River Lodge. Our stay in Capetown met more than our expectations from the one bedroom apartment to the "Gordon Ramsay" meals to our efficient guide. The only bump in the road was our two day stay at Dunkeld Estates prior to our safari. We travelled as a group of 4 and had booked the trip in 2015. Upon arrival we were told that they were overbooked and that we would have to stay in a Fisherman's Cabin 10 min walk away from our friends who were put in a guest suite. When I questioned the manager why we were separated from our friends when the booking was placed in 2015 she told me room assignment did not have anything to do with when the reservation was made, and that it was not her problem. What we found in the cabin was one hanger in the closet, a front door that would not latch, to keep it closed one had to lock it, no safe, television that did not work, and no phone to call someone for assistance so we had to walk the 10 min back to reception to get someone, no lighting at night to walk back to the cabin all the while hoping that we were able to spot the horse dung that had been deposited along the way. Service in the restaurant very slow. We were the only table for all 3 meals we had there, and dinner took 2 hours to complete. Our friend who was in a guest suite found what looked like potato bugs walking on the bathroom floor both nights of our stay. I sent a letter to the C.O.O. of Go Touch Down 4 weeks ago outlining my experience and to date no reply and at this point do not expect one.
I found Go Touch Down in Oakville to be more than accommodating and organized. I would recommend travelling with them for the Capetown tour, but as Dunkeld Estates is owned and operated by Go Touch Down
avoid the Johannesburg tour, and book with someone else. The safari portion at Kapana River Lodge was outstanding . It provided excellent accommodations and the thrill of seeing 4 of the 5 Big Five up close and personal. Never did I expect to have a male lion walk right passed the safari vehicle or a giraffe standing two feet away.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing experience!
Went on a combined gorilla trek and Safari with Encounter Africa Safaris. Had an amazing time, excellent lodges to spend the evenings and nights, great food. Our guide (Patrick) was wonderful, he taught us so much about the local wildlife and even knew to attract a passing Hyena by mimicking its cries. We even did an extra little game drive on our way back because the permit still was active for some hours. One of the best experiences i've had in my life.
IE
At Amboseli where Kilimanjaro and elephants greet you
We drove straight from Nairobi Airport on the highway towards Mombasa, which I guess should be one of the best-developed roads in Kenya. From the branch at a small town of Emali to the entrance of Amboseli National Park we noticed a gentle glide along with our vehicle, which is partly new asphalt, a pleasure.
Over the whole area, the majestic Kilimanjaro with its snowy summit peak sits on the Tanzanian side and I always asked myself the question "Will I be lucky to see the Kilimanjaro free of clouds – fingers crossed?"
My mood increased noticeably when we arrived at the outstanding Ol Tukai Lodge. Quickly I was checked into my room. I didn’t think it was such beautiful, even though I had heard only good things about this lodge. There were precious woods everywhere, dark leather, well-kept lawn and the entire lodge is located in a small forest ... in the middle of nowhere inside of the game park.
The idea of using ecotourism to lure travelers into the country while practicing a gentle approach to the environment is very important. This principle is also implemented here in Ol Tukai Lodge. The entire power is generated from solar energy and is therefore, available only at certain times. Only local materials were used for the construction of this hotel facilities, and the local population is included in the running and operation of the lodge.
However, it does not mean that this would entail great deprivation, on the contrary. It is more like a luxury camping for spoiled city-dwellers who are looking for the pure nature experience and don’t want to miss the comforts of urban life. Whether you need that certain luxury everyone should decide for themselves.
Armed with my camera in the evening across the beautiful garden, my eyes fell more by chance to the horizon of my left - and, yes miracles do happen, the Kilimanjaro summit now looks out of the clouds. More, I quickly get some more wide-angle lens and spend the next couple of minutes with photographing this mighty mountain. What an amazing sight!
Africa is the sensual experience that I have always been dreaming of and no doubt I experienced it here - the sparkling stars of Africa, a flickering campfire, the sounds of drumming elephants can be very romantic.
Safari is a good experience, a good trip in Kenya and I can promise you the wonderful trip through Kenya goes on, hopefully, would make a return trip.
A big thank you for the cooperation with African Sermon Safaris tour operator, with whose able planning I was able to discover Amboseli which I write about here. If you would like to watch the elephants and see Kilimanjaro, you should head out to Amboseli National Park, a place that won my appreciation of nature. Consider traveling with this company which is an exceptional choice offering such a great experience.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
perfect experience
When I stayed for 3 months in Rwanda, my parents came to visit. I booked their trip with Golden Rwanda tours, and I am very thankful for this experience. We travelled to Nyungwe and Akagera with Jean-Marie. Jean-marie was a perfect guide, with extensive knowledge on the country and its nature. You could see that even for him it was a pleasure to take us on this trip.
Price quality was perfect.
The staff were so attentive and friendly
I recently visited one of the lodges managed by Crystal Safaris, Gorilla Safari Lodge (next to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest). I found the cottages very beautiful & spacious, each with an amazing view of the impenetrable forest. By the way, upon arrival, I was serenaded by the staff and received a complimentary massage (amazing!). On short notice, the staff secured tracking permits for me and organized community activities like the Batwa community performance. They truly made my tracking experience so good. Hope you have an equally gratifying experience.
JP
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Serengeti Park and Ngongoro Conservation area: an unforgettable adventure!
The whole trip was an incredible experience. Before leaving we were worried about all sort of things but once we arrived in Arusha, everything was taken care of and we had the opportunity to enjoy every single minute of our trip feeling safe.
Our guide and driver, Philemon, was terrific: extremely professional, knowledgeable, caring and fun. He always made sure that we saw as many animals as possible and never rushed us around. The climax of our safari was on our very first day in the Serengeti: we saw 5 cheetahs hunting and bringing down a (poor!) impala right in front of our eyes. On the last day, at the Ngorongoro Crater, we also saw two black rhinos, apparently very rare to spot.
We really thank Iris and Jordan for their attentive and professional services, Philemon for his determination to make our safari unforgettable and James for picking us up from Arusha Airport and giving us a brief introduction into Arusha on the drive to our hotel.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It was an experience of a lifetime!
I went on 9 safaris over the last 15 years & booked with Viriva 8 times. I stayed in tents, permanent tents & hotels & saw a wide range of animals. I enjoyed every minute & would highly recommend booking with Vuriva.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic experience from start to finish.
We travelled through the Ngorongoro Conservation area including into the crater, plus a trip to Oldupai Gorge. The tour guide, Faye, was extremely knowledgeable about the geography, wildlife and flora & this was incredibly helpful to our enjoyment and understanding. He was also very patient and gave us plenty of time to sit quietly watching animals and birds and to take photographs. There was never a sense of being rushed before we were ready to leave. The whole trip was a very special and moving experience and one we'll never forget.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
an excellent trip with well organized and friendly atmosphere
Me and my wife have a safari for one week in Kenya. Mr. Otiano is very helpful person. On the first day he sent a driver at proper time to pick us up from the airport to the hotel which was not in his list. Because we wanted to see Nairobi for first two days. After two days his another driver pick up from the hotel and bring to the hotel where from we have to start our journey. In between we met with him and pay our rest deposit. On the next day we started our journey and simple one word it is perfect for us. Food, the places (Nakuru Park, Masai Mara and Naivasa lake and Green Crater Lake Walk). The dream place for me was definitely Masai Mara). Steve, the driver is very friendly and he showed us lot of animals. Even I can say that lot of other drivers, those belongs to other safari groups couldn't make it so successful for other tourists. He always gives an extra effort to show us the interesting places and animals as near as possible.
One important notice that in between our trip I forgot my shoes to one cottage. Mr. Otiano organized to bring my shoes to other location where we stayed later on and his driver bring us also to the airport on time for departure.
I would recommend his tour guide as one of the top safari tour in Kenya.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
quick and very good service
Excellent communication and follow up. The trips booked were exactly what was expected.