CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Safari-Trip!
After more than 20 years back in Africa on a Safari-trip! My wife, our two teenaged sons and I could spend 12 days in Tanzania and Zanzibar. We had a six days Safari in four different parks (Tarangire, Manyara, Ndutu/Serengeti and Ngorongoro) Everything was very well organised by Magda and Richard from Flash Safaris for a really fair prize! The lodges were all excellent and located at wonderful spots! Melek, our driver/guide, was a friendly and experienced man, who looked carefully after us. He was a good driver, who didn't speed or rush, just that we would see the Big Five! To every question he knew an interesting answer and his knowledge about the country Tanzania and its wildlife was astonishing! After this adventure (we will never forget!), we relaxed in an exquisite place called Ocean Paradise in Zanzibar.
For the whole family it was a great journey and we thank the Flash-Safaris-Team for the perfect organisation!
This agency really gets 5 stars!!!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Terrible
On the fourth day, when we came away from the masi mara I saw that the driver did not come out of the gate by which we entered, he made a very long ride in the mountains, at least three times the way he should have done, we lost a lot of time .
In the middle of the road told us if we could come up with the wife, we said that was fine.
At one point it was stopped at a checkpoint of the tickets, gave our ticket to the ranger and the driver did not wait for the ranger give back the ticket, he left very quickly.
After about 20 minutes by road stopped in a village and came down from the bus.
While we waited Jackson arrived a ranger and when jacksone back talked a bit with him, then the ranger climbed on the bus with us and made us go back to the point of checking tickets. I asked what the problem was and the ranger said he had to ask questions to Jackson.
the driver came down and it was a long time talking in the office.
While we waited, the ranger came up to me and my wife and asked us how many game drive we did.
I said the truth, 5 game drive, the ranger was surprised and asked me to explain when we made them. I explained what days we did the 5 gamedrive, the ranger asked me how many nights we slept all'Ashnil and I put 3 nights.
At this point, Jackson has returned very angry and menacing tone told me that I had not done as he had said, to say only one day.
I understood that the problem was in the park tickets and I put that I have paid for 3 nights and that was his problem.
The driver is back with the ranger's office and after a while came back and we left.
We lost a lot of time, my wife and I were very scared and did not know what to do. We had lost all faith in Jackson and we wanted to come down and let us return to Nairobi by a taxi.
We decided to continue because the driver was calmer, he drove very fast to recover the lost time.
At Lake Nakuru did his wife get off the bus and arrived at the park after 17.00
It 'was a very bad experience, my wife and I have had a lot of fear and we have lost all faith. We lost a day of safari. We had to get to lake nakuru for lunch and we arrived in the evening before sunset. There you have cheated and deceived.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional service; brilliant itinerary - exactly what we asked for
African Ubuntu Safaris put together a brilliant safari/holiday itinerary for our family of four, which exceeded expectations! We really took a shot in the dark, having never been to Africa before (or not since I was a baby) or on safari. I gave Cuan, African Ubuntu in Sydney, an idea of where, when and for how much and he put together the perfect itinerary for our special family trip. We visited four very different areas of Kenya over 12 days: Amboseli, Lake Elementaita/lNakuru, Masai Mara and Malindi. We saw an amazing number of animals close up: on the two Masai community conservancies where we stayed, adjacent to Amboseli and Masai Mara National Parks, as well as in Nakuru National Park. Cuan organised a special side trip to Nakuru so that I could discover where I had been born (all those years ago!). David, our wonderful driver/guide for three days, had the unusual experience of touring Nakuru Memorial Hospital Labour Ward with us, which was a first for him as well! We had the perfect combination of driving: to Amboseli and Nakuru from Nairobi, along with internal flights to maximise our time in camp. We are also glad we took Cuan’s advice to visit Malindi, as the coast is so beautiful and so different from the savannah and the “high country”. All information needed before our trip, communication before and during the trip, airport transfers and drivers were perfect. The accommodation and of course the safaris themselves were just as we'd envisaged - comfortable, genuine and responsible. I highly recommend African Ubuntu Safaris.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful holiday of a lifetime.
The trip was great and lived up to our expectations. We saw all the game we wanted to see, and enjoyed spending nights at some really nice lodges. The ONLY problem we found was the bumpy roads, and we were told this was due to the rains. Overall an enjoyable experience.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
a company that saw the client' 'big picture' and then responded with right details and warmth.
Cuan, and African Ubuntu Safaries, were an amazing team to deal with. Very willing to listen and to respond to queries, Cuan 'got it' at the initial contact with the company and then structured the trip with wisdom and common sense. For example, we started off with stays in Namibia (Desert Homestead Lodge and its desert landscapes) and ended up in Botswana at Pom Pom Camp with its waterways. We also stayed at Onguma Bush Camp, Victoria Falls Hotel, and Chobe Safari Lodge. The wildlife in each location was extraordinary, just extraordinary. The staff everywhere we stayed (with the exception of Chobe Safari Lodge) were extremely friendly, welcoming and warm, and the folk who took us on safari were exceptional (including those at Chobe Safari Lodge) in every facet of the experience. African Ubuntu would've been aware of the 'style/modus operandi' of each camp operator and thereby ensured the main focus of our trip - to see wildlife - was achieved. I cannot sign off without mentioning the fact that when we arrived in Johannesburg, we were met by Cuan's parents who presented us with a beautiful book about the wildlife of Africa. This was a lovely, welcoming gesture that gave our visit to fascinating Africa a very warm and personalised touch. Would I use African Ubuntu Safaris again? Without a doubt! Would I recommend African Ubuntu Safaris above all others? Again, without a doubt! Would I recommend a trip to Africa? There is absolutely no doubt!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
nice journey and nice impressions
We had a nice tripp. Jobovic Safaris organiced all things well and tryed to communicar what we want to do in the next time. It was a realy nice journey.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
“Right Choice was definitely the right choice!”
Our trip was amazing! We had knowledgeable and experienced guides, David, in Tanzania, and Ben, in Kenya, and managed to see the Big 5 several times over, plus many other animals, thanks to their expertise and great driving. Accommodations were mostly better than expected, with beautiful surroundings, terrific food and super people. George was wonderful; helping us customize our safari to out budget and organizing everything. We will definitely call George and company when we return to Africa!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My first trip to Tanzania won't be my last!
Among the many things I am grateful for with my recent trip to Tanzania is the good fortune of working with Tanganyika Ancient Routes. Pam and Charles helped us to plan an amazing itinerary that exceeded expectations in every area. We started in Arusha and traveled to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongo, Serengeti, Lushoto, Saadani, and Zanzibar. Each is uniquely special.
We were met at the airport by Charles and the two drivers who would quickly become our friends. That was the beginning of their care taking of our group which lasted to our final day. We arrived as a group of 10, but quickly considered ourselves a group of 13. Each day was a new and special adventure we shared together.
Of course, you go to Africa to see the wildlife. You would not be able to find more skilled guides/drivers than Charles, Zebe and Charlie who were also our teachers during the trip. They made sure we saw everything possible and learned about what we were seeing. We were lucky to be able to cross the big 5 off our list, as well as dozens of other species.
The accommodations were wonderful. Staying in the tent camps in the various parks is a must experience. The tents are very comfortable (even have bathrooms!) and keep you close to the action you traveled all this way to experience.
The food was outstanding. Everything was fresh and delicious. If you go as part of a group as we did, the meals are enriched by the opportunity to talk about what you experienced that day, are planning for another day, or a bit of history. This made meals a very special part of each day. The guys graciously continued to answer our many questions and tell us fascinating stories at the many tables we enjoyed during our trip.
The vehicles were very comfortable. Not only did they get us safely from place to place, they gave us a comfortable spot from which to view the animals and scenery. We had two flights within Tanzania and they were wonderful.
I am an experienced traveler and have visited far off lands before, but this was my first time in Africa. I loved Tanzania and hope to visit again in the future. I will certainly work with Tanganyika Ancient Routes again. I highly recommend their services to you.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Cape Town and Safari - 2 Weeks Of Bliss In South Africa
My husband and I were more than a little skeptical when we purchased 2 weeklong vacation packages in South Africa, back in 2013, at an invitation only event in Sarasota, Florida. The Travel Ambassador who represented the tour operator, Go Touch Down Travel and Tours, and her Manager, made us an offer that seemed too good to be true - but we took a deep breath and decided to take the plunge. Both their Cape Town and Safari Packages included almost everything one could ask for ... all ground-transportation, meals, accommodations, all excursions (and there were stacks of these) ... and even gratuity at the amazing restaurants we would visit ... plus a tour guide for both weeks, and a tracker during the safari week ... and even a South African cell phone, so that we were constantly in touch with our guide and family back in the US could reach us. Best of all were the terms. Firstly they gave us a fantastic promotional price at the event, that saved us thousands of dollars overall . Secondly, they asked only for a small 12% down-payment, and gave us 36 months to pay-off the balance, interest free! Well, we simply could not say 'no', but understandably, until we actually took the trip, we still had a few doubts.
Well, the reality was as good, if not better than, what we had been promised. Yes the flight was long, and at times the bar service was a little slow, but that had nothing to do with the tour operator, as we flew Delta from Atlanta, using our frequent flyer miles. As we touched down in Cape Town however, we were greeted by our smiling guide for the week, who took us under his wing, and made us feel like family.
We had two other couples in our group for the Cape Town week, one from the UK and the other from Toronto, Canada, and we quickly all became great friends (and have stayed in-touch via facebook ever since). My personal Cape Town highlight was our visit to Robben Island and learning about Nelson Mandela's incarceration there. Second favorite for my husband and me were the amazing restaurants we visited, followed by out trip up table mountain and then the visit to Hermanus.
The Safari week was also outstanding. The resorts, towns and sights we visited were all superb and the memories will be etched in my mind forever. The 3 days we spent at Kapama Private Game Reserve, managing to see and photograph 4 of the Big Five (we unfortunately never got to see Leopard, but our trekker did find their 'spoor'), were the highlight of the Safari week. Again the meals, transportation, game drives, and accommodations were simply superb, and we made more friends with whom we have remained in touch ever since.
Go Touch Down Travel And Tours offered outstanding communications both before, during and after the tours, and excellent service all round. For anyone thinking of visiting South Africa for the first time, or who is looking for an all inclusive, activity packed stay, this company will be hard to beat - and their prices and terms are simply unmatched by anything we have ever seen anywhere else. Unless you are prepared to pay a lot, lot more, we would recommend this company for all round value, outstanding service and unbeatable terms.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
for tour and adventure at maximum satisfaction and enjoyable in Tanzania ask for Bush 2 city adventu
My wife and I from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates had a wonderful day in the Tanzania National Parks. In the parks we saw all the "big five", best moment when we saw Leopard on tree, I would consider our safari to be a success, also we saw crocodiles, giraffes, elephants, warthogs, rhinos, buffalos, and zebras, several species of monkeys, spiders, snakes and birds. The guide Jackson knew exactly where to find the animals, very personable and also very informative. He shared a lot both on our trip to and from the game reserve as well as providing us with information on animals in the reserve itself. The Lunch at the Lodge was also very nice, we were able to choose from the whole card of the restaurant.
We had a wonderful day. I would recommend Bush 2 City Adventure to everyone who is interested in seeing real Africa.