NZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantastic experience.
We have just arrived back in New Zealand after an amazing private safari with Shaun from Moriti Private Safaris.
From the beginning Shaun's communication was excellent and he made sure to create an itinerary that suited what we wanted to get out of our trip. We had a lot of questions and requests, even up to the last minute he was prompt in his replies and always enthusiastic.
The safari itself was great. 2 nights at Tshukudu Game Lodge and then on to a private game reserve in the Klasserie region for 3 nights. The accomodation at Tshukudu was rustic but the food was nice and the orphaned animals, especially the cheetah Ntombi were worth the visit. The game drives were good and it was interesting to see the realities and cost of running a game lodge with the ever present threat of poachers and also the current drought. The bush walk with Richard and Ntombi was a highlight.
The private lodge in the Klasserie was the highlight of the trip. To walk out onto a deck over looking a river bed and then be able to sit and just watch animals walking past was magical. The accomodation was great and the food from the chef Lindsay was amazing. We loved the bush breakfast. The pool was a great place to spend lazy afternoons between game drives and the fire pit lulled us to sleep each night.
The game viewing itself was fun. Shaun is obviously in love with the bush and animals and went out of his way to give us a great experience. We managed to see 4 of the big 5, including lots of lion sightings and an amazing elephant experience.
We left our safari with Shaun feeling as if we had better understanding and insight into South Africa's beautiful animals and land and also as if we had made new friends. We hope to be back one day!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unforgettable Service from a 1st Class Operator
I could not have asked for a better tour operator for a visit to Zimbabwe. Nyati Travel & Tours were excellent. Our Tour Consultant, Terence Mutsvanga, was an outstanding travel professional. He patiently worked with me to build a suitable itinerary for my group of 10 people, responded to seemingly endless questions, and was available on the ground to ensure that all went well. His attention to detail and service were superb. I also cannot forget our exceptional driver/guide Dennis Nyazika. Our itinerary took us, without incident, around Harare, Hwange National Park, and to the unforgettable Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls).
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding Safari Experience - Would Use Them Again and Again
We only had a few days for safari after ten days of charity work. Wanted to make the most of it while we were on that side of the world. Daniel was very knowledgeable and helped us choose the right places to go and visit. Food was great, rooms were awesome, shower was hot (not the norm in Kenya). If you are lucky you will get Peter for a driver. He was very nice and was with us for the entire time. He also knew all of the local secrets. I would book with them again and I would definitely take my kids to where we went. Have fun!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Nothing was too much trouble - Alex and team ensured we had a wonderful, trouble-free trip.
Our self-drive trip to South Africa went way beyond our expectations. We had a reasonable (although fairly ill-informed) idea of some things we wanted to do, but needed someone on the ground to offer advice on logistics, costs, availability, appropriateness of choices and general advice. What we ideally wanted was a ‘one-stop-shop’ where we could go for advice and wrap up the organisation our entire 3-week trip from front to back, from ideas through to bookings. I have to say, it’s (sadly) rare these days to get such dedicated service and attention all through the consultation and booking process. Once the trip was underway, we had no mishaps from start to finish, since every single aspect of the trip was meticulously planned. My wife and son also had a fabulous time, and we were reluctant to come back to the UK! Alex's advice was particularly helpful with regard to the fact that we were travelling with a 3 year-old, which brings with it its own challenges. In short, we had the trip of a lifetime and we have fantastic memories to treasure! Not only would we feel 100% confident of referring any friends or family to African Welcome Safaris for advice, we are threatening to come back next year too!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent in all areas
Winnie and her team exceeded our expectations! Communication was timely, gracious and informative.
Masai Mara was spectacular and the Sopa Lodge was excellent! Our driver, Jonathan, was patient, polite and an overall delight. Will definitely be using their services on our next journey to Kenya. Would enthusiastically recommend them to any travelers!!!
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My first safari and it couldn't have been better!
I was not sure what to expect from a safari. Will we see a lot of animals, will there be a lot of other tourists? What's the chance to see all of the big 5? So when we left in the early morning I was very exited about how everything will work out. Once on the van the adventure started and after the day I was more than happy: We saw a lot of animals (including the big 5!). Our guide was charming, funny and provided us a lot of information. The park was not too crowded - though you can not expect to be alone without any other visitors on the muddy roads. So all in all I had a very good experience and would definitely recommend to book your tour with Wild Jungle Trails.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Custom made, easy, value for money. Great Safari :D !
During my stay in Kenya I came in contact with Travel For Change. I had a face to face conversation with Martha and we discussed my ideas and the possibilities. I had various ideas for a safari but also wanted to be gentle on the budget. Within a few days I received an offer I liked in my e-mail: a 4 day Safari in Tsavo West National Park and Amboseli National Park for 3 persons. I took my parents with me.
The best things were the private driver and the accommodation Travel for Change chose for us. With the private driver and 4 days to spend we really had the time to explore and go our own way. The driver was very kind and knew all about the different animals we came across. He also tried his best to find as many animals as possible.
The accommodation was very well chosen. We got to experience both a Safari Lodge (Ngulia Lodge in Tsavo NP) and a Tented Camp (Kibo Safari Camp just outside Amboseli NP). Personally I liked the tented Camp, Kibo, the most because camping felt more adventurous while it was still very comfortable.
To wrap up: My safari was one custom made but planning that was surprisingly easy with this operator. And good value for money, Nice and skilful driver and nice accommodations.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Second time around and just as spectacular!
We just completed another safari with eastco in march. for something different we decided to some walking safaris so visited tarangire, arusha national park and mkomazi. Not being our first trip to tanzania, we were looking for something a bit different and ask simon to prepare a safari which combined walking and some culture.
the walk at tarangire started near lemoti village on the masai steppes and we walked west towards the tarangire conservation area, bush camping each night. although very wet! it was also a great time to visit as there was lots of wildlife around, wildebeest and zebras after the first day, a couple of nights with lions grunting and roaring, and even elephants as we got closer to tarangire.
this was a very different experience, the two days were very much a immersion in masai culture, we saw them bring the herds into the boma in the evening, brendan tried the blood and curdled milk mixture and we sat around a camp fire with some of the elders and children till late.
as we walked the next day we say the children collecting water from puddles beside the road, a rich reddish brown colour! our guide loi said it was better than walking 10 kms to fetch water!!
each afternoon loi and costa, our cook, decided when we should stop and set up camp. this consisted of loi and brian cutting the grass and clearing as space, setting up the tents while costa was preparing dinner.
the last two days walking was a bit exciting, with long grass we heard before we saw any of the wildlife. coming across massive elephant prints deep in the mud, and also the large paw of a male lion along the wet sand of the track.
the last night of the tarangire walk was at naitolia camp, luxury after four nights camping in the bush. Massive bed draped in net, outdoor toilet with a view and shower. it was the last night here when we heard the lions rumbling and growling. it seemed so close but was told the next day most likely a couple of kilometers away.
we then went to arusha national park for two nights at hatari lodge. fantastic views across the plains to kilimanjaro one afternoon after a storm. walking on the slopes of mt meru for half a day with a park ranger, buffalo and giraffe, bush duiker and colobus monkeys.
the next part of our adventure took us to mkomazi national park. we had decided to do a a full day walk here, from one camp to another with the park rangers, and the guide wilson and costa packed up the camp and met us that afternoon at a new campsite. scenery here was so dramatic, mkomazi is surrounded by mountains and with the black thunderclouds, a late morning rainbow it was so spectacular. the guide musa (I think) was very informative, we saw tracks of a puff adder in the sand, hyena and jackals. we also saw a large herd of eland in the distance, warily keeping their distance with a couple of oryx mixed in.
after two nights camping in mkomazi, we climbed up the pare mountains to tona lodge. Perched on the edge of the mountain overlooking mkomazi and kenya. brilliant location. food and service was a bit so so! We spent two nights here and walked through the local villages along steep and winding roads. every building seemed to cling to the edge of the mountain slope.
We drove back to kilimanjaro the next day, and a day room at Panone Motel near kilimanjaro.we said our goodbyes to wilson, costa and brian, and had hot showers before transferring to kia for our flight home.
Second trip with eastco, totally different to our first wildlife extravaganza but just as rewarding.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic!!! Got to see so many animals and our driver Jackson was amazing!
My partner and I arranged to do our safari while still in Australia and even though we weren't in Africa yet David was very very helpful with all our questions even if they weren't about the safari itself! The hotel we stayed in the night before arranged by David was very nice too! All in all we were very sad to finish the tour and can't wait to come back and visit!!
TH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable 14 day Best of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho (Craigs Fav)
Communication was quick and effective.
We experienced everything we wished for. A fantastic Guide, nothing was too much effort, outstanding knowledge and great food.
The Drakensberg mountains was our favorite highlight of the tour and we loved the Kruger Park.
I would highly recommend Southern African Tours, for their skill and expertise.
We will definately book our next holiday with them.