20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Lemosho Route: An Amazing Journey!
Embarking on a journey as daunting as Mt Kilimanjaro took a degree of level headedness in almost every stage, from choosing a travel company to gear selection to final summit night courage, but the reward of Uhuru Peak and the view from the Roof of Africa makes every test more than worth it. The best piece of advice I could give anyone contemplating the climb is to have confidence in every decision you make let this carry you to the top!
The keys to building this confidence are gained by doing thorough groundwork before you reach Tanzania in the areas of physical conditioning, gear selection, and guide company selection. While I was going through this process I was interning in South Africa where I did not have a lot of time or the available resources to devote to training or finding the right gear, so in hindsight I learned that tour company selection is one of the most important choices you make, they end up being the glue that holds what training, gear, and confidence you have together and if you make the right choice they’ll help you make up for any area in which you’re lacking.
That being said, the company I choose was E-Trip Africa and I could not have been happier with my selection. From my timely pick-up and conversation with Ben at Kilimanjaro International to our thorough pre-trek team meeting, I had full confidence I would make it to the top. Our lead guide, Caspar, was heavily suave with experience and led us through a detailed examination of all our gear making sure we had was up to par, with a convenient rental company representative there to offer any needed supplies at a very reasonable rate.
As we set out along the Lemosho route my team of six trekkers quickly realized we would be rubbing elbows with several other groups as we had chosen a full moon hike (still definitely recommend this despite the crowds, they thin out closer to summit). This close proximity to other groups for the first few days allowed us to eye the other amenities offered by other companies and we quickly realized how lucky we were in comparison. Our “dining hall” tent (A.K.A. the Jack O’ Lantern) allowed us to enjoy our frequent warm beverages and near gourmet meals in protection from the elements, and our team consistently surged past on the trail, always pausing to say jambo, to have camp set up for us at the next site.
The unique dynamic energy that each and every member of our team brought to the journey became essential in trying times of fatigue, sickness, and hardship. Caspar quickly adapted to any unforeseen circumstances ranging from impromptu birthday celebrations to accommodating a team member who felt the affects of AMS. An important aspect I hadn’t thought about in a company was how well they are able to adapt to different fitness levels within a group, something that Caspar and his team did very well. Summit night he timed our ascent perfectly to watch the sunrise from Stella Point. Definitely recommend!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A fantastic trip which was over far too quickly!
I have been to Africa many times, but this was my first photographic holiday and it didn't disappoint. Prior to booking with Wild Angels, they happily and very quickly replied to all our questions about the trip and provided a comprehensive information pack on booking with them. The holiday went without a hitch, from being met like long lost friends at the airport, to finding out exactly what we all wanted from our holiday and matching the tuition accordingly. Although a novice with a camera, I felt totally at ease with the professionals and learnt a lot in a short space of time thanks to their incredible patients and obvious passion for wildlife photography. I would quite happily use this company again and would thoroughly recommend them to anyone.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Namibia discovery in perfect conditions, thanks to the ATI organization
All phases of our trip were very well organized:
- Self tour organization: ATI flexibility, adaptation.
- Quote process clear.
- Quick responsiveness to email requests.
- Payment process easy.
- Transfers, welcome at ATI guesthouse, travel package, without a problem and on time.
- Use of guesthouse at the end of the trip before flying back to France was very much appreciated.
- Accomodation excellent. Very good choice of hotels
- Car rental excellent (2 spare tires, icebox, ....)
- Trip details very accurate and useful.
- Mobile phone given by ATI for the trip duration with all useful numbers (ATI, car rental, hotels,...)
To summarize it was a perfect trip, as everything was under control, which allowed us to fully enjoy the discovery of this beautiful country.
Thanks to Wendy and all ATI people who got involved in the process.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A very professional outfit
From start to finish, the holiday was very well organised. Before the trip we received lots of information over and above what was needed for the trip and which served to whet our appetite. The tour itself was excellent. Our leader was friendly and ever attentive to our needs making sure we got the most out of the holiday. Our photographer was excellent, put things across in a clear way and was always on hand to help. Accommodation was just right and the food was good and plentiful. My expectations for the holiday were perhaps too great but it easily lived up to them! On our return, the support and friendship has continued. Thank you for an excellent holiday. I will certainly recommend Wild Angles to others.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
would have been excellent if i had not had to prompt to receive our domestic air tickets
Very good holiday - might had upgraded the first hotel if i had known how basic it would be - was expecting it not to be great but would have liked better if i had known more detail.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We have spend a dream trip thanks gecko adventure and his planning which was perfect.
The service was perfect and for the "Selous" safari, we were alone in the Reserve. It's was very good to see animals and the lodge, a place of peace and beauty. You must take the plan to dar es sallam, it's fantastic.Zanzibar is a very nice place to relax. The planning has been respected and no problem of transport.
I think this isone it's one of the best travel we have ever done, thanks Rama.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experience and Expertise = Great Photo Safari
Perfect planning in every detail - Support in Italian and English.
Great local staff - available, experts and professional - Thanks to Savannah Explorers I was able to get exclusive locations and make a great photo shoot.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari experience with very knowledgeable and friendly staff
We spent 7 days with Savannah Explorers and had a wonderful time. David, titled 'Lucky David' by one of the camp managers, was our guide and he sure lived up to his title. From the very beginning we saw giraffes and elephants up close at Lake Manyara. In the Serengeti we were lucky enough to see 4 of the big 5, including a lion kill! In Ngorongoro we saw 2 black rhino. Savannah Explorers made this trip happen in an enjoyable way by having guides who are so friendly and knowledgeable and knowing the camps that provide great service. Roberto and Grayson, the managers of SE, were also great. They were very responsive and helped us organize the safari efficiently, as well as checked in on us while we were there. They were very flexible and able to quickly help us with some additions to our initial safari plan.
Experience level: first safari
Simply an amazing experience.
There are a lot of different places to choose from for these types of trip in South Africa, But from what my wife and I researched, and later talked with other guests, Phinda was by far, a great choice to make! Everyone will have their own experiences of course. Cost wise, we found Phinda to be surprisingly affordable considering the level of the service, dinning and accommodations on top of the game viewing experience.
The trip from NY was long and transferring from JBerg to Durban went smoothly enough, and we booked to fly in on the single prop Cessna from Durban to Phinda to be the start of the adventure.
We went 1st week of September weather was dry the entire time; chilly in the morning but hot by lunch time. We stayed 3 days at Rock Lodge in the southern end, with a more mountainous terrain, and 4 nights in the northern sand forest and savannah of Vlei lodge. Rock lodge was excellent, intimate with only a small amount of guests at any time and the food and service were outstanding. The room with its outdoor shower and private plunge pool was excellent, even a bit too much considering you are out on game drives from 6 am to 11 am (With coffee breaks in the bush) and then again from 3pm till night ( stopping to watch the sunset with drinks) With lunches, dinners etc. you don't spend a lot of time in your room, but it's really nice to come back to. Matt & John were our guides at Rock and it was amazing to see their knowledge and tracking efforts get rewarded with great game views like lions at night, herds of Elephants, cheetahs with cubs. Guides and staff were very friendly, professional, courteous and went above and beyond to accommodate. Vlei lodge was no exception either. At Vlei, Douglas was the general manager there and he was phenomenal! (Honestly our booking agent Christine was top notch too, taking care off us even before our trip). Regular visitations to the rooms' plunge pools by thirsty animals made for great game viewing right outside the front door. Happiness, the chef made every meal delicious. My wife requires a Gluten-free diet and staff at both lodges took exceptional care of her dietary needs. Phinda is a closed-in preserve, but with a lot of room and a lot of animals it was never an issue and seven days seeing the north and south and all of the animals was just enough. In one evening drive we saw all of the big 5. This was our first safari type vacation and Phinda makes it a excellent first time experience. They are also close to the ocean, with arrangements through them we took a morning to mix it up and get in the water at Sodwana Bay to swim with Whale sharks. We've nothing but love for Phinda and &beyond parent company and I also applaud their conservation efforts and community involvement.
EG
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very pleasant experience with a professional guide who knew all about wild life
Endless summer Tours organized for me and my sister a one week tour in the Kruger park and the wetland .We had an excellent guide who took the effort of showing all the animals and made it a point to see the big five . He is passionate lover of wild life and very knowledgeable . We were accommodated in simple but comfortable lodges . The companies worked out a trip to fit our budget and our request .
I would strongly recommended for a small group who wants a tailor made trip .