35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A 'Once in a Lifetime' African Adventure
I'd known about Java Safaris for quite some time, and was dying for an excuse to book a trip through them! Initially I wanted to go to South Africa, but after a little research and recommendation, we ended up at the Victoria Falls, on the Zambian side. (Livingstone) Catherine Lloyd did it all! From the airport transfers to the hotel bookings, including all the necessaries in-between, she carefully ensured that our African Adventure would be effortless all the way. The Royal Livingstone Hotel (Catherine's recommendation) was divine, and perfect for our family's stay. I wouldn't hesitate to suggest Java Safaris to anybody wanting to book an African trip, and in fact, can't wait to plan my next one with them!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well Planned
I was introduced to Nancy's Company by a fellow couchsurfer and it turned out to be a great option. Nancy communicated with me even before my arrival and made sure I had everything in place. Her along with the wonderful Nelson picked me up from the airport and dropped me at the hotel for a cheaper price than other transfers, She also planned a 4 day 3 Nights Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru Safari for me that was an amazing budget option. The accommodation at Lake Nakuru exceeded my expectations and the camp at Mara was very good too. All the drivers especially Nelson were very friendly, talkative and informative.
I highly recommend Nancy's company to anyone visiting Kenya or Tanzania.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beautiful Namibia
Second time that we booked a trip with bluechilli adventures, to Namibia this time after we traveled through Mozambique last year... Great job guys, it was amazing!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Adventure of a Life Time!
During my stay in Tanzania I took multiple day trips and a 4 day safari all with Mega Adventures! I loved every minute of our trips. Our 4 day budget safari was incredible. We visited 3 parks, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. We started our trip with a guided walking safari in Tarangire National Park. We were able to see giraffes, elephants, many different types of birds. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. He answered all of our questions and identified many different. The food was awesome! Originally having low expectations for quality of food, I was mistaken. Every night we had popcorn, soup, and a full spread of food.
Mega Adventures organized 3 day trips for us. One to Lake Chala where you can go swimming and kayaking all day. The second was a day trip to hike Kili from the Marangu gate. I loved the hike and the guide we had was awesome, knowledgeable and patient. My favorite day trip was to the Materuni waterfalls. Our group spent the day learning how the locals make coffee and utilize the different bananas, we hiked to the waterfalls and went swimming for hours.
You cannot go wrong booking your safari with Mega Adventures! Prices are fair, they are very professional and all accommodating.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It's an adventure that I will never forget
It's a bit scary to travel such a far distance and being out of my element. I was completely vulnerable having put my trust in the hands of Michael. Having said this, Michael is absolutely a trust worthy man. He is a trailblazer and leader. Where many tours were rushing around chasing the pride, Michael, guided us to spots where we enjoyed exclusive experiences with a variety of animals. Nothing can quite explain the thrill of viewing a Cheetah just 10 feet from the Vechicle or observering Elephants feed from the trees. Michael, listens well and helps you decide your agenda before you arrive. The accommodation are top notch, this also depends on what you want. The experience is quite different in the bush than at the Nogorogoro crater lodge. My wife and I traveled in the off season. Sure, it was wet but, we saw plenty of animals and avoided the crowds of tours. Someday, we will return to Africa and I wouldn't hesitate to book a tour with Cape Dog!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Outstanding Service!
Rachael was absolutely wonderful and we can't think of a thing she could have done differently! She was most informative, gave wise counsel and promptly answered all our queries. We absolutely loved all the accommodation she chose for us, and felt that all her recommendations had been specifically tailored towards our needs.
The booking process & payments all went extremely smoothly, and we loved the fact we could use a secure online payment system (something no other operators seemed able to offer). The pre-departure emails where a joy, arriving at just the right time to offer packing tips, weather advice and tons of other info we'd never have thought about. And we were suprised that the beautifully presented info packs we received on arrival included a guide book and a local sim card!
On top of all this they have the most comprehensive, humorous & honest travel web-site I've ever encountered (which allowed us to track our route and find additional info on the activity and accommodation suggestions Rachael was making) .
The Cardboard Box certainly has the winning formula, and nothing is left to chance, I can not recommended highly enough.
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Will be booking most holidays with them and recommend this company to my friends!
We spent a fantastic couple of weeks in Tanzania and particularly in Arusha. I wasn't sure whether to trust or not as it was all online but from now on I will be booking most of my holidays with them. Everything was great and everything was sorted for us. We didn't have to get transfers ourselves as well, was all done for us. 100% excellent. Thanks we are now back home in Norway!!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A most magical time!
From start to finish I was massively impressed with all aspects of the company. Although professional throughout there was a very relaxed and family feel to things. Donna was always on hand before, during and after booking.
My girlfriend and I booked a safari, wild camping in the Serengeti is definately a must! later we headed to Zanzibar for the most relaxing time! during this time my grilfriend became my fiance and then 18 months later my wife......and then a mum to our beautiful son!
I loved the whole experience of tanzania. We spent an evening in Arrusha before heading to Zanzibar which was great to see. We went out for a few drinks in local bars and came across a wedding in full swing! everyone we met were so friendly.
I am looking to return this year and make a start on Kilimanjaro. The reson I would book with Massai Wanderings (although there are many) they give back to the community. We visited a school whilst we there that was being built and iirc there had been enough donations received to ensure all the children had a bowl of porridge in the mornings.
I can't wait to return, such a magical time!
CR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Love Cape Dog Safaris!!!!
I've enjoyed twice the Cape Dog Safari experience, once with Michael and the second one with Raph. Both are wonderful guides! I considere them as family friends! Every experience was amazing!
All details were taken care, all hotels and camps were Excelent!, and the food was very good.
Its been one of the most wonderful trips so far!!
Super recomended!!!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
How lucky I am to have experienced this.
Four of us visited Mpumalanga in November 2015 and stayed at Sabie River Sun in Hazyview. We were about 12 miles from Phabeni the nearest gate for Kruger NP. The completion of the forms, vehicle search and paying entry fees is a bit slow.
The main roads in the park and tarmac and ones we traveled are well maintained. The other roads are dirt but are good although in a small car could be tricky especially in wet weather. We were there in the rainy season but chose not to go to the park when the weather forcast was bad.
There is wildlife everywhere but you have to look for it. Driving slowly is the best bet and when you see something pull to the side of the road. The next vehicle along is likely to stop and ask what you are watching, unless it is obvious - elephant, giraffe, rhino!
Lots of people seem only to be interested in the big 5 and the larger animals but, in my opinion, you will be missing a great deal. I was pleased to have spotted a dung beetle rolling his dung and a tortoise. There are also lots of birds and some with amazing plumage but again you have to look for them. We did not see and lions or cheetahs when we visited which was disappointing until you consider what we did see.
Watch when you see elephants - they sometimes decide that you are too close - they will let you know and then back away slowly. They are bigger than you!
Plan your route so that you can leave the park before the gates close. We did not use a guide but next time I think I would try that.
We went to Skukuza camp for breakfast - really terrific and good value.
We have booked again for November 2016.