FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Hard work but worth the effort (you have not seen everything until you have seen Gorillas)
Bwindi Impenetrable forrest is not the easiest plave to get too but that is part of the adventure. Accomodation can be from very basic to 4 star if you want it to be.
Trecking to find gorillas is hard work (they are mountain Gorillas after all) but you are pretty much certain to find them and it is a very special time.
The Park guides are excellent trackers and you are looked after very well (if offered a porter then take one carrying all you stuff is harder then you imagine).
We went mid year and the weather was fine although the jungle is damp most of the time.
The scenery is stunning although travelling around is an adventure of its own wil only mud roads to use.
Some great bird watching opportunities with some really good guides.
Would I do it again Yes in a heartbeat, worth all the effort.
Shimba Hills:Unassuming, Yet Full of Life
The drive to Shimba was fairly easy from Mombassa. Most travelers try to get their as early as possible to maximize their time in the park. The first thing I noticed was the calm, peacefulness of the reserve. While it was relatively easy to spot wildlife, the park was not overrun by hoards of tourists slamming into each other for a photo op. My driver showed me spots to take the perfect pictures outside of the vehicle. A calm demeanor and willing spirit certainly go a long way in the wild. His only advice, no sudden moves and definitely don't try to get too close to the young animals. Glad I stumbled upon Shimba Hills. Most guide books champion it as a lesser known wildlife reserve. Trust me, it's not because the sights are any less beautiful than the others.
Review about Tanzania by DaktariPaula
Awesome Parks and sceneries, lovely people, beautiful country.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Kenya by Christopher Haslett
Kenya can still pull it off, at least when it comes to safaris. But I have to subtract one star because of the seemingly unstoppable loss of habitat, especially forest, and the poaching of elephants and rhinos. I also feel less hospitality from the people these days, though this may be inevitable given the steady decline in living conditions and the fed-up mood of Kenyans toward their leaders and institutions.
The police never used to be a problem for foreign visitors, but I have noticed them getting bolder with their schemes to extract money. If you are male, ignore any young women who try to talk you up in a big town - they are undercover cops and you could be stopped and hassled even if you appear to merely notice her. Do not speak to a plain-clothes cop unless picture ID is shown. You are not obliged to have your passport with you if you are running short errands. They cannot arrest you for that.
As part of "terrorism prevention", hotels and even supermarkets are searching people coming in. It seems like a thoughtful measure until you have to endure it a dozen times in a day.
Kenyan safaris are still cheaper than those in Uganda and Tanzania, and you will experience less problems getting to the parks. Roads can be dodgy in places, but they are still better than in the rest of East Africa.
A special advisory: Kenya has experienced heavy rain and serious flooding in April-May 2012, and some land routes may be affected. Be particularly mindful of this in the north, where road repairs get the least priority.
Ruaha National Park is one of the most fantastic parks in Africa.
Ruaha NP has beautiful scenery, lots of different animals, big herds of giraffs and buffalos and very few tourists. Brings you the realy african feeling. Have been there 4 times and look forward to the next time...
Review about Arusha National Park by DaktariPaula
Very nice landscape, close to airport
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by DaktariPaula
Fantastic place but unfortunately to much tourists
Review about Selous Game Reserve by DaktariPaula
I fear the park will lose its wilderness since they built this big roads....
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by DaktariPaula
You feel the Rift Valley
Review about Serengeti National Park by DaktariPaula
Its still the hard of africa!