US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Couldn't have had a better safari experience or better customer service!
My wife and I used Bramwel for a weeklong safari in Tanzania in May 2014 and could not have been happier with the booking process and the experience.
We asked 8 or 9 diffent companies for estimates and were pretty wary after a friend had a bad experience with another company who unexpectedly switched him to downgraded hotels once he had arrived. So communication was particularly important to us.
William with Bramwel was the most responsive and helpful person of all the companies we'd worked with, and their prices were among the best. We asked for a proposal for a week and received a very detailed document wiht prices, pictures, itinerary, etc, within a day. My wife and I also did our own research about game locations, hotels, etc, and went back and forth with our own requests and itinerary modifications, and no matter how high maintenance we were, William could not have been more accommodating. Even after we settled on a plan - skip Arusha, do Serengeti/Ngorongoro/Manyara/Tarangire and add a resort in Zanzibar, Bramwel remained helpful in a way I've never experienced with professional services.
We wanted Internet access so William bought us two SIM cards with service. Had a toothache on the trip (in the middle of nowhere) and Bramwel figured out how to get some medication the same day. Everything little detail was taken care of -- little flights between airports, rides, needs during safari -- and from the point we landed till the point we left felt like royalty. The service was particularly valuable since we were not familiar with Tanzania and valued the support we got.
Our driver, Gideon, too was amazing. He found so many animals the first day (Tarangire -> Serengeti) that we started having fun by giving him a list of animals we wanted to see and made a game of how quickly he could take us to one. He was constantly on the radio with park rangers and any time he heard of something interesting -- a kill, the rare leopard -- he raced to get us in a position for great pictures before most other drivers caught up with us. This was particularly effective since during slower periods (and they happened), whenever there was a lion, within 15 minutes the area would be filled with another 20 jeeps, and being first meant having the best view.
Bramwel provided us with one of the best travel experiences we've ever had and we recommend them highly.
Highly recommended
We recently did a 7 day Safari with Afrishare to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire National Parks. We were lucky enough to see all the big five and many more!
After, we climbed Kilimanjaro with Afrishare too. All of the staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating and we had a great time. We couldn't have made it without the support of the lovely guides Tino and Kija not to mention the porters! We received a very personalised service co-ordinated by the friendly manager Ibrah.
We would highly recommend them.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredibly experience with unparralleled support and service.
Once we connected with Kathi Simon at African Welcome the organization and planning of our trip became a breeze. Kathi was there every step of the way and made perfect recommendations on lodging, actitivies and transportation. We had a group of 12 so ground transportation and the drivers were critical to our trip. They were incredible helpful, patient and accomodating. I would highly recommend any traveler going to South Africa to utilize the services of African Welcome Safaris. They are first rate and we'll be using them again when we return.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jesse Mfoi is an amazing guide! Look no further for an incredible experience in Tanzania!
A friend and I booked a 7-day safari with Jesse back when he was a guide working with Uhuru Lutheran. I was thrilled to hear he had started his own business. Jesse is nothing short of amazing. He is extremely knowledgable, unfailingly professional, and always approachable and friendly. This is the perfect combination for a safari guide, with whom you will spend hours and hours during your trip. Jesse, of course, responded to sightings that are broadcast among guides in the various parks. Yet--and here's what you will truly remember--he also found unique experiences with us as the only car in sight, thanks to his knowledge, experience and patience. You don't want to be tearing around from "big 6" sighting to sighting, and not take in the beautiful surroundings. And it's amazing what you will see once everyone else has driven off to the next animal "event." With Jesse, we got up early to see hippos lounging, watched the sun set over elephants and lions (so gorgeous), and spent some time on a rocky outcrop with a stunning view of the Serengeti plain. Every day was a perfect jewel. Even 5 years later, I have so many vivid memories (not to mention breathtaking photos). A safari in Tanzania is something special and rare. Having Jesse as our guide made it truly unforgettable.
It was breathtaking and we created everlasting memories in just 3 days.
We loved this experience. The wildlife was plentiful and we saw 4 of the big 5 - only missing a Leopard. Nonetheless, the Tau Game Lodge was first rate. Their hospitality and level of service was unmatched. The food was delicious and the chef disussed each dish he created at dinner. And the rangers were experienced, friendly and patient.
An out of the world, awesome experience
Good weather, good food, good accommodation - eveything beyond expectation/ imagination. What appealed most was the fact that the Tanzanian people are so eco-conscious. The locals are careful not to spoil the savannahs. Neat places, healthy respect for fellow human beings, law abiding, secular, etc.- wonderful people. In remote places in the jungle women were working in the lodges in the night showing that there is ample safety and respect for women. It was great to spend some time in such a glorious nation with wonderful people.
KR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Detail information, kind explanation before travel and truehearted service during travel
I can get a detail information and kind explanation from a managing director before travel and a feeling of satisfaction from the truehearted service of both driver and chef during travel. Also the price is reasonable.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kilimanjaro summitted thanks to Davis
I am a Catholic priest and was giving a retreat to Mother Teresa's sisters in Kenya when I thought it would be nice to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. After contacting five recommended safari operators, I chose E-Trip Africa because the manager, Ben, called me back within a few hours and talked honestly with me. I've been greatly impressed by how he runs the company: he's a man of honor and integrity and is not out to make a lot of money, but to share the love he and his wife (owner of the company) have for Africa. He operates according to Tanzanian government guidelines regarding porters' wages, conditions, etc., which many companies do not do. We took the Machame 7-day trek and found the staff delightful and professional. Davis, our guide, especially, really managed the trek well, and without him we would not have made it to the top. Davis, like Ben, really enjoy their work. I recommend E-Trip for any trek or safari in Africa, and plan to go with them again.
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Tour
I did a 4 day tour of Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru and loved every moment of it. George and his team were efficient made all the arrangements very quickly as I booked very last minute. Our driver Jacob was fantastic and was able to answer all our questions while on tour. All the accommodation arranged for the tour was also very good. With so many different tour companies to choose from, I highly recommend Right Choice, you will not be disappointed.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A memorable Northern Circuit experience - 7/8 days
Asante Sana - Savannah Explorers
Savannah Explorers were both professional and personal, and took maximum care to give value for money. The game drives were excellent and our guide Rama took extra pains to ensure that we see all the big five, see one or two hunts taking place, see post hunt feasting (leopard and cheetah) and that too all from close range. He showed us lion cubs, showed a leopard cub, showed cheetahs, etc. etc. the list is endless. He was always ready before us at the specified time for the game drives and was very courteous and had very good knowledge about the whole thing.
The stays arranged by Roberto and Greyson were a mix of luxury lodge, luxury forest camp, normal tented forest camp, forest lodge - each being a different experience for us. Planning the whole trip for a week or through e-mails with Roberto beforehand, paid off well as the trip went smoothly and everything was flawless.
Balloon safari was an out of the world, rather on top of the earth experience.
Asante sana once again.