65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Early Kingfisher must be the best Mobile Safari company in Botswana, I can not imagine a better one.
If you are planning a trip to Botswana to see wildlife then Early Kingfisher Safari, a mobile camping safari run by Sam Mopalo, should be at the top of your list to contact. I have been on numerous previous trips to South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia and Zanzibar and nothing comes even close to my superb experiences with early King Fisher Safaris in Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserve. I've been with Sam's company on three trips in the last two years and I'm planning a fourth one soon. Sam, his wife, daughter and son are all involved in his company and between them they are able to accommodate almost any request, make significant changes, if needed, on the fly and they help in every way possible to make your trip a memory to last a life time. My trips with them have been among the best trips I’ve ever taken.
I’ve stayed at lodges in the past, but I’m so glad I stumbled on the option of booking a safari trip with a good local owned mobile safari operator. Sam provides an unbelievably experienced guide with first-hand knowledge of the park, good equipment and ready access to emergency response. Another plus is that he, as well as other mobile safari operators, registers with the national parks administration to gain special access to a very limited number of campsites scattered inside the park. With Sam’s Early Kingfisher mobile safari operation the tents are spacious with a floor and a walled off private camp toilet and bucket shower attached to the tent. There are actual beds to sleep on and excellent food. A support vehicle with a crew of two or three is part of the package and they come along to set up camp, prepare meals and since the camping takes place in remote areas their Land Cruiser serves as a backup vehicle in case of mechanical problems. The camp moves to a new site every two to three days and the support crew moves ahead of the game drives to have the campsite set up when you arrive….what more can you ask for! The advantages of mobile camping far outweigh the perceived comfort of a lodge. You are situated right in the middle of nature, away from lodge and self driving traffic and your game drives start when you leave your tent in the morning. On every trip I've taken with Sam the outcome far outweighed my expectation. If the animals are present Sam and company will track them down and you'll be rewarded like I've been with surprise after surprise.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible
Everything was organised and ran so smoothly, Eva was really responsive to all of my messages and was really kind and attentive throughout, she even checked on me even after the safari had finished as I was travelling alone in Nairobi.
Everything was pre arranged, with accommodation, food and picnic on the second day of the tour and also plenty on water on the truck so I didn't need to worry about anything. Our driver was really professional and caring.
Overall I had an amazing experience and I highly recommend this incredible tour through the Maasai Mara. A once in a life time experience!
Tilda
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
David is like is super devoted, he managed to show us everything we asked for
Thanks to David we managed to see all the big 5 and Ugly 5, we got the chance to see a leopard hunt and lions eating a zebra.
He told us loads of curiositys about lots of animals
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Simply spectacular Pilansberg safari
We had the most amazing day in the company of our safari guide, Petrus, whose energy knew no limits and whose knowledge and enthusiasm was simply outstanding. We felt looked after from the start of the day and were delighted with all the wildlife we saw including elephants, hippo, zebra, antelope, rhinos, giraffe in the distance, a leopard tortoise, kudu, crocodile, impala, wilder-beast, and so much birdlife too and my favourite and never to be forgotten - a lion transporting her cubs across the grasslands. It rained for much of the day but with the fabulous capes provided we hardly noticed, so captivated were we by the experience. We learnt much, laughed a lot and are so grateful for having had the chance to meet Petrus. We will never forget the day.
To all the rest of the team, including Thomas our driver who looked after us on our journey from and back to Johannesburg and the chefs who provided the delicious and wholesome lunch and beers, thank you also. It exceeded our expectations, was great value and was simply spectacular!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari dream trip
We wanted to express our gratitude to Almachius who set up our 7-day safari in Tanzania and our amazing guide, Jacob, who facilitated our dream trip.
Every detail was planned to perfection from the moment we were picked up at the airport in Arusha (at 2:30am!) to our drop off again at the need of our incredible week.
Jacob guided us through Tarangire, Serengeti, Ndutu and Ngorongoro with expertise. We were often the first to witness lions, giraffes, elephants and so many more beautiful animals, due to the experience and eagle eye of our most talented guide.
Over the weeks time we saw the elusive leopards and even some Rhino, along with cheetah, the big 5 and the ugly 5.
Our days were filled with close up experiences with wild animals, picnics in the middle of the African plains and day after day of the gorgeous scenery that Tanzania has to offer.
We would highly recommend Meru Slopes for your dream safari and definitely ask for Jacob for an extra special experience.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We had an amazing experience during our safari.
We spent 6 days with our guide Gilbert. We went to maniara, Serengeti, ngorogoro and tarengere. We had the chance to see a lot of animals everywhere and very close to the car. Il was really amazing. Gilbert knew the best places to go. The camps and hotels we book were great. The last day we went to the falls near moshi.
We highly recommend Gilbert as a guide because he was friendly, professional and made our vacation really great.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Informative, fun, charismatic Petrus
The experience was amazing from start to finish. From being collected at our hotel by Thomas and having a guided tour of our route to Pilanesberg national park. The safari was amazing, we saw a mother Lion carry her cubs to safety! A sight that wouldn’t have been seen were it not for our guide Petras speed, information and passion! He was amazing, we were informed on all the animals we saw and felt super comfortable all along in his care. Thanks so much Petras! Truly unforgettable day!
FR
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable safari
We spent six days on Safari with our guide Gilbert. He was an excellent guy and with him we could see many animals. He is very competent and we learnt a lot of things about Tanzania. In addition the lodge are very good, we appreciate all the accommodations.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very bad business manager Booked & paid in full but he did not pay = delays & no Hot Balloon ride
Booked and paid in advance from Australia All Wheels did not pay permits resulting in many delays.
We paid for Hot Air Balloon ride in advance in full but Edward did not pay and therefore we did not achieve our dream of floating over the Serengeti.
Booked in advance and paid in full for day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro, again Edward delayed payment which delayed our departure time which meant a shorter hike time, again another disappointment.
Edward delayed supplying our refund for the Hot Air Balloon ride with broken promises delays and little apology. We only received our refund when we advised we were contacting Tourism Police.
Although all his local agents were exemplary Edward from All Wheels was very unprofessional and tainted our Tanzanian holiday.
Joan
Australia
NO
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very polite, reliable and knowledgeable, and gave us a unique and personal experience.
This guy did not hesitate to let us go where we wanted to go, and see what we wanted to see. He also showed up on time, and prices are reasonable. Overall a great experience. Do not hesitate to try Emmkamp Tours for your next adventure. I highly recommend their services.