GR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good Safari Experience
The communication with the company was really good. Our driver (Mobarack) was really skilled. He was well experienced, always in a good mood and very communicative. We did a 6 day / 5 night safari. This was our fist safari. The itinerary of our trip was good , altough, I do believe that 4 days/ 3 night safari is good enough , Serengeti is by far the best park. Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara were also good but still they do not offer the same experience of a Serengeti Safari .
NL
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exciting
I thought it was very good planned And alsmost erevyone i Gould understand very well
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Totally epic
About tours these guys surely know what they are doing and their vast knowledge about birds as their title clearly states is no slander. One week them around national parks in South Western uganda and the fun moments with the guides plus the wonderful Sceneries surely are the things i reckon from that amazing holiday my friends and i took into nature and its hidden secrets as our Guide used to say.
I can only say thank you guys for the wonderful moments.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome
Awesome experience with a great guide who knew a lot about the animals and all the best spots to see them and take amazing pictures with the beautiful scenery.
A tale of two halves - serious birding on long dusty roads followed by stunning scenery and Geladas
Ethiopia is very much open for business. I felt safe throughout, despite the apparent chaos and sometimes (always non threatening) gun wielding men. At every check point we were waved through with a smile, whilst the locals were grilled. Yes, there are a few areas tourists are advised by their governments not to venture but then the same holds true for most countries.
Four weeks without illness or issue, not even a flat tyre, and just one mosquito bite. Oh, and it rained for 30 minutes one night. For accommodation lower your expectations - hotels are safe and clean but basic; electricity not always reliable. Clean linen, flush toilets and warm showers, even in the remotest towns. But it was a tough and tiring trip in the south where few venture except serious birders. Here the roads were in poor condition and crowded with wandering domestic animals. My first surprise was how the lack of persecution of birds has resulted in birds being unconcerned by people; resulting in superb views everywhere - a real pleasure that is so rare in much of the world today. My second surprise was the availability of free wifi in even the remotest hotels.
Bale Mountains were stunning until I ventured north and the real highlight of the trip - the 'Simeon' Mountains (as throughout Ethiopia various spellings exist!). Here you can sleep at 3300M asl after hiking during the day at 4300M asl. I even had a beer at apparently Africa's highest bar. Whilst the purpose of my trip was an organised bird watching tour (successfully!) focusing on seeing all of the 17 endemic species and most of the 42 Horn of Africa specialties, the final surprise was the huge mammal list we ended up with. I just had not appreciated how good Ethiopia is for mammals. Incredible and multiple views of hunting Ethiopian Wolves on the Bale Mountain plateau, Black-and-White Colobus monkeys, two species of Zebra, handsome Hartebeest, gorgeous Gerunuk, timid Oribi, stately Oryx, Gazelles galore, skulking Menelik and the magnificent Mountain Nyala all easy to see and un-perturbed by people. The latter being the last large African mammal discovered by modern man.
Saving the best to last, they talk about seeing Gorillas in Africa but right up there in terms of a one-on-one almost life changing experience is surely the Gelada Baboons of the Simeon Mountains. These extraordinary, peaceful, grass eating beauties allow you to sit within 1M of them and become one of their tribe. There are no time limits and no exorbitant fees. And there were hundreds of them going about their daily routines. Time flies invisibly when you are staring out at some of the world's most stunning escarpment scenery whilst pretending you are not a Gelada.
Finally do try the injera just to say you did so, but for me that "once" was enough.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It was an amazing experience - David was always a phone call away, willing to go the extra mile.
The trip lived up to our expectations. I am happy to recommend Vacay Holidays to my family and friends.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Reasonably priced with professional staff
Naomi was very responsive to my email inquiries and was able to accommodate my needs with such patience to call each one of few available lodging options when there were not many places left available since we booked quite late. Flexible payment arrangements too.
Joel the driver and guide was an easy-going smiley guy and could really spot animals! He spotted a crocodile in the river from very far.
The vehicle itself could use some upgrades though - it was very bouncy and the seats were a bit slanted and very worn. However this did not turn out to be a huge problem as Joel was a very good driver.
They are good and hospitable people freindly nature
It was an amazing family trip to queen Elizabeth park. nice accomodation and food. They have nice open roof 4wds and good rates
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall good experience
Overall experience was good, only negative point is , they dont accept card payments.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic trip!
The shuttle service arrived on time in our hotel in Johannesburg. Bonnieface was realy friendly and was our personal driver to the Kruger. He told us nice stories and facts about the buildings/landscapes/animals that we saw near the highway. The safari tent was big enough and clean. The two safari tours with Pete were fun and it was nice to see all the animals. We have almost seen the big 5(!) but it depends when and where you enter the parc. The extra tour (when we went back to the airport) rewarded to profit of the beautiful landscapes.
In addition, the communication by mail with David was realy good and explicit.