35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beautiful green lush country with friendly people
After spending some time in Kenya (dry and rough in most places), it was refreshing to travel through Uganda for a few days. The landscape was breathtaking, so many green hills - not to mention the incredible Bwindi Forest where we had the opportunity to see Silver Back Gorillas in the wild! The roads were much better than in Kenya, and the people were friendly - especially towards women who seem to be well respected in the Ugandan society. The amount of wild life can't compete with Kenya's huge & abundant national parks though. Overall I had a lovely time in Uganda and I'd be happy to return!
PT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good but needs some improvements
We did with Kiliholidays a 6 days ascent to Kilimanjaro and a 4 days Safari. In total we were 3 people.
The ascent of Kilimanjaro to Kiliholidays actually sub-contracts to another company that does just that. Despite the friendliness of the main guides, we felt that they lacked a bit of sensitivity to communicate the difficulties of the climb, why we had to do certain things like drink plenty of water or go slowly. They need much more organization and professionalism.
On the third day one of us started having vomiting, headaches and the oxygen level was low and we ended up giving up on the climb.
Even though we only did 3 days instead of 6, we tipped 300 dollars and at that moment the friendliness of the guides ended, being offended. We know that their work is not easy, especially for those who carry the material, but we already paid enough for the climb and so the 300 dollar tip would be more than enough for even more having worked half the days.
This tipping situation shouldn't even exist, it seems like an obligation that later causes people to falsely like it.
After Kilimanjaro we asked Mack to book us a few more days in a hotel and everything went well, Mack was even kind enough to offer us a guided tour of the Mt Meru Waterfall which was very good.
On Safari we visited Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Ngorongoro Crater park, our guide God's Son was excellent, spoke very good English, had a lot of experience and knowledge of the animals and the whole region. He knew perfectly where the animals could be, he was super calm and sensitive enough to understand what tourists want.
The jeep, despite being old, not having the most modern comforts or panoramic windows, did not break down or have any problems, which turns out to be the most important thing. Anyway, if in the future they manage to have better cars, they will be able to provide a better experience.
Before booking the trip with this agency I exchanged several emails with Mack and he always gave quick answers, compared to others I only noticed that he could make suggestions based on our briefing. The payment method, fees, tips and documentation should have been clearer and simpler even though everything went well.
PL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Competent staff, reliable agency, the big five passed, crossing Mara river failed
Five days safari: Lake Naivasha - Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru, six person in total as agreed. Very well organized budget safari trip. Good communication with agency staff. Quick response for any question. Nice and helpful personnel (Mary was very competent). Accommodation on acceptable level (common budget conditions). Food good enough but not luxury. However generally I had to pay for every drinks for lunch and dinner or use water which was provided by safari agency ( 1 liter per day). Tea and instant coffee was provided for free for breakfast. Car was a little bit old and neglected without air condition but it was not a problem. Guide was pretty efficient and could find animals which we wanted to see. Visit in Masai village was not so exciting for me. In Hell Gate park we payed 25 $ extra for local guide but better option is to go inside by car ( 13 $ fees only; guide is not needed at all). The biggest inconvenient: long journeys between safari parks and Nairobi. Recommendation: good camera and binoculars (a mobile phone is not enough), own wine if somebody needs. If I go for safari second time more I would book my trip in this agency.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly
I traveled with Rotary from the USA. With that being said; one should note that when with Rotary we do not spend much on ourselves and I didn’t expect fancy trappings on the trip. I could say the value for money was good. Our tour guide Bridget as a lovely young woman who did all she could to make our trip a great one. We had van trouble but those things happen. The tour company should have switched out the car from the beginning. Our accommodations were all good with the exception of the hotel in Entebbe, which we had to stay in twice during our trip. That place was poorly run and no one should go there with a tour company. The other hotels were very nice. The Highlites of the trip was the Gorilla park! The hospitality was overall very lovely. The terrific drivers of the vans became our new friends. Africa was brilliant and I’m going back!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Team!
Best tour operator in Kenya! We did our 6 days safaris, our knowledgeable guide was good at finding the big five .He's informative and takes care of all our worries during our safari. i recommend this company for a lifetime experience
CO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good
Overall good, the food is good, the tent is ok, and the workers are really nice
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good driver, good experience but fair company
Our driver Anthony was good, reliable and responsible. He tried his best to get us da best place to see the animals! We saw the big five! The animals were so closed to us! Amazing
As for the company, it’s just fair cuz I wasted so much time on the payment in the office. They would convinced you to take money from the bank rather than paying by card so that they can charge you more from the rate. So remember to bring enough USD/EURO if you don’t want to waste your time on the bank. This happened to other tourists from other companies too. They play the same.
One more thing you need to expect is that you’ll stay with other tourists from other companies and they might have different schedules, so you will not follow the exact schedule that they’ve sent you.
But the only thing matters is the driver and the ppl staying with you in the tour! So gd luck!
Highly recommend Anthony btw.
GR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Kibale National Park by Panagiota Marouli
We found ourselves in another lush forest, hiking to get to the trackers who had spotted the chimpanzees. Our guide was so informative and her love for chimpanzees was contagious! We were a bit unfortunate because the chimpanzees we found were high up in the trees, never coming down once so we hurt our necks constantly looking up. It was also harder to see them up there, but even so seeing them and hearing their calls and learning so many interesting things about them was well worth the visit.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
He was so outspoken interactive and answered all da questions to my statisfaction
Well the communication was reliable, the services were 1st class because whatever I needed I got it jst at da right time.i didn't feel like invested my money on a wrong tour anyway In general all da services offered right frm accomodations to da tour place we're okay .
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good experience with Beacon Safaris
We had a good experience with Beacon Safaris for a Masai Mara 3-days Safari. The exchanges with Robert during the preparation of the journey were very easy. Our driver and guide Daniel was also very professional and flexible.