35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Super-fantastic Safari
My wife has already written and I want to echo her sentiments. Safari360 over-delivered on every aspect of our safari.
Martin the guide was perfect, his knowledge for the wild impeccable and excellent driving skills.
We had an epic time in the parks seeing Tanzania's different animals. It was great to stay at the lodges selected by Petro because they were very good.
We loved it
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
"Out of this World"
This was my trip of a lifetime. It was more than I expected thanks to the managing director Vincent and a lovely tour guide of Ecovic Tours & Travel Uganda. The help given to me pre trip with booking my internal flights for me, accommodation and shopping for my dinner wine, was exceptional, and as a solo traveller, I was made very welcome and quickly fitted in with the rest of our group. I highly recommend Ecovic Tours to all travellers. I will certainly book to join them again in the future. Many thanks to all who helped make my first Safari so unforgettable, and one I will always remember with great fondness.
UA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An excellent experience thanks to the great team
This was the wonderful trip and the greatest experience ever! The team showed us a lot for just a few days, we managed to see The Big Five Africa!
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Another fantastic African safari thanks to Ute & Roho Ya Chui!
Ute and Roho Ya Chui have been nothing short of fantastic in planning (and re-planning, 3 more times) our trip to Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo in the Masai Mara, Kenya, and Sanctuary Kusini in the Serengeti, Tanzania.
This was our second safari with Ute, after our first trip to Okavango Delta, Chobe and Victoria Falls in August 2018. The first experience was so great, we didn't hesitate to book with Ute again...originally planned for only 1.5 years after our first trip because it was so wonderful!
Full disclosure: we never book our trips with third parties, we always book everything ourselves. However, at least in the case of Africa, I really recommend looking to a travel agent. The booking is quite complex with the number of camps, flights, etc, and often the camps aren’t used to booking directly either. There’s also a lot of inside knowledge that you really wouldn’t know without having someone who specializes in African safaris. We actually got lower rates booking with Ute and she organized everything for us, with no extra cost.
We booked our trip in 2019 for spring of 2020. Unfortunately, we were scheduled to leave the same week in March that Italy (where we live) shut down for coronavirus. We were not allowed to leave the country, even though Africa was still open at that point. Ute worked tirelessly to convince the camps to let us reschedule. That was no easy feat.
We rebooked for June because we thought the world couldn't possibly still be shut down by then. How wrong were we! Ute was able to help us add 2 extra nights at Sanctuary Kichakani to ensure we would see the great migration, but alas, the timing wasn't possible. At this point, while Italy was doing a bit better, Africa was now shut down.
August is a big travel month in Italy, so we rescheduled for then, thinking things may open up for the summer since it's one of the biggest months for African safaris. We paid an additional supplement as many camp rates are higher during this time. Still, no luck. Travel was fairly open in Europe, but much of Africa still closed.
At this point, we looked at traveling the following August in 2021, but it was already quite full since many people had already pushed out their travel to the next year. Finally, we decided on December 2020. Between Christmas and a big birthday for my husband, we thought this would be the perfect time.
This means that Ute planned our trip FOUR times. Every time involved changes, contacting camps and updating flights, and extra camp / flight costs, but she pulled it off. Ute did quite a bit of extra work for this trip but at no additional cost. Her communication is always outstanding and she is willing to go above and beyond to ensure everything is planned well. She also negotiated on our behalf a couple of times when the prices began spiraling due to all of the changes.
And that’s not all! A week or so before we were leaving, we found out Kichakani wasn’t reopening as they didn’t have enough guests, so we could either move into their Ngorongoro Crater camp, or add a couple extra nights at Kusini. We chose the first option as we were looking forward to 3 camps, and we were glad we did (though it was quite the travel day getting to the crater, particularly with one of the usual airports closed!) We also added a third night at the crater as we didn’t want to travel on Christmas. Turns out that was a good call also. We had great sightings on Christmas Day, and spent the entire day with a picnic lunch in the crater. This allowed us a peaceful day and to save the drive and flight for the following morning. Have you lost count of how many updates Ute made to this trip? I have!
On December 18, we set off on our adventure. We spent 1 night at the Nairobi Four Points airport hotel on our own, then 1 night at Giraffe Manor, 2 nights at AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo, 3 nights at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater and 2 nights at Sanctuary Kusini.
The trip was nothing short of amazing. One of the best we’ve ever taken. Every place we stayed was so lovely, the people friendly, the food delicious. Because of current times, we had our game drive vehicles completely to ourselves for every one. Usually there’s an up-charge for this and it made for a really special and peaceful experience.
Ute knew it was my husband’s birthday during this trip, and we had several special cakes and songs to celebrate - it was a lovely touch!
All staff at all 4 of the places we stayed were very professional. Always masks and hand sanitizer, often gloves, and they sprayed our items to disinfect also. I never felt nervous - everyone was so careful, and honestly, it didn’t make the experience any less wonderful.
Sadly, camps were at a fraction of capacity, which was nice for us because we felt we had the place for ourselves, but sad for them as they desperately need the tourism to come back.
On our last day, we were the only game drive vehicle in the entire southern Serengeti...during the Great Migration!!!
There was a bit of confusion about when COVID tests were needed. We had taken one within 96 hours of arriving to Kenya as required, but Tanzania doesn’t require one, nor does Italy when returning back home. At the Nairobi Wilson airport in Kenya, at first they insisted we needed one when we left to head to Tanzania. I didn’t believe we did and Ute confirmed this as well. The airport then called to Tanzania and they confirmed we wouldn’t need one. But then when we arrived to Tanzania, they then started saying we would need a test to leave Tanzania. We explained we weren’t flying back through Kenya, but there was obviously some confusion as they were pretty insistent. Ute again confirmed we didn’t need one. Finally at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater, the camp manager came to us on Christmas Eve and said he received a message from the head office that we needed to drive 3 hours roundtrip on Christmas Day to the local hospital for a test. We kindly pushed back, and Ute again confirmed we didn’t need, and she would have someone call. All along, we were very happy to follow all regulations in place and were quite careful, but there is is still a bit of confusion with the virus and what’s needed, where and when. Ute stuck to her guns and so did we. We flew out from Kilimanjaro airport to Rome with a stop in Doha, and sure enough, not a single person asked about a new test. Instead, we are quarantining for 14 days in Italy following country regulation.
This was the biggest complication we encountered on the whole trip, which I would say is quite good considering the current circumstances. It didn’t detract from our trip and we knew going in there would be an added layer of complexity traveling at this time.
There is something so magical and indescribable about the African bush. Our trip was a perfect mix of camps, with different scenery and wildlife along the way. We saw the big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion)...we actually saw more than 50 lions on our trip, everything from small cubs to full grown males. We also saw giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, jackals, hyenas, hippos, impala, many birds and lots more. We even saw one cheetah...every animal on our wish list!
If you are considering a safari, I highly recommend it. I promise it will be a highlight of your life. Even during this time, you can do it carefully and have a really special experience. Options are available for a range of budgets, and Ute and the Roho Ya Chui team will put together a perfect itinerary for your needs. Ute really went above and beyond in this planning, and we look forward to booking with her again when we visit the gorillas in Uganda! I can't recommend her or Roho Ya Chui more highly, and if you are considering booking a safari, now is the time!
Fun and adventureous more than I expected
Its a great experience ...
+ a sure bet that y'all cant regret. ...
The services
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Uganda 2 week Safari during Covid-19
We had decided to take a rather spontaneous escape from Covid-19 over Christmas/NYE to Africa. Uganda was not even on our radar and we rather accidentally stumbled across this amazing country, rightfully referred to as the „Pearl of Africa“. Speke Uganda was the local tour operator on behalf of the german Diamir Erlebnisreisen, through which we had booked our trip. The main motivation to visit was seeing mountain gorillas, only possible in this region (Rwanda, DR Kongo, Uganda. Tip: Watch the Netflix docu „Virunga“ to get some more appetite). After this trip, I need to say that Uganda has even more to offer. Chimpanzee tracking was an absolutely amazing experience as well. Among our other highlights were leopards and lions. In fact, we had the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) covered after less than half our trip!! Our trip covered Zhiwa Rhino sanctuary, Murchison Falls NP, Kibale Forest NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Lake Bunyoni and the very remote Kidepo Valley NP (plan with many driving hours). During the driving through the cities and villages, and the additional explanations of the guide, we got a impression of the daily life in Uganda.
David, our native Ugandan guide, was amazing. He is very knowledgeable, well educated, sympathic, professional, flexible and polite and he took very good care of us and went many extra miles to realize our extra wishes we had. Ask the boss Tony to arrange your trip with David as your guide! Speke Uganda provided a very spacious, reliable, well maintained open-top Safari vehicle (custom 2017 Toyota Landcruiser) with serious off-road capabilities. Compared to other trip operators that operate sometimes crammed mini-buses (some without open top) that can only maneuver the parks main roads, Speke is a premium operator.
We were booked on a midrange trip and accommodation and food quality was mixed. Most lodges were good, with some very good or exceptional (Kidepo Savannah Lodge). Food quality ranged inbetween ok to very good. But again, the choice of accommodation depends on the trip type/the budget.
As this might be interesting for many - about the Covid-19 situation:
Uganda has opened its borders and during the time of our visit, neither Germany nor Switzerland had Uganda on the „quarantine list“, which was the condition for us to travel. For traveling to Uganda, we got a 6 hour Covid-19 PCR test at Frankfurt airport for about 140€. For traveling back, we needed another test that was done in Kampala for about 65 USD. You will need additional travel time for going and coming back, but other than that, that‘s it. We don‘t need to quarantine and there were no other negative surprises from travel perspective.
To be fair, it needs to be said that Covid-19 might affect your experience in Uganda, however. In our case, David was rightfully extremely careful where to let us interact with locals. For this reason, we were not able to walk through markets, dine out, walk through cities or villages, which is normally something we would do to get a better feeling for the people and the country. Hand sanitization and masks were provided by Speke. Those Ugandan‘s in the hospitality sector we interacted with mostly at the hotels were also extremely careful and disciplined (temperature screenings done almost everywhere, handwashing or even once a shoe-washing stations).
On the other hand, Covid-19 has caused the cast majority of tourists so stay at home. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits were available on a less than 2-week notice (normally >6 months) and for half the price as usual (!!!). The parks we visited were amazingly empty, which is a true blessing if you have experienced looking at a lion with 20 other cars fighting for the best photo spot in South Africa.
After all, we have made the very best of the Covid situation by escaping the madness in Europe to this beautiful country.
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Все идеально и достаточно бюджетно
Великолепно, сначала боялись, так как выбор компаний огромный и разброс цен большой, много критериев выбора, плюс перевод депозита до начала тура без какого либо договора. В результате остались неимоверно довольны. Самое наверное важное в Африке - это качественная еда, вода и безопасность. У нас был повар уровня хороших ресторанов в Европе, хотели его забрать с собой )) Все свежее, всегда новые интересные рецепты и ни разу никаких проблем с нашими непривыкшими желудками (учитывая достаточно сложные условия готовки), все полезное, всегда был выбор овощей. Гид Езекель прекрасный человек, очень образован, прекрасный уровень английского, искренне влюблен в свою работу и заботу о животных. Мы останавливались в палатках в центре нац. парка с дикими животными. Это конечно незабываемый опыт на всю жизнь, хоть и страшный. Мы ночью видели гиен метрах в 20 и толпу буйволов прям под палаткой, так что советую сходить в туалет пока все не уснули, ночью не факт что вы осмелитесь. В целом, не бойтесь, главное доверяйте гиду, они очень хорошо знают повадки животных. С собой надо взять: легкую одежду которую не прокусят комары (очень советую спец рубашку для сафари, так как в легком дождевике очень жарко), все возможные крема, масла, спреи от комаров, теплую одежду и термобелье (по ночам холодно) легкую закрытую обувь, шлепки для душа, полотенце, если брезгуете свой спальник или простынь-кокон, фонарь, бинокль, камеру, поуэр банк, солнцезащитные крема, очки, шапки, дезинфектор, сим карту с интернетом и контактами гида на экстренный случай, можно дождевик взять. Взяли 5 дневный тур, нам было идеально по длительности.
Проживание: у нас было всего 3 кемпинга. 1. Twiga campsite был за забором с очень хорошими условиями, чистый почти не было москитов, находится в селе, рядом магазин с базовыми продуктами и алкоголем, можно прогуляться к рисовым полям. 2. Simba - потрясающие виды, но возле туалета можно встретить разных животных и внутри больших жуков, в целом принять душ можно комфортно. Забора от животных нет, тут к нам ночью пришло стадо буйволов, днем была толпа обезьян и птица марабу, а на следующий день рядом с территорией гулял слон. 3. Nyani campsite в Серенгети - тут были самые плохие условия, так как там кемпинги на расхват и за хоть малость хорошие условия придется доплатить немало. Купаться мы там не рискнули, так как все было в больших пауках. На кухне был рой мух, кушать было очень тяжело. Сюда ночью приходила гиена на кухню. Ночью куча всяких звуков, так что берите наушники или беруши, а то просидите полночи с квадратными глазами )) Во всех местах была горячая вода, WiFi был только в последнем на 50Мб на устройство.
BY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant organization! 3-Day Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater
Our Serengeti and Ngorongoro 3 days/2 nights safari was perfectly organized from the very beginning. Emmanuel immediately responded to our request, answered all questions, was flexible in terms of dates.
The safari itself was beyond expectations. Everything was included in the price (food, tents, transfer from / to Kilimanjaro airport, 2 nights in a nice hotel before and after safari, entrance to the national parks).
Professional driver Rocky knew where the animals were and told us a lot about each creature. Chef Salim prepared several delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There were options for vegetarians.
We saw animals very close. Elephants and lions approached the car. Hyenas fought for food outside our tents in the camp. On the second night, wild buffalo and pumbas came to the camp. We saw thousands of zebras, wildebeest, huge birds, dozens of giraffes, elephants, hippos, lions, hyenas, jackals, buffalo, rhinos and many other animals, except for the leopard (next time ;)
Thank you, Emmanuel and Crater Explorer team, for the awesome first safari experience in Tanzania
LV
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Luxury and professionalism
RajaTours Tanzania provided us with a 2-day (Mikumi national park & Masai village) and a 3-day safari (Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara). Both were of the highest quality, affordable, professionally arranged, lead by highly knowledgeable guides and, most importantly, FUN! The accommodations booked for the safaris were amazing - very comfortable and luxurious.
Thank you, RajaTours, this has definitely been an enjoyable experience in Tanzania!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fun amazing and spectacular adventure.
My first time in a camp and overland truck. I have always wanted to go to Wasini and I knew Adventure 360 will not disappoint. There's professionalism and enthusiasm from Charity you would think she's never been there. We had an amazing time at the Shimba hills park and Wasini. The Dolphin watch was out of this world
