ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Supper Experience
Everything went perfect. Accommodations were definitely perfect. Jeep was comfortable and guide was knowledgeable too.
Overall we had an amazing time in Tanzania.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari trip with children
We have gone on safari to Tanzania with our children, with Oscar's company it has been great, they adapt to everything you need, whether traveling alone, in a group, better or worse places to sleep, they do it to suit you, being a local and small company they take great care of the client because in Tanzania there is a great competition, The driver and the guide were great, they knew a lot about animals, we slept in a tented camp in the middle of the Serengeti and my children will never forget it, a unique experience with little people in the camp and really enjoying this great experience, Oscar's company helped us with everything, with problems we had with a canceled flight, in other places they don't do this.
(automatic translation from Spanish)
QA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Everything we could have wished for from a tour operator.
We worked with Matty to plan a 3-week tour of South Africa with 1 week in Cape town and 2 weeks on safari. Matty immediately stood out to me as the person I wanted to work with on the tour by having a very fast response rate and setting up a video conference with me to discuss our wish list and budget requirements. Once our meeting was finished he quickly had a proposal in our hands that blew our minds! I thought there was no way someone would be able to offer a high-quality tour and stay within our budget, but he found a way.
In Capetown, he arranged a beautiful apartment in a very safe and scenic area close to the pier. As for the activities, we really enjoyed the cape fur seal snorkeling and shark dive. Matty chose companies that truly care about the country, the wildlife, and your safety. (Cape fur seal snorkeling is a must! easily our favorite experience in Capetown!) I should mention that Matty admitted that Capetown is not his specialty, but he represented it very well. We will return!
We then flew to Johannesburg and commenced a 2-week safari tour. Matty had arranged 5 camps of changing amenities, each with its own topography and animal specialty. We started at Mosetlha Bush Camp in Madikwe, and what a way to start! (FYI. opt for the bush flight in and out if you can afford it) This is truly a special bush camp. The manager (her name escapes me right now) made us feel like family as soon as we arrived. She showed us to our bush hut and took us through the amazing procedure they have for hot water showers, the well-stocked and priced honesty bar, and the daily itinerary. Guests should know that there is no power or wifi at this camp, don't show up thinking you're going to the Shangrila to be pampered, this is a bush camp after all. The food was home-cooked with locally sourced ingredients, and the staff was all very friendly. As for animals, I think we lucked out! We had almost everything covered in 2 days! But I don't think this was normal.
The second Lodge was a high-end safari lodge named Lukimbi. Everything was amazing here, the food was prepared by an award-winning chef, the wine cellar was fully stocked with local wines, and the game drives and bush walks were conducted by true professionals who were excited to answer any questions we had. I truly cannot say enough good things about this lodge.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge was next. This place was another great spot, just not quite as high-end as Lukimbi, but great nonetheless. What stood out about Umkumbe was the relaxed atmosphere, amazing views from the bar/pool area, craft beer selection from the honesty bar, and the excellent chances to see leopards. right from check-in, we were greeted by 4 lions and 1 leopard on the far bank of the river, and a local hippo that would often make an appearance.
Back to the bush! Umlani Bush Camp is a small family-owned (like most places we stayed) camp that has a very close-to-nature feel. from the hyena and lions that sing you to sleep, to the boma fire that we sat around exchanging stories nightly, this place made you feel like you were a part of something special. The booze was inclusive, the food was great, and the staff was all friendly. I would recommend asking them to take you out and leave you at the tree house for a couple of hours or for the evening, it was an experience not to be missed. The animals act completely different when you are in the tree house because they don't realize you are there, it's so exciting waiting to see what will pop out next! The staff even packed us a cooler of beer and snacks for our tree house visit.
Arathusa Safari Lodge. Matty ended us off with a bang! another higher-end lodge with full amenities and a beautiful spa. The animal sightings were plentiful, and the food and drink top notch. After 2 weeks of twice-a-day game drives our backs deserved the spa treatment they received from the magical hands of the ladies at Arathusa, pure bliss.
To conclude, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the unparalleled support we received from Matty. The nonstop emails, calls, video chats, transfers, and local information we received were second to none (and we've been on lots of safaris, in many countries). He was always available and even took time from his busy schedule to drive us between the lodges. He is a true professional, I dare say that if you put him at the front of a land cruiser he could provide you with as much quality info as any of the lodge-supplied rangers. He's a real gem.
We will be back!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip with fantastic guide and accommodations
We had a wonderful time touring Masaai Mara. We loved the lodging at jambo mara and our tour guide Phidel was incredible. We saw so many lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and other animals that made our trip 10/10. Would definitely travel with them again.
EE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trip of my dream
Well, Africa was always a big dream of mine. Before the trip it was very exciting and I was worried about everything. But the main question was, not even a question, but request ))) let the guide be adequate and sweet
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing and dream-come-true journey! Love it!
I wanted to share our excellent experience in Kenya with the tour designed and escorted by Spirit of Kenya, especially about our guide/driver, Paul.
We found Kenya Spirit through online surfing and contacted over website inquiries. Tiago replied my inquiry within 1 day and since then we started timely and productive conversations to sort out various options fitting our trip expectations. All travel plans were finalized in a week.
The actual trip in Kenya was even more pleasant and fun. Our guide, Paul, is extremely excellent in guiding, driving, conversation, and engaging. He knows all to the details about Kenya and the beautiful nature/animals; he's also super professional to keep us comfortable to explain all details and next steps as why. As we're new to a country and a continent, guided and accompanied by a local that we can fully trust was definitely the most important factor for us to be able to enjoy the trip. Paul is very capable in doing that. I would also give a 5-star on every other possible detailed questions that a review / survey about local tour guide can ask:)
We already decided we'll definitely come back to travel and learn more about rest of the areas of Kenya, for that Spirit of Kenya will absolutely still be our first choice.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent tailor-made service provider
African Big Cats provided our family with an excellent tailor-made service. They responded immediately to our request for information and proposed a good fare compared to other companies for a top luxurious service. With their expert support we spent 10 dream days between safari and Zanzibar. We strongly recommend them if you want to live a dream in Tanzania!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Grazzrootz is knowledgeable, flexible and delivers
Uganda is not a cheap destination. You get a lot of value for your money though!
Grassrootz listens to what you are looking for, and provides you with a custom trip that matches this exactly. Sander is easy to talk to, responds quickly to all of your questions and gives great advice on the itinerary. He takes away all of the stress of organising a trip!
We went on a three week tour with David. He was very knowledgeable (the country, the parks, the animals, the hotels, the road and even politics!). David is friendly, polite and has great sense of humour. He's an excellent spotter as well! During the trip David helped to arrange the things we were looking for, such as a specific ranger that was good with birds, or to try some local food.
Most of the hotels were as we expected, with just a few feeling a bit dated (but we did confirm these accommodations when we booked).
Highly recommended.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very experienced and helpful person
We had a four-day Safari, through Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro with a group of six. Truly an experience of a lifetime. The company seems very professional with good logistics and we had a well maintained (which means alot on these roads) and clean car. Our chef Muba provided excellent food and support throughout the journey, and our driver Jovin just nailed it! He has a magic nose for finding the best spots, and he gave us so many unforgettable moments. He also is very experienced in driving in these parks, so we felt safe. Thank you both, and thank you Abouh
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
good service with best guide for the safari
I chose Lenchada safari company because of their honesty of what they would offer as well as having patience throughout the process. I had paid them the deposit through paypal; but for some reason they would receive it after 180 days and yet the owner (Alex) was very humble and went through the safari even though he did not receive the deposit at the time. The guide ( Evans) was very knowledgeable about the park and the vicinity. He would go extra mile to show me the big cats up very close. Overall I was very happy about the recent safari trip in Masai Mara and other parks due the excellent guidance from Evans. I would definitely recommend this company .