65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful experience in a beautiful country
We took our grandchildren to Kenya repeating a journey we took over thirty years ago, and it was wonderful to see more animals than we did before. Our experience in Nakuro, Naivasha and Masai Mara was beyond our expectations seeing all the "big five" on numerous occasions as well as all the other species imaginable. Particularly memorable was the dawn balloon safari, which I would recommend anyone to try it if they can. Our travel company Across the Wild Safaris arranged everything to perfection, and made lifelong memories for our grandchildren. Without exception we were made so welcome in Kenya and would encourage everyone to come for themselves to experience the majestic and stunning surroundings, the hospitality in the lodges, but above all the amazing wildlife !
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
You will see all the animals you came for!
I thought it was nice country with great wildlife and friendly people. Aside from the wild life and the Serengeti, we did not have time to see much else. Arusha is meh, you wouldn't go there except to go on safari. The lodges are uneven but generally plenty nice enough. The food is generally just OK--but again you don't go there to eat. Our guide was outstanding--so skilled at spotting wildlife and more determined than even we were to make sure we saw it. His name is Joseph with Lion King Adventures. We did do a day trip to Kilimanjaro but I wouldn't bother. The beginning of the trail that you would see could be anywhere. Like many, we never caught a glimpse of the mountain due to clouds!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Must visit place for truly unforgettable experiences.
We’ve been to Tanzania (and associated islands) and Kenya a number of times and Uganda offers something different - abundant primates! We spent 10 days on a driven loop on a private tour by Crystal Safaris. Some long drives but well worth doing then because you get to see daily life. Uganda has the lot and we stayed in lodges by a cater lake, on a rock in the middle of a plain and in a rainforest. Throw in gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking (a level of fitness required and you get within touching distance of them all) plus river and lake wildlife spotting (hippos, elephants, lions, crocs, birds a plenty etc) there is much to do and see. Our route was Entebbe, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi, Lake Mburo and Entebbe. Very easy place for an English speaker to travel and always felt very safe.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
professional, responsive, and very knowledgeable
Super Africa, White, life and adventure safaris is an excellent choice for everyone looking to travel to Kenya. They tailored our trip according according to our needs. We didn’t need to worry anything because the company had planned well for us. The tour guides are professional, responsive, and very knowledgeable on animals we saw. The hotels and foods are great.
TN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Made our safari wonderful
Every details handled perfectly, taxi on time, clean and new car, and inside park the guide was very nice and motivate to show us maximum animals, we felt safe. Special thanks to Mr Abdul Karim the honest guy and all the team of zancruise they are the best I recommend.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The best safari guide; the best advice in planning a safari; the best experience ever!
From the very first emails I sent to the amazing safari planner, Felipa, I was super impressed with Spirit of Kenya. She was endlessly patient with my many, many questions, had a great deal of knowledge about the different options in terms of different lodges etc but most importantly I believe she really understood what I was hoping for, and she helped ensure we got exactly what we wanted.
I knew we would be tricky customers! My husband and teenage children had never been to Africa and I wanted them to have a comfortable and relaxing trip. I was born in Kenya and have done a lot of backpacking trips where we felt like we travelled like locals. So our safari holiday needed to be comfortable but not too ‘touristy’! And Filipa nailed the brief!
Everywhere we stayed felt like we were supporting fabulous local businesses, with beautiful Kenyan touches everywhere and were extremely comfortable! Everyone was very happy!
What made our holiday incredible was our guide. Stephen is an amazing man: extremely knowledgeable, full of information about Kenya and the animals. He had an amazing knack of predicting where animals would move on to, meaning we were often first on the scene to see some beautiful big cats, elephants, rhino, bird life - everything we hoped to see. We felt incredibly lucky to have such an excellent guide and exceptionally nice person. Thank you Spirit of Kenya!
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Handled our travel chaos well
We had a bit of travel chaos, with a child falling ill. It was handled very graciously and compassionately by Kalahari Tours. I’d definitely recommend them.
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari was a great experience, but it could be better with a better service
Contact with the provider was minimal. I had to ask for all the information and all updates.
We were traveling as a family, but in the first lodge we had to stay in 2 rooms located far away from each other and with completely different standard. Our kids get sick during the journey. They had stomach problems. The driver helped us to get to the doctor. He was also sick.
The driver had good knowledge about animals, but sometimes he was lost. Like he was not aware where we stay last night, or how to get to the first lodge in Tsavo West. We had impression that our car was always leaving the parking as last one in the morning and that all other cars were passing us during the journey, so we always had late lunch and were in a hurry. Also, our start from Mombasa should be earlier but we were told to be ready at 8 AM.
Despite of above issue safari was a great experience, but it could be better with a better service.
IE
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
THE PERFECT SAFARI WITH A DIFFERENCE
What an absolutely extraordinary experience you had! Your adventure sounds like a dream come true, and I'll do my best to capture the wonder of it all:
Embarking on this remarkable journey, you were greeted by the "wonderful Truck Norris," a true marvel of modern exploration. It's not just a vehicle; it's an embodiment of adventure itself. This high-riding beast was like an overland titan, tailored for an exclusive 12 passengers, ensuring your comfort and space as you set off on your unforgettable expedition.
As you traversed the scenic route towards the enchanting Pilanesberg Game Reserve in the pristine North West Province of South Africa, time seemed to stand still. The 3-hour drive became a delightful passage through landscapes that told tales of nature's grandeur. Inside Truck Norris, you had the freedom to roam, catch up with friends and family on social media, and soak in the breathtaking scenery passing by.
Upon your arrival, you were greeted by the untamed beauty of Pilanesberg, a place where nature's wonders unfold in all their splendor. Stepping off the vehicle, you embarked on a mission to set up your own cozy abode under the African sky. These tents, described as "so easy and comfortable," were more like luxurious cocoons, complete with sleeping bags that embraced you in warmth, mattresses that cradled you in comfort, and pillows that whispered sweet dreams.
But the real magic unfolded during your game drives. Over two unforgettable days, you had the privilege of witnessing the magnificent "Big 5" in their natural habitat, creating memories that will forever be etched in your heart. Each encounter with these awe-inspiring creatures must have been nothing short of breathtaking.
And what's an adventure without indulging in the finest culinary experiences? You dined like royalty, savoring every bite as if it were a treasure from the wild. It was a feast fit for kings and queens, elevating your journey to a realm of pure luxury amidst the untamed wilderness.
In conclusion, your journey was not just a trip; it was a transformative experience that immersed you in the heart of the African bush. It's an adventure that should be highly recommended to anyone seeking an authentic and unforgettable wildlife encounter. What a remarkable expedition you've had in the embrace of nature's wonders!
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable local tour operator based in Arusha
It was a first time for me (solo traveller from the Netherlands) to book my joined up safari trip in the Northern Circuit of Tanzania with Mousebird, a local operator based in Arusha. Overall, the service provided was excellent value for money. I had opted for accommodation in lodges, and the accommodation provided in Serengeti and Ngorongoro (large safari tents with attached bathroom) was better than I had expected. One thing to ascertain when you book your safari, is to find out how lunch in the various National Parks will be provided. I was in the fortunate circumstance that a chef joined our party for part of the way to cook hot lunches. This, I learned later, is a signature Mousebird provision, that not all tour operators will provide. And indeed, I saw many other travellers eating their cold lunch from a cardboard box in the NP picnic sites. The other important feature is of course the quality of your driver/guide. With Augustine we were extremely fortunate. He is not only an excellent guide with an astonishing knowledge of the biodiversity and geological formations in this part of Africa, he is also a very nice person, courteous, client-focused, with excellent English. And man, could he drive that safari jeep over the bumpy roads getting us to and from the NP's. All in all, he made this one week safari trip visiting four NP's a true highlight.
