CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great SafariExperience, despite the accommodations
We booked this private Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari online although it was a bit more expensive than others exactly like it, thinking the increase in price would upscale the experience just a little. But we had the same accommodation as others we talked to at our two overnight stops who paid less. The first, Manhattan Camp, in the Masai Mara, was very run down. Maybe thirty years ago when it was built it was a great place. All that left of ‘great’ is the gardens. The zipper on out tent did not work. The mosquito netting had holes in it. The bathroom was a shower I did not want to step in, a shelf mhammered together from old wood was hanging on the wall, and a toilet that had a lid but no seat! The camp entry/reception was a mud pit. This place has simply given up. The food was as basic as possible: either spaghetti, rice, mashed potatoes at every meal all served with the same ‘beef’ sauce. Over and over. The dining hall was big and uninteresting. It did however have a massive tv in the bar section which, when the electricity was on (rarely) was blaring soccer games. Pleasant-not! Hardly ‘dining’ experience. A safari camping experience is one thing but this camp has deceptive older photos and dares to call itself a ‘resort.’ Online it states that each tent has a kitchen. Not ours!
The second was a hotel at Lake Nakuru (City Max) in a very very sketchy neighbourhood. Secure but you don’t want to walk around here at night. Grumpy daytime front desk staff and manager. Night front desk was good. Restaurant with maître de and two uniformed wait staff. But, again, the food was miserable. I pushed away the dinner after a few bites as did a few of the other four couples in the restaurant. The room was good. The beds were good. But this neighbourhood is noisy, way into the night. Our room was directly above the kitchen early, so early mornings there was banging pits and pans, etc. I complained about this to the manager but all I got was a blank stare. As for the wifi, although this place claims to have it throughout - forget that. We just gave up on it. It does work sort of in the dining hall.
So, as far as accommodations are concerned, this safari is not just budget but very very budget.
The best part of the safari was Robert, our driver/guide. We had a safari van with openable roof all to ourselves. Robert was a great driver and an informative guide. He was sensitive to what we wanted and made sure we were always having a positive animal viewing experience. We saw almost every savannah animal you could think of . So that made up for the questionable acccommodation. Ask for him if you are still going to book after reading this review.
The owner of the tour company, Felistus, was quick to respond to our emails and even got us onward train tickets to Mombasa. So she is good. I am not sure however that she has recently or ever visited the two places we overnighted in. She and all others who use them should think again.
‘Budget’ does not have to mean ‘inadequate’!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good service, no problems.
I booked my Air Botswana flight through Cultural Vibes and was able to pay within Zimbabwe. All went well and was smooth travelling.
MX
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good planning and help
The planning was good, and the recommendations were great. The lodges were very nice.
The communication could improve, on the planning, and the information could be more personalized, not only re sending information.
We had a problem with our visas, but they were really helpful managing a late pick up from the airport so we would be able to catch our Gorilla trecking, even though we arrive late, because of a change in our schedule.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT
Not normally one for group tours, or holidays, I decided South Africa would be better in numbers, so I went with Trailblazers Travel on an intimate, group holiday, of 12 for a 10 day adventure.
Well, I must say, it blew my mind. Not only was the group, some of the best people I've ever met, but the tours and itinerary was brilliant. Everything had been thought out, researched and included..PLUS MORE! The country was spectacular and locals we met along the way, touched my heart in the best way possible. They were some of the most genuinely happy and authentic people in the world, completely accepting and excited to meet us and share a story. And, on top of that, the safari in Kruger, up close and personal with incredible animals - no words can describe...its a must see!!!
Wish I could recommend Trailblazers Travel more highly than 5 Stars because they deserve it. X
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Flawless
We first contacted Rose about 4 weeks before we left for our trip (just before Christmas). We thought this might be a bit last minute but it proved no issue. We had a simple brief in that we wanted the best possible experience but knew nothing about Kenya or safaris. From the moment we landed all was taken care of. We had no need to contact Rose at any point and felt comfortable and looked after throughout the trip (we have travelled a lot but never to Africa). If there was a way to improve upon the service offered by Rose and the experience we had on holiday I cannot imagine it.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Tours and Service!
It was absolutely amazing from when I first step foot in Uganda until the very end. Justus and Moses took great care of me, from answering any and all questions through email prior to me getting there, to the beautiful and picturesque drive from Entebbe to Bwindi and everything in between. This is hands down my favorite trip and tour to see those magnificent gorillas in their own habitat in the incomparable Uganda. Everyone was so kind, knowledgeable and accommodating I couldn’t ask for anything more. It is a trip of a lifetime and if your on the fence about it just go.
PK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ticket booking
The booking was fast.... The representative was responsive... I trusted him wth my money jus by talking to him...wl do business with them again
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Kenya with great guide!
It was really amazing trip!
Our guide, Danson, arranged a great trip for us. This trip has made me happy.
I become fond of Kenya.
Especially the experience of riding a balloon was so exciting for me. I could see very beautiful landscape from sky.
My husband promised me forever love on the balloon.
I will never forget that.
Danson is always very kind for us.
Since he speaks Japanese, I felt safety and enjoyed.
He made and presented us misanga, which is a lucky bracelet knitted by strings. I was very happy about his feelings.
He sometimes taught me Swahili. Thus, I get interested in Swahili.
I strongly recommend Savannah Sound Safaris, when you go Kenya. I want to go Kenya again.
Thank you for the great trip, Savannah Sound Safaris. Thank you for everything, Danson.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My first trip to Kenya.
It was first trip to Kenya, and the best travel ever.
I love to take photos.
I wanted to take photos of wild life.
I made my dream come true through this trip!
I was able to take a lot of great photos.
Our friendly guide, Danson, made our trip amazing.
He knows safari very well and find great spots where we can take amazing photos.
I had been surprised that Danson took me great spots where I can see cute lion babies, cool lions, beautiful cheetah, breathtaking landscape and so on.
I had never imagined that there is such a beautiful place in the world.
Danson arranged our trip to really wonderful.
He must be a master of animals of Kenya.
In addition, he kindly and politely guided us in Japanese.
So, there is nothing to worry about anything.
I would like to go Kenya again soon.
Thank you for everything, Danson and Savannah Sound Safaris.
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mercury Zanzibar was a reliable tour operator, even thow there were some changes in the program.
We were picked up on time as prearranged in Dar es Salam. We felt always secure due to our very experienced driver, who was a knowledgeable safari guide. His english was quite basic, but over all sufficient. Accommodations were simple, but clean and for the price absolutely o.k. Unfortunately there was a lot of rain in January, what didn't allow us to drive the intended route due to a flooded road. We had to face a very long drive back to Dar es Salam and the next day to Mikumi. But everything was organized and we were housed in a good hotel. The really ennoying thing was, that for the last day our guide did not know that we were supposed to go to Udzungwa. So I recommend to check the program the first day of the trip with the guide. After some discussions and bargaining we found a good deal with Ndamungu from Mercury Zanzibar Travel for a compensation. All over it was a good experience with great game drives and due to the long drives we we saw a lot of the country.